Our return journey unfortunately was marred by an accident.  Not a big accident, but not a good situation.  We had travelled through white-out conditions on the major highways and turned onto a side road close to home.  This was where we encountered more heavy and blowing snow!  We could not see the road ahead and it took just seconds for us to realize we were sliding off the road!  We came to rest in a snow-filled ditch, and became well and truly stuck and the weather was not being kind!  The wind was almost gale force causing almost zero visibility. 

We called for help via our auto club and then had to wait.  We were told it could be as long as an hour or more!  We had no choice but to ‘hunker down’ and wait.

During the time we were entrenched in the ditch – we had so many offers of help from passing motorists.  Mostly offering to call for help!  Inquiring if we were hurt!  What could they do?  Their ongoing kindness and concern left us feeling less alone, in our awful situation. 

One man had suggested he try and pull us out with the use of a strap – but because we had called for a tow truck, we decided to wait for that.  However, as time dragged on and it was certainly not getting any warmer, when another gentleman came along and stopped; looked at our cars’ position in the ditch and reassured us that he’d be able to pull us out, we readily agreed to let him try.  He succeeded and then drove behind us for a while, making sure we really were OK!  How very kind he was!  How very thankful we were for his assistance and for all the other motorists who so readily offered help!  So many good samaritans!  

Luke 10:33-34  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.  So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine and set him on his animal…….

We, thankfully, did not have wounds!  But the many good neighbors who stopped to offer help warmed our hearts, just as the good Samaritan in Luke’s story must have surely warmed the spirit of the injured traveller.

We are all called to be good neighbors to each other and the travellers who chose to stop and offer help to us were indeed good examples.  They all, despite the bitterness of the wind and cold, put our welfare first in showing such concern.  We were very thankful for each one.  And, in case you are wondering – yes, we did call the auto club and cancel the tow truck; in fact we did this as soon as we had been pulled back onto the road and found there was no further need for that service.

Prayer:  Father God, we were blessed by the many ‘angels’ you sent our way to help us in our time of need, and we pray your abundant favor and blessing upon each soul who showed concern for their neighbors.  Whether they realized it or not, they were choosing to be good neighbors to people they did not know; showing mercy because there was a need.  We are thankful for each one of them.  In Jesus Name, Amen

 Patricia Day

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It can be a very satisfying undertaking; the mixing and adding of good and active yeast, the kneading and then the ‘resting’ to allow the dough to rise.  This resting time enables the yeast to infiltrate the whole lump, making it lighter and more palatable after baking. 

Leavening, in this instance produces good and acceptable results.  A pleasure to anticipate and even better when tasted and then feasted upon.

Conversely, there is unsavory sin!  Liken it to bad yeast added to good ingredients.  It will contaminate the whole batch.  Just a tiny wrong, something we might think of as inconsequential, will have the same effect.  It will stay in our heart and spirit, spreading its imperfection and spoiling our character and image. 

Just a tiny transgression can easily increase beyond our control, becoming a habit and changing us from pleasant and acceptable beings into someone who is tainted by unpalatable behaviors and beliefs.  Beings that no good person wants to have any part of!

1 Corinthians 5:6 – 7a    Stop being proud!  Don’t you know how a little yeast can spread through the whole batch of dough?  Get rid of the old yeast!  (CEV)

Prayer:  Father God, let us stay very aware of good and evil.  Let us be wise and not be fooled into spoiling our characters by allowing immoral, greedy, proud or profane people into our social activities or any other part of our lives.  Let us be all that You desire of us; wholesome and acceptable in all our ways.  In Jesus Precious Name, Amen!

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There is nothing so difficult to live down than having our sinful self revealed to all.  We may not realize how frequently sin rears its ugly head.  I am reminded of an incident in my life several weeks ago.

I was feeling tired, frustrated with all that had to be accomplished, and most of all angry at the car parked in the driveway of the gas station.  For some reason, people had decided the space before the door to the convenience store was a new and acceptable parking space.  I do not understand it.  It is not even marked for parking, but there is always a car there.

On this night, another car was pulled up to the gas pump, so the space between the two cars was narrow.  About the time I was getting ready to drive between them, the driver of the car that wasn’t supposed to be there got out.  I still remember the poor guy’s face as I railed at him as I went by.

Even I was shocked by my outburst of wrath.  He was a young fellow, coming out of his car with a smile, but it didn’t last.  He couldn’t have helped but hear my tirade over his choice of parking.  The look on his face is still with me, for I know I caused the joy to leave it.  Maybe my sin pushed him into sin as well when he went home and took out his upset on someone else.

My only consolation was that I didn’t have to repent of cursing, but the words were nasty none the less.  I could have cried in shame and anger at myself, but my pride tried to excuse it, while my conscience condemned me.

Sin is never done in secret, for our Lord sees it all.  He even knows the motives of our heart. We can’t hide from Him.  Do you remember a famous Bible couple who tried to hide from God?  If you answered Adam and Eve, you would be correct.  They knew the instant they ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil they were disobedient.

When their time with God came in the cool evening, they hid from Him.  This, of course, did not escape God’s notice, for in times past, can’t you imagine their joy in meeting Him at this special time.  God knew, but He called to Adam anyway.  Soon the sin was revealed.  From then on, everything changed.

Sin changes us and it changes those around us.  Adam and Eve were changed forever, as are we as a result.  Looking back to the Garden, I realize they must have remembered their sin after leaving the Garden.  Their lives were spent in toil and sorrow, and they always remembered why.

We remember our sin, but thankfully our Lord does not.  Consider the comforting words of 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

King David of Israel knew what it felt like to be caught in sin.  His sin was very public, given that he was the King and a man and a child died because of it.  Yet he wrote these comforting words in Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.”

I rejoice that while I remember my sin, my Lord does not.  He has forgiven me and cleansed away the awful stench of it.  I am left with the memory of it; it keeps me alert to my sin nature and serves to act as a deterrent when I might be tempted to another outburst of wrath.

God is so good to us.  I praise Him for His mercy and grace, and pray that I might exhibit it to others when they wrong me.

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings.”  Proverbs 5:21

Copyright © 2012 by Linda Hull of Words of Encouragement

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The bird bath in our backyard attracts a lot of wildlife.  Sitting outside one warm day, I watched in fascination as a wasp gently landed on the edge of the birdbath and began drinking the water; I’d never seen this before.  Then another wasp joined it, and another, and ‘Oh, my goodness’ pretty soon there were many, many more!  My fascination turned to mild alarm at so many of these ‘ornery’ insects so close to me.  There had to be a nest close by and they had found a refreshing ‘spring’ in our garden.

Sin or wrongs, can be a little like that. One by one, they enter our lives, initially not attracting our attention: turning a blind eye here, having a lax attitude there, letting one rule after another be bent, and changing a few morals from good to bad. But a day comes when we are suddenly aware of how many we have allowed into our lives.  We’ve allowed sins to multiply one by one, until we’re a welcome watering hole for them.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 For I know the plans I have for you, declares 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.  (NKJV)

Only God can guide us and hopefully, the day will come when we realize that we have nowhere else to go but to God!  Nobody else can help or is willing to listen.  We are left trying to decide how we can ‘go ! What do we do next?  It is a place of despair, but we can be assured that if we will only ask God for His help and ask Him to guide all that we think, say or do, we will experience a refreshing in our hearts and spirits, that only He can give.  He will bring us to His ‘watering hole’ of truth and right-living.  He will let us know where we have gone wrong, and what we need to do about it.  This advice can be found only in the bible, it is God’s watering hole, and if we will only trust the words it holds for us, it becomes a refreshing place, where we will find comfort and sustenance for our dried-up spirits.

Prayer:  Father God, let us come to You and only You for our refreshing:  let us be wise in where and how we meet our internal needs because to choose unwisely will lead us to external disquiet and trouble.

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Praying God’s blessings and Peace and Safety to you, as you celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ!  May you have the joy of family and good friends, around you this Christmas, and may there be many happy moments.

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What can I give my spouse?

What to give the children!

What to give friends and family!

Will it be a new guitar?  The latest electronic gadget on which to view, text and listen? Perhaps the latest video game?

It is so easy get ‘caught up’ in the buying frenzy expected of us by retailers.

The very best gift you can give is the story of Jesus!  Christmas after all, is the celebration of His birth.  He was born to bring us the gifts of peace, contentment and joy!  He wanted and still wants us, to share his unconditional love with others.  What greater gift is there?

Gift-giving is a beautiful way of sharing and showing our love with those nearest and dearest to us, but let’s not forget the true meaning of Christmas.  Let us remember to say, “Happy Birthday, Jesus”!

Let us invite and welcome Him into our hearts, minds and spirits.  Let us remember to thank His Father, God for all that He provides for us day by day. Let us keep Jesus in our hearts all year long, and each successive year of our lives.

Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  (NIV)

Prayer:  Father, when the worldly interpretation of Christmas overwhelms us, help us to not forget You, and Your gift of Jesus to us.  May we focus on what is important and beneficial to us and may we grow in faith and love.  Amen

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Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (NIV)

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue with puffy white clouds … nice temperature, despite it being December! Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue … the grass is dormant … the flowers are asleep. I won’t have to mow this week, nor water the flowers. Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue … it’s cold and crisp.  But this, too, is a day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice!

Woke up this morning — it’s not raining. Rejoice! Praise the Lord!

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue … the air is crisp and it bites the end of your nose;  winter is definitely here.. Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — it’s sunny, cold, and windy; it snowed overnight, and the driveway will have to be cleaned.  But I’ve got a warm home, warm clothes, food to eat, books to read, family and friends. And a snowblower. Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — the sun isn’t shining, but I look forward to the promise of spring. Rejoice!

Every day is a gift from God. Some days, it’s easier to rejoice than others, but God, who creates every day, also created us. He is our Father; we are His children and God has promised He is always with us. He loves us.  He knows our needs and He wants us to seek Him out. On those days when it’s hard to rejoice and God seems far away, who do you think has moved?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear God, help us to rejoice in each day, drawing ever closer to You. Amen

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There is a major house renovation going on close to where we live. Actually, it has been in progress for weeks and weeks – new roof, insulation, siding, windows, doors, sunroom and storage addition – a complete overhaul! I don’t know, because I have not seen inside, but I have to assume that there is a great deal of updating, repair and cleaning being addressed inside the home too: and I assume this due to the time it is taking to complete the work.

I recall when my husband and I, were looking for a home in this park, that we viewed one particular unit that was in a beautiful location, the price was amazing (it would have left a great deal of ‘spare’ cash for renovations) but the condition inside was nothing short of ‘disgusting’: how anyone could have lived in the home in the condition it was in, was beyond our comprehension.

We had agreed that we were willing to move into a house of our choice and do work while living there, but the filth and the updates needed in that particular house, were way too bad for us to even consider moving in and living there in – there was far too much to do to make it habitable.

When some people are challenged to give their lives to God and invite Jesus into their hearts, they recognize the truth that they have sinned before God. As a result, they want to clean up their lives before they issue an invitation to Jesus. They don’t yet understand that God comes into our lives to clean us up, precisely because we can’t do it for ourselves.

Isaiah 64:6a – But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags. (NKJV)

The good news is that God loves us just as we are. So when we become willing to accept God into our lives, thankfully, He does not shun our dirty lives like we rejected that dirty home. He welcomes us and cleanses us. He does not leave us as we are, with our disparaging thoughts, our criticism of others, our idolatry of all things material, and all our major and minor sinful ways. This process is called “sanctification”.

 Isaiah 1:16 – Wash yourselves clean! I am disgusted with your filthy deeds. Stop doing wrong. (CEV)

Just as the house we viewed had much to clean up before being habitable, so God needs to clean up our lives, thoughts, and actions, so that we become a true reflection of His Son, Jesus, in our hearts, minds, and spirits.

James 4:8 – Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Clean up your lives, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you people who can’t make up your mind. (CEV)

Prayer: Abba, make us aware of all that is in our lives, our thoughts, and our deeds, that is unworthy of Your presence within us. Wash us clean, and renew our spirits and hearts so that we are wholesome, presentable, and welcoming to all who look at us and the ways that we live. We want to be acceptable to You and winsome to them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Has someone hurt you?  Have you been wronged?  Have you done the best you know how to do and it still is not enough?  If you are human and walking among other people in this world, then I’m fairly certain you can answer “yes” to each of these questions.  As Christians we know we will encounter people who dislike us, who hate us, who will insult us if we are living a life for the glory of God.  Our Savior forewarned us and told us that we are “blessed if we are persecuted” on His account. Mt. 5:11.  Somehow it seems less shocking to have unbelievers who treat us wrongly.  It’s life.  It’s hardest for Christians when we endure rebuke, rebuffs, and anger from fellow Christians, or family.  It’s hard sometimes to remember that love:

“…is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:5

This is the season when so many of us gather to be with family.  Tradition bids us come together and celebrate.  Yet, so often family members find themselves at odds with one another.  Many times conflict arises that has nothing to do with who carves the turkey, who sits next to whom at the table, who is late for dinner, or gets the wishbone.  Conflict comes from digging up bones from past grievances.  From harbored anger.  From unforgiven contention–sometimes decades old.  Sometimes we come with the best of intentions.  We vow to accept another’s irritating habits, to keep peace no matter what.  Then something happens and it dredges up the previous hurt feelings.  It’s time to let them go.  It’s time to ask God for grace to forgive.  For me to accomplish this, I center on the mercy the Lord has shown me.  He does not count my past against me.  I am forgiven from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9-10.

As we face the days ahead, I pray each wrong committed against us is quickly forgiven.  Life is so very short.  We show our love by not acting rudely, selfishly, or begrudgingly.  Yes, I know others may act that way towards us.  But we are not accountable for how others act, only ourselves.  We show accountability by not keeping record of wrongs.  May this be our sacrifice to a Savior who gave His all for our sin.  © Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

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From 1558 to 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly.  Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.  It has two levels of meaning:  the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church.  Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember.

  -         The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-         Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-         Three French hens stood for Faith, Hope and Love.

-         The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

-         The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-         The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-         Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit:  Prophesy Serving,     Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.

-         The eight maids a-milking were the eight Beatitudes.

-         Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit:  Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.

-         The ten Lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

-         The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Disciples.

-         The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

 MERRY (Twelve Days of) CHRISTMAS!

And so, let us remember, that it is not OK to say “Happy Holiday” – when did that all come about? 

As CHRISTmas approaches, let us remember that it is a Christian celebration of Christ’s birth!  In order to give Him the praise and the glory – let us remember to say loudly and clearly to those we meet; to those we send greeting cards to; to them all let us say:  HAPPY CHRISTMAS  one and all!

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I have just finished reading passages from my Bible and am now sitting here in front of my computer, ready to begin my daily routine of checking emails, my devotional websites and then I hope, continue on with my writing (I entered the National Writing Contest and am committed to write a minimum of 50,000 words through November).

It suddenly occurred to me how many times, during all these activities,  I have the need to hit the ‘refresh’ button; or the ‘delete’ button – and I really am truly thankful for them; after all my work would be far more time-consuming without them.  I can easily adjust my work and be sure it complies with my initial idea.

Whenever my fingers hit a wrong key I can immediately delete the error to erase it.  Whenever I linger too long and need  to bring my computer back from ‘standby mode’ – all I have to do is press the refresh button and voila - I am able to continue my work.

Thinking that, I am so glad that the times I sin, God does not look at me and decide that he needs to hit His ‘delete’ button, thereby erasing all that I am and strive to become for Him. 

I love that in the times we err in our bad-decision making or our plainly wrong behaviours, we can  approach Him in prayer, and ask His forgiveness and He will immediately ‘hit’ refresh, and we are ready to start again, with His grace. 

Prayer:  Abba Father, we know that we make mistakes – even though we try so hard to do the right thing  for Your honor and glory.  We thank you that you are a loving God, who disciplines without harshness.  We are so thankful that you continue to refresh us and guide us, even in the times, when You must often want to do the opposite.  Thank you for loving us just as we are.  In Jesus Name, Amen. 

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The first time I sat down to read the Book cover to cover was during my first year of marriage.  I confess; I was ignorant of what the Bible had to say.  Oh, I had learned Bible stories as a child in Sunday school, but since my attendance was sparse I knew that I had missed out on important truths.  So I committed to reading through the Bible.

Reading the Bible is a privilege that some do not have.  I recall a man who visited our church some years ago.  He had saved up to come to a special evangelism seminar that our church was hosting.  One of our men befriended him and in the next several days learned his story.  Later all of us on staff learned his story too.

It seems that in his country it was forbidden to own a Bible.  Many of his family members were not Christians, so he was repeatedly beaten and threatened.  To them he was a disgrace, and they used these tactics to discourage him in his faith and force him to abandon it entirely.  When he came to our country, his one desire was to obtain a Bible in his native language that he could take home.  He knew that he would have to smuggle it through customs in order to keep it, but he was willing to take the risk.

His American friend prayed and through God’s intervention located a Bible for this man.  He was overjoyed!  Soon the time came for him to return to his homeland.  We all prayed that he would be able to keep his Bible.  When the call came, his American friend shared with us the good news!  He and his Bible were safe at home.

Over the next few months, his American friend shared tidbits of news.  He had begun a Bible study with a friend.  Then one day word came that he had been severely beaten by his family members with threats that he would be killed if he did not stop teaching the Word.  That was the last news we heard of him.

We take the privilege of reading our Bibles so lightly.  God has much to say to us, if we will but pay attention.  Let us not be too busy to read His Word, for in it we will discover the wisdom and encouragement to get us through life’s trials.  It is our lifeline in our times of need.

I made it through my Bible in less than a year, choosing to read the paraphrased Living Bible.  It gave me a good overview, but I knew it was time to keep my commitment by reading my King James.  I confess that I had difficulties with the language.  In total frustration I prayed and begged God for understanding.  He heard me because after that prayer, I didn’t seem to be struggling any more.

Anyone can read the Bible if you set your heart on it.  Start today with daily Bible reading to get in the habit.  Between now and January, you could fit in the Book of Proverbs and some of the Psalms by reading a chapter a day.

In January, start in earnest using a Bible reading schedule.  Do an online search using the keywords:  “Bible reading schedule” and you will find a variety of schedules.  I enjoy using the Bible reading schedule from Faith Baptist Bible College.  A 2012 version will be available on request.

I encourage and exhort you to commit yourself to reading the Bible during the coming new year.  It will change your heart and mind and your life!

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two—edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12

© 2011 by Linda Hull, Words of Encouragement

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