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Scriptures/Devotions/Inspiration 11/30/2025 The Legacy of Peace Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Joh 14:27 "When the world exclaims to us, Peace be unto you - this exclamation is often void of sincerity. How often are proffers of service, and desires for our happiness, uttered by the mouth that has just been employed in stabbing our reputation, and that in a few minutes will load us with slanders, and hold us up to ridicule. When the world exclaims to us, Peace be unto you, it is not always insincere and deceitful; but even when it most strongly desires our felicity, it is weak, and without power to afford us a complete felicity. Man is feeble, indigent, unhappy. The peace which the world gives is limited in its duration. Inconstant and variable, men frequently change their sentiments and opinions. Thus, unable to find full happiness from the world, shall we, my brethren, entirely despair of attaining it? No; for Jesus gives peace not as the world does; His wishes can all be accomplished, for His power is irresistible." (H. Kollock, D. D.)
"When Christ left the world, He made His will. His soul He bequeathed to His Father, and His body to Joseph. His clothes fell to the soldiers, His mother He left to the care of John. But what should He leave to His poor disciples, who had left all for Him? Silver and gold He had none; but He left them what was far better—His peace." (M. Henry) 11/29/2025 Growing to Maturity in God When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1Cor 13:11 True maturity in God means the putting away childish things—rising out of the weakness and frivolity of childhood to the stature of a ripe Christian. Consider what are the chief characteristics of childhood. We see much that is pleasant and winning in them—openness, simplicity, a comparative innocence, and an absolute ignorance of many evil things. But we see, also, much that is not pleasant to see. Now we are not to put away the better things of childhood; but retaining these we are to put away--
Want of self control. They only are to be accounted manly who are masters of themselves, who act from reason not from passion. Remember what Paul says, “Every one that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things”—in meat, drink, speech, pleasure, pursuit of earthly gains. The way to self-mastery is to be on the watch against all excess, all inordinate affection; to bring your bodies into subjection to the law of your mind; to look in all you do, not at what is most pleasant; but at what reason and conscience enjoin. (R.D. B. Rawnsley, M.A.) 11/28/2025 Description of the Wicked The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Psa 9:17 These are all those who willfully violate the plain and positive precepts of God. Drinkers. Profane persons. Those who dishonor God’s holy-day. The dishonest. All the persecutors of the people of God. All hypocrites and impostors in Christian faith. All must be denominated wicked who are unregenerate. Wickedness is not a superficial defect, but a profound radical principle, deeply rooted in the heart of man. The “nations that forget God” refers to heathen nations whose gods were idols. The wicked are described as they who “forget God”—in His character as Benefactor and as Sovereign. He forgets the all-prevailing presence of God, and he forgets the Word of God. (Biblical Illustrator) All the nations that forget God - They will not live in his fear. There are both nations and individuals who, though they know God, forget him, that is, are unmindful of of him, do not acknowledge him in their designs, ways and works. These are all to be thrust down into hell. Reader, art thou forgetful of thy Maker, and of Him who died for thee? (Adam Clarke) Note: Yesterday I was traveling the roads and along the way saw many front yards with huge skeletons-that looked 10-12 ft. tall, decorated up as Santa Claus. Some of them had lights on them also, and some in cars, motorcycles, and on rooftops. It was a horror show, a nightmare, but was real. This is what people are doing now, and believe it's just great. Young teenagers and their parents, both do this, and it is a sad exhibition of the condition of people's hearts and minds today. Some had Halloween decorations right next to each other-along with the Christmas horror shows. I could have added much more to the graphic below-of demonic horrific Christmas tree bulbs, and decorations from hell, but this gives a good idea of what they are celebrating now in all the box stores, Walmart, and on-line shopping. The insane asylums of the nineteenth, and early 20th century, need to be re-opened. There is an epidemic of mental illness in this country, and this behavior is just another sign of it. Christmas has nothing to do with the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ, anymore. To the vast majority now-it's just a perverted holiday to enjoy people's greed, lusts, perversions, and anything goes. They see no problem with turning a holiday that used to be to bring honor to Christ, now to insult Him, and turning their honor to the father of lies- Satan. One thing I can say-you will reap the rewards of the gods you serve. I will be spending the rest of this "holiday season" at home, spending my time focusing on something else, and close the door to this nonsense. Lorna Couillard Where is America now, and how did it get here? This sermon by pastor Jennings describes it well. America Prepare to Meet Thy God-- https://youtu.be/NJIT8vKFfS0?si=KSd2zUQrdCvHWErl Black Friday- And Hell's Christmas The Devil's Celebration of Greed-Lust-and Perversions
11/27/2025 Our Only Rock and Refuge In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Psa 62:7 "In God is my salvation and my glory. Wherein should we glory but in him who saves us? Our honour may well be left with him who secures our souls. To find all in God, and to glory that it is so, is one of the sure, marks of an enlightened soul. “The rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God.” He multiplies titles, for he would render much honor to the Lord, whom he had tried, and proved to be a faithful God under so many aspects; Ignorance needs but few words, but when experience brings a wealth of knowledge, we need varied expressions to serve as coffers for our treasure. God who is our rock when we flee for shelter, is also our strong rock when we stand firm and defy the foe; he is to be praised under both characters.
Jer 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: Jer 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. 1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1Co 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 11/26/2025 SEARCHING WORDS Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Act 3:19 "Peter’s sermon was delivered in the eastern colonnade of the Temple. It derived its name probably from the fact that Solomon’s Porch had originally occupied that site. The Apostle argued that the gospel which was given them to proclaim was only the flower of the revelations which had been given them through the prophets. How vast the change wrought in this man by the strength and illumination imparted to him at Pentecost. Why should we not seek to be similarly infilled.
Mic 7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. Mic 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. 11/25/2025 Praise and Thanksgiving Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Ps 100:3-4 If we could enter into the spirit of this psalm, every day would be a Thanksgiving Day. The psalmist invites all the earth to enter into the courts of God’s house with joyful songs. In many of the Psalms the minor chords overpower the major ones, and weeping prevails over rejoicing. But this psalm is full of unclouded sunlight. The reason for this gladness is suggested in the words: We are His: His by creation, by providence, and by grace; and His also by the glad consecration of our hearts to His service.
Psa 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: Psa 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. 11/24/2025 Trust Amid Trials With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Isa 26:9 In this verse the prophet expresses the confiding trust of God’s people amid times of judgment. It is as though they had said, “When the pathway assigned for Thy people was rough with judgments,—sore inflictions of national calamity,—even then, Lord, did we wait still on Thee in patient, trustful hope, and our desire was toward the remembrance of Thy name.” Note the view this passage affords of the character and experience of God’s people.
“With my soul have I desired Thee in the night, yea, with my spirit within me will I seek Thee early.” Our Lord gives it as the distinctive mark of God’s elect that they cry night and day to Him. This habit of prayer prompting to duty, tests the sincerity of our desires. (Samuel Thodey) Hab 3:17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Hab 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Hab 3:19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. 11/23/2025 The Final Separation Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world Mat 25:34 "They shall be divided into two parts-the sheep and goats. There shall be two positions, on the right and on the left hand. There will be no third class. There is no state between being converted and unconverted. They will be divided readily. It is not everybody that could divide sheep from goats. They are extremely like each other: the wool of some sheep in a warm climate becomes so like hair, and the hair of a kind of goat so like wool, that a traveler scarcely knows which is which; but a shepherd who has lived amongst them knows the difference well. The eye of fire will soon separate the sheep from the goats." "Good works do not make a Christian; but one must be a Christian to do good works. The tree bringeth forth the fruit, not the fruit the tree. None is made a Christian by works, but by Christ, and being in Christ, he brings forth fruit for Him." (Martin Luther)
Kindness to Christ's Servants: "After telling us of the arrival of himself and his companions at a heathen village on the banks of the Orange River, Dr. Moffat says: “We had travelled far, and were hungry and thirsty and fatigued. We asked water, but they would not supply it. I offered three or four buttons that still remained on my jacket for a little milk. This also was refused. We had the prospect of another hungry and thirsty night. When twilight drew nigh, a woman approached from the height beyond which the village lay. She bore on her head a bundle of wood, and had a vessel of milk in her hand. She laid them down, and returned to the village. A second time she approached with other and larger supplies. We asked her again and again who she was. She remained silent, till affectionately entreated to give us a reason for such unlooked-for kindness to strangers. The solitary tear stole down her sable cheek when she replied, ‘I love Him whose servants ye are, and surely it is my duty to give you a cup of cold water in His name. My heart is full, therefore I cannot speak the joy I feel to see you in this out-of-the-world place!’ I asked her how she kept the life of God in her soul, in the absence of all communion with saints. She drew from her bosom a copy of the Dutch New Testament she had received in a school some years before. ‘This,’ she said, ‘is the fountain whence I drink; this the oil which makes my lamp burn.’” (Biblical Illustrator) 11/22/2025 Losing to Gain But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Php 3:7-8 "Precept must be on precept, line on line. The false teachers who dogged Paul’s steps insisted on rigid conformity to Judaism, with its rabbinical accretions, as the condition of being saved by Christ. Paul’s answer was that he had gone through all the requirements of Judaism, but had found it absolutely unsatisfactory and inefficient to subdue the sin of his soul. But in Christ he had found everything he needed. What had been gain to him now seemed but dross. He had found the pearl of great price, and was only too glad to sacrifice all else to purchase and keep it, as the talisman of complete victory." (F.B. Meyer)
Service in Sorrows I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 2Cor 11:21 It didn't take long to see responses to yesterday's post below, I knew it wouldn't. In the bible, Jesus confronted his enemies frequently, and faced them-some of the things he said to them, would singe the hair on your head. Paul openly confronted his accuser's also, I've posted the scripture references below, for anyone who's interested in what he said to his enemies. I'm going to interject a short response here, and use one of my best pics of myself-just like many of you do, because I don't make videos, I spend my time doing more studying, research, and create graphics, that's as far as I intend to go in maintaining these sites. From the very beginning of doing this, I knew it would be like this, the never-ending slander, stories, accusations, and outright lies that spread like wildfire-while I spend my time here at my own home, minding my own business, and working on this outreach ministry in my office. It takes up all my free time, and maintaining my home, posted below. You see, I actually read my bible, and do a lot of praying, before I post devotions, I don't just grab one off the internet, and post it. I read it, and examine it with scripture to see if it's biblically sound, before I post it. As I listen and read many other's today-the difference is very clear-how little study and research many do today. Many do not realize we will be held accountable for what we are teaching and preaching. I remind myself of this every time I post. There's been a wide range of accusations and lies that I don't even pay attention to because they are so absurd. But I'll address some of them here, and let the chips fall where they may. It may take more than two minutes. This is my website, so I'll take the liberty to speak up for myself. ++++++++++++++++++++++++ First, before I married Lynn I was a very worldly woman, and a sinner, Lynn was not an innocent either-he admitted his involvement with women, and during his term in Viet Nam in the military. When we met we talked a long time, and resolved to be faithful to each other, and forgave each other. Neither of us were saved at this time, we were just two people trying to straighten out our lives together, and make a life that mattered. I received Christ 2 years after we were married, and that's when trials and heartaches began for both of us, and my daughter, who was just seven at the time. The change in my life when I received Christ was dramatic, I stopped drinking, didn't want to do the party life anymore, and was hungry for the Word of God, and spent a lot of free time studying and it continued to change me. Lynn came to the place that he gave me the ultimatum-"You'll have to decide, it's either Jesus, or me." I knew he meant it, and he divorced me. This caused me and my daughter to have to move several times, while I sought work, and a life again, alone. However, God kept speaking to me to not give up, to keep praying for Lynn, and believe Him for a reconciliation. I disputed with the Lord several times about this, but, would give in, and kept praying. On Jan. 2, 1982 we were re-married in an AOG church in Saratoga N.Y., and I moved back to our home in Vermont. From there it was a life of many hardships, but also blessings. Throughout our lives we will experience this ebb and flow of both, because the devil is real and he never stops attacking, and the trials are for our learning. Six months after our reconciliation, Lynn had a massive heart attack, that almost killed him, but God had warned me weeks before and I had been praying for him, God hears and answers prayer, Lynn recovered, but remained on medications the rest of this life. He went on to live a very active, and productive life until his death in 2004. He did receive Christ 9 months before his death, and the Lord has confirmed several times to me-that I will meet him again, along with my family and friends who are in heaven now. Why am I relaying all this? Because it refutes much of the lies and slander that has continued to generate here in my area-along with slander that's as evil as the devil could create. Here is a short to the point list:
Paul's defense of himself: 2Cor 11:21-27--and then on to: in labours: 1Co_15:10; Col_1:29 in stripes: 2Co_11:24-25, 2Co_6:4-5; Act_9:16 in prisons: Act_9:16, Act_16:24, Act_20:23, Act_21:11, Act_24:26-27, Act_25:14, Act_27:1, Act_28:16, Act_28:30; Eph_3:1; Eph_4:1, Eph_6:20; Php_1:13; 2Ti_1:8, 2Ti_1:16, 2Ti_2:9; Phm_1:9; Heb_10:34 in deaths: 2Co_1:9-10, 2Co_4:11, 2Co_6:9; Act_14:19; 1Co_15:30-32; Php_2:17; Col_1:24 11/21/2025 The Pretender But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. Act 8:9-10 This Simon was the first heretic in the Christian Church, the first to claim its fellowship while out of sympathy with its fundamental truths. His mistakes were many and grievous. He began with an unscrupulous ambition. No sooner had Peter and John begun to confer the gifts of spiritual power by the laying on of hands than Simon saw that his own juggleries were cast into the shade. All that he perceived were the outward phenomena; the inward grace did not occur to him. He was guilty, thus, of utter insincerity. His pious airs and phrases, while he worshipped with the Christians, were all make-believe. His heart was wholly unchanged; he was still an unregenerate sinner, in the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity.
He was a blasphemer. He should have been appalled at the mere thought of tampering with the influence of the Divine Spirit; but “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” God was nothing to him, and sacred things were of value only to grind at his mill. It is well that Peter and John had the courage to unmask this miserable impostor. There is no telling what harm he might have done otherwise in the early Church. As it is, he vanishes from our sight cringing under a terrific warning and whining for an intercession which, had it been offered, would have seemed to him only another of the apostles’ masterly conjurations. Farewell to him! And may no disciple of his ever again pollute the pure atmosphere of the Church of God! (D. J. Burrell, D. D.) Note: The graphic is to make the point that today, this is the spirit of the age- of computers, technology, and sophisticated leaders in every arena of life. We are seeing the antics of Simon the sorcerer played out in our faces every single day. Everything those in power do, even the good they do, is for their own benefit, and their own ambitions. Many churches and ministries are the same-they may choose you and elevate you into ministry if they see you are talented, and anointed, but will use you for their own gains. If you become weary, or burn out, and they see this, you will be replaced. The bottom of the issue is profit, the gold that you can produce for them. If you can't assist them any longer in their goals, or if you won't agree with them, to elevate them, and keep the business going, they will find someone else who will. They are pretenders, all wearing masks to hide their true ambitions, claiming to be benevolent overseers of humanity, when in reality, they are working never-endingly to gain complete power and control over every area of our lives. Only those who pick up their bibles, and read them for themselves, and spend time seeking Jesus Christ and His will for their own lives, will endure what is coming. This is what this site was originally created for, for the remnant of Christ, who are looking for Him, and want to find His will, His strength, and His wisdom to endure what we are facing, and what's coming on this world, until He takes us home. May the Lord be with all of those, who are in this position. 11/20/2025 Christ's Choice of Disciples And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. Mar 1:17 Whom did he choose? Not the wise and learned; they would have worried the simplicity with endless commentaries, have wrought it into intellectual puzzles, so that the shepherd on the hill could not have understood it. He did not choose the rich; they would have weighted His goodness with the cares of wealth. Did He choose religious leaders? They would dissolve His charity, mercy, in the acid of their theological hatreds. Did He choose the politicians? He would not use political craft.
That was His real power. As life went on His thoughts grew before them. So inspired, they went forth into the world. They saw before them a vast ocean, in whose depths men were lost in ignorance and misery. (S. A. Brooke, M. A.) Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 11/19/2025 Spiritual Blindness Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. Pro 21:2 Every man is conceited of himself and his own way, and is not easily persuaded off of it; his sinful ways are agreeable to him promising him pleasure, profit, or honor; and his self-righteous ways suit with the vain opinion he has of himself, whereby he promises himself eternal life and happiness. The Septuagint and Arabic versions render it to this sense, "every man seems righteous to himself;''
THE Septuagint translation has an interesting addition to the proverb in Pro_12:2. Pro 12:2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. "After "He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread, but he that followeth after vain persons is void of understanding," it adds, "He who is sweet in pastimes of wine-drinking shall have dishonor in his strongholds." Drinking is the natural opposite of hard and honest work. When the love of it takes possession of a man he is sure to become a useless and unproductive member of society. A drunken people are in the end an incapable people; their wealth declines, their industries pass over to soberer rivals, their qualities of brain and muscle gradually disappear. This is partly owing to the deterioration of mind and body which results from the excessive use of stimulants; but it is still more due to a wider cause: drinking in all its branches is indulged in as an excessive pleasure." (Biblical Illustrator) 11/18/2025 The Stilling of the Storm And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mar 4:39-40 "They that bear Christ’s company must prepare for squalls. Yet, why should we fear, when the Master is on board, who can impress His commands on wind and sea-to the wind, Peace; to the sea, Be still! “The Lord on high is mightier than the waves of the sea.” A moment ago he was so weary as to sleep amid the storm, but at a word of appeal from those He loves, He shows Himself able to save to the uttermost." (F.B. Meyer)
Psa 107:29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Nah 1:4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. Psa 89:9 Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. 11/17/2025 The Second Temptation And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Lu 4:5-8 Such was the splendid scene set before Jesus. "All this is mine," said Satan, speaking a half-truth which is often but a whole lie; for he was indeed the "prince of the power of the air," ruling, however, not in absolute kingship, but as a pretender, a usurper; "and I give it to whom I will. Only worship me (or rather, ‘do homage to me as Your superior’), and all shall be thine." Amplified, the temptation was this: "You are the Son of God, the Messiah-King, but a King without a retinue, without a throne. I know well all the devious, somewhat slippery ways to royalty; and if You will but assent to my plan, and work on my lines, I can assure You of a throne that is higher, and of a realm that is vaster, than that of Caesar. To begin with: You have powers not given to other mortals, miraculous powers. You can command nature as easily as You can obey her. Trade with these at first, freely. Startle men with prodigies, and so create a name and gain a following. Then, when that is sufficiently large, set up the standard of revolt. The priesthood and the people will flock to it; Pharisees and Sadducees, giving up their paper-chases after phantoms, shadows, will forget their strife in the peace of a common war, and before a united people Rome’s legions must retire. Then, pushing out Your borders, and avoiding reverse and disaster by a continual appeal to Your miraculous powers, one after another You will make the neighboring nations dependent and tributary. So, little by little, You will hem in the might of Rome, until by one desperate struggle You will vanquish the Empire. The lines of history will then be all reversed. Jerusalem will become the mistress, the capital of the world; along all these roads swift messengers shall carry Your decrees; Your word shall be law, and Your will over all human wills shall be supreme."
Quickly as it came, the splendid vision conjured up by the tempter disappeared, and Jesus turned away from the path of earthly glory, where power without measure and honors without number awaited Him, to tread the solitary, lowly path of submission and of sacrifice, the path that had a crucifixion, and not a coronation, as its goal. (Expositor's Bible) 11/16/2025 Led by God Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Psa 27:11 “Teach me thy way, O Lord.” He does not pray to be indulged with his own way, but to be informed as to the path in which the righteous Jehovah would have him walk. This prayer evinces an humble sense of personal ignorance, great teachableness of spirit, and cheerful obedience of heart.
Pro 8:9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Isa 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Psa 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. Psa 56:6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. 11/15/2025 The River of Mercy There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. Psa 46:5-6 The river. This I take to be the mercy of God; His kindness to the miserable. Just, He must needs be, for He would not be merciful if He were not just. But there are manifestations of His justice in which He takes no joy. “He taketh no pleasure in the death of the sinner;” but “He delighteth in mercy.” And sometimes its exhibitions are very tender—“it drops as the gentle dew from heaven upon the place beneath.” And how copious its store! it is a river, not a rill that can be turned aside by any pebble in its bed; but a river that sweeps triumphantly over and through every obstacle. The streams Some rivers are fed by streams; not so this one” it gives out streams but receives none, like the river of Damascus, whose branches surround the city. These streams are--
The power that brings the streams close home to us, so that we may have the blessing, is the power of the Holy Spirit. See what He has already done in the Scriptures and in the Church-which is the body of Christ. (F. Tucker, B. A.) 11/14/2025 Perfect Peace Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isa 26:3 The Scriptures are full of priceless secrets, and here is one of them—the secret of trust in God as revealed to us in Jesus Christ, as the sole method and means of that peace which we all desire. “Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace”; or, as the original expresses it still more forcibly in its Semitic simplicity, “Thou shalt keep him in peace, peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee.” It is not the promise of freedom from sorrow; it is not, by any means, a promise of success or prosperity on earth: but it is a promise of that inward peace—of that heart’s ease in the breast—with which sorrow itself is a tolerable burden, and without which prosperity itself is a questionable boon. The existence or the absence of peace in our hearts is no slight indication of our true condition, for, as peace must exist with the righteous even in the midst of adversity, it cannot exist in the hearts of the wicked, however smiling, however prosperous their lot. “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.”
Note: The key to this verse is "whose mind is stayed on thee". I'm still learning that in every situation I find myself in, and whatever the adversity, if I direct my mind to the presence of God, I find Him there, and the strength to deal with what is before me. Brother Lawrence and Jean Guyon learned this in their lives and wrote of how God proved Himself to them in this way, and I've learned it is more priceless than gold. Nothing can replace the solid knowing in my soul, that at the very moment I need Him-I have found Him there, and He has given the direction, and wisdom to know what to do and how to come through it. Many problems I've had have come when I've tried to resolve issues, and find answers in my own strength, and in my own reasoning. God honors those who honor Him, and He proves Himself to them. Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 11/13/2025 God is My Rock In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Psa 62:7 In God is my salvation - See Psa_62:1. That is, his salvation, his safety, his anticipated deliverance, was to come only from God. Psa 62:1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. And my glory - That in which I glory or boast; the source of all in me that is glorious or honorable. he gloried that there was such a God; he gloried that He was his God.
Spurgeon: “We cannot too often hear the toll of that great bell only; let it ring the death-knell of all carnal reliance's, and lead us to cast ourselves on the bare arm of God.” In himself alone God is more than sufficient to meet all the needs of His people. Psa 94:22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. 11/12/2025 Dealing With Offences Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Mat 18:15-16 In these verses Jesus gives clear instruction that's easy to understand-If someone has personally sinned against you or wronged you, go to him/her privately and try to speak with them, and talk to them on the issue between you and them. The intention is to bring honest understanding, and resolve the problem between you, and not attempt to bring reproach on each other, but to restore good relationship, if possible. If this is between two believer's in Christ, if the problem isn't resolved-the next step is to bring in the Church, go to a pastor and ask for assistance in talking out the problem with a minister. If this problem comes from unbeliever's of the world, if the first steps of private conversations don't work, we are not to fellowship or have any company with them again. We are to leave them alone, to themselves, and forgive them. The forgiveness doesn't mean condoning their actions, it means keeping your own soul clean, and at peace with God, yourself, and other's. What the offender does, is his own responsibility. We are not responsible for other's actions, only our own.
Deu 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. 2Co 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. Note: If these commandments were upheld, and societies lived by them, the courts of law would have very little cases to deal with, and justice would be the rule of life, and peace would be established. However, we see the fruits of slander and malicious gossip everywhere, and we reap the consequences of it. Jesus knows very well what it does to people, the slander and gossip hurled at him, eventually got him nailed to the cross, and his death. However, as Jesus said, it had to be done, to fulfill scripture-now, His is risen from the dead, and lives forever more, and coming again. 11/11/2025 Jesus the Good Shepherd I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Joh 10:9-10 He who came in by the door which John the Baptist opened has become the door. It stands open to all comers-if any man. The salvation here mentioned refers to the entire process of soul-health: go in for fellowship; go out for service.
Isa 56:11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 11/10/2025 Good News From a Far Country As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Pro 25:25 It is a far country, possibly, as measured by distance, this heaven that we talk about. I prefer to believe that the dwelling-place of Deity is near at hand, that the sainted dead are separated from us only by the thick, dense, fleshly veil which envelops our free soul, so that we can neither feel, nor hear, nor see. Heaven lies near to the habitations of the just. But heaven is a “far country,” as being far away beyond our comprehension. It is so utterly far beyond our experience, so surpasses our comprehension, so outstrips our thought and conception, that even the aid of revelation does give us dim glimpses of the distant splendors.
Isa 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 11/9/2025 Under His Shadow They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. Hos 14:7 The day closed with heavy showers. The plants in my garden were beaten down before the pelting storm, and I saw one flower that I had admired for its beauty and loved for its fragrance exposed to the pitiless storm. The flower fell, shut up its petals, dropped its head; and I saw that all its glory was gone. "I must wait till next year," I said, "before I see that beautiful thing again." That night passed, and morning came; the sun shone again, and the morning brought strength to the flower. The light looked at it, and the flower looked at the light. There was contact and communion, and power passed into the flower. It held up its head, opened its petals, regained its glory, and seemed fairer than before. I wonder how it took place-- this feeble thing coming into contact with the strong thing, and gaining strength! I cannot tell how it is that I should be able to receive into my being a power to do and to bear by communion with God, but I know It is a fact. Are you in peril through some crushing, heavy trial? Seek this communion with Christ, and you will receive strength and be able to conquer. "I will strengthen thee." -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Isa 61:11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Zec 8:12 For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. 11/8/2025 The Longing Soul As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Psa 42:1 The “soul” is feminine in Hebrew, and is here compared to the female deer, for “pants” is the feminine form of the verb, though its noun is masculine. It is better, therefore, to translate “hind” than “hart.” The “soul” is the seat of emotions and desires. It “pants” and “thirsts,” is “cast down” and disquieted; it is “poured out”; it can be bidden to “hope.”
Note: This photo was taken on a special summer day in 2016, far back in a refuge, while I was kayaking. I saw this doe off in the distance, and wondered to myself-"Would she allow me to come closer, and get a good picture of her?" I slowly paddled up, only going about 10 ft. at a time, and would stop and watch her quietly. She turned several times and looked in my direction, but kept drinking, and bringing up some vegetation she was also eating. I kept this up until I got about 50 ft. from her, and just sat and watched her-we fellowshipped about 20-30 minutes together in silence, enjoying the morning sunshine. I was able to get several very good pictures of her, before she decided to leave. It was a very special, memorable moment, that I've caught on camera to enjoy again, and share with you. 11/7/2025 Loss for Gain But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Php 3:7 When they buried the blind preacher, George Matheson, they lined his grave with red roses in memory of his love-life of sacrifice. And it was this man, so beautifully and significantly honored, who wrote,
There is a legend of an artist who had found the secret of a wonderful red which no other artist could imitate. The secret of his color died with him. But after his death an old wound was discovered over his heart. This revealed the source of the matchless hue in his pictures. The legend teaches that no great achievement can be made, no lofty attainment reached, nothing of much value to the world done, save at the cost of heart’s blood. (Streams in the Desert) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Comment: When the Lord called me to begin these websites, I began with the Two Sparrows Ministry first, over 15 years ago, as an outreach ministry to the elderly, disabled, shut-ins, and wheelchair bound. My focus also extends to this website, and the devotions are targeted for these people a great deal, because I know what they deal with, and the challenges and sorrows they endure, and many times alone. You can't truly minister to someone, unless you've tasted what they deal with, and I have. Please visit the Two Sparrows Ministry website-for health information, resources, and devotions: www.twosparrowsministry.org
Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecc 3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; Ecc 3:3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; Ecc 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecc 3:5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; Ecc 3:6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; Ecc 3:7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; Ecc 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 11/6/2025 God's Love in Discipline As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev 3:19-20 Note Christ’s love at the present time: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock." Our first impression of this adorable figure is of wonder that He should be there at all. He, the Son of God, who has suffered such unspeakable wrongs for us, comes again in a form most Divinely fair, and offers Himself as our Guest. He who contains within Himself infinite treasures of love, who comprehends all creatures within His arms, comes down to us and stands at our door, as if we alone out of His whole Church required Him with us.
"I will come in to him,". In the whole Bible there is not a touch of Divine love more tender and penetrating than this. The intimacy of Christ’s love is here so great that the believer may shrink from it in fear. But this is not God’s intention. Wherever Jesus enters He takes men as they are. All He asks is a welcome; that is, their faith. When He sits at meat with you see the perfect interchange and equal communion of your spirit with His: "I will sup with him, and he with Me." Whatever He gives He gives Himself; He is all in all to the faithful soul, and the soul is all in all to Him. (C. W. Furse, Sermons at Richmond, p. 164) 11/5/2025 Unfit for the Kingdom And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Lu 9:61-62 To put one’s hand to a plow is a proverbial expression to signify undertaking any business. In order that a plowman may accomplish his work, it is necessary to look onward - to be intent on his employment - not to be looking back with regret that he undertook it. So in religion. He that enters on it must do it with his whole heart, He that comes still loving the world - still looking with regret on its pleasures, its wealth, and its honors - that has not “wholly” forsaken them as his portion, cannot be a Christian, and is not fit for the kingdom of God. How searching is this test to those who profess to be Christians! And how solemn the duty of all people to renounce all earthly objects, and to be not only “almost,” but “altogether,” followers of the Son of God!
Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 11/4/2025 Seeking God Early Each Day Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Psa 143:8-10 Cause me to hear thy Loving-kindness in the morning - This petition was probably offered in the night-season. David had despatched his messengers in all directions; and prays to God that he might by the morning get some good news. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk - Absalom and his partisans are in possession of all the country. I know not in what direction to go, that I may not fall in with them: point out by thy especial providence the path I should take. (Adam Clarke)
Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk ... - The safe way; the way in which I may find safety. See Psa_5:8. (Albert Barnes) Psa 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. Concluding point: The text may be said to comprise every other prayer. If God gives His servant to "know the way wherein he should walk," and strength to walk in it, peace, and order, and liberty, and joy will soon come. Life is a daily difficulty. Think of the number of things that are to be believed, that are to be renounced, that are to be examined, that are to be distinguished in themselves and from other things, that are to be tentatively dealt with, that are to be done, that are to be left undone, that are to be waited for, that are to be suffered. All these are included in the "way wherein we should walk." 11/3/2025 Fresh Words from Deep Waters The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. (Pro 18:4) The words of a man’s mouth - That is, the wise sayings of a wise man are like deep waters; howsoever much you pump or draw off, you do not appear to lessen them. (Adam Clarke) The waters in a shallow and stagnant pond give little or no refreshment to the thirsty traveller; they may even be the means of imparting disease to those who drink of them, or who live near them. But the water from a well, or from a deep and flowing stream, is generally pure and wholesome to the taste, and refreshing to the land through which it flows. And so it is with the speech of a godly man. Very mighty are the influence of words for good or for ill. Our first parents lost Eden by listening to the words of the tempter, and the speech of the wicked always diffuses an unwholesome moral atmosphere around it, if it does not eject a deadly poison into the soul.
A man's - A wise man's. As a brook - That wisdom which is in his heart is continually pouring forth wise and good counsels. (John Wesley) 11/2/2025 No Entry Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. Rev 22:14-15 Halloween has just passed-many houses will have demonic junk, and carved pumpkins left rotting in their yards, and on their porches, and Christmas trinkets and baubles will be put up right next to them, till spring. The typical scene for those who participate in the pagan holidays. Some churches also participate in the devil's holiday, and show that there's no difference between the unbelievers-and them-their buildings are empty tombs. As the rebellious and unbeliever's carry on with their cycle of one party after another, their activities keeps the reality of eternity from entering their minds, they fulfill one lust and pleasure after another, until the day of their death-then they find out, the wages of sin, is death. At the end of the age, when Christ judges all both living and dead in the White Throne Judgment-all will face the rewards of their deeds, and whether they turned to Christ for salvation, or not.
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 11/1/2025 God Our Refuge Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psa 90:2 The Soul of Man Needs a Home God is the home of all who find any real home amidst the fluctuating nothings of this shadowy world. The contrast of His eternity and our transiency is not bitter, though it may hush us into wisdom, if we begin with the trust that He is the abiding abode of short-lived man.
The dwelling-place of man is the place where he can unbend himself, and feel himself at home, and speak familiarly. With God you can be always at home; you need be under no restraint. The Christian at once gives God the key of his heart, and lets Him turn everything over. The more God lives in the Christian, the better the Christian loves Him; the oftener God comes to see him, the better he loves his God. And God loves His people all the more when they are familiar with Him. Man’s home is the place where his affections are centered. Christian man, is God your habitation in that sense? Have you given your whole soul to God? (Excerpt from Biblical Illustrator)  Comments are closed.
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Welcome
Two minutes daily of devotions and content that hopefully will add a blessing and thoughtfulness to your day. 
Look To This Day
Look to this day, For it is the very life of life. In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence: The glory of action, The bliss of growth, The splendor of beauty, For yesterday is a dream and tomorrow is only a vision; But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day Anonymous 
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