Shinning Light

Hello Everyone,


A well-known Bible teacher had just finished speaking to a large class of businessmen on the Christian's responsibility to be a "light" in the world. He emphasized that believers are to reflect the Light of the world, the Lord Jesus. After the class, one of the members related to him an experience he had in his home which had shed light upon this same truth. He said that when he went into his basement he made an interesting discovery. Some potatoes had sprouted in the darkest corner of the room. At first he couldn't figure out how they had gotten enough light to grow. Then he noticed that the cook had hung a copper kettle from the ceiling near a cellar window. She kept it so brightly polished that it reflected the rays of the sun onto the potatoes. "When I saw that, I thought, I may not be a preacher or a teacher with ability to expound Scripture, but at least I can be a copper kettle catching the rays of the Son and reflecting His light to someone in a dark corner." Amen

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Christ Likeness

Hello Everyone,


It has been observed that unbelievers often feel uneasy in the presence of an obedient Christian. When God is reflected in a believer's life it makes the non-Christian uncomfortable. A story was shared of a well-known professional golfer was playing in a tournament with President Gerald Ford, fellow pro Jack Nicklaus, and Billy Graham. After the round was over, one of the other pros on the tour asked, "Hey, what was it like playing with the President and Billy Graham?" The pro said with disgust, "I don't need Billy Graham stuffing religion down my throat!" With that he headed for the practice tee. His friend followed, and after the golfer had pounded out his fury on a bucket of golf balls, he asked, "So Billy was a little rough on you out there." The well known pro said with embarrassment, "No, he didn't even mention religion."

The truth is Billy Graham had said nothing about God, Jesus, or religion, yet this well known pro stomped away after the game accusing Billy of trying to ram religion down his throat. What had happened? Simply this: The evangelist had so reflected Christ likeness that his presence made the pro feel uncomfortable. I wonder, do unbelievers sense a godly influence in your life? If we are identified with Christ and walk in holiness, folks will see Jesus before we even mention His name.

"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness," 2 Peter 3:11

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Closer to Heaven

Hello Everyone,


The story was told of a father and his small son strolled down the street in Chicago past the place where a skyscraper was being constructed. Glancing up, they saw men at work on a high story of the building. "Father," said the little boy, "What are those little boys doing up there?" "Those are not little boys, son. They're grown men." "But why do they look so small?" "Because they're so high," his father answered. After a pause the boy asked, "Then, Father, when they get to heaven there won't be anything left of them, will there?"

Amen, The nearer we come to Christ the less others see of us and the more they see of Christ.

"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Men & Women Needed

Hello Everyone,


The world needs men...(and I might add women) who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; who are larger than their vocations; who do not hesitate to take chances; who will not lose their individuality in a crowd; who will be as honest in small things as in great things; who will make no compromise with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it"; who are true to their friends through good report and evil report in adversity as well as in prosperity; who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success; who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular; who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes."

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ." Philippians 3:7

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Christianity

Hello Everyone,


Christianity has made people who were things into real men and women, more, into sons and daughters of God. It gave those who had no respect, their self-respect. It gave those who had no life, life eternal. It told men that, even if they did not matter to other men, they still mattered intensely to God. It told men who, in the eyes of the world were worthless, that, in the eyes of God they were worth the death of his only Son. Christianity was, and still is, the most uplifting thing in the whole universe.

"That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

That sums it up

Hello Everyone,


I read that real Christian is an odd number, anyway. He feels supreme love for One who he has never seen; talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see; expects to go to heaven on the virtue of Another; empties himself in order to be full; admits he is wrong so he can be declared right; goes down in order to get up; is strongest when he is weakest; richest when he is poorest and happiest when he feels the worst. He dies so he can live; forsakes in order to have; gives away so he can keep; sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passeth knowledge. I think that about sums it up. Amen

"Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8,9

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Mistakes

Hello Everyone,

God can used even your mistakes, I told the church folks. No matter what or how it comes out fo your mouth God can do with it as he sees the needs. That is why I am forever telling folks that God doesd all things well. I heard the story of a blind man once stood on a corner at a busy intersection reading aloud Acts 4 from a portion of a Braille Bible. A gentleman on his way home stopped at the edge of the crowd that had gathered to listen. At that very moment, the sightless man lost his place. While trying to find it, he kept repeating the last three words he had just read: "No other name... No other name... No other name..." Many smiled, but that one fellow went away impressed. He had been searching for inner peace and therefore was ready to be influenced by a few words spoken "in season." He had heard the verse before, but that one phrase haunted him. Before morning he surrendered to the Holy Spirit's wooing and accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. "I see it all now," he cried. "I've been trying to be saved by my own works and prayers. But Jesus alone can help me. He is my mediator. There is no other name whereby I must be saved." Thus a blind man's witness, given in a stumbling manner, was used to lead a seeking soul to Christ.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

You can make a difference

Hello Everyone,


One of the greatest ministry we have a part in the prison ministry. I have been told that 87% of those who get saved while in prison never return. Once a holdup man was caught and sent to prison. While there, he came face to face with the claims of the Gospel and was born again by the Spirit of God. His life completely changed, he served the rest of his sentence in an exemplary manner and was released several years later. As he was leaving, the chaplain handed him a letter written by another prisoner. It said, "I came to this place despising both preachers and the Bible. When you told me you were saved, I said to myself, 'There's another one taking the Gospel road just to get an early parole'; but I've been observing you for a couple of years, and your testimony has rung true. I kept track of you when you were in the yard exercising or working in the shop or eating your meals. You never made a slip. Now I'm a Christian, too, because I watched you! The Savior who saved you has saved me!" Although many had witness to him it was this prisoner that had exhibited a changed life before him - that made the difference! You can make a difference.

"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1 Peter 2:12

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Be Real

Hello Everyone,


I was told of a young fellow who looked frequently at a picture of his daddy hanging on the wall. He had left when the boy was a young infant and was killed in the war. After several years the boy had forgotten him as a person but he would often look at the picture and say, "If only my father could step out of that picture and be real." My friends that is exactly what Jesus did. When we look upon God's Holy Word we are reading and seeing Jesus, God's only begotten Son. Let us never forget there was day over two thousands years ago when Jesus stepped out of the Word and became the Word. Now that is awesome.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

No Vacancy

Hello Everyone,


We all remember those words, "There was no room for them in the inn." Have you ever thought of Mary and Joseph. How much worse it must have been when they arrived in Bethlehem and found no rooms available! I can imagine Joseph pleading with the manager of the inn, telling him of Mary's condition and their desperate need for a suitable place where she could give birth to her child. Luke tells us that "there was no room for them in the inn," and that when Mary gave birth to Jesus she "wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger." Today, over 2000 years later, millions of people have no room for Jesus. Although they participate in the festivities of the Christmas season and Easter time, for the most part they keep Him out of their lives. And hang a "No Vacancy" sign on their heart.

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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." Luke 2:6-7

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

King of Kings

Hello Everyone,


All through the scriptures we have been told of the virgin birth of the Son of God. We have at times folks who question that, saying that it is impossible. Some even proclaim if he was in fact God's Son he would have been born palace or a mansion. There was a European monarch who worried his court by often disappearing and walking incognito amongst his people. When he was asked not to do so for security's sake, he answered, "I cannot rule my people unless I know how they live." It is the great thought of the Christian faith that we have a God who knows the life we live because he too as King of King know how we live. We can trust His ruling and judgments.

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

The Main Thing

Hello Everyone,


A few years back my wife and I were looking at buying another home. One that was closer to the church and my job then. We were looking at this one house and Betty was making the comment that she would have to do something about this one wall. I just looked and the realtor lady told her that she would not be able to move that wall. When asked why not, we were told that you can not take away that wall without taking down the house, it is part of the main structure.

So it is with those who try to do away with the Deity of Jesus Christ, they will destroy the whole structure of Christianity. Everything is structures around and about Jesus Christ. Everything.

"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."
Colossians 1:15-18

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

I did not know

Hello Everyone,


The boys in the neighborhood got to calling him "Old Rattle Bones." The ringleader named Freddie got worried, however, when the old man headed straight toward his home. Because his friends were with him, the boy tried to hide his anxiety. "Go on, Old Rattle Bones," he shouted, "see who cares if you talk to my mother." The man said with sadness as he continued. Arriving at his destination, he was welcomed by the boy's mother. She told her son to come in also. Turning to Freddie, the man said, "Years ago when you were just a baby, your nurse took you out in your carriage for a ride near the river. When she let go of the handle for a moment, it suddenly rolled down the hill. Before she could catch up with it, the buggy had plunged into the water below. I jumped into the river and after a difficult struggle brought you safely to shore, but I left before anyone could ask my name. The water that day was frigid, and it aggravated my rheumatic condition. Now, 10 years later, I can scarcely hobble along." Freddie hung his head and began to cry. "Thank you for saving me. And forgive me for calling you 'Old Rattle Bones.' I didn't know who you were!"

"Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him." 1 John 3:6

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Abiding in Christ

Hello Everyone,


A man bought a new hunting dog. Eager to see how he would perform, he took him out to track a bear. No sooner had they gotten into the woods than the dog picked up the trail. Suddenly he stopped, sniffed the ground, and headed in a new direction. He had caught the scent of a deer that had crossed the bear's path. A few moments later he halted again, this time smelling a rabbit that had crossed the path of the deer. And so, on and on it went until finally the breathless hunter caught up with his dog, only to find him barking triumphantly down the hole of a field mouse.

So often we as Christians are like that. We start out with high resolve, keeping Christ first in our lives. But soon our attention is diverted to things of lesser importance. One pursuit leads to another until we've strayed far from our original purpose.

"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." 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Witnessing

Hello Everyone,


I heard the story of a man who used a unique way of witnessing. He was never seen in public without a beautiful pink rose in his lapel. This practice gave him many opportunities to witness about his relationship with the Lord Jesus. Someone meeting him on the street might remark, "That's a lovely rose." "Yes, it is," he would reply. "Actually, it's a Christian rose!"

"Why do you call it that?" he would be asked. He would then turn back his lapel and display a tiny water bottle which held the stem of the flower and kept it fresh and sweet. "It's a Christian rose," he explained, "because it has a hidden source of life and beauty. When our Savior pardons our sins, He also unites us with Himself and thereby nourishes and strengthens us. He becomes the secret reservoir of our joy, and any fragrance of testimony we exhibit to the world comes from Him."

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Keep going forward

Hello Everyone,


We have had our share of snow this year. One day when we had about 5 inches of snow I was looking at the tracks made in the snow and noticed that one was as straight as an arrow. The others were crooked and disorderly. The reason the one was straight was because the person who made these tracks had their mind and heart set on a place to go. The crooked and disorderly were from those who had nothing to do and no place to go. Let us be found faithful to run the race that is before us looking for Jesus.

"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, 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 12:1-2

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Give All

Hello Everyone,


Back when I was young, when a couple started to date, they start giving gifts, like flowers or candy. When a couple becomes engaged, they give special things -- a diamond and very personal things. The most personal gift that one can ever give is them self. There is nothing more precious to give. When folks marry, they should want to give their spouses the best that they have, all of each other.

"Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;" 1 Thessalonians 4:1-4

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Corrupt Communication

Hello Everyone,


One of my sons asked me my thoughts about his hair. He had just colored it and had it spiked up all over, so that the coloring could down into the roots. I told him that he needed to go back and start over. Well, I could tell that was not what he wanted to hear. He then said something to the fact that he had feelings and that he wanted to encourage me to say someone positive. So I said, "Okay, your ugly too." I don't know, do you think he will ever talk to me again?

We are living in the days where truth is not what we are searching for. And the truth is I could have said something not so hurtful or truthful. I apologized and remembered what the Bible says about our communication.

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Think

Hello Everyone,


My youngest son has been involved with Civil Air Patrol and one of its main teaching is leadership. One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency. So often many emergencies can be avoided if some thoughts and preparation are made. He was sharing this with me and the thought came to him that is what I have been trying to get him to do for years, THINK. Amen, I think he is learning after all.

"To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;" Proverbs 1:2

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Follow God

Hello Everyone,


There have been times that I have decided that doing nothing is best and it has proved to be the right decision. Sometimes the decision to do nothing is wise. But you can't make a career of doing nothing. Doing nothing is laziness and selfish. I know of many folks who try to weighed out every decision so carefully that in most cases they never do anything. If you decide to fish -- fine. Or, if you decide to cut bait -- fine. But if you decide to do nothing, you're not going to have fish for dinner.

We are living in the days where we are in need of folks to decide to follow God and that is the right decision.

"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." 1 Kings 18:21

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Lap Needed

Hello Everyone,


I was told of a story of a man who was tired of reading bedtime stories to his little daughter. One day he decided to record several of her favorite stories on tape. He told her, "Now you can hear your stories anytime you want. Isn't that great?" She looked at the machine for a moment and then replied, "No. It hasn't got a lap." There is no greater feeling than to have your little ones sitting in your laps. We all need the closeness of relationship. We all need to know we are loved.

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love" John 15:9

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com

Possessions

Hello Everyone,


My grandpa kept humming bird feeders out on his front porch. You couls sit out there and in a very few minutes a humming bird would come by. It was exciting to see the only bird that God made that can fly backwards. I remember grandpa making a big deal about keeping the feeder filled up. These little fellows needed food all the time. I remember him sharing that at times the male humming bird would get territorial. He would claim that feeder as his and run all the other humming birds off. Which kept him quiet busy.

I got to thinking about my grandpa and him sharing this with me and realized that the Lord was teaching us a needed scriptural lesson. The male humming bird was the soul possession of that feeder. But what he lost was his freedom. He is no longer free to come and go as he wished. He is tied to the work of guarding his feeder. He was possessed by his possession.

"But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:17,18

Remember Always, "God does all things well."

Until Jesus Comes
Bro. Gary
Proverbs 3:5,6

www.beulahlandbiblebaptistchurch.com