HAPPY NEW YEAR!  The Choice is yours.

 

“And whatsoever you do, whether in word or deed, do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father thru him.”  Colossians 3:20. “Whatever you do work at it with ALL your heart, as working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23

 

January 3, 2020!!  How many New Year’s resolutions did you make and already break?  Lose weight?  That is often one after the Holidays!  Work harder?  Take more vacation time?  Increase savings?  Less TV or Social Media?  Most of us are not very good at keeping these and give up when we fail to keep them just once

 

I have a suggestion:  call it life-style change and ask God to help you draw closer to Him   That is far more important and has eternal value!

 

He is God of second chances – even 3^rd, 4^th … etc. Read Hebrew Chapter 11 where the Fathers of Faith are listed.  Then check out their lives and what got them to this faith. often times it was failure or missing God’s mark.  Then came recognition of need, repentance and forgiveness.

 

Here are a few of the New Testament heroes:

     Peter, an apostle, often put his foot in his mouth – even denying he knew Jesus.  Luke 26:31-34, but when the Holy Spirit filled him, became a strong leader. (Acts 2-15)

     Zacchaeus was a Jewish tax collector who lined his pockets at the expense of his own people.  Then he met Jesus!  And his life was changed.  Luke Chapter 19

     Paul, a very religious man who persecuted those of The Way, met Jesus and was changed 180 degrees. The Book of Acts tell us the rest of the story- how he  traveled and spread the Good News of Jesus’ Love to Asia Minor, even while enduring much persecution from Jews and Romans.

 

Years ago, I learned three things that established my lifestyle:

      LOVE GOD – I need an active relationship with Him – search His Word and pray.

      LOVE OTHERS – I need an active relationship with Him, Jesus, who is the Living WORD.

He taught us to care for the  poor, widows and orphans and to love others in word and deed.

      SHARE JESUS – I need to obey the Holy Spirit (within me) guidance, nudges and leading to walk in the Love, Light and Joy of Jesus.    

 

Sooo my friends, I would challenge you to include Colossians 3:14-20 as a part of your Lifestyle: “Therefore as God’s Choses…clothe yourselves with compassion (and other fruits of the spirit)…Bare with each other… forgive as the Lord forgave you. And put on love that binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts…be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you….sing and gratitude…. do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus!”

 

Blessings,

Gma J

 

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______________________________________________

Jean Hainley

22816 Woodward Ave

Big Rapids, MI 49307

231-250-3207

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The Gifts I Remember

Friday, December 20, 2013

Gramps Memories about Christmas and his challenge to you.

"For God so loved the World that He gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life.’ John 3:16

 Hey Gang: what did you get last year for Christmas? I have wracked by brain for days trying to remember the very special things that I have received in my lifetime at Christmas.  I remember a very special one. Shortly after I finished my tenure in Korea, I asked a very special lady in my life if she would consider becoming my bride.  And she said "YES!"  That was more than 56 years ago but it is as clear as yesterday.   

 Last year I was especially intrigued to watch the little people, the great grand's open their Christmas packages.  Each were given a gift to open and after much prodding on the part of their parents the wrappings were separated from the gifts but in each case, the gift was ignored and the box and paper became the items of interest.  It reminded me that the gift of anticipation was the wonderful part of waiting for Santa's arrival.

 As I have mentioned, in previous blogs, I am the son of the coal miner and spent my very early ears living in the mountains of Pennsylvania. It is said we lived so far back in the sticks that even the hoot owls carried knap sacks, and they had to pump sunshine to us. 

 Depression years were very tough years. Every dollar earned was needed to keep bread on the table and heat in the house, but my Mom was a magician when it came to salting a dollar here and a dollar there to buy one special gift for her boys. With the exception of one Christmas, when I wanted a little yellow truck that had a dump bed on it, I do not recall Christmas mornings in the mountains when the stockings were "hung on the chimney with care", but I do have some warm memories of when we as a family hiked through forest to find a tree.

 And I remember the evenings when we cut colored paper in stripes and made little circles to hang on the tree.  I remember times when we looked for things like pine cones to place on the tree, popping popcorn and stringing it, and cutting colored paper and making decorations.  There were no lights, no tinsel, no beautiful star at the top, no commercially made decorations, but beautiful, because we did it as a family.

 My folks were not into religion in those years.  I do not recall their attending the church just down the road from where we lived, but I had a dear saintly grandma who made sure that we heard the Christmas story - that Jesus, the Son of God was born and came to set me free from the stupid things I did in my life,.  It was only after we left the mountains that my mom ushered me off to church every Sunday morning.  But the seeds of wanting to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior were planted on the top of that mountain, many years ago.

 Soo, I pray, that you will shut down all of the wonderful modern audio devices for a while, share or read the Christmas story and relate it to the crucifixion. Then join your hands and hearts together and give thanks that God so loved you that He sent His Son as a gift of peace within your heart and eternity with him.

 Blessings,

 Gramps

 

 

Joy to the World

SCRIPTURE:  " Fear Not! For behold I bring you tidings of GREAT JOY which shall be to ALL people! For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

As I read my writing of years ago, I decided to include, in this week of caring for others, Bells of joy, peace and love.   As think about sharing the JOY of JESUS with others, my mind immediately sees and hears bells – from the tiniest bell in my collection to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.  I would challenge you to listen for bells this Advent season.  You will hear them in the music and words of Christmas Carols, Christmas stories and Churches – from the old bells we pulled with ropes to the newer Carillons, sleigh bells (maybe in movies), silver bells, Salvation Army Bells, …..  What do you do when you hear them?  Smile??  Feel more joyful?  Be moved to give? They usually represent happiness.

Maybe there were even bells in heaven the night Jesus was born.   What excitement there must have been!   I imagine the whole realm of heaven was just bursting at the seams. If angels ever argued, surely it was that night; not all of them were chosen to go to the shepherds to sing of God's glory and JOY to mankind, but all of them wanted to do so!

We enjoy Christmas Pageants where ‘little angels’ squirm, make faces and even  wear halos a bit tilted, but the message is clear “Fear not!  I bring JOY…The long-awaited Messiah has come.  Joy to the world! Do you hear bells as you sing this favorite by Isaac Watts based on Psalm 98.                    

                               Joy to the world, the Lord is come!                                                                                                                                                     Let earth receive her King.                                                                                                                                                    Let every heart prepare Him room,                                                                                                                                                      And heaven and nature sing.    

I could fill each of these writings with carols, songs and Scriptures of joy – but I will only share a couple and let you think of those which are special to you. Christmas Carols have a special brightness of joy, hope and eternal love.  For days the chorus of the song Joy-bells has been ringing in my head. I have learned to check the web for Scriptures and lyrics, when I can remember only part of the words.  I looked for this one Joy of Jesus.                                                                                                                                                You may have the joy-bells ringing in your heart 

And a peace that from you never will depart;
Walk the straight and narrow way, Live for Jesus every day,
He will keep the joy-bells ringing in your heart.

Refrain:
Joy-bells ringing in your heart, Joy-bells ringing in your heart;
Take the Savior here below With you everywhere you go;
He will keep the joy-bells ringing in your heart.

The Old Testament is filled with JOY, (check it out, especially the Psalms). Jesus spoke often about JOY; His joy of suffering for us is indescribable, but he also challenged us to share with others – kindness, cup of water, a word of encouragement; “In as much as you have done unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40. Check your heart.  Is there room for Jesus?

Christmas Joy is shared and remembered in stories:  The Grinch learned that Christmas was more than things, and Mean old Scrooge became the best of men when learning that ‘Joy’ is a life-style.  (Jesus is implied here, Dickens was a Christian man who shared his faith.)

   SOOO, this week as you think about caring for others, make an honest effort to share a smile; see how many smile back.  As Christians we have the most reason to be joyful.  Remember to tell your face! Let others see the JOY of Jesus in you ALL year long.  May your heart and spirit be touched with transforming power of the JOY of JESUS.

Blessings,

Gma J

Mary Did You Kno

 Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Paul wrote, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God"  Romans 3:23).  I assume Mary was part of that "all", but she was also purified through God's grace- as is each person who accepts Jesus as Lord and Messiah.     

 This we also know, the Word is clear, God cannot tolerate sin or even have sin in His presence.  I sense there was no great pain to Father God than when He turned away from His Son, Jesus, as hung on the cross as our sin-bearer. 

A point to ponder:  Was Mary sinless in the nine months she carried the Messiah in her body?   I would think she had opportunity to say or hold some thoughts that might be construed as sin. And how did Joseph feel that night when Mary called him aside and said there is something I need to share with you: "I am with child, but no worry, the Holy Spirit is the Father.  Can you imagine the agony he must have gone through between her announcement to him and the Angel of the Lord's visitation telling him "not to worry, she is with child of the Holy Spirit"?

 With your permission I will do as I often do when teaching - take a side trip and give you some meat to chew on. Put yourself in Mary's shoes for a moment. How do you think she felt when a whole barn full of shepherds suddenly arrived in her palatial cave?  Keep in mind she had also had contacts with angels. Do you think she felt super blessed? Overwhelmed? or perhaps even a little fearful?    This we do know from the Holy Writ, "…she treasured these things and pondered them in her heart (Lk 2:19).

 Getting back to the question "Was she sinless during that nine-month period?  I have no question but that God gave Mary a special anointing when He said: "You are highly favored", I have a very special assignment for you, but does that mean she was sinless?  I will ask God when I get to heaven –May 2020. I don’t think this was on his mind!

 My bride has entered into the world of genealogical studies of her family and mine.  It has sparked an interest in my mind and heart to know more about one Grandpa that I never had the privilege of knowing.  It is said that he was a fiery Mennonite preacher who made the rafters shake when he preached.  I would have liked to have heard him.  But my real interest in knowing more about him is that he came from the Dutch-land of Germany where the Amish/Mennonite originated, was he Amish/Mennonite?    

 If God reached down and said to me this morning, Kermit, I am going to give you a very special gift.  I will open the door for you to interview any person who ever lived on this earth, my choice would be very easy.  No, I would not waste such a gift on my grandfather's background, but rather I would ask to interview Mary, the mother of our Lord.  Now some would say, why would you not choose to interview Jesus, her Son who takes away the sins of the world?  My answer, "we talk on a regular basis!"

 I would say to her with Mark Lowery........

        "Mary did you know that your baby boy would someday walk on water?   Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?  Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?  This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.  Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?  Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?  Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?  And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?  Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?  Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?  This sleeping child you're holding is the great I AM?" 

 My dear friends, who honor me by reading, what I pray God is saying through me in gramps morning thoughts: "Do you know that Jesus is the Lord of all creation?" And one day He will rule all the nations"?   Perhaps we will celebrate Jesus’ next birthday in the New Jerusalem.  Come Lord Jesus! 

 Soooo, I ask you this morning "Do You Know Him personally?

 Blessings,

 Gramps

Blessing Time - Thanksliving

 

Friday, November 29, 2013

"And the crowds were questioning Him, saying, "Then what shall we do?"  And He would answer and say to them, ‘The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.’"  (Lu. 3:10-11)

Hey Gang:  Thanksgiving is over and it is back to the grind or Black Friday Shopping. Thanksgiving was different at our house one year. There was no "over the mountain and through the woods to grandma's house we go".  There was no aroma of the fantastic feast that grandma spent days preparing. There was no planting the seeds of love into the trimmings and preparation for the day for when the cars drove up the driveway and deposited those we love the most.

Sooo, I tended to re-live Thanksgiving Seasons of the past. Reviewing my prayer log, I went way back into my early years and tried to relive some of those fantastic Thanksgiving days.  I remembered the year my daddy was injured in a coal mining accident. WE did not have two dimes to rub together.  It was going to be a very bleak and sparse Thanksgiving, but God would not have it that way.  He laid it on my aunt's heart to share some of the bounty that He had blessed her family with.

I believe the seeds of giving were planted into my heart on that Thanksgiving Day.  When God opened the door for development of the Village, He made it clear that the foundation of the ministry would be based on giving.  I made a vow to Him that I would never turn away a child or family that was hurting and need of what He had blessed us with. 

One of the high points that surfaced, in my recollections, was the years that the Village Chaplaincy Program provided food to more than a hundred families in the local area who would have been like my family when my daddy was injured.   Turkeys, potatoes, carrots, biscuits and pumpkin for pies were purchased.  The ladies prepared detailed instructions on how to prepare the foods, for we knew that many of the families did not have a clue how to roast a turkey.

So that year of no ‘over the mountain and through the woods to grandma's house we go’, we decided to seek out a family that was as we were, that year up on the mountain, and share our Thanksgiving with them.  

We thought about finding a ministry that provided a meal to the homeless or the down and outers and offering our services.  There was no lack of such places in our area, but each seemed to have all they needed.   I thought, as I looked at the list of places, that it might be better to spread these meals out.  Perhaps a meal a week would provide for empty bellies. 

 We then thought about finding a family who was hurting and we would provide a feast for them but we could not find one.   Food stamps, food banks seem to be meeting the needs of most, but getting food stamps from the government or a box of food at a local food bank seemed cold to me. I liked the idea of the folks in New England that were hit by ‘Sandy.’ Families were encouraged to open their Thanksgiving feast to a family who lost it all.  That seems to me to be "Going into all the world", as JESUS COMMISSIONED US. 

Sooooo, Thanksgiving Day did not have much meaning that one year.  Oh, don't get me wrong, I have been so very blessed in my life and so thankful to My Lord for his bountiful provisions.  But it would have been so much more fulfilling if we could have shared some of those bountiful blessings with someone.  I wonder if the government has not taken away the blessing of giving?  Food for thought for next year!!

Blessings,

Gramps

Give Thanks, For This is the Will of God

 Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Did you notice the spelling?  Did you know this is probably the only time Thanksgiving and Hanukkah fall on the same day?  When this happened the last time, Thanksgiving had not yet been recognized as a Holiday.  Because of the difference in our calendar and the lunar calendar; the projection for this to converge again is 2070 – about every 75 years.

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, (squandering) but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another is psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father” (Eph. 5:18-20).

 Hey gang:  It is my sincere opinion that designating a day called ‘Thanksgiving’ is, in reality, designed for those who are non-believers in the goodness of Jesus Christ.   Why do I say that?  Because Paul teaches us, in I Thessalonian's 5:18, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  In other words, thanksgiving should not be a special day, but an on-going way of life for believers –Thanksliving”.  I have got good news for you, there is never a day goes by when God does not bless us in some way!

 Let me put some meat on that statement.  We recently spent a month volunteering at Voice of Martyrs in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and had one week left on our commitment, but all went well and we finished our task a week early, so we packed up to return home.  In the packing

I placed a notebook that contained financial records for the past ten years in the bottom of a box, without thinking. 

 Later I needed something from the notebook.  I could not find it anywhere.  We frantically looked in every nook and cranny with no success.  We even called the motel in Branson, Missouri, where we had stayed during Veterans Week, but it was not there either.    My nerves were rapidly becoming frazzled.

 My prayer was very simple and to the point, "Lord, I do not need this frustration at this time.”  Later that day we headed to town for a dinner engagement and, as I pulled out of the driveway, I heard a noise in the back of the car. When I checked, the box that contained the notebook, along with other materials, fell over and opened!  Now wasn't that lucky?  No way, Hosea!

 Several years ago, I was pulling my recreation vehicle home from a weekend in the woods. We were on a back road, doing around fifty miles an hour, when a car pulled out of a driveway about five hundred feet in front of us.  Corrective action prevented my hitting the car, but shortly after that the driver slammed on the brakes and began a left turn off the roadway!  There was no way in the world I was going to keep from plowing into the car, but, somehow, not only did I not hit the car, but did not shake up the contents of the coach! 

 I have thought about that incident each time I drive by that spot and thank God for what He did that day.  Have you ever taken the time to sit down and make a listing of the times God blessed you with a very special blessing?  Have you ever considered the times He may have saved your life, and you knew nothing about it?  Are you one who tends to use the phrase, “Boy that was lucky”? Thank you Jesus is a better option.

 If the will of God in Christ Jesus is to give thanks to God in everything, every believer should know why we should give thanks and be grateful at all time.  Gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for everything that Almighty God is doing in our daily life. We call that an ‘Attitude  of Gratitude.’

 Soooo, young colleagues, may I suggest that sometime in the leisure of your Thanksgiving celebration, take your Bible and concordance and do a word study on thanksgiving and gratitude.  You will find many such references in both Old and New Covenants for it is God’s will. 

 George Washington’s First Thanksgiving Proclamation

            Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection aid and favors…

            Now, therefore, I recommend and assign Thursday the 26^th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be that we may them all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind of care and protection of the people of this country, and for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

 

Blessings this Thanksgiving day,

 

Gramps

Are You Up to Speed on What is Happening in Our World?

Friday, November 22, 2013

Note the date! I asked the Lord to lead me to His special Word for you today. Expecting something for Veterans Day – both of our families have many who served in World War 2 and since. But this is the one  was the first one I looks at and could go no further.

"For the day of the Lord draws near on all the nations, As you have done, it will be done to you.  Your dealings will return on your own head" (Obadiah 1:15).

Hey Gang: I am truly amazed that in this day, when all of the promises made in the Bible are becoming more clear, increased numbers of people have chosen to "go their own way". 

 We just returned from volunteering for a month at Voice of Martyrs, a ministry that seeks out, encourages, and provides support for believers who are in the midst of persecution. In Chapel each Tuesday. We hear from so many who are sharing the Gospel and it is just amazing that in the midst of persecution they say, “Don’t pray that I be freed from prison, beatings or persecution, but that my faith will stand the test and my witness will lead my persecutors to the knowledge of Jesus Christ”,.

 In training for the underground pastorate, one of the courses taught is: ‘How to Conduct Yourself when Imprisoned. ‘As a witness for Christ, they are many times that require discrete and creative methods. Those who become Christ-followers know it is not a question of if you go to prison but when and for how long.

  As I listened to the various speakers who present the morning messages at the chapel services, I found myself asking, “If I were threatened with death, if I did not recant my love and faith in Christ, would I stand firm on the Rock that is my Savior?”

 I find it absolutely amazing that where persecution is the worst the underground church is growing the fastest!  When one of the underground pastors was asked, “Why does the church in the United States not grow as the churches in the communist and Muslim nations?”  His response, "Because there is no persecution.”  In other words, the American church is unaware of what it means to sacrifice for the Lord who loved us so much He sent His only Son to die on a hideous cross for us. We are too comfortable and not dependent enough on Father God.

 As I listened to speaker after speaker the message was very clear- they had a clear understanding of what Jesus meant when He said, "There is no greater love in the world than a willingness to lay down one’s life for their brethren." (I John 3:16).

 As we were driving home from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the home of Voice of Martyrs, I had hours to review what many of these folks shared with us.  We were also ahead of the storm that hit Illinois with the force of many hammers. I sense God has been sending –(And continues to send-Gma) our Nation messages that it is time to get our house in order.

 My greatest concern is not what is happening in our country today, even though that is of concern, but rather that our country appears to be saying to Israel, “Give up your Covenant Land or else…" and that my friends that is a dangerous stand to take.  Joel makes it clear that those that turn their back on Israel will pay the piper.  Joel 3:2 clearly states:  "I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat.  Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, "WHOM THEY HAVE SCATTERED AMONG THE NATIOHS AND THEY HAVE DIVIDED UP MY LAND". We are 10 years later, and nations are still trying to tell Israel – Cease fire! Continue to live as neighbors with people who want attack you and drive your people into the sea.    

 Sooooo, my friends and neighbors, have you noticed the tremendous fires we experienced this summer, the record numbers of violent tornadoes, the many floods, drought and other weather conditions.  Do you think it is time for the Church of America to wake up and humble themselves before the Lord and pray and put away all of those things that grieve the Holy Spirit? (2 Chron. 7:14).  Notice: that challenge is addressed to - not the world - but "MY PEOPLE!

 Blessings,

Gramps

But First the Apostasy Must Come

 Friday, September 18, 2015

 "Let no one deceive you in any way, for it (Day of Wrath) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.  who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God" (2 Thessalonians. 2:3-4).

 "Know this first of all, that in the Last Days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming?  For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." (2 Peter 3:3-4).

 Hey Gang:  I was checking out the weather when a program marquee came on that got my attention advertising, ‘The Highway to Hell'.  It is the story of a tow-trucking firm in Alaska that answers the call when accidents occur on “The Highway to Hell”.   I haven’t a clue why anyone would want to drive a semi load of steel up the side of an icy mountain road in a blinding snowstorm- but for the almighty buck. It seems we can find someone to do just about anything. 

 As I watched the program, and I admit I kind of got caught up in the tug of war that was going on between tow-truck operators and vehicles that had found their way off the mountain roads. I even got a wee bit excited when I saw the tow-truck being pulled ever closer to an embankment by a huge semi that had gone over the side.

 As I watched the process, I thought of Anne Graham Lotz’s challenge to the church to get serious, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances.  But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22).

 So, what is the connection between the ‘Highway to Hell' story and Paul's teaching on what Christian conduct should look like? Is that not a picture of the church today?  Satan seems to be on a roll, and one might get the idea that the church has dug its heels in but is slowly being dragged toward the precipice.  

 The tow-truck tug of War went on for several hours, frustration growing with each failure.   But just as they were ready to throw the towel and await the light of day a savior arrived on the scene, a second huge tow-truck.  Within the hour they not only had the truck out of the ravine but it was upright.  I found myself rooting with the tow-truck drivers.

 Soooo, In our Scriptures we are given clear warning that before the final chapter of man’s governments can begin there will be a rapid growth in apostasy.  It will be a time when even many of the saints will be led astray.  I believe we are seeing this happen today.  But we need to read on in both of these Scriptures.

 Notice 2 Thessalonians 2:8: “Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming”; and In Peter we read: “Be on your guard so that you are not led astray.  Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (3:17-18). 

Blessings,

Gramps

Tough Times Have a time Limit and We Have Much to Say About How Long They Last!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012  Notice this date!  God is still trying to get our attention.  Pray for Israel!  This message must be important. I had much difficulty getting it to copy!! Be blessed.

 

Gramps Bible

Hey Gang,  I like Chuck Swindoll!   He rings my bell with his common- sense approach to presenting God's Word.  He made a comment one day that I believe with all my heart to be true. He said:  "Many preachers would be far more effective if they just got up on Sunday Morning and read the Word to their flock.” The news coming from the four corners, in the past several days, has been especially depressing.  I am sure you who avail yourselves of ‘Gramps messages’ on a regular basis get a wee bit tired of hearing me use the prophetic words of Haggai, "Everything that can be shaken will be shaken" but I do not believe we can deny "everything that can be shaken is being shaken".  SO. this morning I felt I should follow Pastor Swindoll's suggestion and just let the Word speak to your hearts.  The following verses area few of the promises God gives us for tough times:  Isaiah 43:2-3 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched.  Nor will the flame burn you.  For I am the Lord your God,  The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”  Jer. 29:11-13 “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you.  You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”  Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks,  it will be opened.” Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light”. Phil.6:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. James 1:2-4 “Consider it all joy my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produced endurance.  And let endurance have its prefect result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Psalm 9:9-10 “The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O Lord have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalms 91:1-2; 14-16 “He who dwells in the shelter of the most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust.”  Soooo, yes, one does not have to be a rocket scientist or brain surgeon to see that God is doing all in his power to get our attention.  My heart aches when I see folks going through very deep waters, but I also know that the honing of the wheel produces endurance for the long fight that lays ahead and through endurance we become perfect in God's sight.  (James 1:1-4). Blessings Gramps