Day by Day

[Def]

"A Banner"

You have set up a banner for those who fear you. Psalm 60:4a

There may be two sides to every story, but I have to admit, I’m kind of on Dan Towbin’s side. According to a story filed last week by the Associated Press, Dan Towbin is man who likes the American flag. Dan is the owner of an automobile dealership who recently received permission from his local city council to put up a 100-foot flag pole.

On that 100-foot flag pole, Dan is flying a 30x60 foot American flag. (That is roughly the size of a competition volleyball court.)

Dan’s patriotism has not been without its critics. Officials in Dan’s town have now decided the flagpole is too high. Other folks in the neighborhood of the dealership say the flag’s flapping is too loud, and still others have said that Dan is using the flag as an advertising tool.

In answer to all of those who are finding fault with his flag Dan has replied, “The American flag stays. . .we never sold a vehicle based on a flag.”

As of this writing, the battle for the flying of the flapping flag continues to be fought. It’s anyone’s guess how that battle will turn out. As for me, armed with the facts which I’ve been given, I’m cheering for Dan. Although he may never have read Psalm 60:4a, Dan understands this: if you’re going to have a banner, you need to set it up in a place where people can see it. If you’re going to have a banner, you need to place it in a location where people can be brought to it, and where they can rally around it.

Those are the purposes of a banner.

Those are also the purposes of the cross of Christ.

Two-thousand years ago God allowed His banner of salvation to be set upon the skull-shaped hill of Calvary. On the cross of Calvary, the Lord’s innocent Son gave His life as a ransom for guilty humankind. From then until the end of time, the cross of Calvary will continue to be the single banner that needs to be seen by sinners. By God’s grace, it will always be the banner of forgiveness for all who are convicted of their transgression. It will remain as the only banner that can rally the lost and give them eternal life.

The cross is God’s banner which every Christian is privileged to lift up so all may know ‘God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not die, but have everlasting life.’

AMEN!!  so so PRECIOUS

[Def]

AMEN!!  so so PRECIOUS

pastor Roger  thunder at is worse here and i have atrembling little dog to console right now ..ill be back when God is throught showing is presence in His thunder...soon   Def WOW terrible...

[Soldier4Christ]

pastor Roger  thunder at is worse here and i have atrembling little dog to console right now ..ill be back when God is throught showing is presence in His thunder...soon   Def WOW terrible...

Hold your dog close, sister and do take care.

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Blessed Lord"

While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep…(Job said) the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. Job 1:16, 21b-22

Years ago, Bill Cosby did a comedy skit about cattle that had contracted hoof-and-mouth disease. It was a very funny routine, and almost everyone who heard it ended up laughing.

No one is laughing at last week’s outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease in England.

The bad news is that in a few short days, 200 cattle were put down, the government banned the movement of all livestock across England, and the European Commission banned the export of British meat, milk, and live animals. The worse news is the fact that hoof-and-mouth can spread from animal to animal by saliva, milk or droppings, infected feed, through the air, and by vehicles driving along the road. The worst news is that the illness may have been deliberately started.

The effect on the farming community has been devastating. Sixty-year-old John Gunner told how his animals had sickened and died before his eyes. Remembering one of his favorites, John wept as he said, “My old bull Ned, he was not very well. He was like having a pet dog. He was about eight years old. His father was one of the winners at Smithfield Market. He had great pedigree. He was so gentle.”

John, along with the other farmers who have been affected, may well have felt like Job who was told that fire from heaven was destroying their livelihood and their flocks.

It is my hope that John may carry this cross as well as Job did. You remember what the Scriptures say about the unfortunate Biblical hero: (Job said) “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

With those words, Job showed that he had faith. He had the kind of faith each of us needs, especially when pains and problems come crashing into our lives. It’s the kind of faith that continues to believe God is a loving Father in good times and in bad. It’s the kind of faith that believes God continues to love His people even when they don’t understand exactly why nasty things are happening to them.

It’s the kind of faith that says, “If God has loved us enough to give His Son to suffer and die as our ransom, He’s not likely to turn on us or abuse us.” It’s the kind of faith that I pray may be yours today and always.

[Soldier4Christ]

"God Doesn't Forget"

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-8

Most of us don't like to be forgotten. The only exception I know to that rule is a fellow by the name of Paul Flasher. Paul was sentenced to five-years-in-prison for grand theft. After the sentencing, his lawyer told him to go home and wait for an official notice that would tell him when he was to report to jail. Flasher did go home, and he did wait. He waited for twelve years, while somebody in authority forgot all about him. They did finally come and pick him up. Paul didn't mind waiting, but he is the exception. The rest of us don't like to be forgotten.

We don't want to be forgotten on our birthdays or anniversaries. We don't want to be forgotten by our waitress when we go out to dinner. We're flattered when a new acquaintance remembers our name and a few small details of our life. Unfortunately, in most situations, we're just a number. If you feel forgotten by those around you, I hope you turn to the Lord and give thanks. He remembers everything about you. He not only remembers, He also cares, giving us an example to follow. Remember to take some time, single out one individual, and make him feel special. Let's each of us remember somebody, because God remembers us.

[Def]

"A Blessed Lord"

While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep…(Job said) the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. Job 1:16, 21b-22

Years ago, Bill Cosby did a comedy skit about cattle that had contracted hoof-and-mouth disease. It was a very funny routine, and almost everyone who heard it ended up laughing.

No one is laughing at last week’s outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease in England.

The bad news is that in a few short days, 200 cattle were put down, the government banned the movement of all livestock across England, and the European Commission banned the export of British meat, milk, and live animals. The worse news is the fact that hoof-and-mouth can spread from animal to animal by saliva, milk or droppings, infected feed, through the air, and by vehicles driving along the road. The worst news is that the illness may have been deliberately started.

The effect on the farming community has been devastating. Sixty-year-old John Gunner told how his animals had sickened and died before his eyes. Remembering one of his favorites, John wept as he said, “My old bull Ned, he was not very well. He was like having a pet dog. He was about eight years old. His father was one of the winners at Smithfield Market. He had great pedigree. He was so gentle.”

John, along with the other farmers who have been affected, may well have felt like Job who was told that fire from heaven was destroying their livelihood and their flocks.

It is my hope that John may carry this cross as well as Job did. You remember what the Scriptures say about the unfortunate Biblical hero: (Job said) “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

With those words, Job showed that he had faith. He had the kind of faith each of us needs, especially when pains and problems come crashing into our lives. It’s the kind of faith that continues to believe God is a loving Father in good times and in bad. It’s the kind of faith that believes God continues to love His people even when they don’t understand exactly why nasty things are happening to them.

It’s the kind of faith that says, “If God has loved us enough to give His Son to suffer and die as our ransom, He’s not likely to turn on us or abuse us.” It’s the kind of faith that I pray may be yours today and always.

Hello Pastor Roger
what ever HIS desire..Amen...Pleasing Him is all i care for..in Jesus Def

[Soldier4Christ]

"From The Frying Pan Into The Fire"

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

There is an old expression that says people sometimes jump from the frying pan into the fire. That was certainly the case for a man in Phoenix, Arizona who ended up in the hospital. His story began when he tried to rob a restaurant. When the police chased him, his car was wrecked as he drove into a bridge. He decided that he could improve his chances for escape by jumping into the river. He vaulted the rail and dove in headfirst. Unfortunately for him, the river was dry and he ended up in the hospital.

Even though none of us have held up a restaurant, we certainly can understand this man's plight. All of us find ourselves going from frying pan to fire. It is precisely at those moments, when things seem to go from bad to worse that we need to turn to our Lord and trust Him. Whether we are in the frying pan or the fire, He is with us, wishing to help us and pull us to safety. That's the message of the Bible, and it's the work that God has entrusted to His people. It is our duty to reach out to folks in fire and frying pan and let them know God cares. Won't you do that today with the people you meet?

[Soldier4Christ]

"Whether Watch"

He (Jesus) answered them . . . You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. Matthew 16:2a, 3b

Have you ever heard the old saying, “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Well, I think maybe it’s time we asked the Lord to do something about the weather. This is why, because of the length of the prayer at the end, this devotion is just a little bit different.

As I’ve been traveling across the country, I’ve been amazed at the “excesses of weather” that seem to be so commonplace. In some places, there are fires following a full-fledged drought, and in other places people are bailing out the floodwaters. Some locations are enduring unseasonably cold temperatures and others are breaking records for high heat.

So far, I haven’t told you anything you probably don’t know. But you might be surprised when I share some facts gleaned from an article in last week’s International Herald Tribune. It said Asia has had its worst monsoon in recent memory. England and Wales had their wettest May and June since 1766. The Arabian Sea had it first documented cyclone, and South Africa was able to measure its first significant snowfall since June of 1981.

So, enough talk about the weather. With lives and livelihood at stake, let’s ask the Lord to do something about it.

[Soldier4Christ]

"When No One Is Looking"

August 21, 2007

For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. Romans 2:14-16

Years ago, there was a popular song that spoke of how it “rains pennies from heaven.” Although I have never been soaked by such a financial shower, an ATM in Louisiana came pretty close to doing exactly that for its patrons. The Associated Press reported how one particular ATM machine gave out twenty-dollar bills every time it was supposed to be only five-dollar-bills. For five days, the machine substituted $20 for $5. During that time, twenty-six people made out like bandits, literally. When a supervisor unplugged the bountiful machine, some treasure seeker plugged it back in.

Reading that story, I wonder what I would have done had I been there. Would I, as a Christian, have returned the money? Would I have told about the others who were taking advantage of a faulty piece of equipment? Does the question get more complicated if I know that nobody is watching or if I think “everyone is doing it?” When Paul wrote to the church in Rome he said everybody, including people who aren’t Christians, have the law of the Lord written in their hearts.

Paul was saying the Lord has given everyone, both believers and unbelievers, a conscience that is designed to tell them right from wrong. A healthy conscience says, “God is watching and He isn’t going to be pleased with wrongdoing.” Unfortunately, at least for twenty-six folks at a Louisiana truck stop, some consciences are “on the fritz”, and they apparently don’t care all that much what God thinks.

Of course, we who have been saved by Jesus have a reason, other than fear, to do the right thing. We aren’t terrified that God is going to strike us down with a lightning bolt if we misbehave. As Christians, we have another level of reinforcement, a better motivation to do the right thing. We don’t take the wrong amount from an ATM because it is pleasing to the Lord and because we want others to know our faith in the Savior has made a difference in our lives. We do what is right even when no other human being is watching.

[Def]

"When No One Is Looking"

August 21, 2007

For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. Romans 2:14-16

Years ago, there was a popular song that spoke of how it “rains pennies from heaven.” Although I have never been soaked by such a financial shower, an ATM in Louisiana came pretty close to doing exactly that for its patrons. The Associated Press reported how one particular ATM machine gave out twenty-dollar bills every time it was supposed to be only five-dollar-bills. For five days, the machine substituted $20 for $5. During that time, twenty-six people made out like bandits, literally. When a supervisor unplugged the bountiful machine, some treasure seeker plugged it back in.

Reading that story, I wonder what I would have done had I been there. Would I, as a Christian, have returned the money? Would I have told about the others who were taking advantage of a faulty piece of equipment? Does the question get more complicated if I know that nobody is watching or if I think “everyone is doing it?” When Paul wrote to the church in Rome he said everybody, including people who aren’t Christians, have the law of the Lord written in their hearts.

Paul was saying the Lord has given everyone, both believers and unbelievers, a conscience that is designed to tell them right from wrong. A healthy conscience says, “God is watching and He isn’t going to be pleased with wrongdoing.” Unfortunately, at least for twenty-six folks at a Louisiana truck stop, some consciences are “on the fritz”, and they apparently don’t care all that much what God thinks.

Of course, we who have been saved by Jesus have a reason, other than fear, to do the right thing. We aren’t terrified that God is going to strike us down with a lightning bolt if we misbehave. As Christians, we have another level of reinforcement, a better motivation to do the right thing. We don’t take the wrong amount from an ATM because it is pleasing to the Lord and because we want others to know our faith in the Savior has made a difference in our lives. We do what is right even when no other human being is watching.

Pastor Roger when no one is looking that is when i am at my best cause that is when Jesus is there teaching me about the kingdom of God almighty.glory glory to his name..For God By Jesus in Jesus name ohlaa you got me going now..love in Jesus Pastor Roger that was Good..

[Soldier4Christ]

"Not Here"

August 22, 2007

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:6

Cemeteries are places of memories.

Go to any cemetery and you will usually spot someone standing by a loved one’s gravestone. They’re not cleaning, or planting flowers. In fact, they’re not doing anything special at all. They’re just standing there, remembering.

But what is someone like Sally Regenhard to do with her memories? On September 11th, her son, a firefighter, was killed in the twin towers of New York’s Trade Center. Sally has never received any of her son’s remains. She has never had anything to bury. What does Sally do for memories?

This year, Sally, along with other 9/11 families, went to “ground zero.” While the names of those who died were being read in a park across the street, the mourners walked down to a small section of the former World Trade Center. Jim Riches, a New York Fire Chief who also lost a son in the attack said, “It's a relief for the families and solace for me to know I can go down to where he drew his last breath and leave a flower.”

Even when there is no body to bury, even when there is no gravestone, cemeteries are a place of memories.

When I read that story filed by the Associated Press last week, I thought of another group of mourners who, 2,000 years ago, went to a friend’s grave. I wondered what they talked about as they went in the pre-dawn hours to His sepulcher. Did they think about the good times and the laughter? Did they speak of the things they wished they had said? Did they talk about their disappointment in how His life had been cut short on Calvary’s cross?

Scripture doesn’t record what those women said as they went to the cemetery. It does say what they found when they got there. They found nothing. There was no body beginning to decay. There was no corpse to prepare. There was only an empty tomb and an angel who said, “He is not here, for He is risen.”

Those words at the empty-grave of Christ change everything. Those who have been saved by the Savior’s sacrifice know that the grave no longer has the final victory. It doesn’t make any difference if death comes swiftly or slowly, painfully or peacefully. It has been defeated. Jesus’ empty tomb says that Sally’s son, Jim Riches son, and our redeemed love ones will live again.

This is why next time you go to a cemetery, and your mind and heart is filled with memories of someone who has died, please take time to remember the risen Christ who said, “Because I live, you will live also.” (John 14:19)

[Soldier4Christ]

"Peace At The Center"

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

President Herbert Hoover was quite a man. At one time, he was one of the most popular men in the world; not more than two years later, he was one of the most hated and criticized. Late in life, a reporter asked him if all of the ups and downs had bothered him. Hoover, surprised at the question, responded, "Of course not.... When I went into politics I knew what I might expect. When it came, I wasn't disappointed or upset." Then, Hoover added, "Besides, I have 'peace at the center,' you know."

I wonder how many of our readers can say that they have peace at their centers? Sure, we feel pretty good when things are going right, but how about when we're on a downhill slide? How about when people are criticizing us, and life seems to be falling apart? Do we have peace then? Our Lord Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." God's peace is not something that depends on what happens or how people feel. Indeed, God's peace is most profound when things aren't going well. Would you like this peace of God? Do you know somebody who needs it? It's there. He wants you to have it. When you do, you'll find, like Mr. Hoover, no matter what happens, good or bad, you have peace at the center.

[Def]

"Peace At The Center"

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

President Herbert Hoover was quite a man. At one time, he was one of the most popular men in the world; not more than two years later, he was one of the most hated and criticized. Late in life, a reporter asked him if all of the ups and downs had bothered him. Hoover, surprised at the question, responded, "Of course not.... When I went into politics I knew what I might expect. When it came, I wasn't disappointed or upset." Then, Hoover added, "Besides, I have 'peace at the center,' you know."

I wonder how many of our readers can say that they have peace at their centers? Sure, we feel pretty good when things are going right, but how about when we're on a downhill slide? How about when people are criticizing us, and life seems to be falling apart? Do we have peace then? Our Lord Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." God's peace is not something that depends on what happens or how people feel. Indeed, God's peace is most profound when things aren't going well. Would you like this peace of God? Do you know somebody who needs it? It's there. He wants you to have it. When you do, you'll find, like Mr. Hoover, no matter what happens, good or bad, you have peace at the center.

YEAH! I like that,and I feel that since i died to Jesus ..Peace be with You Pastor Roger..amen in Jesus Def..(";")

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Lost Next Door"

“How can I (understand),” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” Acts 8:31

There is a popular African proverb that says, “It’s a great loss of advantage if you live by the river and yet wash your hands with spittle.” Of course, such a tragedy may be born either out of ignorance or rebellion for what is right. This scenario describes a man who lived next door to a large Christian church. He had never attended a church service or even given a thought to learning about Christ until someone invited him.

We often take for granted that a person is a Christian just because they were born into a Christian family, attend a Christian school, or live next door to a church. This is not necessarily true. In the book of 1 Samuel, Chapter 3, God called Samuel, who had lived all his life in the temple. But he did not recognize God’s voice. Three times he ran to his master, Eli, thinking it was his voice. “Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him” (1 Samuel 3:7).

Psalm 34:8a says it all, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” That’s the clarion call to all of us. It is an invitation to us, as well as an instruction to tell others of God, for only He can make a difference. The man who washes his hand with spittle would be pleasantly surprised the day he realizes the refreshment of washing in the river. This is what happens when a lost soul finds rest and direction in Jesus Christ.

In our own neighborhoods, and even in our churches, are many who have not yet had the Word of God revealed to them. That is what we are called to do—share the story of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Unchanging"

August 25, 2007

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

America has come a long way in her desire not to offend or cause anybody to squirm. In some parts of the state of Nevada, students can sleep well, because it's impossible for them to fail. That's because some creative thinkers have managed to manipulate the language to make EVERYBODY feel good. Those scoring top marks are described as "extending", those not quite so successful are "developing". And those who don't manage to pull a D- are "emerging". Even though I don't understand everything this kind of change is trying to accomplish, I won't rock the boat.

I am thankful, however, that God never changes the rules of salvation. When He says something is a sin, it is. When He tells us how we can be saved from sin and find peace, those words are as true today as when they were first spoken thousands of years ago.

God's faithfulness may not sound like a big thing, but it does provide me, and millions of others, an anchor in a world that seems to be continuously shifting. So, if you're someone who has been rocked by the fast changes of the modern world or if you know somebody who seems to be adrift, share with them our wonderful Lord who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.