Thur/Fri 7 28/29 Sing to/for Him

Praise The Lord. Sing to Him a new song.

Good Morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Today is Thursday and Friday on this line. So sorry about yesterday, and I also have not had time to look over the many prayer requests that came in, so let me get started this way. It is 5:35 AM and God is sending us a beautiful rain, just beautiful, passing storms I guess but seems like a soaker after not having any for a while... Thank You Jesus.

On these days, Thursday we pray for families and for schools, Friday we pray for all those who serve the Lord by working in His fields of Harvest. Also I really need your prayers for Dolores and also for me. First, Dolores, as she went for tests on her right knee yesterday and she struggled to walk in for the X-ray with an injection she was doing well, as good as it gets for her. Then they laid her down on the X-ray table and when she went to get up something changed in her back. They brought her out to our vehicle in a wheelchair. Now we had a sing-a-long at the Bridges and she was not going to miss it, so we went to the Bridges and she really struggled to walk in and get to that piano bench, where she did wonderful... Then the struggle back to the car... Now we had to go back for the second set of X-rays so we came by the house and got her wheelchair and went back to the X-ray place. I got her into the wheelchair and they saw me coming and came out to push her in. Back on her back again, and this time she was really screaming when she went from the chair to our vehicle. Then off to home where it was all she could do to get in and into bed... After laying down for a few hours this lady was on her piano bench getting ready for Sunday. She is already up this morning as we have an early morning doctors appointment for some sort of weekly shots... I do think she is facing knee surgery, PRAY WARRIORS PRAY... Also for me, I have a very, very big wedding to do, rehearsal tonight, wedding tomorrow, outdoors and trust me when I say after getting around with Dolores, I could not walk either, so I went to bed... Enough about us, let's get SINGING FOR HIM, SOME HYMNS OR SUCH...

Singing to/for Him: Psalm 149:1 - Praise The Lord. Sing to Him a new song. (NIV)

Brothers and sisters, our Lord God made the heavens and the earth in six days and on the seventh day He rested from His work... Seven days to make it all, yet, yet He's still working on me.

This song by Joel Hemphill...

He's still working on me, to make me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be! He's still working on me.

He's still working on me, to make me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be! He's still working on me.

Now I just know you, and I would bet you an ice cream cone that you can also say the same so let's hit that song one more time...

He's still working on me, to make me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be! He's still working on me.

I WILL SERVE THEE: William and Gloria Gather

I will serve Thee, because I love Thee; You have given life to me. I was nothing before You found me; You have given life to me. Heartaches, broken pieces, ruined lives are why you died on Calvary, Your touch was what I longed for; You have given life to me.

I will serve Thee, because I love Thee; You have given life to me. I was nothing before You found me; You have given life to me. Heartaches, broken pieces, ruined lives are why you died on Calvary, Your touch was what I longed for; You have given life to me.

I have some dear, dear friends on this line who sing gospel music, Tim Beitzel, Doug Boyer, Neil Enloe, Phil Enloe, Duane Nicholson, Dave Kyllonen and there are others. All of these men of God have one thing in common, they have all either been Couriers or stood in with the group for some concerts. Now if you have ever heard the Couriers, regardless if they were the old guys or the young guys, and they came out and opened with this old Hymn you got shivers and I know because I am getting those chills right now as I talk about it... So here it is, an oldie by Martin Luther,

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing. Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing, Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God's own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same. And He must win the battle.

That word above all earthly powers no thanks to them abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God's truth abideth still, HIS KINGDOM IS FOREVER. AMEN.

Folks, the tears are of joy and the chills are real, I can hear them as I type. Amen, and I have time for one more to take us out today, just a verse or two of one with meat and potatoes in it.

Just two verses and a few times though the refrain... Come on, you can do this and then put it on your heart for the day...

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds thy hands have made I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; how great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; how great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Dear Father in Heaven, You know our needs, You know our hearts and You know what is needed on our prayer lists, please honor them according to Your will... In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now go forth, sharing your blessings and singing this, put it on your hearts and mind and lips and let it rip out all day long, knowing also that I love ya. Pastor Dan.

Now come on and hit it, over and over again and again... all day

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; how great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; how great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; how great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Wednesday July 27 2011 Sing to/for Him 2

Praise The Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary, praise Him in His mighty Heavens. Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for his surpassing greatness. Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, Praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath PRAISE THE LORD.

Good Salvation Wednesday Morning, my dear brothers and sisters. PRAISE THE LORD. Before I forget, I need to ask you to look at a prayer request that came in, I left it as received and it is after my message of today. And for the writings of the next two days, I am not sure what time of day you will get them. Our days are full, with doctor appointments for Dolores and Sing-a-Longs, wedding rehearsals, etc. I am going to make every effort to get it done, for I am indeed working for God.

Salvation Wednesday and the day we pray for the unsaved, and please, pray hard for this and for God to use those who are saved to help bring in the Lost.

Singing to/for Him, Day 2: Psalm 150:1 - Praise The Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary, praise Him in His mighty Heavens. 2 Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, Praise Him with the harp and lyre. 4 Praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute. 5 Praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath, PRAISE THE LORD. (NIV)

Brothers and sisters, are you breathing right now? Of course you are! So you know what comes next right, and let's shout it out... PRAISE THE LORD, PRAISE YOU JESUS, PRAISE YOU AND THANK YOU JESUS... Yes, we are going to be singing today again, and yes, we are going to be doing it all this week. God is good, and He loves to hear us singing, and if you can't carry the tune, even in a bucket, well, then, you are the ones making the joyful noise unto the Lord.

First just a few words about Salvation, since it is Salvation Wednesday. Folks, we need to be working hard to get the word out to the lost, and since we all cannot get to everyone, we must work hard with others. For instance, one of the things that God talks about is visiting folks in prison, and folks, I have only done that once in my life and I was in the youth choir at the 29th Street Church in Harrisburg, Pa., and the Dauphin County Jail was in downtown Harrisburg. Our ministry is full, but we have friends that visit there. Again, not any one person can do it all for Him, so we must, I say WE MUST, work together, pull our fair share so to speak. There is work to be done, folks, and we cannot save a person, but it is up to us to get the word out, us meaning YOU AND ME. So lets get cracking!

For now, we are going to be singing. Let's see if I can pick a couple and have you just plant one of them on your mind. I can tell you now that on Friday, whatever the time is when you get the message, we will be singing some old hymns. Wherever you are, you should be able to sing this, and the one the song is about should feel welcomes... ready...

Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome: Dottie Rambo, David Huntsinger

Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this place, Holy Spirit, Thou Art welcome in this place.

Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace, Thou art welcome in this place.

Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this place, Holy Spirit, Thou Art welcome in this place.

Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace, Thou art welcome in this place.

Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this place, Holy Spirit, Thou Art welcome in this place.

Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace, Thou art welcome in this place.

(One more time, real soft)

Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this place, Holy Spirit, Thou Art welcome in this place.

Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace, Thou art welcome in this place.

Rock of Ages: Augustus M. Toplady Thomas Hastings

Rock of Ages cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.

Let the water and the blood, from Thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure.

While I draw this fleeting breath, when my eyes shall close in death, when I rise to worlds unknown, and behold Thee on Thy Throne, Rock of Ages cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.

His Name Is Wonderful: Audrey Mieir

His name is Wonderful; His name is Wonderful; His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord. He is the Mighty King, Master of everything, His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord. He's the Great Shepherd, The Rock of all ages, Almighty God is He. Bow down before Him, love and adore Him, His name is Wonderful Jesus my Lord.

His name is Wonderful; His name is Wonderful; His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord. He is the Mighty King, Master of everything, His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord. He's the Great Shepherd, The Rock of all ages, Almighty God is He. Bow down before Him, love and adore Him, His name is Wonderful Jesus my Lord.

Dear Father in Heaven, Your name is Wonderful and we want to lift You in praise not just today but each and every day. Seems we are always asking you for things, but never praising You enough, I am so sorry about that, help me get better in my Praises and less in my asking, and more in my working for You. Help us bring in the lost today, in the name of Jesus I pray, and Lord, please look over the prayer requests coming in from Donna and others... Your will be done as always. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

His name is Wonderful; His name is Wonderful; His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord. He is the Mighty King, Master of everything, His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord. He's the Great Shepherd, The Rock of all ages, Almighty God is He. Bow down before Him, love and adore Him, His name is Wonderful Jesus my Lord.

And now is the one to plant on your mind, so sing it over and over and over...

Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this place, Holy Spirit, Thou Art welcome in this place.

Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace, Thou art welcome in this place.

Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in this place, Holy Spirit, Thou Art welcome in this place.

Omnipotent Father of mercy and grace, Thou art welcome in this place.

Go Forth sharing your blessings. Love ya, Pastor Dan.

Hi...
I actually have -3- prayer requests for you.
The first one is for the family of Ami Gruber ........(she is my
hairdresser, and also a friend) a couple of days ago her husband of 18
years suddenly passed away at the age of 46. He was a truck driver and was in Albany
N.Y. doing a truck load....when he was suddenly overcome. I do not
know if it was a heart attack or a stroke....but, I am pretty sure that
it was one of those. Ami and her husband, Kelly (that is the name of
the man that passed away) have -2- sons ........they are on Summer vacation from
school right now and one of those sons was with his Dad at the time when
he passed away. (he went to do the trucking trip with his Dad)

the -2nd prayer request is for a woman named Bobbie Needle ....she is a
massage therapist....and she is also a friend ....she just found out a
couple of days ago that she had a really bad report from her last
mammogram.....she had a surgery date set today and will need to have a
double mastectomy ......they are acting very quickly on this....because it is
pretty far advanced.....(her mammogram of last year was fine though)
She is needing to have some prayers.....for her and for her family.

the -3rd prayers request is for a woman who's name is Marsha Hunsicker
..........that request for prayer came to me via the computer and the
message that I received was from my niece.....and her name is Michele
Herman. Marsha and Michele are sisters ........ Marsha is needing to
have some major prayers at this time in her life. I am going to
forward over to you the same email that I received because it will
describe much better
the seriousness of Marsha's illness.
(Oh......Michele Herman is also the Mom of a young man named Patrick
Herman who I had asked you for some prayers for almost a year ago....
Patrick has cerebral palsy (like my son, Michael does) and Patrick had
some major spinal surgery done (it was from the base of his skull all the
way down to his tail bone) they put in metal rods all the way down his
back..........it is to help him with some major spinal curving....the
curving was
putting pressure on a lot of his internal organs and was becoming quite
dangerous to him. (Patrick is 21 yrs. old)
This is a whole family unit who has had a lot of stuff going on in their
lives.

Any prayers for these -3- situations will be greatly appreciated.
Our Mom is doing basically about the same.......although she is
shrinking more each time I see her.......and her hair is becoming more
and more
"curly" .......we just cannot figure out how that is happening (but her
hair is beautiful ! )

Take Care and God Bless..... Donna (Gabby)

Tuesday July 26, 2011 Singing to/for Him

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with SINGING. Know ye that the Lord, He is God; it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves: we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

Good Tuesday Morning, I think. I think meaning I have no idea when this message might go out as our Verizon service is down after a storm on Monday (Praise God for the rain). I called Verizon on Monday after the storm and was told by a computer voice (don't you just love'em) that the service would be up by 4.30 AM this morning, meaning Tuesday, and it is still down, telling me again by that computer voice that it is an area wide problem and it will be out till 7.30 AM on Wednesday. So the next few days will be different. Why? Well, it has nothing to do with the storm, God has been telling me it is just time to do some good old rejoicing in song. Here are your prayer things... Pray for cures for all those things that affect our health... Not just cancer and things like that, but all things, even that thing we call the "common cold." And please pray for Dolores. Yesterday we were at the doctor who had replaced both of her knees. The right one was replaced twice. Now the knee cap has slipped, it is no longer on the knee. So this Thursday we are going for a bone study to see if the knee is loose in there, the new knee, and I am sure it is as it is twisted and not straight. So pray, for God can still heal knees.

Singing to and for Him: Psalm 23:1 - Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with SINGING. 3 Know ye that the Lord, He is God; it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves: we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations. (King James Version)

Hit it. This is the Day: (Les Garrett)

This is the day, this is the day, That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made.

This is the day, this is the day, That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made.

Every Day with Jesus: (Robert C. and Wendell P. Loveless)

Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Every day with Jesus, I love Him more and more. Jesus saves and keeps me, and He's the one I'm waiting for. Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.

Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Every day with Jesus, I love Him more and more. Jesus saves and keeps me, and He's the one I'm waiting for. Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.

The Church in the Wildwood (Dr. William S. Pitts)

There's a church in the valley by the wildwood, no lovelier place in the dale; No place is so dear to my childhood as the little brown church in the vale.

Oh, come, come, come, come, come, Come to the church in the wildwood. Oh, come to the church in the vale, no spot is so dear to my childhood as the little brown church in the vale.

From the Church in the valley by the wildwood, when day fade away into night, I would fain from this spot of my childhood, wing my way to the mansions of light.

Oh, come, come, come, come, come, Come to the church in the wildwood. Oh, come to the church in the vale, no spot is so dear to my childhood as the little brown church in the vale.

Now put this on your mind and heart and lips for the day... ready...

This is the day, this is the day, That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made.

This is the day, this is the day, That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made.

This is the day, this is the day, That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made.

This is the day, this is the day, That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made.

Dear Father in Heaven, please hear our prayers and hear our songs this day, and yes, Lord, please fix the computer... Your will always to be done... In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now go forth, singing and sharing your blessings... I love ya, Pastor Dan.

Monday July 25, 2011 Helping Others Wrap up

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Good Monday Morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Monday, the day we pray for our President, and folks, we need to really pray for him. First for his salvation and that of his family and then that before he brings anything to the public he runs it past our Lord Jesus. Monday is also the day we pray for our other leaders, and all the veterans, military folks, their support network, our police and firefighters, doctors, nurses, and all who work hard in this country to keep us "free, safe, and healthy".

Also please pray for rain in the areas of our country that need it so bad.

Helping Others: Matthew 25:37 - Then the righteous will answer Him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'" 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (NIV)

Folks, last week I asked what you do to be helping others and I received more responses to this than most questions I have asked. Thanks to all of you who responded. Most all who responded did not want their name used as they are working for God and as we know God will reward us. Here are just some of those things people do to help others.

Work as a volunteer at a local blood bank... Even though the person cannot donate blood, she works to help those coming to donate.

Works with a prison ministry, going into the prisons to teach, preach and tell of the love of Jesus.

Volunteers at retirement homes, nursing homes, and some at hospice. More than one person does those things.

One person talked about giving and in different and only told me so it could be used as an example to others... When they know of someone in trouble, they put money in their Bibles, sometimes up to a hundred dollars at a time... Think of opening your Bible to say, John 3:16 and finding food money when you are broke.

A lot of people told me of working at their church, some help at food pantries including our very own. Complete church groups have stepped out to clean around schools, and some the highways.

Now I could go on and on with these types of emails I received. We have others on the line who go out and sing the word, and of course we have our fair share of Sunday School teachers and Bible School teachers on the line.

Now what do people do who are already living in retirement homes to help with the Lord? I am sure some still tithe their church, and folks, you really can give more than 10 percent, we have one online member giving 17%. Remember, God loves a cheerful giver... Anyway, yesterday I preach and taught on helping others and as you know we pastor a retirement community. After church Dolores and I stayed for dinner, something we are permitted to do for any meal. Here are a few things I noticed going on... One resident got up from the table, to help push her table mate, who is in a wheel chair, nearer to the table. One was filling water glasses at a table. One resident whose memory is going down hill, picks up all the paper on the floor after church and along with another lady gathers up our song books. She was never asked to do this, just started doing it. I see people, who can walk, pushing those in wheel chairs, holding doors. I see one lady out picking up sticks around the campus, and she was at our picnic cleaning up the sticks where we were eating.

I guess as I wrap this up today I want you to look around you, if you are not helping others in some way or another, how can you state you are a Christian? Speaking of which, you do not become a Christian by default, Christian means Christ-like... In the paper yesterday they called the blue eyed blonde man who blew up the buildings in Norway a rightwing Christian... NO, NO, NO... I am a right wing person, and I am a Christian, but I would never blow up a building, and neither would any other true Christian... I am sick and tired of news people not knowing what a Christian really is...

This is why we must always do good. Have a cross on the back of your car or a fish sign, and you are cutting people off... What are you telling them... Look at me, I am a Christian and I can break the law. Anyway, I got off track, but in helping others, look for ways to help and let's get to it....

START TODAY, WORKING FOR JESUS, BY HELPING OTHERS...

Dear Father in Heaven, put ways to help right in front of us so there is no excuse not to work for You. Lord, I know to be saved, I must love You and confess that love, but there is more and I know it, we must work for You. Help me get that word out. Please look over our prayer requests and honor them according to Your will... In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Now go forth, helping others and sharing your blessings and know that I love ya. Pastor Dan.

Friday July 22, 2011 Helping others 5

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Good Friday Morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Wow, I am early once. It is Friday and the day we pray for all those who are working the fields of Harvest for our Lord Jesus.

Luke 10:2 - He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of Harvest, therefore to send out workers into His harvest field." (NIV) These words of our Lord will tell you just why I say to you very often, are you on this prayer list? Or are you one who is working for the "other guy"? Are you going out working for Jesus, telling the good news of Jesus? By the way, I am writing on Thursday late evening due to the fact that for a while now I will be taking Dolores to the doctors for a "special shot." And that appointment is early. I would appreciate your prayers this weekend and next as I am marrying couples on both Saturdays. Also please let me know if you don't receive this!!

Helping Others Day 5: Matthew 20:28 - Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. (NIV)

Helping Others, the subject we have been talking about all week. How are you helping others? Why should we help others? How could we help others? What can we do to help others? Let's look at some of these questions as we round out our week of helping others.

But first I must tell you this. This morning Dolores and I sat down to pray as we do daily. We prayed about you, our on-line brothers and sisters, we prayed about our flock at The Bridges and knowing we had a lot of food that we picked up, in one of our ministry trailers, we asked God if possible to send up some help. I did not put feet on this prayer and call anyone, I was cooking today, as I love to cook and then share the food. About noon Grant Crockett called and asked if we needed anything done or help with anything. Long story short, at 12.30 PM they came and got all the food out of the trailer, sorted it and put it on the shelves, while I was cooking. IS GOD GOOD OR WHAT, God still answers prayers, here is just another example. And also an example of helping others. Grant and Wanda did not just help us, but it also helps those coming for food, and of course they are working for the Lord. Dolores and I had also packed food for some of those who come to us for help. Now let's go to work on those questions. Let's take them one at a time.

How are you helping others? Well, you are going to send me an email so I can share that with others. RIGHT?

Why should we help others? That is easy, because Jesus has told us that we need to do that. We looked at those examples from the Bible all week, and we need to work for Him.

How could we help others? What can we do to help others? There are lots of ways we could help others, but some of those things that we could do, maybe, just maybe we would need help, big projects so to speak. What can we do to help others? You might say, I just don't know what to do to help others. Let me suggest that you might find some older person who because of his or her eyesight they can no longer read their Bible, so you could take some time and read to them. Maybe working out of something like "Our Daily Bread". Maybe you would not see them daily, so you can do a few days at a time. You see, helping others does not always mean reaching in your pocket, or giving of food, or clothes, etc. but sharing of your talents. Are you a person with a nice dog, find out about taking them to a retirement home just to let people pet it. Know of a shut in, or someone who struggles walking, maybe you could do their grocery shopping, and I don't mean with your money, you just do the labor. Use your brain and get to thinking about these things. You might even do some lawn work at your church as one example we should of this week.

One last thing today. Let's look at the scripture of today, "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus did not come down as man so He could be served, He came to serve others. So let's follow His example and let us, the best we can, serve others. With that said, we also need to learn how to be a good receiver of things given to us.

Jesus also gave His life as ransom for our sins, we need to accept that love of Jesus. Today we have many men and women who put their lives on the line for us daily. They are our police, firefighters and of course our military men and women. Jesus paid our ransom for our sins. He covered our sins with His blood. Ok, now it is your turn, time to be helping others, and you just cannot go wrong when you follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus... Amen.

Dear Father in Heaven, we want to work for you helping others, we want to work those fields of Harvest for You, and we want to help others. However, we need Your help to get it done. Help us starting right now, Lord. I am humbled when making this request, and do it in the name of Jesus. All honor and glory is Yours, Jesus. Amen.

Share those blessings, help others and know that I love ya. Pastor Dan.

Thursday July 21, 2011 Helping Others 4

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Good Thursday, pray for our families and schools day... and also pray today for * Sarah Maughan, daughter of Pastor Stan & Jeanne Maughan. Sarah leaves on Monday, July 18, for a 3-month medical internship in Bangladesh. Also keep praying for Pennsylvania 131 Guard Unit, as they are suffering in the loss of three members to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Please remember as you pray, pray for the family of God and please also pray for your own family, those of your neighbors and also for my family. Thank You.

We have been so blessed. Last week at Vacation Bible School at Glenvale Church of God, Marysville, Pa., they gathered food and sent it to our food pantry. Now you need to really know that this church is a very giving church and even has a food pantry of their own and also help other food pantries. Also we went to a Pee-Wee football camp who collected canned food. Maybe we should call it a food-ball camp. We received an outstanding amount of canned goods, and also enough cash to purchase over two hundred boxes of Mac and Cheese. People who know me well know I often talk about money in terms of Mac and Cheese. I can still find two boxes for under a buck. Plus other things were dropped off, including a nice dresser. (Thanks, Alan, for your help.) All honor and Glory to God.

Helping Others Day 4: Acts 20:35 - In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (NIV)

I want to bring out a few things here today, one is that we need to work hard, and we MUST help the weak. So who are the weak, who are those who are helpless? You know we get a lot of people coming to the food pantry and we do not ask a lot of questions, we get a name of the one receiving food, and address and a phone number and we get the number in the family, not names, just the number and we do get ages of children (that's for Santa stuff). Now in this scripture it is very clear we are to work hard and it does not say we should stop working hard at a certain age. Now while I do pastor a retirement home, I know there are people there who cannot "work hard" if we are talking work that takes strong arms and backs, but folks can still work hard getting people to come to Jesus. This is what I tell them at The Bridges, it goes something like this. When we hit a certain age our arms and backs go weak, but we can still work hard at the tables where you eat, talking to others about coming to church. And they also are very good at getting their families to support the food pantry. You see there is no time at all when we should retire from working for Christ. In fact, like Dolores and I, after we retired, we have so much more time to work for Him. I want to bring in another scripture here.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." (NIV)

Now let me get back to those coming to the food pantry for a minute. We have many people calling on us, well over a hundred families receive food from out small food pantry, so how do we tell who is working hard and who might not work, therefore they should not eat? Here, so all of you know is how we handle that. If a man or woman have a family and refuse to work, their children still need to eat, so they get the food. In other words everyone gets food, and we just let God sort it all out.

And that is what all of you should do when working for God, and I am not just talking about food here. When you talk to someone who is singing in the church choir, don't be afraid to ask them if they are saved. I have heard often it is like preaching to the choir. Meaning in a way that the choir already knows what is being preached. Let me tell you that there are a lot of people sitting in church that are not saved (no, I am not judging, but God did give me eyes to see). There are also pastors who might not be saved... Want to ask your Pastor a neat question, ask them if they are born again.

I asked a pastor of mine that one time and at first he was taken back, and then one day he preached about it, saying that I cared enough to ask. Folks, I am going to get into another kind of food tomorrow, and talk to you about feeding the lost... We need to feed the hungry, but that can be in two different ways. First-timers coming to Carry The Light Ministries Food Pantry get a Bible, ALL GET PRAYED WITH while they are here.

Even people needing help can help others. But there are people out in our world today that we must help, you and I know who they are. Some people ride the system and depend on the government, we must teach people to depend on God... someone shout AMEN...

Dear Father in Heaven, we are so blessed, I need forgiven of my sins, and I am sure others do also, but today I am just asking for me... Please forgive me, and help me repent. Lord, help all of us with an able body and/or mind to work hard for you, from dawn to setting sun, from the dawn of our life till the Son calls us home. Help us, Lord, help us. In the name of Jesus, I give thanks for all that we received yesterday... Please be with families and please be with that family in the White House, protect them and keep them safe... In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Go forth sharing and remember the words of Jesus. "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

And I am sure you know this, Jesus loves you very much, and also know that I love "ya" also.

Be blessed. Pastor Dan... Cell Phone 717 991 0754. Use it if you need me...

Wednesday July 20, 2011 Helping Others 3

"For when I was hungry you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me."

Good Morning, my dear brothers and sisters. It is Wednesday, meaning it is Salvation Wednesday on our line. The day we pray for the unsaved and try our very best to lead them to Jesus to be saved. Please remember, we cannot save a soul, that is the work of Jesus and Jesus alone, but He needs our help to bring in the unsaved. The harvest is ripe, but the workers are few, and we need to be a worker.

Please note, yesterday I asked you to pray for the family of Brian who was killed in Afghanistan. Please pray for the Pennsylvania 131st from Upper Dauphin County Pennsylvania. A very small area of little towns and their unit was hit, names have not been released but three warriors are dead and three are injured, I ask you to pray for all the families who have people in the military and extra prayers for those who lost loved ones, not just here but in the whole war effort.

Helping Others, Day 3: Matthew 25:35 - "For when I was hungry you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me." (NIV)

Yesterday I asked you, who in the story about the "Good Samarian" would be your neighbor?Remember we had two who passed by the robbers, the one who was robbed, the Samarian, and the Innkeeper. So who is your neighbor if this happened today? Here is my answer, what Jesus laid on my heart. Some of this answer you will find in today's scriptures. All of them are our neighbors. Let's start with who caused the problem, the robbers. I was in prison and you came to visit me. Now the ones who passed by. To me, these folks would not be saved, in love with Jesus, and those are the ones we really need won for Jesus. Then there is the one who was robbed, and again back to the scripture. I was sick and you looked after me. How about the Innkeeper? From the scripture, I needed clothes and you clothed me. Remember the robbers stripped the man clean. Now how about the Samarian, and that one should be easy. It should be you and me, brothers and sisters, and someone we surely want on our team when we head to the fields of harvest...

Yesterday I also said we would be talking today about talking feet. Now I had one thing in mind on this, but did receive some other really nice things. One of those from Rob Campbell will be after my closing, please take time to read it. AND MAYBE LEARN FROM IT. From our scripture today. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat." Sometimes we get all excited about praying for people and will do something like this. Dear Father in heaven, there is a family down the street that are poor and really need to have something to eat, will you please help them. In Jesus name, Amen.

And maybe that is where you end it. And while God hears your prayers He also uses all of us to help answer the prayers. Does He still work His wonderful hands over all things and remember it is He who makes things grow, He sends the rain, the sun and provided the earth, but He also made the farmer, and others who work the food up. However, if you get lost in the woods and know what you are doing, you could find lots to eat. Berries, nuts, maybe a rabbit or two, a bird, snake, you could live out there and you could find a stream to drink from. But let me get back on subject and talk about this prayer, and this poor family down the street you are praying for. Ready.

Let your feet talk for you... Our Ministry Partner, Pamela Bower, years ago made this statement, "We need to put feet on our prayers", and what it means is just this. You are praying for a family who has very little to eat, you pray and do nothing else, or you pray and then go get a five pound sack of potatoes, and maybe some soup and things and put it on their porch. Which did the most good, folks? Again, God has timed the message perfectly. Last evening and again tonight I am going to a peewee football camp and picking up food for the needy. These folks are helping to answer prayers I sent up by feeding the hungry, but we in Carry The Light Food Pantry are putting feet on our prayers by going out and gathering it up. Food did come in very slowly last night, a sign of times, maybe, or a sign that we need to do a lot of work in the harvest field... What do I mean by that? Well, each person who brought in food got a ticket to win a nice motorbike. One can or a bag of food got you one ticket. (Motorbike was donated to the football camp.) You could tell those who wanted to help the needy and those who just wanted to win the motorbike. Some would bring a bag, some would bring one can. Two years ago we got nearly a ton of food from the camp, we gave one ticket for each piece of food. While I would love to have this group to preach to for a week and talk on giving, I am not beyond doing some begging when it comes to helping those who need food. And let me tell you that no one has ever been turned away without food.

So, dear brothers and sisters, a big part of loving your neighbors and helping others is seeing they get prayed over, brought to Jesus for salvation, and of course we need to feed them and clothe them. How are you helping others, and what about your church, what are they doing for others?

Dear Father in Heaven, please help us to get those feet on our prayers and get working for You, in feeding, clothing and most of all in Salvation through Jesus... We have work to do for You, take away our hurts and pains so we can work even harder for You. Help us in all we do, keep You in our minds so that our bottom line is always backed by You. Help us to repent and be healed in Your name, I pray. Amen.

Now remember to read on about how people used over 60 walking feet to help others... This, folks, is indeed a great way of sharing your blessings. You say you have nothing to give others, how about giving yourself as these folks have done? We have friends who have done just that for us. Be blessed, keep sharing and know I love ya. Pastor Dan.

From Rob Campbell...

"Talking with our feet! Newport Assembly rents the Newport High school auditorium to hold church each Sunday. So we used our "feet" and got a work list for the outside of the schools from the school district. A crew of around thirty people or sixty feet weeded the flower beds, trimmed bushes, put all new playground mulch and flower bed mulch at the school. They are sending us a new list to be done this Saturday. So instead of us grumbling about our taxes and the school, we put our "feet" to work to help and hopefully show a good positive Christian example for the community."

Dan - Keep the good news coming!

Rob Campbell

Tuesday July 19, 2011 Helping Others 2

In reply Jesus said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expenses you may have.' Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

Good Tuesday Morning, my dear brothers and sisters. I am sorry I am late, but I was being busy being blessed by God. I was out picking up bread that was donated to the food pantry, and it was a good day for us. Today, Tuesday, we pray for the cures for diseases, like cancer and kidney problems, but not limited to them. Also today pray for Vicki and Josh and their home and health concerns. Pray for Tiffany on her quest for her first home ever. Also please pray for the family of Brian. I have withheld the last name till this hits the news. Brian, one of our military, lost his life yesterday in Afghanistan on his third tour of duty (roadside bomb). I will bring you more on this later... right now, right now let's just stop and pray for our Military.

Dear Father in Heaven, I do not understand war, but You have told us not to be concerned as these things will happen, that there will be wars and rumors of wars. Still, Lord, when we lose any of our fine men and women, we hurt, and the nearer home, the deeper the hurt. Please, dear Lord, bring our men and women home safe and soon, and please consider bringing peace to the world and we know that will only occur on the return of our Lord... Help us to get ready for this. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Helping Others Day 2 Luke 10:30/36 30 - In reply Jesus said. " A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expenses you may have.' 36 Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" (NIV) New International Version

First, the answer to the question from yesterday.. You remember the teacher of the law was testing Jesus and asking questions and I mentioned we are not to test God, except for one thing. Pam Bower answered it correctly when she said in our giving...

In Malachi 3:8 - Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, How do we rob you? In Tithes and offerings 9 You are under a curse the whole nation of you because you are robbing me. Bring the WHOLE TITHE into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. TEST ME IN THIS, SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessings that you will not have room enough for it. (NIV)

Now let me go back to the scriptures of today and of course in helping others the parable or story of the Good Samaritan should always be on our mind. What would you do on this very day if you came upon, let's say, came upon a car crash, you are the first one there and you can hear calls for help? Would you stop, or would you drive on by? Now once there are many who have stopped it might be best for you to go on, but I am asking if you are first one there. Would you drive on by thinking if I stop and help I might get sued? If your answer is you are afraid of being sued, do you know we have Good Samaritan laws now that protect those who stop to help? Folks, we must stop and help, first of all it is the law, if you are first on the crash you are required to stop and help. But let's forget laws for right now. What is the right thing to do according to Jesus? If not sure, go back and re-read the scripture of today, if still not sure, go back and read it again and again and again until you find out in your own mind we are to help. Or, just do this, put yourself in the seat of the one in the crash. It is a dark night, it is raining or snowing and you slide off the road, people are hurt, and no one stops to help...

Ok, now you saw the question from Jesus, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" And the answer was of course was the one who had mercy on him, the fallen one... and that was correct, and now for my question...

Which of the people in the story if this were to happen today would be our neighbor? Before I tell you my answer, I would love to hear from you. Oh, I am getting hard in my old age, making you work a little. Please respond, it becomes more like a study than just me writing to you.

Let me tell you just a tad about another person in the story that was every bit as good as the "Good Samaritan." This in my humble opinion would have been the innkeeper. We often think of the innkeeper who had to tell Jesus there was no room in the Inn for our little baby Jesus to be born, but let's today look at the innkeeper in this story. The "Good Samaritan" brings in the man he found along the road and tended to him, as told by Jesus, then leaving some coins or money for the innkeeper to watch over the man and take care of him till he has healed. Now the innkeeper had some choices here, he could have turned down the money, and did nothing, or he could have taken the money and still did nothing, even maybe putting the man, who had nothing, remember he was stripped of everything, even his clothes (I wonder if he had clean underwear on that day?) Only I would think of that!! Anyway, back to the innkeeper, he could have just pocketed the money. While the story seems to not talk about that person, I have good feelings about the innkeeper and how he went about "helping others". What have you done lately to help others? The other day coming home from our concert we stopped to eat. There were military folks at the table beside us, in uniform... Grant and Wanda Crockett picked up their tab as we all said thanks to them for their service. Grant is an Army Disabled Veteran from Viet Nam days. Thanks, Grant, for your service to our country and thanks for taking care of those young ones of today's Army National Guard.

So just let me wrap up this message today. We say some folks walk away from helping others. How many rewards in heaven will a priest, pastor, get for not helping someone? Folks, God holds us to a higher standard, he does, we are indeed accountable to Him for those He trusts to us. And folks, if you indeed are a Christian you are accountable to Him also.. Think about it, it just ain't about going home, it is about doing good while you are here, and although you cannot work your way into heaven, you need to be working once you are saved. More on that another day... Tomorrow, more on Helping others...

Now go forth and share your blessings and tomorrow we are not going to just talk about helping others we are going to be talking some from our "feet". Anyone other than Pam know what I am talking about when is say that? love ya, Pastor Dan.

Monday July 18, 2011 Helping Others

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Good Monday Morning, my dear brothers and sisters... The heat is on, and when you are out in the heat today, please think of this... Think of being in full military gear and protecting our country and fighting bad guys over in the deserts. Today, being Monday is the day we pray for our leaders and also our military past and present, and for our police, firefighters, and others who work to keep us safe and healthy. Also pray today for me, as I go out and kickoff a football camp for kids (no, I am not kicking the football). I will be opening this with prayer and the camp is held on a Public School Football field.

And of course I will use the name of Jesus, because if we don't pray through Jesus our prayers will not get to God the Father (John 14:6). Each year the football camp is kicked off in mid-July and one thing the kids do is bring in food for Carry The Light Ministries Food Pantry. So pray for a big load of food, as while we have things on our shelves, we are getting low. We must always remember that even poor folks with no food like to eat each day. Some folks seem to think the hungry only eat at Thanksgiving and Christmas and then only one meal.

While you are praying for our President, pray first for him to accept Jesus as his Savior and then to put all things before God.

Helping Others 1: Luke 10:25 - On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (NIV)

Well, well, this expert on the law must not have known that we should not test Jesus. Except in one thing! Do you know what thing we can test our Lord Jesus on? If you do, please let me know and I will let others know the answer tomorrow.

Ok, the teacher of the law asked Jesus "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus gave the teacher this answer.

Luke 10:26 - "What is written in the Law?" He replied. "How do you read it?" (NIV)

Don't you just love it when you ask someone a question and they answer you with a question? When I was in school and the teachers would call on me, I would try that, and it never worked for me. I hated it when teachers called on me so that they could learn the answers. Ok, you teachers, I am just kidding here. Anyway, here is the teacher of the law questioning Jesus and Jesus then questions the teacher... and here is the answer from the teacher. It comes from

Luke 10:27. He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself." (NIV)

Of course you know that answer as the two great commandments given to us by Jesus. And notice here what Jesus said in return.

Luke 10:28 - "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." (NIV)

Now while we can use a lot of scriptures to show us this, this is basic and I am done now with writing about basics. Our Bible tells us we need to go through Jesus (John 14:6) and we must confess and believe in Jesus (Romans 10:9/10) and while it is all true, for I believe everything in the Bible I have said since I have been saved, if you really love Jesus, really love Him and you love your neighbors, all of them, from across the street to across town, to across the state, nation and world, regardless of race, color, or how they look, you will make Jesus very happy. If you really love Jesus, and you confess as in Romans 10:9/10 and don't show love for your neighbor, I would question your standing with Jesus, although it is not my job to judge you on making heaven. This week we are going to be talking about how you can help others. I had no idea when sitting with Dolores praying this morning that this would be the subject He would give me. But as I waited upon Him, and was looking at the food back kickoff this evening He just planted it right on my mind... "Helping Others".

Brothers and sisters, trust me when I say there are many, many ways to love your neighbors, and to help them, many, not just a food bank. Each day for years and years I have closed by telling all of you to share your blessings and that I love ya... and I mean just that, you need to share your blessings and I do love all of you very, very much. You are indeed family, you are my brothers and sisters in Christ, and yes, you are my neighbors. So as we go to prayer today and we pray for all those on our prayer list, let us all pray that we may look for ways to help others. I don't care how little you have, I don't care how sick or upset you are, there are ways to help others. In reality you need to be loving others as yourself. And folks, if you really, really love your neighbors as God wants you to do, it makes loving Jesus so much fun and it really is easy.

Dear Father in Heaven, forgive us of our sins, and help us to love, to really love others, and of course love You. Please watch over our president, and Lord, I know presidents are not always loved, and most have opinions of how this president is doing, but Lord, I am concerned about his salvation, that is first, Lord, and help us always remember that in loving others, to get them to Your feet to be saved should be our job number one... Help us, Lord, for we can't do it alone. And Lord, I just want to tell You that I love You, even though there are times I don't show that love as I should, for I am a sinner and need Your saving grace. Help me repent and move on forward telling others about Your Love and blessings... in the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Now go forth sharing those blessings that God has loaned to you... love ya, Pastor Dan.

Saturday July 16, 2011 About the Sabbath

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it Holy.

Good Saturday Morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Today I turn my line over to my dear friend John Henry Riddlesberger. John is a retired educator from the Carlisle (PA) School District and loves the Lord with all his being. The other day when I wrote about the Sabbath as one of the Basics that I have been writing about, I invited all to write in. Here is John Henry's response word for word... Please enjoy, share your blessings and know that I love ya. Pastor Dan.

Howdy Pastor Dan,

The Sabbath was set upon the seventh day of Creation and hasn't changed over the millennia of time. While the calendar has been readjusted a couple times (Julian and Gregorian) the days of the week have gone in their seven day cycle ever since the literal beginning of time. The Sabbath is indeed the day the Jews and the Seventh Day Adventist's observe. I often think of this as I am about my various tasks on Saturday. I'm very leery that God just winks his eye at we who observe our day of convenience as a Sabbath, because, if it is other than Saturday, it is NOT a Sabbath as much as we'd like to think of it as being so. The first century Christians observed the Sabbath when Jesus did. As you well know, the Resurrection occurred on the first day of the week which, in a way, commemorated, or celebrated, the actual first day of Creation.

The Roman Church ultimately, during the fourth century, changed the observance of the Sabbath to Sunday as they were mixing in the doctrines of Christianity and Pagan tradition, namely the worship of the Sun or the Sun God, this to make Christianity appealing to the established Pagan tradition. Constantine the Great, also known as Constantine I or Saint Constantine, was the Roman Emperor from 306 to 337. Constantine was well known for being the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. He issued the Edict of Milan in 313 which proclaimed religious tolerance of ALL religions throughout the Roman empire. Notice "tolerance" being used as an excuse to accept something contrary to what God decreed. Sounds familiar doesn't it? It's the mantra of our current age. We are supposed to be tolerant of gay marriage and abortion, etc.

I truly believe we are ALL in violation of this sacred day. Realizing of course the comments Jesus made of the Sabbath as you noted in your line, there are certain things which must be done on the Sabbath. But, as for everything else, we could easily eat food that was prepared on the day before the Sabbath so no one would have to cook or serve. Again, I'm not so sure or certain God is going to wink at our following a converted Pagan of the 4th century (Constantine) in his attempt at being tolerant of "other" gods and those who follow them.

Believe it or not, I seriously think about this every week as I am about my Sunday habits. Truly the 7th Day Adventist's have this one correct. I know several people who refused to take any job that required them to work on Saturday. When being interviewed they brought it up to the interviewer early on. We for centuries have been watering down God's commands and decrees and justifying our interpretation of them sixteen ways to Sunday. It brings to mind the verse from Proverbs which roughly states, "there is a way that seems right to a man but in the end leads to destruction." Our observance of Sunday, or just any 7th day of convenience, probably falls into that category of "a way that seems right" or OK to us. I would never place a bet on that being OK with God.

Since I'm right in there with you and millions of others who worship on Sunday, we'll just have to hope for the best on this one. I know you remember when ALL the stores were closed on Sunday and no one would even think of mowing a lawn or running a washing machine or the like. Family and friends would instead visit with each other, or the Sunday afternoon nap was in order. As you can see, this is one I have mulled over for years. The World Wide Church of God is another Christian body that is even more strict than the 7th Day Adventists. If those folks find out that you worked on a Saturday, you are ex-communicated from the church. I know this because I had an acquaintance once upon a time who was a member of that church.

You asked for some thoughts on this topic, and there are mine.

God's blessings on you, Dolores, and your food bank!

John Henry

--

If you know that God’s hand is in everything, you can leave everything in God’s hands.

He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. Jim Elliot

It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Friday July 15, 2011 Back To The Basics 9

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.

Good Morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Another beautiful morning here at the Southern Location of the North Pole. For you folks who live near Lebanon, Pa., Carry The Light Ministries will be in concert tomorrow, Saturday, July 16th, at 2.00 PM. at Cedar Haven retirement and nursing home. Come on out and meet Martin Martin, our k-9, who has been traveling with us since he was 5 weeks old. Also meet Dolores, Pam, and our friends Wanda and Grant Crockett who will be with us... Oh, and this old man will be there also.

Friday and the day we pray for all those who are working the basics for our Lord by telling the good news of Jesus as commanded to do. Jesus said the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. The benefits for working for Jesus are just heavenly.

Back To The Basics Day 9: John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. (King James)

One of the basic things that I was told we would all need to do was to pay taxes and die. Well, folks, I don't know how we can get around the taxes, but in our scriptures today it sure does tell us that we do not need to die. In fact our house was re-appraised last summer and we just got the first school tax notice since then... The increase was over 10%, and I guess that is needed for a basic football field. Yes, soft blacktop running track around the Astroturf football field and lots and lots of seats. I mean after all there are 5 home games a year. But I am not complaining about it, for I know we must pay the taxes, but folks, I am not going to die for I know the basic of moving on high and someday getting my new body. (I ordered my new one with six pack abs instead of the keg I have this time.) (Yes, I am kidding.)

The Basic things about not dying starts with God the Father sending His Son to die for all of us. And I do mean all of us, as Jesus even died for those who do not believe. HOWEVER, for those who do not believe, they will not spend the hereafter with us in Heaven. God The Father gave us a wonderful Gift, He gave us His only Son... And what did Jesus give us, well, He, like God the Father, gave us many things, but right now I am talking the basics of being saved... So what did Jesus give us, first of all He gave us His life as a gift to us, all of us, but we must receive the gift.

To receive the gift you must do more than go to an altar in a church one time and say you believe, you really must believe and Jesus for sure knows those who are trying to fool Him. For your next basic step in not dying let's go to Romans 10:9/10.

Romans 10:9 - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shall be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (King James)

Now it is basic, very basic, that you must believe in Jesus and all He has done for us, and if you confess beside that is good, but most of us have confessed by now and we have work to do with Jesus. It is very basic, and we are going to be looking at it more next week. But the most basic is we must repent from sin, turn from it and work for Jesus. We must let Him lead us and we must tell others about Him. Tell them the good news about being Born Again... And Born Again we must be... Washed in the blood of Jesus to do good... Basic stuff and once you are doing it, it is fun. I have never, never had a hangover the day after being out working for Jesus on/in the gospel fields, but back in the days I had drifted away, I had a few of those morning after headaches when I was hanging out with the enemy. I am happy to say this basic thing... Jesus died for me and now I work for Him... I AM SAVED... BORN AGAIN, WASHED IN THE BLOOD, AND IT IS BASIC.

Dear Father in Heaven, I pray today for all those believers who are working for You, and I pray that until I am called home I will be working for You. Protect we who work for You and lead us into and onto the battlefield so that many, many more might be found and saved. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Now go forth and share your basic blessings with others. Love ya, Pastor Dan.

Thursday July 14, 2011 Back To The Basics 8

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."

Good Morning, my dear brothers and sisters. Wow, sort of a break in the heat wave today and tomorrow, God is good. I do need to just stop and thank Him this morning for everything, just everything, including all of you, and also this line. Also on Saturday I am going to post an e-mail response from my dear Christian Brother John Henry Riddlesberger, who has responded to The Sabbath Day and keeping it Holy. So please watch for a special coming in on Saturday. Hey, it is Thursday and the day we pray for families and for our schools...

Back To The Basics Day 8: Exodus 20:12 - "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." (NIV)

When I look back to the basics of honoring my father and mother while growing up on South 27th Street in Harrisburg, Pa., I can remember it going sometimes like this. My parents were very, very good God fearing parents who raised my brother and I up in the way of the Lord. One thing I do remember is how hard my dad could really hit, if I were to sass my mother. Again, pop never beat me, but he had one heck of a swing. Around our house that commandment might have read, honor your father and mother or "EAT SOAP". This commandment was very easy for me to follow because my mamma taught us not just to respect pop and her, but to also respect all adults. It was always Mr. or Mrs. unless the person was a pastor, and then it was Reverend Hertzler, or Doctor Snyder. I think it is so nice to hear our little neighbor girls, ages about 2.5 and 4 when they see me yelling, Hi Pastor Dan as their parents had asked me how I wanted addressed, and I told them either Pastor Dan or Santa, and the parents made the choice.

I do think that we, as parents and grandparents, can teach respect but to be able to teach it you must live to earn it. I used to have bus drivers who could not control their load of kids on the bus. They would say, "the kids show me no respect." And I would ask the driver this. "What have you done to earn their respect?" Want to earn the respect of the kids if you drive bus, start by saying Good Morning to each one as they board the bus, and before you open the door to let them off at school, just get their attention and tell them... Have a nice day. In the afternoon when they got on the bus you say hello or how was your day, and when you discharge them at home, say to them, Have a nice night. A few nice kind words go a lot along the way.

While God has commanded us to honor our father and mother, He did sort of put in a bribe, or prize so to speak... He said, "Honor your father and mother so that you might have long life in the land your Lord God is giving You." So now you know the secret of old age, you need to honor your parents. I can remember one day stopping by our house after school, one of the rare days off from work, for as a rule I went right from school to work at a Gulf Gas Station. I had picked up my steady at that time in my car and wanted to get my truck. When I stopped by the house my mother was on the back porch and said to me... Hi son, what are you up to, or something to that effect. I said, in a joking way, "none of your business" and I was joking and after I said it I was happy my dad did not hear it. But my steady at the time, a girl by the name of Karen Nunemaker, heard me, and walked up on the porch with my mamma... I said to her, come on, let's go, and she said I am not going with you until you say you're sorry to your mother... While I knew I was joking, I went up on the porch, put my arms around my mother and hugged her and said, sorry mamma.

Brothers and sisters, this is one commandment that all of us could be working on, and let's bring out the respect part of it. Respect for not just fathers and mothers but for teachers, and Sunday School teachers, preachers, doctors, and even at our age, and I am 70, we need to be showing respect to our police, our military, and all others around us. AND THAT INCLUDES THOSE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY NEAR YOU. But once again here is something that must be taught at home. If you raise up a child and they show no respect for you as a parent, how do you expect them to respect others? And of course parents need to give a child someone to respect and also respect them. Parents, you cannot expect to get the respect of your children if each night you are bringing home someone different to sleep with you. You get my point. Respect your mamma and poppa and all others, including our Lord Jesus.... Amen.

Dear Father in Heaven, I lost my mamma when I was young, but not a day goes by that I don't think about her. I loved her and my daddy then and still do. Each day as I get older, Lord, I get nearer to seeing them again. Lord, I also need to show you more and more respect and that means to me, Lord, and I need Your help on this, I must repent more and more of my sins, I must try harder to not be sinning and, Lord, living more and more for You. In the name of Jesus, I ask for help in this. Amen.

Now go forth sharing your blessings with others, and remember that it costs you nothing to share the respect to others that our Lord showed us on the cross... Even with all of our sins, He loved and respected us and honored us enough to die for us... and someone shouted AMEN.

Love ya, Pastor Dan.