BUILD YOUR LIFE ON A FIRM FOUNDATION

Newsletter 175 January 10,2010

Both parables deal with life and upon what foundation we build. Good works, done for the wrong motive, will earn nothing more than, perhaps the honor of our fellow men. They mean nothing unless we are first, good servants of our Lord. That is why Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-3) were punished with death when they lied to the apostles, to the church, and to the Lord by keeping a portion of the money from the sale of some of their property and then claiming that they had given all. Selling the land and giving the money to the Lord was not wrong, but doing it for the purpose of honor, was. Barnabas had given out of a pure heart, but they had not. Not all good deeds are rewarded. God knows the reason for them, and will reward accordingly, but salvation is not a reward. It is only by God’s grace through the death of his Son, to whom we become bond servants that we have been bought from servitude to Satan, who uses us, to service to God who loves us. This requires us to serve because we love Him. It can’t be bought, for we really have nothing that is all our own with which to buy. Some things are really not for sale.

Matthew 7:21-27 King James Version

(Luke 6:46)

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (James 1:22-25, James 2:26, Luke 6:46)

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (Matthew 25:11, Luke 13:25, Matthew 10:15)

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Psalm 6:6, Matthew 25:41, Luke 13:27)

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24, Luke 6:47-49, Matthew 16:18, James 1:22-25)

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it

What is the difference between “rock” and “sand”? Both are composed of the same basic material. Like “good works,” God expects a Christian to do them, but for the right reason. The words he used makes this obvious. The rock is the solid underlying rock or perhaps a massive outcropping slab of stone. Massive structures extend deep down to reach for such a foundation.

I once lived in a house that was built on, not in, such an outcropping. It appeared to be very solid, but deep beneath, there were old abandoned and sealed up gold mines. Late one night, there was a rock-fall in one of those tunnels, and it sounded like an explosion inside the house. The next morning I examined the lowest floor where I found a crack from the floor to the ceiling. Near by, I also have seen huge cracks in the walls of beautiful houses which have been built on shifting sand. The building codes of that city are now very strict!

The Christian has the best life-foundation, ever available, Jesus Christ, God’s Son. There are no hidden flaws, there is strength, and stability, no matter what Satan may hurl at us. Serve him with a pure heart.

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RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010

(This directory is reprinted intentionally to place us back in the proper place.)

JANUARY

10th. Sunday – Genesis 21, 22, 23, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 7:10-17
11th. Monday – Genesis 24, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 8
12th. Tuesday – Genesis 25, 26, Matthew 10:1-23, Proverbs 1:20-33
13th. Wednesday - Genesis 27, 28, Matthew 10:24-42, Psalm 9:1-6
14th. Thursday – Genesis 29, 30, Matthew 11, Psalm 9:7-12
15th. Friday – Genesis 31, Matthew 12:1-21, Psalm 9:13-20
16th. Saturday – Genesis 32, 33, Matthew 12:22-50, Proverbs 2:1-11
____________


OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 625 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. With it you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to any email address on earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”


http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 3 published books & more to come



____________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.”

Matthew 7:13

_______________


Car Trouble...
A Rabbi, a Monk, and a lawyer are riding down the road when their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

Spotting a farmhouse they walk over and tell the farmer they need a place to stay the night while they wait for a tow.

"I've got room in the house for two of you but someones gonna have to sleep in the barn." says the farmer.

The Rabbi says, "I've no problem with that, I'll go." He leaves.

Five minutes later theres a knock on the door. The farmer opens the door and the Rabbi is there.

He says, "Sir there is a pig in that barn; in my religion pigs are unclean, I cannot sleep under the same roof with a pig."

The Monk speaks up and says, "I have no problem with pigs I'll go sleep in the barn." He leaves.

Five minutes later theres a knock on the door. The farmer opens the door and the Monk is there.

"Sir there is a cow in that barn; in my religion cows are sacred, I cannot sleep under the same roof with a cow.

The lawyer responds, "I'll go sleep in the barn, I've got no religion." He leaves.

Five minutes later theres a knock on the door. The farmer opens the door and the pig and the cow are standing there.
_____________

Phyllis’ first missionary novel has been published, You can order a copy now. Go to or and search for (Feet of Clay – P J Mills) This is the first volume of a series based in Guatemala, Central America. If this one pays the cost, she has 5 more volumes waiting in line. Her book “The Call to Africa” is also still available from Amazon.com. “Some of God’s Children” Any of these may be ordered from Phyllis herself.

THE CHRISTMAS STORY

SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB
Newsletter 173 December 27, 2009

Luke 2:1-20
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
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.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Matthew 2:1-11
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

__________




READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010

JANUARY

3rd. Sunday – Genesis 5, 6, Matthew 3, Psalm 3
4th. Monday – Genesis 7, 8, Matthew 4, Proverbs 1:1-7
5th. Tuesday – Genesis 9.10, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalm 4
6th. Wednesday - Genesis 11, 12, Matthew 5:27-48, Psalm 5
7th. Thursday – Genesis 13, 14, 15, Matthew 6. Psalm 6
8th. Friday – Genesis 16, 17, 18, Matthew 7, Proverbs 1:8-19
9th. Saturday – Genesis 19, 20, Matthew 8, Psalm 7:1-9

____________


OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

(With links to 623 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. With it you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to any email address on earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”


http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 3 published books & more to come



____________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“And Jesus answered him saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”

Luke 4:4





SEND FREE CHRISTIAN EMAIL GREETINGS FROM:

ecards@dayspring.com

3-movies@dayspring.com

_______________

“I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
_______________

GIFT SUGGESTIONS


$12 $12 $12

Phyllis’ first missionary novel has been published, You can order a copy now. Go to or and search for (Feet of Clay – P J Mills) This is the first volume of a series based in Guatemala, Central America. If this one pays the cost, she has 5 more volumes waiting in line. Her book “The Call to Africa” is also still available from Amazon.com. “Some of God’s Children” Any of these may be ordered from Phyllis herself.

THE SCROLL OPENED BY CHRIST JESUS

Newsletter 170 December 6, 2009

Realizing one can do little more than introduce the book of Revelation in the four weekly studies of December, last week I briefly introduced up to the letters to the seven churches of Asia. An earlier study already published, based on Revelation 3:14:22, asks the question, “Is This the Church of Today?” That was study #99. Whether the seven churches represent the condition of the church during seven chronological periods of time, or simply mean to cover a full spectrum of possible faults they represent, really makes little difference. They are there to serve as a warning or encouragement depending on the local congregation from that time onward.

Today, we are blessed to see a glimpse of Heaven through John’s eyes. This vision brings us through the turmoil leading up to the judgment. It opens before the very throne of God, where there clearly is no one worthy who open the scroll and reveal its message, until the very Son of God steps forward and does so.

Revelation 5:5-10 (King James Version)

5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
(Genesis 49:9, Hebrews 7:14, Isaiah 11:1, Isaiah 11:10, Romans 15:12, Revelation 22:16)

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. (Revelation 4:4, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:14, John 1:29, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 13:8, Daniel 8:3, Zechariah 4:9, Revelation 1:4)

7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. (Revelation 5:1)

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of incense, which are the prayers of saints. (Revelation 4:6, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:11, Revelation 5:14, Revelation 4:4, Revelation 5:14, Revelation 4:10, John 1:29, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 14:2, Revelation 15:2, Revelation 15:7, Psalm 141:2, Revelation 8:3)

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Psalm 33:3, Psalm 40:3, Psalm 98:1, Psalm 149:1, Isaiah 42:10, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 15:3, Revelation 4:11, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 13:8, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Revelation 14:3, Daniel 3:4, Daniel 5:19, Revelation 7:9, Revelation 10:11, Revelation 11:9, Revelation 13:7, Revelation 14:6, Revelation 17:15)

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 1:6, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 20:4)

Only Christ Jesus is worthy to break the seals and reveal what lay ahead, for only by his sacrificial death can anyone be saved, for “all have sinned and fallen short.” (Romans 3:23) Underlying the message of all the lambs that had been sacrificed since the law was delivered to Moses and the Tabernacle of the wilderness wanderings, and ultimately of the Temple in Jerusalem were dedicated, was the fact that Christ Jesus would be the final sacrificial lamb. Only through Him, can any man be saved. As he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) Being a scroll, it was sealed at seven intervals. These are opened one by one, leading up to the judgment and the glory of Heaven, prepare and reserved for the Saints, the family of God.

__________




READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009

DECEMBER

13th. Sunday – Nehemiah 1, 2, Revelation 10, Psalm 142
14th. Monday – Nehemiah 3, 4, Revelation 11, Proverbs 30:11-23
15th. Tuesday – Nehemiah 5, 6, Revelation 12, Psalm 143
16th. Wednesday - Nehemiah 7, Revelation 13, Psalm 144:1-8
17 th. Thursday – Nehemiah 8, 9, Revelation 14:1-8, Psalm 144:9-15
18th. Friday – Nehemiah 10-11, Revelation 14:9-20, Proverbs 30:24-33
19th. Saturday – Nehemiah 12, Revelation 15, Psalm 145:1-7



_________


OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG SEARCHES

(With links to 620 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. With it you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to any email address on earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”


http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 3 published books & more to come



____________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would that thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.”

Revelation 2:15-16


_____________



SEND FREE CHRISTIAN EMAIL GREETINGS FROM:

ecards@dayspring.com

3-movies@dayspring.com

________________

REPENTANCE ??

"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. For years I've been stealing building supplies from the lumberyard where I work."

"How much did you take?"

"Enough to build my own house and my son's house. And houses for our two daughters and our cottage at the lake."

"This is very serious. I'll have to think of a far-reaching penance for you. Have you ever done a retreat?"

"No, Father, I haven't. But if you got the blueprints I can get the lumber."

_______________

CHRISTMAS GIFT SUGGESTIONS


$12 $12 $12

Need a Christmas present? Phyllis’ first missionary novel has been published, You can order a copy now. Go to and search for (Feet of Clay – P J Mills) This is the first volume of a series based in Guatemala, Central America. If this one pays the cost, she has 5 more volumes waiting in line. Her book “The Call to Africa” is also still available from Amazon.com. “Some of God’s Children” Any of these may be ordered from Phyllis herself.

Once you have read the book, Please go back to the entry in Amazon, or the web search of the title and the author and after you have double clicked on the cover of the book there, you will find there is much more. Scroll down to “Create your own book review” and enter a note of appreciation and, if there is a space for them, the number of stars you rate it. These reviews are vital to good sales! Under the cover picture Google has made a link to their own write up, which has pages from the published book. They also encourage asking for it to be made available in Kindle e-book format.

UNDERSTANDING THE FUTURE

Newsletter 169 December 6, 2009

As I was reading the scripture from Daniel 2, concerning the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and then the vision of John, on Patmos, recorded here, It seemed more than coincidence that they were both about the same era. Both of them contain a panoramic view of the latter days. They both end with the second coming of Christ. Daniel explains it starting with Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the beginning of the period, while John is writing from the end of the same period of time, but relating it from the viewpoint of the church.

Revelation is the only book of the Bible which promises so great blessings upon those who read it. It is prophetic, written to a people who hunger to know what is to come to be. It promises great punishment for those who meddle with its content, who add to or remove portions; yet, so few people have really read it. Why? Yes, it is sometimes difficult to completely understand, but so was Daniel to those who read it then.

God used the seven churches of Asia as an example. There were seven postal districts in this which is the same as Turkey, today. Verse one tells us that this is shortly to come to pass. Since it is a panoramic view, he means to begin to unfold. They would roll the scroll they were reading, as we pan with a camera today. They show the presence of the Holy Spirit in the church throughout, no doubt using the Menorah, which has seven lamps even as did the candle stand in the tabernacle. It has been used by the Jewish nation throughout the same time span of history.. Seven is a symbol of completeness. We see that figure throughout the Bible. The light represents the presence of God, as in the Shekinah cloud of light. We read of it at the dedication of the Tabernacle, and of the Temple. We see it on the mount when Moses received the law, it was in the cloud that led them in the wilderness wanderings. God was with them, even when they sinned and had to be punished.

Revelation 1:1-8

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

3 Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

This message came to Jesus, who was, who is, and who is to come. John told us in the Gospel of John, 1:1-3. That he was in the beginning with God, and he made all things. He created all things, he came to earth from His Father, John 3:16-17, and he is coming back for His church when he will separate the good from the bad. When he used the Alpha and the Omega, he used the Greek alphabet one unit in full from A to Z.

__________




READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009

DECEMBER

6th. Sunday – Daniel 11, 12, Revelation 4, Proverbs 29:19-27
7th. Monday – Ezra 1:-2:42, Revelation 5, Psalm 139:9-16
8th. Tuesday – Ezra 2:43-3:13, Revelation 6, Psalm 139:17-24
9th. Wednesday - Ezra 4, 5, Revelation 7, Psalm 140:1-5
10th. Thursday – Ezra 6, 7, Revelation 8, Proverbs 30:1-10
11th. Friday – Ezra 8, 9, Revelation 9:1-11, Psalm 140:6-13
12th. Saturday – Ezra 10, Revelation 9:12-21, Psalm 141

_________


OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG SEARCHES

(With links to 619 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. With it you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to any email address on earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”


http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 3 published books & more to come



____________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God”

Revelation 2:10

_____________


SEND FREE CHRISTIAN EMAIL GREETINGS FROM:

ecards@dayspring.com

3-movies@dayspring.com

________________

"An Atheist in the woods"

An atheist was walking through the woods.

"What majestic trees!"
"What powerful rivers!"
"What beautiful animals!"
He said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling
in the bushes behind him. He turned to look.

A 7-foot grizzly bear was charging towards him.

The man ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked
over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing in on
him. He looked over his shoulder again, and the bear was
even closer. He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled
over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on
top of him, reaching for him with his left and raising his
right paw to strike him.

At that instant the Atheist cried out, "Oh my God!".

Time Stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.

As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out
of the sky. "You deny my existence for all these years,
teach others I don't exist, and even credit creation to a
cosmic accident.. Do you expect me to help you out of
this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"

The atheist looked directly into the light and said, "It
would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat
me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the
BEAR a Christian?"

"Very Well", said the voice.

The light went out.. The sounds of the forest resumed..
And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws
together, bowed his head & spoke:


"Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy
bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen."
_______________

CHRISTMAS GIFT SUGGESTIONS


$12 $12 $12

Need a Christmas present? Phyllis’ first missionary novel has been published, You can order a copy now. Go to and search for (Feet of Clay – P J Mills) This is the first volume of a series based in Guatemala, Central America. If this one pays the cost, she has 5 more volumes waiting in line. Her book “The Call to Africa” is also still available from Amazon.com. “Some of God’s Children” Any of these may be ordered from Phyllis herself.

Once you have read the book, Please go back to the entry in Amazon, or the web search of the title and the author and after you have double clicked on the cover of the book there, you will find there is much more. Scroll down to “Create your own book review” and enter a note of appreciation and, if there is a space for them, the number of stars you rate it. These reviews are vital to good sales! Under the cover picture Google has made a link to their own write up, which has pages from the published book. They also encourage asking for it to be made available in Kindle e-book format.

THANKSGIVING

Newsletter 168 November 29, 2009



Psalm 106: 1-3

1 Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?

3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.

Let us praise God for it is he who provides for His own.

Thanks giving is a harvest time festival pf American origin, but also celebrated in other lands as well, though not necessarily on the same date, nor as a national holiday. Traditionally, it is a time of homecoming.

However, as children of God, we have so very much to be thankful for. First, we need to be thankful every day that He loves us so much that He was willing to give us His Son as a sacrifice for our sins so that we can be with Him forever. He did not have to do that, but he did it anyway! John 3:16 assures us of that fact. ”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Believers need not perish! If they accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ, they will realize also that all power has been given unto him, both in Heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18. And they will hasten to accept that this includes all of us. His command, “Go ye unto all the world, and preach the gospel to every nation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16. That command is an edict of an absolute Monarch. No greater power exists.

We can be thankful that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us in his father’s house. We don’t know what it will be like, but rest assured, it will make anything available here seem insignificant. It is there waiting his sending for us.

We can be thankful for his concern that, as his servants, we have all our needs, even here, are assured. Our food, our clothing, our shelter, are provided, even as he provides for the animals, the flowers of the fields, and the birds of the air, we can be sure that he will care for us as well. That assurance is for his servants, not everyone, everywhere. This is the time that has been set aside for us to give thanks, and to pray for one another and for our leaders and land.

__________




READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009

NOVEMBER

29th. Sunday – Habakkuk 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 2, Psalm 135 13-21
30th. Monday – Obadiah, 2 Peter 3, Psalm 136:1-12
DECEMBER
1st. Tuesday – Daniel 1, 2, Revelation 1, Psalm 136:13-25
2nd. Wednesday – Daniel 3, 4, Revelation 2:1-17, Proverbs 29:10-18
3rd. Thursday – Daniel 5, 6, Revelation 2:18-29, Psalm 137
4th. Friday – Daniel 7, 8, Revelation 3:1-10, Psalm 138
5th. Saturday – Daniel 9, 10, Revelation 3:11-22, Psalm 139:1-8

_________


OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG SEARCHES

(With links to 618 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. With it you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to any email address on earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”


http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 3 published books & more to come



____________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1:9

_____________


SEND FREE CHRISTIAN EMAIL GREETINGS FROM:

ecards@dayspring.com

3-movies@dayspring.com

________________

Angelic Assistance?



________________

CHRISTMAS GIFT SUGGESTIONS




PERSONAL FAMILY NOTES


Need a Christmas present? Phyllis’ first missionary novel has been published, You can order a copy now. Go to and search for (Feet of Clay – P J Mills) This is the first volume of a series based in Guatemala, Central America. If this one pays the cost, she has 5 more volumes waiting in line. Her book “The Call to Africa” is also still available from Amazon.com. “Some of God’s Children” Any of these may be ordered from Phyllis herself.

Once you have read the book, Please go back to the entry in Amazon, or the web search of the title and the author and after you have double clicked on the cover of the book there, you will find there is much more. Scroll down to “Create your own book review” and enter a note of appreciation and, if there is a space for them, the number of stars you rate it. These reviews are vital to good sales! Under the cover picture Google has made a link to their own write up, which has pages from the published book. They also encourage asking for it to be made available in Kindle e-book format.


Bob and Phyllis

THE RACE OF FAITH

Newsletter 167  November 22, 2009

======================================================

Even though the author, probably Paul, is talking about faith, and not a marathon, he has chosen to use a marathon type race to represent the Christian’s life from beginning to end.

We have all witnessed, on television if not live, triathlon or marathon races. The Greek culture, under which the writer of Hebrews lived, placed great emphasis on this type of sporting events. They still attract thousands of both participants, and also exuberant fans. The annual marathon in South Africa draws people from all over the world every year and most of the day the race is about all that there is to watch on television. I always found it fascinating to see the escorting motorcycles, each with a cameraman sitting backwards with his camera balanced in his hands so that he can keep it focused on the lead runners. He does not want the watchers of his channel to miss a single thing. His pictures will be sent by satellite around the world.. To win a gold or bronze metal is indeed a great honor.

Like the crowds which line the marathon route, and those watching television, the book of Hebrews likens every Christian life to that of the runner in the marathon. All are surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses. “we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses.” We need to be aware that nothing we do in life is unobserved. We are an open book. This is made clear when Jesus says, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth” Luke 15:7; the same is repeated in Luke 15:10 “Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Following this, he tells us the beautiful story of the loving father (God) over his prodigal son who repented and returned home. Certainly God and the angels are aware of all if they rejoice and throw a party over even one person who repents! Imagine their joy when three thousand repented and were baptized on that fist Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ, when the church came into being!

“Let us lay aside every sin” as did they.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (King James Version)
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Romans 13:12, Ephesians 4:22, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Galatians 2:2, Hebrews 10:16

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 2:20, Philippians 2:8, Hebrews 2:9, 1 Corinthians 1:18, I Corinthians 1:23, Hebrews 13:13, Hebrews 1:3)

One watches the struggles of the mass of the runners. Some will give up. How we wept when some struggled and then gave up in the marathon. We suffer with them, but then we watch as runner after runner, takes the hand of a weaker partner in his group, and encourages them to keep trying. You can feel his concern. Oh that all Christians had that same concern to assist and encourage, even if it means that it is harder in that they may lose their front runner position. In the run of faith, one does not lose because of helping one another. He gains, for the point is to finish and to be able to say with Paul on that great day: (2 Timothy 4:7-8) “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

What a glorious day that will be when the church is all united as one. Our savior died for each one of us, that we might have life with Him.


__________




READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009

NOVEMBER

22nd. Sunday – Ezekiel 39-40:1-31, James 5, Psalm 131
23rd. Monday – Ezekiel 40:32-41:26, 1 Peter 1, Psalm 132
24th. Tuesday – Ezekiel 42, 43, 1 Peter 2, Proverbs 28:15-28
25th. Wednesday – Ezekiel 44, 45, 1 Peter 3, Psalm 133
26th. Thursday - Ezekiel 46, 47, 1 Peter 4, Psalm 134
27th. Friday – Ezekiel 48, 1 Peter 5, Psalm 135:1-12
28th. Saturday – Joel 1, 2, 3, 2 Peter 1, Proverbs 28:1-9

_________


OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG SEARCHES

(With links to 612 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. With it you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to any email address on earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”


http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 3 published books & more to come



____________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Hebrews 13:2

_____________


SEND FREE CHRISTIAN EMAIL GREETINGS FROM:

ecards@dayspring.com

3-movies@dayspring.com
________________

Angelic Assistance?
An old-time pastor was riding furiously down the road, hurrying to get to church on time. Suddenly, his horse stumbled and threw him to the ground.

Lying in the dirt, his body wracked with pain, the pastor called out, “All you angels in heaven, help me get up on my horse!”

With extraordinary strength, he leaped onto the horse’s back—and fell off the other side.

From the ground again, he called out, “All right, just half of you angels this time!”

________________

CHRISTMAS GIFT SUGGESTIONS

Need a Christmas present? Phyllis’ first missionary novel has been published, You can order a copy now. Go to and search for (Feet of Clay – P J Mills) This is the first volume of a series based in Guatemala, Central America. If this one pays the cost, she has 5 more volumes waiting in line. Her book “The Call to Africa” is also still available from Amazon.com. “Some of God’s Children” Any of these may be ordered from Phyllis herself.

Once you have read the book, Please go back to the entry in Amazon, or the web search of the title and the author and after you have double clicked on the cover of the book there, you will find there is much more. Scroll down to “Create your own book review” and enter a note of appreciation and, if there is a space for them, the number of stars you rate it. These reviews are vital to good sales! Under the cover picture Google has made a link to their own write up, which has pages from the published book. They also encourage asking for it to be made available in Kindle e-book format.

THE AMAZING SWORD OF FAITH

Newsletter 165
November 8, 2009

======================================================

I have a healthy respect for really sharp steel. Just researching and reading about the various types of swords gave me cold chills. It brought back the memory of the time that I was trimming stationery that I had printed on a type of rippled paper, and I pulled the stack from the paper guillotine forgetting that the stack was no longer compressed. The blade sliced through a finger nail and the end of my finger like hot butter. The memory of that cut has stayed with me so that when I had to remove that long blade and replace it with a previously sharpened blade was always very carefully done. Those words, “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword” have a intensely powerful meaning to me. That blade had only one edge, but two edges in the hands of an expert; devastating. I would be afraid to handle it, even by a safe handle.

Hebrews 4:12-16 (King James Version)

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Jeremiah 23:29, Ephesians 5:26, Hebrews 6:5, 2 Peter 1:23, Acts 7:38, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Ephesians 6:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, John 12:48, 1 Corinthians 13:44)

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 33:13-15, Job 26:6)

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (Hebrews 2:17, Ephesians 4:10, Hebrews 8:20, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 9:24, Matthew 4:3, Hebrews 1:2, Hebrews 6:6, Hebrews 7:3, Hebrews 10:29, Hebrews 3:1)

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 2:17, Hebrew 2:18, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 7:26)

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 7:19, Hebrews 3:6)

A missionary preacher friend of mine once used this first verse in a sermon, and without thinking, started to explain the difference between the soul and spirit, and how they could be separated. He immediately realized that he was in trouble. In other places they are sometimes treated as synonyms and are used interchangeably. There are things which would be totally impossible to man, but are totally possible for God. What we can not do with the very best of our tool, in this case swords, God can do without any such tools at all. He is comparing the Word with a sword of faith, not just an ordinary sword, but a double edged sword! He has provided with someth8ng that we must not take for granted.

It can separate those fleeting thoughts we all occasionally have, from the well thought out plots of the professional thief. Nothing is hidden from God.

The King James Version says, “open … to the eyes of him”. This is the only place that this particular word in the Greek, is used. It pertains to baring the neck as for the sword, . We will not only be judged by the Word, but by the Word in the hands of God from whom nothing is hidden. The person who knows the Word, but has rejected it, is without hope.

Our high priest is not a mere man here on earth, He is one who arose from the dead and after a period of teaching commissioned his ambassadors to mankind and ascended back to be with God where he is even now preparing a place for his own. We have one who understands. He came to live among us as a man, but arose from the grave, restored to his heavenly body. He knows, he was one of us. He understands all our weaknesses.

He is coming again; perhaps very soon. We are even today living the same problems of the final Laodicean church, rich but spiritually lukewarm, miserable, poor, blind and naked in his sight. (Revelation 4:17-18) , but still he loves us. (Revelation 4:19-20)
__________




READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009

NOVEMBER

8th. Sunday – Ezekiel 12, 13, Hebrews 8, Proverbs 27:1-10
9th. Monday – Ezekiel 14, 15, Hebrews 9:1-14, Psalm 121
10th. Tuesday – Ezekiel 16, Hebrews 9:15-28, Psalm 122
11th. Wednesday – Ezekiel 17, 18, Hebrews 10:1-18, Psalm 123
12th. Thursday - Ezekiel 19, 20, Hebrews 10:19-39, Proverbs 27:11-20
13th. Friday – Ezekiel 21, 22, Hebrews 11:1-22, Psalm 124
14th. Saturday – Ezekiel 23, Hebrews 11:23-40, Psalm 125

_________


OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG SEARCHES

(With links to 593 titles)

GOOGLE TRANSLATOR: The Translator is available only to e-mail blog readers and needs to be activated by scrolling to the very bottom of the monitor screen. With it you may have any of our blogs on the screen translated into one of many languages and you can then copy and forward them to any email address on earth. “Go ye unto all the world.”


http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’ 3 published books & more to come



____________


THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

"God is light, and in him is no darkness at all”

1 John 1:5

_____________


SEND FREE CHRISTIAN EMAIL GREETINGS FROM:

ecards@dayspring.com

3-movies@dayspring.com

________________

Things We've Learned From The Movies
14. Once applied, lipstick will never rub off-even while scuba diving.

15. You're very likely to survive any battle in any war unless you make the mistake of showing someone a picture of your sweetheart back home.

16. Should you wish to pass yourself off as a German or Russian officer, it will not be necessary to speak the language. A German or Russian accent will do. (It used to be an English accent for the German.)

17. The Eiffel Tower can be seen from any window in Paris.

18. A man will show no pain while taking the most ferocious beating but will wince when a woman tries to clean his wounds.

19. If a large pane of glass is visible, someone will be thrown through it before long.

20. If staying in a haunted house, women should investigate any strange noises in their most revealing underwear.

21. Word processors never display a cursor on screen but will always say: Enter Password Now.

22. Even when driving down a perfectly straight road, it is necessary to turn the steering wheel vigorously from left to right every few moments. Tires will squeal on any surface, at any speed.

23. All bombs are fitted with electronic timing devices with large red readouts so you know exactly when they're going to go off.

24. A detective can only solve a case once he has been suspended from duty.

25. If you decide to start dancing in the street, everyone you meet will know all the steps.

26. Police departments give their officers personality tests to make sure they are deliberately assigned a partner who is their total opposite.

27. When they are alone, all foreign military officers prefer to speak to each other in English.


________________





PERSONAL FAMILY NOTES

Need a Christmas present? Phyllis’ first missionary novel has been published, You can order a copy now. Go to and search for (Feet of Clay – P J Mills) This is the first volume of a series based in Guatemala, Central America. If this one pays the cost, she has 5 more volumes waiting in line. Her book “The Call to Africa” is also still available from Amazon.com. “Some of God’s Children” Any of these may be ordered from Phyllis herself.


Bob and Phyllis