Thursday, August 31, 2017

GREAT FELLOWSHIP

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

God clearly teaches His children, how to live here in our place,
We are to love our enemies and always show them God's grace.
Be kind to those who curse you, showing goodness to those who hate,

Keep on praying for them, and you'll receive His favor which is great.(RP)

Last night we had such a great time at our church fellowship. Our discussion time was reviewing what the missionary spoke about Sunday morning. Margie & I were not here for that, but we listened to the message on our iPads at home. So we were able to enter into the discussion also. We really appreciated the time. We have a full schedule today. Thanks for praying. 

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

SEARCH COMMITTEE

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35

One thing is certain in this sin-filled world; God is always in control,
No matter what mankind thinks, He is always and everywhere on patrol.
I'm so glad His words are in this book; the Bible is precious to me,
My prayer is that all will read what it says, and with Jesus want to be.
Thank God His words will never pass away; they are with us to stay,

So we praise Him for all He's done for us, and trust Him and obey.(RP)

The search committee met last night again to go over more paper work regarding the calling of a head pastor. It is a long process and we are all aware of how critical and important it is to do things thoroughly. Much prayer is a vital part of this procedure. We appreciate those who are praying with us about it. Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

CHURCH DUTY


There is power in the name of the Lord, like a very strong tower,
A place where one can take refuge from someone trying to devour.
God's children find safety in Him as they run for help to this place,

And the consolation He gives is a reminder of His love and grace.(RP)

Today I have the privilege of being in the church in case I am needed for anything. I take advantage of the time to do elder tasks and am available if someone comes in needing my help. I always enjoy the time spent there. Tonight I attend a meeting of the elders, so the day is pretty well filled with responsibilities. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, August 28, 2017

FACING THE WEEK

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." Psalm 14:1

Those who deny the existence of God are robbing themselves of best,
And surely they'll miss eternal life, and that beautiful heavenly rest.
How foolish to think there is no God when you look at our vast universe,
To think of the millions of animals and plants; His world is so diverse.

Only a fool would say there's no God; he has marked himself for sure,
When life is over and He meets the One he denied, he'll know there is no detour.(RP)

Here we are on Monday.  We check our schedules and there are not too many things for this week, but actually there are things for about every day, so I guess the week will fill up quickly.  I will be trying to get ahead on my Joshua study, plus getting ready for the upcoming Bible classes that start in about two weeks. It is hard to believe the time passes so quickly. Thanks for praying.

Sunday, August 27, 2017

SUNDAY

1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 

Amen.The thing we love more than God is an idol we should avoid,
These idols ruin lives and each one should be destroyed.
We are entreated to keep ourselves pure; God promises help for this,
So earnestly seek His power my friend, and never an opportunity miss.(RP)

It is a beautiful day here in Ferndale. We will not be in our church today, because I was asked to teach Sunday School and preach for our friend Fred Karlson. Some of his members are in our Friday Bible study at the Ferndale Senior Center, so it will be nice seeing them again. At our church this morning, Rick and Lisa Caynor, missionaries going to Spain, will be speaking. Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, August 26, 2017

PREPARING

1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Prayer is acceptable always, and thankfulness ranks very high,
And as we pray, to our Father we draw nigh.
His will is for us to give thanks in everything we do,

And obedience to this brings us joy through and through. (RP)

I am studying Sunday School material and reviewing my message for tomorrow at Woodlyn Chapel where I will be teaching the Sunday School and preaching. Some of the members of this church attend our Friday Bible studies at the Ferndale Center.  We have known the pastor and his wife for many years. Yesterday we had a delightful time with David and Susan Lancaster and their daughter Courtney at an ice cream shop. 
We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying.

Friday, August 25, 2017

BOOK

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh;
and these are contrary to one another,
so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Gal 5:17

This old flesh is such a battle as we want to live for Christ,
We desire to live for Jesus but often by our enemy are enticed.
The Spirit and the flesh fight on, each craving first place in line,

But the Spirit wins this battle when we to His leading resign,(RP)

I am in the process now of reading the remaining chapters that Laurel Hicks has edited and proofread for our book. I will send back to her all corrected chapters for her second check. We are hoping it will not be long now before the finishing details are in place and we can publish it. It all takes time and we fully understand this. Thanks so much for praying. 

Thursday, August 24, 2017

GREAT FELLOWSHIP

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

The parents role to train a child is serious business indeed,
And the result it gives is vital we know and every parent should heed.
Train your child in the way he should go and sorry you'll never be,
For the product produced will bless your heart and everyone will see.
When children grow up, trained in God's holy way,

You'll be assured that with them all is okay.(RP)


Last night the fellowship at church was a blessing. The food, singing, Bible discussion,and prayer were really positive. Today we take Margie to the hairdresser then in the afternoon attend prayer meeting. We look forward to this. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

STANDING ROOM ONLY

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends, John 15:13
We hear so much of love these days but none surpasses God's,
If we put together all men's goods, to match His, what are the odds?
He gave his life that we might live and nothing matches this,
And if we did not mention this we certainly would be remiss.(RP)


It was standing room only at the funeral yesterday. When I worked there, we had plenty of them. I felt sorry for all who had to stand. The service went well,and also the burial service. Margie was not able to attend the reception that followed, so we returned home. Today we are back on schedule and it is wash day. Thanks for praying.




Tuesday, August 22, 2017

FUNERAL

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.I Corinthians 10:31

Questionable things may perplex some folks but the believer is told what to do.
Whatever we do we make sure of one thing: does it bring glory dear Lord to You? (RP)

Today I conduct the Betty Honrud service at Greenacres. After the burial service a reception will be held at one of her daughters.  Yesterday late afternoon I went to the viewing at the cemetery. I was able to talk to some of the family at that time. I am presently in my old office location at church. This is my day to serve. I enjoy it and it certainly brings back great memories. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, August 21, 2017

ECLIPSE

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

The imagery used of God's children here is special indeed for us,
The warmth of the sun and the protective shield is surely a marvelous plus.
The promise of grace and the glory of God is much more than we deserve,
But He freely gives them in measureless lots and there's plenty more in reserve.
It behooves us to walk uprightly when you see what the Lord will do,
No good thing will He withhold from us when we His will pursue. (RP)

We await the eclipse this morning. We have no plans of viewing this event at a designed location in our city. We will be working on projects here at home. It is wonderful how God ordered the universe and keeps it on such precision timing that scientists can know to the very second when things are going to happen. Probably most of them do not give God the credit for his amazing creation. But I am glad we and many others do. We are in awe as we see His marvelous creation. Thanks for praying.


Sunday, August 20, 2017

63 rd ANNIVERSARY

Psalm 34:3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me,And let us exalt His name together.

This verse so many newlyweds have chosen for their day,
And what a precious one it is to lead us along the way. 
Margie I have loved these words for 63 years,
And they have kept us in God's will through victory, joy and tears.
What a privilege to magnify the Lord along with the one you've wed,
And because of this God has been so good and put us right ahead.
Exalting Jesus has been our goal all along the road He chose,
And we have received abundantly from the blessings he bestows.(RP)

It was on our church platform we were married 63 years ago today. What a privilege for us to be in the same church serving our Lord. I will teach the Sunday School class on Joshua, attend the morning service, then take Margie out for lunch. We can only thank God for these wonderful years He has given us. Thank you all for praying. 


Saturday, August 19, 2017

PREPARATION

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. I Peter 3:8

Brotherly loves comes hard for some but this is what we should do,
The Spirit of God gives help from within to do things we normally eschew.
Let's be of one mind for Jesus' sake and compassionately love today,

And you'll soon find out that this mode of life is surely the courteous way. (RP)

My plan for today is to get prepared for Sunday School class and next Tuesday's memorial service for Betty Honrud. Yesterday Margie and I went into town to get a few things. It was nice Margie could go with me. I took the wheelchair so we could go into the stores together. We can't believe the change of weather. We wonder if summer is ending now. We are amazed. Thanks for praying. 

Friday, August 18, 2017

SHOPPING

It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.Psa 118:8

The world thinks its easy to trust in man's way, because they can see it right here,
But from God's perspective they have it all wrong, because the best is to His word adhere.
Confidence in man always brings many snares and the result is sadness indeed,

So trust in the Lord and be faithful to Him and you'll see how quickly to succeed. (RP)



We are going into town this morning to get a few things. We must get Margie more gluten free bread. And I will be picking up some more cbd oil for her shoulder pain. I met with the Honrud family yesterday to work out details for the memorial service next week. It is much cooler today and we imagine the folks at the Lynden Fair are pleased with this. Thanks for your prayers. 

Thursday, August 17, 2017

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.    Heb 4:12


The most powerful book in the world, is the living Word of God,
Many may think this an unusual claim and quickly call it odd.TBut the sharpness and piercing of this special Book, surpasses them all,
And meets the need of every soul, whether he be great or small,
This Book knows us like none other can, and the intent of the heart it reads,
It convicts and prods and urges all and for the sinner it continually pleads. (RP)

This morning I meet with Betty Honrud's family to make arrangements for the funeral/memorial service next Tuesday at Greenacres here in Ferndale. Yesterday part of our family dropped in for a short visit before they visited the fair in Lynden, WA. It was nice having them. Today they will go again to the fair. Thanks for praying. 

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

XULON PRESS

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to thosewho hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,Matthew 4:44


Sometimes we find it work to pray and at other times it's joy,
But our verse today may bother some and definitely annoy.
We learn from this how to act when out of our comfort zone,
And certain things we like to do God does not condone.
So if you've experienced the negatives quoted in this verse,
Just begin to do it God's way and your fears He will disburse. (RP)

My brother first introduced me to Xulon Press when we published our first book. For some reason when an email add came to my box two days ago, I was impressed by its 80 % discount on publishing. We are pleased with the new deal and my brother Harold is such an encouragement in this with his help.  We are hoping we can offer the new book for Christmas. Please pray with us that all will work out for it to happen. Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

BOOK PUBLISHER

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ  Ephesians 1:3


You don't have to wait to be blessed, because God blesses you right now, 
His heavenly blessings are available now; our Father loves to endow.
Please note he gives every spiritual blessing; what a wonderful gift.
And because they come from Him there is no worry about a shift.(RP)

Yesterday, the publisher that did our last book gave us a price which was good, so we made a down payment. Our thanks to my brother Harold, who is giving us this blessing. It is deeply appreciated. I was able to minister to the publishing consultant, who has an autistic boy. I had prayer with him and he was moved. He asked if he may call again for prayer. We are happy we can. Thanks for praying.


Monday, August 14, 2017

GOOD DAY

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? Mat 6:27

Worry:the king of deception, convincing millions it wants to control,
This pursuit is unrewarding; it agitates but does not console.
God says we can't add an inch by being a worry wart,
So give it up dear friend, and to God's will resort.(RP)

We enjoyed our time at church yesterday. I was privileged to teach Sunday School and also preach. We were saddened with the news that a friend has inoperable liver cancer, and we have a church member who is in her last days, it appears, in the hospital now. So we just keep praying for them. The weather has cooled down. The fair at Lynden begins this morning. We do not attend, but part of our family from Stanwood will doubtless be up for the event. Thanks for praying. 


Sunday, August 13, 2017

THANKFUL

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits  Proverbs 16:2


Self deception is rampant in man, for he thinks he does everything right,
But God keeps the records and one thing is sure, He sees our every plight.
I'm so glad God knows us well and all that we say and think,
His holy eyes behold us well and from Him no one can shrink.(RP)

We are thankful to be able to attend church and for the opportunity to teach Sunday School and also preach this morning. Margie is also grateful for the ability to be able to accompany me. We look forward to the ministry this morning. A weather change has brought rain and cooler temperatures. This is quite a change, because no rain has fallen for many days.Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, August 12, 2017

HOSPITAL TRIP

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh;
and these are contrary to one another,
so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Gal 5:17

This old flesh is such a battle as we want to live for Christ,
We desire to live for Jesus but often by our enemy are enticed.
The Spirit and the flesh fight on, each craving first place in line,

But the Spirit wins this battle when we to His leading resign.(RP)

After Margie's perm yesterday, we received a call that a dear friend was in the hospital, suffering from a fall she had in the rest home. When we arrived at the hospital we saw the family' Their mother is in serious condition.  It appears she will not survive. We put her on the prayer chain. Thanks for praying. I will teach Sunday School and preach in the morning, Lord willing.

Friday, August 11, 2017

PERMANENT

Proverbs 15:1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Of the many words we speak each day have you checked them out real goTod?
It may be true they are full of wrath or perhaps are perfectly great.
But your answer to others can turn away wrath or certainly cause a fuss,So be careful little tongue with your answer and many problems abate.(RP)

This morning I take Margie to the beauty shop, and I will stay with her until her permanent is finished. She is so afraid of falling, that I need to be there to move her from place to place. I will take our laptop computer and work on studies while she is getting her hair done.Thanks for praying. 

Thursday, August 10, 2017

RETURN HOME


We thank God everyday for blessings He bestows,
There are so many, who can count them, who really knows?
A gift each Christmas we'll not forget, is God's greatest one to us,
The unspeakable gift called Jesus, is for each of us a great plus.(RP)

We returned home early from the Wednesday night fellowship at church last night because Margie was not feeling well.  We came right home and she got into her lift chair and stayed there until bedtime. She was having weakness and stomach distress. Thankfully she had a good night and is apparently okay now. We do not go to the hairdresser today because tomorrow she has a permanent. Thanks for praying.




Wednesday, August 9, 2017

SHOWERS

  In God we boast all day long, And praise Your    name forever. Psalm 44:8 


Men boast of many things these days, but only one does God allow,
He only is to be revered and all at His feet should bow.
When He is wholly worshipped from the heart, His praises will be on our lips,


And all who belong to Him will seek His help not to make any slips.(RP)

After Margie's fall last week, she is dreadfully afraid of a repeat. This morning she was extremely careful taking her shower. She fears of slipping. I don't blame her. But she made it ok, with a little help. She is soaking her right foot now because an ingrown toenail is giving her plenty of discomfort. I will work on it when she has it soaked well and loosened up. The regional fires are still clogging our skies, and for those suffering from allergies, it is a mess. The days are still quite warm for our area. We are glad for the water coolers. Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

GARAGE DOOR FIXED

For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.  Philip.1:11

It’s hard to learn this lesson, Lord for we who are so weak,

But give us faith and courage, Your will to always seek.(RP)

The garage door repair man came yesterday morning and immediately discovered the problem with the door. The cable on one side was broken. We never noticed it. All the rollers were about to give out and had to be replaced with new ones that need no lubrication. All the hinges (there are many of them) that help the door fold up and down, needed to be lubricated, plus the main spring. So we are mighty glad he came. This was a maintenance call we needed badly. We are thankful it is fixed. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, August 7, 2017

GARAGE DOOR

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Heb 4:12

God's Book the Bible stand the test no matter what may come,
It's powerfully strong for any life and it makes no difference where you're from.
This living Book, this instrument strong knows how to pierce a soul,
And all who embrace its teachings the Lord will make them whole.
This Word reads hearts and minds so well and discerns the thoughts of men,

And it will convict the sinner for sure and do it over and over again.(RP)

Yesterday's farewell for the Golays went well. Our son and Glenn sang well together and Rawlie sang a beautiful solo. This morning we are waiting for Sears to fix our garage door. It is needing some work. We hope they can get it back to normal operation. Milder weather (cooler) is predicted for today. Thanks for your prayers.

Sunday, August 6, 2017

GOLAY FAREWELL

Deuteronomy 33:27  The eternal God is your refuge,And underneath are the everlasting arms.

Oh the joy of having Jesus - our refuge strong and sure,
With His arms right underneath us we have a place secure.(RP)


Today at our church, we have a farewell reception for Glenn & Kathy Golay who have been with us for 39 years. It will be hard to see them go. We wish them God's best as they relocate in Portland, OR. Our son Rawlie is here and will be singing two times in the service this morning. He and Glenn sing beautifully together. Rawlie will return to his home this afternoon. I teach Sunday School class this morning and preach. Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, August 5, 2017

RAWLIE HERE

Jeremiah 1:6-8  Then said I: "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth."7 But the Lord said to me: "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you," says the Lord.


It seems excuses abound; we hesitate to follow God's command,
We think we're not able to do His will, though for us it was planned.
God comes and reprimands us when we claim we can't do His will, 
His orders are clear and make sense; if we disobey we go downhill.
Cheer up, and be not afraid, God will help you each step of the way,
When you obey His words, you'll be blessed and delivered every day.(RP)

Rawlie came last night, and will be with us another night. He is here to participate in the Golay farewell program at our church tomorrow. The temperature moderated a bit yesterday and was not as hot as previous days, Today seems to be the same thing. Rawlie and I will go to Starbucks for some breakfast fellowship. Margie will do her regular Saturday morning call to a dear friend. The rest of the day I will be making final adjustments to my Sunday School study in Joshua and morning message. Thanks for praying 

Friday, August 4, 2017

WARM NIGHT

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.Ephesians 3:12

God our strong tower and strength at all times, is the One in Whom we can trust,
Our confidence is in Him and we come to Him and for all believers this is a must.
Just knowing we have access to the Throne of Grace, brings joy unspeakable each day,
And as we trust Him and find answers for life, this helps each step of the way.(RP)

When Margie has trouble sleeping, she goes to the family room and we get her into her lift chair. For some reason she is able to sleep there. But she called me later and said she could not breathe. I thought she was having heart issues. I got the water coolers going and even added another, aimed right at her face. She did well the rest of the night until she called and wanted to return to the bedroom. She did well the rest of the night. We are thankful. Thanks for praying. 

Thursday, August 3, 2017

MARGIE FELL

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.Galatians 6:9

We easily grow tired as we serve the Master here,
But He promises a harvest if we trust and do not fear.(RP)

Before going to bed last night, Margie fell in the bathroom. It seems she was trying to close the window and lost her balance, but we really do not know. Her elbow bled profusely, and we treated it and she slept soundly all night. We will go to the Ferndale walk in clinic this morning and have them check her. Thanks so much for praying. 

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

FELLOWSHIP

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart

Oh what a blessing contained in these words written so long ago,
To read that our Lord is thinking of us is something we need to know.
His desire for us is peace indeed and for sure no evil for us,
He desires a future filled with hope and that certainly is a plus.
He exhorts us to call upon Him in prayer and He promises a listening ear,

And all who truly call upon Him, yes, He will gladly hear. (RP)

Yesterday we invited the Golays to have lunch with us. It was a special time because they are leaving after being 39 years in our church. We will miss them very much.  Tonight we have another fellowship at our church. Each Wednesday we have a light supper, sing, then discuss last Sunday's message in groups. It is a blessing, and we enjoy it each week. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

OFFICE DUTY

The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.   Gen 39:23


Joseph's integrity is refreshing indeed as we see how he lived for the Lord,
Acting discreetly in all that he did with the keeper high marks were scored.
Joseph allowed God to control his life, and thus right decisions were made,
And the same will happen to you and me if the Lord in our life is displayed, (RP)

Because I am the only unemployed elder at church, I have the privilege of sitting at the church each Tuesday. It is a blessing to be in the same room where I sat for 18 years as pastor. I take advantage of the time doing the church prayer sheet, and working on other church-related duties. Sometimes, people drop in for a visit or help with something, and I am happy to be there. Thanks for praying.