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January 1 2002
This is who you are as woman in Christ
THE WORTH OF A WOMAN
When you look into a mirror, do you like the woman you see? Or are you preoccupied with finding flaws? When you examine your inner self and your attitudes, do you feel like a winner or like a spiritual and relational drop-out?
The Lord who made you, fashioned you very delicately and
purposefully to be exactly the unique female you are. He has a plan for you, and His ideals transcend the here-and-now. In spite of what you may have been raised to believe, the worth of your womanhood is not determined by your looks or behavior or personality type, or position in life.
The true woman is a recipient of redemption. God set His sovereign affection upon her. He bound Himself to her covenant faithfulness to be her God. He has redeemed her with His own blood. She is His treasured possession.
The reality of your standing in Christ is often difficult to remember when you are attacked by thoughts of low self-esteem and worthlessness. When you look at the beautiful woman with the seemingly perfect family and wonder why that couldn't be you, this false and envious longing strikes a hurtful blow at the woman God designed you to be.
Remember, Satan wants you to take your eyes off of Jesus and put them on yourself and circumstances, and your own sinful nature makes it appeal to your emotions daily. When you lose your solid footing in His truth, you stand on the slippery ground of relativism,and God never intends for you to live in fear and self-condemnation.He loves you-that's enough.
1 Peter 3:3-5 says that: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
For this is the way the holy women of the past used to make themselves beautiful."
God's "mirror" is one that reflects the radiance of a gentle and quiet spirit. The spirit of inner peace is a transcendent quality that any woman can develop when she abides in Christ, builds a deeper relationship with Him through prayer and the study of His Word, and allows the Holy Spirit to produce new character fruits in her life.
Let Jesus worry about doing any corrections and adjustments as He sees fit. That's not for you to be concerned about. You're a beloved and righteous princess in the eyes of your Father the King. Your job as a woman is to rejoice in how He made you and find satisfaction in His love each day.
Author Unknown
January 2
WALK WORTHY
Eph. 4: 1-7
The daily routine tasks and the drudgery that comes with keeping a home, sometimes causes the homemaker to take a dim view of her calling.
What is this calling? It is described as high, heavenly, holy, and applies not only to duties in the home, but also in a broader sense, to the homemakers walk through life. It must be high above the level of the world, bearing the stamp of heaven upon it, and holy in the sense that it is separate from all that is sinful and un-Christlike.
We are to walk differently. That ye henceforth walk not as other gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind (Eph. 4: 17). Our behavior is not to be patterned after some neighbor whom we choose to be like, but after the precepts in Gods Word. We are to walk in love. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us (Eph. 5: 2). Our feelings must be sacrificed for the good of others and our lives for the glory of God. We are to walk circumspectly. See then tat ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (Eph. 5: 15). This means walking with care and caution, looking all around sincerely and consistently to see if danger is coming from any direction.
Walk in the light!
So shalt thou know
That fellowship of love
His spirit only can bestow
Who reigns in light above.
Bernard Barton
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker
JANUARY 3
IN REMEMBRANCE
Psalms 112:1-6
How strange it is that some will go to such great lengths in order to be remembered! Today, in the ancient city of Memphis, once the capital of Egypt stands a mammoth statue of the publicity-loving Ramses II, whos long and glorious reign lasted sixty-seven years.
Lest the world forget him, he left two colossal statues of himself. One has been removed and now stands majestically before Cairos main railway station. The other remains at old Memphis but lies prostrate on its back. This ruler of Egypt, who so cruely oppressed the Hebrews during their Egyptian sojourn, had hundreds of smaller likenesses of himself carved and scattered all over Egypt.
The psalmist has a good answer for such vanity. For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give the thanks? (Psalm 6:5).
Our loving Lord would have us remember the price he paid for our redemption. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and break it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me (Luke 22: 19).
If we love him and remember him our name will be written in His Book of Remembrance.
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by Marjorie Parker.
January 4
A DANGEROUS DRUG
John 5: 19-24
We sometimes delude ourselves into thinking we can hide from the Lord in church membership or church work. This is like a dangerous drug that puts the soul to sleep. It is not possible to make Christians artificially by confirmation, baptism, sacrements, or rituals. There must be a personal experience with the Savior before one becomes His child. There must be the realization that salvation is a gift from God which we do not deserve and never could earn.
As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name (John 1: 12). We may be trying to make out a good case for ourselves by a respectable life or a correct creed. The way of the world is to rely on self for salvation. Gods way points us to Christ. This is the way to peace, to assurance of salvation, to victory, to heaven.
Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
Theres mercy with the Lord,
And He will surely give you rest
By trusting in His Word.
Only trust Him, only trust Him,
Only trust Him now. He will save you,
He will save you, He will save you now.
J. H. Stockton
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker January 5
THAT SPRING OUTFIT
PSALM 45
Isnt it frustrating to open the closet door and find you have nothing just right to wear! There are clothes there all right, but something seems to be wrong with everything you examine. So you have one more excuse to go shopping for that spring outfit youve been longing for secretly.
This writer believes that God wants Christian women, living in a modern world, to be as attractive as possible, without sacrificing modesty.
Just as our physical appearance should never be unkempt and tacky, the Bible instructs us to clothe ourselves so that we are spiritually becoming, also.
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke (Isa. 59: 17). The garments of vengeance are to be left for God, but we should be sure we are clad with zeal. The helmet of salvation should crown our head.
Nothing is prettier or more feminine than a soft white dress, and nothing is more beautiful than a pure life. Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. (Ecc. 9:8).
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker
January 6
THE BREAD OF MOURNERS
1 Thess. 4:13-18
In the Old Testament we read of the bread of mourners. To the bereaved this is a bread bitter to the taste, unless his faith is resting firmly in the Lord. Sooner or later the sorrow of death reaches into every home. Perhaps if we could get into our minds a clearer picture of the heaven to which our loved ones in Christ have gone, it would help ease the pain of our loss.
The most comforting thought is that one has gone to be with Christ. So shall we ever be with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:17). In writing to the Philippians Paul said, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better (Phil. 1:23).
Realizing that heaven is a place of rest for tired bodies, a place of surcease from sorrow, smoothes the loss of the loved one and makes heaven dearer to those who are left behind. Wherefore comfort one another with these words, Paul said.
While we are eating the bread of mourners, it is well to remember that for all believers our life is hidden with Christ in God.
Face to face with Christ, my Savior,
Face to face, what will it be?
When with rapture I behold him,
Jesus Christ, who died for me.
Mrs. Frank A. Breck
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 7
OH, THOSE EXAMS,
2 Tim. 2:7-15
The tests our kids have to take at school are almost as hard on us mothers as they are on the kids. During exam time, our off-spring, regardless of age, are irritatable and fussy; we cant get any work out of them, and everything has to give in favor of the exams.
God has testing times for His children, also. These are time when we are given opportunities to prove our knowledge and understanding and faith in Him. Responsibilities and assignments confront us daily, and we find that all of life is a kind of school. A child of God should be diligent and aim for a good grade in managing his opportunities. He is to try hard and earnestly endeavor to be found trustworthy when tested.
We would do well to be prepared for surprise quizzes each day. With Gods Word as our text book, the Holy Spirit as our teacher, and daily conferences with our Counselor, we will successfully finish the course.
Should Thy mercy send me
Sorrow, toil, and woe;
Or should pain attend me
On my path below;
Grant that I may never
Fail Thy hand to see;
Grant that I may ever
Cast my care on Thee.
James Montgomery
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 8
NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS
Acts 10: 34-35
God is no respecter of persons, nor does He want His children to be. God has no favorites among His children. Financial or social status, race or color matter not to Him. If it were left to us, we would likely cater to the rich and the influential and overlook the poor and common.
There are many families who spend thousands of dollars to be included in the social register. Most of them do not realize that the highest society on earth is the fellowship of Gods holy people. Respect of persons should not be found in the heart of one who has put his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We read in Proverbs 24:23, It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
While it is true that our Father makes no distinctions among His children, it is equally true that God honors in a special way those who seek to honor His Son. If any man serve me let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor (John 12: 26).
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love, and power;
He is able, He is able,
He is willing: doubt no more.
Joseph Hart
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 9
I GIVE UP
Isaiah 40:28-31
Did you ever start to do a job with great enthusiasm, and then when you did not immediately see the expected results, or if obstacles were greater than anticipated, you became discouraged and were tempted to quit?
Well I couldnt do it anyway.
Sometimes the difference between the one who is a failure and the one who is a success, is that one yields to the temptation to quit and the other resists it. This holds especially true in the struggle to live a victorious Christian life. To often we grow weary in well doing inspite of the fact that we are told, Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Gal. 6:9).
It is so easy for a weary body, a tired mind, and a heavy heart to throw in the towel and give up the struggle with goal unachieved.
Here is our answer: Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5: 4).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 10
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Eph. 3:13-21
God must love the family, for next to marriage, it is mankinds oldest institution, ordained of Him. He desires that we be in His family, and He yearns to be our Father. God setteth the solitary in families (Ps. 68:6). He remembers the lonely one whose heart is bereft of all human ties. He offers an invitation to accept His only begotten Son and be forever at home in Gods family. To be born again into the family of God should be a family affair. The invitation is extended to parents and children alike.
Maybe God made families so sons and daughters could understand the love and protection of a heavenly Father. Maybe He made families so mom and dad could better understand His concern for His children. That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace (Ps. 144:12).
To all of us, whatever our position in the family, He says, Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us as an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor (Eph. 5:1-2).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 11
THE PLACE OF PRAYER
MATTHEW 6:1-8
It is true that the earth is the LORDS, and there is no place where prayer may not be heard. A loving God has made it possible for us ti pray any time under any circumstance. Yet it is desirable that we have a place of prayer. It was Jesus habit to withdraw into a solitary place to pray. Matthew tells us, When he had sent multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone (Matt. 14: 23).
Why is it necessary to have this inner chamber and closed door? Perhaps one reason is that it is not the practice of hypocrites to pray in secret. Prayers to the grandstand require an audience. Skill in phrasing is intended for the years of men. There is this difference, however: The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7).
Prayer is between the soul and God alone.
Take time to be holy,
The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret
With Jesus alone-
By looking to Jesus,
Like him thou shalt be,
Thy friends and thy conduct
His likeness shall see.
W. D. Longstaff
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 12
SEA OF TRANQUILITY
Psalms 107: 21-30
When the telephone rings, the baby begins to cry, the beans are boiling over, and Johnny is in a fight in the back yard, one is likely to long for smooth sail on a sea of tranquility, these are minor crises in the life of a mother trying to rear her children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Weightier anxieties come as they grow older, and Mother fights for them against the world, the flesh, and the devil.
The sea captain explained how navigators now cope with typhoons and monsoons. He said, When we run into them we locate the center then go around it. We narrow the circle until we get into the center where there is a dead calm. There we are safe.
When we are in the center of Gods will, He will give us peace and rest in the crises of life; we are safe in Him. There, He keeps our hearts and minds in perfect peace!
Ive anchored my soul in the haven of rest,
Ill sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep ore the wild stormy deep,
In Jesus Im safe evermore.
H. L. Gilmour
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven-by-Marjorie Parker January 13
THE WEAKER SEX
1 Timothy 2
Woman, made of a man, resulted in the fall into sin and man made of a woman resulted in salvation. But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son made of a woman (Gal. 4:4).
But did you know that there is no incident in Scripture where an individual woman ever acted unkindly toward the Savior or spoke in a derogatory manner to Him? On the contrary, there are many instances where they pitied Him and other times when they ministered to His needs. And there followed Him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented Him (Luke 23:27).
Mark tells us that at His crucifixion There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdelene, and Mary the mother of James the less and Joses, and Salome; (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed Him, and ministered unto Him;) and many other women which came up with Him unto Jerusalem (Mark 15: 40-41).
Today Jesus does not walk the earth in the form of man; however, the weaker sex may still find many ways to minister for Him exercising gentleness, compassion, and modesty.
Many are waiting a kind, loving word,
Help somebody today!
Thou hast a message, O let it be heard,
Help somebody today!
Mrs. Frank A. Breck
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 14
THE GENERATION GAP
EPHESIANS 6:1-9
There always has been and always will be a gap between parents and their children, because there always has been, in normal circumstances, a gap between the maturity of the parents and that of the children. Then why all the hullabaloo? Have these gaps just been discovered?
No matter what the age of the parents or the children, there need not be a gap in love and in understanding. If we start early enough, by discipline, prayer, and love, we can work to prevent any gap of understanding.
Much of the rebellion on the part of youth is their attempt to get through to seemingly indifferent parents and find out what is expected of them.
A problem more basic than the generation gap, is one man refers to as the regeneration gap.
Whether he meant the change and renovation of the spul by the spirit and grace of God, is not clear. One thing is clear-if we can get whole families regenerated, it will solve many problems, and help fill any gap between parents and children.
Lord, speck to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of thy tone:
As thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.
FRANCES R. HAVERGAL
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 16
FLY YOUR FLAG
Nehemiah 8: 9, 10
A child once remarked of Principle Rainey that she believed he went to heaven every night, because he was so happy every day. This great saint used a fine metaphor to describe a Christians joy. Joy, he said, is the flag which is flown from the castle of the heart when the king is in residence there.
God does not want His children to be unhappy, and none of us has cause for a constant bad mood. Paul was perhaps the most persecuted of men, yet he was a man of song. Hymns of praise came from his lips in prison and out of prison. Day and night he praised his Savior.
Rejoice ever more. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thess. 5:16-18). The will of God is not an optional thing. Here we are commanded to do three things: rejoice, pray, give thanks. Reverse the order, and you will wind up with Rejoice!
Rejoice, ye pure in heart,
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
Your festal banner wave on high,
The cross of Christ your King.
EDWARD H. PLUMTRE
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 16
HALLOWED BREAD
1 Sam. 21: 4- 6
Are you teaching your children the word of God? Is it made a regular part of your family life? Does a scripture verse come quickly to your lips at everyday, common occurrences so that your little ones are served hallowed bread?
In the years to come you will reap, great benefits from this kind of daily diet in the home, as will your children when they feed on this kind of food.
Hearts turn always to those places where they have known happiness, felt the warmth of friendliness, and found beauty. Much that our youngsters learn from their school books will be forgotten as life moves on and problems become more complex. But if Gods Word is hidden in the heart of a child from his earliest recollection, we are told that he will not depart from it.
Thou art the bread of life,
O Lord to me,
Thy holy Word the truth
That saveth me;
Give me to eat and live
With thee above;
Teach me to love thy truth,
For thou art love.
Mary Ann Lathbury
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker January 17
GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY
TITUS 2: 2-5
Sooner or later there comes a time of life when what we see by a casual glance in the mirror causes us to stop suddenly and take a longer look. It dawns upon us all at once that we are not as young as we once were. The crows- feet and wrinkles are sending us a message loud and clear. But length of days are not assured in the Bible for godly living and many of the Lords devoted people, for one reason or another, depart this life early.
This is not to say that devotion to Jesus Christ and godly living are not owned and blessed of the Lord; they are. Devotion to Jesus Christ and godly living in many instances contribute to physical health and longer life.
What does accrue to the believer is that he is freely justified by grace, and being justified he has peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. So we grow old gracefully when we grow old with the grace of God in our hearts. Inner peace will show on our faces and prove to be a better cosmetic than any we buy in a drugstore.
God keep my heart attuned to laughter
When youth is done;
When all the days are gray days, coming after
The warmth, the sun.
God keep me then from bitterness, from grieving,
When life seems cold;
God keep me always and believing
As I grow old.
Author Unknown
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker January 18
MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS
1 Thess. 4: 7-12
Paul clearly told his brethren in this passage, Mind your own business. Some are not quiet because they do not take time to study. Some do not study because they are not quiet long enough. In our mad daily rush, how we need to take time out to meditate. Think! Pray! Study! Be often quiet! Listen to God! We cant hear Him speak to us because we will not be still.
He leadeth me beside the still waters (Ps. 23: 2). We who are Christs should manifest a Christian spirit by minding our own business. This means we are not to mind the other persons business. It also means that we are to tend to our own business.
A Christian above all should be diligent in business. A Christian should work. Laziness is natural to most of us, but nature should not be the rule of a child of God. It is as sinful to yield to a natural tendency to do nothing as it is to yield to a natural tendency to commit overt sins.
There are times when we must rest, study, be quiet. Dont mind someones elses business, but be sure you do mind your own. This can be done by the grace of God and must be done if we are to heed the injunction, study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2 :15).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
January 19
A GOOD NAME
Psalms 99
Most of us go to great lengths to protect our good name. The wise Solomon said, a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches (Prov. 22: 1). We who know Him bear the name of the Lord Jesus. The impression unsaved men have of our Savior and His salvation, is made from what they see in our lives. Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart (2 Cor. 3:2-3).
James writes in his epistle that the ungodly rich blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called (James 2: 7) referring to that beautiful name of our Lord Jesus Christ; the name which is above every name, the name in which alone we have salvation.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Let us bear His name worthily!
The name of Jesus is so sweet,
I love its music to repeat;
It makes my joys full and complete,
The precious name of Jesus.
I love the name of Him whose heart
Knows all my griefs, and bears a part;
Who bids all anxious fears depart-
I love the name of Jesus.
W. C. Martin
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 20
KING TUT
Luke 14: 25-33
It is said to note how ancient rulers, longing for immorality, spent a lifetime in futile effort to prepare for life after death.
In Cairos Egyptian Museum may be found evidences of King Tutankhamens preparation for the afterlife. Two life-size, black wooden statues of this Pharaoh once stood guard over a sealed door leading into the burial chamber. There are two massive solid coffins and four immense wooden funerary chambers completely overlaid with gold leaf. King Tuts tomb also contains furniture inlaid with gold and semi-precious jewels, an exquisite throne chair, and a multitude of precious art objects of alabaster and gold, priceless and intricately fashioned jeweled ornaments. All these treasures were assembled to give Tutankhamen a secure place in eternity. He spent the wealth of his kingdom for a corner on eternal life.
How tragic when men try to gain life by their own methods!
Jesus said, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand (John 10: 27-28).
But what can mortal man do to secure his own salvation? mortal man can do just what God bids him do. He can repent and believe. He can rise and follow Christ as Matthew did.
Washington Gladden
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 21
THE BREAD OF ADVERSITY
Isaiah 30: 18-21
Someone has said, It is not what happens to you, but the way you take it that counts. Can you take it? Life can be managed when all goes well, but what do we do when adversity strikes? Then and only then do we show our true colors. How easy it is to think that every other persons burden is light while our own is heavy. Too often it is our fancy rather than our fanfare.
When the bread of adversity must be eaten, it does only harm to kick against the pricks and hurt the feet. As a tree bows in the wind, so must we in the face of adversity. Grumbling is a bad habit for the child of God, and when we complain we miss a blessing. The rainbow will follow the rain as surely as God is on His throne. Every night breaks into morning.
Let sorrow do its work,
Send grief or pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers,
Sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me,
More love, O Christ to Thee,
More love to Thee!
Elizabeth P. Prentiss
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 22
WAIT ON THE LORD
James 5: 1-8
In the spring, homemakers are very enthusiastic about beautifying their yards. We rake, and dig, and plant, and almost daily run out to see if the seeds are coming up. If impatience gets the best of us however, and we rake away the earth to see if the seeds are germinating, the chances are we have ruined the plants. The winter frost must mellow the seed lying in the bosom of the earth, and the rains of spring must swell it, while the suns of summer mature it.
So it is with the Christian. The proper exercise of patience is one of the difficulties of the spiritual life. If we do not see some immediate results of our feeble efforts for the Lord, we are disappointed. For the soldier, marching is much easier than standing still. And while it may seem an easy thing to wait on the Lord, it is one of the things a Christian soldier must learn to do, even if it takes years of training.
There have been long delays in the fulfillment of promises; but delays are not denials, and it is better to let the fruit ripen before you pluck it, said Dr. F. B. Meyer.
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prosperous in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass (Psalms 37:7).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 23
WELCOME STRANGER!
Deut. 10:18-19
Im so glad to welcome you to our church this morning. We do hope you will come again. Simple sentences but they mean so much.
Have you ever visited in a church away from home and felt hurt because you were not greeted and made welcome by members of the congregation? Certainly we should go to church to worship God and sit under the teaching of the Word of God, but we will all confess to a feeling of warmth, when we are made welcome by Gods people and sense an atmosphere of friendliness when visiting a new church. Where the Word of God is preached in the power of the Holy Spirit by the Pastor, and received and worked out in the lives of the members of that church, there will be warmth and loving fellowship.
Before we were in Christ Paul tells us, ye were strangers but now ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
Visitors come into your church almost every Sunday. It is your privilege to help them become no more strangers to the grace and salvation of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
He prayeth best who loveth best
All things both great and small;
For the dear God who loveth us,
He made and loveth all.
Coleridge
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
January 24
BREAD FROM HEAVEN
Nehemiah 9: 7-15 John 6: 31
There are many hungry-hearted people in the world today. But can not the same God who sent bread from heaven in Old Testament days, feed His people in the twentieth century? Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled (Matt. 5: 6).
Many are hungering and thirsting after righteousness. They are seeking but not finding. Some are not finding because they are looking in the wrong place. Some are not seeking in earnest. Others are finding a scant quantity but not enough to satisfy; they are getting all sorts of bread, but it is not the bread that is come down from heaven. Instead they are getting a kind of watered-down religion, and this is the worst kind.
Hungry-hearted one, you do not have to go hungry! He is the Bread of Life. Feed on Him! He satisfies every need.
Bread of heavn
On Thee we feed,
For Thy flesh is meat indeed:
Ever let our souls be fed
With this true and living bread.
Josiah Condor
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker JANUARY 25
WELCOME STRANGER!
Deut. 10:18-19
Im so glad to welcome you to our church this morning. We do hope you will come again. Simple sentences but they mean so much.
Have you ever visited in a church away from home and felt hurt because you were not greeted and made welcome by members of the congregation? Certainly we should go to church to worship God and sit under the teaching of the Word of God, but we will all confess to a feeling of warmth, when we are made welcome by Gods people and sense an atmosphere of friendliness when visiting a new church. Where the Word of God is preached in the power of the Holy Spirit by the Pastor, and received and worked out in the lives of the members of that church, there will be warmth and loving fellowship.
Before we were in Christ Paul tells us, ye were strangers but now ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
Visitors come into your church almost every Sunday. It is your privilege to help them become no more strangers to the grace and salvation of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
He prayeth best who loveth best
All things both great and small;
For the dear God who loveth us,
He made and loveth all.
Coleridge
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
January 26
BREAD FROM HEAVEN
Nehemiah 9: 7-15 John 6: 31
There are many hungry-hearted people in the world today. But can not the same God who sent bread from heaven in Old Testament days, feed His people in the twentieth century? Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled (Matt. 5: 6).
Many are hungering and thirsting after righteousness. They are seeking but not finding. Some are not finding because they are looking in the wrong place. Some are not seeking in earnest. Others are finding a scant quantity but not enough to satisfy; they are getting all sorts of bread, but it is not the bread that is come down from heaven. Instead they are getting a kind of watered-down religion, and this is the worst kind.
Hungry-hearted one, you do not have to go hungry! He is the Bread of Life. Feed on Him! He satisfies every need.
Bread of heavn
On Thee we feed,
For Thy flesh is meat indeed:
Ever let our souls be fed
With this true and living bread.
Josiah Condor
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker January 27
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
Eph. 5: 19-20
Even though it is foolish, we believe sometimes that if we just wont talk or think about a certain problem, it will go away! On the other hand, if we think and talk and sing about the wonderful things God is doing for us, we are likely to soon come to realize our own way is not so filled with hard things after all.
Talk ye of all His wondrous works (Psalms 105:2).
Someone has said, The chief pang of most trials is not so much the actual suffering itself as our own spirit of resistance to it. Often the hardships that come to us, are Gods way of training us for something he has for us to do. Thank God for the hardships!
Good soldiers are not made by giving them soft jobs. They endure many hardships that are put in their way deliberately, to make them strong. Soldiers of the cross need hard training, too, so Jesus says, Take up the cross and follow me.
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 OvenbyMarjorie Parker
January 28
GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY
TITUS 2: 2-5
Sooner or later there comes a time of life when what we see by a casual glance in the mirror causes us to stop suddenly and take a longer look. It dawns upon us all at once that we are not as young as we once were. The crows- feet and wrinkles are sending us a message loud and clear. But length of days are not assured in the Bible for godly living and many of the Lords devoted people, for one reason or another, depart this life early.
This is not to say that devotion to Jesus Christ and godly living are not owned and blessed of the Lord; they are. Devotion to Jesus Christ and godly living in many instances contribute to physical health and longer life.
What does accrue to the believer is that he is freely justified by grace, and being justified he has peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. So we grow old gracefully when we grow old with the grace of God in our hearts. Inner peace will show on our faces and prove to be a better cosmetic than any we buy in a drugstore.
God keep my heart attuned to laughter
When youth is done;
When all the days are gray days, coming after
The warmth, the sun.
God keep me then from bitterness, from grieving,
When life seems cold;
God keep me always and believing
As I grow old.
Author Unknown
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker
January 29
GODS GUIDANCE
Isaiah 58: 9-11
It is easy these days to soon come to the end of our own wisdom. Many decisions must be made daily. We are assured over and over in the Bible that God is willing to guide us.
Solomon, the wisest of men, said, In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths (Prov. 3: 6). Never will He guide us in any way that is contrary to His Word. We must read it carefully each day with a prayer that God will speak to us from its pages. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path (Psalm 119: 105). The Holy Spirit dwelling in us will guide us. As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Rom. 8: 14). The habit of daily seeking Gods guidance should be cultivated. We should seek it with sincerity and an open mind. Once His will is known it should be followed, regardless of the cost.
Often He will lead only one step at a time. After we take one step in faith He will reveal the next. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide me with mine eye (Psalm 32: 8).
Guide me, O Thou great Yahweh,
Pilgrim thro this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powrful hand.
William Williams
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
January 30
FOOLISH QUESTIONS
Titus 3: 1-9
Why, mom why? How many times have we been impatient with our youngsters because they persisted in asking so many foolish questions! Of course that the best way to find out about something is to ask questions.
Jesus at the age of twelve was missed by His parents, and they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the Doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions (Luke 2: 46). There are many things in Gods Word that He has chosen to keep to Himself. About such, it is wise to avoid foolish questions. Still, there are vital questions, and we need to go to Gods Word to find the answers.
Does my life and conduct adorn the doctrine of God my Savior? How can I manage my own life until I know what God has planned for me? Do I find myself in Gods will, or do I make my own plans, trying to adjust to the constantly changing moral standards of our so-called progressive civilization?
Avoid foolish questions, but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim. 2: 22).
I am thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Fanny J. Crosby
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
January 31
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
yhhh |
