May 2, 2023 ~ LKMilam May 2023 Devotions: Fruitful

And so, I continue. . . 

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalms 26:7

Genesis 1:28 ~ 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. KJV 

Verse 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. I think we needed the preceding verse to determine who God is telling them to ". . . Be Fruitful . . ." 

From the beginning God created male and female. From the beginning there was no corruption on earth. But when it came, satan attacked the home, the woman in her weakness caught up with power of what satan what said, disobeyed God and her husband, Adam. From the beginning there was a struggle, yet God knew and still He made man and woman for the purpose of creating life. Every piece of our body was wondrously made, and we are still today recreating ourselves in our children. For this I am forever grateful. Our daughters are our joys Our grandchildren the icing on the cake and whether they realize it or not they are continuing to fulfill God's original design of fruitfulness.  God has a plan, and we are truly blessed to be entrusted with creation and the responsibility of protecting it as humans.

I am thankful every day that I am a woman, and I have the privilege to be the wife o my husband. Thank you, again dear God, for your goodness to me and mine.

HE CARES! Lost person, Do You Want to 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. 

Listen to Bro. Tom on www.wbofradio.com "The Jewel For The Day" program, every Monday - Friday at 6am and 2pm EST.

In the name of Jesus, may we be HIS emissaries and used by Him to help others. 

Tom and Linda Milam

Missionaries to America and around the world! 

PRAY BIG FOR OTHERS AND YOURSELF! GOD WANTS TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS!

April 23, 2023 ~ LKMilam April Devotions: "The Good Shepherd"

And so, I continue. . . That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalms 26:7

John 10:9-10 ~ 10 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 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. KJV 

Again, Jesus is making it plain that there is only ONE WAY into heaven and salvation. Shepherds were responsible for the sheep and out in the pasturelands to protect them particularly at night they would build pens that had one entrance. The door for those sheep pens was the shepherd himself. He laid his body across the entrance, to keep the sheep in and to keep the wolves out. The shepherd was in fact the door. And so is our Saviour, Jesus Christ. There is only one way into heaven people, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. You must be born again and believe that He is the Saviour of the World, the Son of God.

As Jesus speaks of those who attempt to come in as thieves and robbers, he tells us, "I am the door: . . . " He is the way and the only way!

The thief implies deception and trickery; and the robber implies violence and destruction. These take away life, but Jesus gives life, and He gives it abundantly. These are the con men and muggers of the spiritual world, the ones that were NOT GOD CALLED in pulpits all around the world. Jesus is the Sacrifice and the Saviour. It is as tragic as tragic can be that after all the shepherd did to protect his sheep, the wolf could still sneak in and fool the sheep.

May we keep our guards up, be prayed up, studied up, in communication with the Lord God always, asking for wisdom and discernment when it comes to our "spiritual leaders". 

HE CARES! Lost person, Do You Want to 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. 

Listen to Bro. Tom on www.wbofradio.com "The Jewel For The Day" program, every Monday - Friday at 6am and 2pm EST.

In the name of Jesus, may we be HIS emissaries and used by Him to help others. 

Tom and Linda Milam

Missionaries to America and around the world! 

PRAY BIG FOR OTHERS AND YOURSELF! GOD WANTS TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS!

May 26 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“The Wrong Road of Worry”
Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 6:25-34

It has been determined by doctors, that over sixty percent of hospital patients could cure themselves by not being overtaken by anxiety, which is worry. Worry is a definite killer and carries with it a sure transgression against the God of faith. Jesus repeatedly taught against worry and gave us enough instruction to be able to avoid it. We are bad to take on an unnecessary burden that will drag us down when we should lay our burden upon Him. We act as if He is not big enough to carry our troublesome burden, or that we might worry Him with our load of care; But not so, He is delighted in helping our infirmities. We are disobedient and do not trust His word, when we worry in excess. This is sinful, and will lead us on into fleshlier, and therefore, more sinful results. When we decide that we can handle it ourselves, we are forsaking the Heavenly Fathers guidance and when we reject His counseling, we have resorted to human wisdom and have not learned much about spiritual discernment. A leaky container can hold no refreshment, we need the “Fountain” that never runs dry, to quench our desire to be overanxious and overtaken by the demon of worry. Anxiety makes us believe that Gods loving kindness is far from us and doubts overwhelm us, and coldness is our bedfellow. Our trust goes to sleep, and God is grieved so that He cannot answer our prayers. Our testimony becomes weak, and our example becomes a laughing matter among the lost and even a sadness to our brethren. If we have settled ourselves to seek out our own way, we will have no confidence in God, and we’ll become a wanderer far from Him. Learn to cast each burden on Jesus, because He cares more than we can care for ourselves.

“A Rut”

Worry will take you from a life of boldness, 

And bury you in a grave of coldness.

                                        ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“He is delighted in helping our infirmities.”

Bible Reading Schedule: II Chronicles 18-20

Weekly Memory Verses:  1 Peter 2:1-5 

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

3  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

4  ¶To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

5  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

May 25 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Never Forsaken”
Psalm 38:21; Psalm 22:11

When we are tempted and trials of life overwhelm us, we pray, O my God, don’t forsake me to deal with this all alone. We need God and His strengthening power whether trial or not; We need to learn to pray daily for Him to hold us up in the light as well as the dark days; We need Him near  for communion or temptation. We need to realize how much we need Him and that He will not forsake us, that He will hold us up and that we shall be held safe.

Sometimes spiritually we feel like we did when we were separated from our parents in a big, strange department store, remember the panic you felt when you looked around and saw nothing but strangers; We feel as if we’ve been forsaken by the Lord. It is good to feel a need to be close to the Master at all times. A little child reaches out for help while it is learning to walk, a car without someone behind the wheel is surely a disaster-causing weapon. An airplane without it’s pilot is a hopeless situation and all aboard cries out, forsaken? Forsaken!

We must have help continuously from our Father above, so that we do not fall prey to the deceitful enemy, that is out to destroy our testimony. The Shepherd will give His life for his lambs to keep His fold from wandering away. We cry out many times, “do not forsake me,” for I am sorrowful; I am weak and I have a perilous path to trod; I need your guidance, Lord. I must have You to lean upon, for my strength; I must see Your face, during my trouble, for joy and contentment, and to see Your face. I must draw nearer and nearer; To have Your touch. I must be close and let me not be out of Your sight for a minute.

 “Never Forsaken”

I need you every hour; Everyday I need your power.

Sometimes it seems that none is near, Then, “I’ll forsake you not,” falls on my ear.

-Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“We need God and His strengthening power whether trial or not....”

 Bible Reading Schedule: II Chronicles 14-17

Weekly Memory Verses:  1 Peter 2:1-5 

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

3  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

4  ¶To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

5  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

April 17, 2010 ~ Our Wedding Day

On this day, April 17, 2010, 13 years ago, I said, "I do," to my husband, God, and myself. It was my two words to officially commit myself to marriage, love, honor, and respect in the name of God, to a man who promised the same thing towards me.  I can honestly say, we both have made that effort and on the whole, I believe we have succeeded. Tom has taught me more in these 13 years than I knew the previous 59 years when I lived without him. I thank God every day that we get to do this part of our lives together! I remember when we first got married, I would say, "I can't wait for our first anniversary", then I was excited to get to our 5th year and so. Today, I am looking towards the 30 years that Tom asked God to give us together here on earth before heaven. As long as we have each other I can look for that next anniversary! So many of you have been a part of our lives, as family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers. We thank you. Through our relationship and our relationship with others, you have kept us praying and trusting in our Lord, thank you.

We want to help and be a blessing to others, and through our marriage and partnership, we believe God has given us even greater opportunities to share the Gospel. Not just through Tom's preaching, but the radio station he is on 5 days a week 52 weeks of the year, the printing ministry with outreaches worldwide, one on one witnessing is one of our favorites, but through our singing, serving, pulpit filling, missions conferences, camp meetings, revivals! God is good to use us in any way He will, and we look forward to the many years before us. 

Thank you, my love, for choosing me to be your wife! I love you to infinity and beyond! 

Lin 

Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

May 21 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“The Lord Is Gracious To Keep You”
I Peter 2:1-8

Do you have any doubts as to how gracious the Lord is? Would you search your heart today and earnestly pray to see if there might be an “if” about you tasting that the Lord is gracious? Sometimes we question God, but that is the inability of the flesh, to discern what is Spiritual. I’m talking about a continual doubting of Gods methods of dealing with our lives; Do you constantly find yourself trying to put God to the test of proving Himself over and over again that He has saved you and will keep you? Do you live with daily doubts that God really is our Heavenly Father? If you do, take this verse and let it be your guide of assurance, “. . .I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him . . .” (II Timothy 1:12). 

Let nothing stop you from learning and knowing, that the Holy Spirit lives within your mortal frame, despite how you feel. If you believe the Scriptures with an open mind to learn spiritual things; If the Holy Spirit bears witness with your spirit, and you come to God in prayer with earnest expectation; Letting no “if’”, “but”, "maybe,” or “perhaps” be the rule, you will know that you know the sure mercies of God. Never dwell in what could have been or what might be, concentrate on knowing today that you are His and tomorrow will take care of itself. 

“Enjoying”

Does the dreary “if” abide in you, 

and cause you doubts and fears? 

Lose distrust in Jordans brink, 

and dwell in Canaan’s abundant years.

The world is still here, and we are living in it;

But let’s enjoy the milk and honey, in every single minute.

                                ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Let nothing stop you from learning and knowing that the Holy Spirit lives within.....”

Bible Reading Schedule: II Chronicles 1-3

Weekly Memory Verses:  Romans 8:14-18  

Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

 

May 18 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Complete In Him”
Colossians 2:8-10

The word complete means that nothing else needs to be added, it is all there. We are totally complete in Christ if we are indeed one of His.  We cannot help Him to keep ourselves saved no more than we could have saved ourselves. Our works will always be incomplete, “but He is faithful that promised.” His grace goes beyond our guilt, His faithfulness is firm; He is unconditionally unchangeable; His power is pure, and His knowledge is without limits! All of this is found in His salvation and promised to us by way of the inheritance. All of Christ is ours, in all of His character; He is ours, and yet remains the Son of God and we are likened with Him as sons also. His wisdom is so wide, it covers all directions; Our instruction comes from His knowledge; The power of His protection is ever present with us; We can be sure of His justice, it is always right; We cannot consume the comfort of His love, and His magnificent mercy is our rest and solitude.

God gives and gives, and then says, here is more; Look for it, He says; it is here with Me in treasure chests of learning, dig it out He says, it is all ours! All of His goodness is ours, all of His greatness is manifested to us, in Christ Jesus. We can hold all confidence in His love and power, after all it is Almighty God that has faithfully promised.

    “No Repeats”

What He has promised you can depend upon, 

In Him we are made complete.

By grace through faith we accept the Son, 

and salvation is without repeat.

                                    ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“It is Almighty God that has faithfully promised.”

Bible Reading Schedule: I Chronicles 21-23

Weekly Memory Verses:  Romans 8:14-18  

Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

 

May 16 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Rich In All Things”
I Timothy 1:17; I Timothy 6:17; Revelation 1:17-18 

Never be ashamed to ask God for things, for He is a giving parent that thrills at our asking. We can never exhaust His supply, and He will never withdraw His hands from our needs Grace is a-plenty and it restores itself faster than we can use it, because Grace and Mercy is Jesus. The oil of grace will never burn dry, the wick stays trimmed, and fresh oil is ever flowing. The waters of His grace are ever flowing, always filling to the rim and never causes flood damage. His bounty of resources never has a manufacturing defect, never a shortage of product and never a labor shortage or dispute. His love is like an overflowing well, fresh, cool and continuous. Our King will never die, as all others have, and as long as our Head is alive, we are alive! He will never neglect or fail us; We feed from His hand daily, He has fresh mercy daily, for this ever-changing world.

When you enter His door, His hospitality overwhelms you, and you cannot leave without saying, “I’ve been blessed indeed.” His table is always set with all you desire, and hidden bonuses show themselves with the using. Every morning we find new mercy and in the night it’s fresh and makes us look forward to another day of telling of His goodness. His blessings are much more than the stars of the heavens and the sands, of the seas combined. Who can know His greatness and count all of His benefits? And yet it is all ours by inheritance, God is good. Amen!

 

“The Provider”

My Soul extols you, Oh Great Provider, 

Your benefits never fail, only grow wider.

Your loving kindness is a gracious crowning jewel.  

I will praise you forever, with unending renewal.

-Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Never be ashamed to ask God for things.”

Bible Reading Schedule: I Chronicles 14-16 

Weekly Memory Verses:  Romans 8:14-18  

Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

May 12 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Knowing And Showing”
John 14:13-26

Jesus shows Himself and proves Himself to His people in many ways.  Of course, we have the scriptures and we, and as believers trust them to be the truth from God our Father. But even if we didn’t have the Scriptures, Christ has still proven through His people the truth by their experiences.

Jesus dwells in His own people and reveals Himself through them in their actions and definite devoted services. We proclaim with unadulterated ecstasy, that Jesus still lives, not only in our hearts by way of the Holy Spirit, but in very deed and truth. He shows His person through those that have accepted Him, trusted and firmly believe on Him for salvation and assurance. Many saints of God have given us glimpses of Heaven by living close to Jesus and dwelling near the cross.

When Gods people tell how Jesus dwells in them and tells of His blessings and workings in and through them, others can’t help but be touched by their influence.

Others will notice what effect Christ has had on us by our humility; we will brag on Jesus rather than ourselves. Mark the person that says he has acquired a certain amount of humility, because when you think you’ve attained it, you’ve lost it. (Psalm 138:6) Says, “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.” Realizing Gods very near presence will bring joy and happiness; pleasures are abounding when we are devoted and fully submissive. And then we’ll find the Holy Walk; Christ has never been manifested in a person if there’s no holiness about him. Are you what you say you are, in thought and deed? (Galatians 6:7 - "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: . . .”

“Perfect”

For evil doing, there’s no respect,   

God, will wicked works, for sure reject; 

He’ll not cast down a perfect man,

But will through him, prove His perfect plan.

                                            ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Jesus dwells in His own people and reveals himself through them.”

Bible Reading Schedule: I Chronicles 3-5

Weekly Memory Verses: 1 Peter 2:21  

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

April 12, 2023 ~ Linda K. Milam April Devotions: "The Good Shepherd"

And so, I continue. . . 

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalms 26:7

Ezekiel 34:14-15 ~ 14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. KJV  

Have you ever really considered the GOOD THINGS you have in your life. The Bible says in James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  We are truly blessed beyond measure. We have been waiting to share with you one of the greatest gifts, God has given us. Our new "dwelling place" here in Florida. Something we ALL prayed for, for months, and we will never have to worry about where we will serve from here in FL. Our "place" Is now a full reality! We have been "gifted" a beautiful 41-foot Motor Home. It is amazing how God's plan came to fruition. We are not to drive it as a normal motor home, it is parked, hooked up and livable for the long term. How gracious is our God? More than gracious. I'll share lots of pictures on FB. . . so watch for the post! Let me continue on with my thoughts on these verses.

Of all the gifts we have received from God, the greatest gift is His Son Jesus Christ, who died for us. My salvation, my husband, our ministries, my church (both here in FL and WV), our children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren; blessed gifts from God. Our possessions, or those things we call our own. All GOOD things come from God. They are His gifts to us in reward for our love and devotion to Him. 

As God said in our verses today, HE WILL PROVIDE ALL to His children and they will be greatly blessed because of His Love and care for His sheep. Are you one of God's own? Maybe you say, "I have a lot of good things and I am not one of His own." Those good things will pass away, and without God the last thing you will receive from Him is told in this verse.

"Matthew 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

When He says this, you will be immediately cast out into hell for eternity, never to have opportunity to be saved again! Don't let this happen to you, please get saved today! Surrender your heart and soul to the One who created you, sustains your life, in the hope that you will call upon Him as Saviour before it is eternally to late. Our prayer is that many will come to the Lord and never have that worry ever again; will you go to heaven or hell?  

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. 

Listen to Bro. Tom on www.wbofradio.com "The Jewel For The Day" program, every Monday - Friday at 6am and 2pm EST.

In the name of Jesus, may we be HIS emissaries and used by Him to help others. 

Tom and Linda Milam

Missionaries to America and around the world! 

PRAY BIG FOR OTHERS AND YOURSELF! GOD WANTS TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS!

 

April 11, 2023 ~ Linda K. Milam April Devotions: "The Good Shepherd"

And so, I continue. . .  

SCATTERED SHEEP

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalms 26:7

Ezekiel 34:12-13 ~ 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. KJV 

The second phrase in verse 12 is one of the greatest promises God could make. By the beginning of sin in the pulpit, people are also drawn away from God and into sin. Yes, we all make our own choices, but when the "leaders of the flock" begin to let standards down, promoting - "little sin" is not to bad philosophy, it will lead to great destruction for many. But there is HOPE! God said, ". . . so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day." 

Christian, have you been drawn into sin? Are you playing around in the worldly things that Satan has tempted you with, and caused you to move you away from God? Clearly God has a plan for each one of us. When we were saved, the next step after baptism and the joining of a good Bible Preaching church is to ground ourselves in the Word of God, prayers, church attendance and Bible reading! When God promised to find us, help us, and return us to our rightful places, He meant it. Allow Him to take FULL control of your life!  You will never regret it, I KNOW! Be blessed today! God Loves YOU!

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. 

Listen to Bro. Tom on www.wbofradio.com "The Jewel For The Day" program, every Monday - Friday at 6am and 2pm EST.

In the name of Jesus, may we be HIS emissaries and used by Him to help others. 

Tom and Linda Milam

Missionaries to America and around the world! 

PRAY BIG FOR OTHERS AND YOURSELF! GOD WANTS TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS!

 

April 8, 2023 ~ Linda K. Milam April Devotions: "The Good Shepherd"

And so, I continue. . .  

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalms 26:7

Ezekiel 34:4-6 ~ 4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. 5 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. 6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. KJV  

Chapter 34 of Ezekiel exposes God's great concern of the "shepherds" leading the people. They were more interested in what they could obtain or gain than what they could do for God's people. These "shepherds" (princes, kings, leaders) main goal was to "fleece the flock" so to say. God was very unhappy about this, and it shows not only here in Ezekiel, but He also revealed in the book of 1 Peter; When Peter wrote, "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;" (1 Peter 5:2), he meant spiritual shepherds. Peter also wrote this keeping in mind that Jesus is always the THE Shepherd among God’s people (1 Peter 2:25); "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."

If we are leaders of people in any capacity, we are to use the good judgment God gives us, AND in every way deal honestly and decent to others! If you are in a position where people come to you to seek help in any way; we must obey the Word of God and lead with humbleness, using Jesus as our Guide when we minister to others. In His teaching on the Good Shepherd in John 10,"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."  Jesus explained this principle. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Peter later wrote of this same idea (1 Peter 5:2) "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;" All faithful "shepherds" are to care for the flock, sometimes at our own significant self-sacrifice. 

Will you be able to stand before God one day Christian, and say you fulfilled your duties as a "shepherd" by the Word of God? Today is the day you can change that if you are not. Turn it all over to God, let Him help and lead you! Be blessed,

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.

In the name of Jesus, may we be HIS emissaries and used by Him to help others. 

PRAY BIG FOR OTHERS AND YOURSELF! GOD WANTS TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS!

May 1 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“The Shepherd’s Psalm”
-continued-

--And greater love has ne’re been seen, 

than from the depths, His bride redeem, restore to honor,

long unclaimed; fresh, and white

---and clean neither asked their shepherd why, 

Only trusted that He was nigh.

The billows ore’ me roll, the tempest round me blows; 

My heart is given, to trembling fear.

Not my Shepherd I hear declared!

--How then is that desperate cry, 

Master we perish, carest not we die?

And long ago accused unjust, I now await in darkening dust; 

Forgotten of man, I hear not from God.

Oh I see an angry look, - - ask Joseph of his brothers,

the baker, the butler, --find it in the Book!

Still I cry, the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want;

--for with feeble hands the sailor shook, 

the one who slept beneath the stern; and standing on the wave swept ship, 

Peace Be Still!

The words He spoke; and delivered those who quaked and shook. 

---and Joseph wept his brothers to hold,     

and called for his father, a man grey and old; 

sent by the Lord, a way to prepare;

to deliver from famine,---and want, ---and despair.

Yet neither asked their Shepherd why, 

Only trusted that He was nigh.

I put forth my hands, and another girds, 

and take me where I would not go.

Why? Why?

---must it be so? 

Lovest thou me?

He asks;

Then come follow me.

Daily Jewel:

“Yet neither asked their Shepherd why, only trusted that He was nigh.”

Bible Reading Schedule: II Kings 1-3

Weekly Memory Verses: Psalms 23:1-6

Psalms 23:1  A Psalm of David.>> The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

April 24~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“A Sure Covenant” 

Nehemiah 9:38; Romans 4:21; Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews 11:11; I John 2:25

There are many things in life that happens to us to cause us to see the need to renew our covenant. When we were first saved, we promised God that we would give all to Him and He promised us that He would give all for us. Well, He is the only one that actually kept that amazing bargain alive.  You see, we find ourselves helpless to do anything but trust, we are very needy people; we need God. We get sick with some terrible illness, it sets us back, but then we get a touch from God, and we are led then to renew our covenant with him, because of His extended mercy. Then we find ourselves in some kind of trouble, we have failed God, our joy is not full. We agonize until we make our way to the foot of the cross for a renewal of our consecration, devotedness and commitments. Have you grieved the holy Spirit with some act, thought or words? If so, you have brought dishonor to the cause of Christ. We must look to the blood again for the cleansing and to present ourselves as a living offering again.

And let’s not forget to praise Him and obey Him, during the “high” times, the days of blessings and prosperity; Lets also fully dedicate ourselves during the crowning's of the good times and the heavenly mercies He has granted us. If God is so gracious to extend undeserved mercies upon us, then surely, we should be willing to crown him Lord in our lives with a renewal of service and sacrifice.

“Service”

Are we found at the altar of mercy?

Do we find a blessing there?

Can we sing while bound there to it?

Shall we, by Covenant, ourselves to share?

Let us promise, from grateful hearts, 

To serve Him gladly and do our part.

                                                ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“...we find ourselves helpless to do anything but trust...”

Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Kings 8

Weekly Memory Verses: Romans 8:35-39

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

April 17 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Coming to the Blood”

Hebrews 12:24-29

Have you accepted the precious blood of Jesus for Salvation, Atoning and Redeeming power? Not just a head knowledge of realizing that He died on a cross, and you believe a certain doctrine about it; not going through certain ceremonies that satisfies the conscience; or some ecstatic experience that carried you away in a fleshly stupor or dream; but have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power of the blood? The Bible says that the life of man is in the blood, without your blood, you will die in a few short minutes. And so, the spiritual life of a person is in the blood of the one that gave it to another for him to live; And so, our life is hid with Christ in God, by the acceptance of the once and for all time transfusion of Christ’s blood into our veins. By believing that He died for us, and arose on the third day as He promised, and fully trusting Him to forgive us of all our sins and then turn completely around to live a life separated from the world. But while still living in this world, empowered by the filling of the spirit of God that indwells each believer.

Has the holy Spirit brought you to the blood, that you may be covered? If you came with nothing to offer, “In my hand, no price I bring, simply to the cross I cling.” But simply your own guilty self, helpless and lost, then you came trusting the blood, and it alone for your only hope and eternal salvation. As you step closer to Him, His blood cries out, “it is finished,” a way is made that you can live; will you trust Him?

“To The Blood”

If you came once, to the blood of Christ, 

You’ll come again, more than once or twice; 

It’s His righteousness, His comfort and joy, 

That we seek daily to fondly employ.

-Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Has the Holy Spirit, brought you to the blood, that you may be covered?”

Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 17-18

Weekly Memory Verses: 1 John 1:5-10 

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

April 14 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“And They Mocked Him There”

Matthew 27:38-44; Psalms 22:7 

Mockery and ridicule are two of the hardest things to bear in life. Jesus was disbelieved by many in h
is life as He went about doing good, He was accused of being friends with sinners more than with the Priests and Politicians. He was mocked there in the garden when the soldiers, guided by Judas, came to arrest Him. He was mocked and ridiculed by the scribes and Chief Priests; Herod wouldn’t have anything to do with Him. The Palace servants and guards scorned, insulted, and jeered at Him, while the Soldiers laughed and mocked; and then while hanging on the cross, the onlookers taunted and poked fun at Him, and ridiculed the Royal Redeemer. The Savior, already in such horrible pain, from the beatings and scourging and then have to suffer such deep ridicule and mockery from the heartless, cruel, multitudes of His own peers. The anguish goes beyond our mortal imagination, as they thrust out their lips and shake their heads in contempt and sordid pleasures.

There was a madness that drove them. it was all of Hell that was turned loose that day, at one final attempt to destroy Jesus and all that sided with Him. They all acted like they didn’t know who He was, and His purpose, but they knew full well that this truly was the Son of God, because they had seen His miracles and saving power, but they also knew that they wouldn’t have any say in his rule. They could not dictate to Him, they were going to have to worship this lowly Nazarene, and they were appalled at that. They could not stand the thought of Him being victorious over death, hell and the grave. But they were blinded to see that for their cause, He came.

 “Our Disbelief”

Jesus, Despised and rejected of men, 

How could He suffer and die for them?

We, who are sinners, caused His pain and grief, 

By our actions, and disbelief.

                            ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“Mockery and ridicule are two of the hardest things to bear in life.”

Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 10-12

Weekly Memory Verses: Luke 23:33-37 ~ 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.