Billy Sunday

Billy Sunday Sayings Live so that when the final summons comes you will leave something more behind you than an epitaph on a tombstone or an obituary in a newspaper. The Lord is not compelled to use theologians. He can take snakes, sticks or anything else, and use them for the advancement of his cause. I believe that a long step toward public morality will have been taken when sins are called by their right names. Your reputation is what people say about you. Your character is what God and your wife know about you. If you took no more care of yourself physically than spiritually, you'd be just as dried up physically as you are spiritually. If you live wrong you can't die right. Look into the preaching Jesus did and you will find it was aimed straight at the big sinners on the front seats. If good preaching could save the world, it would have been done long ago. Churches don't need new members half so much as they need the old bunch made over. There wouldn't be so many non-church goers if there were not so many non-going churches. Too many churches are little more than four walls and a roof. There are some so-called Christian homes today with books on the shelves of the library that have no more business there than a rattler crawling about on the floor, or a poison within the child's reach. Home is the place we love best and grumble the most. There is more power in a mother's hand than in a king's scepter. I don't believe there are devils enough in hell to pull a boy out of the arms of a godly mother. There is nothing in the world of art like the songs mother used to sing. To train a boy in the way he should go you must go that way yourself. Don't stop with telling your boy to do right. Show him how. Be careful, father, or while you are taking one lap around the devil's track your boy will make six. If you would have your children turn out well, don't turn your home into a lunch counter and lodging house. Not to walk in the straight and narrow way yourself, is to give the devil the biggest kind of a chance to get our children. Some homes need a hickory switch a good deal more than they do a piano. Better die an old maid, sister, than marry the wrong man. Whiskey is all right in its place -- but its place is hell. The normal way to get rid of drunkards is to quit raising drunkards -- to put the business that makes drunkards out of business. Riches have never yet given anybody either peace or rest.It won't save your soul if your wife is a Christian. You have got to be something more than a brother-in-law to the Church. You can't raise the standard of women's morals by raising their pay envelope. It lies deeper than that. The reason you don't like the Bible, you old sinner, is because it knows all about you. Going to church doesn't make a man a Christian, any more than going to a garage makes him an automobile. The difference between God's side and the devil's is the difference between heaven and hell. God keeps no half-way house. It's either heaven or hell for you and me.A man can slip into hell with his hand on the door-knob of heaven. The Bible will always be full of things you cannot understand, as long as you will not live according to those you can understand.The inconsistency is not in the Bible, but in your life. God likes a little humor, as is evidence by the fact that he made the monkeys, the parrot -- and some of you people. Yank some of the groans out of your prayers, and shove in some shouts. If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power. What have you given the world it never possessed before you came? The Bible says forgive your debtors; the world says "sue them for their dough." Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in .I am not the author of the plan of salvation, but I am responsible for the way I preach it. I am an old-fashioned preacher of the old-time religion, that has warmed this cold world's heart for two thousand years. When I hit the devil square in the face some people go away as mad as if I had slapped them in the mouth. The backslider likes the preaching that wouldn't hit the side of a house, while the real disciple is delighted when the truth brings him to his knees. To discover a flaw in our makeup is a chance to get rid of it, and add a new line of beauty to our life. It is not necessary to be in a big place to do big things.

Winter

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 A friend and I were discussing today about the different seasons that we go through. Just like the earth goes through seasons- spring, summer, fall, and winter- so do we. It's usually during the "winter" season that most people get discouraged. It's because during this time we don't "see" anything (if much) happening in our lives. Everything looks dead. I want to encourage you if you are going through a winter season... it's not dead, it's just dormant. The trees don't die in winter time just because they have no leaves on them... they are just dormant. They are taking a rest, drinking in nutrients, getting prepared for the next season when they will have to put on new buds and leaves. The sap may be low, but it's still there. The tree still has life in it. You may feel "dead" but you aren't... the "sap" is just low. God has allowed you to have a "resting" period in order to prepare you for the next season in your life... which will be the season to blossom. So, enjoy the "winter"; you're still alive. Take advantage of this time to "regroup". Each season doesn't last forever, so make the most of each one as it comes. (We need all of them.) About the Master's Business

Angels Unaware

I have been reluctant to tell this story for I know some do not believe and there is always some kind of an explanation for "things" of this sort. But I have experienced it inmy life. Here goes the story! In October 2000, I was going in to have my gall bladder removed. But the doctor wanted to do a colonoscopy first. After starting the procedure he was in there just a few minutes and left the room. The nurse said he was through. I looked at the screen and saw a big something in the colon. I knew then something was wrong. I'm not going into all of it but to say the doctor came in and said he was going to have to open me up the next day. I ask him if it was cancer and he said probably. That great dreaded word! I was to be at the hospital early the next morning. At first I felt deflated. Going back home I felt like just running and hiding and not even facing people. But then I remembered that I have a great God. We stopped at the store to pick up a few things and talked to several to ask for prayer. We can on home and my husband took me by the hand, went to the bedroom, got on his knees with me beside him and he started praying. Suddenly I felt a peace that surround me and I knew however it came out it would be okay. The next day I had surgery to take out part of the colon plus the gall bladder. That was on Friday. I had several doctors ~as there was complication with a small cut in the Utherer Tube. They called in a Urologist that put a stent in the utherer tube. He came around after surgery on Saturday. My primary doctor came, the surgeon came by and later that evening an Oncololgist came in. I was still groggy but I saw Oncologist on his jacket. My husband talked with him a few mintes. Sunday came and I was more aware of everything. The Oncologist came again. He walked in, spoke in a soft tone and then he lightly touched my leg and told me that everything was going to be okay and left. The surgeon said I would not get my results until Tuesday to see if the cancer had spread into other organs. About 15 minutes later my primary doctor came in and said he had my results. (The ones that were suppose to come in on Tuesday.) The cancer had not spread. When he left I ask my husband what the Ongoloist name was. He didn't remember seeing a name. He went to my primary doctor and ask who the Oncologist was. No Oncologist had been called in. He only would have been there had the reports came back negative. Then we started wondering who he was. My husband went to the nurses station and ask who the Oncologist was. No Oncologist had been by there. So we thought we would wait and get the bill from him. No bill ever came. To this day we think that the Lord just sent an Angel to let us know that everything was going to be fine. I did suffer a lot and had the rest of the colon removed three years later. The doctor said I would have to take medicine the rest of my life because my food would go right through. But I only took medicine about a year. That was 2003! I still do not take medicine. I have to go every three years and have it checked. It is time for me to go this month. I don't know what the future holds but I am glad that I know the One who holds the future. I don't know why the Lord let me go through those surgeries. But I know I am here for a purpose. What ever He wants to do in the future is up to Him. I am at His disposol. I have always been skeptical of angel stories ~ but now I think twice. I don't worship angels but I know God has a purpose for them, also I have wondered ~how many times in a day does the Lord send an Angel before us to protect us? Probably more than we would ever know! I shared this with another doctor today. He and his wife are Christians. While I was in therapy he and my husband started talking about how the Lord works. We surely don't believe in miracle healers who get all the glory themselves. But if the Lord choses to come and encourage one of His children ~I will take it anyday and give Him the glory. You can believe this or be skeptical like I was until it happened to me. I just know what that it was not a figment of my imagination. I give Him the glory. Why I waited so long to tell this ~I really can't explain, except I was afraid of people's opinion. But it really doesn't matter what anyone may think. We all have our opinions, don't we?

Grace Abounding

I have been out of commission for almost two weeks. Had all my glands to swell and have been having therapy. I am much better but still have a ways to go. But the Lord is good, so good! I am reminded where Jesus told His disciples that He was with them but now "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you . Let not your heart be troubled,neither let it be afraid." John 14:25-27 All that Jesus was to His disciples in their day, the Holy Spirit is to us today. I am so glad for the Holy Spirit that leads and guides us into all truth. He is always there to help us no matter what we face. He walks along with us and gives us peace and strength and grace to face whatever comes. He never leaves us or forsakes us. I am made to realize more than ever how much I need His help. Spiritually, physically and mentally. I have just finish reading the book "Abounding Grace to the Chiefest of Sinners" by Paul Bunyan. I know most of you have read Pilgrims Progress by Paul Bunyan. I can identify with some things on his Christian journey as he travels through life. I'm sure you can, too. But Abounding Grace is his struggle to find God. Seems the devil tortured him every step of the way. I could not put the book down. I had read it before but it had been years. He suffered so much as a sinner. The devil made him think he had crossed the dead line and there was no hope for him. But in his struggles he found what he was looking for. Forgiveness for the chiefest of sinners. He still struggled as a Christian. But God was preparing him to write the greatest book next to the Bible, Pilgrims Progress. We never know what the Lord is preparing us to do as we have struggles and trials in our Christian life. For me I know it is not to write a great book that will help millions through the years, but if I can make a difference in someones life, in whatever small way it may be, then I will have done what I could. Will I be satisfied? If I have done my best. The question is: "Is He satisfied with me? I have been taking time to read more books that will lift me up spiritually and as I do I get under conviction. That has sent me to prayer. I realize my need of getting closer to the Lord and being used of Him. To do that I need more of the Holy Spirits guidance and being sensitive to His leadership. I don't know where He will lead, but I know He will never lead me astray. I don't know how He is working ~ but I can trust Him to do what is right for me and those I pray for. Anytime we say we are going to draw nigh to Him, the devil puts his forces out. I am no match for him, but I serve One who is. I need to keep reminding myself of this fact. The devil wants to put us on the run by getting discouraged, depressed, what will tomorrow bring? I have no idea what the tomorrow, and the tomorrow after that will bring. I am reminded where the scripture says, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:34 We have enough to face today, let's not worry about tomorrow. Another scripture says "My grace is sufficient for thee~"

2Corinthians 12:9

THE TWO SUFFICIENTS

Evil shall pass with the day that brought it,

As the sea is stayed by the barrier land:

When the Giver of Good shall say, "No farther,"

And bid the foe-man restrain his hand;

But the grace of the Lord outstays the evil,

Outlasts the darkness, outruns the morn,

Out watches the stars in their nightly vigil,

And the foe that returns with the day re-born,

As he left it unwearied, shall find it unworn.

Annie Johnson flint

I have another book by Paul Bunyan, The Holy War, which I am going to read next. These books are old. The re-printing of Grace Abounding was 1907. Pilgrims Progress, I found at a flea market in Pennsylvania years ago. I had several paper backs that I have read through the years. But this one is hard-back with picture illustrations. I have been a book collector through the years because I love to read. I looked at my shelves one day and thought, am I going to read these? If not, why not get rid of them? But a book, to me, is like a friend. I can't part with them.

So, I started reading and am enjoying it. What have you read lately?

Your ALL

Have You Given God Your ALL? Are you letting Him handle the problems that come in your life? I Beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice , holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 John Wesley said it this way! Somebody came running up to John Wesley and said, "Your house just burned down!" The great preacher replied, "I don’t have a house. I manage a house for the Lord, His house just burned down. Since I’m His son, and He wants me covered, I guess He’ll find me another place to live."That is how we are to live. As stewards, not owners. As renters, not home-owners. Have any of you ever rented a house? When a pipe breaks, whose problem is it? The Landlords. You don’t have to spend a dime of your money to fix it, because you are only renting this property—it is owned by someone else. What about if you own a house and a pipe breaks? Whose problem is it? Yours! Because the deed is in your name—you own it.What God is wanting you to do with your life, your house, your car, your children, is to sign over the deed to Him. If you let Him call the shots with your possessions, then when they break, it is His problem. Whose name is on your deed? Think about it! Are you letting God call the shots in your life and what it contains? Maybe we need to take inventory.

Can it be?

Meow! This is what my husband saw when he looked out the kitchen window this morning. Not really this cat but A cat. The dumb thing had jumped from the porch on to the window and was pawing on the window. It wan't our cat. Belongs to our grandsons next door.

Yesterday morning when he looked out he saw a red fox coming from the woods running right through our yard and went out the gate on the otherside. We have never seen this before! We do see deer quite often.

Makes me wonder what we will see next. Hope it's not a bear!

I have not gotten into doing anything in the house yet. Oh wait! I did make my bed. I thought about pulling the covers up and let it go but I would have felt inclined to jump back in. I get cold just thinking about the weather that is coming. It will only be in the teens, but for us that is cold. I like cold weather so I can wear my leather jacket and boots. All I need now, folks, is a motor bike. How in the world did I get from cat to motor bike? Easy for me since I have a wondering mind!

What are you wondering about?

Here it is the first Monday of the New Year. So many things I want to get organized that I don't know where to start. That's when I sat down and write ~hoping something will pop put. A maid would be good right now. Then a yard boy! My yard boy (Silas) has gone to the doctor. I know the yard is driving him nuts. He always has a pretty yard. My theory is "Let the leaves cover it up." Not him! He wants to get on the riding more and cut all the leaves back into the ground. Then more falls! Then I need someone who can grab some of my sentimental stuff and get it out before I know it. Someone who can organize books. Do I do them alphabetically or do I do them by author. Or just leave them and look when I want a certain? Do you remember that desk Silas and I put together? Roll top? I really can keep stuff out of sight! Or so I thought. If you could see it (no, I definitely will not take a picture again and post before and after. Don't even ask.) I have notes and books on both sides, letters, wait! Where is the desk? Oh, here it is right where I left it. So I guess that means I need to get organized again. Why is it when I need something I can't find it? I needed a certain cook book during the holidays. Searched high and low! All the time it was sitting in a little box on my stove. Isn't that the way it is with a lot of things we think we lose? I need someone who can send me knobs to cover an eight foot wall. Ladies, let me ask you a personal question. Does your husband come in and hook his jacket on the chair knobs? Now, our dining room set is probably 35 years old. It has gone through 3 children and 7 grandchildren. But I fear it is being laded down with caps and gloves and jackets. I go and put them in place, only to have to do the same thing over. Otherwise he is a great guy and organized. But those chair knobs were not made for ~ well, I guess they were. I just thought if I had a wall with knobs all the way across he could hook anything would solve the issue. Probably not! Guess I just need to get use to get use to it and thank the Lord he does not take his shoes and socks off in the living room. Well, (and we were taught not to start a sentence with Well) Well, anyway if I get up from here I might could get my bedroom started before Si gets back. I'll think of other stuff I need and will post it later.

Just One Request.

I am made to realize that the older you get the more you need to depend on the Lord. We have all faced challenges this past year with the things that have come. Some trial that may have weighed you down, another mountain you had to climb, losses of precious loved ones and you could add more. But yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. We do have this day in which to pleased our Savior. We had a lot of distractions last year, but we did get to read the Bible through. This year I want to read it with new meaning. I'm asking the Lord to speak to me and show me things in my life that seem to bog me down at times. I'm not asking for an easy way. The little verse comes to mind: I do not ask a place of ease with nothing hard to do. I only ask that in the test ~that God will keep me true. Keep me true to my convictions, true to get in His Word, True to into into a better prayer life (this seems to be the hardest one) But we can work on it. True to the house of God, True to doing my best as I teach Sunday School. And being true to myself. Lend a listening ear, give a hug to someone that needs it. We all need a great big bear hug sometimes. Her is my request below.

Just One Request

Dear Master for this coming year

Just one request I bring:

I do not pray for happiness, Or any earthly thing—

I do not ask to understand The way Thou leadest me,

But this I ask: Teach me to do The thing that pleaseth Thee.

I want to know Thy guiding voice, To walk with Thee each day.

Dear Master make me swift to hear And ready to obey.

And thus the year I now begin A happy year will be—

If I am seeking just to do The thing that pleaseth Thee. --Unknown Author