Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls what a blessing you are to us. Your support makes all the difference, so again, Thank You.

In my reading today, from the Sower, I would like to share with you:

GIVING OTHERS A CHOICE
A mother gave her son two beautiful apples, but one was larger and shinier than the other. Placing them in his hands, and wishing to teach him about sharing, she instructed him to “Give your little sister her choice.”
A short time later, she noticed that he had kept the bigger one for himself. So, she asked, “Why didn’t you give your sister her choice?”
“I did,” came the reply. “I gave her the choice of the little one or none at all. And she took the little one.”
There is a lot of selfishness even in the smallest of us. Size has little to do with whether or not we are self-centered or God-centered. It is easy to save rather than to share, to get rather than to give, to hoard rather than to help, to protect rather than to promote.
Paul reminds us that “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Prayer: Help me, Heavenly Father, to realize that the needs of others are an opportunity for me to give to them as You have given to me. May I be sensitive to others who are without the necessities of life, and share with them out of the abundance You have given me–especially Your salvation. In Your Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 2:1-8 "....not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls what a blessing you are to us. Your support makes all the difference, so again, Thank You.

From my reading today, I want to share this.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words
By Leslie Snyder

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

The early church father, St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” The following story communicates how actions often communicate more than words.
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him.
It was a chilly evening and the pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor’s visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and sat down. The pastor made himself at home, but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some time, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.
Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, “Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.”
Today, spend a few moments considering what your life communicates to others.

GOING DEEPER:
Jesus calls us to be His hands and feet to a lost and dying world. In any relationship, our actions speak louder than words. How can you visibly share the gospel with someone today?

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls what a blessing you are to us. Your support makes all the difference, so again Thank You.

In my reading today I want to share this from The Sower.

THE WHISTLER AND HIS WIFE

A new preacher came to town. Each day as he passed one particular home on his walk to the post office, he heard a man whistling happily and loudly.
Day after day he heard the whistler. He became so fascinated with the sounds that he decided to discover where they came from. One morning the preacher opened the gate quietly and looked inside. Hearing the gate creak, “the whistler” approached the preacher asking him to come inside.
“Why do you whistle so loudly when you work?” asked the preacher.
“My wife’s a cripple,” he answered, “and she is also blind. I want her to know as she sits alone on the porch that I’m always close by and thinking about her. When she hears me whistling, she knows I’m not only nearby but available.”
Our Lord is just like “the whistler” – always nearby and available. Although we may not hear Him or see Him, He is always present in our world. However, we must trust “Him with our worries and cares, for He is always thinking about us and watching everything that concerns us.”

Prayer: Thank You, Heavenly Father, for always being nearby, for always watching over us and protecting us, and meeting our every need. May we always sense Your presence in our lives and Your love that surrounds us. In Your Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls; what a blessing you are to us. Your support makes all the difference, so again, Thank You. 

This being Thanksgiving, I think this a great reminder for us.

Constant Gratitude
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

God wants a daily relationship with us. How it must grieve Him when we run to Him only in times of trouble and need. We beg and plead for God’s help, but then when help arrives we forget to thank our rescuer. We bargain with God for His blessings, but once we have received them we go back to our old habits. It seems to be human nature that we seek out God when we need or want something, then forget Him the rest of the time.
Instead of focusing on our needs, God wants our focus to be on Him. He wants our thankfulness to be sincere. He wants our gratitude to be constant. He wants to see as much intensity and fervor in our thanks and praise as He saw in our requests and petitions.
Take time to express your gratitude to God today. Focus your heart and your mind on His faithfulness and holiness. When the problems, worries, or frustrations of the moment begin to distract you, redirect your focus on Him and know that He is glorified by a thankful heart.

Prayer: God, forgive me for the times I’ve run to You for something, only to forget You as soon as You answered my prayer. Teach me to praise you in the good times and the bad. May I always have a word of praise on my lips for my Savior. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

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

Update pictures:

The gazebo is up!!! Got it up yesterday and today, LaVon finished hanging the side panels and attaching the rope lights around the deck.

We have three chairs and will purchase seven more soon.  The gazebo will comfortably accommodate about twelve chairs.

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

God Bless You!!

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls; what a blessing you are to us. Your support makes all the difference, so again, Thank You.

1 Timothy 2:1 (ASV) 

I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; 

We can’t pray for everybody in the world by name, but we certainly ought to pray for those we know and know about. Why? Because it’s a good thing to do and because it pleases God.

Tell us how can we pray for you.

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

Don

What does a good day really look like? (I need this reminder everyday)

A GOOD Day

Has GOD in it!

God in your heart; 

God in your day; 

God in your circumstances; 

God in your valleys; 

God in your mountain tops; 

God in your joys; 

God in your sorrows; 

God in your going out; 

God in your coming in; 

God in your trials; 

God in your triumphs; 

God in your need; 

God in your supply; 

God in your deserts; 

God in your fruitful fields!

By Roy Lessin

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls. What a blessing you are to us. We continue to work on our new meeting place. We got the floor together this week before it turned cold and will tackle the gazebo in a few days when it warms back up. Thanks to all of you for your help.

Remember Ps.118:24- 
“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

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

What does a good day really look like?

A GOOD Day
Has GOD in it!

God in your heart; 

God in your day; 

God in your circumstances; 

God in your valleys; 

God in your mountain tops; 

God in your joys; 

God in your sorrows; 

God in your going out; 

God in your coming in; 

God in your trials; 

God in your triumphs; 

God in your need; 

God in your supply; 

God in your deserts; 

God in your fruitful fields! 

By Roy Lessin

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls what a blessing you are to us. When we hear from one of you we are encouraged and revitalized. Thank you! 

Each day we have a choice we can be negative or choose to be positive.

Hows are you feeling today?

If you are feeling defeated and discouraged, you have forgotten something vitally important.

Psalm 42 is a great example of how loving the Lord with your memory can fill you with hope, pull you out of the pit of discouragement, and propel you into more fervent faith. Here David presents a problem and a solution: "My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember You" (Psalm 42:6). Whether you’re in the valley or on the mountaintop, let David’s cry be your prayer.

Prayer: God, thank You for the many ways You have delivered me, helped me, healed me, and provided for me. Today I choose to dwell on Your faithfulness rather than my own disappointments. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls what a blessing you are to us. When we hear from one of you, we are encouraged and our strength is revitalized. Thank you! 

Each day we have a choice we can be negative or choose to be positive.

Hows are you feeling today?

If you are feeling defeated and discouraged, you have forgotten something vitally important.

Psalm 42 is a great example of how loving the Lord with your memory can fill you with hope, pull you out of the pit of discouragement, and propel you into more fervent faith. Here David presents a problem and a solution: "My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you" (Psalm 42:6). Whether you’re in the valley or on the mountaintop, let David’s cry be your prayer.

Prayer: God, thank You for the many ways You have delivered me, helped me, healed me, and provided for me. Today I choose to dwell on Your faithfulness rather than my own disappointments. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Sunday Is Coming

Good Morning,

This one is a little long but well worth the time.

FACING TRIALS

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (Does that sound familiar?)

James, in his letter to the early Christians, lists the qualities that many kinds of trials develop in us.

She stood outside the doorway of the church intrigued by the love and joy displayed by those inside. The missionary had asked her to come in, but she had politely declined. This was a hostile area in the Philippines, and her father had strictly forbidden her to have anything to do with “those Christians.”
Unknown to the little Filipino girl, the missionary was praying fervently for her soul. Finally one Sunday morning, the little girl accepted the invitation to attend the Sunday school class. There she also opened her heart to Jesus and became a child of God. The missionary presented her with a beautiful white dress, representing the fact that Jesus had washed all her sins away.
The next Sunday the little girl was nowhere to be found. Concerned for the girl, the missionary travelled to her home village. Arriving at her home, she found the young, new believer lying in the dirt. Her white dress was torn, filthy, and soaked in blood. The girl’s father hadn’t shared the missionary’s joy in his daughter’s new-found faith. In a drunken rage he had beaten her, repeatedly kicked her, and left her to die.
The missionary gently lifted the fragile girl and carried her back to the church where a doctor rushed to help. But there was nothing he could do. He removed the ragged dress and cleaned her up, but her injuries were too severe. The missionary stayed with her, trying to comfort her during her final hour.
Upon regaining consciousness the little girl made an unusual request. She insisted on holding in her hand the white dress the missionary had given her. They explained that it was torn and soaked with blood and dirt. With the simple faith of a child she whispered, “I just want Jesus to know that I was willing to bleed for Him.”

RESPONSE: Today I acknowledge that struggles and trials are exactly what I need in my life. Without them, I would be crippled. I would never fly!

PRAYER: Lord, cause my suffering to make what I really believe to be evident to others.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS)
A daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks

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

Sunday's Coming!

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls the past few weeks; you all help us so much. A special thanks for each of you who sent money to buy the tent and chairs; we are almost there! You are bringing a vision to life.

I was reading this morning and read the following : From Dayspring Cards:

Thanking God for You
I always thank God for you. I Corinthians 1:4
A squeal of excitement, an encouraging smile, a shoulder to cry on…a true friend walks through life with you. Thank you for being there for us during these trying times. As I remember each of you I encourage you to think about the special friends God has brought into your life. Take a moment to SHARE with them what a blessing they are to you!

Take time right now to praise Him for this day, the challenges in it and those who help you through it. You will be amazed at the difference it will make in you!


We love you and want to thank you for all the ways you support us.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

P.S. We have sold the pick-up truck and are thankful for the very nice 2002 Chrysler 300M that God led us to.

Sunday's Coming!

Good Morning,

We continue to be pleased, more each day, with this park. God seems to allow me to visit daily with our manager here in the park and he seems to like me for some reason. We both get to tell him of our Jesus.  He has agreed to let us have church services here, but we will need a place to do it. He has agreed to an area in the park, so all we need is a tent and chairs. The leading by God to do a church service and/or Bible study here in the park is very encouraging to us in light of how I have felt the last few months. We are now even more encouraged that the pacemaker/defibralator upgrade to be done, Friday, October 3rd, will be successful in increasing the function of my heart and I will have energy once again to stand and preach. Glory to God!

In my quiet time this morning, I read the following by Pastor Jeff Schreve. Some of you will recognize why this spoke to me and I hope it encourages you, also.

Rejoice in each day!
Perhaps you heard the story of Bob who died and went to heaven. As Saint Peter was showing him around, he noticed a “complaint box.” “Peter!!” Bob exclaimed, “Why would there be a complaint box in heaven?” Peter replied, “Well, heaven is a place of perfect happiness… and some people just cannot be happy unless they can complain.” 
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Regardless of the situation we may be facing today, one thing is for sure: God made this day… and He wants us to rejoice in it. In Psalm 118:24, a definite choice was made to rejoice. The writer says, “We will rejoice and be glad...” Rejoicing is an act of the will. 
You and I can choose to rejoice and be glad, or we can choose to grumble, gripe and complain. Choosing the latter course of action does not change the circumstances, it just sours your attitude and outlook. Choosing to rejoice, however, pleases God and lets your light for the Lord shine among men. 
What are you facing today? Stop complaining and start rejoicing! You and I serve a RISEN Savior who loves us, died and rose again for us, and promises to work all things together for good for us. 
Take time right now to praise Him for this day and the challenges in it. You will be amazed at the difference it will make in you!

We want to thank you for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and financial gifts. You are an encouragement to us more than you know and we know that God has answered your prayers for us many, many times.

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

Sunday's Coming!

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls. You all help us so much. I continue to struggle daily with health issues, but I count it all joy and claim God's promises.

I was reading this morning and read the following it is my life verse:

Paul's ThornBy Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
After the Apostle Paul pleaded with God to take away his thorn, God responded, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
What was Paul’s thorn? We don’t know. Whatever it was, it really doesn’t matter, but what matters is this: This was no minor irritation. Paul’s thorn in the flesh was a torment day-in and day-out. He was in severe pain.
In 2 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul talks about the horrendous things that were happening to him he was shipwrecked, nearly stoned to death, lashed thirty-nine times, beaten, put in prison, and deathly hungry and thirsty and yet through all of this he never prayed to God and said, "God, take these things away from me." Not once do we see him praying that these things would go away. Meanwhile, he persists in prayer over this thorn, whatever it was.It is no accident that the Bible did not tell us what his specific problem was. The Holy Spirit left this out deliberately so that all who go through suffering could identify with Paul. This godly man quietly asked the Lord to intervene and deliver him quickly, just like we often do and there is nothing wrong with that request. However, God’s response was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Do you believe in the sufficiency of His grace today?
Prayer: God, thank You for Paul’s example of trusting Your grace in his life as he struggled with his thorn in the flesh. Help me to do the same. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).

We want to thank you for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and gifts.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

We are very happy in our new location. It's so peaceful and much quieter here. Almost daily, God gives me an opportunity to chat with Louie, the owner. He may only be one person, but he is valuable to God.

Thankfully, it didn't fall on our RV, but it did take out a portion of the top strand of wire on Louie's fence.  The tree cutting crew repaired the fence.

As I deal with health issues, the following from David Jeremiah spoke to my heart this morning. I hope it will be an encouragement to you, as well.

Worshiping in the Darkness
I will praise You with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing praises to You. - Psalm 138:1
Recommended Reading
Job 42:1-6
The nineteenth-century South African pastor and writer, Andrew Murray, was feeling unwell one day when a woman came seeking his advice about a difficult situation in which she was involved. Unable to see the woman in person, he wrote down a few paragraphs on paper for his housekeeper to give to the woman. The last line he wrote was a summary for her to believe: "I am here (1) by God's appointment, (2) in His keeping, (3) under His training, (4) for His time."
In short, Andrew Murray gave his visitor four reasons for worshiping God even in times of trouble. If we are where we are by God's appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time, what could we possibly have to worry about? Those four points are usually what we think when things are going well, when we really feel like worshiping God. But if they are true all the time, even when things are hard, why wouldn't we worship God in those times as well? We agree with Job: "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10) 
We don't worship God because things are good or otherwise. We worship Him because of His sovereign oversight and care for our life. 

Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light. - V. Raymond Edman 

I read in Isaiah 46:4 this week and I really like this verse ... the most obvious reason being that my hair is almost solid silver now.  Second reason: God is good and I know He is carrying me.

Isaiah 46:3-4New King James Version (NKJV)

3 “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob,
And all the remnant of the house of Israel,
Who have been upheld by Me from birth,
Who have been carried from the womb:
4 Even to your old age, I am He,
And even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you.

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

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls; you all help us so much. We are settling in at this new, small RV park more each day. I continue to visit daily with our manager here in the park. He seems to like me, for some reason, and I get to tell him of my Jesus. Yesterday he and the maintenance man were washing our rig and we started talking about doing good things and heaven. I told him that grace was the only way to heaven and he agreed that Jesus Christ is the only way.
We pray God uses us to encourage this nice man in his walk with the Lord.

Morning in Magnolia.
Oh magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together.

I was reading this morning and read the following:

WHAT’S A PROVERB?
Little Ruby was saying her bedtime prayers. “Dear God,” she prayed, “please help bad people to be good and good people to be nice.” Whether Ruby knew it or not, she provided a simple way of describing what the book of Proverbs is: “a guidebook for living a life that pleases God.”
Over the years, various cultures and societies have established different criteria to describe whether or not one is “successful.” Many have put “wealth” at the top of the list. And money, to some degree, is important and necessary if one is to have the basic necessities of life. Others would speak of power, prestige and one’s position in society as being critical. Those words express the core values of individuals who want to be recognized for what they have accomplished on the world’s stage in politics, the military or banking and finance. No doubt some want to be remembered for doing some “thing” that no one else has done - like discovering a medicine that extends life or setting a record in a particular sport, inventing a product or procedure that makes life better or is useful, valuable or delightful.But those whose lives are guided by the lessons that we find in The Proverbs are those who fear God and allow Him to guide them, guard them and give them His gifts.We often talk about hindsight, sometimes we wish we had foresight, but Solomon’s Proverbs give us insight to make decisions based on God’s laws. Proverbs provides the believer with God’s wisdom that is underwritten by God’s power that we may live godly lives.
Prayer: Grant us willful hearts, Lord, to obey Your laws. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Proverbs 1:1 Begins with: "The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:" and ends with verse 33 "but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

We want to thank you for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and gifts.

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls. You all help us so much. You know, we are quick to ask for prayer but how are we at thanking those who pray or the One who answered our prayers?

I was reading this morning and read the following – by David Jeremiah:

Puppy Love

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. 
Luke 17:15-16

Last spring, a dog became stranded in the water at the bottom of a canal in Romania. A passerby, seeing the pooch whimpering and trying to climb to safety, scaled down the wall, jumped into the water, pulled the dog out by the scruff of its neck, and carried it back up to dry land. The dog ran away and shook itself; but then it quickly returned, ran to its rescuer, and showered the man with lots of nuzzles and licks. The video of the grateful canine became a sensation. 

Sometimes we can learn a lot from our four-footed friends. Jesus once healed ten lepers, but only one came back with thanksgiving -- and he was a Samaritan. Everyone who is in Christ has been rescued. We've been healed. We're the most blessed people on earth. Some days may be harder than others, and some seasons of life might be tumultuous. But gratitude isn't situational. It isn't based on what we have or where we are, but on our relationship with the God who pulled us out of deep waters, set our feet on a rock, and put a new song of praise in our mouths. 

When I praise Him, He is exalted in my life, and when He is exalted, I am happy and whole. - Vernon Whaley

We want to thank you for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and gifts. We praise God for you in our life. We praise God for our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

First, thank you for your prayers, e-mails and calls, especially this week, that help us so much. 

One of my favorite TV comercials is the cowboy who gets knocked off his horse by words.

I was reading this morning and read the following – by Adrian Rogers:

The tongue is the meanest member in the church. The tongue is a fire and a world of iniquity. James says the tongue, though it be very small, is powerful and influential. Therefore the tongue should be handled with care.Your tongue need not be “set on fire of hell” (James 3:6). Like the Apostles at Pentecost, it can be set on fire from heaven! If God lights the fire and controls it, then the tongue can be a mighty tool for the winning of the lost and the building up of the church. The important thing, of course, is the heart; for it is “out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaketh” (Matt. 12:34). If the heart is filled with hatred, Satan will light the fire. But if the heart is filled with love, God will light the fire.

Words can not only tare you down, they can lift you up . Words give you encourgement and enable you to do things you wouldn't think you could do.

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

Sunday's Coming

 

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers. LaVon continues to have a lot of pain.  We praise God for the progress she has made in the increased range of motion and we hope and pray her shoulder will soon be healed.

I was reading this morning and read the following -

Do you ever feel like prayer is pointless? If God knows everything already, then why do we need to pray? Prayer is simply communication with God. In order to have a healthy relationship with another person, we must talk to one another. Similarly, we must communicate with the Father to have a thriving relationship with Him. It's way easier than it seems. Just start with thanking Him for life itself and all that you have. Talk to Him about all that is bothering you...etc. Agree with Him through the reading of His promises in His Word.

Why Pray?
by Jeff Schreve
Psalm 116:1-9

I did a little google search on the question, why pray? And one of the things that came up on the first page, why pray, was a blog from an atheist. And this atheist blogger said, ''I think prayer is the most ridiculous, useful less thing a person could ever do.''

Why pray? You know, the Scriptures says in 2nd Timothy chapter 2 and verse 1, ''The first thing,'' Paul told Timothy, ''the first thing I want you to do is pray.'' Why? Why do you want me to do that, Paul? Why is that the first thing? Why pray? Somebody could say, ''Well, you know, why pray? It's because God tells you to pray.'' That's kind of like the answer when you ask your parents, ''Why do you want me to do this?'' ''Just do what I say. It's because I told you so, that's why you do it. Do it because I told you.''

Well, we could say, ''Why pray?'' Well, God told us to. Well, that doesn't really answer the question. I mean, that's an answer, but it's kind of like an answer that just says shut up and do it.

God doesn't give us that kind of an answer. God says, ''This is why you pray,'' and the answer is found in Psalm 116 very clearly it says this: ''I love the LORD because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live...

Thank you for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and financial gifts. We continue to make ourselves available to the residents of this RV park and God gives us opportunity almost daily to encourage someone in Him by praying with them and listening to them. Our "Chaplain Baker" shingle is still hanging on the front of our RV and people know we are here.

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

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers. LaVon continues to have a lot of pain. We hope and pray her shoulder will soon be healed.

I was reading this morning and read the following from David Jerimiah which made me aware that every where we go is an opportunity to tell others about our Jesus, whether it be at physical therepy, at the VA or at WalMart, and especially where we live in this RV park.

The Painter Did It

By faith Moses... refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.  Hebrews 11:24-25

During a hotel stay in France, the founder of Greater Europe Mission, Robert Evans, determined to share his faith with the staff he encountered there. He quickly discovered that many of them were familiar with Gospel, and some had already come to faith in Christ. Evans was interested in how they came to know about Christ and found that it was one of the workers -- the hotel painter -- who had shared his faith. "Almost everything here gets constant painting," explained the man. "My work gets me into every department of the building, I know everybody and everybody knows me. Of course, I tell them about my Lord." 

This is a great reminder that our mission field is wherever we are. For Moses, it was the desert. He did his greatest work for the Lord in the hardest locations. Sometimes our situations are difficult and challenging, but having a Moses-like faith can help us see beyond the temporal and into the eternal. Don't be frustrated if you're tending sheep in the desert or painting a wall somewhere. God has a wonderful way of using us to reach people wherever we are. 

"A sage seeks opportunities in difficulties, and a fool finds difficulties in opportunities." We are born to overcome difficulties through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
Christiana Tsai, Chinese heroine

We want to thank you for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and finances.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

We want to thank you for your prayers. LaVon's therapy is ongoing but she is still having a lot of pain. We just keep going, knowing God will HELP. (Update from LaVon after getting muscle relanant yesterday. "That stuff is golden!!") Praise the Lord! Muscles are relaxing enough to make the pain manageable as she stretches and exercises to get back to the normal use of her right arm and shoulder.

The Grace Adventure: What Is Grace About?
(from Fulfilled: The NIV Devotional Bible for the Single Woman)

We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. - Romans 8:37
I heard about a man who had just come through major surgery. When he slowly opened his eyes, his wife was there waiting and smiling. He looked around the room to see his children also smiling at him. After he was more awake, his wife handed him a stack of get-well cards from family and friends. Some were Biblical inspiration, some were kind and sweet and some were humorous and brought a smile to his eyes.
The front of one particular card had a collage of the myriad disasters from the life of Paul the apostle - pain, sickness, suffering, shipwreck, insults, being in the sea for three days and nights, beatings, stonings, and more.
The man was shocked and thought, What sick person sent this to me? How is this going to help me get better?
Then he opened the card, and all it said was,
So, how've you been?
The man broke into laughter. He suddenly recognized that the successful surgery he had undergone, even though quite painful, in no way compared to the repeated and life-threatening sufferings Paul had endured.
It is easy to focus on our own issues and indulge in unhealthy doses of self-pity, isn't it? We can fall into the trap of thinking that we are the only ones with such problems. .

Self-pity is our worst enemy, and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world. - Helen Keller

So, how've you been?
~ Mary Hollingsworth

O Lord, please help me not to feel sorry for myself but to recognize that as difficult as my struggles are, others may be facing even more critical problems. Help me to reach out to them.

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers as LaVon continues to heal from her surgery; rehab may take a while. 

I was reading this morning and read the following from The Sower;

HEARING, ENCOURAGING, LISTENING

Years ago, my son ran to where I was sitting in front of a television trying to find an escape from the cares of the day. It had been a difficult twenty-four hours serving as a Navy chaplain in a large hospital. I was trying to escape from the stress and strain of being with sick and dying patients as the “Chaplain on Duty.”
Whatever he said did not register. So he said it again and then asked, “Dad, did you hear me?”
“Of course, Son, I was listening carefully,” was my reply.
Grabbing my face with his two little hands and looking into my eyes, he said, “Dad, I didn’t ask if you were listening. I asked if you heard me.” Then and there, I was taught the difference between listening and hearing.
The Psalmist recognized this difference, too. “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; You encourage them and You listen to their cry.”
What a comforting thought! His ear is always open to the cries of His children and He waits attentively to hear their voices in times of need. What a beautiful picture of a loving Father. There is nothing we need to do to get His attention nor is there a magical formula to use when we pray. All we have to do is to cry out to Him.
We cry and He hears. His ear is always open for our particular voice. His eyes are always on us no matter where we may be. And His heart is always sensitive to our personal needs. When we cry, He hears, He listens, He understands and He will respond and meet our needs.

Prayer: Lord, You are above us but not beyond us. You hear us when we cry and respond when the time is right. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 
Psalm 10:17 
You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

We want to thank you, with grateful hearts, for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and financial gifts.

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

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

It's been several weeks since I have had access to a laptop to post a devotional. LaVon has had a couple of physical issues that have caused us to be displaced for awhile. We appreciate your continued prayers as she faces shoulder surgery in the near future.

Today's encouragement comes from my archives folder:

Weekly Verse
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” —1 Thessalonians 5:15

Weekly Quote“Be thankful for the smallest blessing, and you will deserve to receive greater. Value the least gifts no less than the greatest and simple graces as special favors. If you remember the dignity of the Giver, no gift will seem small or mean, for nothing can be valueless that is given by the Most High God.” —Thomas à Kempis

Weekly Thought

In one of Aesop’s Fables, an ant went to the bank of a river to drink, fell into the stream, and found itself on the brink of drowning. A dove sitting on a tree overhanging the water plucked a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to the drowning ant. The ant climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank. Shortly afterward, a bird catcher came and stood under the tree and began laying a trap for the dove. The ant, seeing his intent, seized the opportunity to sting him in the foot. In pain the bird catcher threw down the trap, and the noise alerted the dove to fly away.

It is wonderful to be blessed by random acts of kindness. It’s even more wonderful when we can return the favor. Who has helped you get by? Is there a way you can show them your gratitude?

Lord, thank You for the people who have helped me in life. Show me how I can be a blessing to others today. Amen.

[From Simple Truths: Your Destination for Inspiration

We thank you for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and gifts.

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers as we continue to pray for you and this work God has called us to. 
LaVon made her doctors appointment but at this post we still don't know much except that she is still in a lot of pain. Please pray for her. 

GROWING OLD GOD'S WAY
(author unknown)

Two elderly gentlemen named Frank and Jim were sitting on a park bench under a tree.
Frank: "You know, Jim, I'm 85 years old, and I'm just full of aches and pains. You’re about my age. How do you feel?"

Jim: "I feel just like a newborn baby."

Frank: "Really!? Like a new-born baby!?"

Jim: "Yep. No hair, no teeth … and I think I just wet my pants."

Let’s call a spade a spade: Growing old is not for the faint of heart. It is tough work. Our bodies start to fall apart somewhere along the line of the aging process. Things quit working like they once did. Eyesight and hearing start to wane. Muscles start to atrophy. Tasks as simple as bending over to tie your shoes can become monumental endeavors. It is just hard to get old. 

Are you feeling old today? As a Christian, you are one day closer to your great reward. Make every day count until the Lord calls you home. Use the extra time you have on your hands to pray for and encourage others. Push yourself to keep going and keep growing. Embrace technology and use the computer and social media to be a blessing to family and friends. God is not finished with you yet, so don’t quit and don’t stagnate! 

"They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." Psalm 92:14-15

We want to thank you for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and gifts.

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers as we continue to pray for you and this work God has called us to. As LaVon has a doctors appointment tomorrow to check her shoulder and other issues, please keep her in your prayers, as we keep our eyes firmly on the Lord.

My Eyes Were On You by Adrian Rogers

“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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:2

There once was a king captured by the Roman army. They took the king with his family to stand before the Roman general to receive the sentence of death. The king fell on his face before the general and said, “You may do with me what you will, but spare my wife and children!” The Roman general was so moved by the plea that he released them all.
Later, the king asked his wife about some of the things they had seen while in the Roman general’s chamber. She said, “I didn't see anything. My eyes were only on the man who was willing to die for me.”
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” May we be able to say, "My eyes are on the One who died for me, Jesus Christ. And I have eyes for no one but Him!”

We want to thank you for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and gifts.

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

Sunday's Coming

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers as we continue to pray for you and this work God has called us to. Each of you are held to the highest in our hearts. I had a birthday and we celebrated our anniversary and so so many of you sent a special note to us. How special and loved you made us feel. May God Bless You richly.

I read a card on Dayspring and thought of you.

True Friends

- Special in my Heart - are the ones who make you
laugh a little louder than you meant to,
feel better than you did before you walked in the door,
become even more of who God says you really are.
You have a very special place in my heart. 

Philippians 1:7
"just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace."

You are appreciated and loved.

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

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

Thank you for your prayers as we continue to pray for you and this work God has called us to.
    

“Prayer keeps us in constant communion with God, which is the goal of our entire believing lives.” —Beth Moore

A Classic Devotional from R. A. Torrey:

Stop a moment and think. Is it not often the case, when men stand up to pray in public, or kneel down to pray in private, that they are thinking far more of what they are asking for than they are of the great God who made heaven and earth, and who has all power? Is it not often the case that in our prayers our thoughts are wandering off everywhere? We take the name of God on our lips, but there is no real conscious approach to God in our hearts.
If there is to be any power in our prayer, if our prayer is to get anything, the first thing to be sure of when we pray is that we really have come into the presence of God, and are really speaking to Him. Oh, let those two words, “to God,” “to God,” “to God,” sink deep into your heart; and from this time on never pray, never utter one syllable of prayer, until you are sure that you have come into the presence of God and are really talking to Him.

Father God, it is a privilege to come into Your presence. Give me a reverence for You as I sit down to pray. Amen.

“I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.” —Psalm 17:6

We want to thank you for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and finances.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good Morning,

 

Thank you for your prayers as we continue to pray for you and this work God has called us to.

 

God is able to take the mess of our past and turn it into a message. He takes the trials and tests and turns them into a testimony.

Christine Caine

 

Even though you may not understand how God works, you know He does. 

Max Lucado

Psalm 3

¹ Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
² Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”

³ But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
⁴ I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.

⁵ I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
⁶ I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.

⁷ Arise, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.

⁸ From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.

 

We want to thank you for your support through your prayers, calls, e-mails and finances.

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

Don