GOOD DAY

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed.

Psalm 46:1-2  

In a world filled with sin and things in a mess, we wonder if there is hope,

Is there an answer for the troubles around us, can people really cope?

Thank God He's the answer, because He's our refuge and strength,

He is always present in trouble, and to help us He will go to any length.

Trust Him as your Savior, and you will know His help is always near,

And because of this no matter what, you never need to fear.(RP)

We had a good day at church yesterday. Sunday School, then morning worship. Last night we returned for the evening meeting. Today we start the regular chores of the week, coupled with the ministry opportunities. We are following the primaries and caucuses around the country with much prayer for the right person to be chosen.  I called our friend to come mow the lawn, then when our machines are returned from being refurbished, I will endeavor to do the lawn mowing. We figured we should to economize as much as possible. Thanks for praying. 

SPRING BANQUET

Matthew 6:15 

But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Forgiveness seems hard for so many; grudges are easy to hold,

Instruction is plainly given by God what to do; in this verse we are told. 

So forgive when it is the right thing to do; don't hesitate to make this move,

For God sees your heart and understands well; of this action He does approve.(RP)

Last night we attended the Spring Banquet at our church. The room was full and the food delicious, prepared by Kathy Golay and her helpers. Glenn, her husband was there also and in charge of serving and clean up. The young people served. It was a lovely evening. Pastor Scott Lidbeck spoke, and his wife and daughter (who is our church secretary) played a piano/violin duet which was beautiful. Then Pastor Scott gave a very nice message. It was a lovely evening and we are thankful we could be there. Thanks for praying.

GOOD REPORT

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 

Revelation 2:4

How sad when Christians lose their love and spiritually are cold,

No longer do they testify and for Christ they are no longer bold. 

How tragic that Christ looks and declares they are so very weak,

If you are in this group, I pray you will repent and His face seek.(RP)

Yesterday we were blessed by being able to help the Tiesinga family with the memorial service for Jim. We praise the Lord that at least one person registered a desire to receive Jesus as Savior during the invitation given at the service. There may have been others who did not raise hands. We were also pleased with the Bible class taught by Tom Knight. It went well and we know he did a good job. We are grateful for his assistance. Thanks for praying. 

SUBSTITUTE

Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples,He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria.

John 4:1-4

Jesus walked in obedience to the Father, so to Samaria he NEEDED to go,

What a display of surrender was shown as He faithfully walked here below.

Are we living close to the Lord, desiring always to do His will?

I pray we all are. so the joy will be ours as we obediently His commands fulfill.(RP)

This is a first for me. I have always taught the Friday Bible class. Today, however, I cannot because I have a funeral. Tom Knight graciously accepted my invitation for him to teach the class. I will miss the class but am so thankful Tom will teach. I will conduct the funeral of Jim Tiesinga, a long time friend of our family. Last evening we attended the visitation and spoke to the family and had prayer. Thank you for praying for us. We appreciate it greatly.

PLENTY

John 8:29 

And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him. 

The Father sent the Son, and was with Him all the way,

He never left Him lonely for He was with Him every day.

He did what we cannot do, and that is to please Him in every way.

We may not achieve this goal, but at least the right attitude display.(RP)

As we look at today's schedule, there seems to be plenty to keep us busy. This morning Margie will have her hair done, and in the afternoon is prayer meeting. We leave there and go to Lynden, WA to be with Mae Rose Tiesinga and her family at the Visitation time for her husband, Jim Tiesinga.  The service will be tomorrow. We are supposed to have high winds and rain also which may complicate our travel to Lynden. Thanks for praying.

WEDNESDAY

Matthew 18:3  Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

The faith of children is a delight, because they believe what they hear,

When Jesus is presented to them, they receive Him and are sincere.

Jesus instructed the crowds that their faith needed to be the same,

When they hear about Jesus, to be saved they must believe in His name.(RP)

This is wash day for us. I do that, and Margie folds and irons. It keeps us busy part of the day at least. We still have a supper tonight. I also will be working on the prayer sheet for our afternoon prayer meeting tomorrow and it will be a bulletin insert Sunday. I am ready for the Friday funeral.  I also gave all the material to a friend who will teach the Bible class Friday.  Thanks for your prayers.

MISSIONS

Proverbs 14:12 

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

The world is deceived about spiritual things, and think they are doing right,

When life's journey is over and they pass away, many will be very uptight.

They thought things were right; they were wrong, and now they are lost,

And forever they spend away from God, and oh what a terrible cost.

Our duty is to tell lost sinners the way, and lead them to faith in the Lord,

Fellow Christians get busy; to miss this opportunity you cannot afford.(RP)

This afternoon we go to the mission meeting at our church. It is primarily to hear missionary letters and spend time in prayer. Yesterday I was able to work over more stories for our next book. I processed about 12 and hopefully today can get more done today. Thanks for praying.