What Is God's Will?

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
who wants all people to be saved
and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

I Timothy 2:3-4

For God did not send His Son into the world 

to condemn the world, 

but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:17

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, 

as some understand slowness. 

Instead he is patient with you, 

not wanting anyone to perish, 

but everyone to come to repentance.

II Peter 3:9

When God created man in the very beginning, He desired to have fellowship with him for the rest of his days. But sin entered the world through Adam and Eve and messed everything up. It wasn't God's fault. It was man's. Yet God's will never changed. It was and is his will to have fellowship with us while we are on this earth. He does not want ANYone to perish. It is His will for everybody to know Him and to spend eternity with Him in heaven. 

But we are destined to be separated from Him unless we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.  

I think it is important to recognize that God's will is totally centered around His Son. Jesus said:

For I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life.

No one comes to the Father but by me.

John 14:6

We cannot expect to be in God's will if we do not recognize that Jesus is the only avenue which leads us to Him. According to I Timothy 2:4, God wants us "to come to a knowledge of the truth." Is not that truth Jesus Christ, himself? The more we read the Scripture, the more we spend time with the Lord, the more we get to know Him -- the more we find ourselves centered in God's will.

What is God's will? It is for everybody to know Him well and to spend eternity with Him.

Lord, when we pray for your will to be done, help us to remember that there is an evangelistic component involved. Yes, we long for your will for our lives individually. But we must look around us to see the people who do not know you. It is your will that they find you and our obligation to help them along the way.  

Trust the Driver

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Once upon a time there was a young horse who lived in a pasture at the end of a lane. She loved to stretch her legs and feel the wind in her mane as she frolicked there. But she knew nothing of the world beyond her pasture. 

In the barn at the end of the lane sat a well-used carriage. It had been many places and had become familiar with the paths and byways of the county. Many a horse had drawn it there. But now it was still. 

In the house beyond the barn at the end of the lane lived a wise old man. He had travelled many a mile seated in his carriage. He knew the roads. He knew the routes. He knew the destinations. 

One day, the wise old man harnessed the horse to the carriage and they started off down the lane. 

“Where are we going?” asked the horse. 

“How are we going to get there?”

“Which way do I turn at the end of the lane?”

“What lies beyond the curve in the road?”

“Are we there yet?”

“Do you trust me, dear friend?” asked the wise man of the horse.

“Of course I do,” replied the mare. 

“Then follow my directions. I will not steer you astray. Enjoy my company. I love to talk to you. Pay attention to the journey. It is beautiful.”

So off they went together, enjoying each other and soaking in the loveliness of the day. 

Lord, help us to pay more attention to your directions for our lives. Help us to trust that you know exactly where we’re going and to enjoy the beauty of journey. 

moderndayexplorers.com

The Lord’s Day

Monday, February 26, 2018

This is the day the LORD has made; 

We will rejoice and be glad in it.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118:24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Before I leave the house in the mornings, I brush my teeth using my electric toothbrush. It is programmed to stay on for two minutes so that I brush adequately. I found a song which I sing in my head that helps me finish brushing and singing at about the same time. Then, of course, that song is stuck in my head for the rest of the day. 

What is the song? It’s not the ABCs or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, although those are popular for this kind of thing. It is Psalm 118:24. I learned it when I was probably 9 or 10 years old. 

This is the day, 

this is the day 

that the Lord has made, 

that the Lord has made. 

I will rejoice, 

I will rejoice 

and be glad in it, 

and be glad in it. 

This is the day that the Lord has made. 

I will rejoice and be glad in it. 

This is the day, 

this is the day 

that the Lord has made. 

It’s true. This IS the day the Lord has made. He has made all of them. It only stands to reason that we should praise Him for it. And He is the reason to be joyful. 

So today as you face various difficulties, remember whose day it is and thank Him for it. He loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. 

Lord, thank you for today. Help us to please you in it. 

2/25/2018 - Weekly Memory Verse

February 25, 2018

Focus this week on 

SALVATION

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

John 14:6 NLT

Some will say this is closed-minded — that there are other ways to get to heaven. Really? What are they? What Scripture backs up those claims? 

I don’t think there are any. 

And really, what if the skeptic wrong? What if there really ISN’T another way to get to heaven? Wouldn’t they want to know now as opposed to later when it’s too late?

LORD, as we focus on salvation this week, help us to look for those who might be mislead about the truth. Help us to tell them, through the kindness of the Holy Spirit, so that they can experience true freedom, peace, and the assurance of heaven. 

maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com

What Makes A Home?

Saturday, February 24, 2018

by Maggie

January 2013

Barkers run in packs. When I lost my smoothskins after The Storm I had to find a pack. We were a motley crew — none of us had ever lived on the land so we had no idea what to do. But we figured it out. And we took care of each other. 

Then we all got scooped up and carried away to strange places. I remember being so terrified of all the smoothskins who came into my life with their cages and leashes and strange food and noisy transportation devices. I hated it. I longed for my home by the sea. 

So what makes a home? Is it the grass or a dry place to sleep or a warm fireplace? Puppies? Fresh water? Maybe it’s all of that stuff and maybe it’s none of it. 

I have lived with my Alpha for a long time and this recent move has helped me understand that I don’t really care where we live. As long as I can be with her, I’m home. Now don’t get me wrong — I’m glad I have my other smoothskins, too, and my mousers and my barker. But home is where my Alpha is. We take care of each other. I don’t want to be anywhere else. 

Think about whatever is lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.

Friday, February 23, 2018

Finally, brothers and sisters, 

• whatever is true, 
• whatever is noble, 
• whatever is right, 
• whatever is pure, 
• whatever is lovely, 
• whatever is admirable,
• if anything is excellent or praiseworthy 

think about such things. 
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. 
And the God of peace will be with you.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭NIV

Наконец, братия мои, что только истинно, что́ честно, что́ справедливо, что́ чисто, что́ любезно, что́ достославно, что́ только добродетель и похвала, о том помышляйте. Чему вы научились, что́ приняли и слышали и видели во мне, то́ исполняйте, — и Бог мира будет с вами.
‭‭Послание к Филиппийцам‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭SYNO‬‬

Let’s finish out the list today. What are some things that can go in these categories?

LOVELY - God

Flowers, mountains, snow

Eyes, hearts, smiles

Hummingbirds, foals

Sunsets

ADMIRABLE - God

People with integrity

People with straight As in school

Military

First responders

Good parents

Good teachers 

EXCELLENT - God

Well-executed Olympic routines

Vacations

Scripture

PRAISEWORTHY - God.

The bottom line is that God is the answer to each of the things on this Scriptural check list. So if we focus on Him, everything else falls into place. 

Lord, as we keep this check list handy, help us to recognize you in all of these things. Help us to stay focused on you. 

pixabay.com

Think about whatever is right and pure.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Finally, brothers and sisters, 

• whatever is true, 
• whatever is noble, 
• whatever is right, 
• whatever is pure, 
• whatever is lovely, 
• whatever is admirable
• if anything is excellent or praiseworthy 

think about such things. 
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. 
And the God of peace will be with you.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭NIV

Наконец, братия мои, что только истинно, что́ честно, что́ справедливо, что́ чисто, что́ любезно, что́ достославно, что́ только добродетель и похвала, о том помышляйте. Чему вы научились, что́ приняли и слышали и видели во мне, то́ исполняйте, — и Бог мира будет с вами.
‭‭Послание к Филиппийцам‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭SYNO‬‬

Today let’s make a list of things that are right and pure. 

• Jesus
• freshly fallen snow
• a newborn baby 
• Scripture 
• uncontaminated water
• sunlight 
• high moral standards
• mathematics
• physics
• chemistry

Okay, purity and scientific absolutes may be beautiful in the eyes of the beholder.  But you get the idea. You might have some additions for the list. I hope so. 

Sometimes we seriously have to make ourselves stop thinking about negative things and start thinking about the positives. It’s not human nature. But neither is the one who lives in our hearts. He gave us this list so that He could help us think about them. 

Lord, sometimes things around us are just plain oppressive. It is so very hard to see past the negative to find the good things. Help us practice this exercise regularly so that it becomes second nature to us to find the things that are right and pure. Help us focus on you. 

pixabay.com

Think about whatever is true and noble.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Finally, brothers and sisters, 

• whatever is true, 
• whatever is noble, 
• whatever is right, 
• whatever is pure, 
• whatever is lovely, 
• whatever is admirable
• if anything is excellent or praiseworthy 

think about such things. 
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. 
And the God of peace will be with you.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭NIV

Наконец, братия мои, что только истинно, что́ честно, что́ справедливо, что́ чисто, что́ любезно, что́ достославно, что́ только добродетель и похвала, о том помышляйте. Чему вы научились, что́ приняли и слышали и видели во мне, то́ исполняйте, — и Бог мира будет с вами.
‭‭Послание к Филиппийцам‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭SYNO‬‬

Apparently anxiety has been a problem for a very long time. I don’t know how many times it is addressed in the Scripture.  In this particular passage God has given us a bit of a check list that we can use when we need to get redirected. Today we will look at things that are true and noble. 

What are examples of things that are true (perfect, infallible)?

• God’s Word.
• God’s love. 
• Jesus is True. He said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6)
• His way is perfect. (Psalm 18:30)

What are examples of things that are noble (righteous, virtuous, good, honorable, upright, decent, worthy, moral, ethical, reputable)?

• God. He is the King of Kings. (Revelation 19:16)
• Heaven
• Believers (children/heirs of the King)
• Anyone who exhibits moral or honorable character
•  Creation

If we consciously focus on these things, we will spend less time dwelling on the things that bring us down or cause us to doubt. And what does God promise for us in verse 9? He promises that he, himself, the God of Peace, will be with us. If the God of Peace is with us, there is no room for fear or anxiety. 

Focus on these things. 

Lord, help us not to sink into the fear of the raging sea but to stay focused on you. Keep us mindful of things that are true and noble. And we claim your peace as an end result. 

pixabay.com

Finding Peace

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Rejoice in the Lord always. 

I will say it again: Rejoice! 

Let your gentleness be evident to all. 

The Lord is near. 

Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in every situation, 

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, 

present your requests to God. 

And the peace of God, 

which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts 

and your minds in Christ Jesus.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Радуйтесь всегда в Господе; 

и еще говорю: радуйтесь. 

Кротость ваша да будет 

известна всем человекам. 

Господь близко. 

Не заботьтесь ни о чем, 

но всегда в молитве и прошении с

благодарением открывайте свои

желания пред Богом, 

и мир Божий, 

который превыше всякого ума,

соблюдет сердца ваши и помышления

ваши во Христе Иисусе.

Послание к Филиппийцам‬ ‭4:4-7‬ ‭SYNO‬‬

What is the difference between happiness and joy? Happiness is superficial and is sometimes fleeting. Joy, on the other hand, is deep-seated and long-lasting. Joy is less about how you feel and more about how you are. 

How is it possible to rejoice when we are unhappy? Partly because we are not alone — the Lord is near. As believers, He lives inside of us and experiences everything with us. One of the characteristics of His indwelling Spirit is joy! Since He is there, so is His joy. That is something to rejoice about!

Rejoicing is easier, too, if we aren’t anxious. God doesn’t want us to fret about ANYthing. Not wars. Not finances. Not illnesses. Not crimes. Not family dynamics. NOthing! 

Instead we are to go before Him with thanksgiving and lay our concerns at His feet. Our God loves us so much that He longs to hear about the things that bother us. He wants us to talk to Him about them and to leave them with Him so that He can take care of them — and us. 

Don’t lose site of what verse 7 says. As a result of rejoicing in the Lord and laying our anxieties at His feet, He will give us peace. And not just any peace. 

• Peace that is so amazing that it passes ALL understanding. 
• Peace that protects our hearts. 
• Peace that protects our minds. 

Now that brings us back full circle. How can we have that kind of peace and not rejoice in the Lord?

Lord, we rejoice in you. We praise You for who You are. We give You our problems and our concerns because it doesn’t do us any good to worry about them. Thank you for replacing our anxieties with Your peace — for protecting us with it. You are so wonderful!

pixabay.com

Preserve Their Stories

Monday, February 19, 2018

Last March, my sisters and I travelled to the Library of Congress in Washington, DC in order to personally donate some of my father’s  papers from World War II. We had letters, drawings, photographs, discharge papers, a journal he wrote while deployed, and a personal narrative he wrote for one of his grandsons. 

It was so cool to meet with the archivists there and to tell them about our father. They were very respectful of his belongings, cataloguing  them carefully and preparing them for permanent storage. 

I also found out that a representative from the Library would come to our hometown to teach people how to record veterans’ stories if we could get at least 25 people committed to attend. I was intrigued by that prospect. 

I talked with the women in my Sunday School class about it. I talked to the folks at the Library. One thing lead to another and now we are less than two weeks away from our big event. 

So...

Saturday, March 3 my Bible Study class is hosting a Library of Congress event at First Baptist Church from 9:30-5:00. It will be a full day but I think it will be really exciting. 

In the morning we will learn about how the Library preserves papers and videos of veterans and active duty military. We’ll find out about how to gather information and how to prepare it for its new home in Washington.

In the afternoon the seminar participants who have just gone through the training will get to utilize their new skills right away. We have some local veterans and active duty personnel who will come to the church to have their stories recorded and submitted to the Library. That is going to be so cool!

I am so proud of our military. I think this is going to be a wonderful way to honor them — by permanently preserving their stories for all to see. 

For more information: 

Library of Congress Veterans History Project

To register as a seminar participant (interviewer):  

EventBrite Free Registration

To register to tell your story (all veterans and active duty military), contact Patience Fort via e-mail at patience.fort@gmail.com 

Veterans History Project, Library of Congress, Washington, DC

2/18/2018 - Weekly Memory Verse

February 18, 2018

Focus this week on 

SALVATION

Here I am! 

I stand at the door and knock. 

If anyone hears my voice 

and opens the door, 

I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Revelation 3:20 NIV

Се, стою у двери и стучу: 

если кто услышит голос Мой и отворит дверь, 

войду к нему, 

и буду вечерять с ним, 

и он со Мною.

‭‭Откровение ап. Иоанна Богослова (Апокалипсис)‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭SYNO‬‬

Jesus is such a gentleman. He will never push the door open and barge in uninvited. Yet he longs to dine with us — really take time to eat and to visit with us. 

Jesus is also truthful. If we ask Him to come into our lives, He will. He doesn’t say, “ First do this or that.” Or “clean up your house first.” No. Without judgement He comes in and hangs out and enjoys the fellowship.

All we have to do is open up to Him. 

LORD, thank you for loving us like you do. Thank you for coming to live in our hearts at our request. 

Господь, благодарю вас за то, что любил нас, как вы. Спасибо, что пришли в наши сердца по нашей просьбе.

maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com

President Lincoln

Why did we select the third Monday of February to celebrate Presidents’ Day?

(1) It’s on a Monday in order to give people a three-day weekend.

(2) Prior to 1971 we used to celebrate President Lincoln’s birthday on February 12^th and Washington’s birthday on February 22^nd. I guess that was just too much celebrating so they combined them into one federal holiday.

My guest blogger today writes about her fondness for President Lincoln.

Saturday, February 17, 2018
by Robin Hensley
Member of First Baptist Church
Richmond KY

I read my first chapter book as a second grader at what is now Madison Middle School. That time is so vivid in my mind because I had the three-day measles. I was stretched out on the couch reading a book about Abraham Lincoln. Now not everyone will agree with me that he is the greatest President of all time, but for this seven-year-old he was. He made quite an impression on me back then – and still does today. I read about how he wanted everyone to be free and that spoke deeply to my heart.

Regardless of how hard Mr. Lincoln tried, though, or how many wars are fought, there will not be true freedom without Christ. So many times we are enslaved by our sins -- our past, our pain, our circumstances, our hang-ups – and the list goes on. It is important to know that there is freedom in Christ.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. . . .
Rev 1:5

He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free. . . .
Psalm 146:7

I am so thankful that I read that book about President Lincoln way back then. But I am much more thankful for the church and the people who introduced me to the One from whom real freedom comes.

Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32

LORD, thank you for men like President Lincoln who tried their best to bring freedom to the enslaved. Help us never to forget that we ourselves can be freed from our own personal bondage once and for all by the sacrifice of your son.

hddfhm.com

Rejoice in the day!

Friday, February 16, 2018

This is the day the LORD has made; 

We will rejoice and be glad in it.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118:24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Откровения Твои — утешение мое, 

[и уставы Твои] — советники мои.

‭‭Псалтирь‬ ‭118:24‬ ‭SYNO‬‬

Sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning. We turn on the television and see image after image of death and destruction in our world. We learn of heartache from our friends and neighbors. It is hard to push through it all and face our day. 

So how do we do it? 

Remember whose day it is. It’s not mine. I had nothing to do with its coming or going. Today belongs to God. He made it and everything in it. He made us with great compassion and purpose. 

As it is with most things, we have a choice to make. Wallow in the muck in which we find ourselves OR celebrate the day we have been gifted from the Lord. 

I choose to celebrate! 

pinterest.com

Where is the love?

Thursday, February 15, 2018

And now these three remain: 

faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

А теперь пребывают сии три: 

вера, надежда, любовь; 

но любовь из них больше.

‭‭Первое послание к Коринфянам‬ ‭13:13‬ ‭SYNO‬‬

I’ve heard it all of my life: “the greatest of these is love.” Love. Love. Love. If love is so important, then why is hatred so dominant today?

• Kids say the unkindest things to each other. 
• Adult women stab each other in the back (figuratively).
• People are ruthless in the sales world — showing no scruples or love for others. 
• School shootings are a dime a dozen — unless you’re one of the seventeen who went to school in Florida yesterday and never came home. 
• Murders
• Rapes
• Child abuse
• Racism
• Foul language
• Politics 

Where is the love?

I think it is easier to go along with the crowd and to pick on someone than it is to push a love agenda. Hatred is easier. If you stand up for somebody, you’re labeled as “holier than thou.” It’s hard. 

In the end, though, we have to live with ourselves. We have to answer for our behavior. We have the choice of hatred and bitterness or love and peacefulness. 

Today at work or at school or at home, hunt for ways to express faith, hope, and love. What did you experience? How was love manifested? The New Testament says that God is Love. Where did you see Him today?

LORD, we know that love comes from you. Fill us with your love so that it spills over onto those around us. May you be glorified. 

Господь, мы знаем, что любовь приходит от вас. Наполните нас своей любовью, чтобы она разлилась на окружающих. Пусть тебя прославят.

Happy Birthday Song

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Yesterday was my birthday and what a wonderful day it was. Thanks to social media, many people at work were aware of it and I got happy birthday wishes all day. And I can’t even begin to guess how many birthday messages I got on the computer – hundreds. Some were from local friends but many were from folks going as far back as high school or earlier. I heard from former co-workers, friends from our 3 churches, and, of course, my family.

Two people called and sang to me. One was the traditional birthday song. The other was I-don’t-know-what. Both made me laugh. And they made me think about traditional songs from other countries. I was particularly interested in seeing/hearing what the traditional Russian song was like. It’s priceless. I hope you enjoy it!

Pust begut Niukluzhe (Пусть бегут неуклюже)

Пусть бегут неуклюже

Пешеходы по лужам,

А вода — по асфальту рекой.

И не ясно прохожим

В этот день непогожий,

Почему я веселый такой.

Припев:

Я играю на гармошке

У прохожих на виду...

К сожаленью, день рожденья

Только раз в году.

Прилетит вдруг волшебник

В голубом вертолете

И бесплатно покажет кино.

С днем рожденья поздравит

И, наверно, оставит

Мне в подарок пятьсот «эскимо».

Припев

Я играю на гармошке

У прохожих на виду...

К сожаленью, день рожденья

Только раз в году.

Russian Birthday Song

Never mind that the clumsy pedestrians are jumping over rain puddles.

And that the water is streaming down the street.

And never mind that the passers-by can't make sense of

Why it is that I'm so happy on such a dreary day.

Yet I'm playing my accordion

In front of everyone on the street.

It's so sad that a birthday

Can only happen once a year.

A wizard will suddenly appear

In a blue helicopter,

And will show me free movies.

He'll say Happy Birthday

And just before he flies away

He'll probably leave 500 ice cream cones for me.

Yet I'm playing my accordion

In front of everyone on the street.

It's so sad that a birthday

Can only happen once a year.

Russian Happy Birthday Song w/ Cartoon Illustrations

So the next time you wish someone "happy birthday," remember that somewhere in Russia someone might be singing of a wizard in a blue helicopter showing movies and dropping ice cream cones!

Bill, Lizzie, Dakota, Patience, Klecenda, Patrick, Emily, and Will

2-13-2018

Depend on Him

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.

‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Благ Господь к надеющимся на Него, к душе, ищущей Его.

‭‭Плач Иеремии‬ ‭3:25‬ ‭SYNO‬‬

Not that this should be the reason why we depend on Him, but “the Lord is good to those” who do. 

When my children were young they depended on me much more than they do now that they are grown. They needed my care and provision. Sometimes they slipped their small hands into mine just for security. Sometimes they snuggled up close in order to get warm — or to express their love. They depended on me to be there for them. And I was. 

And I was good to my children. Why? Because they were my children. Because they were vulnerable. Because they were precious to me. And because they needed me. 

How much more will God be good to us, His children just because we are His children? We are vulnerable. We are precious to Him. And we need Him. 

Now that my children are grown, they need me in a different way. They need my wisdom, my moral support, my prayers and my friendship more than anything. I still love it when they slide my hand into the bend of their arms or when they put their arms around me. And, of course, I’m still good to them. 

LORD, thank you for your goodness. May we always seek you and depend wholeheartedly on you. 

Господь, благодарю вас за вашу доброту. Можем ли мы всегда искать вас и полностью от вас завидовать.

He is trustworthy

Monday, February 12, 2018

I am counting on the Lord;
yes I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word.

Psalm 130:5

Bill and I spent the weekend in Orlando, Florida at a national high school cheer competition. One of our good friends cheers for the Madison Central High School Junior Varsity team and we went to support her. It was a weekend of ups and downs, highs and lows, speculations, hopes and fears. This emotional roller coaster was worse for these girls than any theme park down here.

Although the varsity team came up short of a medal, they performed their very best and had a super routine. I'm really proud of them. And the supervarsity team -- although they have the best fight song routine of any team EVER -- missed out on a "Game Day" award. But let me tell you about the junior varsity squad. They were a bunch of determined young ladies. They met up with some pretty tough adversity -- it's too involved to write about here -- but they pushed through it and triumphed. Literally. They won the Junior Varsity National Title!

How did they do it? Practice -- lots and lots of practice. Talent. Determination. And trust. They learned each others' strengths and depended on them. And this made me think.

I have no assurance about my future. I can plan and prepare and practice all I want but I have no guarantee that anything will go the way I envision it. These girls this weekend can attest to that.

That's why it is so important to pray about everything and to give the future to the Lord. He holds our lives in His hands and has wonderful things planned for us.

Trusting God takes the weight off of OUR shoulders and places it on HIS. 

So I know that I can always count on the Lord. He is never too early -- never too late. 

And did you notice the last line of Psalm 130:5? "I have put my hope in his word."

• I trust the Scripture -- Old Testament and New -- as His infallible word.
• I trust His Son as His infallible Word incarnate.

How could we possibly go wrong trusting in Him? 

LORD, I place my hope in You because I know that you will never let me down or cause me to fall. Thank you for being so totally trustworthy.

2/11/2018 - Weekly Memory Verse

February 11, 2018

Focus this week on 

SALVATION

For the wages of sin is death, 

but the free gift of God 

is eternal life 

through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 NLT

I dreamed the other night that one of the chief medical officers at the hospital came to find me. “I need to know if my faith is enough if I were to die. And I want you to tell me what to do.”

In my dream I walked him through the plan of salvation. Isn’t that interesting? Sometimes I just shake my head at the things I dream! 

But can you walk someone through the Scriptures if you need to? Here is one way to do it. 

• Romans 3:23 (last week)
• Romans 6:23 (this week)
• Romans 5:8
• Romans 10:9-10
• Revelation 3:20 (next week)

Or you can use the ABCs. 

• A-Admit that you’re bad and that you’ll never measure up on your own. 
• B-Believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son, that He died on the cross to take away your sins, and that He was raised from the dead
• C-Commit your life to Christ

Most of the time, people think they have to do something to earn their way to heaven. Nothing could be further from the truth. God loves us just like we are and He wants to bring us all into His family through the action of His son. 

That is the best news ever!

LORD, help us to be attuned to your Holy Spirit so that when the time is right we can share about you to someone else. The gift of eternal life that you gave us is far too precious for us to keep to ourselves! 

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Excerpt from Maggie’s Journal

Saturday, February 10, 2018

written by Maggie

A New Home

October 2012

They did it. My smoothskins loaded up everything — my bed, their beds, and everything else including me and my furry friends — and we left our home. I don’t think we went very far, though, because they didn’t put me in a crate or anything. I got to sit in the front seat with my Alpha just like I normally do when we’re running around town. Only this time we didn’t go home when we got finished. 

Or maybe THIS is home now. Time will tell. 

I got really concerned for a few days after we got here because my favorite mouser went AWOL. My Alpha brought the three of them over all together — Henney Penney (aptly named, I might add), Punkin (sweet boy), and Maci (the devil-cat). When She opened the door to let everybody out, Punkin darted away. 

I could tell my Alpha was really worried about my buddy. She went out every day, walking down all the nearby streets calling for him. But he didn’t come back. 

Seven days after he had disappeared my Alpha was down the street calling for him and there he came. She was so thrilled. 

I asked him later where he had gone and he said he went home to our old house. But when he got there nobody was there. So he decided he’d better make his way to what we now know is the new house. 

I’m glad he’s got a good sense of direction. I’m not sure I could’ve done that. 

We’ve been here for a couple of weeks now and I’m starting to get used to it. I just don’t understand why we had to come here. I loved our old place. I feel like something big is about to happen but I’m just not sure what it is. 

Until next time. Maggie. 🐾

Trust His Heart

Friday, February 9, 2018

TRUST HIS HEART

by Babbie Mason

All things work for our good 

Though sometimes we don't 

See how they could. 

Struggles that break our hearts in two Sometimes blind us to the truth.  

Our Father knows what's best for us.  

His ways are not our own. 

So when your pathway grows dim 

And you just don't see him, 

Remember you’re never alone 

God is too wise to be mistaken 

God is too good to be unkind 

So when you don't understand,

When don't see his plan, 

When you can't trace his hand, 

Trust His Heart.

He sees the master plan. 

He holds the future in his hand.  

So don't live as those who have no hope.  

ALL our hope is found in him. 

We see the present clearly.  

He sees the first and last.  

And like a tapestry 

He's weaving you and me 

To someday be just like him. 

God is too wise to be mistaken.  

God is too good to be unkind.  

So when you don't understand, 

When don't see his plan, 

When you can't trace his hand 

Trust His heart. 

He alone is faithful and true. 

He alone knows what is best for you. 

So when you don't understand,

When don't see his plan, 

When you can't trace his hhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eLn0cRl-0GELn0cRl-0GEand 

Trust His heart. 

Enjoy this video. It is lovely. 

Trust His Heart performed by Cynthia Clawson