Daily Bread

Dark Valleys

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…He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me Psalm 23:3b-4

 

My aunt Dorothy served as the National Executive Secretary of the U.S. of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom from 1924-46. Being an advocate for peace in Washington DC during the war was quite unpopular, but from her time there she passed on to our family this saying: “It isn’t what you know in Washington that matters; it’s who you know!”

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So when things seem confusing and difficult in our walk of faith remember, it isn’t what we know about the path that will keep us going; it’s how well we know who is leading. God has promised, not because of who we are, what we have done or how much we know, but for His own name’s sake to lead us on the right path. There are times that right path will lead into dark valleys. There are moments when our enemies will peer from behind the rocks planning how to destroy us; but we must never run away. Our shepherd is with us. In those dark nights, we need to walk as close to Him as we can. If you cannot see the path ahead then press in until you are close enough to hear his footsteps. His rod and His staff hang at His side ready to protect us. He will be our shepherd not only in the green pastures but also in the shadow of death!

An Address in Heaven?

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Most who know the song “I Rather Have Jesus” associate it with George Beverly Shea. In fact though he did write the popular melody, the words were composed by Rhea Miller in 1922. George Beverly Shea’s mother copied the words and left them by the piano where she was certain her son would find them.

The words from verse two tell us –

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause

I’d rather be true to His dear cause

I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame

I’d rather be true to His holy name!

While everyone has heard of George Beverly Shea, almost no one remembers the woman who not only declared but lived out the line, “I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame!” Rhea Miller lived and died virtually unknown beyond her circlekimg2455 of friends and family.

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20

Some few of us might, like George Beverly Shea, become internationally known, but most of us live in more like Rhea Miller while here on earth. Take this moment to close your eyes and ask yourself: Do you wish have a mansion on earth and yet be forgotten in heaven; or will you choose to live for him in a tiny house on an unknown street and have an address remembered in heaven?

 

Lunch is Included!

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One winter my boss invited me to go to a training workshop while his landscaping shop was closed. I was excited for the opportunity but a little nervous. The morning passed quickly as we sat through various sessions on irrigation then we let out for lunch. “Want to come along with us to the restaurant?” my boss asked as he and a friend headed for the door. “No I’ll just stay back here, I’m not too hungry” I nervously replied, remembering I had only a few dollars in my pocket that day. “Okay it’s up to you.” He shrugged and went off to eat. I bought a candy bar from the machine and a soda hoping they would hold me off till dinner. On the way home later the boss mentioned in an offhanded way, “Boy lunch was great and it was all included in the price I paid. Too bad you weren’t hungry!”

I still sometimes laugh at myself when I remember the knowing hunger in my stomach all because I didn’t know that lunch was included! But did you know that many of us act exactly like I did on that day when it comes to our spiritual life. We get to the conference (get saved); but then we try to tough it out with snacks from the vending machines when God has an entire banquet spread for us in Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christkimg0483

Ephesians 1:3

Think about whatever wisdom, whatever strength, whatever acceptance, provision or direction you wish you had. Remember that God has already paid the price for that in full. Everything (even lunch) is included!