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February 1
UNFAILING FAITH
HEBREWS 11: 1-13
For any who would serve the Lord, faith is a basic requirement. Without faith it is impossible to please him (v. 6).
Someone has said, Faith is abandonment to Jesus. Abandonment denotes complete surrender to the mercy of someone else. It clings to nothing but Christ even to the extent of crying, Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him (Job 13: 15). Such faith is the result of knowledge, of God and His Word. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10: 17).
Peter urges us to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love; and if you do, he tells us, ye shall never be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1: 5-8).
A Christian writer noted this: Prayer is the faith that asks; thanksgiving is the faith that takes. Sometimes we should stop asking and accept what God has for us.
Believe that ye have received, and ye shall have ( Mark 11: 24, par).
Encamped along the hills of light,
Ye Christian soldiers, rise,
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below
Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know,
That overcomes the world.
John H. Yates
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
February 2
THE POWER OF LOVE
Ruth 1
The story of Ruth is one of those delightful idyls of love which warms the hearts. It is the story of friendship between two women, and strange as it may seem, it is the love of a girl for her mother-in-law. As the affection of David and Jonathan is the ultimate in the friendship of two men so is that of Ruth for woman.
Ruth came into the life of Naomi when she married her son. After the two sons died and Naomi prepared to return to her own land to die, Ruth and Orpah decided to go with her. Orpah changed her mind and returned to her mothers house, while Ruth found her love would not let her be separated from Naomi.
The quietest of women burst into poetry and her words are still repeated as apledge of devotion.
Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: The LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me 9Ruth 1:16-17.
With these words, the mother-in-lae and daughter-in-law relationship ceases to be, and a pair of famous friends walk arm-in-arm down the road of life to an unknown future. Such is the power of love!
February 3
VIOLETS OR ZINNIAS
Isa. 40: 1-8
Roses around the door can brighten any home, whether it be a cottage or a mansion. Someone who lives within has added a touch of beauty to a sometimes sad and sordid world. Jesus was a lover of beauty in nature, for He spoke of how the lillies grew; of fields white unto the harvest; of birds of the air. Indeed He is the creator of all things beautiful.
The petals of a rose are soft to the touch, but they must be handled carefully or they will bruise. Azaleas with their delicate colors are beautiful to see, but they will produce only if soil and sunshine are exactly to their liking. Gladioluses will stand straight and tall, but if you bend they will break. We admire the velvet of the violets but they must constantly be encouraged. The morning-glory will bloom brightly in the morning but wilts in the heat of the day.
There are hardy varieties of flowers, however that are the delight of the amateur gardener, for they do not need any special attention. The common zinnia and the vivid petunia seem willing to go on blooming day after day without having someone fuss over and pamper them. They keep on producing without any special care.
There are all kinds of flowers and there are all kinds of Christians. What kind are you-a violet or zinnia?
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
February 4
MOSES AND THE BULRUSHES
Exodus 2:1-10
Riding down the Nile River today, one has a feeling of floating in bibical history. Long ago the ships of Crete and Phoenicia, when those lands were in the heyday of their power, sought its commerce and wealth. Some recall Cleopatra, the proud queen of Egypt , who fascinated Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony. For believers the Nile River brings to mind Moses, who first looked upon those waters for the first forty years of his life.
The heart of every mother is warmed when she reads to her child the story of the baby Moses and the bulrushes. She can understand the feelings of the mother, who desperate to save the life of her son, wove him a cradle of bulrushes and hid him among the reeds at the river's brink. Every Sunday school child is trilled by the story of the baby Moses. It was an adventure each of them would like to have had!
But Moses gave up the luxuries of Pharaoh's household and spent forty years on the backside of the desert. They were profitable years, for there in the loneliness, he came to know God. With this knowledge of God treasured in his heart, he became the leader of his people, and "The man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt." Because of his decision, Moses is remembered better than any other figure of Egyptian history.
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven-by-Marjorie Parker
February 5
ARE YOU SAFE
Proverbs 29:25
The great cathedral of St. Paul stands in the center of London.
Once when passing by it, a number of people could be seen in the street with their eyes directed toward something high upon the steeple. There, almost out of sight, a man was working in a kind of cradle. He appeared to be in the utmost danger, but infact was quite safe. A strong rope tied around him was fastened to a stout beam. The wind might blow around him, but he felt no alarm; he was safe.
Is this not a picture of the Christian? In the hour of his greatest weakness he looks up to heaven. There, seated on His eternal throne, is his Father. The Christian knows he is safe.
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast
There by His love ore-shaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark tis the voice of angels,
Borne in a song to me,
Over the fields of glory,
Over the Jasper Sea.
Fanny J. Crosby
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
February 6
THERES NO LAW AGAINST IT
1Cor 3:16-23
There are no laws against a lot of things we ought not do, and there are no laws compelling us to do a lot of things we ought to do. This would certainly be an unpleasant world if we relied only upon man-made lawss to guide our conduct!
There is no civil ordinance that sats we must love family, try to make others happy, or treat people faily. We are not threatened with a prison sentence if we are not kind, considerate, forgiving, or helpful. But these attributes should be the by-products of our faith in Jesus Christ. When we fail in these areas, we know we are grieving the Spirit of God who dwells in us.
What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye were bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods (1 Cor 6:19-20).
We fail often, and being human will contine to do so, but remembering we have this power dwelling in us, we will have strength provided for obeying the law of Christ.
Come Holy Spirit, heavnly Dove,
With all thy quickning powers;
Kindle a flame of sacred love
In these cold hearts or ours.
ISAAC WATTS
Febuary 7
YOUR OFFSPRING
ISAIAH 30:1-9 Provers 22;6
That children are a gift of God, we are frequently told in
God's Word. The happiest day in the life of many young
couples is when that precious little bundle is brought home
from the hospital. But there are many hazards in bringing
up children in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord:'
"With children we must mix gentleness with firmness,"
said Charles Haddon Spurgeon, "They must not always have
their own way, but they must not always be thwarted, If
we never have headaches through rebuking them, we shall
have plenty of heartaches when they grow up. Be obeyed at
all costs; for if you yield up your authority once, you will hardly get it again:
Among our youth today there is much rebellion and talk
,of impending revolution. This is not new. This too is
covered in God's Word. "Woe to the rebellious children,
saith the LoRD, that take counsel, but not of me" (Isa 30: 1 ) .
The trouble with so many children today is they are not willing to "take counsel" from the right One.
"The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they
that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Come,
ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD" (Ps 34:10-11).
February 8
THINK
EPHESIANS 3: 20-21
In order to stimulate new ideas for his business, many a business man has placed on his desk the word THINK. The one thing the modern homemaker doesnt have time for is to stop and think; yet it is something she really needs to take time to do.
The Psalmist pronounces that one blessed who meditates in the law of the Lord day and night (Ps. 1: 2). We read that Mary, mother of Jesus, kept all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2: 19). One thing about it Mother can ponder while she is washing dishes, sorting the laundry, or sweeping the kitchen.
A great preacher of another day said, One pound of beef well chewed and digested and assimilated, will give more strength than tons of beef merely glanced at; and one verse of scripture chewed and digested and assimilated, will give more strength than whole chapters simply skimmed. Weigh every word you read in the Bible.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things (Phil. 4: 8). February 9
SANDS OF THE SEA
Matthew 7:24-29
What fun it is to walk along the beach, shoes in hand, bare feet crunching into the damp, cool sand! With shovel and pail, a child can spend hours of delightfull play building castles there. But toy houses and mini- castles are the only ones that will stand for any length of time built upon the soft soil.
Lives, like houses, must br built upon a founation more firm than sand if they are to stand against the onslaughts of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Those who live in hurricane areas know not at what moment a Camille or a Gertrude may strike, and the ones who survive are usually those who are prepared for such an emergency.
We cannot know at what moments the floods of misfortune, or the winds of wprry and weariness, or rains of reverses may come. So we mist build the house or our life upon a rock- the Rock Christ Jesus .
Webster tells us that sands may mean particles of time. Such a foundation for a life is not built in a day but in many days-leaning heavily on His promises and putting complete faith in Him who is able to keep us from falling.
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me (PS 31:2).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker February10
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUTH
ECCLESIASTES 11:9-10
Every period of life has its special temptations and dangers. But youth is an especially vulnerable time. It is the forming, fixing period, the spring season of disposition and habit.
To the insurance company, a youth is a bad risk. To the government, he is eligible for draft at eighteen but until recently was to young to vote. To Mom and Dad hes a tax deduction. Nevertheless, during this time more than any other, the character assumes its permanent qualities, and the young chart their course for time and eternity.
Youth is capable of marvelous achievement in any realm. Washington was a distinguished colonel when he was twenty two. Gladstone was a member of Parliament at twenty-two. Shelley was an author at seventeen. Mozart captured Europe with his concertos as early as age four.
What we make of our young people today will determine our world in the future. Mature Christians need to give much time and thought and prayer to our youth. They are a constant challenge, and every effort should be made to win them for Christ, who gave Himself for the sins of every teenager. wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word (Ps 119:9).
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker
February 11
BREAD OF LIFE
John 6;47-51
Certain of the Bibles miracles have particular significance for the homemaker. Since a good portion of her day is taken up with the preparation of meals, she will be more than a little interested in the widows cruse of oil that never gave out; the multiplying of the loaves of bread by Jesus; the ravens that fed Elijah, etc.
Just as fresh supply of manna was given to Israel every day, so the Spirit of God breaks anew the bread of life to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. And as the loaves and fishes in the hands of our Lord were more than enough to feed the famished multitude, so the meat, and milk, and bread, and honey of the word are more than enough to feed every famished soul.
The amazing fact is that this wonderful bread never grows stale. Generation after generation has been feasting on this bread of life; yet it remains forever fresh. Each reading reveals new gems of truth.
Lamp of our feet, whereby we trace
Our path when wont to stray;
Stream from the fount of heavenly grace,
Brook by the travelers way;
Bread of our souls, whereon we feed,
True manna from on high;
Our guide and chart, wherein we read
Of realms beyond the sky
BERNARD D. BARTON
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker Febuary 12
GODS TEMPLE
Psalm 104:16,17
On a visit to Bible lands, one views the majestic cedars of Lebanon with something akin to awe.Then he knows what the poet felt when he said, the groves were Gods first remples. The same feeling comes over one standing amid the giant redwoods of California. In that fragrant sanctuary, the scent of the cones is fresh and pungent. Wandering in silence among the towering trees, one is afraid to speak lest he break the awesome spell.
Standing tall and reaching toward the God who created it, nothing in nature is more majestic than a beautiful tree. Our Christian lives are to be like a tree planted by the rivers of water (Ps 1:3).
Dark boughs stretch high toward God, while roots plunged deep in His worded hold us fast. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a ceder in Lebanon (Ps 92:12).
Trees also make the child of God remember the saviour who suffered on Calvarys cross.
I saw One hanging on a tree,
In agony and blood;
He fixed His languid eyes on me,
As near his cross I stood.
Oh can it be, upon a tree
The saviour died for me/
My soul is thrilled,
My heart is filled,
To think He died for me!
John Newton
Taken from the book-Bread From My Oven-by- Marjorie Parker Febuary 13
HUMBLE PIE
Romans 12:10-21
The all-time favorite American dessert is said to be apple pie. A slice of earm pie with a wedge of nippy cheese and a good cup of coffee will brighten the dullest day. But there is another kind of pie that is probably the most unfavorite of all and this is humble pie. None of us like to eat this kind.
It is never easy to go to someone and apologize for some wrong doing or for a harmful word spoken in haste. Yet when the apology has been accepted in a loving spirit and fellowship has been restored, we feel such a sense of relief that we wonder why we didnt do it sooner. What a better place this world would be if those who love the Lord would seek for understanding and aim at reconciliation. Obedience to the Bible regarding offenses will work in a home as well as in a church.
It requires real Christian character to kindly, courageously, and confidentially straighten out our grievances with others. Some criticisms are imaginary and others are misunderstandings. Eating a little humble pie once in a while is good for all of us!
But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also (Matt. 5: 34).
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker Febuary 14
THE THIEF OF TIME
Rom. 13:11-14
A man named Edward Youngh said, Procrastination is the thief of time. Does Mr. Procrastination live at your house? It is so much easier to put off cleaning out that closet than it is to get down to the business of doing it.
I know I ought to write to Aunt Alice- she is old and lonely- but Ill do it tomorrow.
How much good we could do for others if we would follow up our good impulses with immediate action! Procrastination is a deadly enemy which each one of us must conquer, if we are to be in possession of our own lives. There is one area in which you dare not procrastinate, for it is later than you think. In the day of salvation, have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted; behold now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).
Have you put off making this most important decision of your life? This is a decision you dare not delay. Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior now!
Why do you wait, dear brother?
O why do you tarry so long?
Your Savior is waiting to give you
A place in His sanctified throng.
Why not? Why not? Why not come to him now?
George F. Root
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by- Marjorie Parker Febuary 15
A GOOD NEIGHBOR
Rom. 13:8-10
How heartwarming to move into a new home and even while the furniture is still in disarray, have the door bell ring and have the neighbor walk in bearing a still-warm pie-or a salad-or a cake! One is overwhelmed with a sense of being welcomed into the neighborhood. How nice to be able to run next door in a minor emergency and borrow a cup of sugar, or to be borrowed from when the situation is reversed.
But when it comes to love thy neighbor as thyself, this is quite a different situation! Can it be done? Yes! By the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor.
Misunderstandings and differences can easily occur in any neighborhood, especially where there are children, but a true believer will seek to settle such in a direct, quiet, forgiving manner.
Do you know your neighbors? Do you ever pray for your neighbors? Do you offer a helping hand in time of need?
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them (Matt. 7:12).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
Febuary 16
Faith In Doubt
Our faith in God is easy when the
Waters round are stilled,
When the voyage undertake finds,
Our dreams and hopes fulfilled.
But holding on to God is hard,
When wrestling with our doubt,
And when the storms are fiercest
And our boat is tossed about.
Its when our boat is shaken,
When the Masters sound asleep,
Not knowing we are sinking, and
The waters round are deep.
We wonder then how He, whose Lord,
Of all the land and sea,
Could seem to be so unaware,
Of our catastrophe.
Its when our faith seems weakest, God,
Will calm the sea and soul,
And when we are most broken that,
Hell touch and make us whole.
February 17
GIVE US BREAD
Gen. 47: 12-15
It is said that Marie Antoinette was told that the people of France were begging for bread, in her ignorance of their real poverty, she cried, Let them eat cake!
There are many hungry-hearted people in America today, who are crying for want of spiritual bread while they are being fed pink sodas and chocolate cake.
Spiritual starvation is even more serious than physical under-nourishment. For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8: 36). Poverty programs and social security are fine, but what about eternal security?
Although Jesus healed the sick and fed the hungry, he was far more concerned about the spiritual welfare of those to whom he ministered, than he was with their physical well being.
Break thou the bread of life,
Dear Lord, to me,
As thou didst break the loaves,
Beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page
I seek thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for thee,
O living word.
Mary Ann Lathbury
Taken from the book- Bread From My Oven- by Marjorie Parker. February 18
ON THE SICK LIST
Matt. 25:34-40
When was the last time you visited a sick friend or a shut-in? how much better it is to be the one able to do the visiting than to be the one visited! If you yourself are not ill, you should be thankful that it could be your happy privilege to go see someone who is less fortunate. We can show our gratitude to God for good health by seeking to bear the infirmities of the weak (Rom. 15:1).
Some are spiritually weak and though they give every indication of enjoying good health, may be sick at heart. What a privilege it is to drop in for a few moments with a word of cheer, a verse from Gods Word, and a prayer for their special need. Almost all of us have had times when we would have appreciated greatly a Spirit-filled caller.
Heavy is the cross they bear,
But our love that cross can share;
Dark Thy providence must seem,
But our cheer can cast a gleam
On their lot; and in our turn
Holiest lessons we may learn,
Where Thine own revealing light
Streams through pains mysterious night.
Miss Kimball
Taken from the book- Bread From My oven- by- Marjorie Parker.
Febuary 19
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 an even balance (Job 31:6). We usually are able to endure the present hour. As thy days, so shall thy strength be (Deut. 33:25).
A loving and wise God does not gather the trials of many years into one. He knows this would overwhelm us. He sends first one, then another, removes both sometimes and may send a 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 reclaim!
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
P. P. Bliss
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
February 20
ETIQUETTE AND ETHICS
1 Cor. 13
The great number of etiquette columns in our newspapers and magazines my be an indication of the widespread confusion many people have in the maze of todays social graces. Which fork to use? How to seat the guests at the table? What is proper to wear? Which etiquette expert should you follow?
In the 17th century, Louis XIV is said to have searched diligently all over France for a man to teach his grandson the rudiments of proper social behavior. That was a day when a standard compliment, an awkward bow, or a clumsy finger could ruin a career. The wise man chosen for the task, pointed out to the King that the true foundation of good manners is thoughtfulness of others. What makes one thoughtful? Love.
This is clearly pointed out in Scripture: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling symbol" (1 Cor. 13: 1). Later Paul says, "(love ) doeth not behave itself unseemingly." Though you may utter the most charming compliments, and though you may stimulate worthwhile conversations around you table, if love is not your basic attitude toward your guests, your excellent manners will appear artificial. And when we are the guest, love will cause our behavior to be what it should be, not "unseemingly."
They who would be polite are kind with instinctive grace.
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
February 21
BLESS THIS HOUSE
Psalm 127:1-4
The story is told that after President and Mrs Eisenhower acquired the Gettysburg home, they wrote their pastor in Washington and asked him to come to Gettysburg for a little "house blessing ceremony." When the family had settled in their chairs around the fire place, the President arose and told how both he and Mrs. Eisenhower had been reared in the presence of an open Bible, revered as the Word of God, and with family prayers as a daily practice. They had lived in many houses during their long association with the army, but this was the first home they could call their very own. So it seemed fitting to dedicate it to God.
What a fine example for young Christian couples who finally find their dream house. Although the payments may extend far onto the future, they should lay before God the place where they will rear their children, asking Him to make it a place of health and healing, a haven of tranquility, an abode of love, and a sanctuary of worship.
The beauty of the house is order;
The blessing of the house is contentment;
The glory of the house is hospitality;
The crown of the house is godliness.
FIRE PLACE MOTTO
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
Febuary 22
LABOR OF LOVE
Prov.10:6-12
Isnt it strange that something as intangible as love can ease an aching back and rest a tired body? When a sleeping mother must rise from her bed in the wee hours to attend her sick child, love in the mothers heart will lighten that unpleasant task. Many a childs imagined hurt has been healed by a mothers kiss or a pat from her loving hands. Just knowing someone else cares helps in the healing process.
We hesitate sometimes to bring our troubles to God because they must seem so small to Him who sits on the circle of the universe. But if they are big enough to annoy and cause us anxiety, they are big enough to touch His heart of love.
Love is not measured by a merchants scales. When we administer affection, it is astonishing what magical results we obtain.
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down;
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
All thy faithful mercies crown:
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbound love thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation:
Enter every trembling heart.
Charles Wesley
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
Febuary 23
TEMPER TANTRUMS
PROVERBS 12:8-16
Nothing is so exasperating to a mother as to have her child throw a tantrum when corrected for some misdemeanor. It is difficult not to become angry ourselves under such circumstances. But if we do, we put ourselves on the same level with the naughty child. "Brethern, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men" (1Co 14:20).
Pity the adult whose bursts of temper have never been checked, and now he is unable to control his actions when he becomes angry.
A violent temper is not only pathetic; to the person who has it, it is unhealthy. One can become so enraged that he does great harm to his own soul. Bitterness takes up residence there, and joy takes its departure. The apostle says, "Laying aside all malice" (1Peter 2:1). This does not mean to wait until evil things die in our hearts, but there must be a definite act of the will. Some have gone to their graves with a heart full of bitter regrets, because they lashed out in anger at a loved one and then found it was too late to ask forgiveness.
" He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated" (Pr 14: 17).
Be like Jesus, this my song,
In the home and in the Throng:
Be like Jesus, all day long!
I would be like Jesus.
JAMES ROWE
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker February 24
BREAD AND WINE
Matt. 26: 17-30
Walking into the upper room on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, one is carried back in memory to Jesus last night on earth. The plain, vaulted room, bare of furniture, at the top of a long stairway, appears to be very old, and one can imagine the disciples have just left by another door.
Jesus knew that his death was imminent and that the disciples left behind must carry on His work. He must tell them, and somehow they must be given the power to continue the cause for which He soon must die.
So taking common, everyday symbols-bread and wine, the simple food and drink of all Palestine in those days- He immortalized them by likening them to His very body and blood.
Thus these ordinary provisions were used in an act of worship which has become the Christian sacrament.
"This do in remembrance of me," He commanded them. He desires that we keep in mind His sacrifice for our sins on the cross.
Ill live for Him who died for me;
How happy then my soul shall be!
Ill live for Him who died for me,
My Savior and my God!
Ralph E. Hudson
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
Febuary 25
HE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH
GALATIONS 6:6-10
The conscientious wife and mother is very diligent in attending to the needs of her own household, but sometimes she may be a bit negligent about the needs of those who are of the "household of faith." The wise woman ariseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens" (Pr 31:15).
Who are those who are of the household of faith? All who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord!
The laborers are still few for the Lords harvest. We pray that He "will send forth laborers" but when He calls us to show kindness to a fellow Christian, we are sometimes to busy. If the homemaker waits until she has time, she will never serve the Lord.
It takes more grace to give more and expect less, to work more and shirk less, to commend more and condemn less, to love more and despise less. But it proves to the world that "greater is that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
Give of your best to the Master:
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your souls fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example;
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion,
Give Him the best that you have.
Howard B. Grose
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker February 26
WHITE ELEPHANTS
JOHN 14:18-27
Many housewives have searched the house for unwanted items- dust
catchers-collected them, and taken them to the P.T.A or some such
organization, to be sold, perhaps for lunch money for underprivileged
children . Rare is the household that dose not have some white elephants.
When the kings of Siam wanted to ruin a man in their kingdom, they
would present with a white elephant. The unfortunate man could not
get rid of the elephant, for it was sacred and it was a gift from
the king. The expense of keeping the useless thing soon impoverished the kings enemy.
The world has many white elephants to offer us, and the child of
God is tempted to accept some of these-social prestige, riches,
fame. There is nothing wrong with these things per se, but ultimately
they can be the downfall of a Christian, perhaps because one begins
trust these things for security and feels no need for God.
What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul? (Mark 8: 36).
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
All its joys are but a name;
But His love abideth forever,
Thro eternal years the same.
Fanny J. Crosby
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker 
February 27
TAKE TIME
PHIL.3:12-15
Rome was not built in a day and neither is the Christian life. It should be realized by those who seek to be mature Christians (as we all should!) that this comes, not overnight, but with day-by-day nourishment and exercise in our spiritual lives. God Himself will set the pace, and time each experience to suit His divine purpose for us.
Someone has said When God wants to make an oak, He takes an hundred years, but when He wants to make a squash He takes six months. Do you want to be an oak or a squash for the Lord? Our desire, of course, should be to be a strong oak for the Lord, and that as soon as we can! This will require that we make every effort to know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Phil.3:10)
Both the oak and the squash need days of sunshine and days of storm, as well as pleasure, failure as well success, suffering as well as the joy, death as well as life. This should not discourage us, but should cause us to look toward eternity.
Being confident of this very thinking, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:60).
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
February 28
ASHES LIKE BREAD
Psalm 102:1-12
We all have days when we just never should have gotten out of bed. There seem to be a thousand and one small annoyances crowding in on us. This brings to mind the sculptor, who with a chisel in one hand and a mallet in the other, works at shaping a statue. He knows he must use gentle strokes one after another, or he will shatter the whole thing. He works until the features take shape, and those who enter his studio are charmed and fascinated.
In the process of molding and shaping your Christian life, God sometimes uses strokes of little annoyances and pretty vexations. Perhaps the little troubles of life are having more effect upon you than the great ons.
Little annoyances are hewing, digging, shaping, and inter-joining your moral qualities. Use these small irritations to contribute to your spiritual wealth!
Someone has said a bee can suck honey even out of a nettle, and if you have the grace of God in your heart, you can get sweetness out of that which would otherwise irritate and annoy.
Never be sad or desponding,
Lean on the arm of thy Lord;
Dwell in the depths of His mercy,
Thou shalt receive thy reward.
FANNY J. CROSBY
Taken from the book- Bread From My OvenbyMarjorie Parker
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