Scripture
How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again… Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
Quote
As you commit yourself to Jesus in increasing measure, the power of His Spirit in you grows more apparent–You have a greater desire to obey Him and to reflect His character.
~Charles Stanley {Everyday in His Presence, page 190}
Everyone who knows me understand how much I dread extremely hot weather. The 95 plus days practically shut me down. I know that is wrong {a sin} to complain about the weather and I try hard not to think about it but when I walk outside in this extreme heat; I can’t help but think about it. A few days ago I read Charles Stanley’s devotion on CONTENTMENT and I felt kind of small. Paul did not move from place to place in an air conditioned automobile. He had no A/C and no automobile. He walked most of the time. The Roman government did furnish him a horse when they moved from Jerusalem to Caesarea. He also did some sailing but that was very dangerous in those days, and three time he suffered shipwreck and once drifted in the sea for hours before being rescued. He was in prison often, whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave him thirty-nine lashes. Three times he was beaten with rods. Once he was stoned and left for dead. He faced grave dangers every time he traveled and was hated by the Jews. He endured many sleepless nights; suffered hunger and thirst. He had even shivered in the cold, because he didn’t have clothing to keep him warm and yet he learned to be content. He was not naturally content; he learned contentment.
I have never been shipwrecked or snake bit. I have never been hungry other than when I was fasting. I have always had clothes and shelter and for the last 50 or so years, I have enjoyed air conditioning, electricity, running water and I ride in comfort from place to place. No more walking on horse back riding and travel these days is much safer, much faster and more pleasurable. Yet with all these things, I complain about the heat, the drought and the discomfort of travel. It helps me to realize that I am a spoilt American and that I take far too much for granted. Thank YOU Jesus for all your blessing: help me to be grateful, gracious and content. I do thank God for my faithful wife, my children, grands and greats and my church families. I do not see how a man could want more. Thank You LORD: please forgive me for complaining.
I want to share a new video I found: it moves me and hopefully it will lift you up as well…if you like Drums and Jesus, you will love it.
Extra
Mary {Josh Melson’s wife} and her sister Patty lost their grandfather yesterday. He fell in the bathtub and sustained fatal injuries. This would be Commissioner Ray Long’s father-in-law. No arrangement at this time.
It is FRIDAY, I think. Had a birthday party for Granny {Hannah} and Mylee last night and they got pie in the face. I had nothing to do with but eventually, I will get the credit. Mylee was 61 and Hannah was 84. June hates it when I invert the numbers but I think it is fun. I hope you have a great day and a great weekend.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY
Socrates often criticized Athenian democracy. He especially criticized it for the selfish individuals who gained power and wealth by using speech-making tricks and flattery to gain the support of citizens. He also died at the hands of the mob {majority rule} which is why our forefathers did not want America to be a democracy. Wouldn’t it be great if a liberal could understand this: we live in a REPUBLIC, not a democracy. It is not rocket science: just fact!
Brian Deese on Twitter…Breaking911…@Breaking911