Jonah 4:10-11 ~ Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: 11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle? KJV
“I would suggest to some of you here who have to bear double trouble that God may be preparing you for double usefulness, or he may be working out of you some unusual form of evil which might not be driven out of you unless his Holy Spirit had used these mysterious methods with you to teach you more fully his mind.” (Spurgeon)
In every area of our lives as Christians, we can expect to be persecuted, troubled, and even broken to a certain point. Jonah was in a place he was not supposed to be. He was rebelling from God and questioning God and His decisions for Nineveh. God knew that when the time came for Jonah to preach the Word, that Nineveh would be saved, but Jonah only knew of their current sinful conditions, and he didn't want to go there.
BUT GOD, had a plan, and He has one for us today! Jonah just needed to obey, and so do we. God used the gourd as an example. He grew that gourd overnight, and Jonah didn't do anything to earn it, but sleep. Once the gourd had served its purpose it perished. I want to be a vessel of which the Lord God can use me. If sometimes troubles come my way, I must remember that God is with me always, and that troublesome time is for my own good and God's glory. When He delivers us, and we give Him all the praise and glory - He is Honored above all.
So what trouble are you in or are facing? Can God use this troublesome time to prepare us for something in the future as Spurgeon suggested? Whatever it is child of God, don't despair. God is in control! Trust in our Holy God to deliver you or change you. There have been times in my own life, I did not want to go there! I never expected to lose our home and have to depend on others to open doors for us to just have a place to lay our heads down in peace at night. It was just never in my thoughts! But it happened. There are days that I still have that fear that this will not work out, at least the way we want.
But I have learned ANYTHING over the years GOD is in control and those that think THEY are in control, are not. God knew about this situation way before us and he used others to set this course. And if it takes His hand to stay the grief and meanness others meant for us, we can know that we are still on the right path. Sometimes He separates us from those that are more dangerous to our own spiritual condition than we thought. It isn't good for God's children to be in a constant battle with no respite! But over the years, I have come to trust the Author of my story and I know the outcome will eventually be perfect for us.
Through our nights of tears and heartbreak, He is there to carry us through. Looking back on my life, and even in our future, our God can be trusted. He loves us, has compassion for us, and will redeem us! He specializes in delivering us at exactly at the right moment and we can trust Him! Proverbs 3:5-6 ~ 6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. HE LOVES US!
HE CARES! Do You Know HIM? Lord, help us to be wise, studied up, aware, and faithful to You. Amen. With love and prayers, May we be your faithful Philippians 2:16 Missionaries?
Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Tom and Linda Milam ~ Missionaries to America and around the world!
Listen to Bro. Tom on www.wbofradio.com "The Jewel For The Day" program, every Monday - Friday at 6am and 2pm EST.
ANSWERED PRAYER!
Bro. Tom's Blood pressure has finally settled down with new medications and we praise the Lord for that. Please continue to pray for his shoulder, and that God would heal it completely. His doctor says Surgery is out of the question at his age.
PRINT SHOP PUNCHER ISSUE IS RESOLVED! PRAISE THE LORD, ALSO OUR TRIMMER IS REPAIRED AS WELL AS THE LAMINATOR! ALL the result of that good meeting you helped us pray about last week. God provided and we were not charged one penny! Also, praise the LORD for the paper Maranatha Baptist gave us - Gospel tracts are on the way to the cartel on this paper. . . pray for souls saved and safety for the missionaries who carry it with God's protection. This trip they have been approved by two heads of state in these cartels, to set up a "church" building. They have been meeting in open air areas, and many have trusted Christ as their Saviour! The more that are saved, peace reins in their homes and communities. O the stories that can be told! Pray that God will provide all that is needed! PAPER is a big prayer request! God knows.
Pastor Weido is now cancer free! 02-02-23
Little Cheyanne Scalise has made a turnaround of almost a week of very sick with RSV it appears. Just started eating again yesterday and feels much better. Pray for her mother Kaycee who has a hi-risk pregnancy that her new little one will be strong and healthy at birth.
Pastor Cooper did well in surgery 2-7-23 pray for complete healing
Walter's surgery was a success! He is continuting to recover 2-7-23
Brian McBride's surgery went well, waiting for tests. 02-02-23
Stan Skriloff - Cancer FREE 2-2-23 just two more treatments, which are so hard, so keep praying for him!
Pray for the Printing Ministry and all that goes on with it. PUNCHER ISSUE IS RESOLVED! PRAISE THE LORD, ALSO OUR 3 blade TRIMMER IS REPAIRED AS WELL AS THE LAMINATOR! Miss Shirley came to volunteer along with Miss Elaine for 5 days straight! They are just finishing up 60,000 Gospel Tracts, and 50,000 to go!
Praise the Lord! 2-3-23 Keep on praying, God is moving!
PRINT SHOP ANSWER TO PRAYER! We just got a donation for an entire pallet of Paper AND it is in stock at our supplier's warehouse! Praise the LORD!
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Brooklyn Wurth - very sick for 3 weeks. Pray God will touch and heal her.
- Urgent prayer request - Mary Nutter, cancer treatments and hospitalization. Mary has been moved to CCU with complications and in critical condition. Please pray for her diligently today, and for her husband Ed. She has blood clot in one arm and leg.
- Wilson Lester, hospitalized with pneumonia and other issues.
- David Douglass - had a knee replacement surgery and has had complications and much pain.
- Gladys, Hand surgery to remove a cyst on March 3rd.
- DJ needs a special touch from heaven. (Shannon's son and she has asked us to pray for DJ - God Knows!) He has an appointment at 10am 2-09-2023 - please pray especially for his mother who is greatly burdened for the right result for DJ.
- Pastor's wife, Mrs. Brown. Prayer Request - "Please pray for my pastor’s wife, Mrs. Brown. She is in the ER with very low blood pressure and other issues. Her hemoglobin is low, her potassium is very high, her kidneys aren’t working, and her electrolytes are all off." (Around 5am 2/8/23)
- David Harrison - cancer UPDATE - Pastor Harrison has stage 4 cancer and it has metastasized throughout his body! His first treatment was very difficult. Very nauseous, and feeling very bad. Please keep him in prayer as he goes through these treatments. He had strength after the treatment to travel to Louisiana where His son D. R. Harrison, is in his 6th week of a revival "under the tent"! A praise - His health team are phenomenal - that is so important!
- Frankie Sutherlands in-laws' health, and his health as he is their full-time caregiver. (West End Baptist)
- Brady Rochester - diagnosed with Parkinsons and Neuropathy ~ they will be serving at New Testament Baptist in Okeechobee FL February 5th, and 8th if you can visit on those days, you won't be disappointed!
- Gene Papsidero ~ released from the hospital pray he continues to heal. UPDATE: Gene was able to come to church last night! Such a blessing to see him, but he needs our prayer.
- Jim Bove ~ ER visit with dizziness, RELEASED from hospital, but No diagnosis as yet. They have given Jim a diagnosis, but it requires medication of which he isn't sure he wants to take. Please pray for his understanding and wisdom in health choices.
- Dolly ~ God knows and has the answers.
- Kaycee Scalise and hi-risk pregnancy.
- Barbara - last stages of organ cancer.
- Lorraine - recovery from surgery.
- Lorrie - salvation.
- Wayne Corfman - pacemaker check went well but, he has a few more months of monitoring and will get his pacemaker changed out soon. He will be seeing his cardiologist more often. It is hard to believe it is time to get a new one. (Ten years since he died in my car and was revived!) Please pray for wisdom for his caregivers!
- Sharon J. Her mom Kathryn's health.
- Larissa, Helene, Calvin, Dominic, Rocky, Cindy - Our group home folks. Also, please pray for all of their caregivers.
- Pastor Mike Schneider, power and confidence to preach the whole counsel of God!
- Judy Lewis - praise the Lord, released from the hospital. Pray that her health continues to improve.
- Please pray for our daughter Lita in her health journey with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Pray that doors open on her healthcare needed. Click on the link to learn more about this awful disease. Guillain-Barre syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. We have some much-needed equipment arriving Tuesday, Valentines Day and we praise the Lord for His provision. She also has an appointment Tuesday at skin doctor to remove some places off her back and her face. Please pray about that as well.
- Carl Odell - Knee surgery 1/27. SURGERY WENT WELL, PLEASE PRAY FOR FULL HEALING. Feeling better every day.
- Levi - teen burned 1st & 2nd degree burns on his hands, when his derby mower caught fire. Healing from burns is ongoing.
- Dickie and Debbie Reynolds - Dickie's pacemaker replacement has been a real help, praise the LORD.
- Robbie Colt ~ needs double lung replacement after total damage of lungs by covid, also pray in the loss of his father to covid, and his stepmother.
- Walter - is doing very well after treatment.
- Dr. Melvin Aiken - heart pacemaker surgery is complete, and he is now home.
- Pam Shumate - health (our niece)
- Brenda Milam - wisdom and health (Tom's sister)
- The Henshaw's health - praise the Lord their home sold, but at the end of February they will be moving out of state. Pray for them through these great changes.
- Edie Smith - health (my sister) and her husband Danny as he carries on in the bee industry. Pray for a truck load of hives on the road to their next destination.
- PJ - heart surgery, PRAY he can come off of the breathing machine, complications of blood clots in the brain and in his legs. Please continue to pray - for him and family!
- John Odom - aneurisms.
- Louise Odom - cancer treatments. She begins radiation next week! Praise the Lord no chemo needed!
- Imogene Walston - in the hospital Saturday morning for an episode with her heart. Could have been because of lack of sleep and rest due to her recent physical ailments. Her back injury and major mouth surgery on the 25th, went really well, but obviously took a toll on her body. Pray for a speedy recovery.
- Connie - continued healing. Pray for continued success for Nana's Legacy as well.
- LeeAnn suffering from flu, was almost over it and it came back.
- Pastor Greg - blood pressure issues. Has lost almost 40 lbs and feels so much better. Please Keep Him in prayer.
- Miss Shirley-health - doing some better and able to help in the print shop some in the last couple of weeks. She had a water problem at her home and could not come in Friday - pray God will help her financially as she faces this problem at home.
- David Wiles - Cancer
- Pastor Bernard Antonis ~ HEALTH, PRAISE THE LORD for answered prayers - Pray for Mrs. Carolyn as his caregiver and a healing touch on her body. And Ya'll wish her a happy birthday!
- These families have lost loved ones to death in the last few months: John Isler, Larry Goodman, Frank Sparks, Lucinda Lane, Randy Rolle, Ruth Kemp, Bill Alley, Keith Cook, Cathy Harrison, Rachel Vance, Gail Tipton, Bob DeSalvio, Gail Tipton, Davis and Tichnell Family, Tudino family, Fuentes Family, DeSalvio Family, Thompson Family, The Toler Family in the homegoing of Donnie, Lucinda Lane Family (my beautiful sister-in-love), Keith Cook Family (our nephew and Tom's sister Florences' son), The Leo Family, The Echeverria Vallejos family in the homegoing of Patricia's father, The Baker Family, Richard Rosenmeier family, Jerry Kruckow family, the Clingaman family, Carter Family,
- Shannon - health problems, grieving in loss of father. Pray for her son, DJ he is need of a miracle from heaven. God knows!
- Carolyn Holerger - having numerous "cancer" spots removed from her face, neck and shoulder. Please pray for her pain level, anxiety, and especially her heart.
- Pray for our need for a home here in Florida - LORD, we know You have the supply already, help us to be patient. AMEN. We moved Saturday the 14th, once again, to a precious saint's home for a couple of Months... at least till May when we will probably have to "move again." We are glad to be a help to Sister Cora and feel by May she will have her strength and healing by then.
- Pray for Sister Cora and her hip healing from a fall and surgery. Praise the Lord! Keep her in your prayers please. She is still experiencing alot of pain. We are thankful for this wonderful home for a few months stay till the Lord moves us on.
- Pray for the Printing Ministry - PUNCHER ISSUE IS RESOLVED! PRAISE THE LORD, ALSO OUR TRIMMER IS REPAIRED AS WELL AS THE LAMINATOR! PLEASE Pray our paper supply will continue - we are still not able to purchase COVER STOCK, but we praise the Lord for our previous pastor's wisdom in buying several truckloads of this precious product. Only God knew what we would be facing today with shortages, and we have the "widows' mite" we are working from. We have started negotiating with equipment vendors, particularly for the color and black and white printers! We seek wisdom and discernment in this area!
- Pray for the Mission Team coming in June that we will be able to finish all the work they will do for the few days they are with us.
- Pray for me and Tom; our health, our strength, and our service.
- Robyn-Health
- Carol and Richard-Health
- Cathy-Health
- Dicky and Debbie Reynolds - health
- Marsha-Health and ankle pain
- Pastor Johnny J. health and recovering well from surgery thank you for your prayers.
- Carol and Richard-Health
- Cathy-Health
- Arlene-Health
- Ruth-Health
- Brian-Health
- Lucinda Lane Family - pray for my brother Joe. This is a hard transition for anyone, but his health is poor as well.
- Paul Tipton - pray for Bro. Paul home giving ministry updates and getting ready to go back to serving God in Nicaragua without his helper and bride.
- Penny - special unspoken - pray for her husband Mike - health.
- Billy Ward - health and continued healing, Sonja his bride and caregiver.
- Benjamin - surgery went well, pray for his recovery which may be long.
- Elaine - continued good health and strength.
- Linwood - health
- Pray diligently for all those that carry the title "Caregiver"!
- Sandra Parsons - her call to encourage the servants at FBC Publications & Printing WAS a blessing. 90-year-old pastors' wife, now living alone at her church after her husband's homegoing. Saved 72 years loves the LORD God more today than ever. A real blessing and encouragement.
- Kimberly LaSage - health and John Peters and family.
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