Week Forty, 2025
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
It was such a tranquil view as I stood on that hill overlooking the peaceful farms in the valley and the small town of Bastogne, Belgium. My history knowledge kicked in as I remembered the great battle there during WWII.
The Battle of Bastogne was where the U.S. 101st Airborne Division and elements of the 10th Armored Division heroically defended the strategic Belgian town against German forces. Despite being surrounded, the defenders, famously led by Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, who famously responded to a surrender demand with “Nuts!”, held out until relieved by General Patton’s forces. This fierce defense significantly hampered the German offensive and contributed to the eventual Allied victory in the Battle of the Bulge. It was a turning point of the war.
ut there is more. The weather was so severe that Patton’s men couldn’t break through to get there to join the battle. The phone rang in the chief chaplain’s office and it was Patton on the other end. His request: “Do you have a good prayer for weather?” The chaplain quickly penned one and sent it to the general, who read it and commanded that 250,000 copies be printed and distributed to every soldier in the Third Army, with a request that every man pray that prayer.
The weather lifted and the Third Army broke through to Bastogne, where they were decisive in winning, and the victory became a turning point for victory in Europe. Patton said that he believed in prayer, and his actions and God’s answer were proof.
Prayer works. It has worked in my life, and it will work in yours the same as it did in Europe exactly eighty years ago when Patton and his men prayed for clear skies.
“Pray without ceasing” means cultivating a constant, conscious awareness of God’s presence and maintaining an attitude of dependence and openness, rather than engaging in non-stop, verbal prayer. It’s about living with a heart inclined towards prayer, recognizing God in every moment, and turning to Him in all circumstances.
Sometimes True Stories
There are so many needs around us, so many that we count on others to handle while we sit on our hands and say, “amen.” Look around. Open your eyes. See the need, the hurt, the pain, the sadness, the lost. How long will we remain on the sideline? How long will we sit idly by? How long? Marty Stubblefield
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The Gospel is for everyone, but our own traditions and prejudices can hinder the gospel from reaching all people. God prepares hearts for salvation, but people still need to hear and believe the Gospel to be saved. Tell people about Jesus. God shows no partiality, but sadly His people sometimes do. See and treat people as Christ does. Edgar Aponte
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“Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7
Sometimes things get really tough, and we wonder in what we can trust to fix the mess, whether personal, corporate or national. We may think that a job change will do it. Or maybe a move to another town or change in a toxic relationship.
Our government seems to be going off course, so we trust in a new group of leaders to right the ship. All these fixes seem to be the answer at the time, but they are temporary at best.
What we really need is someone in whom we can trust who is both able and long lasting. Someone who will never let us down, no matter what. The Lord our God is that person. When we place our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, He comes along side us and brings us out of the mess for our good and His glory. Rock solid, 100% sure.
Wherein lies your trust? Old Lazy Dog
Quotes You Can Use
You are the average of the five people you hang with. David Meyers
The next time you find yourself in one of life’s storms, overwhelmed with anguish and distress. Call in the A team, the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the creator of the universe. Nothing is too hard for Him. Tony Ferguson
Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy. Anne Frank
Salvation is not in sacraments, nor in priests, nor in our own works. It is in Christ and in Him alone. Charles Spurgeon
Don’t worry about dying for you will never die. You will live forever. All you have to worry about is the location.
If God could call Moses at 80, Abraham at 75 and Caleb at 85, then your age is not a barrier, rather it is a set-up for divine purpose. You are not too old; you are right on time.
How a person handles trouble will determine whether he is alive or dead, genuine or an imitation, saving or non-saving. John MacArthur
When there is something in the Word of God I don’t like, the problem is not in the Word of God, it is with me. R.C. Sproul
Friends are like gold, family are like diamonds, because we always need a base of gold to hold the diamonds! Tony Ferguson
Many are quick to blame God for everything – instead of thanking Him. Dan Shock
To study and not think is a waste. To think and not study is dangerous. Confucius
I dream of a world where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned. Anonymous
The only way to be found worthy to escape the great tribulation is by receiving Jesus Christ and the forgiveness He offers. Dan Shock
Believing what the Lord says is absolutely true is the essential foundation of a faithful life. Absolutely nothing the Lord has ever said, has been proven false, we must keep that in mind when the devil tempts us. Understanding that the Lord “is truth”, “is knowledge.” Tony Ferguson
I am reminded of my need for Jesus and my desire to become more and more like Him. I am reminded of all the good that also happened in my day, in my life, in my little part of the world… reminded of all the good that I am surrounded by… and reminded to dwell upon such things. Marty Stubblefield
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