Timeless Truth

     You must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach the tassels at each corner with a blue cord. The tassels will remind you of the commands of the LORD, that you are to obey his commands instead of following your own desires and going your own way as you are prone to do.  Numbers 15:38-39 NLT

Thoughtful Wisdom 

“Christ is the Master: the Scriptures are only the servant. The true way to test all the books is to see whether they work the will of Christ or not. No book which does not preach Christ can be apostolic, though Peter or Paul were its author. And no book which does preach Christ can fail to be apostolic, though Judas, Ananias, Pilate or Herod were its author.”  – Martin Luther: Introduction to his German translation of the New Testament

     “Sin will keep you from this Book. This Book will keep you from sin.”  – Dwight L. Moody 

     “I read my Bible to know what people ought to do, and my newspaper to know what they are doing.” – Cardinal John Henry Newman 

     “When Christ came into my life, I came about like a well-handled ship.” – Robert Louis Stevenson 

     “If Christ be not divine, every impulse of the Christian world falls to a lower octave, and light and love and hope alike decline.” – David Swing 

     “I have lived, and seen God’s hand through a lifetime, and all was for the best.” – Robert Browning

     “He wakes desires you never may forget; He shows you stars you never saw before.” – Alfred, Lord Tennyson 

Treasured Gifts

     *  The cross of Jesus–preaching free pardon of sin

     *  The Book from heaven–jogging my mind to review God’s blueprint for life

     *  The indwelling Holy Spirit–keeping me on target morally

     *  Magnificently designed earth, sun, moon and stars–publicizing God’s power and care

     *  My spouse and children–signs of God’s love

     *  Christ’s church–encouraging me to activate good deeds and avoid unholy living 

*  My table loaded with delicious food–illustrating God’s ability to provide more than enough

*  History–rearview mirror reflecting failure to learn from mistakes and God’s patience with us

Today’s Affirmation 

I will pay attention to encompassing traces of grace from my Creator, make a conscious effort to follow cues from my Savior, and with heaven’s help stay faithful to my Greatest Friend.

                                                    Pastor (ret) Johnny R. Almond