ONE DAY at a time, with its failures and fears,
With its hurts and mistakes, with its weakness and tears,
With its portion of pain and its burden of care;
One day at a time we must meet and must bear.

ONE DAY at a time to be patient and strong;
To be calm under trial and sweet under wrong;
Then its toiling shall pass and its sorrow shall cease;
It shall darken and die, and the night shall bring peace.

ONE DAY at a time–but the day is so long,
And the heart is not brave, and the soul is not strong,
O Thou pitiful Christ, be Thou near all the way;
Give courage and patience and strength for the day.

Swift cometh His answer, so clear and so sweet;
“Yea, I will be with thee, thy troubles to meet;
I will not forget thee, nor fail thee, nor grieve;
I will not forsake thee; I never will leave.”

Not yesterday’s load we are called on to bear,
Nor the morrow’s uncertain and shadowy care;
Why should we look forward or back with dismay?
Our needs, as our mercies, are but for the day.

ONE DAY at a time, and the day is His day;
He hath numbered its hours, though they haste or delay.
His grace is sufficient; we walk not alone;
As the day, so the strength that He giveth His own.

–Annie Johnson Flint

“And one of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and said unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus.” John 1:40-42a

This example reveals the heart and soul of the Lord’s work, the spreading of the gospel through personal contact. For a variety of reasons, this has fallen by the wayside far more than should be allowed.

There is no greater joy or reward or blessing, than to be the instrument God uses to link a person to coming to the knowledge of the truth and being saved. “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

We should never count ourselves too small, or our efforts as too insignificant. Rather, we are to just put to use what God has given us, and leave it all in the hands of the Lord: “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

The real you is what God uses: “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” Mark 5:19 People relate to people. If you try to make a presentation beyond what you are by the grace of God, then your presentation is lacking what it needs to substantiate itself. Pray for God to use YOU.

Our job is not to seek to “make the sale” ourselves, but to be the link and set before people “the open door” whereby they can come to hear and see for themselves: “Philip findeth Nathaneal, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathaneal said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.” John 1:45-46 We must not try to substitute human coercion for the miraculous work of God: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” John 6:44-45

Personal growth, blessings, and rewards come by being a doer.

2 Thessalonians 2:7

The Bible prophesies of the coming age of anti-christ, which originates with Satan, rather than some other cause. Satan’s accomplishments on every level contributes to this, whether it be individual unbelief, or worldly principalities and powers.

There is no question that people in general are abandoning the respect for Biblical principles. And we see society as a whole moving from “In God We Trust,” unto “we don’t trust those who trust in God.”

Fundamental Bible believers are being labeled as right wing extremists, who pose a potential threat to society. As society radicalizes itself in promoting abortion and sodomy, it counts all to be offenders who will not alter their views to go along with society’s corrupt changes.

We must also understand that where there is no fear of God, the natural enmity of sin in human nature will abound against those who are of God.

Religion itself does not arrest enmity against the truth; rather it may very well be speaking evil of the way of truth (2 Peter 2:1-3). This can be clearly seen by the way religion attacked Christ and secured His crucifixion.

The religions of men, that are not of the truth of God, are major players in fostering attitudes that will be used of the anti-christ to oppose those who believe and stand for the truth.

The fact is, religious people need to repent and be converted to the truth the same as non-religious persons. All who do not will just be deceived in their religion.

America’s love affair with unscriptural religion opened the door for the working of the mystery of iniquity here. It is unscriptural religion that first gives society reason to believe that religion does nothing more than blind the thinking of people, as unscriptural religion is what spiritual blindness is all about.

–By William K. Lewis, Lebanon

Lately we hear so much about “Planned Parenthood,” but isn’t this really a misnomer? What is usually referred to as planned parenthood seems to be the result of an unplanned parenthood, resulting in frustration, chaos, financial distress, heartbreak and guilt. However, an intentionally “planned parenthood” works. It has for years. A planned parenthood begins early in life and requires several stages:

1. When you are young, consider school an opportunity rather than a punishment. There are many in this world who long for just such an opportunity. Apply yourself for the serious challenges of life.

2. Seek meaningful employment. Develop a strong work ethic. Do not consider “work” just another four-letter word. Take pride in doing a job well. Begin to develop some financial security.

3. Consider sharing your life with someone with similar values, one with whom you are willing to make a life-long commitment. And with the blessings and witness of our Creator, make that commitment.

4. Work together to establish an emotionally stable home, where you will be able to financially care for children without depending on the government for assistance, nor from Grandma–she’s done her duty and deserves a rest.

5. Then, begin to build your family. That’s planned parenthood–a plan designed for success and happiness. Try it!