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July -1- July-1- 2001
JULY 1
HOW CAN WE PRAISE IN FAITH--- BELIEVING
When the odds seem impossible to overcome, we carefully, painfully seek Gods will. But how do we go about actively praising Him in faith-believing? Is it an attitude? Words? Or does it go beyond that?
Faith soars above the mountains of uncertainty and utters a confidence and assurance in our Lord God. He has a precise way of tunneling through, going over or around, and finding the answers. Although we dont know what is around the next bend, we must give Him our unconditional trust.
Putting our faith in action and praising Him for answers to come means plugging up the hill and doing the best we can as we trust Him in the trek. Other times it is going ahead in faith- believing, knowing without a shadow of doubt what He has for us, even if its outside our comfort zone! Either way, we must take time to rest our minds and emotions, becoming refreshed in His strengthening Holy Spirit.
The most difficult part for me in putting faith into action and praising Him for answers to come is when I must completely turn all over to God and take my hands off. Im a doer, incredibly stubborn; I dont give up easily when I have a sense of direction from the Lord.
But what often comes is a time when I hear God say, Hand off and let Me.
It is at this point where I learn to actively praise Him for helping, actively rest in His will and timing, actively trust Him to fight the battles as I learn to sit back and go along for the ride.
Faith in the negative comes from worry.
Faith in the positive comes from unconditional trust in God.
FAITH THE ONLY DOOR
There is only one door into heaven; that door is faith. There is only one ship that sails the skies: her name is Faith. There is only one weapon with which to contend with opposition; that is faith. Faith is the first step; faith is the second step; faith is the third step faith is the fourth step; faith the last step. We enter the road by faith. We contend against adversaries by faith; we die by faith; heaven is the reward of faith.
T. DeWitt Talmage
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb. 11 v 1; Eph. 2 v 8-9
JULY 2
IN YOU, I BELIEVE
I believe in You, Lord Jesus. Thank You for helping me not to be tossed to and fro on the gusts of fads, new gimmicks, propaganda. If not for You. I would be like a wandering sheep.
Thank You for helping me to seek and know Your truth. I praise You for giving me intelligence to search out right from wrong. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I praise You for leading. Through You, my life has become richer and fuller with a deep inner joy.
No matter what happens, no matter the influences, in You I will still believe and live.
Thank You for walking ahead of me, so I may follow; for walking beside me, so I may know Your fellowship; for staying close behind me, so I may be protected. Each time I hear Your voice, I will follow.
In You, I believe. In You, I trust. In You, Lord Jesus, are all of lifes answers. You, my true God, are sufficient! I need no other.
2 Tim. 1 v 12; John 1 v 12
JULY 3
I KNOW NOT WHY GODS WONDROUS GRACE
I know not why Gods wondrous grace
to me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
I know not how this saving faith,
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His word
Wrought peace within my heart.
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if Ill walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
But I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I have committed
Unto Him that day.
James McGranahan, 1883
July 4
FAITH PUT INTO ACTION
My prayer of faith is being put to the test. Certainly, the trying of my faith works on my patience. Yet it requires much discipline from me and it is so frustrating!
I want everything done microwave-style, Lord--- right now. I cant stand why my prayers arent answered immediately. But even though I dont see the reasoning of it all, I still put complete confidence and faith in You, my God and King. I will trust in You with all my heart and I will lean not on my own understanding. I will continue turning to You and acknowledging Your Word so You may direct my paths.
Because of all You have done for me in the past, because of the promises in Your Word, my faith still holds fast to You, Jesus Christ my Lord! I will put my faith into action and rest upon Your Word. I will praise You day and night for all Your mighty deeds.
James 1 v 2-4
Taken from the book; When Im Praising God-- by Anita Corrine Donihue.
FAITH WORKETH PATIENCE
James 1 v 1-4
Faith, work and patience operate together. They are not to be separated. Believers are to exercise faith then work and wait. If your faith goes to work, patience will follow. that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit promises (Heb. 6 v 12).
In simple terms, faith works and patience waits. We see these three working together again in 1 Thessalonians 1 v 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 move mountains or tunnel through.
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior 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.
JULY 5
FAITH IS THE VICTORY
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.
His banner over us is love,
Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints above
With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith they, like a whirwinds breath,
Swept on ore evry field;
The faith by which they conquered death,
Is still our shining shield.
On evry hand the foe we find
Drawn up in dread array.
Let tents of ease be left behind,
And onward to the fray.
Salvations helmet on each head,
With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble neath our tread,
And echo with our shout.
To him that overcomes the foe
White raiment shall be givn;
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in heaven.
Then onward from the hills of light,
Our hearts with love aflame;
Well vanquish all the hosts of night
In Jesus conquring name.
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory
That overcomes the world.
Ira Sankey
Taken from the bookWhen Im Praising GodbyAnita Corrine Donihue
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JULY 6
HELMET OF SALVATION
Thank You, God, for the helmet of salvation, for giving me full knowledge and assurance that You are my Savior and my lord. When the devil tries to put doubts in my mind, that I am undeserving of Your love, that I am not really saved, Your promises planted sure and true in my brain tell me this is not true. Thank You, Lord for shedding Your blood and saving someone as unworthy as me and making me Your beloved child.
Once I was a sinner, but thanks be to You, O God. You took the burden of all my sins into Your own Being and died on the cross. You paid the price for me so I can be free. Praise be to You. I am done with that old sinful life and have a new abundant one with You.
I can come before You with a clean heart because of what You accomplished. You will live forever in me, and I in You. Each day, You assure me of how You removed my sins as far as the east is from the west. They are no more. No one, not even the devil himself, has the power to separate me from Your love. Since You loved me enough to save me, I cant imagine how many more blessings are in store as we go through this victorious life together!
Life may not always be easy. I may suffer for Your sake. But how much more You did for me in comparison. When I obey and do Your will, when I suffer, when I labor in prayer with You, sin loses its power. Then I see new victories in You, Christ Jesus, in the glory of Your name! So be it! Amen.
Romans 6 v 23; Eph. 6 v 17; 1 Thes. 5v8
July 7
YOUR SALVATION
Lord Jesus, You saw my sin but You forgave me in spite of it all. Thank You for drawing me close to You and comforting me in my lost state of sinfulness. I felt so distraught over my wrong doings, I couldnt forgive myself. How could I expect You, the God of everything, to forgive someone like me? But You did.
You gently coaxed me. My knuckles turned white when I gripped the church bench in front of me during repeated altar calls. Thank You for assuring me that all my sins, no matter how dark the stains, could be removed and my life could become as fresh and clean as newly fallen snow. Though my sins were crimson, You made me clean and white as a baby lambs wool.
Thank You for granting me strength to come to You and for helping me fling the mess of my life at Your feet. As soon as I did, I felt a tremendous weight lifted from my shoulders. I was so happy, I had to tell everyone what You did for me.
I will bless You, my Lord, throughout my life. I will continually praise Your name. You turned me from sin, destruction, and hopelessness to a life of joyous freedom with You. Praise Your Name.
Taken from the book--- When Im Praising GodbyAnita Corrine Donihue.
WORK AND WORSHIP
Psalm 33 v 13-15
No one can ever earn his/her salvation. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. (Eph. 2 v 8-9) N.I.V.
After one has received this wonderful gift, however, his/her desire must be to serve the Savior. "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (Rom. 8 v 5)
Work, worship, and instruction are always the ingredients of Christian living. True worship of Christ always leads to the place of need where work should be done. Then the busy Christian will constantly need to go to the Lord and His Word for instruction and admonition.
It does not matter where your work is, or whether it is visible. You may never see the results of your labor. Your name may never be associated with it. But you are working with eternity in view!
Make use of me, my God!
Let me be not forgot;
A broken vessel cast aside,
One whom Thou needest not.
All things do serve Thee here,
All creatures, great and small;
Make use of me, my God---
The meanest of them all.
Horatius Bonar
July 8
THE CROSS
Dear Jesus, I sit here in church and gaze at Your cross, praising You. Its story unfolds in my mind. The cross is lofty, beautiful before me, yet a symbol of pain and sacrifice. My heart saddens. I look upon it again and I see triumph, victory, a time of celebration.
I feel unworthy of all You did. I wince to think of Your beatings. Your crown of thorns, how nails pierced through Your hands and feet--- pain few could endure. You bore the heavy cross to the place of the skull called Golgotha. How could Pilate have mocked You so by writing Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews on that cross? Did he know in his heart the truth? That You were the King of all Kings?
Tears fill my eyes at the thought of the mockery. I mourn the parting of Your garments, the gambling over them. The awful sins of the world weighed on Your shoulders, even while You saw to the care of Your mother and prayed to God to forgive all sin.
Then I hear Your agonizing words, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Did the Father really turn away, unable to look upon Your suffering, Lord Jesus, when You took our sins upon Yourself? I think of the way You refused the bitter vinegar to Your lips. You refused to call for angels to come to save You. Were they crying too? Through Your pain, You still forgave the thief and welcomed him into paradise.
Your triumphant words penetrated all sin and darkness: Father into Thy hands I commend my spirit. It is finished.
What power Your Father released at that moment of exaltation! I cannot thank You enough for all You did, Lord. I offer my life of praise for Your dying on the cross and setting me free from sin. Thank You for rising again, thank You that the cross is now empty. I praise You, because of all You did, so I can have a victorious life in You.
JULY 9
THE CROSS IN THE CENTER
Look at the cross. Think of all the ways it is de-
scribed to us. Composers have created marvelous
songs. Painters and sculptors have tried to capture
its meaning. Martyrs under persecution have clung
to it. Christians find it a source of strength and
healing in trying times.
The cross means more. It isnt only a lovely
piece of art. It symbolizes all we believe in. It
proclaims Gods promise that we are set free from
sin because Jesus died for us. It attests to the fact
we really are saved by Gods grace!
Think of the Lord Jesus who died on the cross.
Take hold of His nail-pierced hands and dont let
go. When darkness surrounds you and the earth-
quakes of life rumble like on the hill of Golgotha,
know for sure that He has already provided the
power to overcome anything and everything we
face.
Call to remembrance three crosses. Jesus
hung on the center cross. He looked to one side and
saw a thief who died an angry, unrepentant death.
Jesus gazed at the man on the other side, another
thief. This man begged for forgiveness and went on
with Jesus to paradise.
See the cross in the center. The darkness is gone.
victory vibrates throughout the land. The veil in the
temple has been split from top to bottom. No longer
are we separated from the Holy of Holies! Death
has been beaten. People are healed of sickness and
pain. Those who have sinned are set free!
All the crosses mankind has manufactured will
perish. But the victory and power that came from
Gods love for us and Christ dying on that cross in
the center shall never perish. Storms of life cannot
destroy it. Far-out doctrines cannot overshadow it.
Evil rulers cannot crush it. Through any of these
things and more, the power of Gods love will break
through.
In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering oer the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gather round its head sublime.
SIR JOHN BOWRING
JULY 10
Eternal Life
We must live our lives with eternitys values on full view. What of our high-tech military jets? Are they of any worth of they cant do battle when needed? All the planning and work we have done to serve God doesnt matter if we arent willing to go into the battle for Christ and be faithful.
If the military planes fail to function properly, disaster occurs. Only in pressing forward for our God will we be able to see the victories, (and the failures), but keep eternal life in full view.
We must continue marching and serving, refusing to break our stride with god. We must go right into eternity where He will still be with us. There is no end in death. A new, impelling power of God waits just beyond.
Greater than the tremendous force thrusting jets into the sky, is Gods power that launches us into a glorious life eternal with Jesus Christ, our Lord!
July 11
THE SWORD
OF THE SPIRIT
Thank you, father, for the sword of the Spirit, Your Word, my Bible. Its lessons are ageless. Your words are full of grace, wisdom, and power. Im amazed at how so many lessons speak directly to my own lifes situations, giving me direction on what to do.
Thank you for the authority in Your Word and for how I can claim its promises. It is a light to my pathway so I wont stumble. Your word is all powerful and cuts through to my hearts desires like a sharp two-edged sword and reveals that which is and is not pleasing to you. Teach me the right way, Lord.
Thank You for how Your word breaks the devils barriers and temptations. All I need to do is speak the words from Your Scriptures and he flees.
Your Word reveals Your mighty glory to those around me. Help me remember to use the verses Ive learned to help others, but to say them wisely, with guidance from Your Holy Spirit.
Thank You for providing my Bible, the sword of the Spirit, to fight the spiritual battles.
PSALM 119 V 105-112 (NIV)
July 12
YOUR WORD
Praise be to You, O Father, for Your Word. Through-
out eternity it shall always remain. I love to read
and study it. My heart fills with peace as I medi-
tate on it day and night.
Thank You for leading me through Your Word.
It is a flashlight before my feet. Your Word, my
Bible, provides a radiant beam and illuminates the
exact, true way of the darkest pathways.
Oh, the secrets and marvelous mysteries of life
You reveal to me! You lay out the answers as on a
holy scroll. You teach me what I need in order to
handle each situation. I see Your counsel and You
grant me wisdom through Your Word. As follow
the advice in Your Scriptures, I find confidence
and certainty in decisions to be made.
Thank You for providing my Bible. Its stead-
fast, true lessons will never change. I praise You that
I can depend on them all my life. I will study and
memorize their teachings so You can pleased
with me. I will trust You to help me understand as
we go through my Bible together.
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a
Workman that need not to be ashamed,
Rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2 v 15
JULY 13
The Book That Never Grows Old
Theres a wonderful Book that appeals to my heart,
A mine of riches untold.
Evry word is a jewel of luster divine,
The Book that never grows old.
Like a beacon of light doth it shine thro the years,
To lead us safe to the fold.
Thro the clouds that arise, gleaming brightly afar,
The Book that never grows old.
When billows of life would my bark overwhelm,
This anchor surely will hold.
Grounded deep in Gods love are its promises sure,
The Book that never grows old.
It never grows old, no, never grows old,
The Word of the Father above.
It never grows old, no, never grows old.
Praise God for the Book of His love!
J. R. Baxter, 1915
July 14,
The Holy Spirits power is as great today as ever. Through prayer and bible reading, we have the same victories available to us as Jesus did when he was raised from the dead. But trite prayer isnt enough. Fasting, praying, and praising make the difference.
The late 1800s were as difficult times as now. Sin lurked everywhere. Lives and families were destroyed. One of the most powerful preachers of that day saw all this firsthand. Here is a little of his timeless wisdom.
Thomas Gutrie shared effectively when he described the greatness of the Holy Spirits power. He challenged Christians that in hells hottest fires the devil never forged a plan that gods spirit, wielding the hammer of his word, couldnt strike out.
Doctor Guthrie passionately encouraged Christians to put the bible to the test. Along with it, he urged everyone to call on the power of prayer. He told how the bible, coupled with sincere wrestling and laboring, breaks the chains of sin and darkness.
He went on to impel us to step into the inner prison where Peter was brought forth by the angels hands. At this point we see the marvelous ways our prayers to god will be turned into victorious, grateful praises.
JULY 15
BREAD UPON THE WATERS
Ecclesiastes 11:1-6
If you looking for a formula that will send forth the members of the family to their daily tasks with cheerful hearts prepared for discouragements, disappointments, or blighted hopes, then one may be found in the family altar.
Father and Mother will be strong for the work ahead and determined to glorify God in whatever comes.
The family will be conscious throughout the day of the presence of the Holy Spirit so that they may be more than conquerors over all temptations that would ensnare them.
Home relationships and homelife will be sweetened. Misunderstandings will be resolved and frictions relieved, when the family prays together. Guests in the home will be blessed and friendships will be hallowed.
Best of all, it will be bread cast upon the waters which will give you 100 percent returns. Through family devotion, the eternal salvation of the children may be determined; and when the boys and girls have left home, they will be held by the Christian ideal.
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Eph 6:18).
Taben from the book Bread From My Oven By Marjorie Parker
JULY 16
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL
MATTHEW 6:19-21
All of us desire a lovely home with comfortable and attractive furnishings. Certainly our Lord would have us to be concerned with the comfort and welfare of the families He has entrusted to us.
But it is so easy to think more highly of these things than we ought to think. Our sense of values becomes somewhat upset when we put too great a value on things material.
Oliver Wendell Holmes said, We sometimes mortgage a house for the mahogany we bring into it. Beauty is a great thing, but beauty of garment, house, and furniture are tawdry ornaments compared with domestic love. All the elegance in the world will not make a home, and I would give more for a spoonful of real hearty love than for whole shiploads of furniture and all the gorgeousness the world can gather.
What does Gods Word say?
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith (Pr 15:16-17).
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a bawling woman in a wide house (Pr 21:9).
O think of the home over there.
By the side of the river of light,
Where the saints all immortal and fair
Are robed in their garments of white.
D. W. C. Huntington
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven By Marjorie Parker
JULY 17
TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH
1 JOHN 4:7-12
A feeling of strong personal attachment induced by sympathetic understanding is way Webster defines love. But we know love as that tender, considerate affection that we all need. It is the greatest of these three: faith, hope, and love.
Christians should walk in love. We should love God supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves. One indication that we have eternal life is that we love God and the brethren, for he that loves, has God and knows God.
Does your heart ever feel bereft of love? Benjamin Franklin said, If you wish to be loved, be lovable.
Remember that love is a fruit of the Spirit and that love must be shed abroad in our heart by the Holy Spirit. So if you want more love, you must e filled with spirit. If you are filled with Gods love, you will become a channel and God will love others through your love.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;in honor preferring one another ( Ro 12:10).
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
James Rowe
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven by Marjorie Parker
JULY 18
THE TONGUE
Ephesians 4:29-32
Enjoyment and relaxation can come to the housewife by a friendly chat with a neighbor over a cup of coffee after the children have been hustled off to school. Or a pleasant conversation over the telephone can brighten ones day. On the other hand, much harm can be done to anothers life and reputation if such an innocent pastime as mentioned here is turned into a gossip session.
The Bible deals more severely with the tongue than with any other member of the human body. For one person corrupt communication may be profanity; for another it may be subtle innuendo, and for another, gossip.
What can be done? Refrain from any speech except that which will edify or build up the hearers in the knowledge of whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.
Napoleon said that we rule men with words. How carefully, then, these words ought to be chosen and weighed before being uttered.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer
(Ps 19:14).
O for a thousand tongued to sing
My great Redeemers praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace.
Charles Wesley
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven By Marjorie Parker
JULY 19
No Thanks
Psalm 103:1-7
Isnt it strange that very often we forget to thank God for our blessings until it suddenly dawn on us that Thanksgiving Day is here, and that it is a day when we are supposed to give thanks for all of lifes bounties.
Too often the real purpose of the day is obscured by the frenzy of getting the groceries in, the turkey cooked, the dressing made, the table set, the house cleaned, et cetera, ad infinitum!
A real comprehension of the truths which cluster about Thanksgiving can come only by a service of praise at church, or a quiet time spent alone with God and His Word.
It seems so much easier to be conscious of problems and cares which are about to overwhelm us, than it is to Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
But when we take inventory of all our blessings our problems and burdens seem to fade into insignificance.
Giving thanks always for all thing unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 5:20).
When morning gilds the skies,
My heart awaking cries,
May Jesus Christ be praised:
Alike at work and prayer,
To Jesus I repair;
May Jesus Christ be praised.
Trans. From the German by Edward Caswell
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven by Marjorie Parker
JULY 20
Not By Bread Alone
Deuteronomy 8: 1-3
Hippies today use the word bread to mean money, or cash. This would indicate that even in their thinking, bread is necessary to life, just as is the coin of the realm.
But the Word of God tells us that man does not live by bread alone-be it food or cash-but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD.
Where may we find such words? Where can we go to find guidance for our daily walk? Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Ps 119:11).
There are many things that money (or bread) can buy. But they are many things that make for happiness. Money can help to make us more comfortable in this world-comfortable in our misery sometimes-but food for the soul comes from the Word of God and communion with Him. Feed on His Word. The nourishment is there for the talk.
Ere you left your room this morning
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ, our Saviour,
Did you sue for loving favor,
As a shield today?
Mrs. M. A. KIDDER
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven By Marjorie Parker
JULY 21
Speaker of The House
Ephesians 5:22-23
There are many times and situation when the wife and mother is obliged to be the speaker of the house.
Those mother whose home are broken, or whose husbands are in the service of their country, of necessity must act as head of the house.
In normal circumstances, however, this is not Gods way. He does things decently and in order and anything with two heads in every house is a monstrosity. So there must be only one head in every home. This is clearly stated in His Word, For the husband is the head of the wife (v. 28).
The wife who is submissive to her husband in love makes it easy for him to obey the scriptural injunction, So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies (v. 28).
Someone has said, Some women cling to their own houses like the honeysuckle over the door, yet, like it, sweeten all the region with the subtle fragrance of their goodness.
Saviour, teach me day by day,
Loves sweet lesson to obey;
Sweeter lesson cannot be,
Loving Him who first loved me.
Jane E. Leeson
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven by Marjorie Parker
JULY 22
Blessings In Disguise
Matthew 5:44-48
Two nurses came to a doctor saying they could not bear serving a certain patient who was most trying. The doctor pointed out to them that patient was educating them, and such training was well worth paying for. He told them that if they could stand it they would reap the benefit throughout life; they would be tempered and nothing would be too hard for them again. They toot up the work once more from a different point of view and never complained again.
In our humanity it is difficult to understand sometimes, but it is well to remember in times of trial that there is a bright side to all things and good God over all.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, Somewhere or other in the worst flood of trouble there always is a dry spot for contentment to get its foot on, and if there were not it would learn to swim.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Ro 8:28).
Just when I need Him, Jesus is near
Just when I falter, just when I fear;
Ready to help me, ready to cheer,
Just when I need Him most.
William C. Poole
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven By Marjorie Parker
JULY 23
Joy Bells
Matthew 6:1-4
Are you one of those rare people who can do a friend a favor on the sly? Or do you have to sound a trumpet when you do a good deed, so that all the world may know?
There is a special kind of satisfaction that comes from doing good and keeping it a secret. Those who practice this higher altruism know an inner joy experienced by very few indeed.
This type of Christian service will ring joy bells that have never been heard before, bringing joy to the recipient of the deed as well as joy to
the doer.
Of course the secret joy spreader must cultivate this trait. It will not come naturally, because it goes against the grain of our ego. We want other to recognize any noble or unselfish act of ours.
Jesus was our wonderful example of doing good secretly. He warned against ostentatious charity and admonished His followers, take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them (Mt 6:1).
When He healed the leper He told him, See that thou tell no man, and left the scene at once.
Ring the bells of heaven! There is joy today,
For a soul returning from the wild!
See! The Father meets him out upon the way,
Welcoming His weary, wandring child.
William O. Cushing
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven by Marjorie Parker
JULY 24
Tell Him You Love Him
1 John 4:15-21
Every wife known that to speak the simple sentence, I love you, will ease strained relations and restore fellowship in many domestic situations. Any husband is pleased to have his wife repeat these three little magic words.
Often a childs attitude can be changed from stubborn rebellion to submissive obedience by Mothers simply saying to him, I love you, accompanied of course by a smile which tells him she really means it.
Who is not made happier by a sincere verbal expression of love?
So also, the loving heart of our God must be warmed when we tell Him that we love Him. He above all, through Christ Jesus, is worthy of the frequent expression of our love.
One look at a sunrise should cause us to exclaim, I love thee, my Jesus.
One note of birdsong should prompt us to sing, I love thee, my Lord.
The hearts view of Calvary should inspire us to respond,
My Jesus, I love Thee,
I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, tis now.
W. R. Featherstone
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven by Marjorie Parker
JULY 25
Words of Wisdom
Proverbs 4:10-13
These strong words are appropriate for young sons and older sons, as well as daughters young and old.
All who are in Christ through faith in Him are the possessors of an all-sufficient Saviour, and have come to a knowledge which far exceeds all the knowledge and wisdom of the world, with all its progress in the arts and sciences.
To believe on Christ who id Wisdom from God is to possess real life, true liberty. Christ is wisdom indeed.
There are enough stumbling blocks and pitfalls in the paths of young people today. Surely they need all the help they can get so that when they run they will not stumble.
Blessed is the youngster-or teenager- who will take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: Keep her; for she is thy life (v.13).
Gods instruction book will tell us the way if we will study it; for He says, I am the way, the truth , and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (Jn 14 :6).
Saviour, teach me day by day,
Loves sweet lesson to obey;
Sweeter lesson cannot be,
Loving Him who First loved me.
Jane E. Leeson
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven by Marjorie Parker
JULY 26
The Bread of Idleness
Proverbs 31:10-31
Many housewives today are complaining about being bored to death. Our government and other are spending billions of dollars to provide entertainment for our leisure hours. Labor unions are striking with demands for shorter workweeks and more leisure time for workers
Why is it that some busy wives and mother never find enough hours in day to do the many tasks at hand, while others seem oblivious to their duties and spend the daytime hours chatting on the telephone or sipping a cup of coffee at the neighbor's?
Surely there is no harm, and sometimes much to be gained, by a friendly visit with a neighbor. But as in all thing, the concerned housewife and mother will not allow these pleasantries to take too large a share of her time lest she be guilty of eating "the bread of idleness."
It is no secret that work has a therapautic value and that one is happiest when busy. Working in the sunshine among the flowers has helped to heal many a broken heart,
Any woman who "looks well to the ways of her household" will have no time to become bored. Instead, "Strenght and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come" (v. 25).
The sweetest lives are those to duty wed,
Whose deeds, both great and small,
Are close-knit strands of unbroken thread
Where love ennobles all.
The world may sound no trumpets, ring no bells;
The book of life the shinning record tells.
Attributed to
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven By Marjorie Parker
JULY 27
Senior Citizens
Proverbs 20:24-29
There comes a time for all of us when we must face the fact that the year are piling up and we are no longer young. The telltale wrinkles are a little deeper than the last time we looked.
So what? Someone has said, If wrinkles must be written upon your brow, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old.
Old age is blessed if you let it come naturally. You cannot hide it. Oh, you may cover the wrinkles for a while, but not for long. If the time has come for you to be old do not be ashamed of it!
Did you ever stop to think that the grandest things in the universe are old-mountains, rivers, seas, stars, even eternity. Old age is glorious if found in the way of righteousness.
In describing the aged man, Solomon likens the whiteness of his locks to the blossoming of the almond tree. A hoary head is a crown of glory. When one comes to the end of the path of life, there may be no color in the cheek, no luster in the eye, no spring in the step, yet around the head of the aged one who has been faithful unto death there may glow a glory brighter than ever bloomed in an almond tree.
My latest sun is sinking fast,
My race is nearly run;
My strongest trials now are past
My triumph is begun.
J. Hascall
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven By Marjorie Parker
JULY 28
Whatll I wear?
Matthew 6: 27-30
This is a dilemma faced by the average woman almost every day. And a question the average husband probably is tired of hearing. There can be a closet full of clothes, yet there doesnt seem to be just the dress for the occasion!
Clothes make the man it is said, and some might argue with this, but at least clothes make the woman feel more comfortable. And she is more at ease when she knows she is appropriately dressed.
There is much we can learn from flowers which wear such beautiful garments. And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these (vs. 28, 29).
Flowers do not save their best clothes for Sunday, but wear their lovely raiment and give forth their perfume every day. So let our Christian lives, fee from stain, give forth the fragrance of the love of God.
O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.
John E. Bode
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven By Marjorie Parker
JULY 29
Stars
Daniel 12:3
Outer space has come in for a great deal of attention in our modern day. The sun and moon and stars are being rediscovered and we are looking at them as though seeing them for the first time.
The Bible has mush to say about the stars. God knows how many there are, and He has given each one a name (Ps 147:4 ). And it was a particularly bright star that led the Magi on the road to Jerusalem two thousand years ago.
Modern day astronomers with their technological advances, their powerful telescopes and computers, have added much to our knowledge of these heavenly bodies. But no one has yet been able to count the stars! Look now toward heaven, and tell the star, if thou be able to number them. ( Gen 15:5).
It may be that God gave us the stars in their beauty to cause us to look up-up and away from ourselves and our daily frustrations and fears to take a far look away from ourselves. Better still, let us look beyond the stars to God who made them!
Is not God in the height of heaven? And behold the height of the stars, how high they are ( Job 22:12).
I am thinking today of that beautiful land
I shall reach when the sun goeth down;
When thro wonderful grace by my Saviour I stand,
Will there be any stars in my crown?
Eliza E Hewitt
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven By Marjorie Parker JULY 30
Thank You
Psalm 107:8, 9
A mature Christian is one who can say Thank You to God when her husband fails to get that long-hoped-for raise in salary; or Johnnie brings home an F on his report card; or the baby comes down with measles spite of all precautions.
When troubles pile up around us we can easily forget that He knows the end from the beginning and that this thing is going to work out for our good, no matter how dark the picture looks at the present time.
We forget that one must suffer before he can be healed.
If our gratitude depends on outward circumstances, it does not occupy a permanent place in our lives. When the winds of adversity blow, and we are in trouble and need help and still can say to God Thank You, we have gained spiritually.
Are you lonely? Are you hungry? He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness (v. 9).
Have you ever said Thank You to God for the warmth of the sun, the fragrance of a flower, the love of a child?
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul.
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole.
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.
Seth Sykes
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven by Marjorie Parker
JULY 31
Worry Wart
Isaiah 26:1-4
Worry! Fret! Stew! Satan is pleased when that is the order of the day for us.
Faith and worry cannot be reconciled. Worry is a great hindrance to spiritual progress. God does not will that His own should be irritable, embittered, robbed of sleep, and have the peace of home destroyed by worry.
All the promises in His Word are given as insurance against such. No child of God who believe sincerely that all things work together for his good could constantly worry.
The first time you evaluate a situation and realize that it is beyond you, commit it to God and stop worrying.
Satan would have you turn your mind into a merry-go-round. He is the instigator of worry, which displeases our Lord.
If we are children of God, let us quit this bad business of worrying. Why worry when you can pray?
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not you heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take in to the Lord in prayer.
Joseph Scriven
Taken from the book Bread From My Oven by Marjorie Parker
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