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December-1-01
A certain man planted a rose, watered it faithfully, and
before it blossomed, he examined it. He saw the bud that would
blossom and also have thorns. And he thought, "How can any
beautiful flower come from a plant burdened with so many sharp thorns?"
Saddened by this thought, he neglected to water the rose, and
before it was ready to bloom, it died.
So it is with many people. Within every soul there is a rose.
The God like qualities planted in us at birth growing amid
the thorns of our faults.
Many of us look at ourselves and see only the thorns, the defects .
We despair, thinking that nothing good can possibly come from
us. We neglect to water the good within us, and eventually
it dies. We never realize our potential.
Some people do not see the rose within themselves; someone
else must show it to them. One of the greatest gifts a person
can possess is to be able to reach past the thorns and find the rose within others.
This is the characteristic of love, to look at a person, and knowing
his faults, recognize the nobility in his soul, and help him
realize that he can overcome his faults. If we show him the rose,
he will conquer the thorns. Then will he blossom, blooming forth
thirty, sixty, a hundred fold as it is given to him.
Our duty in this world is to help others by showing them their
roses and not their thorns. Only then can we achieve the love
we should feel for each other, only then we can bloom on our own.
December 02-01
THE GREEN EYED MONSTER
JAMES 3: 14-18
Envy will prevent us from getting the most out of life, if we let it. Most of us would be happier if we let it. Most of us would be happier if we could lower our envy-jealousy quotient. We can make ourselves miserable by grieving over the fact that Mrs. Jones clothes are so much smarter than ours.
So what? Accept as a challenge and use it to see how smart you can look on the amount of money you have to spend. Make it a game and the results will probably surprise even you.
Does a neighbors new mink or expensive car bring to the surface that green-eyed monster? Then stop and count your own blessings! Maybe it took something like this to make you see how much you really have to be thankful for.
A person who is fully aware of her own joys is not as likely to resent the joys of others. A sense of humor helps too. One who can laugh at her own shortcomings or misfortunes when her eyes start turning green, will undoubtedly be spared the pangs of envy.
There may always be someone who is richer, prettier, and smarter than you, but if the truth be known, that one probably envies you. You may have some talent that she doesnt have.
There can be no peace of mind where envying and strife is.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace (v.18).
December 03
The Bread Of Wickedness
Proverbs 4v 18-27
It is not necessary to eat the bread of wickedness to know how bitter it tastes. There are many dangers in this kind of bread. It is best not investigate but to pass by it altogether. We do not have to experiment with certain things to know whether they are evil. It is imperative that a child of God not allow herself to be ensnared by the devil.
The way of wickedness is just the opposite from the way of wisdom. We are advised to enter not;go out in; avoid it; turn from it. Travelers on the way of wickedness have a food all their own. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
As a normal person partakes of food and drink, so do these wicked ones indulge in certain sins just as regularly. Sin becomes a definite part of their existence. Gradually this food becomes a part of them as food does for the normal body.
The believers cup runs over with joy. His main source of energy is the meat of the word.
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart (Jer 15:16).
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven
By
Marjorie Parker
December 4
TURN ON THE LIGHT
Proverbs 4:18-27
Did you ever stop at the close of day to trace the guiding hand of God in your experiences of that day? Try it sometime!
One does not stand still in His Christian life. The closer one walks with Jesus the more light He will shed on the path. If we walk in the path He chooses for us, we will find it shineth more and more unto the perfect day. This light comes principally from His Word and this is why He tells us, Attend to my words; incline with thine ear unto my sayings.
We should never become careless about the Word of God. It should be used daily to guide our lives, then we will have the assurance that all our ways will be established. The way of light is the way of life. Gods light will enable us to control lips, and eyes, and feet. We shall be led in a straight course unto the perfect day. The light is there --- turn it on.
Lead, kindly Light, amid th encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on:
The night is dark and I am far from home;
Lead Thou me on! Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
John H. Newman
Taken from the book--- Bread From My Ovenby Marjorie Parker.
December 5
ADVISE AND CONSENT
Proverbs 14v 1-6
Mother, what should I do about-? Mother, may I go to-? mother, is it alright if I -?
If there is one thing mom has to do all day long, it is advise and consent. A thousand and one decisions, and small and great must be made daily in every household. Because dad is at work, this task usually falls to mom.
The homemaker at the beginning of each day would do well to pray as did Moses, So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psalms 90v12). The concerned mother will not absent-mindedly say yes or no to requests for permissions from her offspring. But she will carefully weigh the effects of that permission granted in the light of what is best for the child.
As for advise, the Christian mother finds the Bible a guide book for the rearing of her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Within its pages may be found wise instructions for parents and children.
Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Prov. 4 v 7).
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by Marjorie Parker December 6
DAILY BREAD
Matthew 6 v 9-13
At times, I have wished that I were a camel and could take in a great quantity of nourishment at one time and have it last for a long time. Like physical bread, spiritual bread should be consumed at intervals.
In an effort to slim down some curves we put ourselves on a rigid diet, yet we would not think of starving our bodies. Often, though, we put ourselves on a spiritual diet and starve our souls when we forget to take in our daily supply of bread from Gods Word.
It may be an old clich but it is nevertheless true that families that pray together stay together. God commanded the Israelites, And these words, which I commanded thee this day, shall be in thin heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up (Deut. 6 v 6,7).
We search the world for truth; we cull
The good, the pure, the beautiful,
From all old flower fields of the soul;
And weary seekers of the best,
We come back laden from our quest,
To find that all the sages said
Is in the Book our mothers read.
John Greenleaf Whittier: Miriam
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker December 7
DELIGHT IN DEVOTIONS
Psalms 5v 1-3
How difficult it is in the early part of the day to sneak away from the family, the telephone, and the household duties, find a quiet place, and take in some food for the soul!
Have there been days when there was not even time for that peace of toast and cup of coffee in the early morning, and as the day wore on you found yourself becoming weak physically? Yet how foolish we are to think that our spiritual life can be nourished and grow strong without the necessary food for the soul, and that on a day-by day, meal-by meal basis. One can lean all day on a certain verse or passage of Scripture read during the early morning hours.
Much can be learned from the practice of George Muller the man of faith who lived in 19th century England. In reciting the pattern of his devotions he said, The first thing to be concerned about was not how much I might serve the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be.
Devotions at the outset of the day can be a real delight. Meditate on the Word of God and obtain food for the soul. The seeking soul will find there all that is needed; and the believing and obedient heart will be happy in the Lord.
O God, thou art my God; early I will seek thee (Psalms 63v1).
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by Marjorie Parker December 8
ENDURE HARDNESS
2 Timothy 1v 6-9
So long as we determine to faithfully serve our Lord and bear witness to His saving grace, we may be sure we will incur the wrath of Satan.
Should we let this discourage us? Not at all! Warfare in a righteous cause can be most rewarding. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life (1 Tim. 6v12).
The way to get the most out of the Christian life is to stand boldly for the truth.
Paul wrote to Timothy, Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2v3). He is a poor soldier indeed who cannot take it. With the power of Christ working in us and through us, we can withstand the attacks of our adversary, the devil, and do a real work for God.
Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?
Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord;
Ill bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by thy word.
Isaac Watts
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by Marjorie Parker
December 9
THORN IN THE FLESH
2 Cor. 12: 9-11
Why did this happen to me? What have I done to deserve this?
There comes a time when we all ask these questions, feeling that a trial is undeserved and we are somehow being unjustly punished. These are times when Gods promises scattered throughout His Word can be especially precious. His strength becomes greater in our weakness; His grace all-sufficient. When we turn it all over to Him, "the power of Christ rests upon us.
Remembering that He knows the end from the beginning, our suffering is eased and the pain made bearable.
Paul was evidently to believe that he could do a better work for His Lord if only that thorn in the flesh could be removed. God knew, in His infinite wisdom, that Paul would be a better man with the thorn.
Trials would be easier to bear if we could remember that by enduring something which we may regard as a hindrance or a handicap, we can bring more glory to God than if that undesired thing was removed. The glorious fact is that these do not have to be borne in our own feeble strength, but by His power in us!
My grace sufficient for thee: for my strength made perfect in weakness (v. 9).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker December 10
ENTERTAIN STRANGERS
Luke 14 v 12-14
Anything that is worthwhile takes work, and so does hospitality. There so many things to think of- polishing the silver, setting the table, setting the house in order, scrubbing the children. But we are admonished to Be not forgetful to entertain strangers. This does not mean that we are to go out into the hi-ways and hedges and compel people we never laid eyes on to come in and have a cup of coffee! A time of relaxed social activity can help us ease tensions as well as provide opportunities to witness to unsaved neighbors and friends.
Coffee and apple pie do not require a great deal of work yet they can be a hub around which good Christian fellowship revolves. We find in the Bible many examples of gracious entertainment in the home. While some thought they were entertaining a stranger, they were actually host to an angel.
Love should motivate us to open our hearts and homes and show others that we care. Many spiritual values are to be gained not only for ourselves, but also for our families and our guests. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Heb. 13 v 2).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
December 11
THOUGHTS ARE THINGS
Phil. 4: 8-9
The thoughts one entertains are the things one enjoys, and what one enjoys reveals what one is. If we entertain only those thoughts that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, there will be little time for us to think of things which are evil. In other words, if we fill our minds with pure thoughts we crowd out those that are impure.
The words think and thank come from the same root. One who thinks right will want to thank, because as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. As we think about our blessings our heats will overflow with thanksgiving. One who is thankful to another will be thoughtful of that one- it works two ways.
Now thank we all our God
With heart and hand and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom his world rejoices;
Who, from our mothers arms,
Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still its ours today.
Martin Rinkart
Translated by Catherine Winkworth
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
December 12
THINGS
Mark 8:34-38
For some it is a collection of cups and saucers each with its particular story to tell. For others it is butterflies, or guns, or stamps, or and Indian-head coin collection. Things. Maybe it is an antique cupboard that belonged Grandma, or the gold watch that was Uncle Johns. Things.
Nearly all of us have a collection of something or other. And there is no particular harm in such an innocent hobby. But the danger comes in attaching to much importance to these things. Perhaps we give to much thought to them for the moral shall take thought for the things of itself. they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh;but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit(Rom. 8:5).
How much better it is to store up things of the Spirit . For we are admonished to Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a mans life consists not in the abundance of things which he possesseth (Luke 12:15).
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withold
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.
Frances R Havergal
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker
December 13
THE MOUTH SPEAKETH
Matt. 12: 34-37
Have you ever been seated in a restaurant next to a table of well-dressed men and found that their conversation, clearly audible at your table, was constantly punctuated with profanity? These same individuals would not dream of coughing in your face or sneezing into your food, yet they freely use foul language within your hearing range. Why do they do it?
Is it a mark of manliness? Does it indicate how clearly ones mind operates; or does it make his conversation more pleasing? One thing is clear- it is offensive to those of good breeding and Christian principle, and it is dishonoring to God who said. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
A famous writer tells us that in no other civilized nation is blasphemy part and parcel of the everyday speech of men, women, and even children, as it is in America. Profanity is a foul habit that degrades the user and dishonors a holy God. Let us teach our children to help eliminate this plague from our society.
I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me (Ps. 39: 1).
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from thee.
Frances R. Havergal
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
December 14
YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW
Matthew 6v30-34
Wouldnt you feel sorry for someone who never had burdens, trials or tribulations? How could that one grow strong to meet the storms of life which inevitably come? Such a person might be likened to a marshmallowtoo soft and too sweet. How does an oak tree grow strong? Bending in the wind day by day, it develops resistance against the storms that beat upon it.
Yesterday is gone forever. I cannot undo any act of mine or unsay any word. All I can do at this point is commit all to God and pray for grace to do better tomorrow. I must be concerned with today. With faith in God and trust in His promises I can fight the battles of today and bear its burdens.
As thy days, so shall be thy strength be (Deut.33v25).
We are admonished to live but one day at a time and leave the yesterdays and tomorrows in the hands of the God of love. So let us journey but one day at a time.
Day by day, the promise reads,
Daily strength for daily needs:
Cast foreboding fears away;
Take the manna of today.
Thou my daily task shalt give:
Day by day to thee I live;
So shall added years fulfill,
Not my own, my Fathers will.
Josiah Conder
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by Marjorie Parker December 15
THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE
1 Cor. 13
We hear much in todays world about love. Most of the songs about love sung by the modern rock groups are not about the kind of love mentioned in this chapter of Gods Word. Most love emphasis today is not Scriptural.
No love, it has been said is as great as a mothers love. Scriptural love of a mother for her child is the kind which comforts when needed and chastens when chastening when needed.
Charity (love) beareth all things endureth all things. This sometimes means the mother punishes her child because she knows the child needs it, although it grieves her to have to do so, more than the punishment hurts the child. But she is comforted in her heart by the knowledge that her thoughts have been for the welfare and training of her child rather than for her own feelings.
What mother has not had to spank her child and then go off to her own room to cry after seeing her little one suffer under the chastening? She knows that for a time, at least, fellowship between them has been broken. So it must grieve the loving heart of God when He sees His children suffer for the sins they have brought upon themselves.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4: 8).
God pardons like a mother
who kisses the offense
into everlasting forgetfulness.
Henry Ward Beecher
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker December 16
OBEDIENCE
1 Samuel 15:21-23
What mothers heart is not warmed when her child timidily aproaches, holding out an awkwardly wrapped gift, purchased with a few pennies saved from an allowance. The act speaks words that the child is not able to utter, and the mothers heart responds in love. But dearer to the mothers heart than this gesture is an obedient child, one who shows his love by obedience for to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
An outward effort to obedience is not enough; a child must obey in his heart if he is to please his mother. So must Gods child obey in his heart as well as in his actions, if he to please God.
The Lord Jesus set the standard of heart attitude above mere outward practice for He declared, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me (Matt. 15:8).
This, then, must be the case. The desire in the heart to obey should prompt the outward act of obedience. The child who loves his mother in his heart has little difficulty in obeying her.
In this day of grace, the commandments must still be kept in the heart, and there must be love and esteem if the commandments are to be obeyed.
Well bring the little duties
We have to do each day;
Well try our best to please Him,
At home, at school, at play:
And better are these treasures
To offer our King,
Than riches without them;
Yet these a child may bring.
The Book of Praise for Children,1881
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
December 17
PEACE
Lev. 26: 3-7
In the symbols painted on the walls or worn on the necklaces, in the voices of young people carrying picket signs we receive one main message these days: peace now. It is rather strange to notice that often those who demonstrate so loudly for peace, end up using violence themselves. They speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land (Ps. 35: 20). There is a peace, however, that is available to all for the asking- peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This peace cannot be found at any peace table, summit meeting, by winning a war, or signing a treaty.
The world gives peace as a doctor gives anesthetic; Christ gives peace that is life, and hope, and strength. Christ gives heart peace. The peace of the world operates only in favorable circumstances. The peace of Christ is effectual in any circumstance.
By confident reliance upon the Lord the believer may enjoy the peace of God in the midst of the alarming and disturbing circumstances of life. A heart and mind at rest amid the storms of life, guarded by the peace of God- this is real peace.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you (John 14: 27).
December 18
MOTHER AS TEACHER
Mark 6: 32-34
To her children, mother has to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, preacher. One of the greatest privileges she has though is to be able to teach them certain Christian principles which can only be learned in the home. Her personal faith, peerless manners, and subtle wisdom in her relationships with others, is the birthright of her children.
Jesus as the perfect teacher possessed more qualifications of a good teacher
than just a thorough knowledge of the subject matter. He was moved with compassion, which is a necessary ingredient for becoming a good teacher. A love for the one being taught is essential in good teaching.
No- one was ever more patient nor as kind as the Savior. If mothers teaching is to be effective she must cultivate these characteristics of the Savior.
An angel paused in his downward flight
With a seed of truth and love and light;
And he said, where must this seed be sown
To bring most fruit when it is grown?
The Master heard what he said and smiled,
Go plant it for me in the heart of a child.
Selected
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker December 19
THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING
PROV. 3:1-6
To lean upon ones own understanding is to trust a frail and insecure support. This is to form and execute ones own plans in an independent spirit of self-confidence and self-reliance. Now these qualities can be good, when supported by the power of God. When we proceed without Him, we are living as if there were no God. One does not need a God if he can work out his own destiny. What folly!
As a child leans upon the wisdom, strength, and care of his parents, to trust in the Lord is to put full confidence in him--- to fully rely upon Him. This means ones entire commitment to the grace and truth of God with the abandonment of every attempt to save ones self by ones own strength. God waits to care for, and provide for, and sustain His own. The secret is to submit your will to His holy will. Then He shall direct thy path.
Knowing all things, He knows what is best for His own and leads wisely and safely.
God never deceives; but man is deceived whenever he puts to much trust in himself. Man proposes, but God disposes.
Thomas A. Kempis
December 20
ARE YOU LONELY?
Joshua 1: 5-9
Do you feel that your lifes work is done now that you have reared your children and they have gone from home? Do the hours of your day seem endless? Loneliness has led many an otherwise healthy person to the Doctors office or to the psychiatrists couch. And older people are not the only lonely people in the world. Many children are lonely because their parents have to little time for them. Teenagers are often lonely because they feel misunderstood. Some married couples are lonely because work separates them.
It should be comforting to know that there are times when we need to be alone, to strengthen our inner stability and restore serenity for busier days. The Psalmist tells us, He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul (Ps. 23: 2-3).
Why not put to good use these free hours (which you never had before) in service for the Lord? Surely there are many less fortunate souls who would be cheered by a visit, a newsy letter, or a friendly phone call.
It was a lone the Savior prayed in dark Gesthamane;
Alone he drained the bitter cup and suffered there for me.
Ben H. Price
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker December 21
A QUIET TIME
Isa. 40: 28-31
Who more than todays busy mother needs to run and not be weary, to walk and not faint? for the Christian wife and mother is essential. Prayer and the reading of Gods word are her lifeline to strength and wisdom for the untrodden path of the hours ahead. In this way she can have the assurance of His presence by her side and feel strengthened to meet the problems of the day.
Something will have to give if opportunity is to found for this quiet time with God. Nothing should be allowed to interfere with it. There will be days when you will have to fight to preserve it but what is any more important? The entire family will benefit from your inner strength and you can impart to them something from the loving source. Can you remember a day, however smothe the sailing, when you did not need a measure of strength, courage, wisdom, and guidance? You will find it right there in Gods Word!
Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law (Ps. 119: 18).
Thou callest me to seek Thy face,
Tis all I wish to seek;
To attend the whispers of Thy grace,
And hear Thee only speak
With Thee conversing, we forget
All time, and toil, and care;
Labor is rest, and pain is sweet,
If Thou, my God, art here.
Charles Wesley
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker DECEMBER 22
WITH THANKSGIVING
Psalms 95
The foundation of all prayer should be laid with thanksgiving. God desires that we be mindful of present blessings and past petitions granted, when we come before Him invoking divine favor. It could be that before we begin the asking, our loving God would have us stop and count our present blessings.
Every day ought to be a Thanksgiving Day for the child of God. Strange it is that we do not ordinarily recognize the common mercies of life. We have to a blind man led by his dog, before we realize what a wonderful thing it is to be able to see. We have to see one who is lame before we are thankful for two good feet. A shame it is that we are so dull it takes misfortunes of others to rouse us to acknowledge our own blessings.
Who can tell how much a bird means by its song? The aroma of the flowers smells like incense, and the mist arising from the river looks like smoke of a morning sacrifice. Oh, that we were as responsive! said T. DeWitt Talmage.
How often do we thank God for the cool, sweet water we drink; the pure fresh air we breathe; the ability to hear someone say, I love you?
O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good and His mercy endures forever (Ps. 106:1).
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker
December 23
A LIFT FOR YOUR LIFE
Psalm 5:1-3
We would be wise to begin the day with a prayer to God. It will sweeten and gladden us from the start. We are exhorted to die daily, and it is best to die to self and sin early each morning.
Direct a prayer to God, a prayer of thanks for the rest of another night and the light of another day; a prayer of thanks for the opportunities and privileges, the joys and the blessings that come with each new day; a prayer of supplication asking for strength to meet and fulfill the responsibilities that press so heavily upon every child of God.
Ask for wisdom to solve the many problems that crowd into every day. Ask for power and perception to deal with others, and for a filling of the Holy Spirit in order to do His will. Pray and look up. Look up for the smile of His approval. Behold His handiwork in the heavens, and listen for His voice. Look up and be assured that God is there. In the morning I will direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up (v.3).
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth (Psalm 121: 1-2).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
DECEMBER 24
A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE
2 Peter 1: 1-9
Probably the reason a little knowledge is a dangerous thing is that knowledge puffeth up. One gains a little knowledge and it puffs him up until he is convinced he has a lot of knowledge. It is necessary to begin with a little knowledge, and if that knowledge is of God, and of Jesus our Lord, then grace and peace ( will) be multiplied unto you.
But we are to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and His Word because if we do not grow, we will backslide, and this is dangerous! God has left us His written Word for our instruction, and He has given us the Holy Spirit as our teacher. What more could one ask? Ah, but there are many adversities-procrastination, laziness, other interests, etc., all bent on defeating us.
In His infinite knowledge of us, He has given this instruction: Ye therefore, beloved seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever ( 2 Peter 3: 17-18).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker December 25
HOME, SWEET HOME
John 14:1-6
Home means different things to different people. To many of us, it means simple things-a crackling fire upon the grate, a shining tea pot, or the warm smell of bread baking in the oven. But a real home will be more than these dear things we can see and feel and smell. It will be a friendly haven from the care s of the world, a retreat where the soul can rest, and the dwelling place of those who love you best. Loving hands will perform menial chores for love resides here; dusting, sweeping, and cleaning becomes a sacred right. While it is true that Stone walls do not a prison make, it is equally true that marble floors and gilded walls do not make a home.
There is a home our heavenly home, which becomes dearer with each passing year. In that home, as believers, we shall meet again those who shared our earthly home and have gone on before.
There are many mansions in our Fathers house, and Jesus has gone to prepare a place for His own.
Ive wandered far away from God,
Now Im coming home;
The paths of sin Ive trod,
Lord Im coming home.
William J. Kirkpatrick
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
December 26
LITTLE CHILDERN
Matthew 18:1-6
Birth, the primary miracle of the world, brings the timeless delight of seeing a mother with her infant child. To be sure, there are times when she says she would sell him for half-price, but if you will notice, she is all the while kissing his button nose or fluffing that wisp of baby hair!
It was undoubtedly a mother who made a verb out of the noun diaper for it is she who has the loving responsibility to feed, to carry about, and to diaper him. But there is more to making a man or woman out of a baby than just holding, feeding, loving, or putting him down to sleep. Mother has to see the end from the beginning. She must know that the kind of training he receives in infancy will largely determine the kind of man he will be. Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right (Pr. 20: 11).
It is mother who must see that seeds of the Word are sown from earliest childhood. Timothy was taught the Scriptures as a child by his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois.
Blessed is a mother for she can say, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 4).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
December 27
The Bread Of Sorrows
Proverbs 15:9-15
Someone remarked that your children step on your feet when they are little and step on your heart when they grow up. We know that those who are closest to us have the power to hurt us most, or to make us the happiest.
A good question is asked in Ezekiel 22:14. Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee?
God never sends to His children more than they can bear. No apothecary weighs the medicine for a patient with half so much exactness and care as God weighs out to us our trials- not one grain to much does He permit to be put on the scale. Job said, let me be weighed in even balance ( Job 31:60 ). We usually are able to endure the present hour. As thy days, so shall thy strenghth be(deu 33:25).
A loving and wise God does not gather the trails of many years into one. He knows this would overwhelm us. He sends first one, then another, removes both sometimes and may send the third, heavier, perhaps than either. But all is measured wisely to our strength and the reed may be bruised but not broken.
Man of sorrows, what a name
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to claim!
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
P. P. Bliss
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker December 28
LITTLE CHILDERN
Matthew 18:1-6
Birth, the primary miracle of the world, brings the timeless delight of seeing a mother with her infant child. To be sure, there are times when she says she would sell him for half-price, but if you will notice, she is all the while kissing his button nose or fluffing that wisp of baby hair!
It was undoubtedly a mother who made a verb out of the noun diaper for it is she who has the loving responsibility to feed, to carry about, and to diaper him. But there is more to making a man or woman out of a baby than just holding, feeding, loving, or putting him down to sleep. Mother has to see the end from the beginning. She must know that the kind of training he receives in infancy will largely determine the kind of man he will be. Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right (Pr. 20: 11).
It is mother who must see that seeds of the Word are sown from earliest childhood. Timothy was taught the Scriptures as a child by his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois.
Blessed is a mother for she can say, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 4).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
DECEMBER 29
BREAKING BREAD TOGETHER LUKE 24: 30-35
In the good old days when one spoke of breaking bread together he meant a time of fellowship and hospitality, of friends seated around a table and enjoying a meal together. Our grandmothers, it seems, always had an open door and could set an extra place at the table most anytime. Often whole families could be accommodated overnight or for several days at a time. And grandmother did not consider that she was imposed upon!
In our complicated society have we lost something valuable by being less hospitable than were our grandparents? There is a warmth in the atmosphere created by congenial friends sitting down and breaking bread together. Perhaps we should stop in our involved lives and ask ourselves if we should not take time out to invite friends in more often for this kind of Christian fellowship.
Love for our Lord and the souls of men should motivate us to invite in some whom we would like to win for Christ. This provides a wonderful opportunity to share our faith, food, and fellowship.
We read of the disciples coming together to break bread and of Pauls preaching to them. The early church continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2: 42).
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker
DECEMBER 30
LOOK IN THE MIRROR
2CORINTHIANS 3:6-18
If you want to see yourself as you really are-without benefit of flattering makeup or becoming clothes-look in Gods word. There you can get a good self-portrait. The miracle is that the Holy Spirit, as He applies His Word to our hearts, can transform us into Christs likeness, and we will hardly recognize ourselves. But we all, wuth open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord( 2 Co 3: 18).
The same metaphor is used in James 1:23, 24 but with a different meaning: For if any be a hearer of the word, not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
The unsaved one, looking into the Word or God, beholdeth himself and finds a Mirror that tells it like it is!
Unlike glass mirrors, the Bible not only shows man what is wrong with him, it also tells him what he must do to become a new creation.
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker HAPPY NEW YEAR
Deut. 11: 11-12
On January one, we stand upon the verge of an unknown year. There lie before us 365 new days, and we should march toward them with confidence. None can tell what we shall encounter, what changes will come, or what new experiences await. The housewife delights in new curtains for her clean windows; a fresh coat of paint on a soiled wall; a new piece of furniture in a vacant spot. Housekeeping chores take on a new dimension and seem to lose some of their drudgery.
But there are other areas in our lives where many of us would like to have a fresh start. L. F. Tarkington has written a poem called, The Land of Beginning Again, which comes mind at the beginning of each new year. We would all like to take a trip to that magic land, and we do every New Year.
Backed by Gods Word, we have the comforting and cheering message that if we commit our days to Him one by one, He will be with us from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year (v. 12).
Behold, another year begins!
Set out a fresh for heaven;
Seek pardon for thy former sins,
In Christ so freely given.
Devoutly yield thyself to God,
And on His grace depend;
With zeal pursue the heavenly road,
Nor doubt a happy end.
Simon Browne
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker |
