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Thoughts from Our Daily Bread

Dear Friends,

I found these two devotionals on opposite sides of a page torn from an “Our Daily Bread” booklet I had stuffed in my Bible long ago, which was originally mailed to me by my mom. I'm not sure of the exact year they appeared, thought the dates say Friday April 20, and Saturday April 21. If she mailed it to me, it’s because I was either in the Dominican Republic (1980-1982) or in Honduras (1994-2005). Checking when those dates lined up with a Friday and Saturday, it turned out it was 1999 (the only year it could have been) They are both good (obviously why she mailed them to me!) and therefore I pass them along to you. Enjoy.


DON'T KILL TIME! Friday, April 20
Ephesians 5:1-17

“Author and lecturer John Erskine (1879-1951) declared that he learned the most valuable lesson of his life when he was 14 years old. His piano teacher asked him how much he practiced. He replied that he usually sat at the instrument for an hour or more at a time. "Don't do that," warned the teacher. "When you grow up, time won't come to you in long stretches like that. Practice in minutes wherever you can find them—5 or 10 before school, a few after lunch. Sandwich them in between chores. Spread the practice throughout the day, and music will become a part of your life."



Erskine stated later that by following this advice he was able to live a fulfilled life as a creative writer, in addition to his regular duties as an instructor. He wrote nearly all of Helen of Troy, his most famous work, on streetcars while commuting between his home and the university.

How can you make good use of your spare moments? Consider carrying a Bible or a devotional booklet with you. Use the time to read, or to pray, or to write a note of encouragement or admonition to some needy soul. Beware of wasting the present. Instead of killing time, redeem the time! Redeem your spare moments today. ‘God only knows How soon our little life may close, With all its pleasures and its woes. Redeem the time!’ Wasting the gift of time insults the Giver of time.”



THE GREATEST PREACHERS Saturday, April 21
I Peter 1:1-9

The greatest sermons I have ever heard were not preached from pulpits but from sickbeds. The deepest truths of God's Word have often been taught by those humble souls who have gone through the seminary of affliction. The most cheerful people I have met, with few exceptions, have been those who've had the least sunshine and the most pain and suffering in their lives. The most grateful people I have ever known were not those who had traveled a pathway of roses all their lives, but those who were confined to their homes, some to their beds, and had learned to depend on God. 



The gripers, on the other hand, are usually those who have the least to complain about. The men and women who are the most cheerful and the most grateful for the blessings of Almighty God are often those who have gone through the greatest trials. The Bible tells us that if we respond properly to the trials of life, we will develop patience and godly maturity (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:3-4). We must keep in mind that our present sufferings are "but for a moment" and that they are being used by God for our eternal good (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). So, take heart suffering one. Someday you too will realize that it was worth it all (1 Peter 1:7). Some of life’s greatest lessons are learned in the school of affliction.

It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small, when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race, till we see Christ. — Rusthoi

 

With You in the Service of the Gospel, Pastor Jeff










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