Gene Markland

Watch Where You Are Going

Distractions abound in this modern futuristic world. People texting on their smartphones while driving…the only thing smart about that is the phone. People hurt and dying because someone is not watching where they're going.

A man or a woman captured by the allure of a coworker, found in a situation which breaks trust with their spouse or loved one. All because they're not watching where they're going.

A business leader enticed by the easy riches of ill-gotten gain, now imprisoned after not watching where he was going.

Politicians, religious authorities, educational activists, and the list goes on and on. Not to belabor the point but did you ever just stop, look around and say to yourself, “ Everybody! Watch where you're going!”

Hindsight is 20/20 but hindsight always comes when it's too late. Just ask Adam. God's created man who carried the future of humanity within him. God gave him a law, a warning to not eat the fruit of that one tree. Now Adam wasn't stupid. In fact, he was very intelligent, yet what did he do?

“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” (Genesis 3:6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NIV)

Adam didn't watch where he was going and so subsequently he led his family and all who would come after them to become a fallen race.

There was another man mentioned prominently in the Bible who did watch where he was going. The Lord Jesus, the Son of the living God. His life was devoted to one purpose, to fulfill the calling that Father God had placed before him. To fulfill the law and redeem this fallen race by his sacrifice on a cross. With all the many distractions, obstacles, and temptations, he watched where He was going, pushed towards the will of God, and succeeded. He won us back.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) KJV)

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NIV)

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NIV)

We must fix our eyes on where we are going, and not get sidetracked by the pleasures of this world. For the pleasures of this world are only temporary. But friendship with God is forever!

Lord, help us watch where we are going and keep our eyes on what is important and eternal. Help us keep our eyes upon you.

The True Image of Christmas

Picture it — an A-frame chalet in the hills above Gatlinburg Tennessee. Snow on the ground and trees covered in ice, making them look like glass. A roaring fire sets aglow in the prefab fireplace in the left corner of the room. A huge glass wall offers a spectacular view of Main Street in Gatlinburg down below, completely lit with lights and splendid Christmas decorations. All surrounded by a forest of glass trees magically shining under a full moon.

The Christmas tree on the right side of the room is fully decorated with a red tablecloth wrapped around its base, just begging for the bevy of presents that are soon to come. This is the scene as I sit in my overstuffed chair, sipping hot apple cider from my Happy Holidays mug, reading my new Christmas novel by a favorite author.

The book is a pleasant read, filled with the atmosphere of Christmastime. The story unfolds about a young couple caught up in an adventure with life-changing circumstances. A new beginning, finding love and hope for the future, during the Christmas season.

An entertaining image ... but what about Christmas?

As I sit reading, I listen to an Internet radio station playing Christmas music nonstop. I hear the familiar strains from artists of yesterday singing stories of snowmen, a white Christmas, sleighs, and grandma having an accident with a reindeer. Again I wonder...

This is a pleasant and entertaining Image ... but what about Christmas?

We decorate our homes and participate in Christmas traditions, but many times we find ourselves caught up in the image of Christmas. An image, although fun, has nothing to do with what Christmas is all about.

Picture this — in a cave being used as a barn, a young couple is having a baby without a midwife, much less a doctor. Not even a bed for the young mother to lay on while she gives birth. Only a scratchy pile of hay which her anxious husband hurriedly pushes together to form a makeshift bed, covered with his cloak, as his young wife squeezes his arm and grimaces, “Hurry! It's coming! It's coming! Hurry!”

We all know the stench of animals in a barn as representing a most unsanitary condition. Yet, this is the event for which people all around the world celebrate with glitter and candy canes. What this poor desperate young couple did have, though, was the blessing and protection of God Almighty as His son was brought into the world.

This wasn't a pleasant or entertaining image ... but this was Christmas.

The Bible teaches us:

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NLT)

So, this year, as we watch our favorite Christmas movies, listen to our favorite beautiful Christmas music, and enjoy all the festivities that encapsulate our modern-day image of Christmas, remember that cave, used as a barn, where a poor young struggling mother brought forth the Son of God, the Savior of mankind, in the most difficult and unglamorous of situations. Remember how Father God helped them. And remember the true image of Christmas.

Don't Go

From the time I was a young boy, I attended church with my family. I still remember the Sunday school classes, the vacation Bible schools, the music and singing, and the many admonitions from the pulpit.

I remember the Wednesday night services before Thanksgiving. Often we, as a church, celebrated the Thanksgiving Holiday with a play (once I was a Pilgrim) and a time of giving thanks to God for the many gifts and blessings He had given us.

Sitting in that same church many decades later, I look around and memories flood my mind. I especially remember people who were there but now are gone. So many family and friends have passed and gone on to be with the Lord, whom we worshipped together, and I know they are happy now in heavenly bliss. But I ask myself the question, where are the others?

Where are all the kids and teens I grew up with? Some have moved away and live their lives elsewhere, but many have simply fallen away. The cares of this life and family situations have taken them from us. Some would still claim a strong belief and love of the Lord, but yet they leave and don't come back.

I believe it’s heartbreaking to the Lord to have so many of His children living lives of solitude away from their Christian family. I know a man who is a very devout Christian but has one excuse after another to not attend church, and if you knew him you'd be shocked.

Many who leave do not make a firm decision to not come back, they just drift away. We live in such a fast-paced and busy world that we just don't take the time. The Bible warns us in Hebrews chapter two not to drift away.

“We must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.” (Hebrews 2:1 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NLT)

A couple of verses later, it reads:

“What makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.” (Hebrews 2:3-4 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NLT)

The same Lord who welcomes us into heaven welcomes us into His Church. There is so much growth that takes place in Church. Blessing and rejuvenation take place in Church. And there's family. A church family.

I have a friend who had severe chest pains and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance on a Sunday. Immediately, as one person learned of the situation, social media posts went out for prayer in a spontaneous prayer chain. Later, several members of the church left the Sunday night service and rushed to the emergency room for support and prayer.

After test results showed that he was fine, the Doctor discharged him into the care of his church family. They returned with him to the church service and the congregation erupted into applause and praise to God for a miracle in their presence. Afterward, the Pastor had him pray for others, which he did one-by-one for nearly an hour. God brought him from the ER to the altar!

Please don’t miss out on your blessings. If you have been disappointed or hurt by something or someone at a church in the past, try and put it behind you. The writer of Hebrews spoke of Jesus this way,

“Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” (Hebrews 2:1 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) 8 NLT)

He will help you and he does want you. The Bible says,

“The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' Let anyone who hears this say, 'Come.' Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let anyone who hears this say, "Come." Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NLT)

The enemy of your soul, the devil, says “DON’T GO ... to Church.

The lover of your soul, Lord Jesus, says “DON’T GO ... away from Church.

Which voice will you listen to?

The Secret to Finding Joy

As we live our lives on earth we seem to always be seeking something. A new romance leading to a spouse and a family, a career leading to a comfortable living or even wealth. We seek friendships and positions in society or in church. Though we are striving and seeking on our journey we sometimes forget that the experiences on the journey are the best part.

Pierre was a French archeologist and explorer who sought and found many antiquities during his career. A Paris television reporter interviewed him in an outside cafe on the Champs Elysees Avenue near his home.

Between sips of espresso, he reminisced about the times he had worked at different sites in Egypt and uncovered pottery, weapons, and other artifacts. Waving his arms in demonstrative circles He detailed adventures when he found underwater shipwrecks, and the ruins of ancient cities undersea in the Mediterranean.

The reporter asked him what he thought when he looked back on his career, now that he had retired.

He pondered a moment and remembered a great treasure hunter who had said that the joy was in the seeking. So, he told the journalist that he didn't understand that when he was young, but now, looking back he did. In fact, he agreed as the journey was the best part of all of his adventures. With all his success and some failures, he could honestly say that the joy did come in the seeking.

When the reporter asked him to explain further, holding that tiny cup of espresso in both hands he leaned forward as if to quietly tell a secret. He explained that his Bible has a scripture in Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) that says, "God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished."

He went on to explain that while he had sought knowledge and many treasures in his career, he sought a greater treasure in his life. He sought God. At first, he didn't believe, and then a friend in college shared the message of Christ with him. It changed his life. He said that He got it! Religion didn't do anything for him but this Christ who gave himself for him — he was in awe. Who was he that Christ would do that? From the moment he received Jesus into his heart he sought him. And not only him but God the Father as well.

The reporter was taken aback and yet her interest was piqued as this interview had taken a distinct turn. She asked him what his faith had to do with his career?

Everything was his reply. As he sought new discoveries in the world of archeology it required study, research, and giving of himself to contemplating the details. And then after all of that, it required his physical presence on location to complete the work. Every step along his way was enlightening. When he looked back at it, he had one word to describe it — enjoyable.

The Frenchman's belief was that his faith journey paralleled his career journey. It also required study, research, and the giving of himself to contemplating the details. It led to a lifetime of study and prayer. And one day, one glorious day, it will require his physical presence on location in heaven to complete the work.

Jesus said, ”Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God* above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NLT)

He encouraged the reporter by telling her of the lifetime of great joy there is in seeking the Lord your God. The rewards are great as you seek but the treasure you gain in the end is unspeakable! Seek Him!

The Peace Strangler

Mary was a struggling young businesswoman who was brought up in a Christian home and had a deep faith in the Lord. She began to feel an emptiness and loss of connection between her, her church, and her Lord. She struggled for months and could not find an answer to what seemed like a tall brick wall between her and God. Maybe she was too busy. Maybe her life was too hectic and the stress of her job requirements, competition, late hours at the office, and social activities were just getting to be too much.

So, she decided to take a break. She would go visit her Grandmother in the mountains of Tennessee in a little town near Gatlinburg, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Besides, she was due a vacation anyway.

She loaded up her car and drove to Tennessee. It was good to see her Grandmother and Grandad again, to sit on the front porch on that old porch swing and enjoy the hills, trees, blue sky and peace that nature brings. The second day of her visit, her Grandmother sat beside her on that porch swing, patted her lightly on the hand and said, “Dear, what is it that is bothering you?”

“I don't know Grandmother," She replied. “I feel empty. And the closeness I used to feel with the Lord just isn't there anymore like it used to be. There is no time for anything for myself and I don't know what to do about it. How did this happen?"

Her Grandmother looked out and surveyed the surrounding countryside, took a sip of her steaming hot coffee and said, “It's very simple, dear. You’re too busy. That old enemy, the devil, has used his strategy on you.”

“What are you saying? I'm living right. I'm not out sinning and carrying on.”

“I didn't say you were, honey. That's not the strategy of the strangler of peace. His strategy is much more subtle. More sneaky, but very devastating. Devastating to your life, your peace, and ultimately to your soul."

"You see, we live in a world of noise," she continued. "Our televisions take up half a wall in our homes and broadcast 24/7. If we're awake, and even in our sleep, they broadcast into our ears, through our minds, and into our hearts. What are we allowing to stream into our consciousness? In our cars, we have AM and FM radio, CDs, iPads, and various other devices — and now, satellite radio. Noise inescapable. How wonderful and marvelous are all these devices bringing streams of noise which enter into our ears, through our minds, and into our hearts. And just in case we might have a peaceful moment as we walk from our home to our car, we have another miracle device which masquerades as a telephone that we plug directly into our ears, sending noise straight through our minds, and into our hearts. And yet we cry, Why can't I have any peace in my life? Why can't I ever hear from the Lord? The answer is simple ... noise. The cares of this life. Remember what the Apostle Paul wrote,

'Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.' (Romans 8:5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NIV)

Dear, I would like to introduce to you an old concept that is foreign in our world today, a concept which many people can't conceive of. That concept is silence. Yes, silence. There is a reason why Jesus made the statement,

'He who has ears to hear, let him hear.' (Matthew 11:15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) )

How can we ever expect to have peace or hear from the Lord if we constantly dunk our heads into the cauldron of noise, that cauldron of news, weather, sports, and music? Now, make no mistake, I love all those things as much as you do but sometimes we've got to take a break, pull our heads out of the noise, and be still. Be still And listen. Listen to the silence which is available to He who has ears to hear.

Try to sit still in total silence for 10 minutes. Just listen to the silence. Do you want to have peace? Do you want to hear from the Lord? Here is your starting point. Now I’m going to leave you and go inside for a while but you sit here and just listen with your ears to the silence around you and the Lord’s spirit within you. And be at peace.”

Mary found her peace, and a new and vibrant relationship with her Lord, right there on the old porch swing at her Grandmother’s house.

Now, dear reader, sit in silence for 10 minutes.

Stop Praying or Else!

Young Willie was a skinny 16-year-old boy who carried a big Bible. Willy, you see, had gotten saved in a revival service at his church, and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The year was 1929, and with the stock market crash in New York City, people were afraid for their future. The economic news was bad and men were being laid off their jobs. Money was becoming scarce and so was the faith of many people. They were losing faith in their God, their government, and in themselves.

But there was a light in the eyes of young Willy coming home late from the church revival on this Sunday night. There had been miracles and an outbreak of worship to God. This was unheard of, and unseen in this small town up until then.

It was said that Willy, who knew no music, actually sat on the piano bench during the altar service and played the most beautiful heavenly music the folks had ever heard. It had to be a true miracle of God and manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit, for Willy, you see, did not know how to play the piano. He just sat down and played under the anointing of the Holy Spirit without even looking at the keys.

This small holiness church made a lasting impact on Willy’s life and he wanted nothing more than to see his father receive the Lord Jesus as his personal savior. He would spend countless time at the altar praying, “Lord, save my daddy!” Lord save my daddy was his prayer. But more than a prayer it was a dream and a wish that galvanized his thoughts. He did not want his father to die and go to a Devil's hell. Willie had hope. The Bible teaches us,

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NLT)

So day after day Willie prayed for his father, who was known around town as a mean man. Some even called him a snake. When he walked down the street some people would point to him and say, “Stay clear of that man for he would just as soon shoot you as look at you.” Rumor has it that he did, in fact, shoot a man that he thought had stolen his horse. He was a laborer with a strong back, a strong right hook, and a quick temper.

One night, after Willy returned home after church, he was on his knees at his bedside praying loudly for his Daddy to be saved. “Oh God, save my daddy!” He prayed earnestly and very loudly.

The neighbors complained because he prayed with his bedroom window opened, disturbing them with the agony of his prayers. One night while in prayer, his Father burst into his room and told him to stop praying. Willie was stunned, but he kept on praying all the more. His father threatened him with that famous temper of his and said, “Stop praying or I’ll beat you!”

Willie paused ... but with the thought of his daddy’s soul hanging in the balance, he prayed even harder. “Oh Lord, save my daddy!” Daddy slapped him across the head and told him to shut up. Willie refused and kept praying. Suddenly, his prayers turned into screams as Daddy beat him into silence.

Jesus teaches us, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (John 15:7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) , John 15:18-19 "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NLT)

The next night after church the scene was repeated. Willie prayed for his Daddy once again. He intended to pray quietly but the more he prayed, the more the power of God came upon him. His prayers raised to a crescendo as Daddy burst into the room and shouted, “Stop praying or I’ll beat you!”

“No Daddy,” Willie said as he turned once again toward his bed to pray. Once again, Daddy beat him into silence. This went on for several more nights until Daddy gave up and let Willie be.

The revival was over, time passed, and Daddy reflected on the behavior of his good son Willie. Can a man’s hard heart ever be softened?

One Sunday morning, Daddy walked through the doors of the church and sat in the back. Eventually, he moved closer to the front upon every visit, until one glorious Sunday morning Daddy made it all the way down front to the altar, repented, and gave his stoney heart to the Lord. Willie thought that all the persecution and beatings were worth it when he saw the tears stream down his Daddy’s face as he asked Willie to forgive him. It was a beautiful miracle that day. A long-fought battle had come to an end and Daddy, my Great Grandfather Arrowood, became known as a sweet, gentle man who served the Lord for the rest of his days.

The Bible teaches us to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) KJV) If it can happen for Willie, it can happen for you.

Editor's note: The abusive scenes described in this devotion are not condoned by CBN or the author but are part of this family's redemption story.

What Are You Doing Here?

Once there was a minister who was lonely, depressed and feeling defeated in his life and ministry. One night in his despair, he found himself in a bar on the seedy side of town. With his head bowed low in shame, he walked across the dimly lit room and took a seat at the bar. He sat staring into his drink, a drink he had never had before, and pondered his life and his failures.

Suddenly, a man sitting two seats to his right, a man who had obviously been drinking heavily, turned to him, looked at him with piercing eyes and said, “What are you doing here?”

The minister was shocked and thought to himself, “Do I know this man? Does he know me? All the while the man stared at him with those piercing eyes awaiting an answer. An answer he already knew. This minister did not belong there.

Immediately, he rose from the bar stool and left the building. As he sat behind the wheel of his car he thought to himself, “Lord, what has brought me to this low point in my life?” It was as if the Lord had spoken through that man.

As he pulled out of the parking lot he asked for forgiveness. In his beaten and defeated condition, he went back to his home, to his family, and to his ministry. Ashamed of himself, he put one foot in front of the other, and went through the motions, feeling unworthy yet determined to try again. The Lord restored him and he continued his ministry.

There was a man in the Bible, a prophet named Elijah, who also reached a point in his life when he felt defeated and wanted to give up.

“Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.'” 1 Kings 19:3-4 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died." OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) (NLT)

“But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 1 Kings 19:9-10 There he came to a cave, where he spent the night.The LORD Speaks to ElijahBut the LORD said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" Elijah replied, "I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) (NLT)

Even the great prophet Elijah reached a point in his life when he felt so defeated that he just wanted to die. The Lord asked him again "What are you doing here Elijah?” Then he was given instructions on what to do next.

There may be a time in your life when you were brought low, a time that only you and the Lord know about. Do not let that define you. Do not let that set your course for a lifetime of defeat. Instead, put one foot in front of the other — and though you feel unworthy, determine in your heart to try again. The Lord will hold you up with his strong right arm. He will set your course and make straight your path. Defeat will humble a person, but with the help of the Lord, there is hope, restoration, and a victorious future.

Servant of All

One evening, John was sitting in his nice middle-income home reading a book on church history (The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians) when he came across a passage describing famine and starvation which afflicted the early church. It stated,

“Many sold themselves into slavery, and with the price received fed others.”

John was stunned as well as shamed by this account and said to himself, Boy, do I not measure up. As he searched his conscience and prayed to the Lord, he made a promise. Lord, I can't do anything tonight but before I go to bed tomorrow night I will have fed somebody.

The next day at work he asked around if anyone knew someone in need of food. No one did. So John prayed for God to lead him as he was desperate to feed someone. In his mind, he saw the front of a modest brick home in great detail. Not recognizing it, he asked God to show him the house.

A few minutes later a coworker came and told of an elderly widow in his church in need. John said, “Let's go shopping!” So the two of them piled into John's pickup and headed to the grocery store. As John pushed the basket down the aisle, he asked the Lord to guide him in what to buy.

Neither knew exactly what she needed so they just began to put staples in the basket; varieties of food, cleaning supplies, and whatever caught John’s eye. The Bible teaches us,

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalms 37:23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) (NLT)

He surely delighted in their enthusiasm because of what came next.

With the pickup filled with bags, they headed to the widow's home. Now some might call what happened next a coincidence, but John knew for sure that it was a divine mission when they pulled up to the house and it was the exact house that he had seen in detail while in prayer! “Hallelujah! This is it,” John exclaimed, as his coworker went up to the porch and knocked on the door.

When the dear sister was told what was happening, she put her hands over her gaped-open mouth and stood to the side on the porch. The two young men began to carry bags into the house to the kitchen as she raised her hands, praised the Lord, and did a little dance. It turns out her daughter and kids had just come to stay with her out of their need, and there was no food in the house.

She stopped them at one point and said, “I was on my knees praying to God to meet our needs and I told him, 'Lord, you ain't never let me down in all these 80 years, and I know you ain't gonna let me down now.' Then you young men knocked on my door.” They all praised God and continued carrying plastic grocery bags inside. Coming in with another load she asked, ”How did you know that this is my brand of flour? Look! That there is my favorite cereal!”

She could see through the bags that they had brought all her favorites. It was as if she had given them a list. They replied, “We had no idea what to buy, Sister. We let the Holy Spirit guide us. He knew what you needed and what you liked.” Praise God!

John had followed the leading of God and received the miracle of answered prayer.

From this humble beginning, fulfilling a promise to feed someone, John went on to found a food ministry which delivered more than a million pounds of food to the poor and needy in his community. Though this is a true story, few people know John’s real name, at his request.

Jesus taught this lifestyle to His disciples. “And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them,

“If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35 He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, "Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else." OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) (NLT)

Gene

Markland

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