April 18 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Can You Boast Of The Blood?”

Joshua 2:21 

For the last several weeks I have talked very much about the blood of Jesus Christ, and today is no different. This precious atoning blood has left a trail from Genesis to the cross of Calvary. I believe assuredly that God is saying, “when I see the blood, I will pass over you.”

Let’s look at Rahab, who depended on the promise that the spies told her about. They told her if she would tie a scarlet cord in the window, that it would hang down to be seen, that the God of Israel would spare and preserve her, for her simple act of faith. You see, it is very important to be obedient, even in the most trivial matters, even it doesn't make a lot of sense to us or to others. She could have set back in her house, that was built upon a wall, and prayed all the while for Israel not to destroy her, but the scarlet cord, (which represented the blood) made all the difference to her and her household in doing the Lords will. Have you been paying close attention in doing the Lord’s will? Maybe you have accepted Christ and have not yet been baptized or been able to take the Lords Supper. Have you truly laid yourself out before the blood of Christ and said, cover me completely. I want to die to myself and come alive in Jesus? Have you trusted the work of Jesus to put your sins away as far as the east is from the west? Can you look back and claim forgiveness and look ahead and know that your only hope is in the precious blood of Jesus? Can the passer-by see the blood by your actions, or are you ashamed to mention it, or show it?

“By The Blood”

Let men and devils gaze  along,

But Jesus’ blood is my boast and song; Let the world crumble and spill,

But it’s by the blood He’ll save and fill.

                                                ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“.....your only hope is in the precious blood of Jesus.”

 Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 19-20

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 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 16 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Our Most Precious Commodity”

I Peter 1:19

If we stand gazing at the Cross, we see a wretched sight that would no doubt make us reach to take Him down and then fall upon Him in despair with broken heart and very soul. This is part of what makes this blood so very precious, because it has atoning and redeeming power. By the shedding of this blood, we are no longer under the law; We believe and are reconciled to God; And made one with Him; His covenant says, “I’ll become you, that you might become me.” The Blood of Christ is also precious, in that it cleanses, (I John 1:7) It’s amazing that red blood over a black sinner, makes him white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18) This blood makes us clean, not one spot shows through, not one stain mars the vessel, our iniquity is gone forever, and we stand profoundly accepted in the Beloved. Though our flesh is faithful to stand in rebellion against the disciplined plan of right, this precious blood is likewise preserving in it’s power. God no longer sees us as hopeless sad sinners, but blood washed saints. He said, “When I see the blood, I’ll pass over you.” He spares us when He sees the blood, He remembers our sins no more.

The precious blood of Jesus, also sanctifies us, sets us apart t
o walk holy, separated lives. This is our overcoming power, (I John 5:4) (I John 4:4). Some came through by fire, some through the flood, but all comes through by the blood. (Revelation 12;11)

“Death is Not Death”

Sin is dead at the presence of the blood, 

death is not death anymore; 

Heavens gates are open wide,

to receive us to that blissful shore.

-Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“If we could stand gazing at the cross we would see a wretched sight....”

Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 15-16

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 15 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“Forsaken”

Matthew 27:46; Psalm 22:1

There is no other scene in history that is anymore deploring, despicable and devastating, than that of Jesus hanging on a cross and then the cry of “my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” The weakness of His body was already nearly intolerable, but then to have His very soul attacked by such anguish and mental torture was unbearable. To bear such a load of shame and disgrace, caused the spiritual agony to be unmatched by anyone else in History, because this day was to be for you and me. No other expression could be felt to equal this that He had to experience, the Father turning His back and utterly forsaking His Son. This was the bleakest of midnights and the most hideous of horrors. He finally bowed His
suffering head, and said, “it is finished.” The law has been fulfilled, I have done the Fathers will; the last and ultimate sacrifice has been given, a way is made that all who will believe in this death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, and be willing to turn around and walk in a newness of life, may do so by trusting in what God has done with His Son, the ultimate sacrifice. While His Son hung there between the heavens and the earth, with our sins tattooed in Him, God could do nothing else but leave His Son alone, to bear our sin and burden, for God cannot look on sin in any degree or with any pleasure.

But never fear, child of God, He promised us that He would never leave or forsake us, because Jesus bore our shame and that was enough. The reason we think sometimes that God has forsaken us, is because of our unbelief.

“Because of Sins”

It was a fact, God turned His back, 

Because of the sins the Saviour bore. 

It was for a short season, and for the greatest reason,

That for our shame and agony He wore.

                                        ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“The ultimate sacrifice.......”

Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 13-14

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. 

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. 

April 5, 2023 ~ Linda K. Milam March 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

Ecclesiastes 12:11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. KJV 

There will always be some Scripture that is difficult to understand on its own. But, if you study with the will to learn the meaning, God will reveal what you need. I also find that as I grow in knowledge of the Scriptures that God is more quick to help me discern a difficult passage; at least difficult to me. Solomon is suggested to be the author of the book of Ecclesiastes, and his wisdom is way beyond mine.

This verse today in its stand-alone reading, may not mean to much, but all of God's words are meaningful in one way or another! Let's start with a little "break down" of the Scripture by finding out what a certain word mean here.  Goad.  In the Bible, goad is a word that refers to a pointed stick used to urge animals forward. Goads were often used by shepherds when leading their flocks in the early morning or late at night, when it was too dark to see. The goad is "sharp", and when a wise man speaks, his words are sharp, and to the "point". Meant to enlighten or teach specifically, to guide the student in a particular way. So, a wise man is to use his words wisely and impart his knowledge with clarity to the unlearned and I will add, pray as we share the Gospel with all who will listen.

May God Help us to study His Word with a will to learn ourselves, but also to share of the knowledge we gain by keeping us in the will of God.

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. 

• SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS:  "PRAY BIG!"

• I am meeting with my surgeon on the 7th and a physical will be done pray all goes well. My surgery is scheduled for April 13th, but I need a release from a cardiologist before the surgery can be confirmed. Pray that can happen soon.
• My Sister Edie is foing to have a procedure Friday - please pray all goes well
• Shirley - had pacemaker surgery 4/3/23 pray for healing. She is still in the hospital where they are trying to regulate meds.
• Nancy Health

• Butch Mays - UPDATE 3/27/23 : BUTCH WAS RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL ON THE 26TH AROUND 2PM. WE PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS PROTECTIVE HAND ON HIS LIFE!  Pray for continuing healing from open heart surgery. ~ Pastor JP Mays dad out of Maranatha BC in Princeton WV.
• David Wiles - ANNOUNCED CANCER FREE AFTER TREATMENTS - my nephew! 
• Remember a post I put out a few days ago!  YOU PRAYED BIG, AND GOD CAME THROUGH! WE WILL GIVE DETAILS LATER! 
• Carolyn healing from skin cancer removal - praise the Lord.
• David Harrison - cancer 3/26/23 UPDATE - Pastor Harrison has stage 4 cancer CAT SCAN revealed NO CANCER IN ANY MAJOR ORGANS! PRAISE THE LORD.   Pray for treatments that will start soon and that his body will be able to tolerate the treatments with no side affects. A praise - His health team are phenomenal - that is so important!
• Also, praise the LORD for the paper Maranatha Baptist IN Princeton WV gave us - Gospel tracts are on the way to the cartel on this paper. . . pray for souls saved and safety for the missionaries who carry it with God's protection. This trip they have been approved by two heads of state in these cartels, to set up a "church" building. They have been meeting in open air areas, and many have trusted Christ as their Saviour! The more that are saved, peace reins in their homes and communities. O the stories that can be told! Pray that God will provide all that is needed! 
• PRINT SHOP ANSWER TO PRAYER!  ANOTHER NEW PAPER PALLET ARRIVING MONDAY 3-13-23, GIVEN TO US BY AN ANONYMOUS donation.  Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD the Print Shop Paper Vendor has located some much needed paperstock, but price per case has gone from around $92 to over $140 - God will supply with your prayers! We are required to take a pallet of 20 boxes! $2,800 
• Dale ~ continued help and healing after losing his precious wife. Pray for his daughter Addie, that God would heal her broken heart as well.
• Sal fell, broke his hip, had surgery. Praise the Lord Sal healing well from his injury and is now walking carefully with no walker.
• David Pierce, Sr. - Losing his vision 3/1/23.
• UPDATE 3/4/23 - Chloe is spending much needed time with her family was even able to take a nature walk and the family shared a wonderful video.  Oh that God would heal her completely and use her forever for His purpose and will!  Chloe Rochester's results on tumor revealed that it is stage 3 and will most likely move to other organs quickly. She begins 52 weeks of intensive treatments. Chloe has is continuing treatments and we need to keep her in prayer. Pray BIG! Especially for the wisdom to the doctors and her parents.
• Missionary Stan Skriloff recently diagnosed CANCER free, continue to pray for Him and the side affects of his treatment to heal.
• Linda Sue Williams - Please pray Doctors can find answers to her illnesses. 
• Please, pray for our daughter Lita in her health journey with Guillain-Barré syndrome. ANSWER TO PRAYER - MUCH NEEDED EQUIPMENT WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. Please pray that God will move with regards to her future situation in health and finances. Thank you for praying. 
• Bro. Tom's EYES AND SHOULDER - Please continue to pray for his shoulder, and that God would heal it completely. His doctor says Surgery is out of the question at his age.
• Lillian Kendall (my sister) pray for her health.
• DJ needs a special touch from heaven. (Shannon's son and she has asked us to pray for DJ - God Knows!) - please pray especially for his mother who is greatly burdened for the right result for DJ.
• Brady Rochester - diagnosed with Parkinson's and Neuropathy.
• Jim Bove ~ Needs a special touch from heaven for some personal issues. God knows! Please pray for his understanding and wisdom in health choices.
• Dolly ~ God knows and has the answers.
• Kaycee Scalise and hi-risk pregnancy. Kaycee is just weeks away from delivering her little baby boy. Please pray that her health and that of the baby stay strong
• Barbara - last stages of organ cancer. 
• Lorraine - praise the LORD for your healing touch.
• Lorrie - salvation.
• Wayne Corfman - pacemaker check went well but, he has a few more months of monitoring and will get his pacemaker changed out soon. He will be seeing his cardiologist more often. It is hard to believe it is time to get a new one. (Ten years since he died in my car and was revived!) Please pray for wisdom for his caregivers!
• Sharon J. Her mom Kathryn's health.
• Larissa, Helene, Calvin, Dominic, Rocky, Cindy - Our group home folks. Also, please pray for all of their caregivers.
• Pastor Mike Schneider, power and confidence to preach the whole counsel of God!
• Judy Lewis - Pray that her health recovery continues to improve.
• Dickie and Debbie Reynolds - Dickie's pacemaker replacement has been a real help, praise the LORD. These good folks are such a blessing to us as they pray for us daily, and let us know they are. Encouragers, that is what they are! Thank you is never enough but we are so very grateful for all who pray for Tom and I and our work for the Lord.
• Robbie Colt ~ had double lung replacement and is healing, after total damage of lungs by covid, also pray in the loss of his father to covid, and his stepmother. 
• Walter - is doing very well after treatment.
• Brenda Milam - wisdom and health (Tom's sister)
• Pam Shumate - Brenda's daughter health
• The Henshaw's health
• John Odom - aneurisms. Bro. John had a special request for prayer this last Wednesday night, God knows and we ask others to pray with us for him! 
• Louise Odom - cancer treatments. UPDATE: After cancer treatment she is healing from side affects please pray for her continued recovery and good health
• Connie - continued healing. Pray for continued success for Nana's Legacy as well.
• LeeAnn health.
• Pastor Greg Booher - health
• Pastor Bernard Antonis ~ Pastor's lungs are not well!  Pray for Mrs. Carolyn as his caregiver and a healing touch on her body. Most do not have a clue about caring for a loved one through many years. She is exhausted many times.
• 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, Peters Family, 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 Florence's son), The Leo Family, The Echeverria Vallejos family in the homegoing of Patricia's father, The Baker Family, Richard Rosenmeier family, Jerry Kruchkow family, the Clingaman family, Carter Family, Mary Nutter Family, PJ's family
• Carolyn Holerger - health
• Scott Mitchem - Parkinsons
• Pray for Sister Cora and her hip healing from a fall and surgery. Keep her in your prayers please. Sis Cora saw her surgeon this week and he believes she is dealing with nerve pain. Please pray meds will 
• Pray for the Printing Ministry - PLEASE Pray our paper supply will continue - we are still not able to purchase COVER STOCK, but we praise the Lord for our previous pastor's wisdom in buying several truckloads of this precious product. Only God knew what we would be facing today with shortages, and we have the "widows' mite" we are working from. We have started negotiating with equipment vendors, particularly for the color and black and white printers! We seek wisdom and discernment in this area!
• Pray for the Mission Team coming in June that we will be able to finish all the work they will do for the few days they are with us.
• Robyn-Health
• Carol and Richard-Health
• Cathy-Health
• Dicky and Debbie Reynolds - health
• Marsha-Health and ankle pain
• Carol and Richard-Health
• Lucinda Lane Family - pray for my brother Joe. This is a hard transition for anyone, but his health is poor as well.
• Paul Tipton - pray for Bro. Paul home giving ministry updates and getting ready to go back to serving God in Nicaragua without his helper and bride.
• Penny - pray for her husband Mike - health
• Benjamin - surgery went well, pray for his recovery which may be long.
• Elaine - continued good health and strength.

April 13 ~ Dr. Tom Milam He Leadeth Me Devotional

“The Fragrance of Christ”

 April 13

 Philippians 4:19; Colossians 2:9-10; Song of Solomon 1:13

When a sweet odor or perfume is mentioned in the scriptures, it is likened to the preciousness of Christ. He is pleasant, more than myrrh, though some perfumes and sweet spices heal, He is the healer that sustains; Some spices are used in preserving, but the seal must be broken to get the full benefit of the savor and the temporary preservation; But Christ preserves forever, (Ephesians 4:30). The seal cannot be broken, It’s greatest preservative benefits are yet ahead of us.

One drop of ointment is fragrant, but it takes the lot of it to preserve and hold down the stench of the rottenness. Just like the blood He shed, it wasn’t just one drop that fell on me, it was the lot of it. I am covered within and without; And that is a sweet-smelling savor going up to Him. There is plenty enough of Christ to take care of all my needs. (Colossians 2:9) he is everything to cover my wants also; he is my guiding Shepherd, my Friend, my King, my Profound Prophet and my great High Priest. He extends His virtue; His righteousness is beyond all of my religions; His tenacious truth is indwelling and outgoing. He is filled with faithfulness, love is His lasting commodity, He is the spikenard of self-denial, courage is His caldron of odors, and His gentleness is nonexpendable.

Myrrh, to have its greatest effect, is put in a bundle, like potpourri; It is no good until it is bundled together and put in an enclosure; It then becomes a precious treasure of fragrance, like our Lord and Saviour. His is our special treasure, sent down from Heaven and the odor’s He filled us with, returns to Him most pleasing.

 “Ordained”

In the beginning, God the Holy One, 

Ordained to the earth, His only Son. 

A perfume He is to a wretched earth,

His entrance by flesh, brought in

the new birth.

                                ~ Tom Milam

Daily Jewel:

“There is plenty enough of Christ, to take care of all my needs.”

Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 6-9

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.