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August 01
The Bread Of God
John 6:30-35

Jesus is indeed the Bread of Life. He is the bread of god. Bread is a term used for food in a general sense.

Bread is essential as food for the body. Just so, there can be no spiritual life without Jesus.

Bread satisfies hunger, and every soul without Christ is a hungry soul. Oh, poor hungry soul, come to Jesus! He is the Bread that satisfies.

Bread is good to the taste. Nearly everyone thinks that his mothers bread was the best ever baked. There is no odor so pleasing to the olfactory sense as that of bread baking. Even now, in memory we can smell the delicious scent being wafted through the house. This is one of the most pleasant memories of childhood.

Bread gives strength. Weak soul, feed upon Jesus. He will strengthen you. I can do all thing through Christ which strengthen me (Phil 4:13).

Surely the bread that God provides is good. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus name.

Edward Mote
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 02
Patience
Luke 8:4-15

One commodity that busy mothers are short on is patience. Just when you feel you have all your ducks in a row calamity strikes the household and patience flies out the window.

All of us praise patience, but few practice it. When the bones are aching with weariness; when time is running out and there is much yet to be done, Mom can lose patience and become irritable and cross.

But natural feelings must not rule the Christian, or what is her Christianity worth?

Remembering our patient Savior ought to make it easier for His children to be patient.

Grin and bear it is the old fashioned advice, but sing and bear it is a great deal better. So said Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

What cant be cured must be endured, is true.

When our hearts are right with God how wonderfully He gives much grace to bear even the heaviest yoke. Only those with Gods love in their hearts can sing at labor while others murmur.

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed,
Hell prepare for us a place.
Eliza E. Hewitt
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 3
God's Message To Women
When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.
Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you. I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully.
Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life.
The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.
You are my perfect angel. You are my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes - don't change them. Your lips how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form, your hands so gentle to touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I've held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like me. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. He could only feel me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you: my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support.
You are special because you are the extension of me. Man represents my image - woman, my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God.
So man - treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me. What you do to her, you do to me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father.
Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.
Did you not know that WOMAN was so special in God's eyes? Now we really know! Hallelujah!!

August 4
Whats In A Name?
Matthew 1:21-23

Loving parents very carefully select just the right name for that precious, newborn baby. Many children are named for relatives who are dear to the parents. At any rate, much thought is usually given to the naming of a child.

Some of the men in Scripture were named by God to indictate their characters or a blessing from God. This is why Jacob had his name changed to Israel and why Simon had his name change to Peter.

Likewise, the names of Christ show His person and work. They reveal what He is and what He came to do. All of them are significant, for they all have important meaning for us; they unveil His true character.

The name Jesus was given by the angel to Joseph before Christ was born. It literally mean Saviour. Christ came to save us from our sins and to give us fellowship with God Himself.

The name Emmanuel, which means, God with us, emphasizes the constant presence of God.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold (Pr 22:1).

Take the name of Jesus with you,
Child of sorrow and of woe;
It will joy and comfort give you,
Take it, then, whereer you go.
Mrs. Lydia Baxter
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 05
New Years Resolutions
I Corinthians 5 14 17

Resolution may be made and broken year after year, but it never hurt anyone to keep on making them. Better to live up to them for even a little while than never make them at all! And stifling a good impulse is never wise.

Of course resolution made in the energy of the fresh, and resolutions dependent on ones own strength for their fulfillment, are easily forgotten, broken, or neglected.

But it is a different story when one determines by the help of Lord to strengthen a weak place, or spread a little more joy in a sad world, or show a lost me the way of salvation.

Every New Year holds golden opportunities which we often let slip through our hands. When the strength of the Lord is relied upon, definite progress in the spiritual life will be made.

Never hesitate to follow your goal impulse in making resolutions, then trust God for the power to carry them out!
Rather, Thy mercies past we own,
Thy still continued care;
To Thee presenting, through Thy Son,
Whateer we have or are.
Our residue of days or hours
Thine, wholly Thine, shall be;
And all our consecrated powers
A sacrifice to Thee.
Charles Wesley
Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 06
Rejoice Evermore!

Habakkuk 3:17-19

No one but a Christian can be truly happy and every Christian ought to be supremely happy. We do not have to wait until we get to heaven to be happy. Our eternal life begins as soon as we let Jesus come into our heart.

This is not the type of joy which kicks up its heels or laughs raucously, but rather the deep-seated peace which comes from the knowledge that sins have been forgiven and your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own (1 Corinthians 6:19).

This Christian will be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ; but Peter adds, Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unpeakable and full of glory (1 pe 1:7,8).

This is a joy that comes as a by-product of the acceptance of Gods great gift-the Lord Jesus Christ.

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord (1 Ch 16:10).

Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.

Isaac Watts
Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 07

The Bread of Tears

Psalm 80:1-5

Never be ashamed of your tears. Maudlin, cry-baby sobs are unbecoming in a adult, but tears of compassion or sympathy reveal qualities of the soul that this old world greatly needs.

Eight times Joseph is said to have wept; David seven times; and Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, three times. The shortest verse in the bible tells us that Jesus wept ( Jn 11:35).

God sends occasions to all when the greatest and the best of us give way to the bread of tears.

God does not despise our tears. David pleaded, Put thou my tears into thy bottle; are they not in thy book? (Ps 56:8).

So to weep is wrong, that is, if we weep over the right things.

There is the comforting promise in Isiah 25:8, He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord god will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.

God shall wipe away all tears;
Theres no death, no pain, not fears;
And they count not time by years,
For there is no night there.

John R. Clements

Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 08

Doers of the Word

James 1:21-25

To hear is easier than to do. We hear the word of God over and over and even rejoice in it, yet fail to let it take hold in our lives so that we act upon it.

If we are to be doers of the word we must act our its principles in our daily living.

This involves many things: bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Co 10:5), walking in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time (1 Pe 2:9). In other words we must try to live moment by moment in the light of Gods Word, doing according to the light it sheds upon our path.

We are clearly told that if we hear Gods Word and do it not, we are deceiving ourselves.

One can look at his face in a mirror and quickly forget how he looked. So it is possible to see our spiritual image in the Word of god and forget how we appear.

God put His truths in His Book for our good. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip (Hed 2:1).

Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 09
Queen for a Day

Proverbs 4:5-9

What fun it is to be granted a reprieve from housework for about twenty-four hours on your birthday or anniversary. The reprieve may take the form of breakfast in bed or dinner at a swank restaurant, and such luxurious treatment can produce a certain inner glow that will last for many days.

We read of a number of queens in the Bible. One was the famed Queen of Sheba who came to Jerusalem with a very great train to see with her own eye if the stories of the splendor and majesty of Solomons court were true. Convinced, before returning to her own country she said to Solomon, The half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard (1 Ki. 10:7).

Queen for a day is about as long a reign as many of us will have here on earth. But what hope we have for the future! If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him (2 Ti. 2:12).

The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever (Rev 11:15b).

Jesus shall reign whereer the sun
Does His successive journeys run;
His kingdom spread from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

Isaac Watts

Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 10

From Rags to Riches

2 Corinthians 8:7-9

Many stories have been told about some famous person who rose rags to riches. We have thrilled to learn how a life begun in poverty triumphed by hard work and diligence and attained great wealth.

We would be more surprised, however, if we read of one of great wealth who gave up his riches to those who were poor and less fortunate and by so doing became poor himself.

Not many stories have been told of any who have gone from riches to rags in order that other might become rich. Yet that is exactly what our Lord did. He came from the glories of heaven, where all that the Father possessed He possessed, to live His earthly life in poverty. His poverty was voluntary. He chose to do this for your sake and my sake.

The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head (Mt 8:20).

What was it that made him do this for and for me?
That ye through His poverty might be rich (v. 9)


Down from His glory, ever living story,
My God and Savior came, and Jesus was His name.
Born in a manger, To His own a stranger,
A man of sorrows, tear and agony.

Willian E. Booth-Clibborn

Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 11

Lets Demonstrate!

Matthew 12:22-30

There are so many issues before us today that we are compelled to take a stand on one side or the other. All classes and types of people are carrying signs. We have protesters, demonstrators, marchers, and rioters.

Ours is a world of challenge, charge, and conflict. Much time and money is spent in these interests today.

There is one issue we cannot dodge but must face squarely. We cannot be neutral: What will you do with Jesus?

If we do not line up on His side we are automatically against Him. Jesus said, He that is not with me is against me (v. 30). If you dont want to be against Him then you must march for Him

Lets demonstrate! Lets show the world what Christ can do with a life wholly committed to Him. He can bring real meaning and direction into the life of one completely dedicated to Him.


Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of thy love.
Frances R. Havergal
Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 12
A Morsel of Bread
Genesis 18:5 Judges 19:5 1 Samuel 28:22

We have hungry people in the world today, and we Christian people should do all in our power to see that they are fed.

God does not intend for us to encourage laziness and indolence, and many times our efforts to help other who could help themselves result in this; however, God does expect us to help those who are less fortunate than we. We should count it a privilege to share our morsel of bread, and thank God we have some to share. It is more blessed to give than receive.

To feel the pangs of hunger and have no bread is tragic. Even more tragic are they which do hungry and thirst after righteousness and cannot find spiritual food.

The privilege and responsibility of the believer is to share his spiritual morsel of bread with a neighbor or friend, who may not have the opportunity of hearing the Word of God proclaimed by a godly pastor who is interested in winning the lost.

Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is it daily telling for Him?
Have you spoken the word of salvation
To those who are dying in sin?
H. G. Smyth
Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 13

Do Your Own Thing!
Isaiah 43:19-21

Much talk has gone around lately among the so-called flower children about doing your own thing.

What is your particular thing? for the mother in the home it means being all things to all men for she is the hub of the wheel which keeps the home running.

The wife and mother cannot know what each day will hold for her and the loved ones in her household.

There will be new experiences, new challenges, new opportunities. There will be lesson to be learned, and undoubtedly new sorrow and heartaches.

But what is Gods promise? I will do a new thing- more than we could ask or think. What do we want from God for our personal live?

A greater knowledge of His Word?
A more effective prayer life?
More knowledge of Jesus Christ?
An opportunity to win a neighbor to Christ

When we find ourselves out in the desert, and new wilderness experiences await us, what does He promise?

I will give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert to give drink to my people, my chose (v. 20).

Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 14

Spare the Rod

Proverbs 29:15-17

Painful though it may be to spank that naughty but darling child, still it is a commandment in the Bible to parents. And both father and mother should stand together in this important matter. The future of the children depends upon it.

Discipline of the child, begun while he is very small, is most effective when done in love. Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying (Pr. 19:18). We are not to spank just for the sake of spanking, but we are admonished to give instruction with the punishment.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame (v. 15). Does this say also that mother should be sure she spends enough time with her child?

These are Bible orders which the conscientious Christian mother will carry out diligently, patiently, and prayerfully, being careful at the same time to set a good example. Then, we are promised, such consistent correction will be rewarded.

Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight to thy soul (v.17).
Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 15

Whos Who

John 3:1-18

Not many of us will find ourselves listed in Whos Who of American Women. Biographies will be found there of outstanding American women who have made some contribution to the cultural or economic life of our country. But God has His own Whos Who. The Scriptures term it The Book of Life. One need not earn a doctors degree, or even a bachelors degree, to be listed there. One does not have to be of any particular race or color to be included, nor be rich or poor.

But there is one definite requirement which must be met by all who would be named in this Book: Ye must be born again (Jn 3:7).

Do you qualify?
Nicodemus possessed many qualifications, for he was a master of Israel. But he lacked the one thing that would qualify him to have his name written in the Lambs Book of life. He had not been born again!


A ruler once came to Jesus by night,
To ask Him the way of salvation and light;
The Master made answer in words true and plain,
Ye must be born again.

W. T. Sleeper

Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 16

Faith Worketh Patience

James 1:1-4

Faith, work, and patience operate together. They are not to be separated. Believers are to exercise faith and then work and wait. If your fait goes to work, patience will follow. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises ( Heb 6:12).

In simple terms, faith works and patience waits. We see these three working together again in 1 Thessalonians 1:3: Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Do you have these three spiritual friends in your life?

Someone has said, Most footprints in the sands of time are made by workshoes.

Faith will either remove mountains or tunnel through.

My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamp of Calvary,
Saviour divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

Ray Palmer

Taken from the book Bread from My Oven by Marjorie Parker

August 17

THAT SIN AGAIN

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love."
Revelations 2:4 (NIV)

Have you ever found yourself committing the same sin over and
over and over again? Have you prayed to be delivered from
temptation? Do you still find yourself in an endless cycle of sin
and repentance?

If so, then you're not alone. Many Christians do battle with
particular sins that never seem to go away.

One thing to remember as you struggle with a persistent sin is
that the sin is revealing an area of spiritual weakness. For
example, if you find yourself yelling at your spouse all the time
for no reason at all, it may be because you haven't taken enough
time to develop a self-sacrificing love relationship with him or
her (Eph. 5:21-24). If you struggle with gossip, maybe it's
because you haven't taken the time to reflect on your own sins
and to learn humility.

Sin always shows that something in our lives is out of whack.
This is especially true when we commit the same sin over and over
again. Ultimately we have forgotten to love God -- our "first
love" -- above all else by doing what he commands (John 14:15).

Satan, the great tempter, knows those areas where we are
spiritually weak. He examines our personalities and looks at our
tendencies, then pushes them to unhealthy extremes. The good news
is that you also know your weak points. (If not, just think about
the sins you've committed recently. A pattern will probably
emerge.)

If you're struggling with a nagging sin right now, take a moment
or two to reflect on the source of the sin. Ask God to reveal it
to you. There's a reason why you're committing it over and over
again. If you can determine the cause, then you'll be
able to pray more effectively to God to be delivered from that
sin.

-- Matt Donnelly, for the ChristianityToday.com staff

August 18
WHAT . . . ME WORRY? by Vonette Bright
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, forty-three-percent of adults suffer adverse health effects from stress. They say the majority of all visits to the doctor are for stress-related concerns. No wonder the newstand is lined with magazines which include articles on managing stress! These features emphasize that eating well, getting adequate rest, exercising regularly and maintaining friendships are all essential to coping with stress. And Ladies Home Journal went so far as to say Developing a source of guidance from a higher power will help put stressful events into perspective. Take time each day for meditation, reflection and prayer. I love it when secular sources affirm what the Bible has been proclaiming for thousands of years! King David recognized that the greatest stress buster is a loving relationship with a sovereign God. In Psalm 37, he instructed us not to waste energy worrying. Instead, he said, try this: Trust in the Lord, delight yourself in the Lord, commit everything you do to the Lord and rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act. Do not fret, he admonished, it leads only to evil. God understands our tendency to be worried and stressed about our lives. He extends His great compassion and mercy to us when were burdened by lifes demands. Philippians 4:6 says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. What a fantastic promise! So how does this apply to you? Well, its not complicated. But it does require a little commitment and discipline. Ive found that reading Gods Words for even ten or fifteen minutes at the beginning of a busy day helps put everything in a right perspective. Im reminded of whats important to God--my character and my trust in Him, not whats important to me. Reading Gods Word is very important, but my mind will continually revert back to worry unless Im persistently praying. At the beginning of the day, I like to tell God about every activity and important relationship. And as the day goes on, every time I start to be concerned about something, I cast my cares upon God. So, my friend, begin each day by reading and by praying. God did not intend for you to be tied up in knots as you juggle your activities. Worry, in fact, renders you ineffective. He wants to use you. And He wants you to experience His peace as you walk closely with Him. Remember stress is inevitable. But for the Christian, worry is an option. --------

August 19

That Green-Eyed Moster

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 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 is as a challenge and use it to see how smart you can look an 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

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.

Why God Punished Israel
(2 Kings 17:6-16)

Are God's people today repeating Israel's errors?

Despite their grand deliverance and God's unending faithfulness,
His people sinned against Him way back then. Today all across the
Christian landscape wander people who, carelessly or
deliberately, repeat the errors of God's people long ago. I call
your attention to a few areas, not to be negative and
pessimistic, but to warn us and call us to faithful watchfulness.

WALKING IN THE STATUTES OF THE HEATHEN. I want us to understand
statutes as guidelines for living. When we adopt even just
certain of the values of the world we are, as the ancient
Israelites, walking in the statutes of the heathen. So what *is*
important to you? By what principles do you live? What guides
your decision-making? Beware lest the selfish, godless, temporal,
fleshly, materialistic perspectives of the unbelievers affect how
you live.

DOING SECRETLY THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT RIGHT. How foolhardy
and short-sighted to think hiding our sins from humans will get
us by! Perhaps nobody knows what we read in the far back aisle of
the bookstore or the secluded section of the public library.
Maybe nobody catches on to what we do on those occasions when
we've just been "somewhere." It could well be nobody knows about
the lottery tickets, the phone escapades and the online
excursions. And perhaps nobody is aware of the hidden CDs, the
clandestine radio stations, and the secret lover. But they're
still not right! And God still sees! If you have slid into this
trap, ask God to get you out of it.

SERVING IDOLS. You know God's people don't bow down to objects
actually designated as gods and idols. But how easily our hearts,
minds, affections and attentions incline themselves toward and
before something other than the Creator of heaven and earth! Any
thing that shunts God aside is an idol. Even if it's *only* our
vehicle, our job, or our entertainment. *Even* if it is good
reading, good works, and good service for the church. Let's be
honest with ourselves: Are we tolerating anything that hinders or
minimizes our relationship with God?

FOLLOWING VANITY AND BECOMING VAIN. Some of us work hard to build
a reputation, a public persona. Others struggle hard to establish
a solid bank account and a secure position in society. Some folks
major on appearance: their own. Others go all out for excellence
in some sport, hobby or occupation. When any of these things lead
our lives and rule our thoughts, we are guilty of following
vanity and becoming vain. How tragic to follow emptiness until we
ourselves have become empty! Look in front of you, my friend;
what are you following? If you don't see righteousness, you can
still turn. If you don't see the Lord, you will have no better
time than now to rectify that.

LEAVING ALL THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD THEIR GOD? Ah yes. It
seems that here we can rest in peace. With that qualifying *all*
right there, we confidently assure ourselves that we have no
guilt in this area. Then it sounds as though we have forgotten
James 2:10 -- "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet
offend in one point, he is guilty of all." How is your obedience?
If you have salved your conscience figuring your many purposeful
obediences far outweigh your few deliberate disobediences, your
salve has only deadened you, not healed you! Choose obedience in
everything all the time and everywhere.

We *can* avoid Israel's fate!

"Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5:20)!

Bicycle Security

Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." (NIV) John 10:25-30 Recently, we celebrated our daughter's birthday. We piled into the car, drove to the nearest store and purchased her a brand new bike. A dream come true for her. Our daughter chose a blue, shiny two-wheeler. Gently my husband lowered the bike off the self onto the floor. She rode the bike up and down the store aisle testing it for durability and feel. Comfortable with our decision we picked out a helmet and my husband chose a cable and lock to keep the new bike secure. Our public library is close to our home. Once a week our daughter takes a summer arts and crafts' class offered there. On one particular day the children and I were at the library together. The boys and I left before her class was over. Later that afternoon we received a call from the library wanting to know if we wanted them to call the local police to file a report. Her bike was stolen. John writes about salvation through Jesus Christ, what wonderful news! As God's children we have eternal salvation and no one nor nothing can snatch us away from our Father's hand. If in faith, you believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose three days later, you are eternally locked into your Father's hand. It's not because you're a good person or that you do wonderful deeds for others. It's not your church attendance or where you place membership. It's about Jesus and His love and faithfulness. It's about Jesus making the way for us to be with our Heavenly Father. You see, we placed the security of our daughter's bike into the finest cable and lock that money could buy, and still it was snatched away. Don't be fooled! Don't place your faith in who you are or in what you do. Place your faith in Jesus and what He did. You will not be snatched away, but forever remain secure in your Father's hand.
Written by Tammy Schlesinger used with permission