Food For Thought

By Jay Leno,

Everyone might not be a Jay Leno fan, but I think this quote pretty much hits the nail on the head. With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?

The phrase cheap labor is a myth, a farce, and a lie. There is no such thing as cheap labor.

Take, for example, an illegal Mexican who sneaks in here with his wife and five children. He takes a job for five or six dollars an hour. At that wage with six dependents he pays no income tax, yet at the end of the year gets an earned income credit of up to $3,200 free.

He qualifies for Section 8 housing and subsidized rent, food stamps, and free (no deductible, no co-pay) health care.

His children get free breakfasts and lunches at school, and require bilingual teachers and books that taxpayers provide.

He doesn't have to worry about car insurance, life insurance, or homeowners insurance. Taxpayers provide Spanish language signs, bulletins, and printed material.

He cannot be fired, harassed, or sued. He and his family receive the equivalent of $20 to $30 an hour in benefits, while working Americans are lucky to have $5 or $6 an hour left after paying their bills AND HIS, and paying for increased crime, graffitti, and trash cleanup. Cheap labor? Only in the mind of the politician!!!

OUR OBLIGATION TO VOTE

Aren't we glad somebody has always believed in the significance of one?

Like back in-

1645... when one vote gave Oliver Cromwell the control of England.

1776... when one vote gave America the English language instead of German.

1845... when one vote brought Texas into the union.

1868... when one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment.

1875... when one vote changed France from a monarchy to a republic.

1941... when one vote saved the Selective Service System just twelve weeks before Pearl Harbor was attacked.

1923... And did you know that one vote gave Adolph Hitler control of the Nazi parry?

Ah, the power of one! Never underestimate it.

You, alone, can make a difference!

If there really is a GOD, how could he allow this to happen?

Where was HE? How many of us have heard that question Where was your GOD when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon was attacked?

Well I know where my GOD was the morning of September 11, 2001, and He was very busy! He was trying to discourage anyone from taking these flights. Those four flights together held over 1000 passengers and there were only 266 aboard.

He was on 4 commercial flights giving terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. Not one of the family members who were called by a loved one on one of the high-jacked planes said that passengers were screaming in the background. On one of the flights he was giving strength to passengers to try to overtake the highjackers.

He was busy trying to create obstacles for employees at the World Trade Center. After all, only around 20,000 were at the towers when the first jet hit. Since the buildings held over 50,000 workers, this was a Miracle in itself. How many of the people who were employed at the World Trade Center told the media that they were late for work or they had traffic delays.

He was holding up 2-110 story buildings so that 2/3 of the workers could get out. I was so amazed that the top of the towers didn't topple when the jets impacted. And when they did fall, they fell inward. GOD didn't allow them to topple over, as many more lives would have been lost. And when the buildings went down, my GOD picked up almost 6,000 of his children and carried them home with him. Reassuring his frighten children that the worst was over and the best was yet to come.

He sat down and cried that 19 (Terrorist Attackers) of his children could have some much hate in their hearts. That they didn't choose him, but another god that doesn't exist, and now they are lost forever.

He sent his children that are best trained for this disaster and had them save the few that were still alive, but unable to help themselves. And then sent many others to help in anyway they were needed.

He still isn't finished though, he held the love ones that were left behind in his arms. He comforts them daily. His other children are given the strength to reach out to them and help them in any way they can. And I believe he will continue to help us in what is to come.

He will give the people in charge of this great nation the strength and the wisdom to do the right thing. He would never leave us in our time of need.

So when anyone asks, Where was your GOD on September 11, you can say everywhere! And yes, although this is without a doubt the worst thing I have seen in my life, I see God's miracles in every bit of it. I keep praying for those who don't believe in GOD, every chance I have. I can't imagine going through such a difficult time and not believing in GOD. Life would be hopeless.

By Reginold Holmes,

There are few to shout his praises And in every song and story, It is sweethearts, wives and mothers Who attain the fame and glory.

But how sad that one so worthy, So deserving of our mention, Is so seldom given homage And receives such scant attention. Faced with problems never ending, Uncomplaining, never daring To relax his toil and striving; Ever giving, always sharing. His reward lies in the pleasure That his years of service bring; And to those who love him dearly. He is just an uncrowned King.

By Unknown,

I wish I had a telescope, To scan the starry skies; But since I have no telescope, I'm glad I have two eyes!

I wish I had a kitchen, Run by push-button commands; But while the kitchen is a dream, I'm glad I have two hands!

I wish I had a super car, To give my friends a treat; But' till that nice car comes along, I'm glad that I have two feet!

Two eyes to look at GOD above, Two hands to clasp in prayer; Two feet to carry me to Church, That's why I'm a Millionaire!

By Unknown,

Springtime is a season of Hope, and of Joy, and of Cheer, There's beauty all around to see, and touch, and hear.

So no matter how downhearted and discouraged we may be, New Hope is born when we behold leaves budding on a tree,

Or when we see a timid flower push through the frozen sod And open wide a glad surprise it's petaled eyes to GOD.

For this is just GOD saying, Lift up your eyes to me, and The bleakness of your spirit, like the budding springtime tree,

Will lose it's wintery darkness and your heavy heart will sing, For GOD never sends the Winter without the Joy Of Spring.

By Unknown,

I was walking down life's highway a long time ago. One day I saw a sign that read, HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE As I got a little closer the door came open wide, and when I came to myself I was standing inside.

I saw a host of ANGELS. They were standing everywhere. One handed me a basket and said, My Child shop with care.

Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store. And all you couldn't carry, you could come back the next day for more.

First, I got some PATIENCE. LOVE was in the same row. Further down was UNDERSTANDING: you need that everywhere you go. I got a box or two of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH. I just couldn't miss the HOLY GHOST, for it was all over the place. I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run this race. By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some GRACE.

I didn't forget SALVATION, for SALVATION was free, so I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me. Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything to do the MASTER'S will.

As I went up the aisle, I saw PRAYER: and I just had to put that in, for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run into sin.

PEACE AND JOY were plentiful; they were last on the shelf. SONG and PRAISE were hanging near, so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel, Now, how much do I owe? He smiled and said, Just take them everywhere you go. Again, I smiled and said, How much do I really owe? He smiled again and said, MY CHILD, JESUS PAID YOUR BILL A LONG, LONG TIME AGO.

ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER YOU SHALL ASK IN PRAYER, BELIEVING, YOU SHALL RECEIVE. (MATTHEW 21:22)

By Irving D. Larson,

What we are is determined by what we see. This truth is brought out to us in the words of the nursery rhyme.

Pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been? I've been to the palace to see the queen. Pussy cat, pussy cat, what saw you there? I saw a mouse run under her chair.

You and I would no doubt be greatly impressed by the beauty and grandeur of the palace and the royal robes, and all that is involved in a state visit to the queen, but a cat is more interested in a mouse because she is a cat. A man might stand on a hillside and look out over the fields and forest and be impressed with its beauty, while a hawk or a vulture soaring overhead would be more concerned with seeing a dead or dying animal so that he could feed upon the flesh. He is interested in carrion because he is a scavenger. The Word of God encourages us to behold the beauty of the Lord. This is more than justing seeing the loveliness of His handiwork, and His creation, it is seeing the beauty of the Lord, Himself. When we can say, like the psalmist, that the Lord is our light and our salvation, and when we know a fellowship with Him on the basis of His atoning sacrifice, then we shall indeed be able to Behold the beauty of the Lord.

By Irving D. Larsons,

There is something about a bride which makes her very attractive. I once heard someone make the statement that all brides are beautiful, and I do think that is true. I am thinking espcially about those brides who are being married to a man who has won their love and respect, and who has come to their wedding with purity of mind and body, pledging themselves before God and man to be faithful to their marriage vows. I believe that the thing that makes them beautiful is that inner glow that radiates from their faces as they come to this most important step in their lives.

The Bible tells us that all true believers make up the Church, the body of Christ, and as such we are the bride of Christ. The knowledge of Christ's love for us and the joy of our love for Him can give us individually an inner beauty which delights our Lord. Our garments are beautiful for they are the robes of His righteousness, and we rejoice in the assurance of His love for us, for the Bible assures us that His love is an everlasting Love. It has been said of a number of Christians in the past that their faces shone with the love of God. I trust that this can also be said of you and of me.

The inner beauty of the believer is not purchased in a cosmetic store, nor does it wash off in a rain storm.

By Charlene W. Sandstrom,

I had to come to the place in my life Where no one could understand The heartache I felt - forsaken, alone 'Twas then, GOD took my hand.

He told me to leave my burdens with him To lean on His mighty arm; He promised to keep me in perfect peace To protect me from all harm.

I claimed His promises for my own, In simple faith, believing, And right away He proved a friend His blessings I began receiving.

It took a big sorrow to bring me to Him, To say, I surrender all, But now, Thanks to GOD, I can truthfully say, I am His, whatever befall!

By Georgia B. Adams,

Thanksgiving is not limited To just to one day a year, For we should offer daily thanks For all that we hold dear.

It seems that we take for granted So many precious things - A little lax in praising GOD For blessings that He brings.

Our food, our shelter and our homes Are just a fraction of The wise bestowment of GOD's grace And His unfailing love.

He's given us His only Son, The wealth of Heaven, too, So gladly we should spend our lives In service glad and true.

Thanksgiving Day is every day, Remind us, LORD, for we, So soon forget to praise Thy Name For blessings sent from Thee.

By Unknown,

There'll always be the journey Along life's crowded road; There'll always be the chance to share A fellow pilgrim's load; There'll always be the tempter To turn us from the way; There'll always be the Heavenly host For those who watch and pray.

There'll always be the Bible To shed a kindly light; There'll always be the Voice Divine To whisper what is right; There'll always be the footprints Where Jesus's feet have trod; There'll always be the Welcome Home For those who walk with GOD.

By Marjorie Cooney,

Within a windswept, grassy ditch, A thorny brier grew. The sun beat hot, the raindrops fell Few tranquil days it knew. One day a gardener appeared With a spade to dig around. Carefully lifted the brier out, Planted it in garden ground. Doesn't he know I'm worthless? What a mistake he's made. He's planted me among roses rare. The sad, old brier said. One day the gardener returned And, with his keen-edged knife, He, wounded, slit that old brier, And almost ended it's life. That unkempt brier he budded, then, With a perfect, lovely rose. And by and by, when summer came That brier was a bower of roses. Your beauty came not from within you Your true beauty and fragrance came From what I put in you. No better is the human heart Than the brier's prickly thorn, Whose life is cold and meaningless, And in a world forlorn. But then the Heavenly Gardener comes And grafts in life devine, Where once ugly weeds abounded Now heavenly virtues shine. They bloom like radiant, lovely flowers, Where once wild weeds were found. Because of the Holy Spirit's power Rich spiritual blooms abound.

By Kay Hoffman,

They waved palm branches as He passed And hailed Him as their King; Yet, they knew not of the sorrow The coming week would bring.

The glad acclaim would soon give way To jeers and mockery; In Pilate's court He'd be condemned To a cross on Calvary.

But Jesus knew He was the price In GOD's redemptive plan, The Sacrificial Lamb come down To die for sins of man.

The centuries have passed and still He seeks those lost in sin Pleading with unyielding hearts To repent and follow Him.

On this the day we shout our praise, O, let us not delay; The palm-strewn path of long ago Still leads to Him today.

By Aileen Williams,

JESUS is alive today. You ask me how I know? Everywhere I see his love That tells me it is so.

He comes to me at dawning Rich blessings to bestow, Then shows His love at evening In the sunset's rosy glow.

His love is in the stars above That glisten in the night, In the sun to warm by day And in the soft moonlight.

He tells me He is living In every lovely flower; In thunder and the lightning I feel His mighty power.

Then when the storm is over, I see the rainbow's hue Glowing in the eastern sky To pledge His faith anew.

His love is in the mountains And in the wide, deep sea, But oh, His love is greatest When I think of Calvary.

Each day His love grows sweeter I know it's here to stay. There is no doubt, for in my heart He is alive today!

By Georgia B. Adams,

Why should we carry needlessly Our burdens large or small When GOD never intended that We carry them at all?

We foster many of our woes, So many things annoy; Our frown of discontentment robs Our hearts of peace and joy.

We lift the future from GOD's hands, And though we fully know That only HE can foresee all- We fret and worry so.

Let's step out now in simple faith, And claim GOD's liberty- From prison walls of worry like A bird that's been set free.

For why should we so needlessly Bear burdens large or small When GOD never intended that We carry them at all.

By Louisa Godissart McQuillen,

I see them here, I see them there, Your fingerprints are everywhere; You made the sun and stars and air Cold winter nights and days so fair.

You placed the wildlife in the wood And lo, those creatures understood And wandered not from where they should; You blessed that day and called it good.

The earth spins perfectly in place, In lowest cave or highest space; From winter snows to springtime lace... Because You deemed it by your grace.

By Paul Durham,

I'd come to Marah's bitter springs of sin and agony, When there I met my wonderous LORD, the Fount of Life to me; My soul athirst, He bade me drink; then filled me with His peace. And sheltered neath His wings divine, my srrows all did cease. So precious to this heart of mine, the Cup of Life is He, And by His matchless grace I'll never thirst eternally Though troubles strong beat round me, I am always held at rest, By the waters of His love made sweet, When Marah springs were blessed.

By Addie Bangs Walker,

In those age old early eons When God said, and it was done, When angels sang together Blessed music round the throne, A moment came of breathless stillness, A great thought was being born When God said - and they all listened, Let us cradle man a home.

Let us graft new life into life, Make of woman's heart the rest Where the soul finds warmth and shelter, Where her smile gives glow and zest. Where her voice shall be sweet music, And her love the guiding star That shall lead again to heaven Where its springs of being are.

Then there rose a great Hosannah! And God said, that it was good. To this best and last creation God acclaimed sweet motherhood.

By Irving D. Larson,

The day of Pentecost saw the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus when He promised His followers when He left them that He would send another Comforter to abide with them forever. The Greek word for comforter is Parakletos and is translated literally as one called alongside to help. It also means one who strengthens by company, and this is exactly what the Holy Spirit does for us. I read recently of a little eight year old blind girl traveling home on a train after attending a school for the blind. The school teacher put her in the charge of the train conductor who saw that she was made comfortable in her seat, and then watched over her, explaining where they were, and describing the passing scenery. When they arrived at her destination, the conductor helped her off the train, and turned her over to her anxious parents who were there to meet her. The conductor became a paraclete or a comforter for her on her journey. The Holy Spirit is our comforter or paraclete as He indwells us and strengthens us by His presence within us. He helps us in our infirmities, and teaches us all things, as well as directing us when we do not know how to pray as we ought. The promise is that He will abide with us forever as we make our journey from earth to glory. Praise the LORD for Pentecost.

By Mary Hodge Wardlaw,

What do I see as I look back? Millions of mercies along life's track; GOD's love shining where all was black. That's what I see, looking back!

What do I see as I look within? A heart, by my Savior, redeemed from sin; A hope, through His grace, Heaven's joys to win. That's what I see, looking within!

What do I see as I look above? GOD's own banner, whose name is Love; Love unspeakable, wonderful love; That's what I see, looking above!

What do I see, looking forth today? Blessings granted before I pray; A sheltering arm, a guiding ray. This is what I see, today!

What do I see as I look on? Burdens lifted and trials gone; A light at evening, surpassing dawn. That's what I see, looking on!

By Unknown,

I dare not travel this wide world alone, With dangers everywhere I stand, And none to take me by the hand And be my guide, But You, O LORD, Have promised in Your faithful Word To lead me on.

I do not ask to live a life of ease, Nor do I ask for worldly praise, For cloudless skies through all my days; But just that You will keep me still, To mold and bend me to Your will, And lead me on.

I know not where the pathway leads ahead, Nor do I know how much it winds and twists, It matters not the way, nor how, But this I know, dear LORD, that you Will lead me on.

I would not fret or faint upon the way, But trust You for my all in all; Teach me to heed Your loving call, And learn to say: You know the best. Still lead me on.

By Unknown,

All things work together for good. ROMANS 8:28

Sometimes that's hard to say, When all your hopes and all your dreams And plans have gone astray. And though you cannot reason why Some trials fall on you, There are some things hard to explain, And yet GOD's Word is true.

Most times we do the things we want, And GOD just tags along; Then when we've made a mess of things We wonder what went wrong. The truth is, we have not obeyed Or done the things we should, And yet our GOD, in spite of us, Works all things for our good.

It takes a lot of faith at times To let GOD have his way, So He can tear the idols down That we build up each day. Sometimes we pay an awful price Before we see the light, Still GOD has promised in His Word, All things will turn out right.

Things always turn out for the best When you are on GOD's side, When you by faith have claimed His Son And in His death abide. And though we may not do the things Or live the life we should, Somehow the LORD will work all things Together for our good.

By Wanda E. Brunstetter,

For all the LORD has given to us, We thank Him as we pray, For all the beauty of our land, And the Great American Way.

For the flag representing our nation, We thank GOD this very day, For the founders of our country, And the Great American Way.

For the freedom we have to worship, To read the Bible, and to pray, For the blessings all around us, And the Great American Way.

BY Georgia B. Adams,

I'm grateful today, LORD, for Thy tender care- The fact you guard me though I'm unaware. In instances visible I see Your hand, These tangible proofs are ones I understand, But far beyond all this is seen with the eye, Your presence assures me that You're ever nigh. In ways that I know, and ways I know not, You keep and preserve; oh, how precious my lot!

There surely are times when Your great hand has stayed Some danger while I walked on unafraid, Not knowing that had it not been for Your grace I might well have stumbled while running the race.

I'm thankful for home, for family, for friends, For the road, good or ill, wherever it bends, And though I may not always know what or why On that hand, felt but unseen, I can always rely. The blessings intangible are blessings still Way down in the valley, or climbing the hill; It's sufficient for me, quite enough, I dare say, That GOD'S guiding my steps in the upward way!

By William F. Sherbert,

For GOD so loved the world, He gave His Son to come to earth. To such a town as Bethlehem, To be born of humble birth. 'Twas Micah who foretold that He Would come to such a place, And on that starry night was born The Gift of love and grace.

Isaiah, too, foretold that He Would come to earth one day. His name shall be called Wonderful, He bears our sins away.The Counselor, The Prince of Peace, The Mighty GOD is He. He causes sin's dread reign to cease, He sets the captive free.

God's gift came down so quietly, He lay in manger bed, Was wrapped in humble, swaddling clothes, The wrapping of the dead. The lowly shepherds came and saw GOD'S Son, as there He lay. They bowed and worshipped GOD'S great gift, On that first Christmas Day.

GOD gave His gift to all mankind, And all who will believe On JESUS CHRIST, GOD'S greatest gift, Salvation will receive. GOD loved the world so much that He Heaven's dearest One sent down To live and suffer for mankind To wear a thorny crown.

If you today receive that gift GOD gave so long ago, You'll know the peace He came to give, His love to you will flow. He'll bid your long fought warfare cease, In Him you'll surely find That wondrous, lasting, perfect peace He came to bring mankind.

By Unknown,

Don't ride in an automobile or get in the way of one. They cause 20% of all fatal accidents.

Don't stay at home. 17% of all accidents happen there.

Don't walk in the street. 14% of all accidents happen to pedestrians.

Don't travel by air, rail, or water. 16% of all accidents are results of these activities.

Only .001% of all fatal accidents occur in church. Obviously that's the safest place for you to be ! ! !

Let us Honor Our EARTHLY FATHER and Worship Our HEAVENLY FATHER

By Udell Tribble,

Walk a little plainer daddy, Said a little boy so frail. I'm following in your footsteps And I don't want to fail. Sometimes your steps are Very plain, Sometimes they are hard to See. So walk a little plainer daddy, For you are leading me.

I know that once you walked This way many years ago. And what you did along the way I'd really like to know. For sometimes, when I am Tempted, I don't know what to do. So walk a little plainer daddy, For I must follow you.

Some day when I am grown up You are like I want to be. Then I will have a little boy Who will want to follow me. And I would want to lead him Right, and help him to be true. So walk a little plainer daddy For we must follow you.

SECOND-HAND STEAM,
Joel Belz, WORLD,
August 23/30, 1997 p.5

Why Do We Tolerate Simulation When The Real Thing's Not Allowed? IT WOULD HAVE TO BE AMONG THE MOST STARTLING of invitations you've ever received. You've lived next door to your neighbors for half a dozen years, and you thought you knew them fairly well They are fine, upstanding folks in the community, active in school activities and little league. They're members of a different church from yours, but you know they're faithful there and that they take their Christian faith seriously. You've had some fun times with them, but also some serious backyard discussions about politics, kids behavior, and music styles.

So you're not quite prepared for his invitation tonight. He drops by just before you sit down to dinner with your own family, pulls you aside, and calmly suggests: Later tonight, my wife and I will be heading for bed-and my guess is we'll be-ah-well, you know, probably doing some of the things married people do. I thought maybe you and your wife would like to come by and watch.

You are aghast. The idea is so grotesque you can't imagine how to mention it to your wife-although when you do, it will certainly not be in the shall we? but more in the how could he? category of discussion. The images in your mind are repulsive.

Your neighbor is sensitive, and sees your uncomfortable surprise. I'm not suggesting any hankey panky he assures you. Our marriage is terrific. I know yours is too. I'm just talking about watching. Then, sensing that your reluctance is real, he suggests an alternative: Maybe this would be better. I have the phone number of a couple who would come over-a couple neither of us knows personally that way, all four of us could just sit and watch them.

You know he meant it as a solution. Some solution.

IF ALL THIS SEEMS LIKE A BAD DREAM, WITH LITTLE OR no place in WORLD, try this: Every evening this week, hundreds of thousands of evangelical Christian people will sit down and settle for the solution. Not in person, of course, but on video. Not X rated videos, but on regular evening television and in the standard fare at your neighborhood movie theater.

Author Doug Wilson first suggested this outlandish hypocrisy in his excellent book Reforming Marriage. He points out that too many people in the evangelical community have come to justify watching on the screen various activities we wouldn't think of viewing in the flesh. Things that would embarrass us all if they were real, embarrass us not at all because they are only simulated. The outlandish invitation described in my first paragraph is regularly extended and regularly accepted, with just a few video adjustments.

The rationalization no longer works.

The phony distinction first hit me with force a couple of years ago when the movie Braveheart took all kinds of awards and became a favorite of thousands of Christians. WORLD itself gave Braveheart a good review-noting especially its commitment to a story of principled courage in the face of anti-Christian mayhem. And the most memorable love scenes in Braveheart are supposedly set in the context of marriage. So bare flesh-as long as it's within marriage-gets our stamp of approval.

Yet to produce that love scene, two people who weren't married to each other pressed their undressed bodies to each other while millions of the rest of us watched and gave our sentimental assent. What we'd never do with our next-door neighbor we paid money to do with someone else's neighbor....

To suppose that people, watching together, can witness unending intimacies, bedding, and coupling, and then not think it normal for those same people to imitate all that behavior while everyone is still watching-is to engage in wishful thinking.

But by the same token, for Christians to think they can consume such a visual entertainment diet and not be affected is to think of ourselves much more highly than we ought to think. What makes it right to gaze with fascination at simulated public displays affection when we wouldn't tolerate a glance at the real thing? Its a rationalization too many of us have passed on unthinkingly to our sons and daughters. Its also a rationalization it's time to reject.

By Unknown,

The road is too rough, dear Lord, there are stones that hurt me so. And He said, Dear Child, I understand, I walked it long ago. But there is a cool green path, I said Let me walk there for a time. No, child, He gently answered me, The green road does not climb. But I wish that there were friends with me, Who would make my way their own. Ah, yes, He said, Gethsemane was hard to bear alone. And so I climbed the stony path content at last to know, That where my Master had not gone I would not have to go. And strangely then, I found new friends; The burden grew less sore; As I remembered, long ago, He went that way before.

By Roy J. Wilkins,

Take some time for tenderness Be gentle every day; Many are the broken hearts You meet along life's way.

Take some time for being kind. Show others that you care, Give a smile and lend a hand, To someone in despair.

Take some time for friendliness, Be kind to all you meet; Angels unawares, you know Could walk along your street!

by Irving D. Larson,

THERE SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING about the early morning hours that is special in the plan of God. We read of many things in God's Word that occur in the early hours, such as the Lord Jesus, rising up a great while before day and going out to pray. In Psalm 88, the Psalmist is troubled and distressed, but cries out, 0 Lord, in the morning I pray to Thee. Daniel, as well, prayed morning, noon and night to his Lord.

Many of God's gifts were given in the morning. First, there was the manna. This life sustaining provision from God was to be had in the morning only. Later in the day, it was gone, like the dew. Again, the law was given to Moses for Israel in the morning. This is specifically stated in Exodus 19. It was also in the morning that the children of Israel were brought out of Egypt, and given the liberty for which they had longed and desired. The plagues came by night, but deliverance was in the morning. What a lesson for us. Someone has said that no day is begun right that is not begun with God. We do well to follow the example of the Lord Jesus who used the early morning hours to pray. Our schedules are not all the same, but regardlessof this, there is a real benefit for every Christian to begin each day with a moment with Him.

By Unknown,

My friend I stand in judgement now, And feel that you're to blame somehow. On earth I walked with you day and day, And never did you point the way. You knew the Lord in truth and glory, But never did you tell the story. You could've led me straight to Him! You taught me many things, that's true I called you friend and trusted you. But I've learned now that it's too late You could've kept me from this fate! We walked by day and talked by night And yet you showed me not the light You let me live and love and die You knew I'd never live on High. Yes, I called you friend in life And trusted you through joy and strife And yet, on coming to the End, I can call you not my friend!

By Brenda Pond,

Help me dear Lord to be humble and strong, To realize that things somehow go wrong. Fill my heart dear Lord with compassion and care, For those who have wronged me to forgive and share.

There's reason for a11 things great and small, So give me thy strength to witness when feeling your call People are lost dear Lord you know, Oh how my heart aches to be able to show.

Give me compassion dear Lord for those who are lost in deep despair, For they too have souls that are in need of repair. Melt and soften their hearts to open that door, So when talking of you Lord, they'll want to hear more.

Forgive me dear Lord today I pray, Let me tell them of you and your wonderful way. Give me compassion for those who are lost, I must tell them of Jesus no matter the cost.

This is my burden you know thqt I carry, please dear Lord I pray, don't let me tarry.

By Robert Svedberg,

Last night God washed my window pane. His promise came to me again of sending rain to one and all. The good the evil, great or small.

The seasons come, and the seasons go, the summer's sun, and winter's snow. The fall when all He puts to bed, to rise at springtime from the dead.

It speaks to me of Christ who came to live and die and rise again, for all who would confess their sin. He'll cleanse and make them pure within.

Come now, accept Him while you may, the promise is but for today, come now and let Him take your hand, and lead you to the promised land.

By Annie Johnson Flint,

God hath not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain. Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

God hath not promised we shall not know, Toil and temptation, trouble and woe; He hath not told us we shall not bear Many a burden, many a care.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide, Swift easy travel, needing no guide; Never a mountain rocky and steep, Never a river, turbid and deep.

But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying Love.

By Unknown,

Someday...I'm going down the street And sit and chat with one whose feet Have had to pause and rest awhile Before they travel that last mile; Well someday.

Someday...a cake or pie I'll bake, And With a cheery smile I'll take; It to a home where there is a need; Just folks of quite a different creed: Well someday.

Someday...a letter 1 will send To that distant, lonely friend; I'll tell her every little thing That will joy and comfort bring; Well someday.

Someday...a quiet place I'll seek Where I can hear my Father speak, Where I can listen undisturbed To His precious guiding Word; Well someday.

Someday...I'll surely take the time To tell some soul of love divine, Of salvation full and free, Meant for them as well as me; Well someday.

Someday...I said it long ago. The days slip by, and well I know Someday Will never come until Today I bend to my father's will!

WHY NOT TODAY?

By Grace Troy,

If He should come today And find my hands so full Of future plans, however fair, In which my Saviour has no fair share, What would He say?

If He should come today And find my love so cold, My faith so weak and dim I had not even looked for Him, What would He say?

If He should come today And find I had not told One soul about my Heavenly Friend Whose blessings all my way attend, What would He say?

If He should come today Would I be glad-quite glad? Remembering He had died for all, And none, through me, had heard His call, What would He say?

By Unknown,

In Christ we have:

A love that can never be fathomed. A life that can never die. A peace that can never be understood. A rest that can never be disturbed. A joy that can never be diminished. A hope that can never be disappointed. A glory that can never be clouded. A happiness that can never be interrupted. A light that can never be extinguished. A strength that can never be overcome. A beauty that can never be marred. A purity that can never be defiled. Resources that can never be exhausted.

By John W Friesen,

Across the wide oceans of tumult and rage, Through forest and frontier they came, Unarmed, but with Bible and faith in the Lord, They sought neither fortune nor fame.

India, China, The South Seas and Japan, The story of Christ did receive, Unquailing, unflinching, undaunted and loyal, No nation bypassed did they leave.

Carey, and Judson, Livingstone and Nott, And Goforth, and Taylor we're told, Blazed open a trail for the Lord years ago, That lured many into the Lord's fold!

Today we are needed to fill in the gap, To bravely the message declare, In missions, in church work, where'er comes the call, The cross of our Saviour to bear!

By Grace Noll Crowell,

If but one message I may leave behind, One single word of comfort for my kind, It would be this-Oh, brother, sister, friend, Whatever life may bring-what God may send- No matter whether clouds lift soon or late- Take heart and wait.

Despair may tangle darkly at your feet, Your faith be dimmed, and hope, once cool and sweet, Be lost-but suddenly above a hill, A heavenly lamp set on a heavenly sill Will shine for you and point the way to go. How well know!

For I have waited through the dark, and I Have seen a star rise in the blackest sky Repeatedly-it has not failed me yet. And I have learned God never will forget Go light His lamp. If we but wait for it, It will be lit.

By R. J. Blair,

Long I wandered aimless, hopeless, Nothing seemed to satisfy, Everything I'd ever wanted Always seemed to pass me by.

Then one day in desperation I cried long unto the Lord, Something stirred from deep within me Like a vibrant swelling chord.

Suddenly I had no interest In the worldly passing throng, For the heart that long was dormant Now was throbbing with a song.

Now that crowd that once I sought for Could no longer interest me, For I'd found a sweeter friendship At the cross of Calvary.

By Cheryl Yost,

You know the way that I walk, Lord, Be it daytime or be it night, And I know that You're God of the darkness, As well as the God of the light. Although my pathway seems weary, I know You will carry me through, Because You have proved to me many times That all of Your promises are true. I may be discouraged or discontent, With the way You have chosen for me, But I know that someday I'll look back And Your plan I will clearly see. Please help me to trust when I'm doubting, Help me to be strong when I'm weak, And always to look for Your hand in my trial, And always Your will to seek. I know You're wiser than I am, My welfare is close to Your heart. My faith will be deepened and strengthened, And Your grace to me You'll impart. You know the length and depth of this trial, In Your wisdom You've allowed it all. I'll trust You, as I walk by faith not sight, And in praise at Your feet I fall.

By Ernestine Lovell,

My Father is a Master Artist, He made the earth, the sky, the sea, And put a million stars up in the heaven To shed forth light for you and me.

He clothed the earth in glowing beauty Sometimes in dress of purest white, And then oft-times a gown of greenest velvet That glistens in the pale moonlight.

A tiny rose reveals His beauty As intricate designs unfold; His handiwork is manifest in nature His love shines forth as purest gold.

He covereth with clouds the heavens And for the earth prepareth rain; And there up in the sky he framed the rainbow, He telleth all the stars by name.

He dipped His brush in gold and made the sunset, And tinted skies of azure blue; He painted realms beyond our apprehension, And leaves of multi-colored hue.

I stand in wonder at His great creation; Of Him who made the earth, the sky, the sea; Then suddenly feel small at this great wonder That He should love and care for me.

By Bob Svedberg,

Faithful Friends are like fine Gold, Tested, tried from days of old; When God's fire burns off their dross Much is gained, but none is lost.

Are we the Friends we ought to be, Are we as Faithful as we see Our friends whose lives we watch each day; Has God's fire burned our dross away?

If Faithful Friends have stood the test, Let God refine-and say was best; Let us as willing as were they To let God wash our dross away.

We read in God's own Holy Word Judge not-our Friends or Foes, But let God's Holy Spirit shine To cleanse us with His Blood Divine.

By A. J. F.,

His Lamps we are, To shine where He shall say: And lamps art not for sunny rooms Nor for the light of day; But for dark places of the earth, Where shame and wrong and crime have birth, Or for the murky twilight gray, Where wandering sheep have gone astray, Or where the Lamp of Faith grows dim, And souls are groping after Him. And as sometimes a flame we find Clear-shining through the night, So dark we cannot see the lamp, But only see the Light, So may we shine, His love the flame, That men may glorify His Name.

By Karen Colton,

Jesus has left us the Key, for answered prayer and for joy, If these simple, but powerful truths, We'd take to heart and employ. If you'll only keep My commandments, and abide within My love, Then all you ask in My name, will be done by My Father above. For you see, My commandments are not grievous and My burden is truly light. So seek first the kingdom of God in your life, and all will turn out right.

By Irving D. Larson,

Near the North Pole the night lasts for many months. People who live in those areas, when they know that the day is about to dawn, sometimes have messengers climb up on the highest areas to watch for the first rays of the sun. When the first streaks of light appear to signal the approach of the dawn, they shout and rejoice with cries of, Behold the sun!

In like manner, our world was in darkness. For centuries the people had been in ignorance and sin. Into this darkness came the Light of the world, as announced by Zacharias, who said, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. How well this expresses the purpose of Christ's coming. It was to give light. What the sun is to the material world, so is Christ to us in the spiritual world. He is the author and source of all light.

It is very interesting and significant that we celebrate the birth of Christ at this time of the year. Just a few days before Christmas we have the shortest day of the entire year, and for a few days there is hardly any difference in the lengthening of the days and the shortening of the nights. It is as if the message of the coming of Christ says to the night that it must decrease, and to the day that it must increase. The message of Christ continues to take away from the world's night and adds it to the day. We are now another year away from the birth of Christ, but one year nearer to that glorious day when all darkness will be swallowed up In the glorious shining of the Sun of Righteousness. Listen again to the angel's message, Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

By Unknown,

Oh Lord, I pray as this year dawns, That you lead and guide me each day on.

I surrender my time and wishes known To Thy great plan and not my own.

As You lead me along the narrow road, I give to You my heavy load.

Help me lend a helping hand To my brother, that he may stand.

Thank You for all Your care, And the time You give me to share.