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2004 Monthly Messages

January 2004 Monthly Message

MY PLANS --- OR GOD’S PLANS?

With careful plans, my future looked bright,
My hopes and dreams blossom’d; all seem’d just right.
At the day’s end, I’d go to God in pray’r,
Lord, bless my plans, and keep me from despair.

As time went by, my plans came tumbling down,
All the smiles I had, were replaced by frowns.
I was confused; I could not comprehend,
How my hopes and plans, came to this tragic end.

Did I not ask for blessings, as I went in pray’r?
And ask that my plans be held in His care?
That my hopes and dreams, all would come true?
Yet failure set in; throwing plans askew.

Then in one night’s stillness and shadows dim,
I heard His Voice; calling me close to Him!
“Why do you make plans, and not include Me?”
“As you now see, it just brings agony.”

“Dear child, please allow Me to make your plans,
Trust Me, and leave the future, in My Hands.
The path you now trod; I’ve seen it before,
Let your faith lead you, to blessings galore.”

My pride was now gone; as I bow’d in shame,
My spirit humbled, as I thought of Your Name.
Precious Lord Jesus; my soul Thou hast bought,
Thank You dearly, for this lesson You’ve taught.

I no longer pray: “Lord, bless all my plans,”
For I know the future is in Your Hands!
Now I pray: “Thy will be done; You plan for me,”
I commit my all to You, eternally.
***********************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Mar.4, 2000 # 652

Words of Wisdom
Religion says: “Do something, and be somebody.”
God says: “Be somebody , then do something.”

No man is uneducated who knows the Bible; and no one is truly educated, who is ignorant of its teachings.

With Christ, endless hope. Without Christ, a hopeless end.

As we face the new year ahead of us, these Words of Wisdom really hit home to me. Most religions in the world teach that a person must do something in order to be saved. God’s Holy Word tells us we simply must believe Him in faith. Salvation is a GIFT from God to those who believe (Eph.2:8-9; Rom.6:23).

There are so many educated people in the world, and many of them are doomed to Hell because they do not know what God states in His Word. They reek of worldly knowledge but they are Bible illiterate!

Those who choose to believe and follow Jesus Christ can look forward to an endless hope, both in this life and the life to come. Without Jesus, a hopeless end awaits.

The poem this month has touched many hearts. I send poems with every letter I write to those who are incarcerated. I have had people write and ask me for more copies so they can send them to their loved ones. This poem is one that is requested.

At this time of year, we should carefully consider our plans. Are they OUR plans? Or do we allow God to help us decide the remainder of our life? So many times we make plans that do not turn out the way we though they would. The result . . . the plans came tumbling down, crashing to the ground! What we had hoped would be a happy ending turned out to be a disaster! WHY?? Because we left God out! We didn’t ask Him to help us. We decided to go it alone. If we would just ask Him to bless us by helping us make plans, instead of asking Him to bless our already made plans, we would omit much sorrow and agony. This is why many end up in prison. They simply leave God out,

God loves us and wants to be a part of our life. We need to realize that IF our plans do not include God, those plans cannot possibly be in His will. And, IF our plans are not in His will, they end up in some sort of tragedy for us.

Has the Lord been trying to get your attention, and you have not paid any heed to Him whatsoever? If you are a believer in Jesus, let Him help you make all your plans. Things will go much better. If you do not know Jesus, you are out of the will of God. According to God’s Word, you are doomed to a place where you do not want to go. Turn to Jesus today to save your soul. (John 1:12-13; 3:15-18,36; Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:1-12; Rom.10:9,13).

February 2004 Monthly Message

GOD’S GIFTS

God gives us many gifts; all so free,
As we press on to eternity.
Accept or reject them; we can choose,
God’s favor is there, to win or lose.

The first Gift God gives, is Christ, His Son,
For Christ is, eternal salvation.
Christ will open to us Heav’n’s door,
Where a reserv’d mansion, waits in store.

This Gift God gives; life eternally,
God offers to all, both you and me.
The choice, God leaves completely to us,
There is no worldly gift, so precious!

Forgiveness too, is an awesome gift,
The burden of sin, I feel God lift!
An amazing God, with gifts so rare,
He gives us these gifts, because He cares!

God gives us His Spirit, who abides,
And in Him, we can always confide.
“Tis a Gift of God Himself, within,
Helping us to live a life without sin.

Remarkable peace deep in my heart,
A gift God gives, that will not depart.
Wondrous peace, such a comfort to me,
A grand feeling of serenity.

Great joy seems to overflow my soul,
Ev’n great sorrow cannot take it’s toll.
This gift comes only from God alone,
And ‘tis thru’ His love that it is known.

God’s gifts so precious, God’s gifts so free,
But God leaves the choice up to you and me.
ALL God’s gifts start with Gift Number One,
We must accept Christ, God’s well lov’d Son!
********************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Oct.12, 2000 # 739

Other awesome gifts from God:

• * Knowledge, wisdom (Jer.24:7; Ec.2:26; Jam.1:5)
• * Comforting words (Is.50:4)
• * Understanding (Job 32:8)
• * A new heart (Eze.11:19)
• * Discernment (1 Co.2:12-14)
• * Gifts of the Spirit (Ep.4:11; 1 Co.12. 4-13)
• * Justification (Ro.5:1,9)
• * Redemption (Ep.1:7)
• * Sanctified (1 Co.6:11)

Our amazing God has many gifts and blessings in store for His children, ALL His children! These gifts are available to us only when we trust and obey Christ our Lord. We must be born again into the family of God or we can never realize any of these gifts mentioned above. John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (KJV) When a person believes and accepts Chriost Jesus, the Son of God; God accepts that person as His child. Simple as that! When a person is born again into God’s family, he/she is reborn spiritually. The spiritual family is much more important than the physical family because all people die physically some day (unless Jesus takes them at the Rapture, but the person’s soul (spirit) never dies! If a person is not in God’s spiritual family, they will NEVER ever SEE Heaven. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (KJV)

When we become God’s children, we become heirs of MANY spiritual blessings and gifts! We are extremely privileged because NO unbeliever can have these gifts! We must never allow pride to step in here. We must never think “I am God’s child and He loves me, not those unbelievers.” God so loved the world that He sent Jesus to die for the sins of the world, for unbelievers (John 3:16). We must NEVER allow pride to take hold of us because we were once unbelievers too. It is only by the grace of Almighty God that He permitted us to be His children (1 John 3:1). We must instead feel great sorrow and remorse for unbelievers. We must have compassion on them and do what we can to bring them to Jesus, into the family of God.

Words of Wisdom

He came to pay a debt He didn’t owe, Because we had a debt we couldn’t pay.
To KNOW you have been saved, is good.
To SHOW you have been saved, is better.

March 2004 Monthly Message

A PROBLEM

There was one who had great earthly wealth,
This one also had good physical health.
But he had a problem he could not see,
He wouldn’t admit Jesus held Heav’n’s ‘key’.

There was one so beautiful, and so vain,
She looked at others with great disdain.
She rejected Jesus with contemn,
No Jesus; the world’s biggest problem!

There was a ruler who had vast pow’r,
All his subjects would shudder and cow’r.
From his evil lips came blasphemy,
His problem: No Christ, for eternity!

There was one who had fortune and fame,
People ‘round the world, all knew her name.
She had a problem; she refus’d Jesus,
And this makes the Father furious!

There are those who toil for a college degree,
To be a scholar is great, most agree.
But without Christ, you have a problem great,
Eternal destruction of Hell does await!

We can access Heav’n without wealth or beauty,
But we must have Jesus: He’s the Key!
Heav’n can be ours without learning or fame,
But we must call on Jesus’ Holy Name!

Without Jesus, a problem does exist,
Hell will be yours; for Heav’n you’ll have miss’d!
He is the Truth, the Life and the Way,
Just Jesus can get you to Heav’n someday!
****************************
By:His servant, Connie Kramer Oct.8,1998 # 498

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [KJV]

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. [KJV] Jesus is the ONLY Name and Way any person can ever hope to be saved from God’s wrath and eternal Hell.

1 John 5:10-12 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. [11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (KJV) Refusing to believe God is the same as calling Him a “liar.’ God plainly states over and over again in His Word that Jesus is the ONLY Way we can have eternal life in Heaven. Anyone who stubbornly refuses to believe this is headed to an eternal Hell.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV) Anyone who believes on Jesus is not convicted (damned), but have Heaven as their goal. Anyone who refuses to believe on Jesus, whom God has sent, is convicted and sent to Hell.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV) Anyone who believes on the Son of God HAS (John 5:24) everlasting life in Heaven. Anyone who refuses to believe on Jesus the Son, shall never see eternal life in Heaven, but has the wrath of God abiding on them.

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (KJV) To die in your sins means you are not forgiven, you are without Christ in your life. Anyone who refuses to believe that Jesus is the ONLY Way to Heaven shall die in their sins (go to Hell).

2 Thes. 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (KJV) JESUS IS GOD! Anyone without Jesus has a really BIG problem! These shall be punished with everlasting destruction and cast away from the glorious Presence of the Lord forever!

Words of Wisdom

Do you want to find God? Look to Jesus!
You will never be blind to spiritual riches IF you keep your eyes on Jesus.

April 2004 Monthly Message

CALV’RY’S TREE

The flames of Hell will never touch me,
For Christ bore my sins, on Calv’ry’s Tree.
I’ll stand at the Judgment, so secure,
An unworthy sinner; but O’ so sure!

From shackles of Satan, I am free,
I have perfect rest and liberty.
At Calv’ry’s Tree, my chains broke and fell,
Now His awesome love within me does dwell.

His priceless, pure Blood; my ransom paid,
For on Jesus, all my sins were laid.
From sin’s horrid bondage, I am free,
For Christ died for me, on Calv’ry’s Tree!

Calv’ry’s Tree has truly sealed my peace,
The sorrows Christ bore, made mine to cease!
His loving pow’r made all my sin be gone,
I am no longer the devil’s pawn!

Because Jesus died on Calv’ry’s Tree,
I have eternal life, waiting for me!
One day I’ll walk on that street of gold,
For Christ in my heart, I firmly hold!
******************************
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, JESUS!
******************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Feb.3, 2000 # 631
Scriptures for above poem:
Mt.26:28; Ro.5:1-10; Heb.9:14; 10:29; 1 Pet.1:18-19; 1 Jn.1:7; Jn.10:11; 1 Co.15:3; 2 Co.5:15; Col.1:19-22; Heb.2:9-10; 5:8-9; Rev.5:9.

Old Testament Prophecies on Christ and Their Fulfillment:

Gen.3:15 He would be the “Seed” of a woman Gal.4:4
Gen.12:3; 18:18

Promised Seed of Abraham Ac.3:25; Mt.1:1; Lu.3:34; Gal.3:7,8,16; Gen.17:19; Gen.49:10 Descendant from Tribe of Judah Lu.3:33; Mt.1:2-3; Is.9:7; 11:1-5; 2 S.7:13 Heir to Throne of David Mt.1:1,6,18-25; Mic.5:2 Place of Birth Mt:2:1-6; Lu.2:4-7; Dan.9:25 Time of Birth Lu.2:1-7; Is.7:14; 11:1-2 Born of a Virgin Mt.1:18-25; Lu.1:26-35; Jer.31:15 Massacre of Infants Mt.2:16-18; Ho.11:1 Flight to Egypt Mt.2:14-15; Is.9:1-2 His Ministry in Galilee Mt.4:12-16; Deut.18:15 A Prophet Jn.6:14; Ac.3:22-23; Ps.110:4 As a Priest, like Melchizedek He.6:20; 5:5-6; 7:1-3, 15-17
Is.53:3 Rejected by Jews Jn.1:11; 5:43; Lu.4:29; 17:25; 23:18; Is.11:2-4; Ps.45:7 His Characteristics Lu.2:52; 4:18; Zec.9:9; Is.62:11 His Triumphal Entry Jn.12:12-14; Mt.21:1-11; Ps.41:9 Betrayed by a Friend Mk.14:10, 43-45; Mt.26:14-16; Zec.11:12 Sold for 30 Pieces of Silver Mt.26:15; 27:3-10; Zec.11:13 Money Bought Potter’s Field Mt.27:3-10; Ac.1:18-19;
Ps.109:7-8 Judas Replaced Ac.1:16-20; Ps.27:12; 35:11 False Witnesses Accuse Him Mt.26:60-61; Is.53:7 Silent When Accused Mt.26:62-63; 27:12-14; Ps.50:6 Smitten and Spat Upon Mk.14:65; 15:17; Jn.19:1-3; 18:22
Ps.69:4; 109:3-5 ered In Our Place Mt.8:16-17; Ro.4:25; 1 Co.15:3; Is.53:12 Crucified With Sinners Mt.27:38; Mk.15:27-28; Lu.23:33
Ps.22:16; Zec.12:10 Hands and Feet Pierced Jn.20:25-27;19:37; Ps.22:6-8 Mocked and Insulted Mt.27:39-44; Mk.15:29-32; Ps.69:21 Given Gall and Vinegar Jn.19:29; Mt.27:34,48; Ps.22:8 Hears Prophecy Mocked Mt.27:43; Ps.109:4; Is.53:12 Prays for His Enemies Lu.23:34; Zec.12:10 His Side to be Pierced Jn.19:34; Mt.24:30; Ps.22:18 Soldiers Cast Lots for His Clothes Mk.15:24; Jn.19:24;
Ps.34:20; Ex.12:46 None of His Bones Broken Jn.19:33; Is.53:9 Buried With the Rich Mt.27:57-60; Ps.16:10; Mt.16:21 His Resurrection Mt.28:9; Lu.24:36-48; Ps.68:18 His Ascension Lu.24:50-51; Ac.1:9; Ep.4;8 PROPHECY is God predicting the future through His prophets. Prophecy has been described as miraculous knowledge, or describing some future event. ONLY God can foresee the future!

Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. (KJV)
Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (KJV)

Each and every prophecy listed above was fulfilled to the letter by God’s only begotten Son, Jesus. He died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin! All who believe and accept His Work on the cross are saved from the wrath of God (John 3:15-18,36; Rom.5:1-10).

Words of Wisdom
The good news is not that Christ lived and died, but that He died and lives!
The hope of Christ’s Coming, should keep us going.

May 2004 Monthly Message

ASKING IS UP TO YOU

Troubles always come, your soul to try,
But our Saviour is there, standing by!
There is always something, He can do,
My friend, the asking, is up to you!

So many troubles, are all your own,
And so many paths, you must go alone.
The love of Jesus, helps smooth the road,
Your asking always, lightens the load!

In times of trouble, He’s a Friend so true,
He’s waiting; the asking is up to you.
His awesome mercy, thru’ all endures,
This divine friendship, can truly be yours!

When troubles afflict, He’ll see you thru’,
His Presence can mean so much to you.
Go to Jesus, with a heart-felt cry,
For our caring Saviour, is standing by!

Is your heart heavy with sin’s great load?
Do you walk alone, on all wrong roads?
Could you use peace and serenity?
Asking is up to you; do not tarry!

God gives eternal life, but you must ask!
You pay no fee, nor perform any task!
Ask Jesus into your heart today,
Trust and obey Him, ‘tis the only way!

Jesus will come, when you ask Him in,
And a whole new life, for you will begin!
You must open the door, and let Him thru’,
My friend, the asking, is up to you.
**********************
By: His servant: Connie Kramer April 6, 2000 #676

Words of Wisdom
When God is on your side, you can NEVER be outnumbered.
When you train up a child in the way he should go,
make sure you go that way too.
Life’s darkest path can never dim the light of God’s love.

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [KJV] These verses contain one of the most comforting Promises in all Scripture. TRUE believers have always had to face hardships in some form or another: persecution, illness, imprisonment, even death. Any one of these tragedies could cause us to wonder if we have been abandoned by Christ. But this Passage tells us that it is absolutely impossible to be separated from Christ once you have accepted Him as your Saviour and Lord. His death on that horrendous cross, proves His unequaled and inexpressible love. Nothing can stop Christ’s constant Presence with us! God tells us how great His love for us is so that we feel totally secure in Him. God wants us to know He is there for us at any time and all times. There is NO power anywhere that can separate the love of Christ from us, ever! Even the unseen forces of evil in the universe (Satan and his fallen angels), cannot separate from Christ’s love once we become God’s children through Him (John 1:12-13; 3:3-8). With Christ on our side, we are super-conquerors, and His awesome and amazing love will protect us from any such forces.Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. [KJV] God will never leave us, never abandon us. There are so many wonderful and comforting Promises to God’s children that are not available to unbelievers. The God of the Bible is truly an amazing and accessible God. Our heavenly Father loves us dearly and is there for us, day or night! All we need to do is trust and obey Him, and ask for His help. Don’t allow pride to keep you from receiving all the wondrous blessings He has in store for you! If you do not know Jesus for the full pardon of your sin, go to Him and ask Him to come into your heart and life. He will NEVER deny such a request! Rev. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. [KJV]

The asking is up to you!

June 2004 Monthly Message

Fleeting and Vain Things

Now here, then gone, like dew on the grass,
Like earthly treasure, all will one day pass.
Like fog in the night, all gone by noon,
Consider vain things, all gone soon.

As clouds in the heavens, disappear,
We should ponder, our death might be near.
Like a wondrous rainbow, after a rain,
The beauty of it, is such a short gain.

As an icicle, on a frigid night,
With the sun’s heat, will drip out of sight.
As steam from a teapot, dissipates,
Think of eternity, ‘fore it’s too late.

As a vapor, our life is so brief,
Does the thought of Heav’n, give you relief?
Or do you tremble, at the thought of Hell?
The place where Christ says, many shall dwell.

So many things are here now, then gone,
In life we must not be, Satan’s pawn.
We should not lust after worldly things,
If we desire God’s awesome blessings.

So many things in life bring no gain,
So many things are useless and vain.
Worldly riches, and lust for pleasure,
Will never be your heav’n’ly treasure.

As you live life, think of what’s been said,
Many things in life, can bring lasting dread.
Many things are now here, then go away,
Build your life on things, that are here to stay.
************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Jan.3, 2004 # 987 Scripture verses for above poem: Job 7:6; 8:9; 9:25; 10:5; 14:2; 16:22; 34:20; 38:21; Psalm 39:5; 49:12; 78:39; 89:47; 102:3,11,23; 103:16; 144:4; 146:4 Ec.1:4; 6:12;
Isaiah 38:12; Mat.6:19-21; Gal.6:7-8; James 4:14.

Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: [21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (KJV) Being worldly-minded is a fatal symptom of hypocrisy. There is no other sin that can give Satan a quicker and more secure hold on the soul, than that of someone professing to be a Christian. Jesus wisely counsels us to make our best things in this life, the joys and glories of the other world. There are many things unseen which are eternal, and we should place our happiness in them. Let us store up treasures in heaven, things that will be eternal. All we do to serve Christ and glorify Him will precede us into our glorious eternal home. Far too often, even good Christians set their sights on things of this world; things that are fleeting and vain, and store up these perishable things instead of eternal spiritual things that count. For spiritual treasures, see: Pro.21:20; Isa.33:6; Col.2:2-3; Mat.6:21; Luke 12:34; 2 Cor.4:6-7. Whatever we do for our Lord will stand; all our other efforts shall be burned up (1 Cor.3:11-15). Are you ready to stand before the Judgment Seat? It is wisdom to make sure of eternal life through Jesus Christ. We should look on all things here below, as not worthy to be compared with it, and to be content with nothing short of it. God demands our whole heart. He will not share it with the world. He who holds to the world and loves it, despises God; he who loves God, must give up the friendship of the world. We must place God first or we are not worthy of Him.
Matthew 6:22-23 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. [23] But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! [KJV] Spiritual vision is our ability to clearly see what God wants us to do, and to see the world from His view point. Spiritual vision can be clouded by self-serving desires, interests, or goals. A “good” eye is one that stays on God.

Consider this: Someone wrote that if studies had been taken in the Roman Empire in 65 A.D. on religious preferences, they would have shown 51% for Jupiter, 30% for Zeus, about 9% for Mithra and 10% for Jesus. But, what about today?

Where does Jesus stand in your heart and life? Is Jesus first? Or is it fleeting and vain worldly things?

July 2004 Monthly Message

THINGS OF WHICH HE SPOKE

Common things, He spoke of, while on Earth,
This humble Man, of such great worth!
He spoke of birds, barns, lilies and grass, . . . Mt.6:26,28-30
And treasures that most folks do amass.. . . . Mt.6:19-21He spoke of fair weather; also storms,. . . . Mt.16:2-3
And lives of evil, we should reform. . . . . Mk.7:18-23
He spoke of fig trees, tares and wheat, . .. . . Lu.13:6-9; 21:29-31; Mt.13:24-30
And He taught meekness, by washing feet. . . . . Jn.13:4-15He spoke of wolves, shepherds and sheep,. . . . .Mt.10:16; Jn.10:1-16
He told of how, He would care and keep. . . . . Mt.28:20
He spoke of goats, ravens and sparrows, . . . . . Mt.25:32-33; 10:29; Lu.12:24
And serpents and doves; as Him we follow. . . . . . Mt.10:16He spoke of branches; and a Great Vine, . . . . . Jn.15:1-6
And of the wind, as us it entwines.. . . . . Jn.3:8
He spoke of rain, God sends in His time, . . . . . Mt.5:45
And eternal Water, O, so fine! . . . . .Jn.4:13-14; 7:37-38He spoke of famines, disease and earthquakes, . . . . . Mt.24:7
And how God’s children He’d ne’er forsake! . . . . . Heb.13:5
He spoke of mansions in Heav’n above, . . . . . . Jn.14:2-3
And praise be to God, He spoke of love!. . . . . Jn.3:16; 14:15,23; 15:12,17; Mt.22:37-40
********************************************************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Feb.10,1998 # 456

Words of Wisdom
What Is Love? It’s silence when your words could hurt. It’s patience when your neighbor is curt. It’s deafness when any scandal flows. It’s thoughtfulness for another’s woes. It’s promptness when hard duty calls. It’s courage when misfortune falls.
Author unknown

Our Lord was not a Person who was overbearing or dictatorial. He was kind and gentle, He was loving and meek. He loved nature and many times when He taught, He would bring up common, every day things. He spoke of birds, barns, lilies, grass, fig trees, tares (weeds), wheat, wolves, shepherds and sheep. He was such a tremendous Teacher that He could teach from any of these common things, and many more. And when He taught the people, He taught so the common person could understand. Some
thing that really annoys me are these extremely highly educated people who write books or articles or preach from the pulpit, with such big words that a common person cannot possibly understand. A very wise pastor friend once told us “I preach so that even a child can understand, for if a child can understand, so can the adults.” In the years we have had this ministry, I have taken this man’s advise, and also my precious Lord’s way of teaching; plain and down to Earth. I really try to write so that anyone can understand. Jesus warned His disciples, and He warns us, that we should not worry about things of this life. He tells us “Take no thought for your life.” God will lengthen or shorten it as He pleases. Our lives are in His hand, and NO other hand could be better.
We should not worry about the comforts of this life. Let that to God to make it bitter or sweet as He pleases. Food and clothing are promised by God, so we can expect them. We should take no thought of tomorrow, for it may never come for us. We should not worry about the future, and we must not boast of what we may do tomorrow. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God,” and God will take care of all the rest.
Jesus also warned about seeking a sign from Heaven, which is simply tempting Him. “When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather; for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to-day: for the sky is red and lowering.” He called the Pharisees “Hypocrites!” He told them they could discern the face of the sky; but couldn’t discern the signs of the times? The Jews had the Scriptures, and they knew what they said about the Messiah, yet in their blindness, they could not SEE Him!
We receive glimpses into deep inside our Redeemer’s heart as we study the Bible. And this is far more precious than rubies. He grew up in a peasant’s home. He was not rich. He probably wandered about the hills where He lived. I feel certain that He was what people today call “nature lover.” He, as God, created everything that is (John 1:3; 1 Cor.8:6; Eph.3:9; Col.1:16; Heb.1:1-3). But when He willingly came to Earth as Man, to suffer and bleed and die for us, I know that when He looked at all the creatures and beauty of nature all around Him, He said the same thing He said when He made it “It is good” (Gen.1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 31). This humble, gentle Man was like no other! He was 100% God, but He was also 100% Man. It is my prayer that all know Him. He is absolutely life-changing! He was willing to humble Himself and wash the disciples’ feet. Can we learn from Him? Should we imitate Him? If we refuse to learn from Him, and if we refuse to imitate Him, we are simply not worthy to be God’s children. Have you praised and thanked Jesus today?

August 2004 Monthly Message

STORM CLOUDS

As I watch the storm clouds roll away,
I know Christ looks after me ev’ry day.
It seems clouds are His Promise to me,
That storms of life, with His help, flee.

Great storms of life, at times will arise,
So when they come, there should be no surprise.
Always remember, Christ will be there,
Burdens of life, He will gladly share.

When storm clouds roll away, the sun does shine,
Too our troubles flee, with His Light divine.
As the Earth is refresh’d, after a rain,
When Christ helps with our storm, peace we regain.

A close fellowship with Christ we need,
A life of obedience, we should lead.
When we love Jesus with our v’ry all,
He’s always near when we slip or fall.

Our Lord will be with us to the end,
When we love and obey, He is our Friend.
Then in all storms of life, He’s close by,
As our Assistant, He does qualify.
***********************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Feb. 7, 2004 # 997

Words of Wisdom
Some troubles come from wanting our own way;
but bigger troubles come from getting your own way.
God chooses what we go through; we choose how we go through it.
We find courage to stand when we kneel before the Lord.

1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (KJV) ALL believers face trials as we live in this evil, dark and corrupt world. We must accept trials and troubles as part of the refining process that burns away our impurities and prepares us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience (Rom.5:3-4; James 1:2-3) and help us grow to be the kind of people God wants us to be. As gold is heated, impurities float to the top and can be skimmed off. Steel is tempered or strengthened by heating it in fire. In the same way, our trials, struggles, and persecutions refine and strengthen our faith, making us better people. 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (KJV) We should never be surprised when fiery trials come our way. God allows many storms of life (trials, troubles, sickness, sorrow) to come our way as sojourn here on Earth. He is preparing us for our permanent home! We need not be surprised when troubles come our way. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (KJV) When you insist on carrying your worries, stress, and daily struggles by yourself, it shows that you do not fully trust God with your life. It takes humility to know that God cares, to admit your need, and to let others in God’s family help you. But when you turn to God in repentance, He will help you bear the weight of your small and enormous struggles.

Matthew 8:23-26 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. [24] And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. [25] And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. [26] And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (KJV) Even though the disciples had seen many miracles, they panicked in this storm. As sailors, they knew its danger; but they did not know that Christ could control the forces of nature. Sometimes we tend to doubt God’s ability to help us. When we understand who God really is, we know that He can control the storms of nature and the storms of our troubled lives. Jesus’ power that calmed this storm can also calm us and the problems we face. Jesus is so willing to help. All we need to do is ask Him. We should never think that His power is not available to believers, nor think that His power isn’t sufficient even in our worst troubles.

We, like the psalmists, have troubles that come our way in life. No one is immune from problems, trials, sickness, sadness, etc. Do we tell God what we are really thinking and feeling? Do you really understand just who is listening to our prayers? You may find that you are more aware of God, and appreciate Him more when you are honest with Him. (Check out: Psalms 3; 6; 13; 31; 37; 64; 77; 102; 121; 142.)

September 2004 Monthly Message

DO YOU TELL HIM?

Do you tell the Lord that you love Him?
In bright sunshine, or the shadows dim?
Do you tell Him you appreciate,
All His blessings, so awesome and great?

Do you tell Jesus when you feel low?
Or when you are sad and have sorrow?
Do you tell Him when all things go wrong?
Do you ask Him to help make you strong?

Do you tell Him when Satan tempts you?
Or when you are troubled, thru’ and thru’?
Do you tell Jesus when doubts arise?
Or times when you want to compromise?

So many things in our life take place,
We truly need His amazing grace.
But you must go to Him ev’ry day,
Ask Him to help you in ev’ry way.

But too, we must tell Him that we care,
Tell Him we love Him each day in pray’r.
Be grateful, thank Him, for all He’s done,
This wondrous Man who is God’s own Son.

Christ is the Vine, I am just a branch,
Without His strength, I don’t have a chance.
He nourishes me, day after day,
And guides me with His Light, on my way.

I must tell Jesus, I care for Him,
Both in bright sunlight, and shadows dim.
A personal fellowship with Him we need,
‘Tis our guarantee that our pray’r He’ll heed.
***************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Feb.14, 2004 # 999

Words of Wisdom
God always gives us enough strength for the next step in life.
Humble work is always holy when it is done for God.
Only when we see our weakness, can we begin to draw on God’s strength.

Psalm 92:1-2 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: [2] To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, (KJV) Our gratitude should be on our lips every day. We can never say “thank You” enough to God. When thanksgiving becomes a basic part of your life, your attitude toward life will change. You will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble. Philip. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [KJV] Don't worry, instead pray! It’s hard to imagine never being “anxious about anything”! All people worry about something: their job, homes, loss of a loved one, sickness, finances, etc. Try to turn your worries into prayers. Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray. Tell Jesus! He’s listening to true children of God.1 Tim. 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (KJV) All our temptations comes from the lusting of our own evil desires. People who lust after riches fall into temptation and are trapped by foolish and harmful desires that lead them to ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people craving money, stray from the faith and pierce themselves with many sorrows.2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (KJV) God displays His power when we are weak. Let us recognize our limitations, and tell it to Jesus. When we humble ourselves and admit our weakness, we are declaring God’s strength. Philip. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV) When we tell Jesus about our need, He is faithful to help us by strengthening us for whatever task is before us. Trust Him always. Tell Him about your troubles. Thank Him for all that He has done in the past for you. Tell Him you love Him and appreciate Him!

October 2004 Monthly Message

MORE

More of Jesus, in my life I need,
Without Him, I wouldn’t want to proceed.
More of His love, that I can pass on,
A wonder it is, to know God’s Son.

More of His Word, I crave deep inside,
More of His Spirit, who does abide.
Without Jesus, it’s as dark as night,
I truly do need, more of His light.

I desp’rately need more of His pow’r,
Week by week, day by day, hour by hour.
More wisdom, I ask that He would bless,
And I would ask too, for more kindness.

Goodness and mercy, I do need more,
For my precious Saviour, I do adore.
I look to the day, when I see His Face,
I need more, of Jesus’ precious grace.

More of His strength, I need each day,
And more and more faith, along the way.
More tender compassion and forgiveness,
With more of Your traits Lord, please do bless.

More of Your rare peace, within my soul,
And more patience, and more self control.
More joy, faithfulness, and hope to abound,
All Christ’s wonders are simply profound.

More and more of Christ’s traits, we all need,
If in our life, we want to succeed.
More and more of Christ, let us admit,
And let us to the will of God, submit.
***********************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Jan.21,2004 # 993

Words of Wisdom
God is at His best when our lives are at their worst.
The devil ain’t got no power unless you give it to him.
If God brings you TO it, He will bring you THROUGH it!

Thank you, Nolan

Character of Saints:

Attentive to Christ’s voice. John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (KJV) Blameless and harmless. Philip. 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (KJV) Faithful. Psalm 31:23 O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. (KJV) Godly. 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: (KJV) Holy, merciful, kind, patient, meek. Col. 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (KJV) Hungering for righteousness. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (KJV) Just. Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (KJV) Led by the Spirit. Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (KJV) Loving. 1 Thes. 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. (KJV) Merciful. Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (KJV) Obedient. 1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: (KJV) Pure in heart. 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (KJV) Undefiled. Psalm 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. (KJV) Upright. Psalm 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. (KJV) Watchful. Luke 12:37-A Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: . . . . . [KJV] Amen!

November 2004 Monthly Message

A Prayer For You

May the Lord guide you, where e’er you go,
May He be near, in joy or sorrow.
May His light always shine on your path,
May He keep you, from the Father’s wrath.

May the strength of Jesus, give you pow’r,
May He light up e’vn, your darkest hour.
May all your crooked roads be made straight,
May wisdom from Him, ne’er come too late.

May our dear Lord’s love, o’er flow to you,
May His mercy, abound thru’ and thru’.
May His sufficient grace satisfy,
May your service to Him, qualify.

May the Lord give you peace, deep inside,
May you love the thought, that He abides.
May joy fill your heart, with each new day,
May you be content, now and always.

May your soul know, that your mansion waits,
May you look forward to Heav’n’s gate.
May you be ready when the Lord does come,
To take you to, your eternal home.
*********************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Mar.31,2004 # 1007

Words of Wisdom
Faith gives us the ability to see God in the dark.
We prove our love for God, by loving others.
To keep spiritually fit, walk daily with Christ.

Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2] But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. [3] And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. [4] The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. [5] Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. [6] For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (KJV) There are great joys and blessings to those who refuse to follow the advice of the wicked, stand with sinners, or join in with scoffers. We should delight in doing everything the Lord wants. We should study and meditate on His Word day and night. All who do, are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail, and prospering (spiritually, not financially) in all we do. On the other hand, the wicked (unbelievers) are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind, and condemned at the judgment. The Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads only to eternal destruction. When you consider this, does this not give us wonderful reasons to be thankful at this time of the year, and all through the year? Praise and thank our awesome triune God, now and always!

Col. 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (KJV) When we live the way God expects, trusting and obeying Him in all things, we will always honor and please the Lord. We will continually do good, kind things for others by showing them the love and mercy of our Lord. And as we live each day for Him, we get to know God better all the time. Col. 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (KJV)
Receiving Christ as your Saviour and Lord is just the beginning of your life with Christ. Many people think that’s all there is to it . . . they are wrong! You must continue to follow Him as a true and faithful disciple. You must be built up and strengthened in your faith, day by day. Jesus wants to guide you and help you with all your daily problems. You must (1) commit your life to Him; (2) submit your will to Him (Rom.12:1-2);
(3) really strive to learn from and imitate Him, His life, and His teachings (Col. 3:16); and (4) realize what awesome power (Holy Spirit) that’s in you (Acts 1:8; Gal.5:22). Prayer is simply talking to God with your heart, mind and soul. We pour out our soul before the Lord (1 Sam.1:15). We pray and cry to heaven (2 Chron. 32:20) for His help. We must draw near to God (Psalm 73:28) on bowed knees (Eph.3:14). Prayer assumes there is a God, and that He has the ability and willingness to help us. For a prayer to be acceptable, it must be sincere (Heb.10:22) and offered with reverence and humility, and in faith; with no hesitation of submitting to His divine will. May you be willing for the Lord to lead, guide and direct you in every aspect of your life. Amen.

December 2004 Monthly Message

OUR LORD, JESUS

Dear Lord, You had great humility,
You served Your Father, so faithfully.
You left the glory of Heav’n above,
Showing to all people, such great love.

You had not a home, to call Your own,
And You spent much time, in prayer alone.
Humbly You washed, the disciples feet,
Teaching them that pride, they must defeat.

‘Twas not a thing, You did not know,
Nor e’er a road, You refused to go.
Such tremendous love, You did display,
To all those You met, along the way.

On life’s road, let me stay close to You,
Please help me, with what I say and do.
Let me walk the path, in Your great light,
Let me be so wise, as to trust Your might.

Lord, make me humble, Lord make me meek,
Grant me patience, as Your Presence I seek.
Let me always serve You, faithfully,
Showing Your grand love, so willingly.
**********************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Apr.3,2004 # 1008

Humility is an important and outstanding Christian grace (Rom.12:3; 15:17-18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). Humility is an attribute that is well pleasing to God (1 Peter 3:4). Our Lord Jesus was a very humble and meek Man. Faithfulness is another wonderful quality that our Lord Jesus possessed. These characteristics do wonders for our soul. As our hearts seek God, humility makes us glad (Psalm 69:32-33), making us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set for us an beautiful example of being humble (Phil. 2:6-8). Humility is the way to honor (Prov.16:18), and there are many great promises that are made to the humble (Psalm 147:6; Isa.57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet.5:5). The unbelieving world does not agree that humility is the road to glory.
Our Lord Jesus left the glory and safety of Heaven to come to Earth as Man. He is God! He was with God the Father from the beginning of eternity . . . if you can figure out when that was! John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (KJV) Our Lord Jesus is an extremely special Being! 100% God, 100% Man. Again, I cannot explain this, but the Bible states it so I believe it. I believe everything the Bible has to say because it was inspired by God (2 Tim.3:16). The Bible is God speaking to us. Woe be to those who shun God or His Holy Word. Before the incarnation of Jesus, He knew exactly (Isa.42:9; 46:10) what He would have to go through here on Earth. But He came any way! Can you even comprehend the love our Lord Jesus has? I cannot. He is awesome! His love is exceptional!

Christ means anointed. He is the Messiah. This is the official title of our Lord, and occurs well over 500 times in the New Testament. It means that He was anointed or consecrated to His great redemptive work as Prophet, Priest, and King of His people. He is Jesus the Christ (Acts 17:3; 18:5; Mat.22:42), the Anointed One. He is spoken of by Isaiah (Isa.61:1), and by Daniel (Dan.9:24-26), who calls Him “Messiah the Prince.” The Messiah is “the seed of the woman” (Gen.3:15), “the seed of Abraham” (Gen.22:18), the “Prophet like unto Moses” (Deut. 18:15), “the priest after the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4), “the rod out of the stem of Jesse” (Isa.11:1, 10), the “Immanuel,” the virgin’s Son (Isa.7:14), “the branch of the LORD” (Isa.4:2), and “the messenger of the covenant” (Mal.3:1). It is He “of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write” (John 1:45). The Old Testament Scripture is full of prophetic statements about the Messiah and the work He would accomplish. Our Lord Jesus the Christ is Jesus the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Saviour of men. This awesome Jesus was divinely appointed, commissioned, and accredited as the Saviour of men (Heb.5:4; Isa.11:2-4; 49:6; John 5:37; Acts 2:22).
To believe that “Jesus is the Christ” is to believe that He is the Anointed; the Messiah the prophets spoke of, the Saviour sent by God. Our Lord Jesus was exactly who and what He claimed to be. This is believing God; believing the Gospel by faith; and this faith comes to us from God (Gal.5:22-23). That our Lord Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, is the firm declaration of God, and our faith of this makes us a Christian
(1 Cor. 12:3; 1 John 5:1).

Words of Wisdom
Time spent with the Lord is never time wasted.
Loving a friend is natural; loving an enemy is Christ-like.
Eternal life was made possible to us only because of God’s love.

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