April 8~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

 “He Spared Not His Son”

John 5:40; James 4:8; Luke 13:3; Luke 23:31

 As Jesus was taken away by the very ones that He was dying for, so will the sinner that continually rejects the gracious love of the Saviour. God did not spare His Son on the cross, as He bore the sins of the world. So, He will not spare the unregenerated man in the day of judgement. The sinner will be dragged away and hurled into a place prepared for the ungodly. God turned His back on His only Son as He carried the sins of you and I, because He cannot look on sin. So much more will He turn His back on those he has given opportunity time after time while living on this earth. Which is the getting ready place; But will not hesitate to judge righteously.

Jesus cried out, “my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” In light of that, don’t you know the unsaved man will cry out even the more, “Please search the Book again; I thought my name was there. Why are you forsaking me?” And God will say, “you are yet a sinner. I called you to come to me and you would not.” I made a way for you to get near to me, by accepting Jesus, (My Son) as your personal Saviour, but you would not; Remember, I said if you reject me, I will have to reject you; and you can’t say that it is not fair, because I gave you your life time to live for me and you would not. You chose to do it your way, so now you must depart from me, for I don’t know you.” (Proverbs 1:25, 26). All of the shame, sorrows and pain will be yours forever, that go to that awful place, called Hell. Grief and misery will be the wages of a person that allows their pride to separate them from the love of God and Heaven.

“Denial”

Deny the wounds that were made for you,

                                                                 Deny the blood that was given;

And God will have no other choice,

But to reward you for what you have striven.

                                            ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“God did not spare His Son .... so He will not spare the unregenerated man....”

Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Samuel 22-24

Weekly Memory Verses: Hebrews 4:9-13 ~ 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

February 14 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“She Yet Lives!”

John 11:25,26

This morning as I write and prepare to take part in the funeral of one of my favorite Aunts, I’m sad and heartbroken of the fact that I’ll not see her again in this life, but I’m, on the other hand, thrilled beyond measure that she has rested from her toiling and suffering, she’s in her eternal home, with Jesus, loved ones and friends. With God, glory is the final issue, not death, because she has just started living.

I find two wonderfully astounding truths in John Chapter eleven, verse twenty-five and twenty-six: 

#1 The Dead Shall Live: Jesus said, “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. (Though, death has taken the mortal body, yet the believer Lives!) Despite how it looks today, my aunt still lives!  John 5:24 says: We that are believers “have passed from death unto life!” Psalm 23: 4 says, We walk “through” the valley of the shadow of death. Death is a part of the believers journey, and Jesus walks through it with us. Death does not hold us, because Jesus broke it’s bands asunder and we eternally live.

#2 John 11:26, The Living Shall Never Die: “And whosever liveth and believeth in me shall never die!” (a coffin is nothing but a hope chest) And a grave, is but resurrection ground for the believer.

My aunt is now living at the Father's house, and we are simply honoring the body that we will miss so much; she yet lives!

“What Did You See John?” 

No more night, no more needing, 

No more sorrow, no more pleading.

No more pain, no more crying,

No more endings, and no more dying.

The star of the morning will shine in its splendor,

To see His appearing will be worth the surrender.

The summit is ahead, don’t wander or roam, 

Just keep on climbing, the crest is home.

                                -Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“With God, glory is the final issue, not death......”

Daily Scripture Reading: Numbers 5-6       

Weekly Memory Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:12-18

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 

February 5 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Son, Sacrifice And Saviour”

I John 4:11-21 

In speaking of the Trinity, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, One is not hallowed above the other; They are simply God. Honor belongs to all three in their distinctions as persons, yet it is God over all. The Bible doesn’t say that the Trinity consists of a man-made order such as, Jesus the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, nor is it Holy Spirit is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, living and dwelling in Himself; But it is taken literally and stands as such, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Though the Son and Holy Spirit were with Him in the beginning, it was God that sent His Son into the world to die for sinful man, God incarnate in human flesh. It was God speaking through Jesus, as He ministered to man, of His grace and truth. We that know the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, will not set one above another in His precious love. If Christ is our Saviour, and He is, then we are in God with Christ and the Holy Spirit confirms ownership by imputation. The Father sent the Son to be mercy for us; we laid on Him our cares and sins, he answered back with divine deliverance! Jesus does the will and work of the Father; let your heart and all of your thoughts be in harmony with Jesus and the eternal God that spoke and created it all, at His will.

“My Sacrifice”

It pleased the Lord to bruise His Son, 

From such we would think to flee;

But with undying love, he suffered it all, 

That we could forever be free.

The grief that he bore, Oh the sorrow and dread;

As he took on our sin, and the Father turned His head.

No sin will I see, the Father did say!

-Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“The father sent the son, to be mercy for us.”

Daily Scripture Reading: Leviticus 11-13        

Weekly Memory Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 

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 

February 1, 2023 ~ Linda K. Milam February 2023 Devotions: "Compassion"

 And so, I continue. . . 

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

Genesis 49:29-30 ~ 29 And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace.  KJV

As Jacob draws near death, he makes his sons promise to bury him in Canaan. Even though Jacob was in Egypt, he wanted he sons to know his body was to be buried in a cave in Canaan. Jacob was confident that his father Isaac and his grandfather Abraham continued to live in the eternal state, and that he would be gathered to them. He called upon the compassion of his sons to make sure this would happen, and it wasn't long before his death came. They had a long journey to be able to fulfill their father's wishes and they were willing to do so.

We will all face death someday, if the Lord tarries. Some of us may have had the difficult task of taking care of funeral arrangements for others, and sometimes, if unprepared, it was a difficult task. It isn't something we want to think about, but we should. If we are to be compassionate to our own families, we will have made arrangements so that during that time they don't have to worry about anything when it comes to a funeral, services etc. Funerals are a time when compassion abounds in the hearts people. We don't want to even face the departure of that loved one, but as Christians knowing our loved one is with the Lord, it makes it so much easier. The Holy Spirit which indwells us, gives us peace and comfort. But not knowing if that one laying there in that coffin is saved or not, brings heartbreak.

Through the verses previous to these, we find that Jacob is dying and he has called his sons to him. He is preparing for that time by calling his sons to will gather around his bedside so that he can tell them of what was to come, what blessing he was leaving with each one, and then he makes them promise to take him "home" to bury him. He had time to prepare. But many do not, and when death comes others have to deal with our unpreparedness. Tom and I have voiced and shared our desires and we will trust our family to carry through. Our compassion and love for them compel us to do right by them. 

We also know that some of our loved ones are not saved, even today, and sadly some have gone on before us without knowing Jesus as their personal Saviour. We see signs all around us telling us the LORD is coming soon, and our hearts are anxious and concerned for these people we love most in all the world. We continue to lift them up to the Lord, begging for HIS compassion and help for their souls. We must do this, we must. If you are saved, you carry the Gospel with you wherever you go! Share it with someone who does not know Jesus. Death is imminent. Be prepared! Share with others and love the Lord will all that is in you. Serve Him and Him only.

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

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Prayers for Walter, Pastor Weido, Dolly ~ God knows and has the answers.
• Kaycee Scalise and pregnancy.
• Pray for the Jerry Kruckow family. Went home to be with the LORD 1.31.23
• Missionaries to Guam the Clingaman family - tragic accident has their 16-year-old son Caleb 2/1/23 - his father, Bruce, in hospital with lung damage from trying to save Caleb from rip current.
• Barbara - last stages of organ cancer. 
• Lorraine - recovery from surgery
• Lorrie - salvation.
• Wayne Corfman - pacemaker check tomorrow. It is hard to believe it is time (this year) to get a new one. Please pray for wisdom for his caregivers!
• Sharon J. Her mom Kathryn's health.
• Larissa, Helene, Calvin, Dominic, Rocky, Cindy - Our group home folks.
• 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.
• David Harrison - cancer UPDATE - CAME THROUGH SURGERY WELL, WILL HAVE TEST RESULTS IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS
• 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
• Mary Nutter, cancer treatments and hospitalization.
• Carl Odell - Knee surgery 1/27. SURGERY WENT WELL, PLEASE PRAY FOR FULL HEALING
• Levi - teen burned 1st & 2nd degree burns on his hands, when his derby mower caught fire.
• Dickie and Debbie Reynolds - Dickie's pacemaker replacement and full recovery.
• Reggie Parker - very sick, emergency surgery, kidneys failing, needs a special touch from heaven through the prayers of saints like you! His father is the pastor of Victory Baptist Church in Elizabeth City, NC. Please pray for this young man!
• 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 - serious health
• Dr. Melvin Aiken - heart pacemaker surgery is complete, and he is home soon.
• 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)
• PJ - heart surgery, PRAY he can come off of the breathing machine, complications of blood clots in the brain and in his legs.
• John Odom - aneurisms. 
• Louise Odom - cancer treatments.
• Imogene Walston - back injury and major mouth surgery on the 25th, went really well. Pray for a speedy recovery. 
• Connie - injured back, continued healing.
• Pastor Greg - blood pressure issues. 
• Miss Shirley-health - doing some better and able to help in the print shop some in the last couple of weeks. 
• Pray for Richard Rosenmeier family - Passed 1/8/23 Lord, please help and bless the family and friends.
• 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.
• 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
• Shannon - health problems, grieving in loss of father.
• DJ needs a special touch from heaven. (Shannon's son and she has asked us to pray for DJ - God Knows!) 
• Carolyn-health 
• Pray for our need for a home here in Florida - We know You have the supply Lord already, help us to be patient. 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 "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 Stan Skriloff - cancer and treatments and pray for his caregiver wife Caren! 
• Pray for Connie, complete healing of her back. 
• Pray for Sister Cora and her hip healing from a fall and surgery. Miss Cora HAS PASSED her occupational therapy and is now working on physical therapy. She is excited that God will give her the opportunity to walk outside soon. Praise the Lord! Keep her in your prayers please. We are thankful for this wonderful home for a few months stay till the Lord moves us on.
• Pray for the Printing Ministry and all that goes on with it. BIG issue with our puncher . . . please pray we can resolve that Monday - 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. Pray that Tom and I can work the bugs out of some of our equipment!
• 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, out strength, and our service.
• Robyn-Health
• Carol and Richard-Health
• Cathy-Health
• Dicky and Debbie Reynolds - health
• 2-month-old great-nephew Evan. Evan is home from the hospital and doing well.
• Marsha-Health and ankle pain
• Pastor Johnny J-health and recovery from surgery - 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 who is back on the field in Nicaragua without his helper and bride.
• Penny - special unspoken - pray for her husband Mike - health.
• Bro. Wayne-health - He turned 91 on December 24th, and is still working, but mighty slow :) 
• 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.

January 14, 2023 ~ January 2023 Devotions: "Radiant"

And so, I continue. . . 

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

Isaiah 62:1-2 ~ 1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. 2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: . . ."  KJV 

These are the Words of our Jehovah God! It is His radiant glory He is passing on to His people, and He declares His purpose based on the events predicted in Chapter 61 - please read that chapter. There is no doubt that there will come a day when God's wrath will rein down on satan, his demons, and sadly all those who reject HIM. When He does pour down his wrath, all that IS NOT His will be destroyed. He will cause all to serve, supply and raise up His people. Read that chapter! It is amazing the LOVE He has for us.  We are nothing but dirty, rotten, underserving sinners, BUT (that holy conjunction again) He loved us so much that He allowed Jesus to come and die in our stead on the cross. He and HE alone is the salvation of all men. If you don't know HIM and are not sure you have a home in heaven, make sure today!

When all of this takes place, we will all SEE the righteousness of God. We will see it in the faces of those who are saved. The brightness He speaks of here is obvious in all that claim Him personally. Our countenances will draw men to the LIGHT. But it isn't just about salvation. If that were so, God would take us to heaven as soon as we get saved. No, it is more of our love, honor, worship, praise, we can give to Him, and through this outpouring He will bless, and many will come to Jesus before it is too late. There will be many lost, it does NOT have to be so. 

Get your spiritual life straightened out Christian. Be saved today lost person. There is only one Way to avoid HELL! Salvation through and by our precious Lord and Saviour. Jesus Christ! Make today the day that your whole life changes, no matter the spiritual condition of your heart.

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

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:

• The Echeverria Vallejos family in the homegoing of Patricia's father
• Miss Shirley-health - doing some better and able to help in the print shop some in the last couple of weeks. Miss Shirley has had a couple of rough days with vertigo! please keep her in prayer!
• Please pray for our daughter Lita in her health journey with Guillain-Barré syndrome
• UPDATE: Continue to Pray for Donna Kendall's daughter - her surgery went well yesterday - pray for swift healing!
• Pray for Richard Rosenmeier family - Passed 1/8/23 Lord, please help and bless the family and friends.
• David Wiles - Cancer
• Pastor Baker - went home to be with the Lord. Please pray for his family and his church
• Pastor Bernard Antonis ~ HEALTH, PRAISE
  THE LORD for answered prayers - Pray for Mrs. Carolyn as his caregiver.
• These families have lost loved ones to death: John Isler, Larry Goodman, Frank Sparks, Lucinda Lane, Randy Rolle, Ruth Kemp, Bill Alley, Keith Cook, Cathy Harrison, Rachel Vance, Gail Tipton, Bob DeSalvio
• Pray for our need for a home here in Florida - we know you have the supply Lord already, help us to be patient. We are moving Saturday once again to a precious saint's home for a couple of Months... at least till May when we will "move again" 
• Pray for Stan Skriloff - cancer and treatments, and pray for his caregiver wife Caren 
• Pray for our dear friend, Sister Connie Booher and her graciousness to put us up for a couple of weeks till Mrs. Cora's is ready for us in a more long-term situation.
• Pray for Sister Cora and her hip healing from a fall and surgery. Miss Cora graduated from her wheelchair to her walker and can now sit in her very own chair. Praise the Lord! Keep her in your prayers please. Her granddaughter Christy leaves Saturday and I know she will be lonely for her. Please pray for the family.
• Pray for the Printing Ministry and all that goes on with it. Pray our paper supply will continue - we are still not able to purchase COVER STOCK, but we praise the Lord for our previous pastors wisdom in buying several truck loads 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.
• 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, out strength, and our service.
• Robyn-Health
• Carol and Richard-Health
• Cathy-Health
• 2-month-old great-nephew Evan. Evan is home from the hospital and doing well.
• Marsha-Health and ankle pain
• Sharon J. Her mom Kathryn's health.
• Pastor Johnny J-health and recovery from surgery - recovering well from surgery thank you for your prayers
• Carol and Richard-Health
• Cathy-Health
• Arlene-Health
• Ruth-Health
• Brian-Health
• Keth Cook Family
• Lucinda Lane Family - pray for my brother Joe. This is a hard transition for anyone, but his health is poor as well
• Tipton Family - pray for Bro. Paul who is back on the field in Nicaragua without his helper and bride
• Penny - special unspoken - pray for her husband Mike
• Bro. Wayne-health - He turned 91 on December 24th, and is still working, but mighty slow :) 
• Carolyn-health
• Tudino family
• Fuentes Family
• DeSalvio Family
• Thompson Family
• David Harrison-cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Davis and Tichnell Family
• Billy Ward - health and healing
  
• Benjamin - surgery went well, pray for his recovery which may be long
• The Toler Family in the homegoing of Donnie
• Elaine - continued good health and strength
• Linwood - health
• Walter - health
• Pray diligently for all those that carry the title "Caregiver"
• Sandra Parsons - her call yesterday to encourage the servants at FBC Publications & Printing. 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. 
• Mary Nutter - Cancer
• Kimberly LaSage - health and her John Peters and family
• Our son-in-love Walter, Granddaughter-in-love Brie, and granddauhter Ava are having birthdays this week!

December 29, 2022 ~ Devotions: "The Light of the World"

 And so, I continue. . . 

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

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: KJV  

This chosen generation Peter writes to are Christians. If you know Jesus as your personal Saviour, you are chosen, you are also a Christian. You made a decision to recive the precious gift of Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. The Light of the World" is HE! We are to be different than the world. Don't call yourself a Christian and disparage Jesus Precious and Holy name by committing sin, known or hidden. Sin and the Saviour cannot walk together! God has given us commandments, teaching, preaching, Bibles so that we can study on how to walk a Christ like life. As Christians we do not walk in darkness, we walk in His "...marvellous light:" 

Many Christians have never enjoyed the JOY of serving the Saviour with a committed heart, therefore they have never experienced the wonderful grace God gives to us that do service Him as unworthy but dedicated Christians. It doesn't make us better or worse than others, it just means that with all that is within us we want to serve the Lord. 

Our sister, Florence, faced the loss of one of her children this week. We could not reach her by phone and called another sister who was trying to help Florence and one of the questions she had was, "Is he in heaven or hell?" Thankfully my husband knew for sure that Keith had accepted Jesus as his Saviour at a young age. Why the question then? We know that nothing can pluck us out of the hand of God. John 10:28 KJV: John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. Jesus wants us to know, we belong to Him! I sure am thankful for this and the fact that on that last breath Keith drew, no more cancer, no more sin, no more pain ~ a joyous union took place yesterday as He knelt before the King of glory!

But all Florence could focus on was his life and how he lived. It was not a walk with God, and it was obvious his mother was greatly concerned of his final home. Folks, this is sad yes, but to not know if your loved ones are going to heaven or not, not to have an Uncle Tommy, to assure you of your final home is heart breaking. How about you? Do you know Him, The Light Of The World, Jesus, as your personal Saviour? Make today the day you know ~ then share that news with your family! Don't leave them guessing if you are saved. Give them an I know so answer = then live like Christ. Read your Bible, attend church, do all that you can do to further the Gospel with your life as it is lived here on earth!

1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

 The Light of the World is Jesus

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in.
The Light of the world is Jesus! 

Come to the light, 'tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me.
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

If you don't know Him, come to Him today! 

Philippians 2:16 

 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.

November 30, 2022 ~ Devotions: "The Grace of Giving"

  And So, I Continue . . . . . .

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

1 Timothy 6:17-19 ~ Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. KJV 

In chapter 6 and in particular these verses, Paul is writing to Timothy who was given charge of the Church of Ephesus. He encourages him to fight the good fight, not to get distracted, and keep the faith. He cautioned him to avoid sin at all costs, and follow after things that are good, to be constant in the fight of faith. In addition, he was to charge rich men not to be so caught up with the riches, and to encourage them to keep their trust in God not the "things" they have amassed in their wealth. Because of God's blessings on them, they were to also bless others and show benevolence to those less fortunate. 

We are not rich by the world's standings, but I can tell you that God has blessed us richly. Sometimes I just can't believe how our lives are touched by so many we know from afar and up close and personal. It is a great sacrifice for some to give, these are the ones God looks on in favour. The widow's mite we wrote of early this month is the prime example. She gave from her substance, her all. Sometimes the rich give of their wealth, no sacrifice. 

We all think how "easy" for the wealthy to give from their wealth. I venture to say that is not the case always, or Paul would not have written this letter - he wants them to know it is a responsibility appointed unto them by God to give. And when they give over and above that wealth, God will return over and over. But not all of the rich are willing to do that; to sacrifice in giving, but oh the blessings when they do.  Not only do they receive more and more but their beneficiaries are blessed as well. There are also those who give with "strings attached." The rich who give but want to hold the purse strings of the church. We see that a lot, don't we? Men full of themselves and what THEY can do with the money given by others. Paul wants Timothy to teach the rich "how to give"; to give and then leave it alone so that God can do the work on others hearts. 

Christians we are the extended arm of our Lord. What we do here on earth should always and ever honor our Lord God and His many blessings in our lives. We are to testify of His goodness to us by giving our all, not just from our substance, but from our hearts a service pleasing unto God.  May your life be blessed, and God be your great guide in all things. May we be blessed with souls saved as a result of what we sacrifice to others for Him.

Paul told Timothy, above all things, preach the truth of the Gospel to see men surrendered to a loving and caring God, whether they be rich or poor. That is our commission. Please be blessed today in all that you do, may God receive honor and glory! Look for someone in need, give and give again. God will take care of you and them. 

How can you give for God today? Make it a point to reach out to someone NOW. You already have someone in mind as you read this. That's the Holy Spirit bringing them to your mind. Obey Him, and do what God has allowed you to do!  Giving is the best ever!

December we will be writing about "The Light of the World" - I pray you will continue to get blessings as we study the Word.

If you don't know Him, come to Him today!

Tom & Linda Milam

Missionaries to America 

and around the world

May we be faithful to be your 

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.

Lord, help us to be worthy of your sacrifice, may we be the ultimate and abundant givers, giving from the heart with joy and pray that others might see Jesus in us. Save the lost, encourage the saints please.  And help us to be wise, studied up, aware, and faithful to You, giving YOU all of our best with an open loving heart for the ministry and people. Help us Lord, to be wise in our homelife and all that is going on with that. Please bless our real estate agent, Lisa. Give her great wisdom and discernment on what to do. Amen.  

“ Our Home is Just Beyond ” ~ H. Tom Milam, Missionary Evangelist

“Our Home is Just Beyond”

 Just beyond the veil of tears,

Just beyond the sadness of years,

Just beyond the sorrows of grieving,

Lies our hopes of glad receiving

Just beyond the broken dreams,

Lives that are filled with things and schemes,

Just beyond, lies deaths dark domain,

Getting to it has left scars and pain,

All of those that have left before us-

Cheer us on-” It’s heaven you’ll gain!”

He died and arose, we tell it with fondness,

We’re not afraid, while looking for home,

Because it lies, just beyond us.           

H 'Tom Milam 4/11/98

Vol. 1 Musings of a Mountain Missionary Poetry Book

When Grief Overcomes Us ~ John 14:27

John 14:27  “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.”

Our hearts and prayers are burdened recently for our friends and loved ones who have recently lost their loved ones to the grave.  Our minds immediately turn to their sorrow and grief and how we can help them. Then we turn to the inevitable; when is the funeral? Who will preach the service? Is there a viewing? All the while our hearts and minds are on the spouses, children, brothers, sisters, all those who have been left behind and their gut wrenching grief. And their hope of Heaven and the day they will be rejoined again. How can we get through this? I have a few thoughts below that might help.

We printed a book written by Pastor Mike Ray on “How to Conduct A Funeral” and he shared something in his book about the Lord and Funerals. Did you know that if you search the Bible to see how Jesus would conduct a funeral, all you will find is that He never did a funeral. He always raised the dead! He is Life, it is Who He is and what He does! He raised Lazarus who had been dead four days. He raised a boy on the way to be buried. He brought a girl who was laying on a bed at home back to life.

No wonder He was forever inundated with the multitudes! He conquered our worst enemy, death. He even rose from the dead after three days Himself; He took the sting out of death! 1 Corinthians 15:55 says, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

In the moments that challenge us the most, we sometimes feel that we must be strong. But victory is not found in our strength; it is only found in the power of God. To our friends who are mourning, we have the perfect hope of Heaven. Your grief is felt by our Saviour. If your loved ones were children of God, we do not have to worry about them. 2 Corinthians 5:8 says,  “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” On their last breath, they beheld the King of Kings. Praise the Lord!

Maybe these few words will help someone; they are not to be taken as words that speak lightly of the “separation” from our loved ones. I know this personal grief in the loss of some of our dear friends and family members. Our hearts are broken, we want them back, why did you take them Lord… all of those questions rise to our minds, and they will continue as we desperately seek the peace and comfort from the Holy Spirit.  As the LORD tarries, may He bless you all and may His Precious Holy Spirit bring you comfort and peace in the days, months, and even years to come.

He Loves Us! We Win!
May the Lord Bless you,
LKMilam, Missionary to America
September 24, 2021