Ebenezer Comfort

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

"Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."  1 Samuel 7:12

     The stone which Samuel erected and which he called "Ebenezer" was a memorial to God's help and faithfulness.  We too as Christians must not fail to remember God's benefits, for there is blessed comfort in taking spiritual inventory.  As we look back over our lives, we recognize that God always came to our rescue no matter how serious the crisis we faced.  It is true that often we did not understand His leading at the time, but in the end we found His way was best.  What comfort and assurance this gives us for the future!

     The late Dr. James M. Gray often related how when he was convalescing from a long illness it was suggested to him that he should plan a visit to the British provinces.  This his doctors thought might bring the change of scenery and relaxation which he sorely needed.  The arrangements were all laboriously made when suddenly, quite unexpectedly, another malady struck him and once again confined him to his bed.  Dr. Gray was greatly disappointed and wondered what God could want of him by continually confining him to a sickroom.  Soon he received a wonderful answer to his doubtful questioning.  Some mornings later, upon picking up the newspaper, he read an account which related the tragic news that the steamer on which he would have sailed had struck a reef upon entering St. John's harbor, and had sunk almost instantly!  The Lord who had helped him in the past had once again perfectly directed his way and protected him from death.

     Christian, as you look back upon God's gracious leading in the past, you too should face the future confidently; for the God who cared for you then is still your divine Protector today.  This is your "Ebenezer comfort."

"Bread For Each Day"

REFUSE TO WORRY!

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

REFUSE TO WORRY!  In this world there will always be something enticing you to worry.  That is the nature of a fallen, fractured world:  Things are not as they should be.  So the temptation to be anxious is constantly with you, trying to worm its way into your mind.  The best defense is continual communication with Me, richly seasoned with thanksgiving.  Awareness of My Presence fills your mind with Light and Peace, leaving no room for fear.  This awareness lifts you to see problems from My perspective.  Live close to Me!  Together we can keep the wolves of worry at bay.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

New Brooms

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

             ". . . here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin."  Luke 19:20

     This unfaithful servant had certainly been "faithful (?)" in watching over his pound.  He had carefully wrapped the precious gift in a clean cloth and placed it in a safe place.  But the pound had been given to him to invest and make additional pounds for the donor.  It was not to be merely preserved, but used as well. The pound represents the gift of salvation, and is given to us to use, not to hide.  Yet, how many prize their salvation for themselves, but never use it to help others.  Our salvation must be utilized, our faith must work. We must not spare it but set it to work.  It reminds one of the silly proverb,  "A new broom sweeps clean." But this is utterly ridiculous, for a new broom never sweeps at all.  How then can they sweep clean?  The moment you sweep with a broom it is not new any more - it is secondhand.  You will never get your house clean by putting a plastic bag over it and then setting it in a corner.

     May I compare your conversion experience with a broom.  God did not save you just to save you.  He saved you to be used in His service and to share your experience.  God gave you your mouth, your hands, your feet, to bring the precious gift to others.  Keeping it to yourself will stunt you and deprive others of the blessing.  You can be so enamored with a new tool that you hesitate to use it.  A woman may be so pleased with her new dress she hesitates to wear it for fear for damaging it.  The Bible says,  "Whosoever will save his life, shall lose it."  What does this mean?  To be concerned with your own comfort and ease is to lose the very essence of life - service to others.

     NO!  A new broom does not sweep clean - it will even get dirty by standing in the corner.  What gifts has God given you?  Use them, brother and sister!  Use them today - or lose them!

"Bread For Each Day"

"Man, Do You Pray?"

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8

     The verse has been called David's  "Now I Lay Me," because there is little doubt but that this was an  "evening prayer."  Americans take over six tons of aspirins and sleeping pills each night in an attempt to get some rest.  Yet, how much better not only to sleep, but to do so  "peacefully"  because we know our Heavenly Father is watching over us and tenderly guarding our soul!

     Many years ago Robert Morrison, the famous missionary, was anticipating leaving for China.  While still in New York, however, he was taken seriously ill and could not take passage.  A good friend invited him to his home so that he might take care of him.  He decided to let the missionary rest in his own bed.  In the same room was a little child sound asleep in her own seven-year crib.  He decided to leave her there and not awaken her.  Not long after Missionary Morrison had crawled under the sheets, the little girl across the room opened her eyes.  She looked at the bed where she expected to see her father, but he was not there.  She was alarmed to see a strange man in his place.  Who was he?  Where was her father?  In a frightened little voice she asked,  "Man, do you pray to God?"  Mr. Morrison was touched and calmly answered,   "Yes, my dear, I pray God every day.  He is my best Friend."  That answer took the fear out of the child.  She smiled and in a few moments was again sound asleep.  After his recovery from the serious illness the missionary went on to China where he preached the unsearchable riches of Christ.  There, however, he was often in great danger, but no matter how great the difficulties and hardships, he was always able to lie down at night and sleep peacefully.  Secure in the care of his Lord, he often thought of the experience he had had in the home of his friend in New York.  He never forgot the lesson the child had taught him.  What is your answer to the little girl's question:  "Man, do you pray?"

"Bread For Each Day"

I LOVE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE...

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

I LOVE YOU FOR WHO ARE YOU, not for what you do.  Many voices vie for control of your mind, especially when you sit in silence.  You must learn to discern what is My voice and what is not.  Ask My Spirit to give you this discernment.  Many of My children run around in circles, trying to obey the various voices directing their lives.  This results in fragmented, frustrating patterns of living.  Do not fall into this trap. Walk closely with me each moment, listening for My directives and enjoying My Companionship.  Refuse to let other voices tie you up in knots.  My sheep know My voice and follow Me wherever I lead.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

No Shoes

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians 4:31

           ". . . How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel."  Romans  10:15

     Have you ever noticed your pastor's feet?  If he is a God-sent minister you should take a good look at his feet.  People notice the pastor's features, his suit, or tie, or haircut, but if you have overlooked his feet you have missed something important.  No matter how homely or unattractive the preach may be - God says his feet are beautiful.  He says it three times (Isaiah 5:27; Nahum 1:15; Romans 10:15).

     When Jesus sent forth His disciples He said,  "Take no shoes,"  (Matthew 10:10).  Instead they were to wear "sandals"  (Mark 6:9).  Why sandals instead of shoes?  There are several reasons.

     1.  Shoes "hide" the feet.  Sandals reveal the feet, for they consist of little more than a sole held to the foot by a strap.  The preacher must be known as a man who uses his feet as well as his mouth.
     2.  Sandals were for servants.  The noblemen wore ornate shoes - the slaves went barefooted - but servants wore sandals.  The preacher is God's servant.
     3.  Sandals can be quickly removed.  In the presence of God, we must come barefooted as unworthy slaves.  Moses was commanded to take off his shoes (Exodus  3:5).  See also Joshua 5:15 and Ruth 4:7,8.  It was an acknowledgment of unworthiness.
     4.  Sandals can be slipped on in a moment.  They need no buttoning or lacing.  They speak of readiness to obey immediately God's command.  Ready to take off the sandals for revelation alone with God - Ready for the road, to carry the revelation to others?  Ready for either - take no shoes - be shod with sandals.

     Today take a good look at your pastor's feet.  He may not be all you want him to be - but look at his beautiful feet.

"Bread For Each Day"

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE.....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE; all lasting Life emanates from Me.  People search for life in many wrong ways: chasing after fleeting pleasures, accumulating possessions and wealth, trying to deny the inevitable effects of aging.  Meanwhile, I freely offer abundant Life to everyone who turns toward Me.  As you come to me and take My yoke upon you, I fill you with My very Life.  This is how I choose to live in the world and accomplish My purposes.  This is also how I bless you with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory.  The Joy is Mine, and the Glory is Mine; but I bestow them on you as you live in My Presence, inviting Me to live fully in you.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"