"Salvation is of the LORD." -Jonah 2:9

This written prayer was found on the body of an unknown Confederate soldier who was killed in battle.  Though he did not survive, his words did. I asked God for strength that I might achieve, I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.   I asked for health, that I might do greater things, I was given infirmity that I might be better things.   I asked for riches, that I might be happy; I was given poverty, that I might be wise.   I asked for power that I might have the praise of men, I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of the Lord.   I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.   I got nothing that I asked for – but everything I hoped for, Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayer was answered.   I am among all men, most richly blessed.   ---O---     As I read this prayer, I was reminded of Paul’s prayer when He asked the Lord to remove his “the thorn in the flesh.”   As you know, his request was not granted. 

O what a wondrous, joyful day, When God the Son we see; And we shall dwell with Him on high,   From sin forever free.   In love He chose us by His grace,   Before the earth was made;   He came into this world of sin,   And all the law obeyed.   The Savior took our load of guilt,   Our sins on Him were laid;   And by His sin-removing death,   Our debt was fully paid.   And though He died upon the cross,   He rose and reigns on high;   And by the Spirit of His grace,   To Him we are brought nigh.    It will be glory in that day,   When we shall see His face;   And fix our eyes upon the Lamb,   Who saved us by His grace.   Take courage children of the Lord,   With Christ we soon shall be;   And we shall praise our God and King,   Throughout eternity.       Tune: “There is a Fountain” CM/double  Words by Jim Byrd

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." - Acts 17:11 [KJV] The nobility of which Paul spoke in Acts 17:11 is not connected with the nobility of a person’s birth. The apostle spoke of a quality of mind . True nobility is an earnest inquiry after truth. It consists in a spirit that is above the power of prejudice. Prejudice is a common sin among religionists. They are affiliated with certain denominations and refuse to consider any truth contrary to the teaching of that particular religious group. Prejudice is not indicative of the Spirit of Christ. It is a great time saver because it enables one to form his opinion without investigating the facts. True nobility is a willingness to receive truth that one has not heard expounded. -preacher W. E. Best