Saturday, September 30, 2017

LATE FOR FUNERAL

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

Harsh words abound in the language today, they cause anger, hard feelings, and strife.
The words cut so deeply and are hurtful to all and they inflict a deep cut like a knife.
They cause anger and problems too severe to control, and bad feelings are the result,
So no one should ever us words of this kind, no child, adolescent, young person, or adult.
Soft answers are pleasing to our Lord up above, he takes pleasure in those who thus speak,


So next time you are tempted to answer roughshod, breathe deeply,imitate Jesus, and be meek. (RP)

Embarrassed. That's all I can say about the funeral I conducted yesterday. We taught the morning Bible class, and came home to have a bit to eat before going to the funeral. I was at the computer, the phone rang, and it was the son of the lady for whom I was having the service. He said the service started at noon. It was 5 minutes after 12 when he called. I don't have a clue what happened. Apparently I thought it started at 1. When I arrived, I apologized and explained that was a first in my 65 years of funerals. Fortunately before I arrived (20 minutes lalter), the bagpiper played hymns. What an experience! Thanks for praying. 

Friday, September 29, 2017

FUNERAL

Fear not, for I am with you;Be not dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you,Yes, I will help you,I will uphold you with My righteous right hand;Isaiah 41:10

God tells us not to fear because we fear, this timely word is for today,
He told us He'd be with us and that means He will be with us all the way.
Because He is our God we should never be dismayed; this is strength for us,
And to think He hold us with righteous hands; His help is more than a plus. (RP)

This morning we have the Bible class, then in the afternoon a funeral. I have been fighting a sore throat that left me yesterday with a husky voice. I had a pretty good night, and my throat seems better today. I have no idea how it will be when I actually have to project my voice for the class. We will see. It will be a victory when the activities of today are history. If my voice holds out for the Sunday School class, then I really will rejoice. Thanks so much for praying. 


Thursday, September 28, 2017

EARLY MORNING MEETING

Luke 19:10  For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

We have a seeking Savior, who came to seek the lost,
And we read in the Holy Bible how much this process cost.
How wonderful to see Him in all his marvelous grace,
Reaching out to all the nations, every culture and every race.
We praise Him now and forever for His salvation great,
And with patience prayer and gladness for His second coming wait.(RP)

We did not attend the fellowship meeting last night at church. We were parked, ready to go in, and Margie felt ill. So we returned home. My throat was not in the best of shape either, so we just stayed home. We hated to miss it. This morning we have an 8 am meeting at the church, so are prepared for that, and will leave in about 45 minutes. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

REGULAR CHORES

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said,Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.Acts 13:2

God has a place for each to work in His harvest field so great,
He uses those who seek His face and upon Him patiently wait.
Barnabas and Saul in the verse above, ministered, fasted and prayed,

And the Holy Spirit was quick in reply and the answer was not delayed.(RP)

We are today doing what we do each Wednesday: change the bed sheets, take showers, wash clothes, etc.  That keeps us going for awhile. Yesterday I sat at the church during the morning. At night there was an elder meeting, and also a Skype interview with a pastor concerning our need for a lead pastor. It was good and informative. I will go to the audiologist today, because the volume control on one device stopped working. Thanks for praying. 

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

DENTAL DECISIONS

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
James 4:3


Some may ask why they don't receive answers to their prayers,
Could it be that they are concerned only with personal affairs?
James tells us we can ask amiss, which wrong motives prove to be,

And the results prove well that we prayed in vain, and that's not hard to see.(RP)

Our dental visit two weeks ago determined that we both need work done. Margie has an appointment tomorrow, and I next Tuesday. A crown is needed on mine, so they communicated with our dental group. Thankfully it will pay almost half of it. We are thankful. My throat condition continues, but today is a bit better. We are thankful. I am at the church office now. We have a full day ahead. Margie is busy at home doing some baking. Thanks for praying.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

WALK IN CLINIC

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  1 Cor 1:9

How can we deny God's faithfulness when we see all He's done for us,
We were called and have fellowship with Christ, which for us is such a plus.
Jesus our Lord and Savior is our personal friend and guide,

And all along life's pathway He is always on our side.(RP)

I have been having a sore throat that got worse yesterday afternoon, so I drove into Bellingham to a walk in clinic sponsored by the medical group to which we belong. The culture of my throat showed no strep infection, but they sent it to the lab. Monday I should hear from my family doctor the results of those tests. In the meanwhile, I have throat lozenges and take Tylenol. I hope to teach my Sunday School class this morning. After that I plan to attend the morning service, then go home and crash. Thanks for praying.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

PREPARATION

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and 
thirsty land Where there is no water..
Psalm 63:1

When in the desert all by yourself how do you commune with God?
Do you sleep on more and take more rest, and continue with a nod?
King David teaches much today with this early morning act
He sought the Lord so early on before other things distract
His soul was thirsty for his God and his body felt it too,
So he called upon the Lord right there His refreshment to pursue.
Oh what consolation for us when we early seek the Lord,
Knowing very well we'll get it and great will be our reward.(RP)

We are thankful for Saturday, a day when we can get caught up in any preparation that is necessary for the Sunday ministry. I feel this way about the Sunday School class. Although I am prepared to teach, I like more time for prayer and meditation on the subject we are teaching. Yesterday we attended the Norma Kremser funeral. I was asked to read Scripture for it. Our Bible class in the morning also went well. We had new ones attend. Thanks for praying. 

Friday, September 22, 2017

CLASS TIME & FUNERAL

And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15


The great commission is so plain in language we all understand,
So join with me and let us diligently obey God's command.
Geography has no limits in this order today,
So just get going to every land and you'll see that all's okay. (RP)

We hope all the class will be able to be present this morning for the Bible class. We know of two who probably will not. One had her upper teeth extracted and the other has shingles. Even Margie is not certain because she did not have a good night. She somehow hurt her jaw while eating supper last night and had pain all night. This afternoon I am helping with the funeral of Norma Kremser. Thanks for praying. 

Thursday, September 21, 2017

TWELVE THINGS

Jesus looked at them and said,With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. Mark 10:27

Impossible things are not so with God,He's the One who can do this and more.
So trust Him believer, our God is so great, and He'll answer you with blessings galore.(RP)

On our schedule this week we had over twelve things or meetings we had lined up. It keeps us on the go, that's for sure. Yesterday Margie had her left shoulder treated with a pain killing shot. We hope it works for awhile. We always enjoy the Wednesday evening Fellowship time at our church. It was great and especially the part where we go back over the message the guest speaker gave us last Sunday. What a blessing. Thanks for praying. 

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

CARDIOLOGIST

Gal 6:9   And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Don't give up dear soldier in the army of the Lord,
Your work for Him is valued and will not be ignored.
Faint not in your long battle 'cause God is on your side,

No matter what the outcome He is there to comfort and guide. (RP)

Thankfully all went well yesterday at the cardiologist visit. Her EKG did well and all other tests seem to be good for her condition. We rejoice in this. He gave us some options for future consideration, and we appreciate this. Today we are leaving for town in a short time, for Margie to have a pain shot in her shoulder. We pray it will give her some relief. Thanks so much for praying.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

HEART SCARE

Gal 6:9   And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Don't give up dear soldier in the army of the Lord,
Your work for Him is valued and will not be ignored.
Faint not in your long battle 'cause God is on your side,
No matter what the outcome He is there to comfort and guide. (RP)

Last night we were concerned about Margie's heart. After supper it started pounding like it has several times that resulted in a trip to the E R.  Thankfully it subsided, and she was able to return to a more normal routine. She had a good sleep, and we are thankful. I am going to the church for my usual Tuesday duty there. Ironically and thankfully Margie's scheduled visit to see the cardiologist is this afternoon. Thanks for praying.  


Monday, September 18, 2017

FOOT DOCTOR

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)

It is raining. We need it. This morning we take Margie to the foot doctor. We will do some limited shopping (Margie stays in the car) before coming home. This is a full week with many appointments and responsibilities. We had a great day at church yesterday and really enjoyed pastor Jim Godwin's preaching.  Thanks for your prayers.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

GUEST SPEAKER

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life;

Of whom shall I be afraid. Ps. 27:1




The Lord gives light in darkness and salvation for the lost,
This came with a momentous price; for Him a very high cost.
Because He is my Savior now I know there's nothing to fear,
And My Savior's always with me and his help is so sincere.
I thank God for strength He gives me for my life from day to day,
And I will lean upon Him as He takes me all the way.(RP)

We are happy to have in our church this morning pastor Jim Godwin and his wife Marilyn. He is our guest speaker today and next Sunday. We have known them for many years, starting when we were missionaries to Brazil. His church supported us. We have been blessed by his ministry through the years. We are pleased our church will have the opportunity to benefit from his preaching. Thanks to all for your prayers. 

Saturday, September 16, 2017

ONE NEVER KNOWS

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

We have a Savior to whom we can go when we want to talk to Him,
He never leaves us without hope, and way out on a limb.
Boldly we can speak to Him and tell Him all our woes,
Because He does not sleep or ever take a break to doze.
Thank God our confidence is in Him, we rely on Him each day,
And we are blessed to have His presence all along the way.(RP)

We never know from week to week how the Bible class attendance will go. We had fewer in class yesterday. Some notified us of illness, so we knew the class would be smaller. But that's okay, because the class went well and we had a great time. At home that day, Margie & I started preparing for next week's class. I also worked on the Sunday School lesson in Joshua. I will be doing that again today. I also wrote up the minutes for last week's elder meeting.  Thanks for praying. 

Friday, September 15, 2017

IT'S FRIDAY

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Oh how great to trust God's sovereignty and His providence Divine,
And to know He leads me daily with all the troubles that are mine.
He has a reason for each thing knowing best how to direct my way,

Cheer up fellow Christian, let God do His work, as you trust Him day by day.(RP)

We always look forward to this day. The Bible class is so much fun. The first day attendance was real good last week and we hope it remains that way. The weather is taking a downward turn and this morning it is much cooler. By Sunday they say it will be more so. I guess Fall is well on its way. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 

Thursday, September 14, 2017

FOUR HOURS

I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. Psa 119:162 


God's Word is very precious; in its pages we find wealth,
All its teachings give instruction and all for spiritual health.
When we open the sacred Pages, how our hearts are filled with praise,
As we see amazing treasures, all designed to encourage and amaze.(RP)

Margie and I spent over four hours in the dental offices yesterday. She went first, then it was my turn.  While the hygienist was cleaning my teeth a filling fell out of one of my front teeth, She also discovered a missing part of a lower tooth, and another tooth that was split. The doctor said the only cure for my dilemma is a crown. His secretary is checking with our dental plan to inquire about financing. We do pay each month for the plan, so hopefully they will cover it. We each have several visits to correct our dental "woes". Thanks for praying.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

DENTIST

Then Moses said to God, Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they say to me, What is His name? what shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And He said, Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you. Exodus 3:13-14



The names of God are important to us and reveal to us very much,
In fact His names help us all through life and bring us the Master's touch.
For each of our needs, He has a name that helps, displaying His loving care, 
If you doubt God's help don't forget his I Am because it's always there,
When we are aware of the I AM who speaks, there's nothing for us to fear,
He supplies what we need with His special name and we know he is always near.(RP)

We have a routine and today is wash day. And besides that we visit the dentist. Margie goes at 11 and I at 12. Because we have had surgeries, special medication is required before they can work on us. That is all in place. Tonight, Lord willing, there will be the fellowship time at the church. So our day is pretty well planned for us. Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

HERE AGAIN

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, ;And lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, ;And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6

We sometimes wonder what to do and God responds, "I'll show you"
He never leaves us in the dark but will show us what to do.
But perhaps you ask how one can be so sure to know God's will for us.
And we bring you now to this very good verse which is a good one to discuss.
The simple answer is to trust the Lord and this with all your heart,
And then there's more for we are weak and tend to obey only a part.
God tells us here in language plain don't do this on your own,
For if you do you know this fact, you'll walk the road alone.
In everything acknowledge Him and He will direct your way,

And the joy will be yours to have Him lead and answer when you pray.(RP)

I am at our church sitting in the same room I did for 18 years. It is a blessing to be here to talk to folks who drop in or call. Because I am retired I have this privilege. The other elders are employed and cannot do it. I also take advantage of the time to study for two Bible studies I conduct: Sunday School and at the Ferndale Senior Center. Thanks for praying. 

Monday, September 11, 2017

EXTRA MEETINGS

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.  John 6:66


How sad to start with Jesus then turn your back from Him,
In doing this one has set his course on a path that is sad and dim.
Walking with Jesus is the joy of life, giving meaning and purpose each day,
And with this assurance His peace fills our souls and proudly we walk the way.
So walk dear believer in the light of His love, obeying his every command,
His grace without measure will be yours and these things you will know firsthand.(RP)


Yesterday we had a Skype interview with a pastoral candidate, and tomorrow we have one with another. There will be more of these now that paper work is coming in from men seeking the position. I preached yesterday and taught a Sunday School class. Both of these I enjoy, and thank the Lord for the privilege of being able to serve. There is a chill in the air this morning. The temperatures are dropping slightly. Thanks for your prayers. 

Sunday, September 10, 2017

ASSIGNMENT

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

There's one thing God wants us to know dear one, He desires for us to work.
And these are good works he asks us to do, and in this we better not shirk.
The secret of works is for we who believe; all because He saved our soul,

And every day as we move about our lives are in his control.(RP)

My duties this morning are to teach a Sunday School class. We are in the book of Joshua. Then I preach in the morning service. I am privileged to be assigned these ministries. I look forward to them. Our class Friday was well attended. Six were absent and we had 34 there. We were pleased.  I noticed it much cooler this morning, so we can tell winter is on its way. But it will still be warm today and several to come, we are told. Thanks for praying.

Saturday, September 9, 2017

RAIN

Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.1 Th 5:21-22



God's commands to us in small packages come so we can readily learn,
What He wants us to do as we live for Him and easily life challenges discern.
Let us hold to good things He has taught, and faithfully do them each day,
Abstaining from evil, in every form, and by doing this receive His okay.(RP)

It rained yesterday and today it is cooler already. It will still be warm, we are told, but it appears that summer is starting to slow down.  Today I will  spend more time going over pages of our book that our editor Laurel Hicks has returned to me. There is still much to do, and I fear we may not be able to publish before Christmas. It's all in the Lord's hands, and we will do our best. Thanks for praying. 

Friday, September 8, 2017

IT'S HERE!

Psalm 145:18The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,To all who call upon Him in truth.

The matter of prayer is a serious thing for all who claim His name,
Some are half hazard and some are sincere, some treat it like a game.
But the Lord said He's near to those calling upon Him,
So be truthful when praying and you'll be filled to the brim.(RP)

The summer months passed quickly and now we are starting again the Bible class at the Ferndale Senior Activity Center. In past days several have expressed to us their delight that we can get back to the class. We are happy they are. The smoke is still in the air, but rain is predicted for today. They don't think it will be much, but at least it may take some of the smoke away. Thanks for praying. 

Thursday, September 7, 2017

WHAT'S NEXT

Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.

We serve a risen Savior and His power is great indeed,
Human thinking cannot fathom this even though it's been decreed.
How we thank Him for his power and His understanding great,

AS we Humbly bow before  Him and for His soon appearing wait.(RP)

We wonder what is coming next as far as weather is concerned. The smoke-filled sky continues, and for allergy sufferers, it is not pleasant. The temperatures are cooling down, and they even predicts rain. That would be great. Lawns are pretty well brown-colored. I take Margie to get her hair done this morning. For most of our time, she did her own, but her arms no longer function, making it impossible to even use a comb. This afternoon is prayer time, and we look forward to that. Thanks for praying. 

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

SMOKE-FILLED SKIES

You will keep him in perfect peace,Whose mind is stayed on You,Because he trusts in You.Isaiah 26:3



God's looking for those who will think upon Him,
Even when all seems so dismal and dim. 
Perfect peace is promised for those who are set,
To honor Him in their heart without a regret.(RP)

Our weather is weird. Fires in distant places have filled the heavens with smoke. No sunshine visible for a couple of days, but it is still hot. For allergy sufferers, this is tragic. Cooler weather is forecast and even some rain. We hope so. Thanks for praying.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

CHURCH DUTY


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)

This morning I go to church for most of the morning. One never knows who may drop in for help or a visit. We are glad to be on hand to help if needed. I take advantage of the time for study and future preparation. We had a nice time last night at the home of our friends, where several were invited for food and fellowship. It was great to see and hear all the children also. Today it looks "different" outside. I don't know what the weather will do, but yesterday it was almost 90 degrees here at our house. Thanks for praying.


Monday, September 4, 2017

LABOR DAY

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Deception is waiting for some right now; so listen to God's word,
You will be surprised when you hear something you've never heard.
It is never enough in God's sight to just listen to the word of God,
For His children something more is required to get from Him a nod.
God expects us to work for Him, and do always those things that please,

And then you will be a winner because your work for Him agrees.(RP)

This is a holiday, but many will be working. Our son is off work today and is presently with us. He will return home today sometime. We are going to have breakfast at our local grocery store where a Starbucks is located. I am busy preparing everything for the week. I have two Bible classes to prepare for plus a message next Sunday. That will keep me busy, I am sure. Thanks for praying. 

Sunday, September 3, 2017

LOOKING FORWARD

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Matthew 19:26

We mortals sometimes get mixed up, and think we can do many things,
God knows best, and so should we, that on our own we have many dings.
Man cannot save himself you know, this is a work only our Savior can do,
Lost sinners can always find salvation in Christ, and this means you too.
Impossibilities with man are made possible with God, if we only go to Him,

Take your problem to Him and leave it there; this way you'll never be grim.(RP)

We are looking forward not only for the service this morning, but also next Friday when the Bible class starts again. This morning I will continue in Joshua chapters 3 & 4. Tomorrow Margie and I will join the other elders and their families for a meal on Labor Day. Rawlie also arrives today for an overnight visit with us. We look forward to this. Thanks for praying. 

Saturday, September 2, 2017

WARMING TREND


The gospel is simple for people like me, and is easy for most to see,
In Jesus there's life for those who will trust, and to this we readily agree.
Those wanting Heaven must get there God's way. and this through Jesus alone,

And any who delay in doing what's right will be sorry if this decision they postpone.(RP)

We see a warming trend in the weather again this week, and we are told Labor Day will be HOT.  I mean hot for our part of the country. I can remember when we lived in Phoenix we would travel 85 miles to the north to get into 85 degree weather where we thought it was paradise. I will put polishing touches to my study on Joshua today, so I'll be ready for class tomorrow morning. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying.

Friday, September 1, 2017

A WEEK FROM TODAY

Psalm 143:8Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.

Lord help me read your Word each day
And learn Your will for me.
And make my life so full of You

So others my Savior will see. (RP)

It is hard to believe that next Friday our Bible class at the Ferndale Senior Center resumes. The summer has gone quickly, and it's time again for the class. We are ready for it. Class members have been remarking how they look forward to it. This is always encouraging for the teacher. But our summer weather is not over. By Monday the temperature will be 87 or more, they told us this morning. That's okay with us. Thanks for praying.