Trail Mix - 11.30.18

11.30.18 – “Shakespeare said, "Some men are born to honor, and some men have it thrust upon them." For believers there is only one option. Don't go out seeking it! If you do get it, let someone else give it to you. One man said, "The fellow who wants it isn't qualified to have it, and ought not to be granted it." Remember the Apostle John spoke of a man, “...who loveth to have the preeminence." The man who sings his own praises is always "off key!" Tooting your own horn leads to sour notes!” Copied – S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a spirit of humility that thrives in the “shadows.”

Colossians 3:22  Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:KJV

“The old farmer and his wife arrived at a railway station, and for the first time in their lives beheld a train of cars, which was standing there. The husband looked the engine over very carefully, and shook his head. "Well, what do you think of it, pa?" asked the old lady. "She'll never start," was the firm answer: "she'll never start." The conductor waved, the bell rang, the locomotive puffed, the train moved slowly at first, then faster. It was disappearing in the distance when the wife inquired slyly: "Well, pa, what do you think of it now?" The old man shook his head more violently than before. "She'll never stop," he asserted; "she'll never stop!" Do you know any church members like Pa?”

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Corinth. 9-11

Trail Mix - 11.29.18

11.29.18 – Dr. L. C. Johnson said, “I can't evaluate my own ministry.” One fellow said, "We don't like you and we think you are a failure." Another fellow says, "We think you are great!" That confuses me. Sometimes, even when you talk to your wife, you get the suspicion that she feels that you're not so hot.  There's no way for me to know what I have done, except this. I can know whether I have been faithful or not!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to focus on faithfulness!              

1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. KJV

“A guy bought his wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas. After hearing about this extravagant gift, a friend of his said, "I thought she wanted one of those sporty four-wheel-drive vehicles." "She did," he replied. "But where was I going to find a fake Jeep?"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Corinth. 5-8

Trail Mix - 11.28.18

11.28.18 – “What do you do when you get hurt? How do you respond when you’ve been injured? The answer to this question is very important and I have found that when I think of how Christ would react, (WWJD), I usually get it right. Do you measure your response and act with Biblical principle in mind? Jesus said we are to “rejoice” when men say all manner of evil against us falsely for His sake, that we are to rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is our reward in heaven.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to reflect before you react. 

1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it. KJV

“If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it was, and always will be yours. If it never returns, it was never yours to begin with. If it just sits in your living room, messes up your stuff, eats your food, uses your telephone, takes your money, and never behaves as if you actually set it free in the first place, you either married it or gave birth to it!”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - 1 Corinth. 1-4

Trail Mix - 11.27.18

11.27.18 "I go to prepare a place for you..." God not only prepares the place, He prepares the people for the place! There is a place for you if you are ready for the place. There is a place hereafter for those who make plans here and now. There is a "reserved" place in heaven with an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away. Are you getting ready to go? S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to commence to commence, to begin to begin and prepare to prepare for the world to come.

2 Corinthians 5:1  For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. KJV

Believers Breakup Lines

                                                            

            1. "I'm sorry, I've found someone more spiritual."

            2. "I'm sorry, it's just not God's will."

            3. "I feel called to the ministry_very soon and very far from you as soon as possible."

            4. "I'm sorry, it could never work. I'm a sanguine and you're a phlegmatic."

            5. "God loves me and must have a better plan for my life."

            6. "You know, I feel like I'm dating my brother."

            7. "At least I got a lot out of our Bible studies together."

             8. "You need someone with lower standards."

            9. "I think we should just be prayer partners."

            10. "I do love you, but it's just agape now"

 

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Romans 15-16

Trail Mix - 11.26.18

11.26.18 – “A good rendering of 2 Cor. 3:17 would be "Where the Spirit of the Lord is in control there is liberty." The Holy Spirit indwells every believer but just because He is resident does not mean He is president! Only when He is recognized and obeyed is there liberty and not bondage. Lordship and liberty are not contradictory. True liberty only comes to the church when believers behave!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for the Spirit to control your spirit!

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV

“A navy psychiatrist was interviewing a sailor for a job. To ascertain how the young man might react to danger, the psychiatrist asked: "What would you do if you looked out of that window right now and saw a battleship coming down the street? The young man replied confidently: "I'd grab a torpedo and sink it." "And where would you get the torpedo?" "The same place you got your battleship!"

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Romans 11-14

Trail Mix - 11.25.18

11.25.18 – “How sad it is when God's people don't possess their possessions. We have been given many "...exceeding precious promises..." but they are not ours in reality until we claim them for ourselves. What is potentially ours must be experientially ours. Appreciating what is yours never makes you rich, but appropriating it will. "The Lord is rich unto all that call upon him." Vance Havner  

My prayer for you today is for you to know the fullness of Christ who is everything!

Deuteronomy 1:21 Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. KJV

“There were two guys working for the city. One would dig a hole, he would dig, dig, dig, the other would come behind him and fill the hole, fill, fill, fill. These two men worked furiously, one digging a hole, the other filling it up again. A man was watching from the sidewalk and couldn't believe how hard these men were working, but couldn't understand what they were doing. Finally he had to ask them. He said to the hole digger, "I appreciate how hard you work, but what are you doing? You dig a hole and your partner comes behind you and fills it up again!" The hole digger replied, "Oh yeah, must look funny, but the guy who plants the trees is sick today."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Romans 8-10

Trail Mix - 11.24.18

11.24.18 – “There are a lot of "keep your chin up" and "look up" teachers out there today but the value of the up look depends on what you are looking at. It won't help if you’re up look is a forced optimism staring at a blue sky. You’re up look won't change your outlook unless you are looking at the right thing. "Look and live...look for His return...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." The value of an up look lies in its object. "Turn your eyes upon Jesus...and the things of earth will grow strangely dim…in the light of His glory and grace" S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you will look up, “…for your redemption draweth nigh!”

1 Corinthians 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. KJV

“Negotiations between union members and their employer were at an impasse. The union denied that their workers were flagrantly abusing their contract's sick-leave provisions. One morning at the bargaining table, the company's chief negotiator held aloft the morning edition of the newspaper, "This man," he announced, "called in sick yesterday!" There on the sports page was a photo of the supposedly ill employee, who had just won a local golf tournament with an excellent score. The silence in the room was broken by a union negotiator. "Wow," he said. "Just think of what kind of score he could have had if he hadn't been sick!"

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Romans 4-7

Trail Mix - 11.23.18

11.23.18 – Peter responded to the Lord's question with this, "To whom shall we go?" Friend, Peter didn't always get it right but this time he did. It is either Christ or else! What other road can we take? If Jesus does not have the answer, who does? There is an old song that comes to mind…"Where could I go, oh where could I go, seeking a refuge for my soul, needing a friend to help me in the end, where could I go but to the Lord." S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to “run” to Jesus when you need help, when you are hurt, when you are haunted by the past, run to Him!

John 5:39  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. KJV

“A man named Fred had tickets to game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, right at center ice. As Fred sat down, a man came and asked him if anyone was going to occupy the seat next to him. "No," said Fred, "sit right down. The seat will be empty." "That's incredible!" said the man. "Who in their right mind would reserve a seat like this for the Stanley Cup and then not use it?" Fred said, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away. This is the first Stanley Cup we haven't been to together since we got married nearly 50 years ago." "Oh... I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't you find someone else - a friend or relative, or even a neighbor - to take her seat?" Fred shook his head sadly. "No. They're all at the funeral."

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Romans 1-3

Trail Mix - 11.22.18

11.22.18 – “Salt is a wonderful thing. It is used in Scripture to describe the testimony of a believer as he/she seasons, purifies, and preserves, but salt also does something else. It irritates. Real Christianity rubs the world and the worldly the wrong way. Godly living is a rebuke to the unspiritual, unscriptural and the unregenerate. "The salt of the earth needs to be rubbed in, even if it smarts!" Vance Havner - Be salty!

My prayer for you today is that you will “worth your salt!”

Mark 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. KJV

“A woman awoke during the night to find that her husband was not in bed. She put on her robe and went downstairs. He was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in front of him. He appeared to be in deep thought, just staring at the wall. She saw him wipe a tear from his eye and take a sip of his coffee. "What's the matter dear? Why are you down here at this time of night?" she asked. "Do you remember twenty years ago when we were dating and you were only 16?" he asked. "Yes, I do," she replied. "Do you remember when your father caught us in the back seat of my car kissing?" "Yes, I remember." "Do you remember when he shoved that shotgun in my face and said, 'Either you marry my daughter or spend twenty years in jail?" "Yes, I do," she said. He wiped another tear from his cheek and said, "You know...I would have gotten out today."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Acts 26-28

Trail Mix - 11.21.18

11.21.18 – “How important is the local church to you? We know how much it meant to Jesus. The Bible says that, "Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it." I know the context of this statement but I also know that it includes all believers in every local church too! Do you love the church that Jesus died for? Do you support it with your time, talent, testimony and treasure? If you love the church you will!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today that you would be passionate about the church that Jesus died for!

Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. KJV

“Two golden-agers were discussing their husbands over tea. "I do wish that my Elmer would stop biting his nails. He makes me terribly nervous." "My Billy used to do the same thing," the older woman replied. "But I broke him of the habit." "How?" "I hid his teeth."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Acts 23-25

Trail Mix - 11.20.18

11.20.18 – “Acts 10:20 records the phrase "...nothing doubting..." Vance Havner said, "We must not only believe God, we must believe that we believe. When we have made a covenant with God we should consider it final! If we did it honestly with the light that we had we insult Him by going over it time and again. It can become a vicious habit and you can never be sure of anything. Close the door behind you and move on!” S. E. Trail 

My prayer for you today is for a faith in Christ alone and Christ only and always!

Romans 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. KJV

“The man of the house finally took all the disabled umbrellas to the repairer's. Next morning on his way to his office, when he got up to leave the street car, he absentmindedly laid hold of the umbrella belonging to a woman beside him, for he was in the habit of carrying one. The woman cried "Stop thief!" rescued her umbrella and covered the man with shame and confusion. That same day, he stopped at the repairer's, and received all eight of his umbrellas duly restored. As he entered a street car, with the unwrapped umbrellas tucked under his arm, he was horrified to behold glaring at him the lady of his morning adventure. Her voice came to him charged with a withering scorn: "Huh! Had a good day, didn't you!"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Acts 21-22

Trail Mix - 11.19.18

11.19.18 – “How can you know that someone really loves God? It's an easy call. Simply put, those who love God also love the things that God loves! God loves people; both saints and sinners. God loves righteousness and truth. God loves the church and those who serve in it. God loves His Son and those who love His Son! God loves those who proclaim the Good News! Do you love the same things that God loves?” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a heart that loves what your heavenly Father loves!

1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us. KJV

“An atheist complained to a Christian friend, "You Christians have your special holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. Jews celebrate their national holidays, such as Passover and Yom Kippur. But we atheists have no recognized national holidays. It's unfair discrimination." His friend replied, "Why don't you celebrate April first?"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Acts 19-20

Trail Mix - 11.18.18

11.18.18 – “How do we react when we are attacked? Make no mistake, if you seek to live a godly life you will be attacked. Jesus is our example in this case. When he was reviled "He reviled not again." We must resist the urge to retaliate and guard against unrighteous anger. When we strike back we always hit the wrong target and the innocent get hurt! Let the Lord defend you, He can do it so much better. God is our “refuge!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you will rest “safe in the arms of Jesus.”

Deuteronomy 33:29  Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places. KJV

“Some tourists in the Chicago Museum of Natural History are marveling at the dinosaur bones. One of them asks the guard, "Can you tell me how old the dinosaur bones are?" The guard replies, "They are 3 million, four years, and six months old." "That's an awfully exact number," says the tourist. "How do you know their age so precisely?" The guard answers, "Well, the dinosaur bones were three million years old when I started working here, and that was four and a half years ago."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Acts 17-18

Trail Mix - 11.17.18

11.17.18 – “You will not find the peace you seek by moving from a big house to a bigger house or by moving up the social ladder or moving to the mountains in the summer or South in the winter. The only "move" that brings peace is the move to Jesus! "Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come. Into Thy freedom, gladness and light, Jesus, I come to thee..." Let today be "moving day" for you! This is one move you’ll never regret!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to end the “restlessness” in your life and find “rest” in Jesus.

Matthew 16:25  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it. KJV

 “A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Thanksgiving and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing. 45 years of misery is enough." "Pop, what are you talking about?!" the son yells. "We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the father says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her." Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone, "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts. "I'll take care of this!" She calls her father immediately. "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "OK," he says, "they're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way. What are we going to do for Christmas?"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Acts 14-16

Trail Mix - 11.16.18

11.16.18 – “When you don't know what to do what do you do? Some worry and fret, others plot and plan, and there are those who enter a state of volitional paralysis. Hezekiah came to the Lord and said, Lord we don't know what to do." In doing that he actually did something and the right thing. When you don't know what to do, take it to the Lord in prayer. It's the thing to do when you don't know what to do.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you is for you to “…take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there; trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out, take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there.”

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

“One day at the entrance to heaven, St. Peter saw a New York street gang walk up to the Pearly Gates. This being a first, St. Peter ran to God and said, "God, there are some evil, thieving New Yorkers at the Pearly Gates. What do I do?" God replied, "Just do what you normally do with that type. Re-direct them down to hell." St. Peter went back to carry out the order and all of a sudden he comes running back yelling "God, God, they're gone, they're gone!" "Who, the New Yorkers?" "No, the Pearly Gates!"

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Acts 11-13

Trail Mix - 11.15.18

11.15.18 – ‘Someone has said, "that folks won't know how much we care until we show how much we care." Concern for others is the sure sign of a heart that is unselfish and will go a long way towards letting folks know that we love them. It's not enough to say that we care; we must demonstrate by our actions that we care. Take time today to do something for someone. Walk your talk, and talk the walk! Be real!’ S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a heart that lends a hand to others!

John 13:34  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. KJV

“An archaeologist was digging in the Negev Desert in Israel and came upon a casket containing a mummy. After examining it, he called the curator of a prestigious natural-history museum. "I've just discovered a 3,000 year-old mummy of a man who died of heart failure!" the excited scientist exclaimed. To which the curator replied, "Bring him in. We'll check it out." A week later, the amazed curator called the archaeologist. "You were right about the mummy's age and cause of death. How in the world did you know?" "Easy. There was a piece of paper in his hand that said, '10,000 Shekels on Goliath'."

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - Acts 9-10

Trail Mix - 11.14.18

11.14.18 – “We abbreviate all kinds of things because we are in such a hurry in our culture. RSVP, ASAP, LOL, and TGIF are some that we are all familiar with and they each have meaning in our lives to some degree or another. I saw one recently that I had to think about for a minute. PGFWABF is one that you may of may not recognize but it is more important than all the rest combined. Let's not get in a hurry about this one!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to praise God from whom all blessing flow!

Hebrews 13:15  By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. KJV

“Thinking she had possibly not heard me the first time, I decided to ask again. "How much time is the wait for a table?" Looking up from her book, the hostess smiled and said "About ten minutes. We will inform you when your table is ready." A short time later, I heard an announcement over the intercom system, "Willette B. Long... Willette B. Long, your table is ready."

            Bible Reading Schedule for today - Acts 7-8 

Trail Mix - 11.13.18

11.13.18 – Vance Havner wrote: What a great day it is when "...in Christ and...a new creature..." get translated from theology to reality when we "are in Him...1 John 5:20!" Our little words have a difficult time describing this relationship, even when we try to illustrate we fall short. The phrase "in Christ" is scattered all over the N.T. "Christ liveth in me." "Christ in you the hope of glory." Make sure you are "inside looking out," and not "outside looking in!"

My prayer for you today is for  you to “altogether” in Christ, not “almost!”

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; KJV

“A young woman brought her fiancée home to meet her parents. After dinner, her mother told her father to find out about the young man. The father invited the fiancée to his study for a talk. "So what are your plans?" the father asked the young man. "I am a Biblical scholar," he replies. "A Biblical scholar, Hmmm," the father said. "Admirable, but what will you do to provide a nice house for my daughter to live in?" "I will study," the young man replies, "and God will provide for us." "And how will you buy her a beautiful engagement ring, such as she deserves?" asked the father. "I will concentrate on my studies," the young man replies, "God will provide for us." "And children?" asked the father. "How will you support children?" "Don't worry, sir, God will provide," replies the fiancée. The conversation proceeded like this, and each time the father questioned, the young idealist insists that God will provide. Later, the mother asked, "How did it go, Honey?" The father answered, "He has no job and no plans, and he thinks I'm God."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Acts 4-6

Trail Mix - 11.12.18

11.12.18 – “There are two types of addition in the church today. One is from without like barnacles attach themselves to a boat and the other is from within like grapes on a vine. It's possible to become a member of the organization of the church and not become a member of the organism of the church. The church is a body and the "Lord must add to it," or any additions just become so much excess (barnacle) baggage. I saw a sea turtle pulled from the ocean that was literally drowning due to an infestation of small barnacles on its shell. It was rescued and the barnacles removed and it was able to swim normally again. Churches get infested with unsaved, unregenerate people and they cannot do what they are called to do unless these “barnacles” are removed or regenerated!”  S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to joined “organically” to the body of Christ!

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. KJV

“The teacher put a question to the class: "What does a cat have that no other animal has?" A number cried in unison: "Fur!" But an objector raised the point that bears and skunks have fur. One pupil raised an eager hand: "I know, teacher--whiskers!" But another objector laughed scornfully. "Haw-haw! My papa has whiskers!" The teacher rapped for order, and repeated her question. A little girl raised her hand, and at the teacher's nod spoke timidly. "Kittens!"

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Acts 1-3

Trail Mix - 11.11.18

11.11.18 – “When you hear of the passing of one of the saints of God remember that it is only the death of the body that real life goes on and in a more wonderful way than ever before. Paul said, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." D.L. Moody said, "If you hear that Moody has died don't you believe it, because I will be more alive than ever before." "Glad day, a wonderful day, glad day, a glorious day..." S, E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to look up “…for your redemption draweth nigh!”

Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. KJV

“In celebration of the complexities of the English language, we bring you the following: Lets face it English is a stupid language. There is no egg in the eggplant, No ham in the hamburger and neither pine nor apple in the pineapple. English muffins were not invented in England, French fries were not invented in France. We sometimes take English for granted but if we examine its paradoxes we find:- that Quicksand takes you down slowly Boxing rings are square And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. If writers write, how come fingers don't fing? If the plural of tooth is teeth shouldn't the plural of phone booth be phone beeth? If the teacher taught, why didn't the preacher praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables why don't humanitarians eat humans!? Why do people recite at a play yet play at a recital? Park on driveways and drive on parkways? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language:- whereby a house can burn up as it burns down. You fill in a form by filling it out. A bell is only heard once it goes! English was invented by people, not computers and it reflects the creativity of the human race (Which of course isn't a race at all)”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - John 19-21

Trail Mix - 11.10.18

11.10.18 – “Do dead men talk and if so what do they talk about? Jesus told a true story of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus, who both died, one going to hell and the other to heaven. The rich man from hell talked about the place he was in, the people he left behind and peace that he was lacking but it was too late for him. So, dead men do tell tales and when they talk men should listen for the dead don't lie.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is if you don’t know Jesus that you would learn your ABC’s. Admit, believe and call on Him to save you! 

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. KJV

“A zookeeper wanted to get some extra animals for his zoo, so he decided to compose a letter, the only problem, was that he didn't know the plural of 'mongoose'. He started the letter: "To whom it may concern; I need two mongeese." No, that won't work, so he tried again: "To whom it may concern, I need two mongooses." Is that right? Finally, he got an idea: "To whom it may concern, I need a mongoose, and while you're at it, send me another one." Little Johnny wanted to go to the zoo and pestered his parents for days. Finally his mother talked his reluctant father into taking him. "So how was it?" his mother asked when they returned home. "Great," Little Johnny replied. "Did you and your father have a good time?" asked his mother. "Yeah, Daddy really liked it," exclaimed Little Johnny excitedly, "especially when one of the animals came home at 30 to 1!"

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - John 17-18

Trail Mix - 11.9.18

11.9.18 – “There is a Law higher than the laws of physics, chemistry, anthropology and mathematics, not contra-natural, but supernatural and it "altereth not." It is the law of God and everything must bow to this Law. We have two choices, we can submit to His Law and prosper or we can rebel and suffer the fate of all those whole resist His Word and Will. Will you receive it or rebel against it today?” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you is for you to humble yourself before God and surrender your all to His control.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. KJV

“On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts. 'One for you, one for me, one for you, one for me,' said one boy. Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence. Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, 'One for you, one for me, one for you, One for me...' He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along. 'Come here quick,' said the boy, 'you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls!' The man said, 'Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk.' When the boy insisted though, the man hobbled slowly to the cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, 'One for you, one for me. One for you, One for me.' The old man whispered, 'Boy, you've been tellin' me the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord...Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord. At last they heard, 'One for you, one for me. That's all.. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done...They say the old man had the lead for a good half-mile before the kid on the bike passed him.”

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - John 14-16

Trail Mix - 11.8.18

11.8.18 – "This present world," should be our passage and not our portion! Matthew Henry wrote, "The angels from their place on high, Look down on us with wondering eye, That where we are but passing guests, We build such firm and solid nests; But where we hope to live for aye, We scarce take heed one stone to lay." Make sure friend that you keep a loose grip on the things of this world.” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you would send “construction materials” on to heaven where the Master Building is working to prepare a place for you!

Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. KJV

“A man arrives at the gates of heaven. St. Peter asks, "Denomination?" The man says, "Methodist." St. Peter looks down his list, and says, "Go to room 24, but be very quiet as you pass room 8." Another man arrives at the gates of heaven. "Denomination?" "Lutheran." "Go to room 18, but be very quiet as you pass room 8." A third man arrives at the gates. "Denomination?” "Presbyterian.” "Go to room 11, but be very quiet as you pass room 8." The man says, "I can understand there being different rooms for different denominations, but why must I be quiet when I pass room 8?" St. Peter tells him, "Well the Church of Christ’s are in room 8, and they think they're the only ones here.”

 Bible Reading Schedule for today - John 12-13

Trail Mix - 11.7.18

11.7.18 – “Jesus said, "I do always those things that please Him." A deep and sober concern to please God is the rarest of rarities. In these days of cheap and easy religion it's hard to find someone who thinks daily about how to please the Lord yet that is the secret to fruitfulness and usefulness for God. It is a blessed thing to know and to remind ourselves that we are to please Him and not ourselves. We generally seek to please the One we love the most! S. E. Trail

My prayer today is for you to seek to please God in all things, daily!

Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. KJV

“Research had been going on for many years as to the invention of the toothbrush. Researchers knew the purpose of the device, wanted to know and acknowledge the originating location. After a very long and exasperating study the researchers came to their conclusion as to the origin of the toothbrush. It was decided that the brush was invented by rednecks. Intrigued with the discovery, the researchers were asked by the media how they came to the conclusion. They all agree it was simple deduction, "if it was invented by anyone else, it would have been called a teethbrush."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - John 10-11

Trail Mix - 11.6.18

11.6.18 – “There are a lot of folks who must be on the mountain top all the time but friends the best evidence of being truly Spirit filled is that one "continues daily!" Vance Havner said, "The glory shows up in the grind!" Give me believers who show up when duty calls and I'll show you some grown up believers. "He that endureth to the end...and endures hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ will win the victory!” S. E. Trail  

My prayer for you today is that you would be happy to be a “grinder,” to keep plodding along to the finish line.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: KJV

“An elderly lady was well-known for her faith and for her boldness in talking about it. She would stand on her front porch and shout "PRAISE THE LORD!" Next door to her lived an atheist who would get so angry at her proclamations he would shout, "There ain't no Lord!!" Hard times set in on the elderly lady, and she prayed for GOD to send her some assistance. She stood on her porch and shouted "PRAISE THE LORD. GOD I NEED FOOD!! I AM HAVING A HARD TIME. PLEASE LORD, SEND ME SOME GROCERIES!!" The next morning the lady went out on her porch and noted a large bag of groceries and shouted, "PRAISE THE LORD." The neighbor jumped from behind a bush and said, "Aha! I told you there was no Lord. I bought those groceries, God didn't." The lady started jumping up and down and clapping her hands and said, "PRAISE THE LORD. He not only sent me groceries, but He made the devil pay for them. Praise the Lord!"

 

Bible Reading Schedule for today - John 8-9

Trail Mix - 11.5.18

11.5.18 – “One of the great things about Christianity is the hope we have that change can come into our lives through Christ. No matter where you are in your life Jesus can change you for the better! Think of the change in the lives of Matthew, Peter, Paul, Mary Magdalene and others. Like the song says: "I’m so thankful for the change Jesus made in me, I'm so thankful for the day Jesus set me free, I’m so thankful, so thankful, thankful for the change in me!" S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for you to appreciate the change that Jesus has made in your life. Demonstrate your gratitude by the way that you live!

Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. KJV

“A young doctor had just opened office and felt really excited. His secretary told him a man was here to see him. The young doctor told her to send him in. Pretending to be a busy doctor, he picked up the phone just as the man came in. "Yes, that's right. The fee is $200. Yes, I'll expect you ten past two. Alright, no later, I'm a very busy man." He hung up and turned to the man waiting. "May I help you?" "No," said the man, "I just came in to install the phone."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - John 6-7

Trail Mix - 11.4.18

11.4.18 – “Bitterness has many causes but there is only one cure. Forgiveness is the only full proof remedy for this dangerous disease of the spirit. Bitterness is also very contagious because according to Scripture "it defiles many," that is, it will affect everyone it touches. Bitterness keeps God from forgiving us as well. It ties His hands for He can not forgive those who will not forgive. Deal with bitterness now! Don’t get bitter, get better! Failure to forgive puts you behind prison bars!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is for a life where forgiving others comes easy!

James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? KJV

“One reason the Armed Services have trouble operating jointly is that they have very different meanings for the same terms; The Joint Chiefs once told the Navy to "secure a building," to which they responded by turning off the lights and locking the doors. The Joint Chiefs then instructed Army personnel to "secure the building," and they occupied the building so no one could enter. Upon receiving the exact same order, the Marines assaulted the building, captured it, and set up defenses with suppressive fire and amphibious assault vehicles, established reconnaissance and communications channels, and prepared for close hand-to-hand combat if the situation arose. But the Air Force, on the other hand, acted most swiftly on the command, and took out a three-year lease with an option to buy.”

Bible Reading Schedule for today - John 4-5

Trail Mix - 11.3.18

11.3.18 – “An old song says, "Brighten the corner, where you are..." Someone that you come into contact with today is in need of a little "brightening!" Trouble is most of us are so preoccupied with our own troubles that we fail to see the needs of others. Be on the lookout for that someone that God brings into your life and speak words of encouragement into their life. God will bless you for it! You can be a channel of blessing if you leave room for anyone else in your life!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you today is that you might be a “…son of consolation…” like Barnabas!

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. KJV

“Thanks to the miracle of fertility treatment, a woman was able to have a baby at 70. When she was discharged from hospital, her relatives came to visit. "Can we see the baby?" they asked. "Not yet, let’s wait till she cries" said the 70-year-old mother. Fifteen minutes later, they asked again. "Can we see the baby?" "Not yet, let’s wait till she cries" said the mother. Another quarter of an hour later, they asked again: "Can we see the baby?" "Not yet, let’s wait till she cries" answered the mother. The relatives were growing impatient. "Well, when can we see the baby?" "Let’s wait till she cries." "Why do we have to wait until the baby cries?" "Because I forgot where I put it."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - John 1-3

Trail Mix - 11.1.18

11.1.18 – “Convictions do not change while preferences do and quite often. Convictions are founded and grounded in God's Word while preferences are based on what we like or dislike. Sticking by our convictions sometimes requires us to take stands that are not popular. You may be accused of being unloving, intolerant or unkind. Be loving but stay true to your convictions. We will answer to God one day!” S. E. Trail

My prayer for you is for you to hold to the “faith once delivered to the saints.”

Matthew 5:11  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. KJV

“The man sitting in the street car addressed the woman standing before him: "You must excuse my not giving you my seat--I'm a member of the Sit Still Club." "Certainly, sir," the woman replied. "And please excuse my staring--I belong to the Stand and Stare Club." She proved it so well that the man at last sheepishly got to his feet. "I guess, ma'am," he mumbled, "I'll resign from my club and join yours."

Bible Reading Schedule for today - Luke 21-22