COLDER

Ephesians 2:8-9 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God 

The grace of God is abundant, and does for us what nothing else can,

It's what saves a sinner, when by faith he will go along with God's plan.

Oh that men would understand, that by themselves they cannot be saved,

By trusting Jesus they will be free, from the sin by which they were enslaved. (RP)

The weatherman reported colder weather ahead. This morning it was cooler than usual. Up until now we have had relatively mild temperatures. Maybe now the colder streak is on its way. We had an enthusiastic Bible class yesterday. We are getting near the end of Revelation and people are asking about our next book. Margie baked a new recipe of cookies yesterday.They really look good, but we haven't tasted them yet.Today I must look at a friend's computer which is giving some problems receiving e-mail. I can't always cure the problem but we will try. Trust you all have a great day.Thanks so much for praying. 

GOD'S HANDIWORK

John 3:36  

"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

To believe in Jesus is a command from God, and the benefit is great, 

Eternal life is for those who obey,so it 's very wise not to wait. 

Those who disobey God's command experience His wrath upon them, 

They will never see life eternal and the future for them is dim. (RP)

The members of the Bible class each Friday, I am sure, look forward to the lesson I give to start the class.  For many years I have studied, collected and given these small stories before teaching a Bible lesson. Sometimes I jokingly remark that maybe the folks like these lessons as much as the Bible study.  I never cease to amaze at the vastness of God's created things both in the vegetable and animal kingdom. Now with computers, my work has been made much easier.  Today we know that some of our traveling members are back home and we will be glad to see them.  We had heavy winds yesterday but thankfully did not lose our power to the house.  Many did.  We trust your day goes well.  Thanks always, for your prayers, 

STRONG WINDS

Proverbs 2:3-5 

Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures;Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

God's wisdom is so important as we walk with Him each day, 

It is our stabilizer and what keeps us on course in the way. 

Wisdom is doing things God's way in all we strive to do,

He gives it freely to all who ask, and for that which you pursue.

The end results are special too, when we understand His fear,

His knowledge is given freely for all who are honest and sincere.(RP)

We awakened to very strong winds this morning. We are glad it is not recycle garbage day. We must go down the hill twice today:  to take Margie to the hairdresser and afternoon prayer meeting at the church.  Each day we do some more work on our Revelation studies, so we won't be rushed at the end of the week. It is a fascinating study and the class seems to appreciate it very much.  Margie and I look forward to it each week. We trust your day goes well. I had a nice chat with brother Harold last night on Skype. What a wonderful program for communication. Thanks for praying.  

POLITICS

Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Colossians 4:12

Epaphras had it right when he labored much in prayer,

Because he had a burden, and was a man of care.

Praying for Christians to be perfect is a noble thing to do,

God wants us to be complete, and to Him be always true.

The only way to do this is to always seek God's will,

The result will be blessed, and your heart with His joy will fill.(RP)

Most people were probably "glued" to the news yesterday. Depending on your philosophy, you will either be glad or sad at the results of the voting.  All we can say is that we pray God will use the results to help our elected officials make right decisions.  They need our prayers and this is a plee for us to do that for our nation.  We attended a missionary meeting yesterday afternoon and heard our good friend Courtney Lancaster, Japan, speak about her ministry. It was a blessing.  Margie then had an adjustment with her chiropractor. After her fall, we pray this will help.  Margie said it definitely did.We are pleased. Thanks so much for praying. 

DON'T GIVE UP

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 

Psalm 61:2

When my heart is heavy and weary caused by many things that go wrong,

I am glad my Savior hears me, and each time gives me a new song.

 He is my rock, a foundation secure, and in Him there is hope every day,

He listens to me as I pray, and I know He will help each step of the way.(RP)

A little mishap yesterday taught us we can never give up in asking God's help as we move about our day. Please pray for Margie's stability which is in need of constant vigil.We are thankful she is doing okay. She will see her doctor soon about another concern of hers, the left shoulder. She had the right one "replaced" a couple of years ago, now the other one is reminding her of an undesirable pain. Thanks so much for praying.  

HERE WE GO!

Hebrews 12:1 

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...

The heroes of faith we read in God's Word give courage to us today, 

Their dedicated lives and devotion to the Lord, are lessons on display.

In this life we are in a race, and to succeed there are things we must do,

All things that impede our run, should be cast aside as His will we pursue.

We need God's help to endure, and be faithful in this race we are in,

And if we neglect to press on, we know that for us it's because of sin.(RP)

Mondays are always the reminder to get busy, because there is much to do this week.  We are glad we can still do some things, and especially service for the Lord. Yesterday was a blessing to be in church and hear of the positive reports concerning the Friday night event at our church. Only in eternity will we ever really know how much God worked in lives through the ministry of our church. Today I am baking stuffed peppers. Margie has already prepared them for "filling". Now I must get the ingredients cooked and get them in the oven. We will enjoy a couple of them for lunch today. We hope also to distribute some of them to persons who can use them. Thanks so much for praying. 

WORSHIP

Galatians 6:7-8 

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

People travel on life's road generally doing what they like to do,

They fail to think of consequences; they haven't thought them through.

We can ignore God in the things we do, but He will not be mocked,

The results are not good, and those who fail are truly shocked.

It's so much better to choose God's way, and let Him control your life,

Than sowing to fleshly living and ways, and end up with great strife.(RP)

We always look forward to this morning when we can be in Sunday School and the worship service.  It is refreshing to be at church and have fellowship with the believers, and greet visitors to the services. Just this week we discovered that a family who attends lives on our street.  What a surprise to us.  Yesterday Gina and Monique visited us before going back to their home in Stanwood.  It was so nice having them here.  Later Rawlie called us and we  had a long phone visit.  I also talked to my brother Harold, via Skype which I had on my smartphone.  The audio was chrystal clear.  Last week I did the same with my brother Ernie in Singapore.  We trust your day goes well.   Yesterday we set our clocks BACK so this morning when we awakened, it was light outside.  Thanks for praying.