May 3, 2023 ~ LKMilam May 2023 Devotions: Fruitful

Some of our family in FL - not all for sure!

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

Genesis 15:5-6 ~ 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.  KJV 

Who was ever written about that had more fruitfulness than Abram. God promised him a heritage of children greater than the stars!  If God said it, it is so, and He didn't seem to have one worry about "over populating" the earth, as some of the elites are all concerned about!  I say folks have those children and be thankful for every one of those unique beings that God gives you.

My Father, James L. Lane, and my birth mother Birchie had nine children. 5 girls and 4 boys. Due to a sad divorce when 3 of us were just babies, my father and mother separated, and my father retained custody of us 9 kids. A year maybe more later he met my stepmom, Lois, who had 6 children of her own. They ended up married and they had two more children together, my precious sisters Diane and Julia. When my birth mother, Birchie, remarried her husband had 4 children. And when my Aunt Carrie Mae (Lois' sister) was diagnosed with a terrible cancer during her pregnancy with "our baby brother" she turned over our Raymond to our parents and that is how we ended up with a lot of siblings in the family! Everyone just as unique and precious to our parents as the first one and that little baby boy, the last one, He completed our circle called family! This family has been very "fruitful"! And the fruitfulness continues with in our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wow, you might say, how in the world do you care for that many people. Well as you can imagine the ages spread out pretty far and when the youngers were coming along, the Olders were branching out on their own! How wonderful the cycle of family is. That is what we see in these verses. God promised Abram that his family would be beyond numbering . . . his seed would continue long after he was dead and buried.

Family is precious. Maybe you say yours isn't. Too much fighting, arguing, strife to be happy. Everyone is spread out and not one wants to continue that family togetherness. Listen, family isn't always easy, but I promise you this, family is very tolerable when you love them through Christ Jesus. When I got saved, that one that drank too much, cussed too much, smoked too much, lied to much, went to prison for unsavory deeds, murdered someone, you can name every vice you can name, but when Jesus gets involved, they all look different. That is the same with the stranger. When we look at them (family and stranger) with the love and compassion of Christ, everything changes.

Allow the love of God to penetrate your soul and when you look at that family member that is just "obnoxious", look through the blood of Christ and His love for ALL MANKIND. 

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!

December 4, 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

Psalms 27:1 <<A Psalm of David.>> The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? KJV

Christians, this verse should encourage each and every one of us, especially in the day we live. Some of us are in the battle of our lives, for our family, church, friends, and loved ones. Some are facing insurmountable persecution and ridicule because they have professed their salvation and just want to share The Good News with all that they meet. Some are in financial situations that keep you on your knees day and night, asking God for relief and wisdom on what to do. Some face the fact that they have lost their jobs, can't pay the mortgage, car payments, light bill; but I venture to say that they aren't going hungry. Each month somehow that money comes in from the most unusual ways and we all can testify to the GOODNESS of God and HIS provision for our lives. These situations are in control by the One that loves us, has mercy on us, and has all the solutions.

I have shared in recent posts of our current situation with regards to our 30-day notice to vacate our current mission home, now down to 27 days. We located a place, and we are thankful, but today we find out it is not guaranteed. The owner is looking for cash money - God is our guide folks, and if it be His will, He will also supply the finances! For folks our age, borrowing a large sum of money is a little daunting. But to us and others just like us who face the fact that they have to find a new roof over their heads, any money outside of our current budget is a lot of money. We know God is in the midst and we can be confident in His ever supply, and He always does it in a way that we can honestly give HIM all the praise, honor and glory. 

". . .of whom shall I be afraid?"  What men would do to us God will protect, guard, and protect. We are ever grateful for His Light, The Lord Jesus, and the fact that He died for all and reigns in Heaven. Soon He will return, and all of these things will pass away. We long for the day, but until then we will carry on, with His help. The love, prayers, financial support we receive, and the wonderful work we have through and by the preaching of the Gospel, a song here and there, the printing ministry and radio ministry, make it all possible.  Thank you for your big hearts, for believing in our work, and for always supporting us in any way.  May our great Big God bless you all mightily.  

As a side note, if anyone would like to share this new financial burden with us, you can send your love offerings to Faith Baptist Church, 3794 Oleander Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982 and designate it for the Milam's Mission Home.  To God Be the Glory!

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!

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, securing our souls with the Light of your life and sacrifice.  May Your light shine in and through us as our reasonable service to You. 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. Thank you, Lord, for working out our situation for a home in FL. I pray for those who can give an be a help to us in this need. We know you are our great Provider, and we can't thank you enough.  We thank you Lord for your wonderful mercy in Tom's eyes and ask that you would heal him completely or at least allow the drug to work. We love you Lord and thank you for first loving us. Amen.  

December 2, 2022 ~ Devotions: "The Light of the World"

Pastor Don Farmer/Vivian, Tom and I. 
Preachers of the Gospel
(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

Exodus 13:21-22 ~ 21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. KJV 

My husband has macular degeneration and has lost the sight in his right eye (legally blind) and is slowly losing sight in his left eye. Everywhere he is, he turns on the lights, even in broad daylight. In the living room, bedroom, his office. Even with the blinds open windows with no coverings it doesn't matter. Turning on the lights gives him that extra level of light that he needs. He supposedly has had all the treatments the doctors can give, and he has learned to live with the fact that in time he will be totally blind.  For a preacher of the Gospel who has traveled over 3 million miles in his ministry, this is devastating. But we serve a living and loving God, and He is the one in control.

The light that led the Israelites was their "light in the living room", so to speak. God was leading them on a journey to return them to their rightful home. He loved His people and had answered their prayers - and all they had to do was ". . .follow the pillar of fire," at night and the ". . . follow that pillar of the cloud by day,". That is what we need to do. Jesus is the light of the world, and we can trust Him with everything we need. He is our "Guide", our "Light", and if we would all follow Him first in believers' salvation, we can trust him to lead us in the path we are on today, both day and night. He definitely is the light to the world. But if you are physically blind, how do you follow? By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, He lives within us and is always guiding us to the path God has called us on our journey to Heaven.

Many pray for my husband's eyesight, and we thank you, and if you have never prayed for his eyesight before, please do pray for him and keep him on your prayer list.  Yesterday was a momentous day of sorts! Tom had an appointment with his retina specialist, who also is a highly recommended doctor for macular degeneration patients. We have both been seeing him for several years. Because Tom has been experiencing a change in his seeing eye, and he has been burdened even more by the fact that soon the Lord may take his total eyesight, he has written, studied, developed sermons, wrote poetry, with a vengeance. He wants to insure all that God has placed on his heart to do is done. Along with the injury to his shoulder, which has put him in a place to rest and study, it gives him more time to develop his preaching. Thank you for praying and we praise the Lord, he has no pain, and his arm is getting stronger.

We are all many times put in a place just like the Israelites and Tom.  We must follow His light and path and trust His hand of mercy and grace completely. When we do, oh my, the blessings are amazing. Yesterday, Dr. Gallogly was able to give us new news and hope. For that moment he was a shining light in the midst of darkness to come. He assured my sweetheart that there was very little change in his vision in comparison to his last appointment. His thought was stress with all the extra study, and all that was going on in his health, new meds introduced that hurt more than help, and Tom was comforted and assured that his eye was as healthy as it can be. Folks, don't you think we didn't shout and praise the Lord, and Tom testified of the goodness of God to our Doctor. But doctor Gallogly wasn't done. He told Tom that he was positive that a new medication (pill) would be available in January or February that would STOP the progression of his dry eye macular degeneration! He was CONFIDENT IN SHARING THIS WITH TOM, as the studies were amazing with the testing on other like patients was unbelievable. What???

 Blessings on Blessings!  Dear God, thank you, thank you, thank you! Praise the Lord! Can we ever thank him enough, I don't think so.

Wherever you are in your life, if you are unsaved, get saved, if you are saved, trust in God's precious hand on your life. Read, study, pray, attend church, give, and believe in the Mercy of God! Thank you for reading a little spot in our lives as your missionaries. We are blessed, honored and forever thankful for each one that prays, gives, supports our work God has placed us in. The rewards are greater than anything you could think of.

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!

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, securing our souls with the Light of your life and sacrifice.  May Your light shine in and through us as our reasonable service to You. 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 Lord - won't you work out our situation for a home in FL. Help us to help where we can, the dear one that has served us and You for years. Lord, we beg that you would bless her and give her great wisdom and discernment in her spiritual life, business, life, and most of all her family life. We thank you Lord for your wonderful mercy in times eyes.
We love you Lord and thank you for first loving us. Amen.  

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.  

November 29, 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

2 Corinthians 9:13-15 ~ 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.  15Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.   KJV  

Chapter 9 - Paul's letter to the Corinthians, is full of wisdom used to encourage the Corinthian Church to continue in the good fight for the Lord. They had agreed to support the Christian work in Jerusalem, and he encouraged them to continue to do so, and it wasn't for their monetary value of giving, it was the action of giving from the heart and the blessings from God for their faithfulness. When we give in light of souls that may be reached, there is no limitation on God's blessings. When we give with an open heart and joy in the ability to do so, the Bible says He will bless us abundantly.  Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

God is in control Christian. If we would just obey the Word, trust in Him for our every provision, and truly apply it to our lives, God not only gives enough blessings for us, but he supplies more than we need, so that we can supply the wants of others. This should be as seed to be sown. When we sow abundantly, he supplies way and above our needs. 

God wants us to give. This is an ever example of our trust and faith in Him.  We were just advised by our dear friend that she must sell our home, our sanctuary here in Florida. Blessings beyond blessings has she been to us, and we know this is a difficult time for her. But after we got over that first shock, and took it immediately to the Lord, our thoughts were not of soon being homeless, but how she was doing in this hard time. God has blessed us "over and above AND running over" He will not fail us now.  We know that. He has proved Himself over and over, and He will continue to do so. Our lives are not our own, we belong to the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. His supply is all we need! 

A simple message in Corinthians 9 – one that we try to take part in daily. Nothing we have is our own, it all belongs to God, and He will give us strength and wisdom to carry on His work. Paul wanted the church of Corinth (and us) to see; that there is no limitation on what they could give, and because of that the Gospel would continue and God would receive all the praise honor and glory He more than ever deserves.

But it still takes money to run a church or home; that ever-looming light bill, water bill, mortgage, rent, car payment etc. If we would but copy the example of Jesus Christ, never tiring of doing good and letting us know it is more blessed to give than to receive, there is no limitation on our giving. We thank God daily for His gift of grace, which allows us to give back to others in His name. We are thankful for every opportunity to serve the Lord in giving, as He deserves all the honor and glory. 

Pray with us for our next move here in Florida - we will know soon, I am sure, if we can afford to stay in this home with a new landlord, or if we look for another.  We may be displaced from our little abode but look excitedly to see How God will take care of us. Thankful and blessed, we allow the Lord to take control by taking our hands off.  Hard to do, isn't it? News like we heard at first causes a little panic and concern, but God's ways are not our ways.  We thank you all for your prayers, love, financial support ~ we couldn't do what we do without it. When we give in love and give by grace; God will take care of the rest. We pray His richest blessings on you! And do pray for our dear friend and her family. Times are very hard for everyone. Pray that a good sound independent fundamental church might be raised up for their efforts where they live.  God is working!

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.  

 

 

November 28, 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

2 Corinthians 9:11-12 ~ 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;  KJV

I have learned so much this month on "The Grace of Giving" and I pray it has been a blessing to you as well. The verses used today I felt needed a little more clarification for me - so I read the whole chapter again and felt like the previous three verses before our verses today helped me to understand Paul's point in 11-12 a little better. Not trying to change the original thought on giving for today - but to enhance it always.

Read verses 8-10: 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

It is clear in Paul's letter he wanted the church to know how important the Grace of Giving was. He praised them on their giving to Christ’s fulfillment of the law, which took the curse of death from us and laid the entire burden of man's sin on our Saviour, Jesus. He bore that burden to death, and through His righteous giving, we have access to eternal life. Through Christ’s death and sacrifice rent the veil of the Holy of Holies and we now have direct atonement for our sins and direct access to the throne of God. 

When you think about any trouble we may face as Christians, it will be nothing compared to those who are suffering without Christ. If they do not accept Jesus as their Saviour, their suffering will NEVER end.  Because Jesus reconciled us to God, we should no longer live to ourselves but for Him.  We owe Him everything and ought to be living a holy, blameless life.  Because God is holy, we should also strive to be holy. We are His emissaries and His whole ministry was to others, and that is what we need to do - give, help others in His name. Not for our glory - but give all glory to HIM!

So, what was Paul's goal when he wrote this letter? Always teaching and sharing the Gospel. He used a doctrinal teaching in 2 Corinthians on giving that we can learn much from.  He spoke of taking a collection from the Corinth Church for the church in Jerusalem. He spoke clearly on the fact that even if we give much and live in poverty, ultimately, we will be eternally rewarded and blessed, now and in the future. He talked about the giving of the Macedonians who were a good model of stewardship.  They selflessly gave while having the faith to know that God would meet their needs. He used himself of that fact. Through their giving to Paul, he was able to have a life that he used to share the Gospel, knowing he was cared for relieved his burden of where his next bite of food would come to him. Paul equated giving with grace in this analogy; my husband is always saying, "God’s free gift of grace was unmerited and undeserved, and it was costly to the point of His giving His Own Son Jesus Christ."  This is what Paul was saying. Are we willing to give until it hurts? If you do, the rewards are "out of this world".  And don't give grudgingly.

When we give in light of how much Jesus loved us, how can we do anything less in our giving back to God. It is truly a great expression of love and appreciation to the Lord for His sacrifice. I can say, "I'm not going to Hell", because Jesus gave HIS all for me.  Can you? Paul told the Corinthians that to excel in their giving was an expression of their love for God.  Love, like giving, should be in all sincerity and in proportion to what one has been blessed with.  The giver should never feel compelled to give but do so with a joy. 2 Corinthians 9:6b ". . .for God loveth a cheerful giver." The more a person gives, the more enriched they become, and the more God is praised. Give abundantly. Give with joy. Give in appreciation for your life in Christ. Give because there are so many that just need a little helping hand. Look for someone today and Just Give. 

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

Linda Milam

Missionaries to America 

and around the world

May we be faithful to be your 

Philippians 2:16 Missionaries. 

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.  Please, save the lost 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. Amen.

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 23, 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

Romans 8:32 ~ He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?  KJV

When we consider the absolute staggering truth of this magnificent verse of Scripture, there should never be one doubt in our minds of God's depth of love towards us, and the enormous gift of grace He has bestowed on ALL who trust in the Son of His Love. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? This is amazing love, grace, and truth! He is our Amazing God!

The glory that is contained in this astonishing reality should never become so familiar to us that a Christian is not left profoundly humbled and deeply amazed when reflecting upon the reality that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day, so that all who believe on Him would not perish but have everlasting life. He asks so little of us really, just have Faith in God. Trust Him, don't go down to your death bed having a "hope so" salvation. . . You can know for sure that you have this salvation spoken of in this verse. (See November 22, 2022, devotion for a verse-by-verse way that you CAN KNOW that you are saved and on your way to heaven.)

He gave us a Way out of the devils grasp and did it freely knowing what this evil world would do to His Son. Many like to think of our sacrificed Jesus, neatly hung on the cross, but this depiction is a lie. The Bible says in Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Jesus was beaten, mauled, spit upon, stabbed, beard ripped from His face. . .He was literally flayed open with the whip of choice at that time. There are many who have different ideas about that whip, but if you study Roman history, the sole purpose of that whipping was to bring degradation, humiliation, and mock the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords as well as bring excruciating pain as they have whipped him unmercifully showing organs, bones, with flesh ripped by the whip. O How my mind goes wild as I think on that.  Until you by faith believe in Him Who died for all, and I mean ALL, for me and you! His blood was shed and now covers all of our sins for eternity and beyond! Thank you seems so small, but we are truly THANKFUL!

I wanted you to see the tools that were most likely used by the Roman Soldiers to Whip our Lord. These are artists renditions of that whip. There is no detail in the Bible that describes the total damage they did to His body, but these whips allow us a vision of what happened to Jesus, and if you read up on punishments enforced by the Roman Empire during His time, you will be shocked! Such absolute cruelty; from beheadings to being eaten alive by wild beasts in an arena for all to watch. Jesus' death was prophesied of in Chapter 53 of the book of Isaiah and Isaiah was quite detailed on what would happen, 800 years before Christ was ever born.  All of this for you and I. HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US! That is truly "Grace Giving." Have you given YOURSELF to Jesus yet? Don't wait until it is to late! Surrender today, take Him as your personal Saviour. You will never regret it! Let us know how we can help.  

Lord, help us to be worthy of your sacrifice, may we be the ultimate givers, giving from the heart and hope that others might see Jesus in us.  Please, save the lost 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. Amen.

With love and prayers,

LKMilam

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.

Tom and Linda Milam

Missionaries to America

and around the world

November 21, 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

Acts 20:33-35 ~ I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.   KJV

If any Christian wanted to pattern their life after anyone, other than the LORD Jesus Christ, Paul might be that man. Through His life, many missionaries, including Tom and I, have surrendered our whole lives to serve the Lord on the mission field.  Our hearts were called to reach our own people of America. Many others have gone overseas, to countries who have never heard a clear presentation of the Gospel.  They are repeating Paul's ministry in the 20th century! His life after his life-changing event on the Damascus Road would never be the same.  From a life of sin and death, he became known as one of the greatest Preachers of Jesus Christ the world has ever known. God wanted him, the lowest of lowest sinners, a murderer, torturer, and evil filled man destined for hell. Only God knows, and He has forgotten, the absolute truth of all of Paul's sins. Thank you, Lord, for burying our sins beneath the deepest sea!  Micah 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

As Christians, that moment we met Jesus and surrendered our lives to Him, was our life-changing moment. Our sins were gone, never to be seen by God again. I thank God every day for giving us the greatest gift this world will ever know. Jesus, came to die, and while He did live here on earth, He taught us how to live for God. I didn't realize this, but after studying this chapter, I found out that the words of Jesus here, are NOT recorded in the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. This is the only place it is recorded, and Paul is telling the folks, "What Jesus Said!" What a blessing! 

So let me tell you a little about where Paul is in his journey to tell everyone about a Saviour. He is in Ephesus, and had been there upwards to three years, and he is getting ready to move on and as he addresses the Elders of the Church of Ephesus, he gives a wonderful legacy of Christ. In verse 31 of this same chapter, Paul reminds them that his message preached ". . .night and day with tears."  was done as a labor of love for Jesus, the Ephesians and to see many come to a believing relationship with Jesus. Paul gave his whole self, not so much his substance, for he had none.  He was completely dependent on the Ephesians to provide his very necessities and those men that were with him, and they did. 

He reminded them that he was not there for their money, he asked for none, he only wanted to preach the Gospel. He was getting ready to move on in his journey now, and the church was overwhelming sad at his departure. They loved Paul, he had preached truth, and many had been saved. In his weakness they cared for him, and he wanted them to carry on this desire to minister to the weak and needy. What a blessed reminder that Jesus gave as He journeyed to the cross. Always thinking of others and encouraging us to give to the weak, poor, and needy. Give what? Give of ourselves, our substance, materially, spiritually, financially.  How can we do less when He gave His ALL!

Lord, help us to be the ultimate givers, giving from the heart and hope that others might see Jesus in us.  And please 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. Amen.

With love and prayers,

LKMilam

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.

Tom and Linda Milam

Missionaries to America

and around the world

November 20, 2022, ~ Devotions: "The Grace of Giving"

Jesus GAVE His All!

And So, I Continue . . . . . .

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

Luke 6:35-36~ 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.  KJV

This whole chapter was dedicated on how to give, and in these two verses Jesus focuses on giving not just to those who love us, but also to those who might hate us, curse us, despise us, or persecute us. I didn't say that ~ I just shared what JESUS said. And He must have thought it important enough to have it recorded in His Word. His compassion and love for people is what brought Him to earth, and before He departed to Heaven, and he must have thought it was important enough for Him to teach on giving and prepare us all for how we should live as Christians when He left. 

We have made it a practice in our home to help folks that we can help. We believe that every person in our path is a person we can reach with the Gospel, and Jesus confirms that here. Many times, they are a needy people, who just need a bite to eat or a tire on a car.  We do not normally give money to anyone except through and by the Church. But we will take them to the store to buy groceries or to the gas pump to fill their car up.  We will buy those diapers or pay for a prescription, but the money goes to the Church.  We have kept people in hotels, and or given them a bed to sleep in in our own home. I don't say this bragging; this is the Lord guiding us daily to the ones who needs Him the most. 

Godly giving is one that separates it from the common sorts of charity or giving. I mentioned in previous posts, that, people who are unsaved, are sometimes good people who give to charities - especially this time of the year.  Giving in a good way, but not for long term effects. We are looking for a soul's destination affect. We want people to remember Jesus through our acts for Him. We could not do any of these things without His provision, and His provision many times comes from people like you, who believe in our mission work and give to us in financial, material, and prayer support.  We want only to be your emissary, going where you cannot go, but you can send us. When we do anything to help others, you will gain the blessings and rewards as well as us. We should make every effort to reach everyone. Jesus loved us ALL! ". . . for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 

My husband has gathered up an old drunk in his arms and led him to Jesus and if you knew his history you would understand why that was a miracle. We have reached that harlot who doesn't know where to turn, the teenager hurting from a bad home life, the drug addicts crying out for help, the sick, elderly, stranger in the grocery store, angry people who don't even know why they are angry.  And many are changed after we share the Gospel, and they surrender their souls to God. This is what Jesus is talking about! YES, give of your wealth, but sometimes it is even more.  And if you cannot give of yourself personally, help others who can and trust God to do His work through you. 

This is Thanksgiving week, but we believe we get to have Thanksgiving week every week of the year.  We are truly blessed to be used of God because of YOU and your giving to our ministry! Thank you to all the churches and people who believe in the work God has given us to do. Pray that He will continue to use us. GIVE even when it hurts! That is TRULY, "Grace Giving."

Lord, please 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. Amen.

With love and prayers,

LKMilam

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.

Tom and Linda Milam

Missionaries to America

and around the world

November 19, 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

Luke 6:30-31 ~ 30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. KJV

No matter how "others" give, Christians, we have clear instructions in the Word of God, taught by Jesus Himself on how to give, and what to do if men take our substance, and never make an effort to pay it back. We give with an agape love as it is "the highest form of love, charity" and "the love of God for man and of man for God." 

The thought is, how can we give our best if our hearts are not right with God or man? We can't honestly. Jesus teaches us our giving must come from the heart with an Agape Love Giving. And if your heart is out of beat with the Lord, the blessings of God are going to be limited. Giving isn't anything anyone should be "coerced" into doing, but this giving must come from our hearts in deep appreciation for what Christ already gave to us through HIS gift of salvation. Agape Love. He knew when He came what His gift was going to be, and yet He still came.  As I have heard many say, as a lamb led to slaughter.  He went willingly, quietly, and in great love. When we give of our best with a heart full of gratitude for His wonderful gift of salvation; our gifts are a blessing.  Agape Love.

Jesus lesson here is that, if you had a need, how would you want another Christian to give to you... sparingly, or with an Agape Love!  

I have learned so much in this month's study. I pray you have as well.  Don't hold back on God, and if you're a Christian who wants to do their best for God, learn to do all with an Agape Love!  It will be honored by God, and YOU will be thoroughly blessed because of your giving heart.

Lord, please 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. Amen.

With love and prayers,

LKMilam

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.

Tom and Linda Milam

Missionaries to America

and around the world