Sunday's Coming

Greetings from the RGV (Rio Grande Valley).

Good morning.  I pray you had a safe and enjoyable Christmas. We were busy but had a great Christmas. Now we are gearing up for New Year's, you know, all the parties, Ha, Ha. Seriously, we have no plans except the normal everyday business.

My sermon this week is on the New Year and resolutions.  As I was reading today, I came across this:

DECIDING TO JUMP

A boy told his father, "Dad, if three frogs were sitting on a limb that hung over a pool, and one frog decided to jump off into the pool, how many frogs would be left on the limb?"

The dad replied, "Two."

"No," the son replied. "There’s three frogs and one decides to jump, how many are left?"

The dad said, "Oh, I get it, if one decides to jump, the others would too. So there are none left."

The boy said, "No dad, the answer is three. The frog only DECIDED to jump."

Does that sound like last year’s resolution?
Application

I tell myself, "This year I’m going to turn over a new leaf. I’m going to exercise regularly & lose weight. I’m going to do all kinds of things to improve myself physically & spiritually." But then somehow I forget. Maybe you have that problem, too.

So this year I have a suggestion for a New Year’s resolution that we ought to be able to remember. It is kind of broad & very general, but here it is - let’s promise ourselves & God that we will make a change for the better. This year, as God’s people, as His church, let’s make this one simple resolution - we’re going to make a change for the better.

Happy New Year!

LaVon and l are thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday's Coming

Greetings from the RGV (Rio Grande Valley).

Good morning!  We are experiencing balmy, tropical weather this week.

God is providing energy for me and I have felt good enough to visit a few people in their homes here in the park.  There have been two deaths here since last week and I will be doing a memorial service Sunday afternoon in the Main Hall for Janet Graham, who passed away on her husband Bill's 90th birthday.  Please pray for her family and for me as I share Jesus Christ with them and comfort them.

We were very saddened by the news of the passing of our friend, Ray Poyer.  We met Ray and Linda in Arizona our first seaon in the RV ministry.  At that time, Ray was unsure of his salvation and asked me to pray with him.  I know beyond a doubt that he is with our Lord Jesus right now and this assurance gives much comfort and joy to his family and us.  We look forward to seeing him again one day.

We visited a lady yesterday who said she did not know "whose arms she would wake up in" if she died and she didn't seem the least bit interested in learning about knowing for sure where she would spend eternity.  Pray for her (God knows her name) and pray that God will soften the hearts of those here who don't know Him.  Pray for the 'boldness in love' of those who do know Christ as they reach out to their neighbors.

We pray all is well with you and yours. We hear from some that are having troubles and we pray for you then and often. If you have a prayer need please let us know so we know how to pray with you.

Sunday School ChristmasA little boy returned from Sunday school with a new perspective on the Christmas story. He had learned all about the Wise Men from the East who brought gifts to the Baby Jesus. He was so excited he could hardly wait to tell his parents.

As soon as he arrived home, he immediately began,

"I learned all about the very first Christmas in Sunday school today! There wasn’t a Santa Claus way back then, so these three skinny guys on camels had to deliver all the toys! And Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with his nose so bright wasn't there yet, so they had to have this big spotlight in the sky to find their way around!"
Application

I urge you to keep Jesus at the center of all you do. May you have a Merry Christmas!

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continued support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, cards, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

We don't ask for money, generally.  We ask for you to pray for us and ask God how He wants you to be a part of this ministry of reaching those precious souls who are nearest (statistically) to eternity and the hardest to reach spiritually, the RV community. 

If you are wondering... 
Why support?

Because:

...you believe Matthew 28:19. That is the Great Commission, where the Lord told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every person. That is our mission.

...you care about those who are lost. You care about those who do not yet know Jesus Christ. And so do we.

...you value the teaching and encouragement you receive every week through Sunday's Coming.  I read letters and emails and receive phone calls from friends just like you who tell me how much the teaching of the Word of God means to them.

...you understand the value of the ministry work God has called us to.

...you understand what it takes to spread the gospel. It takes many people, giving what they can, to reach as many as possible, using every means of technology available, with the only message that can change their lives for time and eternity: the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Can you send a gift of $35, $45, or more today, to help us and Christian Resort Ministries, International?  At this secure link, you can choose where you want 100% of your gift to go.  (Note:  the site states that we are serving at Sunscape in Casa Grande, AZ.  That was where we were last winter.  This winter we are serving in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas at the Tip O'Texas RV Resort in Pharr.)

 

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.   

Don

Sunday's Coming

Greetings from the RGV (Rio Grande Valley).

Good morning,

Like you, our days are being filled, but we do enjoy the busyness. We pray all is well with you and yours. We hear from some that are having troubles and we pray for you then and often. If you have a prayer need please let us know so we know how to pray with you.

My sermon this week is What Christmas Means.  As I was reading this morning I read the following:

Teaching Children About Christmas*
The Season of Advent was beginning, and I wanted to inform the children that, according the Bible, Jesus is coming twice, once as the baby in the manger, and then as King.

So I asked the children, "How did Jesus come the first time?"

One child answered, "Down the chimney."
Application

If your Christmas celebrating has begun to feel a little harried, step back for a moment and see whether something other than Jesus has taken center stage. Determine to make Him the focus of everything, and ask God to show you what a "successful" holiday season would look like for you. Then, rest easy in God's peace and His plans.

Jesus really is the reason for the season. So let's make sure we keep Him as the centerpiece.

(Adapted from It's Not About Me by Max Lucado)

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday's Coming

Greetings from the RGV (Rio Grande Valley).

Good morning!  Like you, our days are being filled, but we do enjoy the busy-ness and getting to know those in this park. We pray all is well with you and yours. We hear from some that are having troubles and we pray for you immediately and often. If you have a prayer need please let us know so we know how to pray with you.

My sermon for Sunday will be on forgiveness.  As I was reading this morning, I read the following.

Road Rage

Fighting rush-hour traffic from suburban Maryland to Washington D.C. can cause its share of near misses and irritating moments. One morning, a young lady darted her compact car from a side street into the stream of traffic immediately in front of a driver just a few car lengths ahead of me, forcing him to brake sharply. He avoided hitting her by inches and was obviously furious. Within seconds, traffic stopped at a red light, and I watched him pull up behind the offender, leap from his car, and stride angrily toward hers. Clearly, he intended to give her a royal bawling out.

Seeing him coming, the very attractive young lady jumped from her car and ran to meet him--a big smile on her face! Before he could say one word or know what was happening, she had thrown her arms around him, hugged him tightly, and planted a passionate kiss on his lips! Then she was back in her car and driving away, leaving her antagonist standing in the middle of the street still speechless and looking somewhat confused and embarrassed--but no longer angry!

—B.R. Holt, "Lite Fare," Christian Reader

Read Mathew 5:21-26

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

Greetings from the RGV (Rio Grande Valley).

Finally, I am feeling closer to normal after battling bronchitis for more weeks than I should have. Praise the Lord for good meds and doctors.

While reading in "Seeds From the Sower," this morning, the following really spoke to me:

MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY

The famous comedian, Jimmy Durante, was doing his best to meet the deadlines in a tight schedule. While traveling from one location to another, someone asked him to visit a Veteran's Hospital. He agreed to do so, however, he emphasized that he would only be able to spare a few minutes.

He began his visit with a short monologue. The vets were thrilled and applauded loudly. The more he entertained, the louder the applause. He was thoroughly enjoying himself and forgot about the time. He stayed much longer than he had intended. Finally, he took his last bow.

Knowing of his schedule, someone asked, "What happened?"

"I was supposed to leave much sooner," he said, "But look at those two vets in the front row. I couldn't let them down."

One of the men had lost his right arm and the oter his left. Left to themselves, they were incomplete. But together they were able to clap. And this they did wildly and happily. It was a moment of great happiness for the comedian and the vets. Unfortunately, it did not last.

For the Christian, however, it can be a permanent condition if our hearts are right with God.

Real happiness is ours when we have a right relationship with God. Regardless of what we may be facing, we can be happy in the Lord knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us, and that one day we will be with Him, forever.

Psalm 68:3 But let the godly rejoice.
                  Let them be glad in God’s presence.
                  Let them be filled with joy.

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

We are in Pharr, Texas. We had our third Sunday service last week and it went pretty well. I think I am catching on to the way they want the service to go but, keep us in your prayers.

Todays Bible Thought :

Luke 17:11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.¹²And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:¹³And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.¹⁴And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed¹⁵And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,¹⁶And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

Only one of the ten decided to go back and give thanks, and he was a Samaritan. The Jews looked down on the Samaritans, yet it was a Samaritan who came back to give thanks.

How like us it is to forget to give thanks. We are so quick to ask for God's help. But we also need to remember to give Him praise when He comes through for us. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I urge each of you to look back and remember the requests you have made to the Lord and how He answered them. I also urge you with a thankful and grateful heart to say thank you for each of them.

May you have a Blessed day! Happy Thanksgiving!

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning , we are in Pharr, Texas. This is our winter "assignment" here at the Tip O'Texas RV Resort and we will be here until the end of April, God willing.  We had our first Sunday service last week and it went pretty well.  They do a lot of things that will take us a little time to adjust to them. We had a good turn out and in most part, they were glad we are here. Keep us in your prayers.

Todays Bible Thought (from Seeds From The Sower):

Learn to Write in the Sand*

Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey, they had an argument; and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: “Today my best friend slapped me in the face.”

They kept on walking, until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: “Today my best friend saved my life.”

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, “after I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?”

The friend replied “when someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.”

Learn to write your hurts in the sand and to carve your blessings in stone.

Matthew 18:21 - 23 (KJV) ²¹Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? ²²Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. ²³Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you, and you can etch that in stone!  Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

We are in Pharr, Texas. It has been extremely windy and warm. I have to ask, “God are you sure this is where you want us?” Then I remember James 1:1-4. I know through it all, He will be glorified and I will have peace and joy.

Todays Bible Thought (from Seeds From The Sower):

“It seems as though everyone is experiencing dificult days and troubling times.

Recently a father wept as he said,” My son lost everything and I wasn't able to help him!”

When we face feelings of fear and frustation, when threats overtake us, when we sense our limitation, we need to remember God's promises.”

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.” PS. 46:1

Praise God He is our refuge in times of trouble so He can keep us in our difficult times. What a great God we serve!

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you, thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

We are still in Waco, Texas visiting family and friends.

Todays Bible Thought:

I John 2:5 But if anyone obeys his word, God's love^[b] is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did

Teasing*
My grandson, Justus, age 10, and his sister Taylor, age 13, were always teasing each other. One day, Justus was getting "sensitive" about things his sister was saying to him. I reminded him that he had said the same types of things many times in days past.

With quiet reflection, he spoke a gospel truth: "But it doesn't hurt as much coming out of my mouth as it does going into my ears."

Illustration: While stopped at a red light a man noticed that the car ahead of him had a bumper sticker that read, “Honk If you love Jesus!” The man loved Jesus, so he honked. Angerly the driver in front shouted, “Whats wrong with you, fool? Can't you see the light is red?”

There are many of us who say one thing with our lips but another with our lives. John tells us we are to live our lives as Jesus did.

So watch what you say and how you act, someone is watching.

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you , thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry. You encourage us beyond words.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

We are in Waco, Texas visiting family and friends. I'm sorry I missed last week but I was very sick and my mind just wouldn't work. I want to thank you for your prayers.  Today, I am feeling more like me again. PTL

Todays Bible Thought:

James 5:16 (ASV) ¹⁶Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. 
A little boy was preparing to go to bed. As he knelt quietly, he called to his family, "I'm getting ready to pray. Does anybody want anything from God tonite?"

That needs to be our attitude when we pray we must believe He is going to answer. You see, prayer is not just about asking it's also about expecting and receiving. So many times when we pray it is just a ritual. We need to seek God and His forgiveness then when we pray believe He is listening and is going to answer us. A preacher once said "when you pray for rain you need to carry your umbrella expecting it to rain."

How is your prayer life today?

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you.  Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these, we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the Living Water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning again from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

We will be here visiting daughter and family for a week then on to Texas.

Todays Bible Thought:

Decision*

A company was hiring new staff. One question in the written exam was:

You are driving your car in a wild stormy night. You pass by a bus station, and you see three people waiting for the bus: an old lady who looks as if she is about to die, a doctor who had once saved your life, a man/woman you have been dreaming to be with. You can only take one passenger in your car.Which one will you choose? Please explain your answer.

Think about it before you continue reading.

This must be some kind of personality test. Every answer has its reasoning.

You could pick up the old lady. She is going to die, and thus you should save her first.

You could take the doctor, because he once saved your life. This will be the perfect chance to pay him back.

However, you could always pay the doctor back in the future, but you may never be able to find the perfect love once you pass this chance.

The candidate who was eventually hired (out of 200 applicants) did not have to explain his answer.

WHAT DID HE SAY?

He simply answered: "Give the car key to the doctor. Let him take the old lady to the hospital. I will stay and wait for the bus with the man/woman of my dreams."

Sometimes, we would gain more if we were able to give up our stubborn limitations.

Conclusion:

I once heard this said about Christianity in America…

“American Christians no longer desire to be fishers of men, but have resigned themselves to be keepers of the aquarium…”

What a sad, sad commentary on the outlook of Christianity in our country.
There are many churches who are on fire for the Lord and growing, but for every growing church there are 10 churches that are dead or dying.

We need an attitude like this young man in the story and look for the best for all instead of just for ourseves.

We need be fishers of men.
~ Author Unknown
LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you  and thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning again from Branson, Missouri. We are leaving this morning headed to Neosho, Mo. We are meeting some friends that we met in Arizona, Bob and Snookie.
Our time here in Branson has been busy but very productive. I ask you to keep CRM, our ministry organization, in your prayers as we look at the purchase of property to used for our head office and so much more. Thank you!

Todays Bible Thought:

Lewis Grizzard, the famos author, and his father were attending a major league baseball game. Prior to the first pitch everyone stood and sang the national anthem. Standing proudly, his father placed his hand over his heart and sang so loud that it emdarrassed Lewis.

Sitting down he said, “Dad it embarrassed me when you sang so loudly.”

Turning to his son, he replied, “ Son it embarrassed me that you didn't.”

In writing to the Romans Paul said that Christians should never be lacking in zeal. We should use all our enegy to glorify Him. Whatever we are doing praying, serving, singing, witnessing, or worshiping. We can be a source of encouragement to others.

Read Romans 12:
9 Love sincerely. Hate evil. Hold on to what is good.
10 Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other.
11 Don’t be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord.
12 Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually.
13 Share what you have with God’s people who are in need. Be hospitable.

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you , thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday Is Coming

Good morning again from Branson, Missouri.

Todays Bible Thought:

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." Psalm 32:11

A merry heart has the ability to capture and enjoy those wonderful times of life and let them turn to laughter.

Your sense of humor is a gift from God.

Research studies have shown that laughter, along with a well-rounded sense of humor, is one of the sure signs of intelligence. It is also known to produce endorphins in your body that generate feelings of well-being.

Good, wholesome laughter is a gift from God. Abraham Lincoln said, "God must have meant for us to laugh, or else he would not have made so many mules, parrots, monkeys and human beings. God wants us to laugh."

Pass along the gift of laughter today to someone. Tell a good, wholesome joke. Send an email of a funny story to a friend that you haven't talked to in a while. - Adrian Rogers

Laugh for the Day:

A golfer, now into his golden years, had a lifelong ambition to play one hole at Pebble Beach, California the way the pros do it. The pros drive the ball out over the water onto the green that is on a spit of land that juts out off the coast.

It was something he had tried hundreds of times without success. His ball always fell short, into the ocean. Because of this he never used a new ball on this particular hole. He always picked out one that had a cut or a nick.

Recently he went to Pebble Beach to try again. When he came to the fateful hole, he teed up an old cut ball and said a silent prayer.

Before he hit it however, a powerful voice from above said, "WAIT...REPLACE THAT OLD BALL WITH A BRAND-NEW BALL."

He complied, with some slight misgiving, despite the fact that the Lord seemed to be implying that He was going to let him finally achieve his lifelong ambition.

As he stepped up to the tee once more, the voice came down again:
"WAIT...STEP BACK... TAKE A PRACTICE SWING."

So he stepped back and took a practice swing.

The voice boomed out again, "TAKE ANOTHER PRACTICE SWING."

He did. Silence followed.

Then the voice spoke out again: "PUT BACK THE OLD BALL."

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you , thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Thanks again for praying last week everything went well.You can listen to the sermon on line at CRM Sermons .

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning again from Branson, Missouri.


Todays Bible Thought:

How many ways have you been blessed by God? Relationally? Materially? Spiritually? Physically?His blessings are all around us, but we are too easily distracted.

King David said, "I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds" (Psalm 77:12). Another Psalm echoes, "Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me" (66:16).

Whatever God has done for you, stop to remember His blessings in detail. And say a word of thanks.

Lord, when I look back, I can see that You have been with me all my life. Thank You for Your goodness to me. Amen.

Illustration:

There is an old legend of a man who found the barn where Satan kept his seeds ready to be sown in the human heart. On finding the seeds of discouragement more numerous than others, he learned that those seeds could be made to grow almost anywhere. When questioned, Satan reluctantly admitted that there was one place in which he could never get them to thrive. "And where is that?" asked the man. He replied sadly, "In the heart of a grateful person."

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you , thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

I will be preaching this week in a local church, I ask you to be in prayer for me. Thanks again for praying last week everything went well.You can listen to the sermon on line at CRM Sermons .

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Branson, Missouri.

Todays Bible Thought:

A lady said to a beggar, “Here is a quarter. You don't deserve it, but it will make me happy to give it to you.”

“Thanks ma'am,” he said. “Why not make it a few dollars and really enjoy yourself?”

Giving is an important theme in the bible. The gifts of God and His Son are priceless. Paul reminds us we are not to give reluctantly or in response to pressure.

2 Corinthians 9:6 - 9 (ASV) 6 But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work: 9 as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.

The Lord has given us two hands: one for receiving and one for giving. The question is not “What can I spare?” but “What can I share?” When we share, we show the love of Christ. 

Recently, we witnessed very close friends purchase a pop-up trailer with A/C for a couple they work with who have been living in a tent without air conditioning during this tremendous heat wave we've been having.  Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 (NASB) "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'  We witnessed the giver being even more blessed than the receiver because it was what they wanted to do and it was from their heart.  What a joy!

As always, on behalf of LaVon and I, thank you for your continual support, encouragement and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways; by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the Living Water with the world through the RV ministry.


I will be preaching the next two weeks in two local churches, I ask you to be in prayer for me. Thanks again.


Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Branson, Missouri.


Catherine Booth was the wife of general William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army. In the course of raising her large family, Catherine would often tell her children: “Now remember, you are not here in this world for yourselves. You have been sent-for-God and others. The world is waiting for you.” They grew up with a very clear picture of their Christian calling and took and active part in Christian ministry.

God has a specific purpose for each of us.

Jeremiah 29:10 - 12 (ASV) 10 For thus saith Jehovah, After seventy years are accomplished for Babylon, I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.  11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.  12 And ye shall call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

God has created you and I to accomplish great things. He has given us the gifts to carry them out. It may be a gift in a certain ministry. You may be gifted as an encourager, as many of you are for me as you encourage me on a regular basis. Whatever your gift is or ministry you feel led to do, first take it to the Lord in prayer and He will hear and show you the way.

As always, on behalf of LaVon and I, thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the Living Water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Branson, Missouri.

Today's Bible Thought:

It was a great day for fishing. The fish were biting as fast as the bait hit the water. A group of boys was watching the fishermen with great delight. But there was one who seemed a bit perculiar to them. Every time he caught a fish, he would measure it, and if it was more than ten inches he would throw it back.

Finally out of curiosity, one of the boys approached the man and asked “Why?”

“Because said the man, All I have is a ten-inch frying pan to cook them in.”

Sometimes we limit our prayers because we have a ten-inch frying pan faith. We limit what God can do to us, through us and for us because our faith is too small.


The Bible promises that anything is possible if you have faith. When we lack faith, God's word reminds us - “Faith comes from hearing and hearing from the word of Christ.”

And Jesus said unto him, If thou canst! All things are possible to him that believeth. - Mark 9: 23

My prayer today for you and me is that God will increase our faith to match the problems and needs in our lives; that we will hold to the promises of God.


As always, on behalf of LaVon and I, thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Indianapolis,

As we prepare this morning to leave our summer excursion, we would like to thank all our dear friends who have showered us with such wonderful hospitality along our route.  It has been a summer to remember, that's for sure and we just don't have adequate words to express our gratitude.


Today, we head toward Branson, expecting to arrive Friday, so we would sure appreciate your prayers for us as we travel and as we begin a month and a half of meetings, trainings, workshops, etc.

My devotional from Inspired Faith just said it all for me this morning:


Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.  Hebrews 13:2

When was the last time you visited someone and felt truly welcome and comfortable? What made you feel that way? In all likelihood, it wasn't just fancy sheets or top-shelf meals. It was the effort your friend put into making you feel at home.

Throughout Scripture, an act of hospitality becomes the scene for a holy moment. Abraham serves a meal for three strangers - who turn out to be God, delivering His prophecy about Abraham and Sarah's future (Genesis 18:1–15). The widow at Zarephath makes a cake of bread for Elijah out of the very last of her flour and oil, and miraculously she never runs out of food (1 Kings 17:7–24). Peter's mother serves Jesus and the disciples after He heals her from a fever (Matthew 8:14–15).

In our modern day, hospitality can turn into something no less holy. God blesses us for receiving others into our homes. And when we take the time to demonstrate care for someone else, we realize that we are merely returning the love God gives to us.

Thank You for the people You've given me to love. Be with me as I plan to show them hospitality and bless those who have shown hospitality to us. Amen.

We have received numerous emails and phone calls and as always, on behalf of LaVon and I, thank you for your continued support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways; by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do, that is, sharing Jesus with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Friendship

Good morning from Indiana,

Just a note to say "thank you" for your prayers and friendship as we continue to travel. We will be here near Goshen, at our dear friends, Kim and Mitch Moser, for the weekend then off to Indianapolis on Monday.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on!


Friendship*


You gave me words of kindness
tied with a ribbon of gold,
hearing them was important
to heal my heart and soul.


Your gift of words made a difference
when I was down and blue,
questioning why I bother,
doing what I do.


Life can be a challenge
sometimes it seems unfair,
but when I was tired and struggling
it helped that you were there.


What can I give you in return
your friendship is so dear,
please know if you ever need me
I will always be here.


Kind words and time are needed
by people everywhere,
when wrapped with a smile or a hug
they're a gift that says I CARE!

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Michigan,

This is our final week here. We are visiting RV parks checking for opprotunities for summer preaching cites. We are also visiting friends we have met these past three years in the RV ministry.

Today's Bible Thought:

This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 (KJV)


Today is your best day because you can grow a little more in your faith, a little more in your maturity, and a little more in your intimacy with Jesus. Today you can take another step higher as He takes you from glory to glory.

Corrie Ten Boom once said, "God doesn't have problems; He only has plans." God doesn't make bad days for you and good days for you. God makes each day fit perfectly into His plans for you.


There are two ways that we can walk through a day. One is to walk by sight, and the other it walk by faith. To walk by faith means to walk in the truth of God's word and the presence of the Holy Spirit who lives in you. (Excerpt from Today is Your Best Day by Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer.)

If you're holding out for a miracle today, don't be surprised if the one God sends you comes at the hands of your friends and neighbors. We can always count on Him to come through, but He very often uses those nearest to us to see us through a difficult time.

As always on behalf of LaVon and I, thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the Living Water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday Is Coming

Good morning from Michigan,

We are visiting RV parks checking for opprotunities for summer preaching cites. We are, also, visiting friends we have met these past three years.  And thoroughly enjoying it.

Todays Bible Thought:

There was a soldier who was wounded in battle. The padre crept out and did what he could for him. He stayed with him when the remainder of the troops retreated. In the heat of the day he gave him water from his own water bottle, while he himself remained parched with thirst. In the night, when the chill frost came down, he covered the wounded man with his own coat, and finally wrapped him up in even more of his own clothes to save him from the cold. In the end the wounded man looked up at the padre. "Padre," he said, "You're a Christian?"

"I try to be," said the padre.

"Then," said the wounded man "if Christianity makes a man do for another man what you have done for me, tell me about it, because I want it."*

You are the only Jesus somebody knows. Christ lives in you and will use you to help heal this hurting world if you'll let Him. The priest was willing to become uncomfortable for the sake of a dying man. Sometimes I don't feel like going out of my way to reach out to someone and sometimes I close the door. There are other times when I realize that I represent Jesus to the world around me and that I touch someone not with my love but with His love. And it makes a difference in their life and mine.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Gal. 2:20

As always on behalf of LaVon and I, thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the Living Water with the world through the RV ministry.

Each of us should know what God wants us to do Paul said, "This one thing I do!" Know what it is that God wants you to do and do it with all your strength for His glory!

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Michigan,

We are visiting RV parks, checking for opprotunities for summer preaching cites. We are also visiting friends we have met these past three years. We made a hospital visit yesterday with Jack Gordon as he had a procedure done; all went well and he will probably get to go home today.

Today's Bible Thought:

Your actions will speak much louder than any words you will ever say:

Shortly after World War II came to a close, Europe began picking up the pieces. Much of the Old Country had been ravaged by war and was in ruins. Perhaps the saddest sight of all was that of little orphaned children starving in the streets of those war-torn cities.

Early one chilly morning an American soldier was making his way back to the barracks in London. As he turned the corner in his jeep, he spotted a little lad with his nose pressed to the window of a pastry shop. Inside the cook was kneading dough for a fresh batch of doughnuts. The hungry boy stared in silence, watching every move. The soldier pulled his jeep to the curb, stopped, got out, and walked quietly over to where the little fellow was standing. Through the steamed-up window he could see the mouth-watering morsels as they were being pulled from the oven, piping hot. The boy salivated and released a slight groan as he watched the cook place them onto the glass-enclosed counter ever so carefully.

The soldier's heart went out to the nameless orphan as he stood beside him. "Son...would you like some of those?" The boy was startled.

"Oh, yeah...I would!"

The American stepped inside and bought a dozen, put them in a bag, and walked back to where the lad was standing in the foggy cold of the London morning. He smiled, held out the bag, and said simply: "Here you are." As he turned to walk away he felt a tug on his coat. He looked back and heard the child ask quietly:

"Mister. . . are you God?"

We are never more like God than when we give.

1 John 3:18 -" Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

As always, on behalf of LaVon and I, thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.  You are an encouragement to us.

Each of us should know what God wants us to do Paul said, "This one thing I do!" Know what it is that God wants you to do and do it with all your strength for His glory.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday Is Coming

Good morning,

We are on the road again. I pray all is well with you today.

He said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Matthew 9:37

Francis of Assisi was a wealthy, highborn man who lived hundreds of years ago. He felt that his life was incomplete and even though he had more than enough wealth he was a very unhappy man. One day while he was out riding he met a leper. The leper was loathsome and repulsive in the ugliness of his disease. Something moved Francis to dismount and fling his arms around this person. In the arms of Francis the leper's face changed to the face of Christ. Francis was never the same again.

Francis of Assisi spent the rest of his life serving his Lord Jesus Christ. He wrote these famous words as a prayer to God from the heart of a man who had a deep desire to be an instrument of God's will on this earth.

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

Matthew 9:37 tells us there are many people who still need to know the peace, love, faith, hope, light and joy of Jesus Christ. Are you willing to put in the work necessary to tell these people about Jesus?

Doing service is a powerful way to open the heart and fulfill the soul. Those people who do service know how much joy they receive from giving to others. -- Margaret Paul


As always, on behalf of LaVon and I, thank you for your continued support and interest in our ministry by giving in many ways, by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don