That Wonderful Book

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

           ". . .  give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies."  Psalm  119:125

     The Bible is the only eternal Book, and it shall never perish.  How important then to know what it contains.  David prayed,  "Give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies."  But you cannot know it - unless you read it.  Have you done so?  In my notebook I came upon the following paragraph from an unknown author, which I pass on to you:

     "The Bible is our greatest national asset, the masterpiece of God.  It comes to us drenched in the tears of millions of contritions, worn with the fingers of the saints of the ages, expounded by the greatest intellects, and stained with the blood of the martyrs.  It is the fountain in which dying believers cooled their hot faces, the pillow on which saints of all ages have rested their heads.  It breaks the fetters of the slave, takes the heat out of life's fierce fever, the pain out of parting, the sting out of death, and the gloom out of the grave.

     "The Bible is the old-time Book, the new-time Book, the all-time Book.  It will demonstrate its own character and its own power.  This is the Rock of all ages, and they who build upon it are as eternal as God.  The Name of Jesus, the Supreme Personality, the center of the world's desire, is on every page in one form or another.  Pierce the Book anywhere, and it bleeds with His priceless blood, shed for our redemption. The divine Book has all the answers to man's every need.  To find them is our greatest privilege and opportunity."

     In the Scripture for today (Psalm 119) David says that the Word teaches, gives understanding, directs, cleanses, establishes, turns us and quickens us.  The importance of this Book outweighs all others!

"Bread For Each Day"

Psalm 40: The Promise and the One

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

A beautiful post that my husband did a while back and one that should be read often.

https://biblepaedia.wordpress.com/2012/12/22/psalm-40-the-promise-and-the-one/

REST IN ME, MY CHILD....

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

REST IN ME, MY CHILD.  Give your mind a break from planning and trying to anticipate what will happen.  Pray continually, asking My Spirit to take charge of the details of this day.  Remember that you are on a journey with Me.  When you try to peer into the future and plan for every possibility, you ignore your constant Companion who sustains you moment by moment.  As you gaze anxiously into the distance, you don't even feel the strong grip of My hand holding yours.  How foolish you are, My child!

Remembrance of Me is a daily discipline.  Never lose sight of My Presence with you.  This will keep you resting in Me all day, every day.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

SEEK TO LIVE IN MY LOVE.....

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

SEEK TO LIVE IN MY LOVE, which covers a multitude of sins:  both yours and others'.  Wear My Love like a cloak of Light, covering you from head to toe.  Have no fear, for perfect Love decimates fear. Look at other people through lenses of Love; see them from My perspective.  This is how you walk in the Light, and it pleases Me.

I want My Body of believers to be radiant with the Light of My Presence.  How I grieve when pockets of darkness increasingly dim the Love-Light.  Return to Me, your First Love!  Gaze at Me in the splendor of holiness, and My Love will once again envelop you in Light.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

Living Peaceably

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

       "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."  Romans  12:18

     This Scripture speaks of Christian forbearance and understanding - the quiet willingness to suffer wrong rather than to foster or continue discord by quarreling and brawling.

     Someone who had experienced great difficulty with an unreasonable neighbor, and who finally had to defend himself legally against the latter's unwarranted and dishonest actions, commented:  "I have tried to follow Romans 12:18, but in a case like this I thank the Lord for the 'escape clause' He has put into this text. He does not say we have to live peaceably with all men under every circumstance - for even the Lord recognizes that with some people this cannot be done.  Therefore, He says 'if it be possible' we should refrain from taking violent issue with those who oppose us.  - This is one of the rare cases in which I found it necessary to take other permissible measures."

     "How do wars begin?"  a boy once asked his father.  Not wishing to admit that his son's question was beyond him, the father replied,  "Well, take the first World War; that began because Germany invaded Belgium."  At his point his wife interrupted him,  "Tell the boy the truth.  It began because somebody was murdered."  The husband drew himself up with an air of superiority and retorted,  "Are you answering the question, or am I?"  Turning her back on her husband in a huff, the wife walked out of the room and slammed the door as hard as she could.  When the room stopped vibrating, an uneasy silence followed, broken at length by the son,  "Daddy, you needn't tell me how wars begin; I know now!"

     Are you quick to retaliate, or have you cultivated a peaceable spirit?  Jesus prayed for His enemies; do you?  Live peaceably this day.

"Bread For Each Day"

Carrying Burdens

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

                                             " . . .  my burden is light."  Matthew  11:30

     Every child of God is called to bear burdens in this life.  We are to bear one another's burdens; and then there are burdens which we alone can bear (Galatians  6:2,5).  However, these burdens are given for a purpose (Romans  8:28).  They develop our Christian character and are a part of God's wise design to prevent tragedy in our lives.  Are you bowed down under a heavy burden, sickness, sorrow, problems or care?  Then remember, they all work together for good - and God will never give you greater trials than you are able to bear  (1 Corinthians  10:13).  If we had no burdens we would soon forget our need of Him and be swept away by the temptations of life.

     Dr. Lambie, that greatly blessed medical missionary to Abyssinia, once told of a valuable lesson he learned form the natives.  Lacking bridges, they were often compelled to wade across swollen streams to reach their destination.  The current was swift and there was constant danger of being swept off their feet into deeper water or among treacherous rocks.  The weight of the human body being only slightly heavier than water, it was difficult to maintain a foothold when waist deep in the stream.  The natives therefore solved the problem by slinging a sack of stone over their shoulder for extra ballast to weigh them down so their feet would not slip.  When they reached the other side, they emptied the sack on the bank.  So, too, the Lord places upon us burdens which seem to weigh us down, but in reality keep us from slipping and falling.  So trust Him and believe that He lays no burden upon you heavier than is necessary to keep you safe.

     One of these days when we reach the other side we will lay all our burdens down and then we shall understand.  Our Lord knows exactly how much we can bear, and how much we need to carry us through.  may we with David say,  "I have trusted also int he Lord; therefore I shall not slide"  (Psalm  26:1).

"Bread For Each Day"

Romans Eight Twenty-Eight

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

              ". . .  all things work together for good to them that love God."   Romans  8:28

     Fanny Crosby in her autobiography comments concerning the doctor who unwittingly caused her blindness as follows:  "I have heard that this physician never ceased expressing his regret at the occurrence; and that it was one of the sorrows of his life.  But if I could meet him now, I would say,  "Thank you, thank you, over and over again for making me blind.' . . .  Although it may have been a blunder on the physician's part, it was no mistake on God's.  I verily believe it was his intention that I should live my days in physical darkness, so as to be better prepared to sing His praises and incite other to do so."  Thus by a doctor's apparent mistake, God gave to the Church the wonderful heritage of a blind Fanny Crosby who, with her increased spiritual insight, was able to write thousands of enduring hymns.

     A visitor once went to see an old lady who had very few earthly possessions - just a bed, an old chair, a table, a stool, and cupboard.  After a little while the guest asked,  "Do you never feel like murmuring at your difficult lot?"  "Well, sometimes satan does tempt me to complain, but then I just ask the Lord to put me into my easy chair, and to keep me quiet."  The visitor looked around to see what she could mean, but all he saw was the hard stool and the broken armchair.  "I don't see any easy place for you to sit," he said.  "No, you misunderstand me,"  said the precious old saint.  "My easy chair is Romans 8:28.  It is always close by. When I need it the Lord just sets me into it, and I am at rest and say to satan,  'Now, you be quiet!'"

     Someone has said that in eternity we will probably thank God more the for difficulties of this earthly life than for some of the experiences that we now consider to be pleasant and desirable.

     Stop sitting on the edge of the stool of worry; go and relax in the restful rocker of Romans 8:28

"Bread For Each Day"

A Lesson From A Chicken

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

                                  "In every thing give thanks . . . "  1 Thessalonians  5:18

     When I was a boy my father kept a few chickens.  I remember how mother would take me to feed the "chicks," and how they would come to the pan of fresh water and dip their beaks in the liquid and then lift their heads straight up and let the water run down their throats.  One day I asked mother why the chickens lifted their heads when the drank and I shall never forget her answer.  Said she,  "They are lifting their heads in thanksgiving to God for their water."  Of course, I know now that chickens don't know about God, but still the dumb creation praises God in its own way.  The creation prays to God for deliverance (Romans  8:19-21).  The trees of the fields are said to clap their hands, and the hills dance and skip like little lambs. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows forth His handiwork.  Even the day utters speech and the night showeth knowledge.  Only man, of all God's creatures, forgets to thank Him for His blessings.  If we were to write in a book all the blessings of the past week and then count the minutes we have spent to thank Him - it might awaken us to the need of "giving thanks."

     A prominent church member and an old Indian whom he knew sat down opposite one another in a restaurant.  The Indian bowed his head and waited for the professing church member to do likewise; but instead the man just began his meal, while the Indian paused to pray.  A moment later the Indian said,  "Do you know what you remind me of?"  "Why no!  What?"  The Indian replied,  "The man who sits down at a table and eats the food God gives him without thanking Him for it, reminds me of the hog under the oak tree eating acorns by the hour and never so much as looking up to see where the acorns come from." Remember, the wrath of God came upon the Gentiles for the sin of unthankfulness.  Read Romans 1:21.

"Bread For Each Day"

How To Believe

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

                                "He that believeth on him is not condemned."  John  3:18

     The story is told of a missionary who was translating the book of John into an African dialect.  He had great difficulty in finding a word for the off-repeated expression "believe," so he had to leave it blank.  He continued his work, but was constantly baffled by his in ability to translate this key word.  One day a native came from another community with a message of great importance.  He had been running through the tangled under-brush for hours and so was completely exhausted.  He blurted out his message and, being at the end of his endurance, threw himself upon a nearby hammock.  As he went limp he breathed a sigh of relief and uttered a word in the African dialect which was new to the missionary.  He asked the natives what the runner had said.  One replied,  "Master, it means 'I am resting all my weight here.'"  "Thank God," said the missionary,  "that is just the word I need for "believe'"; and he proceeded to complete his translation.

     Many today are concerned about what God means with the word "believe."  They wonder if they have the right "feeling," the right type of "faith."  They fail to realize that it is not faith but Christ who saves.  The devil makes them concentrate on their poor, weak faith, rather than on the object of that faith.  Look at the native again.  At the end of himself, he does nothing but just rest his all upon the hammock.  So, too, believing is just casting one's self unreservedly into the open arms of the Lord Jesus and saying,  "Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.  On Thee I rest my soul for eternity."  Stop trying so hard and just let Jesus do it all!  You want to come, don't you?  Of course you do!  Well, that shows that you have enough faith for "whosoever Will may come!"  Remember, Jesus said,  "Whosoever cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out."  Don't let the devil fool you any longer; turn everything over to Christ and rest in His love.

"Bread For Each Day"

The Mark Of Culture

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

                                                        ". . . Be courteous."  1 Peter 3:8

     Someone has said,  "The mark of refinement and culture is courtesy."  Webster defines courtesy as "politeness combined with kindliness."  The Greek word used in our text is philanthropos, from which our English word "philanthropy" comes.  Webster again defines a "philanthropist" as "one who loves and seeks to benefit mankind."  Every Christian should be a philanthropist, which means he should be courteous.  Courtesy is a frame of heart and mind - not just an outward show of false refinement.  Courtesy means having regard for others.

     I came a bit late to a meeting and could not find a parking place within three blocks of the church.  Yet in the church parking lot there would have been room for twenty-five more cars if the people of the church knew the meaning of courtesy.  They just parked their cars in any old way - right angles, parallel, and with a space of four or five feet between cars (just close enough so no one else would get in).  If I were not a Christian, I would hesitate to attend a church of such crude, discourteous members who did not consider anyone else.

     Why will men remove their hats and step aside to admit a lady into the elevator, and then embarrass some bewildered woman driver at a red light by honking the horn and making some slurring remark about "women drivers"?  Why will a husband, out in company, politely pull out the chair to seat his wife - while at home he doesn't give a thought to assist his wife by even wiping his feet when he comes in?  Why does a big, fat woman plunk on the end of the pew and make everybody else stumble over her feet to get in?  "End seat hogs," we call them.

     Today drive like a Christian - park like a Christian - act like a Christian.  Cultivate true Christian refinement, which thinks of others first.

"Bread For Each Day"

"Were You There, Charlie?

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

                   "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."  Genesis  1:1

                   "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?"  Job  38:4

     What a man does with the Bible depends on what he does with the first sentence in the Bible.  The Bible opens with a simple statement,  "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."  If a man believes that, he can believe everything else which follows.  If he rejects that statement, he will also deny every other cardinal truth in the Scriptures.  Here in Genesis 1:1 infidelity begins, and here in Genesis 1:1 faith comes to rest.  There is no better answer ever given for the universe.  Compared to this simple assertion, all the theories of men are stupidly foolish.

     In a court of law, the judge will accept only the testimony of actual eye witnesses.  Hearsay testimony is immediately thrown out.  Only those who know firsthand and were there can bear reliable testimony.  The same is true of creation.  God asks job the question,  "Where were you when I made the worlds?"  Two men - Joe and Charlie - were arguing about Genesis 1:1.  Joe said he believed the record of creation just as it was written.  Charlie was an infidel, and went to great length in giving his own theory of how the world began and then developed from a primordial cell through reptiles, monkeys, and up to man.  When he was all through, Joe looked at him and said,  "Were you there, Charlie?"  It was a good question.  "Of course, I was not there,"  said Charlie.  Joe had the answer.  He said,  "Well, God was there.  He was the only One there and I'll take the word of the 'eye witness' rather than the guesses of those who go only by 'they say.'"  "Were you there, Charlie?"  What presumption for the creature to question the word of the Creator.

"Bread For Each Day"

REMEMBER THAT YOU LIVE IN......

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

REMEMBER THAT YOU LIVE IN a fallen world: an abnormal world tainted by sin.  Much frustration and failure result from your seeking perfection in this life.  There is nothing perfect in this world except Me.  That is why closeness to Me satisfies deep yearnings and fills you with Joy.

I have planted longing for perfection in every human heart.  This is a good desire, which I alone can fulfill. But most people seek this fulfillment in other people and earthly pleasures or achievements.  Thus they create idols, before which they bow down.  I will have no other gods before Me!  Make Me the deepest desire of your heart.  Let Me fulfill your yearning for perfection.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

Needed: Self-Examination

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

           "Oh God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are hid from thee."  Psalm 69:5

      We are usually so busy mentally congratulating ourselves for some supposed knowledge, achievement, or talent, that we seem to have little time for true, humble self-examination.  The criticism of others is often unkind; but if we are intelligent and study what they say, it may be extremely revealing as to actual flaws in our character and testimony.  Not only should we examine ourselves, and listen to the comments of our critics, but we should let the Word and Spirit of God search our hearts daily so that we will know where the "old leaven" is, that must be "purged out."  If you think you are usually right about everything, and are quite somebody, read God's stinging commentary on how wrong you are as it is recorded in 1 Corinthians  8:2,  "If any man thinketh that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know."

     The Ladies Home Journal printed this story one time as a jest, but it really was quite revealing.  "A rather pompous-looking deacon was endeavoring to impress upon a class of boys the importance of living the Christian life.  'Why do people call me a Christian?' the dignitary asked, standing very erect and beaming down upon his scholars with pride.  There was a moment's pause, and then one of the youngsters said,  'Maybe it's because they don't know you.'"

     If you truly examine yourself in the light of God's Word, you will come to the humbling conclusion that there is actually no such person as you secretly (and pridefully) suppose yourself to be.  The only thing truly lovely in us as Christians is the indwelling Holy Spirit.  May our prayer therefore be,  "O, thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine, till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me."

"Bread For Each Day"

I AM INVOLVED....

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 INVOLVED in each moment of your life.  I have carefully mapped out every inch of your journey through this day, even though much of it may feel haphazard.  Because the world is in a fallen condition, things always seem to be unraveling around the edges.  Expect to find trouble in this day.  At the same time, trust that My way is perfect, even in the midst of such messy imperfection.

Stay conscious of me as you go through this day, remembering that I never leave your side.  Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, protecting you from unnecessary trials and equipping you to get through whatever must be endured.  As you trudge through the sludge of this fallen world, keep your mind in heavenly places with Me.  Thus the Light of My Presence shines on you, giving you Peace and Joy that circumstances cannot touch.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

"The Bread Of Life"

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee n 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 bread of life."  John  6:48

     Jesus did not say,  "I am the 'filet mignon' of life,"  or  "I am the 'caviar' of life,"  for these delicate foods only the favored few can enjoy.  How thankful we are that He is bread - the poor man's staff of life.  There are many foods which are available only to a few, because of cost or because of their seasonable nature or scarcity.  But bread is the universal food of mankind.  It is found on every table - rich and poor - king and peasant.  whether it is made of wheat or corn or rye, oats or rice, it is bread, the cheapest and most nourishing food.  The word "bread" is defined by Webster as "food made from ground grain; food in general."  Bread represents all the elements of food needed to sustain life.

     Jesus is the "bread of life."  In Him are all the elements needed for a healthy, growing spiritual life.  He is within reach of all, His blessings are free.  The manna fell from heaven - all the Israelite needed to do was gather and eat it.  It was good for young and old.  It was a complete food.

     Charles H. Spurgeon has aptly said,  "I bless God that He gave us not a classical gospel, or a mathematical gospel, or a metaphysical gospel, or a gospel confined to scholars or men of genius, but a poor man's gospel, a ploughman's gospel, for that is the kind of Gospel we can live and die upon.  It is to us not the luxury of refinement but the staple bread of life.  We want not fine words when the heart is heavy, nor deep problems when facing eternity.  Jesus manifest in the flesh is our bread of life, Jesus bleeding on the cross a substitute for sinners is our soul's drink.  This is the Gospel for babes, and strong men want no more."  Yes, we thank God, Jesus did not say,  "I am the cake" - but rather,  "I am the bread of life."  It is free to all - good for all - sufficient for all!

"Bread For Each Day"

RELAX IN MY HEALING.....

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

RELAX IN MY HEALING, holy Presence.  Be still, while I transform your heart and mind.  Let go of cares and worries, so that you can receive My Peace.  Cease striving, and know that I am God.

Do not be like Pharisees who  multiplied regulations, creating their own form of "godliness,"  They got so wrapped up in their own rules that they lost sight of Me.  Even today, man-made rules about how to live the Christian life enslave many people.  Their focus is on their performance, rather than on Me.

It is through knowing Me intimately that you become like Me.  This requires spending time alone with Me.  Let go, relax, be still, and know that I am God.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

Just A Little Longer

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

  "For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry."  Hebrews  10:37

     We are told that in the Greek the words translated "For yet a little while," are more dramatic than the English indicates.  They might well be rendered,  "how little, how little!"

     When the billows of trouble roll across the horizon, let this thought cheer you, Christian:  the One for whom we are looking will soon put in His appearance to dispel the shadows and usher in the bliss of His "pleasures for evermore."  Verily,  "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning!"  Let this truth purify your thought, energize your effort, rejoice your spirit, and comfort your heart.  Just a few more tears, a few more disappointments, and the King of Love will come.

     Dr. Guiness in speaking on he imminent return of our Lord once used the following illustration;  He said that he had heard the singing of Handel's  "Messiah"  with great delight on the previous evening and he commented that if someone had asked him after the performance had proceeded a couple of hours, how much longer it would still continue, he would have answered,  "Oh, about five minutes."  "But,"  the individual might have objected,  "how can that be?  It is still in full swing and has been going on for two hours.  I can see no reason why it should not continue for two hours longer.  How do you know, sir, that it will be over in five minutes?"  "Then,"  said Dr. Guiness,  "I should have answered him,  'because I have the score . . . and I know it will soon be over for they are singing the last chorus.'"

     Yes, it is wonderful to have the "score," as it is found in the Word of God, and recognize the unmistakable "signs of the times."  Students of prophecy realize the lateness of the hour.  We cannot, and should not, fix dates, but we can say with confidence,  "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh"  (James  5:8). "Wherefore comfort one another with these words  (1 Thessalonians  4:18).

"Bread For Each Day"