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| Promises & Praise Newsletter April We will review some of God's promises and offer up our praises to Him every month in this free newsletter. Note: If you would like to receive the "complete" or "full" version of "Promises and Praise" (which includes pictures, graphics, links, etc.)in your Inbox every month, please Click [html]here to enroll. Thanks again for your interest. April, 2006 Promises and Praise Newsletter Volume 2 In This Issue Father Knows Best Thank you, Lord! I Would Like To Be A Role Model Beneath His Wings Greetings to All Here we are again, now into our second issue of Promises and Praise; I do so hope all of you enjoyed the March edition. Please let me know if you did not receive it: it is very important that I report any delivery "glitches' to my e-mail exporting service. If you didn't receive it, you are encouraged to request a copy from me directly and I will make sure you get the "full HTML version" which will allow you to see the pictures, graphics, etc. Or you can go to my website www.jes uswillreturnsoon.com and read it there (however, that one is just the plain text version, no pictures, etc.). I want to thank everyone again for your support. Please remember that without YOUR input there will be no newsletter. Please e-mail me regularly with your own praises to share with other readers. To protect your privacy, only your first name and city and state will be used with your comments. Also, I encourage you to submit your comments or short articles for consideration. We always need fresh material from our readership, but please remember to keep it "praise oriented" or at least something thought provoking or encouraging. This month please welcome Kenneth Buster as our guest contributor, author of I Would Like to be a Role Model. Kenneth has provided some interesting commentary that I hope all of you will take a moment to read. (Thank you, Kenneth!) Now let's see what the gracious and good Almighty God has laid on our hearts this time. Praise the Lord! . . .Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. Mark 5:19 In His service, Kathy Father Knows Best God's Promises By Kathy S. McBride And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right, and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21 On October 3, 1954, a very popular television "sitcom" premiered on CBS. Many of you will remember it: Father Knows Best. Younger folks may have caught it in reruns somewhere. This very entertaining TV fare ran from 1954 to 1960, chronicling the daily lives of the Anderson clan, a typical American family. While it was funny and smart, it was also somewhat of a "break out" show for its characters in that women were portrayed as "smarter" and the children were more at ease around their parents, even permitted to touch them. The show harkened back to a time when life seemed a lot simpler for sure, while television was still in its infancy. Whatever the premise of the show, ultimately, the Andersons could always depend on Jim [played by Robert Young], the wise patriarch, to know how to solve every dilemma. Indeed, father always did know best. Of course, no father wrapped in human flesh could ever have all the answers, no matter how wise he may be. However, we have a Heavenly Father Who is all-wise, all-knowing, and completely dependable. He knows what to do and just exactly when to do it. But, by and large, we are His unappreciative benefactors, frequently blind and deaf to the pleadings of the Holy Spirit. The hardest part, for those of us who are even remotely aware of God's abundant grace, is how do we tap into that Divine wisdom? Friends, I must be honest and tell you that is truly difficult! Knowing God's will and following it has been one of the most arduous challenges of my life. And I can tell you that I have had some mighty deep and serious discussions with several others who are having the same struggle. This matter of faith is not easy - Jesus Himself warned us in so many words to "count the cost" before embarking on the trail left by His holy footprints - but even harder than the trials of this life is the seemingly vast wasteland of 'what to do.' It seems hard to discern the many "voices" of the world, much less that "still, small voice" (1 Kings 19:12) that is supposed to be guiding us. And that is the problem: supposed to be guiding us. Too often - for me anyway - life gets in the way. And even more problematic is the fact that what God actually wants becomes clouded with the idea of what I want. That murky blend usually ends up resulting in something that neither the Lord nor I want. That's my biggest problem. Is it yours as well? How do we hapless sinners overcome our bend to do things our way - even when we foolishly think we are doing God's will instead? Truly, the only way to know God's will is to know God. That is the key, I think. We must develop such a close relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit that They truly become One Entity within each of us. Serious Bible study and prayer, a deep searching for the hidden things of God [both individually and in the fellowship of other seriously seeking believers], and a putting away of "worldliness" surely would develop in all of us more Godly characteristics. And if we become more like God it stands to reason that we would know more of His will for our lives. If we truly are "genuine" then we should be willing to follow wherever that leads and willing to obey whatever Truth reveals. We spend entirely too much time fretting over the here and now when we should be more concerned about the "hereafter." One day [and soon I do believe!] Jesus, with all the angels with Him, is going to split open the skies with His glorious Presence, and then it will forever be too late for those who may have been "fence sitters" in this earthly life. Those spectators who think they have just enough "religion" to cover them may very well be in the most danger. Sadly, too much of what is called "religion" today is anything but: so much of it is little more than works, feel good, or "cheap grace" (do as you please, sin doesn't matter any more). Jesus didn't teach that multitudes would constitute His Church when He returns to earth to claim those who are His people. Quite the contrary.* While we are struggling daily with what we want, whether or not it is God's will, is not nearly as important as what we are doing to prepare for eternity. As mortal, sinful flesh, we will bumble and stumble, fret and fall throughout this earthly life. Absolutely, it would be so much easier if we were completely in tune to the Holy One, truly permitting Him to guide our earthly steps. However, there is not one - whether admitted or not - who is so dedicated, so close to the Lord - who doesn't make serious mistakes, slip and fall, and make wrong decisions that result in life-long regret. Despite our flaws, however, the good news is that all of us have access to the GOOD NEWS: Christ died for our sins and we can have not only eternal life in Him but also new life in Him right now. Isn't that a glorious promise? Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ladies, we can take heart in the fact that the word "man" is all-inclusive: it literally means the whole of mankind, both men and women. And that is another thing we can be thankful for: God is completely an "equal opportunity employer!" Both men and women with surrendered hearts may serve Him as equals. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:28, 29 So no matter who you are or where you are in your walk with the Lord, as long as you are walking sincerely with Him - or at least sincerely trying - you are one with Him and with fellow believers. With Christ, there is no bigotry or discrimination of sex, race, nationality, financial means, or any other barrier: His blood mercifully covers all of us, making us all one - and all equal - in Him! Praise the Lord! While we may still stumble blindly in this life, personally, I hope some day to be the person Jesus would have me to be even though now I am little more than a miserable disgrace. But my goal is to cultivate my "hearing" to discern that still, small voice and to bring my life - and my actions - into submission to it. I hope that will be the goal of all of you as well. *And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth? --Jesus in Luke 18:7,8 (emphasis supplied) Thank you, Lord! Our Praise And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man acco rding as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:12,13 "I praise God for His Word and for His faithfulness. He is my help in the good times as well as the bad. I praise Him for that. There have been many times in my life when I needed help, direction, employment, a place to live, and many other needs. He has been a faithful friend through it all. It amazes me as I look back over the years to see how he has supplied. I praise Him not only for material blessing but most of all for salvation and spiritual blessings. What a comfort to know Him. Praise Him for the following verse:" When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Isaiah 43:2) Wanda/Auburn Hills, MI Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts, I am the first and the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have I not told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. Isaiah 44:6-8 "I thank God for all His many blessings on me. I thank Him for saving my soul. I thank Him for sending His only Son to die on an old, rugged cross for us. I thank Him for having mercy on me and forgiving me when I mess up. I thank Him for my family who mean so much to me, my home, and our good health. I thank Him so much for sending my little angel, Audrey Grace, to me. I thank Him for my good friends. And I thank Him for having patience with me and sticking with me through all the bad times along with the good. I'm not worthy, but I sure am glad that He loves me." Michele/Sacramento, KY Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11 "Thank God for His goodness and abundance of patience and mercy! Praise His Holy Name and glory and honor be to Him throughout all eternity! I am not worthy even to lay prostrate before Him yet He sent His Son to die for me: that truly is amazing grace. Thank you, Lord, for your help and guidance, for opportunities passed and for those that lie ahead. Thank you for continued good health and for the supporters of this newsletter. Bless them all, Lord, and add to Your fold as it is pleasing in Your sight!" Kathy S. McBride The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the rock of my salvation. 2 Samuel 22:47 I Would Like To Be A Role Model Guest Commentary By Kenneth R. Buster In this life I would like to be a role model, one who teaches and offers good guidance. My father was one of my role models. He always encouraged me to do my very best in everything I did. Doors have opened for me most all my life, and because of my father's guidance, I was prepared to walk through them. Doors opened when I did not even recognize them as "opened doors," and some were disguised as something else. Many times opportunities just seemed to appear unexplained even though they were right in the middle of bad things that happened in my life. There are, however, still bad things out there that I am finding very difficult at this time, and currently can't imagine how they can be for my good. But the greatest faith builder is having gained the victory after coming through bad things and bad situations. During a large part of my life I felt like it was I who was opening the doors. I felt like I had prepared myself to take advantage of situations that caused doors to open. In 1961, I was stationed at Ft. Knox, KY, as Communications Chief, Sergeant E5, in a tank company. My radio mechanic had stepped out the back of a duce and a half and had broken his leg, so I was doing the work of two men. In order to troubleshoot and repair all the equipment needed to keep the tank company's radios working, I spent almost all of my spare time inventing and building a piece of test equipment to make the job easier and faster. Word of what I had done spread, and one day a sedan with stars on it drove up in front of my shop. I was being visited by none other than the Post Commander. I explained to him how my tester worked, and he was so impressed that my presence was requested at his office a few days later. The Commander asked me if I would like to apply for a United States patent. Of course, who wouldn't? I immediately found myself with a lieutenant assigned to me to help take care of all the legal issues involved. Folks, in a situation like this, with the attention I was getting, a young soldier soon finds it hard to be humble. It turned others green with envy, and I loved it. I was already stretched too thin, and soon found this demanding more of my time than I was prepared to give. The straw that broke the camel's back came the day that my lieutenant asked me if I knew the U.S.Army would receive all the patent rights and royalties, and that I would receive only a Letter of Accommodation from said army. This news was hard to take, especially since I had been so impressed with myself with what I had accomplished and the direction it seemed to be heading. When I was discharged from the army, I left my work with School Troops, but I have no idea of whatever became of it. But I know who invented it yet that letter was all I received. There have been other accomplishments in my life, some with much better outcome. Success is a good thing but only if kept in proper perspective, but then only those things done to help others and not for personal gain. Through it all I have never tried to "get a leg up" on others. My walk through this life has been more like a climb, often difficult. But we must always strive to gain new heights, and in so doing, we should always be willing to reach out a hand to help others up life's steep slopes. Always try to learn from the mistakes of others: that will prevent you from making so many of your own. Always strive to do what God would want you to do for this will never tarnish your reputation. Remember, your reputation will follow you all your life so be sure to live in such a way that it won't haunt you. A little pride in your work, etc., is good, but too much or the "wrong kind" will be your downfall. I have often prayed that God not bless me beyond that which I can remain faithful to Him, and so far, He has honored that request. Learn from experience for it is experience that allows us to recognize a mistake when we make it, even if we make it again. And do strive to be a role model: Someone is always watching. Beneath His Wings Safety in the Storm By Kathy S. McBride He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4 Earlier this month many people throughout the South and Midwest endured some horrifically bad weather. Severe thunderstorms produced wave after wave of "super cell" storms that, in turn, generated multitudes of tornadoes. My own hometown of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was hit very hard in certain areas just beyond the downtown districts. Only a hundred miles or so southeast of Hopkinsville, portions of Gallatin, Tennessee were reduced to mere rubble. Several other areas in Kentucky, Tennessee, and surrounding states were savagely attacked by these killer storms. In fact, a funnel cloud passed over my own home and that of my sister and brother-in-law, who live just down the street from me. While I was aware of the heavy thunderstorm raging outdoors and accompanying severe weather warnings, I did not see the funnel cloud myself. However, both my sister, Barbara, and her husband and brother-in-law, Tony and Jimmy, did see it. We thank God in His infinite mercy that the thing stayed aloft, and as far as we know, there was no damage from that one as it blew itself into oblivion. Regrettably,the same can't be said for the dozens of tornadoes that struck the midwest and south during the first few days of April. During that time of potential impending doom, I had no where to go, no "safe" place to ride out the storm, so I decided to retreat to my bedroom. There I situated myself on my bed, with pillows near at hand to cover my head in worst-case scenario, and with my cat, Rocky, curled up beside me [whom I hoped to grab and hold onto beneath my body if it came to that], I resolved that we were in the Lord God Almighty's hands - and whatever happened, happened. In those fleeting moments as I heard thunder announcing the storm's approach - with weather bulletins warning it contained "rotation" [and, indeed, the local sheriff's office had confirmed the sighting of a funnel cloud], I sat in the middle of my bed, reading The Holy Scriptures. Rocky was purring contently, unaware that any moment we might be swept away - unlike Dorothy to Oz, but rather to death itself. Unlike the cat, I was not exactly purring but I had peace in my heart. I chose to read Psalm 91 which is one of my all time favorite passages. Friends, if those verses don't give you hope and assurance in our Heavenly Father I don't know what will! When I got to my favorite part, A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh unto thee (verse 7), the storm was at it's raging peak directly overhead. And it was then and there that I knew everything would be all right, regardless of the outcome. During the very end of time - does anyone dare think that we have not yet entered into that dark period with all the hopeless problems and fearful situations facing this bleak world? - we can cling to the promises of God, penned so eloquently by King David in the book of Psalms. It gives me hope and reassurance to know that no matter how dire the circumstances of this life, God is still on duty. His Throne remains the Center of the universe and His hand is on all of us. I highly recommend that the next time the storms of life, whatever they may be, surround you on all sides, look up for it is from the heavens that the Lord God reigns and watches. His Truth is indeed our shield and buckler. Amen. Once again I want to thank everyone for your interest, input, and support of Promises and Praise. This is YOUR newsletter, YOUR way both to praise the Lord and hopefully get a little spiritual lift every month in your Inbox. Also, I thank you for your continued interest in my websites, www.jes uswillreturnsoon.com and www.ksmcbride.c om as well as my nonfiction book, Remember Lot's Wife. Without YOUR help, support, and purchases none of this would be possible - thank you all so much! See you next month, Lord willing, but in the meantime, visit www.jes uswillreturnsoon.com and check out all the links, personal items, etc. I particularly invite you to read two very interesting items found there on the navigation bar at left: I gave them the enticing titles, Please Read This! I and Please Read This! II. Now, that's all I'm going to tell you; you'll have to check them out for yourself. I believe you will be blessed and amazed by the Lord's working in this person's life. Praise Him for His goodness and mercy! Until next time, Kathy S. McBride Promises and Praise email: kathysmcbride@ksmcbride.com phone: 270-890-8938 web: http://www.jesuswillreturnsoon.com Promisess and Praise | P. O. Box 847 | Hopkinsville | KY | 42241-0847 |
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