Wednesday, December 30, 2015

ANOTHER YEAR


Another year is dawning,
Dear Father let it be,
In working or in waiting,
Another year with thee.

Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.

Another year of service,
Of witness for thy love,
Another year of training
For holier work above.

Another year is dawning,
Dear Father, let it be,
On earth, or else in heaven,
Another year for thee.

- (Frances R. Havergal)

“Be careful to make a good improvement of precious time.” - David Brainerd.

The Lord says, "Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago.
Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already - you can see it now!
I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.” (Isa 49:18 & 19).

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

ASSURANCE FOR 2016 AND BEYOND - "HE WILL NOT LET ME FALL"


A climber in the Alps had come to a perilous gap in the ice where the only way to get across was to place his foot in the outstretched hand of the guide. Told to do this by the guide, the climber hesitated a moment as he looked into the gloomy depths below.

Seeing the hesitation, the guide said, "Have no fear, sir that hand never yet lost a man."

And when any soul truly commits itself into the hands of Jesus Christ, that one is committed to the strong, sure keeping of hands that never yet lost a man.

- Sunday School Times (moreillustrations.com)

Rom 10:11 (WEB): For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”

“In the darkest of nights cling to the assurance that God loves you, that He always has advice for you, a path that you can tread and a solution to your problem - and you will experience that which you believe. God never disappoints anyone who places his trust in Him.” - Basilea Schlink.

Monday, December 28, 2015

WASTED YEARS


Someone once observed that a wasted life is really nothing more than a collection of wasted days.

As God gives us life, each one of us starts the new year with the same number of opportunities - 365 - that we can choose to either use & invest in eternal things or allow to drift by without taking advantage of the gift we have been given.

The difference between those who succeed and those who fail is not found primarily in talent but in diligence & effort.

- (ministry127.com)

“Oh, how precious is time, and how it pains me to see it slide away, while I do so little to any good purpose.” - David Brainerd.

Eph 5:15-16 (BBE): "Take care then how you are living, not as unwise, but as wise; Making good use of the time, because the days are evil."

“Man’s idea of eternity may be known by the use he makes of his time.” - Unknown author.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT


Be on the lookout for mercies. The more we look for them, the more of them will we see.

Blessings brighten when we count them. Out of the determination of the heart the eyes see.

If you want to be gloomy, there's gloom enough to keep you glum; if you want to be glad, there's gleam enough to keep you glad.

Better lose count in adding-up your blessings than lose your blessings in telling over your troubles.

“Be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name.” (Ps 100:4)

- Maltbie D. Babcock. (moreillustrations.com)

“So much has been given to me that I have no time to ponder that which I don't have.” - Helen Keller.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

HOPE BEYOND THE GRAVE


A pastor was preparing a Christmas message & fell asleep in his study at the church. He dreamed that he was in a world into which Jesus had never come.

He was summoned by a weeping child to visit her dying mother, but on arriving found that his Bible ended with the OT. The NT with all its promises of heaven had disappeared from his Bible. He bowed his head and wept in bitter despair, for he could offer her no hope beyond the grave.

Suddenly the pastor was awakened by the choir down the hall practicing the familiar Christmas carols. Joy filled his soul as he realized as never before why we sing "Joy to the World the Lord Has Come!"

- (Our Daily Bread)

Mat 4:16 (ISV): “The people living in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land and shadow of death, a light has risen.”

“Christ was content with a stable when he was born so that we could have a mansion when we die.” (Source unknown)

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

STILL NO ROOM


“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7 KJV).

Not long ago a professor of psychology in one of our great universities gave a word-suggestion test to his class of forty students. He instructed them to write the word "Christmas," and all the class did so.

"Now," said the professor, "write after the word `Christmas' the first thought that flashes through your mind regarding that day."

When the papers were turned in, such answers were given as "tree," "presents," "turkey," "holiday," "carols," and "Santa Claus," but not one had written, "the birthday of Lord Jesus Christ."


“I believe firmly that the moment our hearts are emptied of pride and selfishness and ambition and everything that is contrary to God's law, the Holy Spirit will fill every corner of our hearts. But if we are full of pride and conceit and ambition and the world, there is no room for the Spirit of God. We must be emptied before we can be filled.” - D.L. Moody.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

LOVE DISPLAYED


The story is told of a woman who left her husband. The husband called the police & filed a “missing persons report.”

A few weeks later the police found her a few counties over. They asked him if he wanted them to take him to her. By now the husband had realized how poorly he had treated his wife.

He decided to write his wife & he did for months. Finally, Christmas came & he went to see her (she was in a rundown hotel). He asked her to come home & she did.

On the way home he said, “I’ve written you for months, why did you come home so easily?”

She replied, “Because those were just letters, this time you came in person.”
Christ came in person to save us & show us His love.


“This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them!” – Paul. (1Ti 1:15 NET).

“Such was God's original love for man that He was willing to stoop to any sacrifice to save him; and the gift of a Savior was the mere expression of that love.” - Albert Barnes.

Friday, December 18, 2015

A STRANGE WAY TO CELEBRATE


In 1932, Robert Macgimsey attended a Christmas Eve service in New York City & then headed back to his one-room apartment.

As he walked the final blocks, he passed by the open doors of private clubs where people were partying with all their might. They didn’t seem to have a clue that it was Christmas Eve & if they did, they didn’t seem to care.

As he stepped over people who had passed out on the sidewalk, he thought to himself, “What a strange way to celebrate the birth of the most perfect Person who ever lived on this earth. These people are missing the whole significance of His life.”

When he finally arrived home, he scribbled some more thoughts on the back of an envelope. His words formed the basis of the popular spiritual song:

“Sweet little Jesus Boy, they made you be born in a manger.
Sweet little holy Child, didn’t know who you are.
Didn’t know you’d come to save us, Lord, to take our sins away.
Our eyes were blind, we couldn’t see, we didn’t know who you are.”

Have you been ignoring Jesus this year? Don’t let this Christmas pass by without realizing why Jesus came.

- Our Daily Bread, (ministry127.com)

Mat 1:21 (NET): "She (Mary) will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

“In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.” - Blaise Pascal.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

BORN TO SAVE


In 1988, Anissa Ayala was 16 yrs old & diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia. The doctors said that if she did not receive a bone marrow transplant after chemotherapy & radiation treatment she would die.

Neither her parents nor her brother was a match & they could not find a donor elsewhere. Her parents, both in their forties, conceived another child & hoped that its bone marrow would be compatible with Anissa’s.

To their great delight it was determined that this new baby was a compatible donor & when Marissa Ayala was 14 months-old they took some of her marrow & gave it to Anissa who made a full recovery from the Leukemia & both sisters lead healthy lives today.

In a very real sense Marissa saved her sister’s life. She says, “Without me being a perfect match for my sister, she would not be here.”

Lord Jesus was born into this world for the express purpose of saving us. He is the one & only Savior that can save all those who put their trust in Him. Christmas marks the day we celebrate His birth & without Him we would not have salvation

-(msn.com)

John 3:16 (WEB): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” - Corrie Ten Boom.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION


E. C. Adams, missionary in Chagallu, West Godavari District, India, told of a loved & respected Indian brother, who years ago was asked to give a Christmas message to the assembled congregation. It was a message not to be readily forgotten.

He spoke of the preparations that were made by many to observe the day - the decorations to the houses, the colored paper streamers, the plants & flowers on the verandahs & tables of their homes, the presents given by one to another, the homecoming of members of the family who had been long absent, the invitations sent out to friends to share in the rejoicings, the abundance of food  eaten with such relish, the jovial singing & the happy talk that made the day one long to be remembered.

But, said he, in the midst of all such delights, how many thought of Him in whose honor the day was being observed? Many would be sated with feasting, & some would be drunk; but what place would the Lord have in it all? What place has He in our hearts?

- (moreillustrations.com)

“How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, His precepts!” - Benjamin Franklin.

“Those who reject me and do not accept my message have one who will judge them. The words I have spoken will be their judge on the last day!” – Jesus (John 12:48 GNB).

LIGHTING UP


A little boy who was telling the Christmas story to his mother, as he told of the shepherds & the angel of the Lord & the heavenly glory that shone round about them, said, "The shepherds were very much afraid, but the angel said to them, 'Don't be afraid, shepherds, they are only lighting up."'

Lighting up this world of ours with a new light!

- Bible Teacher  (moreillustrations.com)

John 1:9 (NET): "The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world."


"The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity--hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory - because at the Father's will Jesus became poor, and was born in a stable so that thirty years later He might hang on a cross." - J I Packer.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

The Bible May Be Hard For Beginner To Understand


"It is clear that there must be difficulties for us in a revelation such as the Bible. If someone were to hand me a book that was as simple to me as the multiplication table & say, 'This is the Word of God. In it He has revealed His whole will & wisdom,' I would shake my head & say, 'I cannot believe it; that is too easy to be a perfect revelation of infinite wisdom.'

There must be, in any complete revelation of God's mind & will & character & being, things hard for the beginner to understand; and the wisest & best of us are but beginners."

- R A Torrey (aksermonillustrations.blogspot.in)

“Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God's motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well.” - Joni Eareckson Tada.

Psalms 111:10 (ISV): "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; sound understanding belongs to those who practice it….."

Sunday, December 13, 2015

A PURPOSE BEHIND EVERY PROBLEM


A large, two-engine train was making its way across America. While crossing the Western mountains, one of the engines broke down.

"No problem, we can make it to Denver & get a replacement engine there," the engineer thought & carried on at half power.

Farther on down the line, the other engine broke down, & the train came to a standstill in the middle of nowhere.

The engineer needed to inform the passengers about why the train had stopped & always trying to look on the bright side of things, made the following announcement:

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have some good news & some bad news. The bad news is that both engines have failed & we will be stuck here for some time until the additional engines arrive.
The good news is that you didn't take this trip in a plane!"

– (aksermonillustrations.blogspot.in)

“God has a purpose behind every problem. He uses circumstances to develop our character. In fact, He depends more on circumstances to make us like Jesus than He depends on our reading the Bible.” - Rick Warren.


Rom 8:28 (KJV): "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Friday, December 11, 2015

HE PUT THE STARS BACK


William T. Stidger tells a fine story of a discouraged young minister. Everything seemed to have gone wrong with this man. He had built a church for his people, for he had been a carpenter; but when it was completed his wife, who had worked by his side, died. This & other trying experiences left him broken & defeated.

Then he heard, over the radio, a sermon by a well-known minister. He felt sure that man could help him & he went to see him. He was cordially received & stayed in the minister's study for a long time & when he came out there was a new light in his eyes.

"What a man he is," he said. "When I went into his office all the stars had fallen out of my skies - but one by one he put them back again."

- Archer Wallace. (moreillustrations.com)

1Th 5:14 (NET): "And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all."

 “In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” -  Albert Schweitzer.

GRATITUDE


It was a very hot day & a picnic had been arranged by the United Society of Lady Vegetarians.
They were comfortably seated & waiting for the kettle to boil, when, horror of horrors! A savage bull appeared on the scene.

Immediately a wild rush was made for safety, while the raging creature pounded after one lady. By great good fortune she ran fast over the fence before it could reach her.

Then, regaining her breath, she turned round. "Oh, you ungrateful creature!" she exclaimed. "Here have I been a vegetarian all my life. There's gratitude for you!"


Pro 17:13 (GNB): “If you repay good with evil, you will never get evil out of your house.”

"He who forgets the language of gratitude can never be on speaking terms with happiness." - C. Neil Strait.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

HOW THE SHEEP WERE RESCUED


During the World War some Turkish soldiers tried to drive away a flock of sheep. It was on a hillside near Jerusalem. The shepherd who was sleeping was suddenly aroused to see them being driven off. But single-handed he could not hope to recapture his flock by force.

Suddenly he had a thought. Standing up on his side of the ravine he put his hands to his mouth & gave his own peculiar call which he used each day to gather his sheep to him.

And his sheep heard it. For a moment they listened & hearing it again they turned & rushed down one side of the ravine & up the other & it was quite impossible for the men to stop them. So the shepherd was away with them to a place of safety before the soldiers could make up their minds to pursue them.

- The King's Business. (moreillustrations.com)

“…My sheep… will listen to my voice…” – Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:15-16).

 “Experience has taught me that the Shepherd is far more willing to show His sheep the path than the sheep are to follow. He is endlessly merciful, patient, tender, and loving. If we, His stupid and wayward sheep, really want to be led, we will without fail be led. Of that I am sure.” -  Elisabeth Elliot.

FAITH


Mr. Wesley was once engaged in a discussion on the subject of faith. No one was able to furnish a definition satisfactory to him or to any one present.

In the midst of their perplexity, Mr. Wesley said, "Let us call on Mrs. ---------" naming an individual of good sense & of very deep piety.

"She," continued Mr. Wesley, "can tell us just what faith is, because she has consciously exercised it."

When asked to tell what faith is, her reply was this, "It is taking God at His Word."

"That will do," exclaimed Mr. Wesley. "And that will do for us all."

- (moreillustrations.com)

“True faith rests upon the character of God and asks no further proof than the moral perfections of the One who cannot lie. It is enough that God has said it.” - A W Tozer.


Heb 11:1 (WEB) "Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen."

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

HIS MOST PRIZED POSSESSION


When the British Government sought to reward General Gordon for his brilliant service in China, he declined all money & titles, but accepted a gold medal inscribed with the record of his 33 engagements. It was his most prized possession.

But after his death the medal could not be found. Eventually it was learned that he had sent it to Manchester during a severe famine, directing that it should be melted down & used to buy bread for the poor.

Under the date of its sending, these words were found written in his diary: ‘The last earthly thing I had in this world that I valued, I have given to the Lord Jesus Christ.'

“Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God.” – Paul (2Cor 9:11 NLT)

- Indian Christian (moreillustrations.com)

"I will place no value on anything I have or may possess except in relation to the kingdom of Christ." -  David Livingstone.


"When you live in the light of eternity, your values change." - Rick Warren.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

SACRIFICIAL GIVING


John Wesley (1703 - 1791) founder of the Methodist movement, lived on £28 when earning £30 a year & gave the remaining £2 to the Lord.

Next year his salary was doubled. He found that he lived comfortably on £28 a year, so, instead of raising his standard of living, he continued to live on £28 a year & gave the whole of his increase to God.

Later God entrusted him with large & larger amounts.

(moreillustrations.com)

"My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously." - Paul (2Co 9:6 NET).


“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” - Amy Carmichael.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

WHEN GOD WANTS WORK DONE


God never goes to the lazy or the idle when He needs men for His service. When God wants a worker He calls a worker.

When He has work to be done, He goes to those already at work. When God wants a good servant, He calls a busy man.

Scripture & history attest this truth.

Moses was busy with his flocks at Horeb.

Gideon was busy threshing wheat by the wine press.

Saul was busy searching for his father's lost beasts.

James & John were busy mending their nets.

Matthew was busy collecting customs.

William Carey was busy mending and making shoes.

—Watchman-Examiner. (moreillustrations.com)

"We should be holy people eager to greet our Lord when He returns, ready at any moment for the trumpet's call, people of optimism, BUSY in evangelism, hands to the plow, eyes on the prize." - David Jeremiah.


Pro 6:9(ISV): "How long will you lie down, LAZY man? When will you get up from your sleep?"

TIME FLIES


When Raphael died at 37 yrs of age, they carried his marvelous painting, "The Transfiguration," only half finished, in the funeral procession as a symbol of the incompleteness of life & the shortness of time.

The wise & alert one get ready to seize the present in daring & doing & enjoying.

- A C Dixon. (moreillustrations.com)

"The present is the only time in which any duty may be done or grace received." - C S Lewis.


Eph 5:15-16 (BBE): "Take care then how you are living, not as unwise, but as wise; Making good use of the time, because the days are evil."

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

FAITHFUL WITNESSING


Some years ago a commuter on the Long Island Railroad was known to every regular patron on the five o'clock local.

He was a well-dressed, soft-spoken young man who lived at Jamaica. Every evening after the train left the subway he would rise & go to the front of the car.

As he walked back he would speak to every passenger, saying, "Excuse me; but if any of your family or any of your friends are blind, tell them to consult Dr. Garl. He restored my sight."

That is evangelism. He did not argue. He testified. Courteously, courageously, confidently he commended to each & all the one who had opened his eyes.

He had good news & he told it. If we who are redeemed would do likewise!

- United Presbyterian. (moreillustrations.com)

Jesus said:"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Act 1:8 ISV).


"If we understand what lies ahead for those who do not know Christ, there will be a sense of urgency in our witness." - David Jeremiah.

WORSHIPING THE CHILDREN


Debbie's family means everything to her. Her son & cute little daughter play sports, take music lessons & attend a private school.

Debbie spends every waking moment of every day caring for her kids. Often she goes through an entire day without having time for her husband which makes him feel neglected.

If he feels neglected how does God feel?

She lives through her children; they are like false gods in her life.


"Whatever you love more than God is your idol." - D L Moody.


1Co 10:14 (NET): "So then, my dear friends, flee from idolatry."

Monday, November 30, 2015

EATING SENSIBLY


One day a pastor was calling upon a dear old lady, one of the "pillars" of the church to which they both belonged.

As he thought of her long & useful life & looked upon her sweet, placid countenance bearing but few tokens of her 92 yrs of earthly pilgrimage, he was moved to ask her:

"My dear Mrs. S., what has been the chief source of your strength & sustenance during all these years? What has appealed to you as the real basis of your unusual vigor of mind & body? Tell me, that I may pass the secret on to others & if possible, profit by it myself."

The old lady thought a moment, then lifting her eyes, dim with age, yet kindling with sweet memories of the past, answered briefly, "Victuals" (meaning, nutritious food).

- Sarah L. Tenney (moreillustrations.com)

1Co 3:16-17 (NHEB): "Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you?  If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him..."


"Thou should eat to live; not live to eat." - Socrates.


AMAZING GRACE


In the 1700s, John Newton went to sea with his father on a merchant ship. Soon after his father retired, Newton was pressed into service on a warship. Facing intolerable conditions, he deserted & later requested a transfer to a slave ship that was soon to set sail for Africa.

Newton hardened himself to the trafficking of human beings & eventually he became captain of his own slave ship.

On May 10, 1748, however, his life was changed forever. His ship encountered a terrifying, violent storm. Just as it seemed that the vessel would sink, Newton cried aloud, "Lord, have mercy upon us!"

That night in his cabin, he began to reflect upon God's mercy. Through faith in Christ's sacrifice for him, he experienced God's amazing grace in a personal way.

In time, he left the slave trade & entered Christian ministry. Although he became a preacher of the gospel, he is most remembered for his much-loved hymn "Amazing Grace." It's an amazing testimony of his personal experience.

God's Spirit convicts us of sin & gives us the power to forsake it. When we receive Christ as our Savior, He does for us what we are powerless to do in our own strength. That's amazing grace.

- Dennis Fisher.

“Amazing grace-how sweet the sound –
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.” – Newton.

- (preceptaustin.org)

Ep 2:8-9: “For it is by God’s GRACE that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it.”

Friday, November 27, 2015

THE LEAST I CAN DO IS SAY, “THANKS”


A pastor stood at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and watched as a man in tears lay a wreath at the base of the memorial.

The pastor put his hand on the man’s shoulder, and the man said, “Twenty-five years ago he stepped into the line of fire for me, the least I can do is say, ‘Thanks.’”

-(ministry127.com)

Jesus said, "There were ten who were healed; where are the other nine? Why is this foreigner the only one who came back to give thanks to God?" (Lk 17:17-18 GNB)

"Pride slays thanksgiving, but a humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow." - H W Beecher.

When Burdens Become Bridges


The Rev. Charles Piggott tells how when he was on a holiday he came to the top of one of the high hills of Devonshire.

His attention was attracted by an ant, which he watched carrying a long straw until it came to a crack in the rock which was like a precipice to the tiny creature.

After attempting to take its burden across in several ways, the ant got to one end of the straw & pushed it in front of him over the crack till it reached the other side, crossed over on the straw & then pulled it after him.

There is no burden you & I carry faithfully but some day is going to become a bridge to carry us over.

- British Weekly (moreillustrations.com)


1Co 10:13 (BBE): "You have been put to no test but such as is common to man: and God is true, who will not let any test come on you which you are not able to undergo; but he will make with the test a way out of it, so that you may be able to go through it."

SINGING IN THE RAIN


A saintly woman suffering for weary months in painful illness said to her pastor: "I have such a lovely robin that sings outside my window. In the early morning, as I lie here, he serenades me."

Then, as a smile brightened her thin features, she added, "I love him, because he sings in the rain."

That is the most beautiful thing about the robin. When the storm has silenced almost every other songbird, the robin sings on - sings in the rain.

Anybody can sing in the sunshine; you and I should sing on when clouds pour out their rains, for Christ is with us. We should sing in the rain.

- J. R. Miller. (moreillustrations.com)

Hab 3:17-18 (GNB): "Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the farms produce no grain, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty, I will still be joyful and glad, because the Lord God is my saviour..."


"Without the rain, there would be no rainbow." - G.K.Chesterton.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

TOO LATE


A bright boy heard & was deeply impressed by the text, "My son, give Me thine heart." But Satan whispered, "Time enough yet," & he put it off.

10 yrs later a brilliant college student heard the same text under the circumstances which seemed to make that the time of his salvation. Again the tempter whispered, "Time enough yet."

20 yrs later a statesman listened to the same text from the lips of an aged bishop & felt it was a message to him. This time the tempter said, "Visit foreign countries before you decide."

A traveler in Paris was stricken with cholera. But his greatest suffering was agony of soul because he was not prepared to die. His last words were, "Too late."

The boy, the college student, the statesman, the traveler were all one.

—tcDawn. (moreillustrations.com)

This is what the Scripture says: "If you hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God." (Heb 3:15).

"It's time to righting the story of your life." - David Jeremiah.

"THINK ON THESE THINGS"


A college girl who was a fine scholar & had a noble spirit volunteered to be a counselor at a girl's camp. Despite her abilities, she was required to peel potatoes in the kitchen.

The head mistress of the camp, realizing that this was quite a menial task for such a talented & highly intellectual girl, exclaimed, "It's too bad that a young woman of your education should have to peel potatoes."

The girl who was a splendid Christian looked up brightly & replied, "But, Miss Baldwin, remember, I don't have to think about potatoes while I'm peeling them."

The application is obvious. You can keep your soul out of the dust no matter what your task. Let the Holy Spirit discipline your mind by dismissing suspicion & replacing it with hope & trust.

Bible says: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things." (Phi 4:8 NET).


—H. Bonar (preceptaustin.org)

YOU CAN DO IT!


A young boy was at the barbershop for a haircut. The room was filled with cigar smoke. The boy pinched his nose and exclaimed, "Who's been smoking in here!"

The barber sheepishly confessed, "I have." The boy responded, "Don't you know it's not good for you?"
"I know," the barber replied. "I've tried to quit a thousand times but I just can't."

The boy commented, "I understand. I've tried to stop sucking my thumb, but I can't quit either!"

Those two remind me of the way believers sometimes feel about their struggle with sins of the flesh.

Paul summed it up well by crying out, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24).

His spiritual battle might have left him in despair if he had not found the solution.

Following his agonizing question, he declared with triumph, "I thank God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Rom 7:25).

Are you struggling to break some stubborn habit?

Like Paul, you can be an over comer. If you know the Lord Jesus as your Savior, victory is possible through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Confidently affirm with Paul, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phi 4:13)
You can do it!

- Richard De Haan (preceptaustin.org)