

  * # LOVE

  * # JOY

  * # PEACE

A Tasty Sample of Spiritual Fruit That

Will Give You A Boost For The Day!

By Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

Love Joy Peace

A Tasty Sample of Spiritual Fruit That

Will Give You A Boost For The Day!

© 2015 by Pastor Cecil Thompson  
All Rights Reserved

© 2015 by ECONO PUBLISHING, LLC  
All Rights Reserved.

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First Printing, 2015  
Printed in the United States of America

 New King James Version

All Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. **(NKJV)** Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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# Table of Contents

PREFACE 10

INTRODUCTION 12

Chapter 1 14

GOD'S VOLUNTEER 14

Chapter 2 16

INNER BEAUTY 16

Chapter 3 18

SPIRITUAL MATURITY 18

Chapter 4 20

HE DIDN'T STIGNAL 20

Chapter 5 22

BEANS AND BREAD 22

Chapter 6 23

NO WAY OF ESCAPE 23

Chapter 7 24

OUR PROTECTION 24

Chapter 8 26

ZUCCHINI GIFTS 26

Chapter 9 28

GOD'S PERFECT PLAN 28

Chapter 10 30

A ROOT OF SALVATION 30

Chapter 11 31

TRUE FORGIVENESS 31

Chapter 12 32

BE PREPARED 32

Chapter 13 34

NO FORGIVENESS 34

Chapter 14 37

LET US OUT 37

Chapter 15 39

A SOFT VOICE 39

Chapter 16 41

A HUMBLE SPIRIT 41

Chapter 17 42

DON"T BE AFRAID 42

Chapter 18 43

WHAT DO THEY THINK? 43

Chapter 19 45

COMPARED TO WHAT? 45

Chapter 20 46

SOMETHING MISSING 46

Chapter 21 47

ROTTEN POTATOES 47

Chapter 22 48

WRONG SPEED 48

Chapter 23 50

A STEP OF FAITH 50

Chapter 24 53

GOD'S SAINTS DIE WELL 53

Chapter 25 55

LIGHTS IN THE DARK 55

Chapter 26 58

FREEDOM IN CHAINS 58

Chapter 27 60

FAITHFUL JIM 60

Chapter 28 62

WORRY BOOK 62

Chapter 29 64

WAKE UP 64

Chapter 30 66

WATCH OUT 66

Chapter 31 68

EUREKA 68

Chapter 32 69

GRADUAL 69

Chapter 33 72

DREAMS OF GOD"S LOVE 72

Chapter 34 75

OPEN YOUR MOUTH 75

Chapter 35 77

GO AND DO 77

Chapter 36 78

SANDS OF ETERNITY 78

The Sands of Eternity - Pastor Cecil 79

Chapter 37 80

GRANDMA"S KITCHEN 80

Chapter 38 81

TIME TO GO 81

Chapter 39 82

IT LOOKS GREAT 82

Chapter 40 83

REMEMBER 83

Chapter 41 85

DON"T LET GO 85

Chapter 42 86

OLD BILL 86

Chapter 43 89

MY! MY! MY 89

Chapter 44 91

JESUS PAID IT ALL 91

Chapter 45 93

WRONG SOURCE 93

Chapter 46 95

GOSPEL GOSSIP 95

Chapter 47 97

PRAISE IN OUR PRISON 97

Chapter 48 99

INTEGRITY 99

Chapter 49 100

GODS FOUNTAIN 100

Chapter 50 102

TERMINAL 102

Chapter 51 104

YOU ARE TOO OLD 104

Chapter 52 108

WHY ME? 108

Chapter 53 110

MY EYES ONLY 110

Chapter 54 112

FIERY FURNACE FAITH 112

Chapter 55 113

I SHALL KNOW HIM 113

Chapter 56 115

NO MISTAKE 115

Chapter 57 117

BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS 117

Chapter 58 120

NOT TOO RELIGIOUS 120

Chapter 59 121

HURRY UP 121

Chapter 60 123

FRUIT IN THE GRAVEL 123

Chapter 61 126

JESUS LOVES ME 126

Chapter 62 129

ROSCOE'S BOOK 129

Chapter 63 130

TRUST 130

Chapter 64 131

TRUTH 131

Chapter 65 134

STOP PUSHING 134

Chapter 66 135

DRAW ME NEARER 135

Chapter 67 141

SIZE SEVEN SHIRT 141

Chapter 68 142

WEARY 142

Chapter 69 143

NOT WHAT I SAID 143

Chapter 70 144

TRUE WEALTH 144

Chapter 71 145

NEVER LET ME GO 145

Chapter 72 147

SPECIAL ANGELS 147

Chapter 73 149

WELCOME HOME 149

Chapter 74 151

A WHALE OF A TIME 151

Chapter 75 153

MULTI-LEVEL MINISTRY 153

Chapter 76 155

WINDOW PEEKING 155

Chapter 77 157

MORNING IS COMING 157

Chapter 78 159

STUBBY 159

Chapter 79 161

HOMESICK 161

Chapter 80 163

SO SWEET 163

Chapter 81 166

FRAIDY CAT 166

Chapter 82 168

FISH OR FOWL 168

Chapter 82 171

WHICH TENT 171

Chapter 83 173

ARE YOU THIRSTY 173

Chapter 84 176

I WANT TO DRIVE 176

Chapter 85 178

YOU CAN'T MAKE ME 178

Chapter 86 180

LIKE AN EAGLE 180

Chapter 87 182

ON EAGLE WINGS 182

Chapter 88 184

ROLL CALL 184

Chapter 89 186

SEQUENCE 186

Chapter 90 189

THE BLOOD 189

Chapter 91 191

THE KILLDEER 191

Chapter 92 193

THE SIGNS! 193

Chapter 93 195

TRUE PROSPERITY 195

Chapter 94 197

HARK! HARK! THE LARK 197

Chapter 95 198

WHAT IF 198

Chapter 96 200

QUIET PLEASE 200

Chapter 97 202

MY HEART LEAPS 202

Chapter 98 204

FRUIT OF SUFFERING 204

Chapter 99 206

A SERVANT SPIRIT 206

Chapter 100 211

HIS VOICE 211

ABOUT PASTOR CECIL 213

# 

# PREFACE

Back in the 1970's I was Deputy Director of the Idaho Law Enforcement Planning Commission. I also taught a few night classes in the Criminal Justice field at Boise State University.

One term I was called by the Registrar's Office and asked to teach a large class in Sociology. I had my Master's Degree in Sociology and agreed to teach it.

Most of the night classes had about 20 students and that was what I was anticipating.

To my surprise there were over 120 registered. I now became more of an entertainer than professor.

The first class session I gave the assignment to write three most important qualities they wanted in their life.

The answers were:

  1. LOVE!

  2. JOY!

  3. PEACE!

When I read their results I opened to Galatians and read Galatians 5:22-23; "But the fruit of the Spirit is

  * Love,

  * Joy,

  * Peace,

  * Longsuffering,

  * Kindness,

  * Goodness,

  * Faithfulness,

  * Gentleness,

  * Self-Control.

Against such there is no law." But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

I think that those qualities are what we all seek to find. How sad people seek in all the wrong places. This book will help you find just the right "SPIRITUAL FRUIT" for your day.

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

# INTRODUCTION

Recently one of my friends made a startling comment. By the way, he has sat under my ministry and listened too many of my sermons for several years. He knows my propensity to generate illustrations from my personal experiences.

HERE WAS HIS COMMENT:

"You know, you will not always be with us and you need to write down some of your stories so they will not be lost." Wow! How is that for making you feel old?

I know what he meant and it has been on my mind since then. Every time I preach or teach, I seem to naturally recall stories that I had heard from others or that had happened to me.

Jesus' teaching was often accompanied by parables that were used to teach lessons with a spiritual significance.

SPIRITUAL FRUIT

One of my greatest enjoyments in life is sitting or standing in the middle of the garden or orchard lush with ripe fruits or vegetables. While fresh fruits and vegetables might taste good on the table nothing can beat having a bite of a ripe juicy tomato in the middle of a tomato patch. Just thinking about it makes me eager for harvest time.

Jesus was the Master of everything. He created by his word heavens and the earth. When God created the Garden of Eden it was filled with the most delicious luscious fruit and produce that mind could ever can see. It was man's separation from God that took that from us. How utterly sad!

When Jesus walked the dusty paths of this earth, he broke the bread of life but he also produced the fruit of the Spirit. He spoke in words that could be understood by those he came in contact with. He had no desire to impress the spiritually elite of his day, but he spoke to the common man. He did this by telling stories and giving illustrations.

I am in love with the Savior of my soul. In everything I do and all that I say I want to please Him. When Jesus told stories people listen. My desire in this book is to take Scripture and tell a story and make it meaningful.

My constant prayer as I write is to be sensitive and allow the Holy Spirit to touch at least one heart who reads this on a particular day it may seem that it is written just for you. I want to assure you that it is!

_"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."_ Psalm 19:14

# Chapter 1

#  GOD'S VOLUNTEER

Isaiah 6:8: Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! SEND ME."

Over the years I have volunteered for many things --- some good and some not so good.

I recall when I was in Air Force basic training back in the early 50's. (For some of you that is the dark ages).

As I was about to say, a captain who was our training officer asked for volunteers to assist in the command post. Few of us knew what that involved so only two of us raised our hands. What we did not know was that there was a five mile night march that we were excused from because of our special duty.

The laughter of our fellow trainees turned to envy when they heard of our stroke of good fortune.

The Lord has always sought volunteers for His army. Let me be quick to remind us that His soldiers have often been called upon to serve under extreme conditions --- even to the point of death.

The blood of the martyrs marks the pathway God's soldiers have been called upon to march.

ARE YOU UP TO IT?

It seems that many ministers in our modern era try to paint a pretty picture of servant-hood. "Volunteer for Jesus and you will be assured of a life of prosperity and blessing."

  * Tell that to Job who lost all of his wealth and all ten of his children.

  * Tell that to Stephen who felt stones crash into his body until he entered the gates of glory.

  * Tell that to the multitude of saints across the ages who were burned at the stake for volunteering in the Lord's army.

God's cause is worth dying for! I volunteer! Will you join me?

# Chapter 2

#  INNER BEAUTY

I Peter 3:3-4: Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

Joyce and I had just picked up a special speaker from England at the Boise Air Terminal. We had been assigned the privilege of transporting him to a conference site a few hours north of Boise.

This distinguished minister with more ministerial degrees than I even knew existed suddenly shocked us to our roots.

Do you know that the Bible teaches nudity?

How do you respond to a question like that?

After allowing us to squirm for several minutes he opened his Bible and read the verses in today's Scripture. We had a great laugh.

The real essence in these two verses is the concept of real beauty. There are many people who are deceived by the shallowness of physical beauty. I wonder how many young men would be shocked if they saw their ―beauty queen before she put on her make-up.

Sad, sad the bitter wail.

Who is this strange creature?

True beauty is an inner quality that has very little to do with physical appearance.

It is, as the Apostle Peter says, ―- - - the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.

I hope that is the quality we all seek to develop.

# Chapter 3

#  SPIRITUAL MATURITY

II Peter 3:18: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Years ago I heard Dr. W.A. Criswell, pastor of Dallas First Baptist Church, tell the story of two men who were sitting at a bar arguing about which of them was the most spiritual. That presents an interesting picture doesn't it?

As both of them became more and more inebriated, their argument became more and more heated. Finally one of the men placed a bet that the other man did not even know the Lord's Prayer. His opponent accepted the wager and started out.

―Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep and if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.‖ As he finished, the first man gave him the $10.00 and said, ―I had no idea you would know the Lord's Prayer!

How sad it is that so many people know so little about God's Word. The reason is that they spend so little time in reading and studying God's infallible Word. In order to grow in God's grace we have to grow in the knowledge of God's word to mankind.

Here is the bottom line: What are you and I doing to grow in the knowledge of God's Word? How much time do we devote each day to reading our Bible?

What Bible studies are we enrolled in to increase our knowledge? It's very thought provoking isn't it?

# Chapter 4

#  HE DIDN'T STIGNAL

Galatians 6:7: Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

When I was a County Juvenile Probation Officer, I often accompanied one of the Deputy Sheriffs on patrol or when they had a particular assignment. One of these duties had a direct bearing on my area of responsibility since it involved a young man who had been committed to the State Juvenile Center and from there to the State Mental Hospital.

Both of these institutions were on the other side of the state which entailed a drive of about five hours each way. We were almost to the Mental Hospital when we were stopped by a road construction crew. The flagger seemed interested in talking to us since we were in a marked police vehicle.

We had been stopped for about five minutes when another car approached. The flagman waved his stop sign, but the car plowed into the back of our vehicle propelling us about twenty feet.

Fortunately the deputy had the vehicle in ―neutral rather than ―park or we may have suffered injuries.

The driver of the other car was extremely intoxicated and began to scream at the top of her lungs, ―

He didn't stignal!

He didn't stignal!

(Yes, that is the way she said it). She repeated this over and over, even when the local Police agency came and arrested her for drunk driving.

There are many warnings in God's Word that people ignore to their own peril.

In today's Scripture we are reminded once again of that truth. It is like the old railroad crossing signs that clearly alerted drivers to

  * STOP!

  * LOOK!

  * LISTEN!

THAT CERTAINLY APPLIES IN OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE!

# Chapter 5

#  BEANS AND BREAD

Psalm 28:7: It was a sunny Sunday afternoon in Amarillo, Texas. I was a low ranking airman attending jet mechanic school. I say that to explain that we had run out of money before we ran out of month.

We were broke! As we entered our apartment that Sunday afternoon there was very little in the house to eat. We had a can of green beans, part of a loaf of bread and a little milk. We decided we would make a little gravy to put on the bread. It was then that we discovered that the milk had ―turned' and was not fit to use. We ate beans and bread and thanked the Lord for it!

That evening after church we were thrilled to be invited out to a lovely couple's home for a snack. I fear we were quite aggressive in devouring the food. When we told them the story of our noon meal they laughed and laughed. What we did not know was that they owned a small grocery store. We were graciously invited to come to the store and open a charge account until payday. Yeah!

The Lord has invited us to come to Him and that He will supply all of our needs. We may go through times of spiritual leanness because we fail to draw upon His bountiful supply.

WE DINE ON BEANS AND BREAD WHEN WE COULD BE DINING AT HIS TABLE LOADED WITH LOVE, GRACE AND TRUTH. DIG IN!

#  Chapter 6

#  NO WAY OF ESCAPE

Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Have you ever stared death in the eye? I recall one moment when it seemed there was no way of escape. It was about 1955 when I was in the US Air Force assigned to a fighter squadron in Rapid City, S.D. Our squadron had four fighters that were on alert at all times. It was my turn to work at the alert hanger located near the end of the runway.

One morning I had some free time and was reading in a small observation room that was built on the end of the building. I heard the unmistakable sound of a large B-36 bomber that was coming in for a landing. The fog was so thick that I could not see it and wondered if the pilot could see the ground.

The sound grew in volume and suddenly I saw the huge plane which was off course and heading directly to our hanger. There was no way to escape, so I sat and watched what might have been my last moments on earth. About the time I saw the bomber he saw the hanger and veered sharply to the left. His frantic attempts to land resulted in the jet pods on each side of the plane being torn off.

The Lord spared my life that day. There have been other close calls in my life, but the Lord had a plan and purpose for my still being here. The same is true for you as well. What is the purpose God has for you? Do you know it? Are you following it?

# Chapter 7

#  OUR PROTECTION

Psalm 59:16: But I will sing of Your power;  
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.

It seems as if I have been preoccupied with my military career this week. There is another observation I would like to share and relate to spiritual truth ― my duty as a missile launch officer.

I was assigned as a "Combat Crew Commander" for the MINUTEMAN MISSILE PROGRAM and, honestly, cannot recall the first time I went down the elevator into a real launch center. Each trip down was an awe-inspiring experience.

There were two sets of doors that took away one's breath. The first were massive doors about twelve to fifteen feet high and about 15 inches thick. Believe me, it took effort to swing the doors open. But that just permitted entrance into the equipment room. Getting into the launch capsule itself was another story.

The massive 10-ton blast door could only be opened by one of the crew members from inside the capsule. As the huge door began to swing, the officer inside would shout, "Stand clear of the blast door". That always seemed silly as if someone would stand in front of ten tons of swinging door!

Thinking about the huge doors that were designed to protect the missile crew, I think about the protection God gives for His children. Please understand that this is not a free ride to a life of ease.

God's people have often been called upon to suffer and even die for Him. But the vital truth is that He has given us eternal life! That is the safest protection we could ever ask for.

MINUTEMAN MISSILE PROGRAM

 s

# Chapter 8

#  ZUCCHINI GIFTS

Ephesians 5:19-20: Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Sometimes people listen and act when you are least expecting it. One Sunday morning I preached a sermon on the attitude of gratitude. I tried to stress the need to be thankful for everything. I am not sure where I came up with the illustration, but I suggested that it would really show how thankful we were if we were thankful for a gift of zucchini squash.

That evening when I arrived for the evening service there were bags surrounding the pulpit area. You guessed it ― the phone had been busy and all of our amateur gardeners unloaded their excess zucchinis on the pastor.

I had to say ―thank you‖ and really mean it, but it was a strain to graciously share the wealth with others. It seems that when nothing else will grow, zucchinis will. It taught me a valuable lesson — all too often we choose what to be thankful for and what not to.

We searched out new recipes and sought out friends who could use a bag full. What has God given you that you feel is more trouble than it is worth? Please do not try to take it into your own hands to determine what is good and what is not good. Even calamity can be used of the Lord when we thank Him for it and seek to see how He can use it for His good and our blessing.

# Chapter 9

#  GOD'S PERFECT PLAN

Romans 8:26-28: Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning's which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

The story is told of a very poor man who owned only one unbroken horse, while all of his neighbors had stables full of horses. He had only one son, while his neighbors had many sons. They mocked him for being poor and not having more, but he was very content that the Lord had given him all he needed. His neighbors even increased their mockery when his son broke his leg while trying to break the wild horse.

As the story goes, a warlord passed through the area and conscripted all of the young men and took all of the available horses. The only young man left behind was the poor man's son and the only horse was the poor man's horse that soon was broken to ride by the son after his leg had mended.

There is no way we can determine what is best for us until the Lord is finished revealing what His plan and purpose is for us. Contentment and patience will allow the Lord to use even the most desperate circumstances to accomplish His perfect will in our life. All we have to do is follow Him and watch what happens.

#  Chapter 10

#  A ROOT OF SALVATION

Job 29:18-19: "Then I said, 'I shall die in my nest, and multiply my days as the sand. My root is spread out to the waters,  
and the dew lies all night on my branch."

How old do you have to be to think about your own death? With me it was a warm summer day when I was seven or eight. A church group was on a swimming trip to the Washougal River in Washington. I had been enjoying the cool water when I realized that the current was pulling me into deeper and deeper water.

There was a terrifying moment when I felt that I was going to drown. I asked the Lord to help me. It was then that I felt a tree root on the bottom of the stream. It was not just a root, but it had formed in such a way that my foot could slip under it and hold me from slipping.

I tried to call for help, but my head was barely out of the water. It seemed like an eternity before one of the adults came to my rescue. I was chastised for getting so far into the stream, but I didn't mind. I was saved and I just knew that it was the Lord who had prepared that root just for me!

Sometimes in our everyday life we feel ourselves start to slip. Things overwhelm us and our firm footing begins to give way.

Please take it from me ― one who has been there ― Jesus is our Root and He will save us when we call out to Him!

# Chapter 11

#  TRUE FORGIVENESS

Luke 6:37: Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

I once heard a very sad story. It seems that a man was unfaithful to his wife. She took him back but made his life miserable. She constantly brought up his sin and made sure that he suffered for the pain he had inflicted upon her.

As the story goes, this wife became very ill. In fact it was a number of years before she recovered. During this time her husband waited on her hand and foot. The doctor even commented that if it was not for his attentive care of his wife she would have died.

One day after the woman's health returned, she told her husband that she appreciated how wonderful he had been to her, and she was now ready to forgive him. Here is the sad part of the story. The husband looked his wife in the eye and said, ―My dear, I needed your forgiveness when I did not deserve it. I have earned your appreciation, but your forgiveness has come too late. I am leaving you.

I hope against hope that this was only an illustration. But the truth is that true forgiveness comes when the offender does not deserve to be forgiven. When Christ forgave us, it was not that we deserved it, but that we needed it.

Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

IS THERE SOMEONE WHO NEEDS YOUR FORGIVENESS RIGHT NOW?

# Chapter 12

# BE PREPARED

I Peter 3:15: But sanctify the Lord God[a] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

There has to be a beginning for everything. That is also true for preachers who have to deliver their first sermon. For me it was while I was still in the Air Force and stationed at Rapid City, South Dakota. The pastor asked me to bring the message in the Sunday evening service. I spent many hours in preparation and wrote my notes on a small sheet of paper. I was ready ― or so I thought!

The song service ended and I walked nervously to the pulpit and gave the congregation a big smile as I opened the Bible to my notes. I could not believe my eyes. ―Bread-milk-eggs-lettuce.‖ I have no idea how it had happened, but my sermon notes got mixed up with the grocery list Joyce had given me.

Now if that would happen at this stage of my life, I could preach a sermon on the bread of life, desiring the milk of the Word, the hatching egg of spiritual maturity — though I'm not sure how I would cover the last one except to say, ―Lettuce pray!

It has taught me that we need to be prepared at all times to share the precious Word of God. We never know when the opportunity will arise, and we may be all that stands between some poor soul and eternity.

I WANT TO BE READY! HOW ABOUT YOU?

# Chapter 13

#  NO FORGIVENESS

Luke 15:20-21: And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.

Unfortunately there are times when we seek forgiveness but it is not given. Or if it is given, there are strings attached. We once had a neighbor that was convinced we had lodged a complaint with the manager about their landscape.

We were totally innocent, and asked their forgiveness for the conflict, but it was never given.

Have you ever been in that situation? It is possible that we have even been guilty and prayed for God to reveal our fault.

We may approach the one who has been offended in the proper manner. "God has revealed to me that I was wrong in my actions and attitude toward you. I have come to ask you to please forgive me."

Silence or words to the effect that we would never be forgiven for the offence we were guilty of to that person.

What do we do then?

My answer is that we are to do nothing. We are responsible for asking for forgiveness, but we are not responsible for the reaction.

In today's Scripture, the wayward son had purposed in his heart what he would say to his father. He had sinned and he confessed it. He was willing to pay the price of his transgression by becoming a servant, but the father had forgiven him.

But there was one who harbored an unforgiving spirit. It was the older brother. We are not told what the final outcome was, but we know the prodigal son had done all that he could do. Having done that, he could leave the matter in God's hands.

Where do you see yourself in today's illustration?

Have you forgiven someone who has asked you to forgive them?

Are you the one who must stand and wait in hopes that your plea for forgiveness will be accepted?

Regardless, God will give you the strength. Stand firm in His tender care.

# Chapter 14

# LET US OUT

Acts 16:27-28: And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here."

Last week I shared the embarrassment of my very first sermon. Several of you have asked what I preached on after discovering that I only had the grocery list and not my sermon notes. My response was that after 50 years I could not recall.

The mind is a funny thing (at least mine is). Out of the clear blue I will recall an incident in my past and wonder how in the world I survived.

At 11:37 p.m. on August 17, 1959, there was a large earthquake that was centered in Yellowstone Park. I was working on the night shift for the Nampa, Idaho, Police Department. Things began to shake, rattle and roll in a very threatening manner.

I was responsible for all incoming calls and immediately all lines were filled with frightened citizens. It was then that I heard cries from the jail cells.

I am not sure how many prisoners we had at the time, but they were terrified that the building would collapse with them locked inside. (I was also confined to this building, but it was my duty to remain).

I quickly grabbed the keys to the cells and, leaving the phone unattended, I ran to release the prisoners. I begged them to remain on the lawn outside and not escape.

When things quieted down, I ventured outside and there were all of my prisoners. No one had tried to escape. We all laughed together about how helpless we felt when our world was shaking like the waves of the sea.

It may be that your world has been shaken by some outside source.

IF SO, NOW IS THE TIME TO CALL OUT TO THE LORD FOR HIM TO PROTECT YOU IN THE QUAKES OF LIFE.

# Chapter 15

# A SOFT VOICE

Proverbs 15:1-2: A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

My first job as a police officer was a constant learning experience. It was in the early 50's (that sounds like the dark ages doesn't it?). There was no such thing as a training academy. We learned from experienced officers on the job or from time-to-time training courses by outside specialists.

I recall one such session that was being taught by an FBI agent.

One of the things he shared with us was the value of using a soft voice while dealing with someone who was under the influence of alcohol.

I filed it under the section of my brain called ―good to know, but what use is it?

It was some months later that I had developed a first class case of laryngitis and was barely able to speak above a whisper. I was called by the police dispatcher to go to a local tavern and deal with an unruly drunk.

The bartender pointed the man out to me and wished me luck.

I walked over to the man and whispered, ―I understand there is some problem here. Can you come outside with me so we can talk about it?

To my amazement he whispered back, ―Okay‖ and followed me like a little puppy dog.

By that time there was back-up patrolmen on the scene to take the man to sober up. When I went back inside, the bartender asked me how I did that when several strong men had trouble controlling him.

I simply said, ―"Get laryngitis"!

The technique also works in all of our dealings. As the writer of Proverbs points out, soft answers avoid wrath, while harsh words lead to anger.

Try it the next time there is a conflict in your life.

# Chapter 16

#  A HUMBLE SPIRIT

Proverbs 16:18-19: Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Pride is an ugly thing! It may be seen in various forms, but it is always ugly. Let me share with you one ugly incident. A pastor had been preaching series of sermons on the Character Quality of Humility.

Week after week he used God's Word to show that God desires a broken and contrite heart. The people were busy taking notes and he was encouraged that they were grasping this essential concept.

At the close of the final sermon on this subject, he stood at the rear door and gave his people an encouraging word as they left. Sister Bertha was the last of his congregation to leave the church. She shook the pastor's hand and wiped him out with this statement; ―Pastor I have been so blessed by your series. I have very little in the way of gifts to give the Lord, but I am really proud of my humility. I think the pastor was last seen weeping against the wall.

Remember that we have nothing of value to present to the King of kings, but our inadequacy. We carry His message in these fractured vessels of ours. The Lord is not interested in the vessel, but the message inside. Are we effective messengers for the Lord Jesus Christ? That is my prayer for all of us.

# Chapter 17

#  DON"T BE AFRAID

Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

One of the most frightening episodes of police work is finding an unlocked door of a business establishment. Part of our duty was to check doors on a regular basis and it we found an open door we were to check inside to see if there was an intruder who had made entry.

I recall one such incident when I was cautiously inspecting the inside of a business with my flashlight in one hand and my service revolver in the other. I suddenly came face to face with an armed man with a flashlight. It took only a second of terror to realize that it was me! I was facing a full-length mirror. Wow! What a start that gave me.

The place was empty and I called the owner about the open door. As I waited for him to arrive and lock up, I realized just how quickly we face life and death situations in our life.

Facing the reality of our temporary existence makes us realize that we have a choice. We can live our life in fear and panic or in trusting the Lord to protect us in all situations. I choose to place my trust in the God who is the Blessed Controller of All Things! Praise the Lord!

# Chapter 18

#  WHAT DO THEY THINK?

Philippians 4:9: The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

What impression are you leaving for people around you? When you are not around, what do they say about you? If they were called upon to write a character sketch of your life what would they say?

PAUSE AND THINK ABOUT IT.

When I was a County Juvenile Probation Officer, I was often confronted with very unique situations. One really sticks in my mind.

I once received a letter from the Superintendent of the State Correction Center for Juveniles. He said that in the next few days one of their former inmates would be stopping by my office.

This was not unusual, but the way he described the young man was. He had been so incorrigible that they had sent him to the State Mental Hospital. The staff there was unable to deal with his behavior so they sent him back. Now I was getting him.

The Superintendent suggested that I notify the local law enforcement agencies so they could be prepared to arrest him when he offended, and then keep him locked up for as long as possible! END OF LETTER!

I was just finishing the letter when there was a knock on my door. A young man entered ― he was the one I had just been reading about. I asked him to sit down and prayed for wisdom about what to say.

I asked him what he felt people thought of him. It took some prying, but he finally was able to say that he felt people thought he was a good person. I told him that he was about to see what people really thought of him, and placed the letter from the Superintendent in front of him.

As he read, the color drained from his face. He looked across the desk at me and said he had no idea that he was that bad. (For as long as I continued in my position he was never in trouble again).

The thought goes through my mind from time to time about what people think about me. Do they perceive my good intentions or are they more often than not aware of my faults?

There is an even more pertinent question: WHAT DOES GOD THINK ABOUT ME?

We know in reading the book of Job that God was well aware of Job's behavior and even bragged about him to Satan.

What do you think God would say about us?

# 

# Chapter 19

#  COMPARED TO WHAT?

I Peter 5:10: But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

On a scorching summer day back in 1969 I finished my tour of duty with the US Air Force and started a trip from Missouri to Idaho. I knew that the first part of the trip would be the most uncomfortable. I was going to cross the State of Kansas in a car with no air conditioning.

I started the trip with water to drink and wet washcloths with which to wipe my face and arms. When I made my first stop for fuel, the temperature was 107° in the shade. Later on it seemed to get even hotter.

In the afternoon I saw a cloud to the northwest and knew that the route I was on would take me that way. Sure enough I entered the cloud and felt a surge of cool air. The temperature kept getting lower and lower and I finally had to roll up the windows. I was pulling into a small town when I heard the radio station announce that the temperature was 90°.

Why did it feel so cool when it was that warm? It was the comparison to the extreme heat I had been experiencing.

I fear that we are in danger of being influenced by the temperature of the world around us to the degree that we fail to have a grasp on reality. There is one way to tell what the temperature really is ― God's Holy Word! Use this infallible thermometer. It may surprise you what you have been lulled into thinking what is normal.

# Chapter 20

#  SOMETHING MISSING

II Thessalonians 2:15: Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

The story is told of a young man who had just graduated from seminary. He had been pastor of his first church for a few weeks and things were not going well. There was an obvious resentment from members of his congregation.

Things went from bad to worse and he felt that the Church Council was about to ask for his resignation. In utter frustration he poured his heart out to the custodian. The man told him it was because of the way he served the Lord's Supper―he didn't touch the radiator before serving.

He went to see the former pastor who had retired and told him about his problem and the way the church was responding to him. The old man began to laugh and told him he had forgotten all about the radiator.

Years before the church had purchased a new carpet and static electricity would build up so that when he passed the elements of the Lord's Supper, a spark would result. He learned that if he touched the radiator first it would solve the problem. He just continued touching it even though there was no reason to do so. He came back to the church and explained his action and the new pastor was accepted.

Some traditions are hard to break. Many are not based upon solid biblical principles and yet they persist. We need to spend quality time in God's Word to find the true basis for our faith. Is there a radiator in your life?

# Chapter 21

#  ROTTEN POTATOES

I Thessalonians 2:4: But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

Man came into my office to complain about his job at a local potato processing plant. He hated everything about it. He hated the hours he had to work, he hated his bosses, he hated the people he worked with ― on and on the complaints continued. As Dan talked, I prayed. I knew he would be expecting me to give him some spiritual counsel, and to tell you the truth I was sadly lacking in ideas about how I would respond. Dan finally ran down and I knew ― ready or not, it was my turn.

I am sure it was the Holy Spirit who gave me the wisdom to ask the following question: ―Dan, what is the worst job in the plant? Without hesitation he responded, ―That's easy. "It's cleaning up the rotten potatoes at the end of the assembly line."

I counseled Dan to ask to be placed permanently in that position and do so with joy. To make a long story short, he did just that. At the end of the week he could hardly wait to give me a report. The smelly position gave him a chance to sing and recite Scripture out loud. His cheery outlook so impressed his supervisors that they kept him working longer than any of the other seasonal workers, and told him that he would be the first to be hired the next season.

DAN CAPTURED THE PRINCIPLE OF SERVING GOD INSTEAD OF SERVING MEN. WHO ARE YOU SERVING?

# Chapter 22

# WRONG SPEED

II Peter 3:8-9: But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us,[a] not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Do you ever feel that you are lagging behind the times? I was recently thinking about the many changes in technology.

Just in the recording field I have found myself out of step. I recall purchasing a new 78 rpm record player only to learn that almost all new records were being produced for the new 33 1/3 rpm format.

Rats!

You guessed it!

I bought a new player that played both 78 and 33 1/3 rpm records.

Ha! I will fool them, or so I thought.

The recording industry seemed to be working against me. They came out with something called reel-to-reel recording.

Just as I had my new reel-to-reel unit they came out with compact discs. I am so out of date that I think I will go back to my old 78 rpm!

I am so glad that the Word of God is never changing.

There are some who have tried to modernize it and restructure it to fit their lifestyles, but I am here to tell you that it is they who need to change, not God's infallible Word.

GOD SAID IT―I BELIEVE IT―THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME.

Sometimes we may be tempted to feel that the world has left us behind. At such times we need to remind ourselves that God does not operate on man's time.

HE IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER.

Thank the Lord for His unchanging truth!

# Chapter 23

#  A STEP OF FAITH

Luke 6:38: Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.

Don was the younger brother of a classmate of mine. After graduation I had lost contact with the family for a few years. It must have been ten years later that I heard a remarkable story about Don.

Don had married and was living in a remote area of eastern Oregon. Don and his family had wanted to move to Portland, Oregon for some time.

The problem was that his company had no openings in that area.

Don and his wife began to fast and pray about the move. They determined that they needed a certain amount of income to be able to live in the more urban area of Portland.

To put action to their prayers, they began to tithe on the salary they needed.

It was only a short time after their prayer and giving had started that the district manager came to town and informed Don that the company was cutting back and his position had been eliminated.

WHAT A BLOW TO THEIR FAITH!

But the next week they "still tithed the increased amount".

Things were looking bleak until Don received a call from a competing company from the one he had been working for.

They were delighted when they heard his position had been eliminated. They had wanted to hire him earlier, now they offered him the new job.

PERHAPS YOU CAN GUESS WHAT THEY OFFERED!

The location was Portland and the salary was exactly his increased tithe amount.

ISN'T GOD GOOD!

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

#  Chapter 24

#  GOD'S SAINTS DIE WELL

Psalm 116:15: Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints.

For many years we have been blessed by supporting the Mexican Indian Training Center. The latest newsletter contains an article by our dear brother, Dan Hall. I want to share his words with you.

"Don Beto Medinilla, was one of the first Chrisyans in the village of Usila. Soon after his conversion and as his faith in the Lord Jesus became evident to all in the area, the once mayor of Usilla suffered the stoning of his house for hours by angry townsmen. His fellow Chinanteco brethren felt betrayed because he renounced idolatry and the common sinful lifestyle of the place. They were trying to make him recant and turn back to the old ways. But Don Beto"s new faith was rooted in the Rock of our salvation and he continued to believe and serve Jesus Christ.

Soon the Gospel was received by others and they began meeting in Don Beto"s house, which became the Usila Church. To testify of his new life in Christ, he poured out a storehouse full of beer and liquor and used the empty bottles to make a monument in his back yard. There were no half-way thoughts in this man. God used him to bring Luis Pacheco, a Catholic priest, to a living and true faith in Jesus, and was also instrumental in spreading the Gospel to at least fifteen other villages in his region. His home was also the place we stayed at, ate and had medical/dental clinics for many years.

His home and heart was always open to those who served the Lord Jesus. Two years ago, we received word that he was very ill and that preparations were being made for his funeral. But he got well. When we went back to Usila for a

Bible Conference a few weeks later, we were greeted by Don Beto who then said, "Hermano Dan (Brother Dan), don"t call me Beto anymore, call me "Lazarus", because the Lord raised me up from my deathbed so that I can go share the Gospel with some people in a nearby village."

He shared the need of salvation with every friend and relative he could. We visited with Beto a few weeks ago as we heard again the news of his deteriorating health. I asked him, "Beto, you know that the Lord is our Shepherd and He will lead us even beyond death." He replied, "Dan, Our God is a great God, of course I know He is with me always. I am ready to see Him."

The Lord finally called Don Beto home on April 6th of 2010. He was known by believers and non-believers alike as one who served Christ faithfully and lived the Gospel to the end of his days. We thank God for blessing us with the life of this special Chinanteco servant and dear brother

in the faith."

I thank Dan for sharing this wonderful story of a fellow saint of God.

I look forward to meeting Beto in heaven and rejoicing with him about the goodness of God in giving us salvation that prepares us for eternity.

# 

# Chapter 25

#  LIGHTS IN THE DARK

Isaiah 9:2: The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.

I am not sure how many of you are familiar with LIGHTNING BUGS (Fire Flies).

These small creatures fly around in the dark and frequently emit a flash of light. Coming from the northwest, Joyce and I had heard about them, but had never seen them. Then while serving in the Air Force we were stationed in Missouri where they were abundant.

We had grown accustomed to them and were often fascinated by the way there would be a splash of florescence when one of them would strike the windshield while we were driving. I think the local people had a hard time understanding why we were so interested in "bugs" they had seen all of their lives.

We were living in base housing on Whiteman Air Force Base, when my parents came for a visit. They lived in Idaho and like us, were not familiar with lightning bugs.

Whiteman was a missile base and there was a great deal of security.

The first morning after they arrived, my dad was very serious. He said, "Son, we know there are a lot of secret things going on at this base, and if you don't want to tell us, that's okay, but are they having some type of maneuvers in the woods behind your house?

We saw these strange lights flashing on and off all night long."

It was hard to keep a straight face as we explained that they were only lightning bugs and there were no secret maneuvers being conducted. Sometimes we are so unfamiliar with the Word of God that we make spiritual matters seem to be something spooky.

The more time we spend with God in His Word and on our knees in prayer, the more we will be able to see His hand at work in our life. I want to see Jesus gleaming bright in our sin darkened world!

# Chapter 26

#  FREEDOM IN CHAINS

Acts 12:7: Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands.

Prison yards can be fearful places. They can also be fruitful harvest fields just waiting for workers to reap what is ripe. The harvesters may be chaplains, visiting ministers or even other prisoners.

Over the years I have been uniquely used of God in very unusual ways. One of those ways was working for the Idaho Law Enforcement Planning Commission. We funded many criminal justice jurisdictions, one of which was the Idaho State Correction Center (The state Pen).

I can't recall how it got started, but I began having a weekly Bible study for the inmates.

We had 15 or 20 in our group. These men had been convicted of minor offenses all the way up to first degree murder.

We were not concerned about the offense they had committed as much as the wonderful Savior that had given them a new life in Christ.

One summer evening we were having our study on a grassy area outside one of the cell blocks. Our study that evening centered on how we are set free from sin and death when we are born again.

As we laughed about this wonderful freedom in Christ, one of the inmates looked up at an armed guard standing on the stone wall.

He made a comment I will never forget: ―With Christ in our heart, we are freer in here than that guard is up there if he doesn't have Christ in his heart!

# Chapter 27

# FAITHFUL JIM

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;  
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

I loved Jim Graham. He was a man of faith and integrity. He drove a church bus with devotion and purpose ― it was his ministry and he was as faithful to his task as any minister who stepped into the pulpit. He has gone to be with the Lord, but his dear wife sent me an e-mail in response to one of last week's E-Votionals.

HERE IS A PORTION OF SALLY'S LETTER:

This is such a blessed story! I can't hit the delete button. It just touched my heart. It kind of reminds me of back in the 1980"s. Olympia Nazarene Church bought that big Trailways bus. My husband drove it whenever he was available, but the church needed a driver more than Jim was able to do it.

One morning when we woke up, he said, "You are going to think I'm crazy." I replied, "So what else is new?" " He said, "I had a dream and God told me to quit my job and drive the bus full time." I said, "If you believe God told you to do this, then you had better do it."

God doesn't like it when we don't listen to him." He said, "But it is a job that doesn't pay anything." What do we do about living on your income only?" I said, "If God told you to do it, He will provide for us."

So Jim quit his job, we cut back on a few things, and I got a good promotion almost immediately.

We tithed the same amount as we had when Jim was working and we never missed paying a bill and we never did without the necessities of life.

GOD BLESSED US AND TOOK CARE OF US. JIM QUIT HIS PAID JOB JUNE 30, 1985 AND DROVE THE BUS UNTIL 1999."

WOW!

That really touches my heart and makes me want to do more than I ever have for the Lord. He will take care of His children when they fully trust Him!

#  Chapter 28

# WORRY BOOK

Psalm 37:7: Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

Perhaps we are all tempted to worry from time to time, but there are some folks who seem to take it on as their task in life. They even go so far as to worry that they are not worrying enough. (Just kidding ― I think).

One of the greatest illustrations I think I ever heard about worry was given by one of my all-time favorite preachers, Donald Grey Barnhouse, who was pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Barnhouse tells the story of his wife worrying about everything. She would be after him about the most trivial matter she was worrying about. He finally gave her a small notebook that he called her ―WORRY BOOK.

He asked her to write all of her worries in the book and each Saturday morning they would sit down and she could go over all of her worries, and only then would she mention them.

The first Saturday morning he asked her to open her worry book and tell him what she was worrying about.

Every item she had written in the book had not been worth the worry, so she had scratched them off.

He asked if there were not some legitimate issues and she said there were, but she did not have time to worry about them before they resolved themselves.

After a few weeks she agreed that all of her fruitless worry was only trying to do what God alone can do.

He holds our future in His hand and knows what is best for us.

WHAT ARE YOU WORRYING ABOUT?

DO YOU NEED A WORRY BOOK?

# Chapter 29

# WAKE UP

Proverbs 6:4-5: Give no sleep to your eyes,  
Nor slumber to your eyelids. Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

I have the sweetest and most gentle wife a man could ever wish for. She has been my dearest friend for some sixty-two years and my wife for almost fifty-eight years. Her birthday is today, May 10th, one day after Mother's Day.

If ever there was a Proverbs 31 woman, it is my precious Joyce. Her children rise up and call her blessed. She has an undying love for them and for others as well. That being said, she also has a frisky side.

Back in the 50's I was in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in South Dakota. My work schedule required me to leave for the base at about 6:00 a.m. each morning. I rode to work with a sergeant named Anthony Urban. It was always a struggle for me to get around and ready before he would arrive in front of our small travel trailer.

My dearest wife would be alone all day in the small 24 foot trailer, eagerly waiting for my arrival so we could visit.

I got in the habit of taking a nap after dinner. Picture my dear wife waiting all day for me to be home with her, and all I could do was take a nap.

One evening I was deep in slumber when Joyce shouted, ― Cec! Hurry and get up, Urban is here!

I almost broke my neck getting into my uniform before I saw Joyce laughing hysterically.

I LOOKED AT THE CLOCK AND REALIZED THAT IT WAS STILL EVENING.

Those special memories live vividly in my mind of a woman of God who is able to bring fun and adventure into life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DARLING! YOU ARE STILL THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AFTER ALL OF THESE YEARS.

# Chapter 30

# WATCH OUT

Ezekiel 33:8: When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you shall surely die!' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.

THE FOLLOWING IS FROM A DEAR FRIEND. ENJOY!

A few years ago I met a young man, Robert, who had just arrived in Olympia to go to a vocational college. He was from Reno, Nevada, and had never been to the Northwest.

My family lived in the beautiful green countryside of South Puget Sound, Washington, at that time. One of my sons was about Robert's age and invited Robert to go mountain bike riding on some of the many trails we had in the surrounding woods.

We had an extra bicycle, so Robert happily followed my son through the winding trails for about an hour. It was a hot day and a great day for a cool ride in the woods.

During the ride, the two passed through patches of stinging nettles that grew alongside the trails. Each time they came near a patch of the nettles, my son, who was leading the way, yelled back to Robert, "Watch out for the nettles!" Robert was wearing a sleeveless t-shirt and when they returned about an hour later, he was feverishly scratching both of his arms that were covered with little red swollen bumps.

Seeing Robert in his discomfort, my son teased, "I warned you about those nettles."

Robert innocently replied, "What are nettles?"

My son hung his head down in shame when he realized his error. My son had warned Robert each time about the approaching stinging nettles, but Robert had no clue what he was talking about. There are no such plants where Robert was from and he had never heard of them before.

After coming into contact with a Stinging Nettle it can take a few minutes before your skin becomes irritated, so poor Robert had no idea that the tall soft green leaves he had been brushing up against would eventually become pretty annoying.

As believers we sometimes forget that not everyone has an understanding of what God has revealed to us. We are given a new set of eyes when we are born in Christ, and as God leads us in understanding Him more, our spiritual eyes grow stronger.

Let us remember those around us who we hope to give a good witness to — and also for those with young spiritual eyes so that they can clearly understand what the message is.

# Chapter 31

# EUREKA

Mark 13:31: Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

I once was asked to teach a Sunday School Class of the founders of our church. Most of them had been Christians for years, so I was faced with the task of giving them some spiritual challenge. On my first Sunday I asked the group if they would like to learn the basics of God's Word? They responded excitedly that this was exactly what they needed. It especially is important for new Christians.

I fear that I failed to really fulfill the task. Perhaps it was because I needed to learn for myself before I could challenge others. In the last few weeks I have once again been stirred to prepare something to draw people to fall in love with the Bible.

I recently read something that Howard Hendricks had written. He said that when we refer to Bible study, we lose our students. They think of study as being dull and boring. So why don't we call it Bible Discovery?

The meaning of the word ―eureka‖ is ―I have found it! I seem to recall the gold miners in California shouting the word when they discovered gold. The sad thing is that the ―eurekas of this world never last. Many people wear themselves out seeking fortune and fame only to end up disillusioned.

If you are looking for a new way to discover the treasure in the Bible, please feel free to contact me at  PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com, and I will send you a discovery guide. I pray that it will lead you to find such treasure that you will shout, ―EUREKA!

# Chapter 32

# GRADUAL

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

The story is told (probably something someone invented) about a young pastor that became pastor of his first church. The arrangement of the sanctuary seemed to be all wrong. In his mind the piano needed to be moved to the opposite side of the room, so he moved it.

Immediately there was an emergency meeting of the ruling body and the young pastor was on the hot seat. As a matter of fact his bold action could not be tolerated and they asked him to resign. With a heavy heart he departed.

Several years later he was visiting in the area and stopped by to visit with the pastor who had succeeded him. To his shock the piano was on the opposite side of the sanctuary in the very spot he had moved it when he was there.

He asked the new pastor

―How in the world did you convince the board members to approve the move?

His reply was classic: ―

ONE INCH A WEEK!

This silly illustration hides a deeper meaning. We have been so mesmerized by the society in which we live that we no longer know what God's standards are.

We have been lulled into allowing unclean things like music, books or whatever to become the norm.

Instead of inquiring of the Lord to determine what He desires in our life, we look to worldly counselors to lead us down the wrong path.

NOW IS THE TIME TO

STOP – LOOK – AND LISTEN

TO GOD'S VOICE.

# Chapter 33

#  DREAMS OF GOD"S LOVE

Psalm 23:4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

There are good dreams and there are bad dreams. Unfortunately we humans are prone to judge the good times as what God desires for us and the bad times as some sort of punishment from the Lord.

The apostle Paul endured trials beyond what most of us will ever endure; beatings, shipwreck, hunger and much more. Here is what he writes concerning these ―bad times‖ of life.

Philippians 4:12: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Franz Liszt's great work, Liebestraum, means dreams of love. For the believer it should mean the dreams of God's unfailing love for us and our love for Him.

When Horatio Spafford lost his children an accident at sea he could have become bitter. Instead he penned the words of the beautiful hymn, IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL.

I pray that God's love touches you with a few

Words of this hymn.

"IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL"

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul

Refrain:

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

# Chapter 34

#  OPEN YOUR MOUTH

Psalms 81:10: I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

I am so glad that the Lord has brought me up out of the Egypt of sin. I was not a violent sinner — in fact, I was only a young boy when I turned my life totally over to the Lord and made Him the Lord of my life.

It has been a joy to walk life's pathway with Him these seventy some years.

I cannot help but reflect on the many times the Holy Spirit of God has guided and directed me in areas that are beyond my understanding.

I was discipling a young man and had set up a schedule to meet once each week for one hour of one-on-one sharing.

Since I was working full time, we had agreed to meet during my lunch hour. The busier I became at work, the more often I neglected preparing for his visit. He would appear at my office door and I would be stunned to realize that this was the day of our meeting.

One day Jerry knocked on my door, and I realized that I had failed once again. I fired off an emergency prayer for divine guidance, but nothing of substance came to mind.

I just asked Jerry, ―How is your mother? He mumbled some sort of unintelligible reply and soon left.

A few minutes later he was back. He asked if I knew what effect I was having on him. I started to apologize when he said that each week my comments hit the area of his life that he was struggling with.

In fact, he had just had an angry argument with his mother that very morning . . . . And I asked how his mother was.

It made me realize that while I certainly was responsible to prepare for his visit, it was the Holy Spirit that was most important.

I had to be yielded to say what came into my mind regardless of how silly it may sound. I would even be willing to be a fool for Christ!

# Chapter 35

# GO AND DO

Isaiah 6:8: Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

My dear mother was a ready volunteer. She was always ready to respond to any request for help. There was just one catch ― she always sent someone else. It was my dad, my brother or me. That's just the way things were, and at least one time it had a major impact on my life.

I had gone with my Mom to Vancouver, Washington, to pick up my dad, who was a bus driver and was scheduled to return. As we sat in the parking lot we noticed an African American boy about my age. He was holding a large ceramic platter which he would look at with admiration every few minutes.

Mom urged me to go over and talk with him to let him tell me about his platter. I was reluctant, but her ― call was insistent, so I went. I had no idea in what manner it would change my life. First of all, it was my first exposure to an African American.

Excitedly, the boy shared with me how he had won the platter at Jantzen Beach Amusement Park, and that he was going to give it to his mom when he got home. In a few minutes the two of us became friends, a trait I have found easy since that day.

From time to time God urges us to get out of our comfort zone and reach out to those around us. Please do not miss a blessing by staying aloof. Be willing to go out of your way to discover the story behind the ―platters in other people's life.

# Chapter 36

#  SANDS OF ETERNITY

II Corinthians 5:8-9: We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

May 24th is a special day for Joyce and me. It is the day we celebrate the birth of our oldest daughter, Brenda Joy.

That makes the third of four birthdays in May and each is exactly one week apart ― my wife Joyce, on the 10th, our son Dan, on the 17th, our daughter Brenda (who went to be with the Lord in 1991) on the 24th, and our grandson, Jeremiah, on the 31st.

Back in 1991, Brenda was in the University of Washington Hospital in Seattle. I was alone with her one afternoon when she suddenly said, ―Dad, I feel as if I have been cheated. Grandpa lived to be 74 and here I am near death at just 35. I feel like I am cheated out of half of my life!

When I arrived home that evening, I took a piece of typing paper and from the garage floor swept up a little sand. Sitting at the kitchen table I carefully counted out 74 grains of sand. These I placed in a tiny sample perfume bottle. The sand hardly covered the bottom.

The next day at the hospital I placed the tiny bottle on Brenda's bed. When she asked what it was, I told her it was Grandpa Thompson. I explained that we have the wrong idea about the length of this life.

If one grain of sand is equal to one year in eternity, think of the earth, the stars all being sand. Seventy-four grains of sand is nothing and half of that is nothing.

ETERNITY IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

Have you made provision for where you will spend eternity?

<http://www.pastorcecil.com/>

#  The Sands of Eternity - Pastor Cecil

CLICK HERE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM4xZmygeBI#t=20

# Chapter 37

#  GRANDMA"S KITCHEN

Philippians 4:12-13: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I wish you could have known my grandma Shubert. She was what might be called a pioneer woman. She and grandpa were farmers out on the Oklahoma panhandle during the dustbowl days. While others quit and moved on to greener pastures, they fought the elements and made a success of their farm.

Both she and grandpa lived into their 90's and remained active until they went to be with the Lord. After many years on the farm, they passed the load on to one of their sons and moved into town.

It was a small house in Guymon, Oklahoma, but one filled with love. One of the most remarkable things about that tiny house was the small kitchen. It seemed to be more like a closet than a kitchen. But man, could grandma turn out the meals from that tiny space. I never heard her once complain about the size or inconvenience. She just dug in and produced culinary masterpieces.

I fear that many of us complain about the lack of ability, training or opportunity to accomplish the work of the Lord. Spiritually we may have a tiny kitchen, but with the help of the Lord, we can produce what He desires.

ARE WE WILLING OR WILL WE CHOOSE TO GRIPE ABOUT WHAT IS KEEPING US BACK?

# Chapter 38

# TIME TO GO

Psalm 32:8: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

I was stopped at a traffic light in the downtown area last week. As I looked ahead of me I saw that the traffic lights were at different sequences. Some were red, some green and there was the short pause when the lights were amber before changing from green to red. (Aren't you impressed with my great power of observation?)

It reminded me once again of our walk with the Lord. Over the years I have been asked by people how to know how to follow the Lord? We can dedicate ourselves to follow closely to the Lord, but how do we know what His will is for our life?

My response to those who seek the Lord's plan for their life is to sincerely desire to discover and follow His plan. Let me repeat that: It is to sincerely desire to discover and follow God's plan and purpose for our life.

This to me is where the traffic light illustration comes into play. When we pray and let the Lord know we are serious about following Him, look for the lights!

IF WE GET A GREEN LIGHT ― GO FORWARD UNTIL WE SEE AN AMBER OR RED LIGHT.

Amber does not mean step on the gas before the light changes ― it means slow down and be prepared to stop. Red means stop everything and go to the lord in prayer to determine what comes next.

#  Chapter 39

#  IT LOOKS GREAT

II Corinthians 4:6-7: For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us

I wonder why we recall the things we do. There was an event that took place almost fifty years ago. I cannot remember the name of the pastor or his wife, but I remember that they were both gracious and loving to all they met.

We had been invited to their home for a meal, and the crowning touch was one of the wife's homemade pies. As I recall, it was a cream pie in a graham cracker crust. It looked so good that we could hardly wait to taste it.

The wife was stunned when she tried to cut the pie. For some reason the crust was so hard she could hardly cut it. She did not want to serve it, but we begged her to bring it on. She almost had to saw each piece out.

We laughed as we crunched our way through. The filling was delightful ― but, oh, that crust!

Sometimes we have to question why our earthen vessels are so crunchy and hard. When we do, we need to remind ourselves that it is not our crunchy crusts that matter, but the Jesus inside of us. He is the One who is sweeter than honey!

# 

# Chapter 40

# REMEMBER

Hebrews 12:1-2: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnaresus, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. It is a special day for me for at least two reasons. May 31st is the birthday of our grandson, Jeremiah. In addition to my remembrances of his birthday, I honor an unknown man of courage and devotion.

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT IT.

As a young lieutenant in the US Air Force, I was assigned to a processing squadron in San Antonio, Texas. A chief Master Sergeant, Reuben Luna, worked in our section and became a close friend. He received orders transferring him to Saigon.

He was afraid and we prayed for his safety in his move to a very troubled area.

A few months after he left, I received a call from him. He had just returned to the States and was in the hospital. He cried as he told me what had happened. A few days after his arrival in Saigon, he decided to go to a movie a short distance from his room.

The movie had just started when someone shouted, BOMB! Most of the men fell to the floor as best they could. But there was a true, but unknown hero (at least to me) who did not fall away from the bomb.

In a split second this young Marine officer realized there was only one way to contain some of the effects of the blast. He threw himself over the devise and was blown to bits.

Even his heroic act could not save all of the people in the room. Many died! Some like Sgt. Luna were wounded, but it was estimated that his action saved many lives that horrible day.

On this day of Remembrance, Memorial Day, I like to think about what I am willing to give my life for.

It occurs to me that anything worth dying for is worth living for.

Christ died for me and all who come to Him in faith believing. I want to die to self and allow Him to live through me. Join me!

# Chapter 41

#  DON"T LET GO

Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

I was driving down a local street when I noticed a father standing beside his young daughter, waiting for the school bus to arrive. I felt a sense of foreboding that he was entrusting this precious child into the hands of others who may or may not teach the things that would agree with his beliefs.

Since that time I have meditated about the awesome responsibility of parents in training their children.

The immediate question arises; ―How do I train my children in the way they should go? To me the answer is to discover what interests them.

Too many times parents attempt to train their children in what interests them and not in discovering what captivates the child. A parent who is an avid sportsman will find it hard to drag his ―book worm child to athletic endeavors.

I HAVE HEARD SOME INTERPRET TODAY'S SCRIPTURE THIS WAY: ―Train up a child in his own way, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Believe me, this is real work!

I often wish I could go back and start over again with our own three kids. I am sure that we would go the home school route.

I would ALSO spend far more time listening before I began to develop the training at their level. Forgive me Brenda, Dan and Lori!

# Chapter 42

# OLD BILL

James 4:13-14: Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

When I was a rookie police officer in Caldwell, Idaho, there was a sergeant who was near retirement age. He worked on the front desk and dispatched the officers whenever there was some sort of emergency.

The thing I remember most about old Bill was his anger. This anger was usually directed at his playing cards. He played Solitaire hour after hour during the night shift.

Now playing Solitaire may not be bad, but Old Bill would explode in anger when he lost, which was most of the time.

The officers who were on duty during the night shift laughed about how Bill would become so upset about a silly game that he was playing.

It seemed to be foolish to feel so strongly about something so insignificant.

As I reflect on the actions of Old Bill, I wonder about the things in our life that we tend to become upset about.

What are the vital things that have eternal value?

According to today's Scripture, this life is like a mist that will soon pass away.

That being the case, why do we place so much value on temporal things but neglect things of eternal value?

I want to make my life count for the Lord. It is my desire to give myself fully to serve Him in all I say and do.

I never want to be like Old Bill who spent himself on the foolishness of a game of cards.

# Chapter 43

# MY! MY! MY

Psalm 22:22: I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

Over the years of my walk with the Lord, I have heard many expressions of praise. Some of them were directed directly to the Lord, but I fear, unfortunately, that some were for show. In one church that we attended, there was a lady who remained silent most services, but when a visiting minister came to the church, she would put on quite a show of praising and waving her handkerchief. It was so apparent that we all knew when she was going to put on her display.

In contrast was our visit to the Billy Graham School of Evangelism. There was an elderly pastor in attendance who had a spirit that impressed all of us. When he was moved by a song or some truth that was being presented, he would shout; ―My! My! My! His sincere expression was a sheer delight.

At the concluding session he was called upon to come forward to pronounce the closing benediction. It was a blessed and sweet prayer that revealed that he was talking directly to his Savior.

As he concluded the several hundred pastors, wives and staff members reverberated; ―MY! MY! MY! I am sure that by this time the dear saint is with his Lord.

I look forward to meeting him once more in glory and as we view the sights of heaven we will say together; ―MY! MY! MY! Will you join us?

#  Chapter 44

#  JESUS PAID IT ALL

Titus 3:3-5: For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Joyce and I are not rich by any means, but compared to others we are prosperous. That being the case, I feel that God has given us the privilege and burden to keep our eyes open to observe needs around us. One of the greatest pleasures is to see a young family with a need and then do something about it.

It is always better if you can do it without being seen, but sometimes it cannot be done covertly.

A few months ago I noticed a young mother with several kids in her car filling up at the pump just ahead of me. She stopped the pump almost as soon as she started, and I realized it was financial.

Being rather bold, I stepped up to her pump, zipped my card through the sensor and told her to finish filling her tank. There were tears in her eyes as she thanked me.

We had been there and knew a little bit of what she was experiencing!

The greatest payment in our behalf is the gift of eternal life that was given us through the terrible cost of a heavenly Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who went to the cross voluntarily because He knew we would never be able to pay the cost.

"JESUS PAID IT ALL"

I hear the Savior say, ―

Thy strength indeed is small;

Child of weakness, watch and pray,

Find in Me thine all in all.

Refrain:

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.

For nothing good have I

Whereby Thy grace to claim;

I'll wash my garments white

In the blood of Calv'ry's Lamb.

# Chapter 45

# WRONG SOURCE

II Corinthians 11:13-14: For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

I have to confess that back when I was a police officer, our patrol cars were much different than modern day patrol officers' experience.

For one thing we had analog radios.

I really am not sure what that means, but during certain times of the year and when conditions were right, we had RADIO SKIPS.

Let me explain that I was serving in Nampa, Idaho. Each car had a numeric designation and when a call came into the Control Center our car number was called to respond to the call.

It is hard to believe, but the patrol cars in Lakeland, Florida―thousands of miles away had exactly the same numbers for their patrol cars.

Some calls were very confusing, but when a call came to check out an alligator in someone's yard we figured it was a Florida call and not one of ours.

Perhaps you can guess where I am going with this illustration from a spiritual point of view.

There are many religious sounding voices out there that appear to be one thing, but a closer examination will show that they are not in accordance with God's Word.

To determine if something is spiritually true or not, we must inquire of the Lord and seek to discover from the Bible what is true and what is false.

Dare I say it―there are some so-called Bible study groups that are nothing but gossip sessions and/or spending time reading what someone else has to say about a spiritual issue!

BE SUSPICIOUS! BE VERY SUSPICIOUS!

YOU MAY BE RECEIVING A CALL FROM THE WRONG ―DISPATCHER!

# Chapter 46

#  GOSPEL GOSSIP

Psalm 19:14: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

I felt like I had been struck with a heavy blow! The woman sitting across from me had asked for an appointment and what she said changed my view of our church Prayer Chain.

I am the woman! I tried to not act as confused as I was and asked her to explain.

Don't you have a Prayer Chain at your church, and aren't you praying about the affair one of your former members is having with me?

It was the first I had heard of the matter and asked her to explain.

She related that the word had come to her that some of the churches in our community had been told of the so-called affair and their Prayer Chains were praying against the evil woman.

There was no affair and she wanted me to know that no such thing was going on. Wow!

I immediately called the Captain of our Prayer Chain and she assured me that nothing of the sort was happening.

From that moment on we established a rigid policy that we would never accept prayer requests without careful examination and following biblical patterns of dealing with sinful actions.

I came to realize that we can spiritualize gossip by simply saying that we are concerned and want to pray about a matter.

Gossip is gossip whether it is in a coffee shop or a cathedral ― a staff room or a sanctuary.

Our words should always be pure and holy in order to be able to give a good report whenever possible.

By the way, that woman went away from our meeting with a thankful heart that our church had not drug her name through the mud!

# Chapter 47

#  PRAISE IN OUR PRISON

Acts 16:25-26: But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.

As a Juvenile Probation Officer, I experienced many incidents. One stands out clearly in my mind. I was leaving my office at the close of the day when I heard a wail. Not only a wail, but one calling my name:

―Mr. Thompson, I want to go home! Please let me go home!

I looked up and realized it was coming from the County Juvenile Detention cell.

The young man who was calling to me had been arrested by the police for about the tenth time. Time after time the Judge had warned him that his conduct had to change, but each time he was released he would get in more trouble and once more find himself in jail.

Now he was wailing away to be released.

I called up to him that the judge had left for the day and that the earliest he could be considered for release would be the next day. I had to leave him crying out for release, even when he knew that there was no way out.

Many people find themselves in prisons of their own making.

Others are victims of the offense of someone else― regardless, they feel trapped without hope of release.

ARE YOU THERE?

It is when we are in these situations that we need to remember that the apostles went through the same ordeals― probably much worse.

As we read in today's Scripture, Paul's reaction to being beaten and thrown into prison was to praise.

Try praising God from your own prison!

# Chapter 48

# INTEGRITY

Nehemiah 7:1-2: Then it was, when the wall was built and I had hung the doors, when the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, 2 that I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many.

My dad was a man of integrity! When he gave his word he would follow through, regardless of the cost. There were times when people took advantage of Dad, but I never saw him retaliate in any way―his walk with the Lord matched his testimony. One event stands out in my mind that exemplifies his integrity. The church was raising money for stained glass windows.

In making his pledge, Dad made a mistake. As I recall, he intended to give $300, but instead he marked the box for $3,000. HE WAS RETIRED AND THE PLEDGE SEEMED TO BE BEYOND HIS REACH.

What did he do? He prayed and asked the Lord to provide the opportunity to earn enough to pay his pledge. Not only that, he worked many long and hard hours. Each dollar he earned was sent to the church to satisfy his pledge.

The Hebrew word for integrity is 'emeth. Here are a few words that define integrity: firmness, faithfulness, truth, sureness, reliability, stability, and continuance. As I read those words I see my dad. In today's Scripture we read that the commander of the citadel was a man of integrity. Wouldn't it be great to have political leaders of integrity? Wouldn't it be great to have spiritual leaders of integrity!

# Chapter 49

#  GODS FOUNTAIN

Jeremiah 2:13: For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.

Back when I was a teenager (believe me, that was a long time ago) I worked for my uncle on the Oklahoma Panhandle. My job was to drive a tractor pulling a disc plow. For those who have not been there or done that, a disc plow is a row of concave circular steel discs that turn over the soil. It is about 15 or 20 feet wide.

You always kicked up large amounts of dust. At times the wind would be blowing and the dust blew back over you, covering you from head to foot with a layer of fine dust. My uncle always told me to go to the pump before coming in the house. The water from the pump was cool as well as washing away the thick grime.

Sin has covered us with layer upon layer of filth and grime. It does not matter what we do to get rid of it, it still remains.

It is only by the blood that flows from Calvary's Fountain that we can be cleansed and refreshed.

"THERE IS A FOUNTAIN"

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel's veins; and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains; and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day; and there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away.

Wash all my sins away, wash all my sins away; and there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood shall never lose its power till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.

Be saved, to sin no more, be saved, to sin no more; till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.

# Chapter 50

# TERMINAL

Hebrews 9:27-28: And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

It is very important for you to read this entire message before reacting. It may come as quite a blow to some of you, but others will be able to understand what I have to reveal to you. I have been informed that my condition is terminal and I do not know how much longer I have to live.

I have been in contact with my primary care physician and I am sure that she would agree with the diagnosis. As a matter of fact she is facing the same thing.

Our diagnosis was not based upon findings on medical charts, but in the Word of God. Oh―by the way, you are facing the same destiny!

That is exactly correct―each and every person alive and breathing on planet earth, or orbiting in space is terminal. Read the Scripture for today once more.

DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT IT SAYS?

Everyone is destined to die and face judgment. The wonderful news is that when we receive the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, we pass from death to life.

There is only one treatment for our terminal condition ―the blood of Jesus Christ.

It is not by how good we are, but His payment to redeem us from the horrible judgment that awaits those who neglect His great salvation.

I may be terminal, but when you hear some day that Cecil Thompson has died, don't believe it. I will be more alive than I have ever been.

Until that day comes, I will remain faithful. In the time we have left, what will we do to redeem the hours?

# Chapter 51

#  YOU ARE TOO OLD

I Peter 5:5: Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.

About twenty years ago we had a Thompson family reunion. It was a very enjoyable and relaxing time and we cousins were having fun recalling how our dads would argue when they all got together.

In the midst of this reminiscing, someone suggested we pose for a picture. As we all lined up along a fence line we smiled at our kids as they gazed at their parents.

It seemed to strike each of us at the same time―we were now the old generation.

Where had the time gone?

How could our youth have slipped away so quickly?

I was just thinking that if our oldest daughter was still alive, she would be one year away from qualifying for a senior citizen discount. Wow!

I was speaking with a friend recently about sharing the faith with young inmates at a state correctional facility. He remarked that some of them reject what he has to say because he is just too old and things have changed.

OH, REALLY? I DON'T THINK SO!

Sin is sin regardless of the time in which we live. One of the sad commentaries of our modern world is the disdain shown by young people toward those who have lived through the storms of life and want to keep the next generation from running aground.

I PRAY FOR TWO THINGS:

  1. First that the older generation will devote themselves to dig into God's Holy Word in order to discover spiritual wisdom.

  2. Second that the younger generation will have spiritual ears to hear and grow strong in the Lord.

ISAIAH 48:6

"Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them."

It happened yesterday and, once more, caught me off guard.

LET ME EXPLAIN

I was visiting an Alzheimer Care Center to have prayer with a patient and his wife. After my visit, the wife walked me to the door of the Center. She informed me that I needed the code to leave.

She said, ―It is right here on the wall beside the door.

It was then that I remembered in previous visits to other Alzheimer facilities that they use the same procedure. They want to protect the patients from wandering out and becoming lost.

So why put the code in such plain sight?

Simple―you have to put the code in backwards.

For instance, if the numbers are 234, you enter 432. (If you have trouble understanding the code you may qualify as a resident!)

There are things in God's Word that have been hidden from the world.

It is not so much that it requires great intellect, but rather that it requires faith. Faith in God is the key to discovering the wonderful things He has given us in the Bible.

God's ―Code for the true believer is accepting Him as our Lord and Savior, then staying close to His side by discovering truths from the Bible and communicating with Him in prayer.

OH, THE WONDERFUL SECRETS HE SHARES WITH HIS LOVED ONES!

# Chapter 52

# WHY ME?

Isaiah 42:16: I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.

One of my dearest friends and the senior Pastor I served with for a number of years is Chuck Higgins. He was one of the most open and honest men I have ever known.

He freely told of some of his most embarrassing moments.

One of these was at Marineland of the Pacific. He was in the outdoor stadium waiting for the whale show, when a seagull dropped its load on his forehead.

The white wet muck covered his forehead and turned his glasses solid white.

Many spectators saw it and began to roar with laughter.

Chuck just looked up and said, ―Why me Lord?

HAVE YOU EVER FELT THAT WAY?

How about the Lord leading you into situations where He means for you to be a blessing to someone?

Years ago Joyce and I felt a strong urge to travel about 100 miles north of us to see a couple we had known years ago. We really did not have the money to go, but we felt that we needed to go anyway.

When we arrived, they were stunned beyond measure. It seems that they had been praying that they could talk with us since they were going through some very rough times.

Why us?

It certainly was nothing that we could take pride in―we just obeyed the leading of the Lord.

We had no idea that the couple we would visit had been praying to see us. We were simply taking a drive and being used of God.

NO ROOM FOR PRIDE HERE―JUST GOING ALONG FOR THE RIDE. WHAT A WAY TO LIVE!

# Chapter 53

#  MY EYES ONLY

Jeremiah 33:3: Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

I love to cook! My dad loved to cook, and he passed the passion along to me. It does not matter where we are, I seem to gravitate to the kitchen and, before long, have run everyone else out so I can have free reign. Measurements? Not by cups or spoons, but ―some of this and ―some of that. You get my drift?

About seventeen years ago we had the joy of cruising through the lovely San Juan Islands of Washington State. There were three cabin cruisers in our group, and we had eight people in ours. I assumed the cooking duties. Yeah!

Early one morning we were anchored in a quiet and peaceful cove. I was the only one up and was preparing breakfast for our shipmates. I was sipping a cup of coffee when I glanced out a cabin window and saw the most thrilling sight. A huge white cruise liner glided past an opening to our cove. In a few seconds it was gone.

When my shipmates were called to breakfast I related about my wonderful sight. Their reaction was something less than excited. As a matter of fact they were not interested in hearing about it. It was for my eyes only!

Many of the blessings we receive from the Lord are not to be shared with others, but are for our eyes only. The more we try to share them, the more frustrated we become. It is much better to simply thank God for our special blessing.

Beautiful!

#  Chapter 54

#  FIERY FURNACE FAITH

Daniel 3:17-18: If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.

Walt was hunched as low as possible behind a stone wall. There were enemy shells falling all around him and several of the men in his unit had been killed or wounded. It was at this moment Walt fired off an emergency prayer —―Lord, if You let me live through this ordeal, I will give my life to You.

Basically the same type of ―fiery furnace prayer can be uttered in reference to any number of ordeals:

  * If You save my marriage.

  * If You heal my loved one.

  * If You bless me financially.

  * If You . . . You get the picture, don't you?

The fact of the matter is that most of these ―fiery furnace‖ prayers are not the kind of prayers that lead to salvation. Sadly, most of those who pray this type of prayer end up living more for the devil than the Lord to whom they were praying.

What kind of prayers should we be praying? Not those that include some type of condition, but like these three Hebrew men in today's Scripture demonstrated. They knew the Lord could save them, but even if He didn't, they were committed to remain faithful to Him.

Wow! How is your fiery furnace faith?

# Chapter 55

#  I SHALL KNOW HIM

Titus 2:13: Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

This is another hymn written by the blind hymn writer, Fanny J. Crosby. She was one of the most remarkable women, be it blind or sighted. Her love of her Lord was evident in the thousands of poems and hymns she wrote.

Imagine the anticipation of any blind saint of God to be able to see things in glory that have been hidden from their eyes in this life. Fanny commented that it would be wonderful to see her family and friends, but she longed to see her Jesus most of all.

"I SHALL KNOW HIM!"

When my life work is ended,

and I cross the swelling tide,

When the bright and glorious morning

I shall see, I shall know my Redeemer,

when I reach the other side,

And His smile will be the first to welcome me.

REFRAIN:

I shall know Him, I shall know Him,

And redeemed by His side, I shall stand

I shall know Him, I shall know Him,

By the print of the nails in His hand.

Oh, the soul thrilling rapture

when I view His blessed face

And the luster of His kindly beaming eye;

How my full heart will praise Him

for the mercy, love, and grace

That prepared for me a mansion in the sky.

REFRAIN:

I shall know Him, I shall know Him,

And redeemed by His side, I shall stand

I shall know Him, I shall know Him,

By the print of the nails in His hand.

Oh, the dear ones in glory,

how they beckon me to come,

And our parting at the river I recall;

To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing

my welcome home,

But I long to meet my Savior first of all.

# Chapter 56

# NO MISTAKE

Jeremiah 32:17: Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.

Sometimes we get so rushed to get things done that we make foolish mistakes. I have come to realize that some of these blunders work out for God's pleasure. It really is not up to me when and how someone may read an issue, and the Lord has a good using His timing instead of mine. In response to my article, ―Fiery Furnace Faith, I received this response. I will quote only a portion of it.

"I made one of those, fiery furnace prayers" back in 1981 when I was laying in a hospital bed paralyzed after back surgery. The difference was that this may sound weird but it is the honest truth, I made a phone call that night to a place called "DIAL A PRAYER".

It took years of being with the Lord before I realized what actually happened.

When I called the number (I still remember it!) this soft gentle deep male voice started with "You've cried out many times but this time is different. You need a personal relationship with me the Lord Jesus Christ."

He went on to explain how to do that and then led me through a sinner's prayer. I remember that voice to this day. After I prayed a peace came over me a freedom swept through me and for the first time in 30 years of life I had a purpose!

I left a message on the answering machine saying who I was, where I was (room number and all) thanking this "Pastor" for such a powerful message.

Growing up in church I never heard of a "PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP" with Jesus.

The next day the "pastor" was so curious he came in to see me. I have seen some scared people in my life but this guy was terrified! He literally plastered himself up against the wall with his hands at his sides holding on to the wall!

I proceeded to tell him what I heard. He told me it wasn't his message. I of course said, "Oh yes it is! Here, I'll dial it again and you listen!" He said, "No you listen!" I did and what I heard was some ridiculous generic prayer babble. I told him "You changed it!" He said, "No I don't do that until Wednesday and today is Tuesday."

I proceeded to tell him what I heard which only made him turn more pale and plaster tighter to the wall. When I was finished he literally RAN out of the room, later he was arrested for running "DIAL A PORN".

So when people ask who led me in the sinner's prayer I say, "THE HOLY SPIRIT." I know now that God intercepted that phone call and spoke directly to me."

That was no accident my dear friend. The Lord has a way of doing abundantly above all that we ask or think. Thanks for permission to use this, Kathy.

# Chapter 57

#  BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS

Matthew 27:41-42: Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.

He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him." Elizabeth Cecilia Douglas Clephane" was a ray of sunshine to the people in the small Scottish village of Melrose where she lived. Not only was she a poetess, but she spent much of her time serving the poor and needy of her area. She only lived to the age of 39, but her years of ministry touched many.

HERE IS ONE OF HER HYMNS

"BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS"

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,

The shadow of a mighty Rock Within a weary land.

A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way,

From the burning of the noontide heat

And the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus Mine eyes at times can see

The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;

And from my smitten heart with tears Two wonders I confess: The wonders of redeeming love And my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow For my abiding place, I ask no other sunshine Than the sunshine of His face.

Content to let the world go by, To know no gain nor loss,

My sinful self, my only shame, My glory all the cross.

O safe and happy shelter, O refuge tried and sweet,

O trysting place where heaven's love And heaven's justice meet! As to the holy patriarch That wondrous dream was giv'n, So seems my Savior's cross to me, A ladder up to heav'n.

Elizabeth Cecelia

Douglas Clephane

1830-1869

Born: June 18, 1830, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Died: February 19, 1869, Bridgend House, near Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scotland.

Buried: St. Cuthbert's, Edinburgh, Scotland.

---

Elizabeth Cecilia Douglas Clephane was the third daughter of Andrew Clephane, Sheriff of Fife and Kinross. She lived most of her life in Melrose, Scotland, about 30 miles southeast of Edinburgh. She spent most of her money on charitable causes, and was known locally as "The Sunbeam."

Elizabeth Cecilia Douglas Clephane's hymns appeared posthumously, almost all for the first time, in the Family Treasury (1872), under the general title of "BREATHINGS ON THE BORDER."

# Chapter 58

#  NOT TOO RELIGIOUS

II Timothy 4:3: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

As I read this passage I want to cry out, ―Yes, Paul, the time has come and we are there! Let me illustrate.

Wednesday Joyce and I were eating lunch when I received a call from a local funeral home. A family was there and I was requested to get there immediately. When I was introduced to two members of the family, they informed me that they did not want a service that was ―too" religious. I thought to myself; "Hello! I am a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and you want a non-religious service? Wow!

They reluctantly provided the necessary information so I could conduct the service. I closed our meeting with a word of prayer for the family during this time of loss. Later I received a call that the family had found another minister who was not too religious to do the service.

I should not be shocked at all by this turn of events.

We are surrounded by a society that, at best, wants to give an appearance of spirituality. I shudder to think about what will happen when the non-religious―religious people of the world stand before the Judge of all the universe to give an account of their deeds done in the flesh.

I only know this; I will remain steadfast and true to God's Word and will speak only what matches His divine will for all men. I will be God's man!

#  Chapter 59

# HURRY UP

Psalm 89:47-48: Remember how short my time is; For what futility have You created all the children of men? What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? Selah

A few days ago I was traveling down the freeway, a few miles from home. I was following the car ahead of me at a safe distance. All of the traffic was moving at generally the same speed and there was no threat of mishap. I noticed in my rearview mirror a car approaching rapidly. There was a truck in the lane next to me about 50 feet ahead of me. I thought that he would have to slow down and wait for a chance to merge into my lane. Wrong! He suddenly swerved in front of me, missing me by only a few feet. (That really gets your adrenaline flowing!)

As I watched this car pull the same maneuver in and out of traffic ahead of me, I was aware of an interesting thing---he was not gaining ground! As recklessly as he was driving he hardly gained any ground at all. As I came to my exit, here he was just ahead of me. Wheeee!

Sometimes we feel as if we have to fly through life at a breakneck pace. Instead of resting in the loving care of or dear Savior, we try to do things ourselves. Like that reckless driver we hurdle through life thinking that our actions will get us ahead and gain favor with God.

It is not what we do for Him that counts, but what He has done for us! Thank you Jesus!

#  Chapter 60

#  FRUIT IN THE GRAVEL

Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Years ago, Joyce and I were traveling in northern Idaho. We had just pulled onto the highway when Joyce asked, ―What is that hissing sound? Those words always make me shiver when I am driving. Sure enough, we had a broken hose. We made it to a lake, but there were a number of problems.

  1. The turn-out was in loose gravel.

  2. We had no container to get water.

  3. It was 15 or so feet down a bank to the lake.

  4. The radiator was sizzling hot.

  5. I was not in the best physical condition in the world.

  6. We did not know if we could make it out of the gravel if we did get the car cooled enough to drive. I am sure there may have been other problems, but these come to mind.

I finally located an empty soda can and made my first of many, many, many, trips down to the lake and back. After more than an hour we had the radiator filled and were ready for our dash into town.

I have never heard such a sick sound as that engine made when I started it up. I am sure that it was firing on only a few cylinders, but it was the best we could do. I dropped into gear but nothing happened. My sweet wife, Joyce, prayed one of the most honest prayers I ever heard her pray: ―Lord, kick this thing in the afterburner!

Immediately the engine came alive and gravel went flying everywhere. We made it safely into town and pulled into the first garage we could find and went next door to cool off.

As we sat in a booth drinking glass after glass of cool fresh water, we reflected on the incident. We quoted together today's scripture, the fruit of the Spirit. We could honestly feel that the Spirit was with us in that loose gravel that threatened to mire us down. Another blessing was that it was a very small hose and the cost to repair it was almost nothing.

AIN'T GOD GOOD!

Sometimes we get mired down in the gravel pits of life and feel that there is no way out. If you are there, I encourage you to pray Joyce's prayer ---― Lord, kick this thing in the afterburner and get me out of this mess.

I especially pray that you will be aware of the blessed fruit of the Spirit to minister to you and give you peace in your storm. Amen.

#  Chapter 61

#  JESUS LOVES ME

Luke 18:15-17: Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."

I have been reading of the Lord's dealing in the life of George Muller in the early 1800's. This man of such great faith lived totally dependent upon the Lord. He felt to ask people for money or to be paid a salary from the church would take away from his dependence upon the Lord. He purposed to bring his requests to the Lord alone and allow Him to prompt people to meet the needs of his family and ministry. It worked. Year after year the Lord was faithful.

There was a terrible outbreak of disease in 1834 that took the life of his father-in-law. Three days later his own son became gravely ill and died. He comforted his dear wife and reminded her that their dear infant was so much better off with the Lord Jesus than with them. It eased their loss and enabled them to weep for joy.

The words of this week's hymn gives those of us who have lost our own loved ones to rejoice in the wonderful hope of being able to see them again in heaven.

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me this I know,

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong;

They are weak, but He is strong.

Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me He who dies,

Heaven's gate to open wide;

He will take away my sin,

Let His little child come in.

Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

#  Chapter 62

#  ROSCOE'S BOOK

Isaiah 48:6: You have heard; See all this.  
And will you not declare it? I have made you hear new things from this time, Even hidden things, and you did not know them.

I once had a friend. I know it is hard to believe, but it is true! His name was Roscoe. He was developmentally disabled and had several physical problems. But there was one thing that made up for any problems he had---it was his smile! I am not sure how it happened, but one Sunday following the service, Roscoe took out a tiny black book and proudly opened it up. He was not able to speak well enough to tell me what it was, but I sensed that it was his bowling scores.

I took great delight in showing enthusiasm over how well he did. The next week he ran across the foyer after service to show me how well he had done that week. It was not long before I looked forward to our meetings.

One Sunday I happened to be speaking with an acquaintance named John. When Roscoe rushed up with his book he handed it to John who had no idea what it was. John placed it in his packet and started to walk off with Roscoe calling out pitifully after him.

When we retrieved the little book, John was filled with regret. He thought it was a small portion of scripture verses. From then on, Roscoe was very careful to not hand his book to others. You know, as I think about it, we have been given the Word of God as a precious thing. We can use it for the glory of God and His purposes or we can prayerfully allow the Lord to bring it into the hands of those who will find eternal life in its pages. Even more important is to allow His Word to live through us.

#  Chapter 63

# TRUST

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct[a] your paths.

I have just responded to a reader who is passing through a deep valley. I guess we have all passed through those valleys, haven't we? As Mark Lowry of the Gaither Vocal Band would say, ―We have gone through the valley, we are in the valley or we will be going through the valley.

Your trial will be different than mine and mine from others, but we can be certain that we will be faced with trials at one time or another in our life. Here is the thing we need to remember, God knows what we are experiencing and He desires to make us more mature and strong by what we endure. Modern thinking tries to convince us that we need to rely on ourselves and increase our self-esteem. Can I let you in on a little secret? -- Reliance on self usually means that we leave God out of the equation.

I am committed to being totally dependent upon God. He alone knows what is around the next corner and what will be for my good and His glory. He is never surprised what happens to me. I will trust in Him and allow Him to lead.

#  Chapter 64

# TRUTH

Colossians 3:9-10: Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

When I was a police officer in Nampa, Idaho, I was attending college during the day and working at the department at night. I usually worked on the front desk as dispatcher. Earlier one evening our officers had been called to a park because someone had fired off a loud aerial firework. It was the kind that had a base charge that sent a very loud salute high into the air where it would explode. Three of the salutes had not gone off.

About 3:00 a.m. the shift sergeant who was in command came into the station. We talked about the salutes and how loud they must have sounded. One thing led to another and we convinced ourselves (in great hilarity) that it was our duty as law enforcement officers to neutralize that terrible device.

Laughing like a couple of school boys, we took it out in front of the City Hall and lit the fuse. We almost fell on the steps as we were laughing so hard. I have never heard anything so loud in all my life as those three explosions.

Fireworks my eye, they sounded like dynamite.

Immediately the switch-board lit up as concerned citizens wanted to know if they were in danger. One of the calls was from the Chief of Police. Now here is where I did one of my song and dance acts that was intended to tell the truth and not tell the truth at the same time. I asked the Chief, ―What direction did the explosions sound like they were coming from? He responded, ―From downtown.

I innocently said, ―That's what all of the others are saying as well. We are checking it out, Sir.

Beep, Cecil! A lie is a lie!

Someone squealed and I was called into the Chief's Office the next day where he read the riot act to me. I was sure I was going to be fired when he started to laugh and told about one of his silly pranks when he was a young officer.

I want to make the point that we can lie even if the facts may be true, but we are leading people to a wrong conclusion.

The Chief may have let me off with a warning, but the Lord convicted me of my sin and I had no peace until I repented.

#  Chapter 65

#  STOP PUSHING

I Peter 3:15: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

I was born and spent my first eleven years in Camas, Washington. For those of you who are not acquainted with northwest geography, Camas is located on the Washington side of the mighty Columbia River near Portland, Oregon. Rain was a common occurrence and we became used to it (sort of!)

One Sunday night, when I was eight or nine, we were returning home after the evening service. Back in those days the cars all had standard transmissions, which meant that you could start them by being pushed while the car was in gear. It was raining cats and dogs when we came upon a car stalled in the middle of the highway.

My dad, always being a kind and helpful sort, eased up behind the car and started to push it to get it started. It was raining too hard to talk with the other driver first. Almost immediately the driver began to motion with his arm for dad to stop. He ran back and told dad that he didn't need to be pushed as he was out of gas and was trying to coast back into town for some gas. Dad took him back and the good deed was accomplished.

It is very important that we can sometimes push when to do so will cause more harm than good. If the Holy Spirit has not prepared the heart of an individual to be receptive to the gospel, we need to prayerfully wait for the Spirit's guidance.

Above all, don't push! We already have too many pushy Christians.

# Chapter 66

#  DRAW ME NEARER

James 4:8: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Joyce and I passed through a very difficult time in our life as our oldest daughter came closer and closer to passing into the arms of Jesus. We knew that her heart was right with the Lord and that the moment she took her last breath here on earth, her next would be in glory, but it still was a time we needed the Lord nearby.

Fanny J. Crosby lived from 1820 to 1915. This remarkable lady never let problems keep her away from the Lord. Her blindness as an infant meant that she spent her entire life without physical sight, but was blessed with a keen spiritual sight.

When She Was Only Eight She Wrote The Following Poem: ―Oh, what a happy child I am, although I cannot see! I am resolved that in this world contented I will be! How many blessings I enjoy that other people don't! So weep or sigh because I am blind, I cannot – nor I won't.

THE HYMN, ― DRAW ME NEARER seems to express her desire toward her blessed lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

DRAW ME NEARER!

  1. I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,  
And it told Thy love to me;  
But I long to rise in the arms of faith  
And be closer drawn to Thee.

    * Refrain:  
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,  
To the cross where Thou hast died;  
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,  
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

  2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,  
By the pow'r of grace divine;  
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,  
And my will be lost in Thine.

  3. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour  
That before Thy throne I spend,  
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God  
I commune as friend with friend!

  4. There are depths of love that I cannot know  
Till I cross the narrow sea;  
There are heights of joy that I may not reach  
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

Frances Jane Crosby

Fanny Crosby

1820-1915

Born: March 24, 1820, Putnam County, New York.

Died: February 12, 1915, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Buried: Bridgeport, Connecticut.

FANNY CROSBY

Fanny Crosby was probably the most prolific hymnist in history. Though blinded by an incompetent doctor at six weeks of age, she wrote over 8,000 hymns. About her blindness, she said:

It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.

In her lifetime, Fanny Crosby was one of the best known women in the United States. To this day, the vast majority of American hymnals contain her work. |

---|---

When Fanny died, her tombstone carried the words, "Aunt Fanny" and "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine." ELIZA HEWITT MEMORIALIZED FANNY'S PASSING IN A POEM WHICH WAS READ AT HER FUNERAL:

Away to the country of sunshine and song,  
Our songbird has taken her flight,  
And she who has sung in the darkness so long  
Now sings in the beautiful light;  
The harp-strings here broken are sweetly restrung  
To ring in a chorus sublime;  
The hymns that on earth she so trustfully sung  
Keep tune with eternity's chime!

What heart can conceive of the rapture she knows  
Awakened to glories so bright,  
Where radiant splendor unceasingly glows,  
Where cometh no shadows of night!  
Her 'life-work is ended,' and over the tide,  
'Redeemed' in His presence to stand,  
She knows her Redeemer, for her crucified,  
'By the print of the nails in His hand.'

'Blessed Assurance'—the lamp in her soul  
That made earthly midnight as naught!  
A 'New Song' of joy shall unceasingly roll  
To Him who her ransom had bought.  
To 'Rescue the Perishing,' her greatest delight,  
What bliss, in the Homeland, to meet  
With those she has told of the Lord's saving might,  
Together, to bow at His feet.

Good-bye, dearest Fanny, goodbye for a while,  
You walk in the shadows no more;  
Around you, the sunbeams of glory will smile;  
The Lamb is the Light of that Shore!  
Someday we will meet in the City above;  
Together, we'll look on His face;  
Safe, 'Safe in the Arms' of the Jesus we love;  
Together we'll sing, 'Saved by Grace!'

# Chapter 67

#  SIZE SEVEN SHIRT

Psalm 91:15: He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble;  
I will deliver him and honor him.

A popular seminary professor tells the story of a married seminary student with three children who was struggling to make ends meet while in school.

The family had a boy named Timmy, age six, who grew out of his shirt and there was just no money for a new one. His wise parents suggested that the family make it a matter of prayer and allow God to provide a new shirt for Timmy, size seven.

Each evening as the family gathered for devotions, Timmy would remind whoever prayed to be sure and pray for a new shirt---SIZE SEVEN.

Several weeks went by and the Christian owner of a clothing store was getting rid of a line of shirts. He called Timmy's parents and asked if they happened to have a need for any size seven shirts since he had three of them.

That night when Timmy reminded his dad to pray for a size seven shirt, he told Timmy they wouldn't be praying that prayer any longer. Timmy was confused until his brother and sister brought out his new shirts all size seven.

Wise parents indeed! They took the opportunity of laying a need before the Lord and in so doing they taught their family that God delights in providing for His children, even the little ones, size seven.

What specific needs do you have in your life that you are asking God for?

# Chapter 68

# WEARY

Isaiah 40:30-31: Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Have you ever been so weary that you felt like you could not hold your head up? Did your weariness cause you to become embarrassed? Have you sought sleep and rest as if it were the most precious thing in the world? Welcome to my world!

Actually, I should say welcome to my world back when I was attending college and working full time. Back in the 50's a normal work week was 48 hours, and a full college load was 18 hours. I was doing both. Sometimes the night hours seemed to go on forever and ever.

Early one morning, about 2:00 a.m., I was driving my patrol car to the edge of town where there was a turn-around area. I paused for just a second with my eyes closed. As I sat there I realized that my headlights were on bright and were shining into oncoming traffic. A driver was flashing his headlights signaling for me to dim my lights. Yikes! I depressed the siren button instead of the dimmer switch --- it must have really startled that driver as I turned on my emergency lights and tore past him.

Sometimes we get wrapped up in things that are spiritually draining and cause us to lose sight of what God really desires in the life of His children ― resting in Him alone. He will give us the strength we need to do His will. Praise the Lord!

#  Chapter 69

#  NOT WHAT I SAID

Psalm 19:14: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

One day I had a young man come to my office for counseling. He and his wife were experiencing difficulties, and he wanted me to assist in trying to patch up the damage that had been done in their relationship.

As this young man related the conversations with his wife and her negative reaction to his words, it was clear that he wanted me to take his side in the conflict (which, by the way, I never do).

As a matter of fact, it has been my experience that the one who does most of the complaining is usually the one causing most of the problem. For thirty or forty minutes he ranted about how this wife of his was totally to blame for their conflicts. He recounted the things he said to her (in a soft and loving voice) and how she would respond (in a resentful tone).

The young man left my office, but returned a short time later --- something had happened to him. The Lord had convicted him of what he had related to me. He said that the words he spoke were accurate, but admitted that wasn't the way he said it or how she had responded. Once he took the blame, healing took place.

The words of our mouth can bring about comfort and healing or bitterness and conflict. Think about the tone of your voice when you are speaking. Does the tone match the spirit that Christ wants you to have?

# Chapter 70

# TRUE WEALTH

Hebrews 13:5: Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Several years ago a man in our congregation asked me to visit a fellow who had worked in the mill with him. The young man was in the county jail for a crime he had committed. I had no way of knowing what type of response my visit would have, but I was totally unprepared for what I found. The inmate shared with me that in the first few days of his confinement, someone had shared the gospel with him and he had accepted Jesus as his personal Savior.

Our conversation revealed that his decision was real, not simply a ―jailhouse conversion. The thing that impressed me the most was this statement he made: ―A few months ago it seemed that I had everything \--- a wife, two children, a new car, a boat and more ―things than I could count. Then the bottom dropped out of my life.

Because of my crime I have lost everything. The only things I have to call my own are the sweater I am wearing and the Bible I am holding, but I feel like the richest man in the world! What a statement! Things never satisfy --- only Jesus satisfies our deepest longings. This man was later released after serving his sentence and continued to grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

What ―things are you surrounding yourself with in an attempt to fill that void in your life? You may only possess a sweater and a Bible, but I want to tell you that only Jesus will meet your need!

# Chapter 71

#  NEVER LET ME GO

Psalm 139:7-10: Where can I go from Your Spirit?  
Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.

George Matheson was studying for the ministry when he was devastated by the news that he was losing his eyesight. His fiancé abandoned him when she learned of his serious medical condition. She felt she could not go through life married to a blind man.

His sister stepped in and provided the loving care for her brother across the years. There came a day when this beloved sister fell in love and was engaged to be married.

On the evening of her marriage, the entire family had left the house and George Matheson was left all alone. It was in this time of emptiness that he needed someone who would never leave him.

His heart cried out to God and he wrote the words to this beautiful hymn, ― Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go.

OH LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO!

George Matheson

  1. O Love that wilt not let me go,  
I rest my weary soul in thee;  
I give thee back the life I owe,  
That in thine ocean depths its flow  
May richer, fuller be.

  2. O light that foll'west all my way,  
I yield my flick'ring torch to thee;  
My heart restores its borrowed ray,  
That in thy sunshine's blaze its day  
May brighter, fairer be.

  3. O Joy that seekest me through pain,  
I cannot close my heart to thee;  
I trace the rainbow through the rain,  
And feel the promise is not vain,  
That morn shall tearless be.

  4. O Cross that liftest up my head,  
I dare not ask to fly from thee;  
I lay in dust life's glory dead,  
And from the ground there blossoms red  
Life that shall endless be.

#  Chapter 72

#  SPECIAL ANGELS

Hebrews 13:1-2: Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

One of those inspirational testimonies that I have heard about concerned a Scottish Evangelist and Missionary named James Alexander Stewart. I read many of his writings and felt like I came to know him.

One of the most thrilling accounts of the way the Lord cared for him was an event at the outbreak of WWII.

James was in Berlin for services when word was given that in all likelihood British citizens would soon be arrested.

There was only one train scheduled to leave Berlin before the edict was given and tickets were not to be had. It appeared that James would be trapped under Hitler's terrible regime.

The Lord prompted James to pack his luggage and go to the station prepared to get on the train. He went and stood on the platform with others who had tickets.

Down the concourse walked a tall, distinguished looking man whom he had never seen before. He stood in front of James and said; James Alexander Stewart - - \- - "YOUR TICKET".

James never saw the man again and could only presume that it was one of God's special messengers.

Today's Scripture clearly teaches that angels can and do appear. At times they come to bring deliverance, at other times they confirm God's plan and purpose for our life.

The important thing is to treat everyone with honor and respect. You never know when the person next to you (or in the car ahead of you) may be an angel.

That could improve your driving, right!

Hebrews 13:1-2: "Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

#  Chapter 73

#  WELCOME HOME

Luke 15:20: And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

A young mother of two girls came to my office with an unusual request. She said she needed counsel on how to advise a young woman who had a problem. Here is the story as she related it to me.

When she was a little girl, day after day, this woman heard her father and mother yelling and arguing with each other. She was especially close to her father and did not want to have him hurt.

One morning he wrapped her in his arms and said he would not be coming back. She cried and begged him to stay, but she watched as he walked out of her life.

My friend never heard from her father again. She married and had children of her own, but never heard from her father, that is, until now. He just called her and asked if he could see her again?

The young mother across the desk from me asked, how shall I advise her?

In an instant the Holy Spirit revealed something to me and I said, ―It's you, isn't it?

She burst into tears as she told me her story of missing this father for so many years and now he wanted to see her again.

I counseled her to open her heart to him and allow him to receive forgiveness and love from a little girl who had grown into a wonderful young mother.

I am happy to say that she did and the homecoming was every bit as joyous as the reception the Prodigal Son experienced in today's Passage.

Is there someone in your life who needs to be forgiven?

Remember it is not necessary for them to deserve to be forgiven before we forgive them.

# Chapter 74

#  A WHALE OF A TIME

Psalm 29:3: The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters.

Living in the State of Washington has many advantages. Yes, we have rain, but we also have lakes, rivers, inland waters and the ocean.

I will never call myself a fisherman, but I know what it feels like to catch a large halibut or two. I will not go too far into a fish story except the one that follows.

Three of us were on a small boat in the San Juan Islands, fishing for King Salmon. It was a beautiful day and we really did not mind that we had caught nothing.

I happened to look ahead of the boat about 200 yards (182 meters). It looked like we were being approached by a group of submarines.

It was actually a pod of killer whales. From the shore or in pictures they may not look too large, but when you are in a small boat and they are headed straight for you, they suddenly seem larger than life.

We knew the adults were about 25-30 feet long and averaged about eighteen thousand pounds.

The huge dorsal fins would submerge and then surface with a ―Whooshing sound as they breathed. They did not deviate from their course and we were in their path. About fifteen or twenty yards they all went under water---they passed under our boat!

It was a breathtaking moment until they surfaced on the other side. Whew!

There are times in life when things are out of our control.

The difficult times can be due to our own unwise decisions, but just as likely we can just be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It is then that we place our trust in the Lord and have a ―WHALE OF A TIME PRAISING HIM.

# Chapter 75

#  MULTI-LEVEL MINISTRY

II Timothy 2:1-2: You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Have you ever been approached by someone and offered an opportunity of a lifetime? All you had to do was sign-up under them, purchase a pre-determined amount of product or service and then start signing up others under you.

It works! Well, most of the time it does.

Years ago, Joyce and I became involved in a self-defense product similar to pepper spray. Before long we had thousands of people who had signed up directly under us or at least in our personal downline. It was going smoothly until the president of the company was found guilty of financial impropriety. (He cheated!)

From time to time there is a charge from authorities that a company is operating a pyramid scheme as opposed to a multi-level format. I am not enough of a legal mind to clarify the issue, but from what I have been told it is this: "You must market a legitimate product at a reasonable price in order to be a multi-level and not pyramid."

All of that background to get to the point of our calling to engage in a multi-level ministry. Jesus gave His great Commission for His disciples to go into the entire world. How can we do that? I think Jesus gave us the answer. He had three disciples who were the closest to Him, then came the other nine. Do you get the picture? After His resurrection, His disciples created their own group who formed their own group and so on.

We have the most valuable ―product‖ in the world --- eternal salvation. In order to pass the word along we need to tell an intimate group and challenge them to tell others.

Think about it, if I disciple three to disciple three, in just eight levels we could reach over 4,000 souls for Christ.

The key is to get started. You may try it by trying to get three people to whom you can share the gospel story.

Make it interesting and informative and above all, true and faithful to the Word of God.

WILL YOU GO INTO ALL THE WORLD?

# Chapter 76

#  WINDOW PEEKING

Romans 15:4: For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Many years ago, a pastor friend had a daily radio program. It was designed to be low keyed and friendly as he presented God's Word to his listeners. He always started his program with the words, ―HELLO, MAY I COME IN?

One day a man told him that he had a complaint against him. In fact he said the pastor had caused him to sprain an ankle. The complainant said that he and his wife were in bed for a time of marital fellowship when they heard the friendly words, ―HELLO, MAY I COME IN?

Thinking someone had entered their bedroom he jumped out of bed and sprained his ankle!

That amusing story came to mind when someone recently commented that it seemed as if I received a response to one of my illustrations: "AT TIMES ITS AS IF HE IS LOOKING IN OUR WINDOWS."

Rest assured that I am not peeking in anyone's windows, but the Lord is! He knows where you are hurting. He knows your loneliness, your hopelessness and your loss of direction.

The words that I type are intended to be from the Lord to you. I can only pray that they will bless you and give you godly counsel.

# Chapter 77

#  MORNING IS COMING

Psalm 30:4-5: Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Working the graveyard shift from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. is a grind. I have been there and done that. Driving around town in a police cruiser in the dark hours of early morning was always an ordeal.

One morning one of our officers pulled up to a red traffic light. He put his car in park and decided to close his eyes for just a moment. He was not sure how long that moment was, but he was awakened by an early morning newspaper driver who tapped on his driver's side window and said, ―Sir, the light is green now.

How would you like to have been that intrepid young man? HA!

I still recall the wonderful sight of dawn breaking in the east. First there was only a soft aura that grew into a glow and finally increased in intensity even before the sun rose into the sky. It was amazing how much energy it gave us who had labored through the dark night hours.

What are you experiencing in your life at this moment? It is possible that you feel like you are in the middle of a long night. It may be physical, financial, emotional or spiritual.

I am here to remind you that joy comes in the morning. Look to Jesus and feel the bright sunlight of His presence fill your darkest despair.

# Chapter 78

# STUBBY

Luke 12:6-7: Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

My wife Joyce and I are bird lovers. For many years we have had numerous bird feeders and a bird bath outside our windows. We have a beautiful yellow canary whose cage is next to the window where he can enjoy all of his birdie friends who come to feed and socialize through the glass.

Some of these little wild birds actually come and seem to visit with him. Some of his little birdie buddies have such distinguishing characteristics that we are able to distinguish them from others.

One of his feathered friends is a song sparrow who has no tail feathers. We have dubbed her, Stubby.

Stubby is not an attractive bird, but she has shown wonderful qualities. Baby birds of various breeds come to feed. They flutter with their beaks open and sweet little Stubby is always willing to feed them as if they were her own.

The Scripture also says He has each hair on our head numbered. Some humorous person remarked; I wonder if it was before or after mine started falling out?

The important thing is that He knows us intimately. The Lord also knows each tiny bird by name. With such intimate knowledge we can rest in Him.

HE WILL TAKE CARE OF US!

#  Chapter 79

# HOMESICK

II Corinthians 5:1: For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

One of my most agonizing times was being separated from my wife, Joyce, and our three children for an entire year. I was assigned duty at Aradar Station in extreme northern Newfoundland.

The days, weeks, and months seemed to drag by during this period of separation. Each letter I received became a prized possession and I relished every word.

The phone calls home once a week were fantastic, but left me with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat when the call ended. Let's face it — I WAS HOMESICK!

Homesickness is a funny thing (except when you are experiencing it).

It can blind you to the things that irritated you when you were home, or it can create a determination to not be such an irritation yourself when you return.

When I was in Newfoundland I was busy about the Lord's business. I was not a minister, chaplain or anything of the sort, but I preached and taught and counseled as the Lord opened the doors. I tried to be the Lord's faithful servant.

But my heart was always on home. Back when I was a young boy, I knelt at an altar in Camas, Washington, and changed my citizenship forever.

From that very moment this world stopped being my home. My permanent home address is Cecil A. Thompson, Heaven, Eternity.

I have never been to heaven. Surprise! Surprise!

Even though I have never been there, it is my home and I AM HOMESICK FOR HEAVEN!

# Chapter 80

# SO SWEET

Proverbs 3:24: When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

You can count on me. I will be there for you. I was counting on a friend to stand by me in a very important project. It was the first day of the anticipated endeavor when my friend dropped the bomb that he was leaving town and good luck.

Perhaps most of us have had people make promises to us and say that we can trust them, only to have them break their promise. Trust has been broken. The result is a feeling of emptiness and loss.

It may also be the loss of a dear one that leaves us forsaken and alone. In 1879, Louisa M.R. Stead experienced the tragic loss of her husband who drowned trying to rescue a young boy. In her time of loss she wrote the words to a hymn that brought comfort to her, as well as millions of others.

TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,  
Just to take Him at His Word;  
Just to rest upon His promise,  
And to know, "Thus saith the Lord!"

Refrain:  
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!  
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er;  
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!  
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,  
Just to trust His cleansing blood;  
And in simple faith to plunge me  
'Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus,  
Just from sin and self to cease;  
Just from Jesus simply taking  
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee,  
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;  
And I know that Thou art with me,  
Wilt be with me to the end.

Louisa M. R. Stead

1850-1917

Born: Circa 1850, Dover, England.

Died: January 18, 1917, Penkridge, Zimbabwe.

Buried: Penkridge, Zimbabwe.

LOUISA M.R. STEAD

As a teenager, Stead felt called to be a missionary. She went to America around age 21, and lived for a while in Cincinnati, Ohio. Attending a camp meeting in Urbana, Ohio, she felt the missionary calling even more strongly, but was unable to go to China as she wanted due to her frail health.

She married a Mr. Stead in 1875. Tragically, her husband died off Long Island, New York, while trying to rescue a drowning boy.

Around 1880, Stead went to South Africa, and served as a missionary some 15 years. She remarried, to Robert Wodehouse of that country. She returned to America in 1895 to recover her health, but once again went into missions in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1901.

Her daughter Lily (who survived the accident that killed her father) married D. A. Carson and became a missionary like her mother.

# Chapter 81

# FRAIDY CAT

Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you;  
Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,  
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

It is a miracle that many of the kids in the neighborhood survived to adulthood. The reason was that we tried many death defying stunts at the instigation of the other kids who called us a "FRAIDY CAT" if we didn't do it.

Peer pressure is an extremely strong motivator. Unfortunately it is most often used in a negative way rather than encouraging spiritual excellence.

Isaiah 41:10 is one of the first Scripture verses I ever memorized. It has been with me throughout many ordeals in my life.

One thing that this verse has taught me is that I need not fear the things that lay in wait for me. Many situations that I have faced have been unpleasant and trying. I would have chosen to evade them, but there was no way around. I had to endure and persevere.

I want to testify to the faithfulness of my precious Lord and His infallible Word.

Someone has written: GOD SAID IT—I BELIEVE IT—THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!

I have found that to be true over and over again.

I encourage you to take to heart the promise in this verse.

You need not fear since God has promised to be with you and never forsake you.

Do not allow yourself to become depressed because He will give you His strength and hold you up with HIS POWERFUL RIGHT HAND. MAN! THAT IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!!!

# Chapter 82

#  FISH OR FOWL

I Kings 18:21: And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word.

Are you fish or fowl? What do I mean by that question? I am really interested in knowing whether you have repented of your sins, trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ with all of your heart and had your name written in the Lamb's Book of life.

There are many who know about Jesus and His saving work. Even had faith that He is the Savior of the World, BUT HAVE YOU BEEN BORN AGAIN?

To be born again is much more than believing about Jesus, it is inviting Him to be the Lord (the Boss) of your life.

Elijah was a faithful prophet of the Lord. He had the gumption to stand up against the wicked King Ahab and the 450 prophets of Baal.

He challenged the people before he challenged the prophets of Baal. He wanted to know whether they stood for God or against Him.

In Matthew 12:30 and Luke 11:23, we read the words of Jesus as He challenged the people of His day: "He that is not with Me is against Me."

That leaves no middle ground for a namby-pamby relationship. IF JESUS REQUIRED A COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP THEN, HE STILL REQUIRES IT TODAY!

In response to Elijah's challenge the people remained silent.

THEIR SILENCE ANSWERED THE QUESTION.

In the same way our silence to the call to come to Jesus and be born again signifies our refusal to follow.

If we desire to be counted as one of His own and have our lives transformed, we must stand up and be counted.

# Chapter 82

# WHICH TENT

II Corinthians 5:1: For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

I enjoy hearing people talk about what they do. I recall listening to fighter pilots talk about the thrill of combat and how close they came to death. I have been enthralled by the stories of the deep sea fishermen in Newfoundland. Police officers share with other officers interesting, sometimes dangerous, incidents.

The apostle Paul was a tent-maker by trade. I can almost visualize his calloused fingers and hands. They would almost certainly have been the marks from years of stretching and stitching the fabric to create or repair tents.

In II Corinthians 5:1 Paul uses his profession as a tent-maker to illustrate a spiritual truth: This human body of ours is not going to survive. Today there are those who try to reverse the aging process in various ways, but nothing is going to keep us from coming to the end of our life and entering eternity.

It is sad that most of us spend far too much time and effort on things that will pass away. By spending so much time on earthly things we neglect the things that really count—those things that have eternal value.

Spending time with God in prayer and reading His Word will prepare us for that heavenly home that will never pass away.

What home are you spending your time and effort to build?

#  Chapter 83

#  ARE YOU THIRSTY

Isaiah 55:1: Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk  
Without money and without price.

I know it may be hard to believe, but I used to be a Boy Scout. I learned how to start a fire without matches, how to tie knots, how to render first-aid and many other practical skills.

We were taught that if you are thirsty you can quench your thirst by placing a clean round stone in your mouth.

We were camping in the mountains of Idaho and our Scoutmaster was taking us on a long hike up a mountain.

As boys might do, we drank freely from our water canteens early in the hike and they were soon empty with many miles to go.

It was then that our Scoutmaster suggested the stone in the mouth trick. Believe me—it sounds better in the Boy Scout Manuel than in practice. We soon spit out the stones.

By the way—I just had to get up and go into the kitchen for a drink of water!

There is also a spiritual thirst that the sincere believer experiences. We come to those places in our life that demand a renewal to quench our parched souls.

Back in 1884, Lucy J. Meyer felt that spiritual thirst. It led her to write this hymn.

HO, EVERYONE WHO IS THIRSTY

Ho! every one that is thirsty in spirit,  
Ho! every one that is weary and sad;  
Come to the fountain, there's fullness in Jesus,  
All that you're longing for: come and be glad!

Refrain: "I will pour water on him that is thirsty,  
I will pour floods upon the dry ground;  
Open your hearts for the gifts I am bringing;  
While ye are seeking Me, I will be found."

Child of the world, are you tired of your bondage?  
Weary of earth joys, so false, so untrue?  
Thirsting for God and His fullness of blessing?  
List to the promise, a message for you!

Child of the kingdom, be filled with the Spirit!  
Nothing but "fullness" thy longing can meet;  
'Tis the enduement for life and for service;  
Thine is the promise, so certain, so sweet.

Lucy Jane Rider Meyer

1849-1922

#

#

Born: September 9, 1849, New Haven, Vermont.

Died: March 16, 1922, Chicago, Illinois.

Buried: Oakwoods Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois.

Meyer taught high school in Brandon, Vermont, and in a school for freedmen at Greensboro, North Carolina.

She then became principal of the Troy (Methodist) Conference Academy in Poultney, Vermont, and a chemistry professor at McKendree College, Lebanon, Illinois.

In 1885, she married Methodist Episcopal minister Josiah S. Meyer.

They opened the Chicago Training School for City, Home and Foreign Missions, where she was principal (1885-1917). This school was one of the progenitors of the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

In 1886, she founded the Message periodical (later renamed theDeaconess Advocate), editing it until 1914.

In 1908, she formed the Methodist Deaconess Association. Her works include:

  * Deaconesses: Biblical, Early Church, European, American, 1889

  * Everybody's Gospel Songs (Chicago, Illinois: The Chicago Training School of Missions)

  * Mary North; a Novel (New York: Fleming H. Revell Company, circa1903)

#

#  Chapter 84

#  I WANT TO DRIVE

I Peter 5:6-7: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

It has been a long time since I first took my driving test, was given a driver's license and was able to operate my dad's car.

It was always a mystery to me why he was so ashen faced and somber when the keys were placed into my youthful hands and I rocketed out to the car and backed carefully out of the driveway.

I discovered the reason for his terrified appearance when my own kids applied for their first driver's license and waited eagerly for my shaking hands to deliver the car keys into their all too eager hands.

Ah, the passage of time has a way of bringing around memories of the past— some good, some terrifying.

Our eagerness to be the one to operate a motor vehicle is an object lesson to teach us about our spiritual life—WE WANT TO DRIVE!

We may not be qualified or adequately aware of the hazards which may lie up ahead, but we still want to take control.

The Apostle Peter tells the young men of the world to demonstrate humility. While this is a quality that is greatly prized by writers of Scripture, unfortunately it is not esteemed in our society.

We are more prone to see strutting, swaggering, bragging and disdain by many young people who are disrespectful of their elders.

Peter has just been admonishing the elders to come under the authority of the Lord—serving in humility to Christ.

This strong, carnal desire to be our own master is contrary to God's pattern for His people. We are told to be gentle and humble before Him and with others.

# Chapter 85

#  YOU CAN'T MAKE ME

Psalm 51:10-12: Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Some people seem to have the idea that children are born innocent, perfect, and with sinless little hearts. That is before they have children of their own and experience the temper tantrums which occur when they are hungry, wet, sleepy or just out of sorts. It confirms the reality that we are born of the sinful seed of our first parents, Adam and Eve.

As a little boy, I can recall some of the gigantic arguments we would get into. Each one of us wanted to be the boss of the others, so we would be barking orders which nobody seemed to want to heed.

There was one expression which stands out in my mind as a true indication of rebellion: MAKE ME!

Those two words very often preceded a scuffle.

I hadn't thought much about those words until recently. I don't know why, but I have been struck by the words we use in many of our prayers; "Lord make me—." I wonder if we do much thinking before we phrase our prayers.

When we pray; "Lord make me- - -." do we imply that God is to do to and for us what He tells us to do in obedience?

Let me think for a minute here. That is hard for me to do, so please be patient. (LOL)

When I pray, "Lord make me loving," does that mean that the Lord is to override my unloving behavior and suddenly make me loving?

When I pray, "Lord make me a blessing to others," does that mean I can remain indifferent to the needs of those around me and expect God to send a bolt of lightning from heaven to open my eyes to see the needs of others?

I hate it when I ask these types of questions. I always get the feeling that I am talking to myself and start squirming!

BUT THAT IS WHAT WE ALL NEED TO DO. WE NEED TO BE IN CONSTANT EVALUATION OF OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS. THEY SHOULD BE GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT TO SHOW US OUR INNER MOTIVES.

# Chapter 86

#  LIKE AN EAGLE

Deuteronomy 32:10-11: He found him in a desert land And in the wasteland, a howling wilderness;  
He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, Carrying them on its wings,

Some time ago I was introduced to a web camera focused on an eagle's nest in Sydney B.C., Canada. It is my understanding that these same eagles have used this nest for several years.

This year there are three eaglets in the nest. A few days after I started watching, the mother eagle was feeding her hungry brood by shredding the remains of a seagull.

Suddenly another eagle, a marauder, swept down on the nest, and in a second had made off with the remains. I watched a video replay of the attack and was amazed at how quickly it happened. The mother seemed to be aware that the intruder was near, and was more concerned for the safety of her chicks than for the scraps of seagull.

Prior to the attack she had laboriously herded the chicks under the safety of her wings. The oldest and largest was especially difficult to corral. He kept trying to get out from under her and do his own thing, unaware of the danger to his life.

How very much we are like that willful chick. We want to do our own thing with little or no thought of the consequences of our actions. The Lord desires to cover us with His protective wings, but we fight with all of our might to escape. Then we fall into the clutches of our enemy and wonder why God is not there to protect us.

The time to come under the protective wings of the Lord is before the marauder strikes. The Lord loves us and covers us with His protective wings.

Whatever is happening in your life at the present time—realize that His wings are there to cover and protect you.

# Chapter 87

#  ON EAGLE WINGS

Isaiah 40:31: But those who wait on the Lord  
Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Each time I look on the wall above my desk, I can read the words of today's Scripture. It is done in counted cross stitch, and has a very special place in my heart. You see, it was presented to me by our daughter, Brenda, back in 1991.

Brenda had been working on it for my birthday in March. She was desperately ill, which slowed down her work. But Brenda said she that even though she had not finished it for my birthday, she was determined to complete it before she went to be with the Lord.

Brenda presented her gift to me just a few days before her death.

Each time I glance up to that framed scripture of Isaiah 40:31 on the wall, I recall Brenda's labor of love. It means so much more to know that she was thinking of her dad as she made each stitch.

This fantastic verse reminds us of one of God's most precious promises: When we wait on the Lord, He will renew our strength. We get into trouble when we attempt to develop our own strength instead of waiting for Him.

It is noteworthy to read in God's Word that anytime people run ahead of God and rely upon their own strength, they get into trouble. On the other hand, when people inquire of the Lord and wait for Him to lead, they are rewarded with His power.

The thought I want to leave with us today is that we need to spend our time in fellowship with the Lord.

  * READING HIS WORD,

  * SPEAKING HIM IN PRAYER AND

  * LISTENING PATIENTLY FOR HIS STILL SMALL VOICE TO GUIDE US.

Not running ahead of Him or lagging behind Him, but walking close at His side.

#  Chapter 88

# ROLL CALL

II Corinthians 5:20-21: Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

WE NEVER KNOW HOW CLOSE WE ARE TO ETERNITY!

In 1953 I had completed basic training in California and was being transferred to Amarillo, Texas. There were approximately fifty of us on board. Our aircraft was an old military transport plane—an old one! It had seen service in World War II.

One of the flight crew notified us that we would be making a stop in New Mexico. As we landed, one of the two propellers stopped. We were stranded there for several hours while the necessary repairs were made.

One of the mechanics happened to mention that it was fortunate we were near the airbase when the trouble hit. Yikes!

I haven't thought about that incident for years. Thinking about it now I realize that we could very easily have crashed, and I would have been ushered into eternity!

I have had other close calls that reveal to me that we are just a heartbeat from eternity!

All of us walk through life on borrowed time.

Unfortunately we are prone to behave as if all that mattered was this veil of tears. We cling onto life with our every breath and scream bloody murder at the thought of our death—FOR WHAT?

Not for what we can do for the Lord or to serve Him, but just to live a little longer.

I want to live in such a way that others will see Christ in me.

Not only did Paul express his commitment to live only for Christ, he demonstrated it by the way he lived. If ever there was an example of a sold-out Christian life, it was the apostle Paul.

LET ME CLOSE FOR TODAY WITH PAUL'S STATEMENT IN PHILIPPIANS 1:21: "FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN."

#  Chapter 89

# SEQUENCE

Acts 26:20: But declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

I was saved when I was nine or ten years old. It's been so long ago that I cannot remember my exact age. It is not essential to know my age, I just knew that I was not a Christian and the only way to become one was to confess my sins and invite Jesus into my heart.

There were about ten or fifteen other kids kneeling at that altar at the same time. The Pastor had told us to stand when we knew that Jesus had become our Savior and Lord. When I poured out my sins to the Lord and prayed for Him to come in, I knew that something had happened.

I HAD BEEN BORN AGAIN!

When I stood I saw that all of the other kids were on their feet, I felt confused, but I knew what had just happened was real. I was now a born again Christian!

Did that mean that I could live any way I wanted? NO!

Did it mean that I had to start the process of spiritual growth? Absolutely!

Spiritual growth can never precede spiritual birth. Just as I had a lot of physical maturing ahead of me, so I had a lot of spiritual maturing to do.

There are some who have the sequence wrong. They hold to the view that we must do things to merit salvation.

Beep! Not according to my Bible.

Isaiah 64:6 says:

But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

That does not sound that we can do anything to be justified by our good deeds or righteous actions.

Spiritual birth must precede spiritual growth. It is only then that we learn and practice what it means to be a faithful born-again believer.

THE RIGHT SEQUENCE!

#  Chapter 90

# THE BLOOD

Colossians 1:19-20: For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

I recall my professional counseling days, I was sometimes confronted with parents who had lost a child. In my attempt to bring comfort, I would empathize with them. Unfortunately when I said that I knew what they were going through, they reacted in a distant manner.

It dawned on me that I could not know what they were experiencing since I had not lost a child.

That all changed on July 11, 1991, when our oldest daughter, Brenda, slipped into eternity.

Joyce and I had witnessed others say farewell to a loved one, but now we knew the reality first hand.

The Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit had been one throughout all of eternity. Then Jesus, the Son, was sent to this earth to fulfill God's prophetic purpose—to bring the offer of salvation to all who would receive it.

WHERE DID JESUS OBTAIN VICTORY FOR US?

Often people point to the Resurrection as the point of victory. I would have to disagree.

When we recall the very first Passover in Egypt, it was the blood applied to the lintel and doorposts that gave protection from the angel of death.

God had a perfect plan from the very beginning.

Many prophecies in the Old Testament pointed to the cross and Jesus' atonement for our sins. He had never known sin throughout all eternity or during His life here on earth—yet He became sin for us.

By His blood we are saved―ONLY BY HIS BLOOD WE ARE SAVED!

#  Chapter 91

#  THE KILLDEER

Isaiah 34:15: There the arrow snake shall make her nest and lay eggs And hatch, and gather them under her shadow; There also shall the hawks be gathered, Everyone with her mate.

Today as my wife, Joyce and I were driving along, we saw a killdeer fly across the road ahead of the car. It reminded us of the antics we have observed about killdeer. We once owned a house that overlooked a flat piece of ground with very little vegetation. (Actually it was our yard that had not yet been planted with grass.)

We noticed that a mother killdeer had made a nest in a very shallow depression, which seemed foolish since the eggs would be so vulnerable. It was then that the remarkable antics of this bird were observed.

Anytime a threat approached—man, bird or beast—the mother would suddenly go into a remarkable bit of acting.

The killdeer would suddenly begin to flutter and flop as if it was wounded. When the intruder began to follow the

wounded bird, it moved further and further away from the nest with its characteristic call that gives its name, KILLDEER, KILLDEER, KILLDEER.

Once the threat had been lured far away from the nest, the killdeer would suddenly take wing and fly away to safety. When everything was safe, it would return to continue the task of hatching its eggs.

It is wonderful to realize that God has created these seemingly defenseless killdeer with such unique methods of protecting their eggs.

He also has unique ways of defending us. When we place our trust in Him, He will care for us. In Matthew 6:13 the prayer Our Lord taught His disciples to pray these wonderful words of promise: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

HE WILL ANSWER OUR PRAYER!

#  Chapter 92

# THE SIGNS!

Luke 12:54-56: Then He also said to the multitudes, "Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather'; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?

I really enjoy watching the weather channel. It is amazing to see the eye of a hurricane or typhoon from outer space.

Modern technology is able to predict the path of storms long before they actually arrive.

Each year there is an expert team of weather trackers scattered across the middle of America in an attempt to study and report on tornadoes. Many live pictures are shown on the Weather Channel.

Jesus seems to have something of this in mind when He spoke about people knowing how to predict weather patterns, but fail to understand what is happening in fulfillment of the prophecy given in God's Word.

In Matthew 24, Jesus gives us over twenty signs that mark His second coming. If you go there and read that chapter you will see a description of what is happening in our world at the present time.

If you are feeling overwhelmed in your walk with the Lord, there is hope and comfort in knowing that the time is near.

So what does this mean to us?

It means that there is a lost and dying world around us facing an eternity in hell unless they repent and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

WE HAVE WORK TO DO WHILE WE REMAIN, SO LET US BE FAITHFUL AND RESCUE THE PERISHING.

# Chapter 93

#  TRUE PROSPERITY

Joshua 1:8: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

My mind goes back across the years (many years) to my childhood days. There was a boy my age that lived next door. We have remained friends over these many years through thick and thin.

There is one major difference—my friend became consumed with making money while I was consumed with serving the Lord.

My close friend is now a millionaire while I have very little of this world's goods. Let's just say that this economic downturn has had much more impact on him than it has on me.

Prosperity has become the topic of many modern ministries. Sad to say, many people have become so preoccupied with making money that they have taken their eyes off of Jesus. What a tragedy!

Just this morning I heard a statement made by one of my favorite Bible teachers that has stirred my thinking. I did not catch the entire teaching but here is what I heard:

"TRUE PROSPERITY IS ACHIEVING THE WILL OF GOD."

Wow! What a clear and concise statement!

It reminds me that the richest people I have ever met are some of the poorest. They have little of this world's goods, but the serve the Lord with such sincerity of mind and purpose that contentment abounds.

In today's Scripture the Lord is challenging Joshua as he is commissioned to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

HIS CHALLENGE IS JUST AS MEANINGFUL FOR US TODAY.

It also explains how we can achieve it: By memorizing and meditating on God's holy Word day and night and then doing what it says.

# Chapter 94

#  HARK! HARK! THE LARK

Luke 2:13-14: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

When I was a young husband and father we lived for a time in Vancouver, Washington. The choir was so hard pressed for talent that I was accepted as a member. We were to sing several Christmas Carols as a part of the program.

We were located under the balcony and the lights were so low that we could hardly see our music. So it was inevitable that there would be some slips.

The program called for us to sing ―Hark, The Herald Angels Sing. Because of the dimness one of our sopranos jumped the gun. Suddenly out from under the balcony came a loud voice, "HARK!" The crowd could not control their laughter.

When quiet returned, the pastor, who was narrating the program pronounced: ―Hark! Hark! The lark in the dark! Even the soprano enjoyed the humor.

It was a joyous night on that Judean hill when the angel announced the birth of the promised Messiah to a group of lowly shepherds. I can just imagine the laughter and joy as they rushed to Bethlehem to find the new born King of kings.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, ―Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, ―Glory to the newborn King!

# Chapter 95

# WHAT IF

Psalm 14:1-2: The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.

One day I was sitting with our granddaughter in a coffee shop. We were near a table where three men were cynically discussing religion. I think their comments were intended for my ears since I had witnessed to them about the Lord.

Professing to be wise, they were systematically tearing down churches, Christians, the Bible, repentance and justification by faith. These so called wise men rested their eternal destiny on their good deeds or imagined intellect.

I have thought long and hard since hearing their conversation and have come to a few conclusions: What if they are right? What if the Bible is wrong and the necessity of repentance is wrong?

HERE ARE SOME OF MY CONCLUSIONS:

  1. I have never known a cynical person who is a happy or contented person. As a matter of fact they are the most miserable people I have ever met. They search for something to satisfy their inner longing but never are able to find it.

  2. As I consider my own life and the life of other Christians, I see a vivid contrast. There is joy and contentment that the cynics can never experience. Even if there is no heaven to gain we have a joy that the world can never know. When faced with tragedy or pain we have the comfort that only God can give.

  3. What if these cynics are wrong? (I am convinced they are!) The tragic reality is that there is much more than the temporal feelings of this world at stake. There is eternity stretching out before us.

  4. The cynics will come face to face with the Judge of the universe who will pass eternal judgment against their failure to accept His wonderful offer of salvation.

I CHOOSE JESUS!

# Chapter 96

#  QUIET PLEASE

Proverbs 27:14: He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him.

Time zones are very interesting. As I type this, it is 8:58 a.m. Pacific Time. That does not mean it is the same time in all areas of the world.

For instance, it is 5:58 p.m. in Berlin, Germany. It is 11:58 a.m. in New York. Time is a relative thing and depends on where you live.

There have been numerous times when family members who live in the eastern United States call to offer a happy greeting. The only problem is that we are still fast asleep and their happy greeting is not- - - - - let's just say it is not well received!

NOW WHAT SPIRITUAL CONNECTION CAN WE MAKE WITH THIS PASSAGE?

To me it is very clear that there is a time when words are well received and a time when quietness is far more appropriate. Many people who have recently experienced some form of trauma in their life are in need of quietness rather than words.

This is especially true when it comes to witnessing for Jesus.

There are some who seem to be convinced that people will hear if they speak louder or repeat over and over the claims of the gospel. Sadly, they often drive people away from the Lord rather than into a personal relationship with the Savior.

I recall working with a couple who were experiencing marital conflict. She knew the Lord as her personal Savior, but he didn't and was adamant that he was not interested.

As our counseling progressed I saw him begin to soften. I began to use this statement; ―You know you are coming closer and closer to trust the Lord to save you, aren't you? As I began to nod, he nodded back. Within a few months he became a Christian.

PRAISE THE LORD FOR QUIETNESS!

# Chapter 97

#  MY HEART LEAPS

Psalm 28:7: The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;  
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.

There is always a time for singing. It is when the heart is in communion with the Lord. This can be during times of stress, pain, trial or on the other hand, when we are experiencing great joy. It is a choice of the heart that seeks to be in harmony with the gracious goodness of the Lord.

I recall reading Pastor Richard Wurmbrand's book TORTURED FOR CHRIST. During the cold war years, communist oppression of Christians was intense. He had been confined to prison because he was a Christian. The guards were cruel and sadistic in their torture of the radiant believers. It had such an impact upon some of the guards that a few accepted Christ as their Savior and subsequently became prisoners alongside the men they had once tortured.

One night in the darkness of that prison, one of the new guards ordered the prisoners to lie on the floor of their cell with bare backs. He then proceeded to stomp back and forth with spiked boots on his feet.

Pastor Wurmbrand was in great pain and was crying out inwardly to the Lord and feeling that he could not take much more of the torture.

At that moment, a man, who was formerly one of the prison guards, nudged Pastor Wurmbrand.

He whispered, "Wurmbrand! I have just composed a hymn!" Richard Wurmbrand asked the Lord to forgive him for his lapse of trust.

That was years ago that I read that, and still I marvel at the joy which can be experienced, even in times of suffering. Here were men who were going through a painful ordeal, yet they chose to sing a song of praise to the Lord. So what about my life? Do I turn to the Lord in all situations and find my joy in Him? Do you?

When the Lord is real in our life, we commune with Him at all times. It is not a good morning prayer, an uttering of thanks before our meals and a bedtime prayer—it is constant talking with Him.

It is laughing with him as we see His hand at work. It is feeling His arm around our shoulders to comfort us in times of sorrow.

# Chapter 98

#  FRUIT OF SUFFERING

Romans 8:18: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Do we really understand what it means to suffer for our faith?

Someone smirks at us when we bow our heads to thank God for our food and we feel we are being persecuted.

We may even brag at our Bible study group about our courage in the face of these ―vicious‖ attacks. (Oh, give me a break!)

I am in the process of reading a book on the lives of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. Perhaps you are already aware that all of the disciples of Jesus, except John, died as martyrs.

John was tortured by being dipped in hot oil but survived. What kind of persecution have you endured lately?

Archaeologists have unearthed death chambers under St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The most hideous was the place where Peter was reported to have been held chained to a post for nine months.

The Roman emperor, Nero had expected him to die in this place of total dark and disease.

Virtually everyone who had been placed in this chamber died from disease or starvation.

Peter was taken out of the pit and crucified upside down.

So what happened during those nine months of dark and suffering?

GOD'S GLORIOUS LIGHT SHONE THROUGH IN THE MOST MAGNIFICENT WAY.

History tells us the amazing fact that in spite of all the torture, Peter led his jailers, keepers and forty-seven others to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

I hang my head in shame for the times I have complained. May God forgive me!

# Chapter 99

#  A SERVANT SPIRIT

John 13:3-5: Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded."

I think most of us have heard of Dwight L. Moody. the world famous evangelist. It seems he never thought more of himself that he should, but was always one who had a servant spirit.

In the late 1800's he invited a number of ministers to attend the Northfield Evangelistic Conference in Massachusetts.

These pastors stayed in a dormitory during the conference. The first night as Moody looked down the hallway he noticed that most of the pastors had placed their shoes outside their doors. Evidently they expected there would be servants who would shine their shoes for them before morning.

Not wishing to embarrass them DL Moody took their shoes to his room and laboriously polishing each pair before placing them outside their owner's door.

Every time I think of this prominent worldwide renowned minister of the gospel stooping to polish shoes I am impressed. He did not want to embarrass his visitors.

I think of a true servant of the Most High God becomes a servant to others.

I'm not sure how many of us will find shoes outside of someone's door but I know one thing . . . . There will be people who need to be served.

WE ARE GIVEN A CHOICE... WE EITHER ACT WITH PRIDE OR WITH PURPOSE. I PURPOSE TO BE A GOD'S SERVANT.

DWIGHT LYMAN MOODY

(Feb 5, 1837 – Dec 22, 1899)

DWIGHT L. MOODY

Dwight L. Moody didn't attend school beyond the fifth grade; he couldn't spell, and his grammar was awful. His manners were often brash and crude, and he never became an ordained minister.

Once, before his conversion, he so outraged an Italian shoe salesmen with a prank, that the man chased him with a sharp knife, clearly intending to kill him. Yet, Dwight L. Moody was used by God to lead thousands of people to Christ. Moody's life of Christian service began with his conversion on this day, April 21, 1855.

Dwight came to Boston as a teenager from Northfield, Massachusetts, and he felt all alone in the big city. The boy was desperate for work. An uncle took him on as a shoe salesman--on condition that he be obedient and that he attend Mt. Vernon Congregational Church. The young man had been raised in a Unitarian church which denied the full divinity of Christ and did not emphasize human need for salvation from sins.

Now Dwight heard about those things. But he decided that he wanted to enjoy the pleasures of the world and wait to get saved until just before he died.

However, the kindness of his Sunday school teacher, Edward Kimball, turned young Moody into his life-long friend, and encouraged him to persist in his church attendance and regular Bible reading.

Though Moody did try to read the Bible, he couldn't understand it. Kimball later said he had never seen anyone whose mind was as spiritually dark as Dwight's.

That changed on this day, April 21, 1855. Kimball came to the shoe store to ask Dwight to commit his life to Christ.

Dwight listened closely and became a Christian that day.

Immediately he began sharing his faith with others, including his own family. They wanted nothing to do with his faith. "I will always be a Unitarian," his mother said. (However, she converted shortly before her death.)

And at first Moody wasn't allowed to become a church member. Asked what Christ had done for him, the nervous boy replied that he wasn't aware of anything particular. Leaders felt that was an unacceptable answer.

When Moody later moved to Chicago he wandered the streets to find young boys to bring to his Sunday School class.

He had a passion for saving souls and determined never to let a day pass without telling someone the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Often he irritated strangers on the street by asking them if they were Christians \-- but his pointed questioning stirred the consciences of many.

God used the converted shoe salesman to become the leading evangelist of his day.

Estimates vary, but Dwight is thought to have led as many as a million people to confess faith in Christ.

Among his many achievements on either side of the Atlantic was the founding of Moody Bible Institute.

#  Chapter 100

# HIS VOICE

John 10:1-3: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Voice recognition is a strange thing. Something in the tone of a voice identifies who it is that is speaking or calling.

When I was a boy we would be outside playing, and in the evening our mother would call us to come home for dinner. Without any identification other than the sound of her voice, each of us would know whether it was our mother or the mother of one of our friends. Just the sound of the voice made the difference.

When I was in college we lived in a housing project with other married college students. It was not too long after World War II and the housing was former military barracks. Not the most glamorous place to live, but the camaraderie that existed between all of the married families was wonderful.

One evening several of us men were visiting outside, discussing college and some of the difficult professors we had (yes there were some of them), when the wife of one of the men opened her door and yelled at the top of her voice, "Chester! Come in right now! It is getting dark!"

We would have recognized her voice a block away. Poor Chester! We felt for him!

I am told that the sheep can identify the voice or the sound of their shepherd. It may be a whistle or a guttural sound. It may be a hand signal or body language. No matter what means of communication, the sheep know when the Shepherd is calling.

How do we know when the Lord is speaking to us?

The more time we spend in His Word and in prayer, the more familiar we become with the way He speaks.

Listen for His voice and obey!

#  ABOUT PASTOR CECIL

From time to time I receive requests asking about me and who I am. To be honest, I occasionally ask myself the same questions. With that in mind, I would like to give you a brief glimpse of who this guy is who calls himself "Pastor Cecil."

CURRENT STATUS:

Pastor, Tumwater Chapel of Grace Ministries

5116 Bald Eagle Lane S.W.

Tumwater, Washington 98512

PastorCecil@Daily-E-Votional.com

MINISTRY EXPERIENCE:

  * Preaching opportunities in South Dakota, Newfoundland, Missouri;

  * Assoc. Pastor (Discipleship/Counseling) - Nampa, Idaho, 1st Nazarene;

  * Pastor - Burns, Oregon Church of the Nazarene;

  * Pastor - Shelton, Washington Church of the Nazarene;

  * Pastor - Olympia, Washington – Summit Lake Community Church;

  * Pastor - Chapel of Grace Ministries.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND AND TESTIMONY:

I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior during a Vacation Bible School in Camas, Washington, when I was in the third or fourth grade. It was a genuine experience and I have never turned back from following Him all of my life. In 1948 I fell in love with my sweetheart Joyce when we were both 14. Throughout our 62 plus years of marriage we remained totally devoted to each other.

Joyce and I were blessed with three beautiful children and eight gorgeous grandchildren. Blessing is the operative word in our life because we early on learned the secret of blessing.

In 1991, one year after becoming pastor at Summit Lake Community Church, our oldest daughter ascended to be with our Lord. We learned the blessing of trusting the Lord even when allowing our precious girl to slip the bonds of this world. Her three children, surrounded with our prayers, became such a joy to us. We are even more blessed to have our son Dan, his wife Donna and their family living close to us.

Our youngest daughter, Lori, experienced kidney failure in 2001. She started kidney dialysis and went on the transplant list for both her kidney and pancreas. On December 18, 2001, our granddaughter Jenna (Brenda's daughter), donated one of her kidneys to her aunt Lori. The transplant was a great success.

On February 5, 2002, a pancreas became available and was transplanted at the University of Washington Medical Center where the kidney transplant had been completed the previous year. Several months later the pancreas failed and Lori received a second transplant. She has experienced several challenges since the transplants, but we walk by faith, as does she, and simply allow the Lord to work out the details.

Together Joyce and I experienced many blessings of the Lord on our ministry. Even though my dear wife has now ascended to be with our Lord, we always believed that there is no such thing as retirement. I want to be found faithful when the Lord calls me to be with Him and reunited with my dear ones who have gone on before me.

This is a tiny glimpse of Pastor Cecil. My one desire is to be used in any and every way the Lord chooses. Walk with God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing.

Pastor Cecil

PASTOR CECIL'S "THE SANDS OF ETERNITY" VIDEO MESSAGE AT: http://www.pastorcecil.com/

Love Joy Peace

A Tasty Sample of Spiritual Fruit That

Will Give You A Boost For The Day!

© 2015 by Pastor Cecil Thompson  
All Rights Reserved

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 New King James Version

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