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Hello,
Though we all have suffered some rejection in our life, if your life experiences are similar to mine, you have never known what it is like to be totally rejected by your family and your close friends. John Marrant was a black American who was led to the Lord by George Whitefield. He was 11 years old, and because of this new found joy, he shared his faith with his family. They rejected him, and he fled to the wilderness. There he spent ten weeks with a Cherokee warrior, hunting and developing a great friendship. When they returned to the Cherokee, and the chief discovered this black person in camp, he considered him an enemy and had him arrested. When the chief threatened John with death, he addressed the Cherokees in their own language and shared with them the Gospel of Christ. According to Marrant, "The king (the chief) himself was awakened, and the others set at (spiritual) liberty. A great change took place among the people; the King's house became God's house; the soldiers were ordered away; and the poor condemned prisoner (Marrant) had perfect liberty and was treated like a prince. Now the Lord made all my enemies become my great friends." The chief gave him permission to evangelize among the Cherokee. This he did, and he also preached among the Muskogee. When he returned to his family, they rejected him again. This time because he was considered to be too much of an Indian (Savage). He agreed to work as a carpenter on a plantation, and began evangelizing among the slaves. As he explained, "During this time, I saw my call to the ministry fuller and clearer - had a feeling of concern for the salvation of my countrymen." But as these slaves were converted by Jesus and began to pray; the plantation owner discovering this, had the prayer meetings broken up and the people beaten. This all happened before the American Revolution. After the war he settled in England, where he became an ordained minister, with a church group Whitefield helped establish. John Marrant continued his ministry efforts, preaching in England, then Canada, and then back to the United States. He died at the very young age of thirty-six. Though he faced many rejections, and in spite of his short life, he accomplished much for the Lord, being one of the earliest African American evangelists. This life was used greatly by Jesus because of John Marrant's great love for the Lord, and his love for men's souls. "So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 Likewise, let's all minister to our generation. May the Lord Jesus bless you today, and remember that you are loved!!! Henry
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Greetings in His Name,
Do you guys remember basketball in Jr. Hi. It's when we first began playing other schools, so the coaching became more intense, and the fan noise reached a higher decimal. There is a story about a 13 year-old grandson who made the seventh grade basketball team. After the first week of practice, the grandfather asked him how he liked the team and did he enjoy playing. The boy's response was: "We haven't played any yet, just dribbling the ball while the coach plays loud music, and yells at us." The grandfather was puzzled somewhat by that, but let it go, and asked him again next week. But the answer was similar. The coach is still playing the loud music and yelling at them. The grandfather asked the boy if he was yelling at just some of them. "No he yells at each one of us." So the grandfather went to practice, and asked the coach to explain. The coach's explanation: "To be able to coach the guys during a game, I need them to be able to recognize my voice and to focus regardless of everything else going on around them." "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21 We are made to believe by His word, that He's always speaking? And that we can hear Him about all the other noise and all the varied voices around us? Be blessed in the Lord today, and remember that you are loved!!! Henry Greetings,
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" (Matt. 16:15) Human understanding alone has never answered this question well. The Pharisees and teachers of the law could not answer this question correctly. Why not? Despite all their education and position, they lacked what Peter had in abundance: faith. Through Peter's confession we see that it was not man's understanding that convinced Peter of who Christ was, but it was revealed to him by God through faith. And this confession by faith revealed Jesus to His followers, and continues to reveal Him even today. Today, when you see the sun and everything it illuminates, and it is very warming and illuminating this day, let it be a reminder to you of the Son of God, and everything He illuminates. Hope you are blessed today, and please remember that you are loved!!! Henry Hi,
"And I will show you a still more excellent way." 1 CORINTHIANS 13:31b Somebody copied the following paraphrase from a well-worn carbon in the billfold of a thirty-year veteran missionary. With her husband, she was on her way to another tour of duty at Khartoum, Sudan. No one seems to know who authored it, but whoever it was captured the essence of the greatest essay, I Corinthians 13, on love ever written. If I have the language ever so perfectly and speak like a pundit, and have not the love that grips the heart, I am nothing. If I have decorations and diplomas and am proficient in up-to-date methods and have not the touch of understanding love, I am nothing. If I am able to worst my opponents in argument so as to make fools of them, and have not the wooing note, I am nothing. If I have all faith and great ideals and magnificent plans and wonderful visions, and have not the love that sweats and bleeds and weeps and prays and pleads, I am nothing. If I surrender all prospects, and leaving home and friends and comforts, give myself to the showy sacrifice of a missionary career, and turn sour and selfish amid the daily annoyances and personal slights of a missionary life, and though I give my body to be consumed in the heat and sweat and mildew of India, and have not the love that yields its rights, its coveted leisure, its pet plans, I am nothing, nothing. Virtue has ceased to go out of me. If I can heal all manner of sickness and disease, but wound hearts and hurt feelings for want of love that is kind, I am nothing. If I write books and publish articles that set the world agape and fail to transcribe the word of the cross in the language of love, I am nothing. Worse, I may be competent, busy, fussy, punctilious, and well-equipped, but like the church at Laodicea---nauseating to Christ. Lord, as much as I wish I could, there is no way to live as you want without humbley depending on the power of the Holy Spirit moment by moment. Please grant me that Power today. GOD BLESS, HAVE A GREAT DAY, AND REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE LOVED!!! Henry GOOD MORNING,
IT'S THE START OF A NEW WORK WEEK, AND LET'S RIGHT EARLY MAKE A CHOICE TO REJOICE. HAVE YOU NOT FOUND WHEN YOU ARE HAPPY IN YOUR WORK PLACE, AND IS IT NOT A CHOICE, YOU ARE MORE PRODUCTIVE, AND THE DAY GOES FASTER? THROUGH THE MORNING HOURS, CAN WE FIND SOMEONE TO GIVE A GENUINE COMPLIMENT TO? DURING THE AFTERNOON HOURS CAN WE DO THE SAME. LET'S WHISTLE OR HUM ONE OF THE HYMNS WE SANG IN CHURCH YESTERDAY. QUOTE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURES. MEDITATE ON THE SERMON WE HEARD. REGARDLESS OF WHERE WE ARE, WE CAN FILL OUR HIDDEN LIFE WITH THE LORD. "FEASTING ON THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE, RESTING 'NEATH HIS SHEL-T'RING WING. ALWAYS LOOKING ON HIS SMILING FACE-THAT IS WHY I SHOUT AND SING. JESUS, JESUS, JESUS - SWEETEST NAME I KNOW. FILLS MY EVERY LONGING, KEEPS ME SINGING AS I GO." "YOUR LIFE IS HID WITH CHRIST IN GOD." COLOSSIANS 3:3 Henry Greetings,
There is much talk today about health. Most every one of us is concerned about our physical condition. When we are young we want to look healthy, but when we are middle-age to elderly, we want to be healthy. If you want to keep the health of Christ, keep away from certain things; like away from all spiritual infections, from all heart wounds and irritations. One hour of worry will wear out more vitality than a week of work; one minute of malice or jealousy or envy will hurt more than a drink of poison. Pleasantness of spirit and joyousness of heart are essential to full health. Quietness of spirit, gentleness, tranquility and the peace of God that passes all understanding are worth more than all the sleeping pills in the country. We do not wonder that some people have poor health when we hear them talk for half an hour. They have enough dislikes, prejudices, doubts and fears to exhaust the strongest constitution. My friend, if you would maintain God's life and strength, keep out the things that kill it. Keep yourself for Him and for His work, and you will find enough and to spare. "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 Be happy in Jesus today, and remember that you are loved!!! Henry Good Morning,
"For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you."-Deuteronomy 20:4 Hardships can come from many varied sources: sickness, financial collapse, failure in relationships, etc,. Then many varied negative emotions accompany the hardship: frustration, despair, fear, and doubt. People ruled by those feelings often make poor choices. Can I recommend that you decide now to respond to troubled times the way the Israelites did: with praise. We believe there is a scripture, and there is a song of praise, for every situation we face. 1. Frustrations can be eased by committing our future plans to Him. "But I know whom I believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." 2. It's hard to despair while honoring the Lord for His love and strength. "The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell, It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell." 3. Fear can dissipate in His presence, and we know He inhabits the praises of His people. "Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children; In His arms He carries them all day long. Praise Him, Praise Him, tell of His excellent greatness. Praise Him, praise Him, ever in joyful song." 4. We can dispel doubt by recalling His past faithfulness. "Standing on the promises of Christ my King! Thru eternal ages let His praises ring. Glory in the highest I will shout and sing. Standing on the promises of God." Even in the darkest hours, worshipping God fills the heart with joy and the mind with peace, and then that believer can wisely keep a commitment to obey the Lord no matter what. Praise is not the obvious reaction to hardship, but it is the wisest response. God bless, have a Great Day, and remember that you are loved!!! Henry GREETINGS,
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 Being born in Indiana, and living here all my life, I guess I'm a "Hoosier". Though I never knew what a "Hoosier" was. We know what a "Buckeye" is, but what is a "Hoosier". Over the past couple of weeks, I have discovered an interesting story to shed some light on this handle we have been tagged with. Harry Hoosier was born a slave in North Carolina, but toward the end of the American Revolution he obtained his freedom, converted to Methodism, and became a preacher. In 1781, he delivered a sermon in Virginia entitled “The Barren Fig Tree” – the first recorded Methodist sermon by an African American. Despite the fact that Hoosier was illiterate, he became famous as a traveling evangelist and was considered one of the most popular preachers of his era; leading thousands of blacks and whites to the Lord. In fact, after hearing Harry preach in and around Philadelphia, Dr. Benjamin Rush (1745-1813), a signer of the Declaration of Independence and an evangelical Christian, declared that accounting for his illiteracy, Hoosier was “the greatest orator in America.” Early in his ministry, Harry became a close associate of Bishop Francis Asbury (1745- 1816), "The Leader of the American Methodist Church", who after coming to America to preach the gospel, traveled some 250,000 miles on horseback. Harry began traveling with Asbury, and though Asbury preached to enormous audiences, he said Rev. Hoosier drew ,still yet, greater numbers to hear him. Both preached against slavery, to blacks and whites, plus the Methodist were armenian in there theology. These two facts made Harry less popular in the south, and the Virginia Baptist began to describe those from the north who were against slavery, and were armenian, as "Hoosiers". That was not intended to be a compliment, but I am one "Hoosier" who will receive it that way. "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality." James 2:1 May our Lord Jesus bless you today, and remember that you are loved!!! Henry GOOD MORNING,
THERE IS A HARBOR IN ITALY THAT CAN BE REACHED ONLY BY SAILING UP A NARROW CHANNEL BETWEEN VERY DANGEROUS ROCKS AND SHOALS. NUMEROUS SHIPS HAVE SUNK OVER THE YEARS BECAUSE THE PASSAGE IS SO HAZARDOUS. TO HELP REDUCE THIS DANGER, THREE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN MOUNTED ON THREE TALL POLES IN THE HARBOR TO GUIDE THE SHIPS SAFELY INTO PORT. WHEN THESE LIGHTS ARE LINED UP PERFECTLY AND SEEN AS ONE, A SHIP CAN MOVE SAFELY UP THE NARROW CHANNEL TO THE HARBOR. BUT IF THE SHIP'S PILOT SEES TWO OR THREE LIGHTS, HE KNOWS HE'S OFF COURSE AND IN DANGER. ADJUSTMENTS MUST BE MADE AT ONCE. HOW ARE WE TO KNOW IF WE ARE ON THE RIGHT COURSE IN THIS CHRISTIAN LIFE? WE PRAY, ASKING GOD FOR GUIDANCE; BUT CAN WE STILL FEEL UNCERTAIN, UNSAFE, UNEASY? I CAN REMEMBER EARLY ON IN THIS JOURNEY, BEING GIVEN SOME ADVISE ALONE THIS LINE. IT WAS POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE THREE POWERFUL INFLUENCES AVAILABLE TO EVERY BELIEVER. NOT UNLIKE THOSE THREE LIGHTS ON THOSE THREE POLES IN THE CHANNEL. (1) THE WORD OF GOD, (2) THE HOLY SPIRIT, (3) THE COUNSEL OF GODLY MEN. IF THESE LINE UP, I'M MADE TO BELIEVE WE CAN SAFELY MOVE ON. PSALM 1: (1) "BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT WALKETH NOT IN THE COUNSEL OF THE UNGODLY, NOR STANDETH IN THE WAY OF SINNERS, NOR SITTETH IN THE SEAT OF THE SCORNFUL. (2) BUT HIS DELIGHT IS IN THE LAW OF THE LORD; AND IN HIS LAW DOTH HE MEDIATE DAY AND NIGHT. (3) AND HE SHALL BE LIKE A TREE PLANTED BY THE RIVERS OF WATER, THAT BRINGETH FORTH HIS FRUIT IN HIS SEASON; HIS LEAF ALSO SHALL NOT WITHER; AND WHATSOEVER HE DOETH SHALL PROSPER. (4) THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO: BUT ARE LIKE THE CHAFF WHICH THE WIND DRIVETH AWAY. (5) THEREFORE THE UNGODLY SHALL NOT STAND IN THE JUDGMENT, NOT SINNERS IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS. (6) FOR THE LORD KNOWETH THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS: BUT THE WAY OF THE UNGODLY SHALL PERISH." PSALMS 1 IF YOU ARE CONFUSED TODAY, LET THE LORD REMOVE THAT CONFUSION, WITH HIS WORD, HIS HOLY SPIRIT, AND THE GODLY MEN AND WOMEN THAT HE HAS PLACED IN YOUR LIFE. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE LOVED!!! Henry GOOD EVENING,
THIS LITTLE STORY WAS PASSED ON TO ME BY MY SISTER, AND I JUST WANT TO SHARE IT WITH YOU THIS EVENING. GOD'S ROSEBUD A new minister was walking with an older more seasoned minister in the garden one day. Feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do he was asking the older preacher for some advice. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals. The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and ministry. But because of his great respect for the older preacher he proceeded to try to unfold the rose while keeping every petal intact. It wasn't long before he realized how impossible this was to do. Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it the older preacher began to recite the following poem... "It is only a tiny rosebud A flower of God's design But I cannot unfold the petals With these clumsy hands of mine." "The secret of unfolding flowers Is not known to such as I. GOD opens this flower so easily But in my hands they die." "If I cannot unfold a rosebud This flower of God's design Then how can I have the wisdom To unfold this life of mine?" "So I'll trust in God for leading Each moment of my day. I will look to God for guidance In each step of the way." "The path that lies before me Only my Lord knows. I'll trust God to unfold the moments Just as He unfolds the rose." GOOD ADVISE TO THE YOUNG OR THE OLD A LIKE. GOD BLESS, HAVE A GREAT EVENING, AND REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE LOVED!!! Henry |
Henry DeatonHenry D. is from Southern Indiana and writes these wonderful daily devotionals to encourage those at the Dogwood Community Church located in Paoli, Indiana. Henry has graciously agreed to share these wonderful devotionals here at Without Excuse Ministries to encourage you our valued guest! Archives
January 2013
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