courage

The Word of God

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Down through the years, the Word of God has been written in many places, on many things, and in many ways. It has been carved in stone, written on parchment and in Daniel’s day it was God’s handwriting on a wall. Jesus read scripture from a papyrus scroll and prisoners of war have written from memory passages of scripture on pieces of toilet paper.

For centuries it was painstakingly copied by hand and then at the end of the dark ages the printing press brought light to the world by giving the Bible to common men. Once upon a time, we watched mimeograph machines roll out the scripture. Now laser jet printers give it to us in the blink of an eye. From the shelves of my study, I can choose to read God’s word from about twenty-five different translations or I can open my computer and read from even more.

Down thru the years, people have tried to destroy it, discredit it, and dispute it but they have never been able to ignore it. Tyrants have tried to wipe it from the face of the earth but the Bible is still here and they are not. Today, some wish to outlaw the Bible in schools, courthouses, and on the airways. These people are evil and one day they will bow at the feet of Jesus who is the Word of God.

This you can count on, God’s Word will never go away.

I know that nothing is permanent. Where God’s Word is written in stone, one day the stone will be turned into gravel. Where God’s Word is written on paper, one day the paper will burn. Where God’s Word is written on lambskin, one day the lambskin will rot. But God’s Word will never fail. I know God’s Word will never fail because God’s Word is written in my heart. And my heart belongs to God.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

You Were Made To Thrive

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For the ones who are graduating, congratulations. The God of all creation has made you to thrive and to accomplish great things. God has a high hill for you to climb. Now it is up to you to find that hill and then climb it. People who reach their God-given summit have refused to be mediocre. They are leaders who stand out from the crowd and thrive. Here are some things you must know if you are going to stand out from the world.

1. No one owes you anything. Not a free education, not free health care, not a free phone, not a free car, nothing. The people who stand around waiting on free stuff never amount to anything. If you work hard and earn your own way, you will be successful.

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2. Learn the difference between wants and needs. The Bible tells us that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all things that we need will be added to us.

3. Never demand anything that you have not earned. If you have not earned it, you do not deserve it. If you want something, work for it. By the way, credit is not your friend!

4. Be careful who you trust, not everyone is trustworthy. Let God be your guide. Lean not on your own understanding but always look to God for wisdom.

5. Have respect for everyone, until they prove they do not deserve it. When someone loses your respect, it is their loss, not yours. However, you should always strive to be worthy of everyone’s respect.

6. Treat everyone with dignity. Everyone!

7. Sex is for marriage, period! If anyone says differently, they are lying. Marriage is for male and female Period! If anyone says differently, they are lying.

8. Always obey and serve God “You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.” (Deuteronomy 13:4)

I firmly believe that if you follow these words of advice you will climb the highest hill. Stand on the Word of God, and refuse to blend in with the world. Choose to stand out and you will thrive.

Mighty Men Of Valor

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In 1 Chronicles, the Bible speaks of Mighty Men of Valor. These men loved their families, their nation, and their God. They were willing to fight and die for their families and their faith

In America, we have our own Mighty Men of Valor. For many generations, brave American soldiers have laid down their lives for our freedoms. And we owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the men and women who have sacrificed so dearly.

In a nursing home, a sweet lady spoke of her brother who died in World War 2. For many years her heart still ached and her tears honored her brother. She told me about the darkness of the bright sunshine when she learned that he was not coming home. I told her that her brother was a hero. And the truth is he was a Mighty Man of Valor.

I once worked with a man who served his country in World War 2, Korea, and Vietnam. He told about marching thru Europe when just a few feet away his buddy was obliterated by a mortar round. Years later in Vietnam, he was much older than most soldiers. As the helicopter landed, they jumped out running toward the enemy. Each soldier carried a heavy pack. Because of his age and the weight of his pack, he stumbled and fell. A black soldier stopped and picked up his pack and carried it along with his own. His story revealed the truth that when the bullets are flying there is no skin color among brothers who are Mighty Men of Valor.

Another Mighty man of Valor was my neighbor Mr. Thomas Rhodes. Like many true-life heroes, he was a gentle man who worked hard and never said much. It was only after he died that I learned that he had been a German prisoner of war in World War 2.

We have much to be thankful for. We set freely in our churches, worshiping without fear. We go to the polls and vote, without fear. We travel wherever we wish without fear. We live in the greatest country in the world and we are the most blessed people in the world.

So, with humble gratitude, I honor the great American heroes who are our own Mighty Men of Valor.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

More Faith

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In the movie Jaws, three men were hunting a huge man-eating shark. One of the men, Sheriff Brodie came face to face with this extremely large and hungry shark. When this happened, he said, “We are going to need a bigger boat”.

In the Bible, Jesus taught His disciples that they would face great trials and persecution. He also taught them that they would have to learn to forgive others without reservation. These teachings of Jesus must have seemed as overwhelming to the disciples as the huge, hungry shark did to Sheriff Brodie. So, the disciples said, “We are going to need a bigger faith.”

In Luke chapter 17, the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus then told them that if they had even a tiny bit of faith, they could do great things. Wow, that is a tremendous promise. That is what most of us want. We want to be known as someone who has done great things and we want to do these things with just a little faith.

As Jesus continued His teaching about faith, He explained the characteristics of a faithful person. He shows us in the Bible that those who are great in their faith are servants. He says that a faith-filled person is actively working for God’s glory. And we learn that there is no faith without works. A faith-filled person is not self-centered; they never seek gratitude but serve only for the glory of God.

A person of great faith knows that they are God’s workmanship, created in Christ for good works. A faithful person’s mind is always on Christ and these words are always in their heart, “not unto me O Lord, not unto me, but unto You belongs all honor and glory and praise forever and ever, Amen

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

email-pvementendsministry@gmail.com

Being Old Is Not The Same As Being Done

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In Joshua 13:1 we read these words; “Joshua was now old, getting on in years, and the Lord said to him, “You have become old, getting on in years, but a great deal of the land remains to be possessed.” Now I wonder, was God displaying a sense of humor here? As Joshua stood there with all the aches and pains that come with age and the long years of service to God, do you think that he needed God to tell him that he was old? No, I don’t think so, I think that God may have chuckled when He said this.

I have had a good many birthdays. When I crawl out of bed in the morning my bones creak and pop. Then I reach for my glasses because the years have blurred my eyesight. Old wounds and scars I have accumulated throughout the years remind me of some of the dumb things I have done to myself. So if God were to say to me, ” Doug, you are old and advanced in years” I would chuckle and say, “You think.”

Now, when God told Joshua that he was old, He also told him that there was a lot more land to possess. In other words, God said, Joshua, you are old, but you ain’t done. So rub some oil on those creaky old bones and get up and get busy.

In my years on this earth, I have seen a lot and done a lot. But I am not finished yet. There is still a lot more to do and see. I believe that God has said to me, Doug, you are old and advanced in years but you ain’t done yet. There is more work to do, so get up and get busy.

Now many of you like me, have had a lot of birthdays. All those birthdays are making your bones ache and your muscles hurt. However, if you have pain that is proof that you are alive, and if you are alive that is proof that you ain’t done yet. God is saying rub some creme on those old muscles then get up and get busy. Remember, make plans for the future as if you have many tomorrows, but live today as if you have none.

Douglas Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends

Be Sure You Lock the Gate

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I used to raise a few cows. In my pasture, there was a small gate that I would go through to check on the cows. One day I forgot to latch it. Now, cows have an uncanny knack for finding unlatched gates. They can be on the back side of the pasture but if you leave a gate open, in just a few minutes they will be out.

That day was no different. I left the gate unlatched and they got out. But it was no problem. In a few minutes, I had them back where they belonged. However, one of those cows had a good memory. From then on she would often check the gate to see if it was unlatched. If it was, she was going to go through it. I learned to make sure to lock that gate.

The Bible teaches that as Christians we must guard our hearts. Because Satan is like a roaring lion prowling around looking to destroy whomever he can. If you let your guard down, he will attack you.

Now the truth is he cannot destroy a child of God. But he can steal your joy and destroy your testimony. Satan is a very determined enemy. For this reason, you must never let down your guard. Like the cow, who remembered the opened gate, Satan remembers your weaknesses. This is where he will push you, to see if you will stumble.

Christians have received tremendous blessings from God, but Satan hates you and wants to destroy your peace. And he especially wants to destroy your testimony. So, guard your heart and make sure you lock the gate.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

Email-pavementendsministry@gmail.com

Mothers

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Among the last items of business that Jesus took care of, even as He hung on the cross, was to make sure that His mother would be cared for. His mother’s life was turned upside down at His birth. She was there while He grew, she changed His diapers and she kissed His skinned knees. She worried when He was left behind in the temple and thought she understood when He said, “I must be about my Father’s business”. So before He said “ It is Finished” He looked at John and said, “ Behold your mother”.

Jesus was His Father’s Son but He was His Mama’s boy. In the Bible, it seems as if He performed His first miracle to please His Mama. We should also always try to please our mamas. However, my mama wouldn’t like it if I turned water into wine.” Mary, like all mothers, sacrificed greatly for her Child. And like Mary, all mothers should be honored and loved by their children. I give you a few ways that you should love her.

Love her verbally, tell her how much you love her. Love Her physically, she needs and deserves your touch. Love her patiently, goodness knows she was patient with you. Love her with your ears. Remember all the times she stopped what she was doing to listen to you. Take the time to sit and listen to her. Love her generously, there is nothing to good for your mama. Remember all the sacrifices she made for you. Be generous with your love and money but most of all with your time.

The Bible says, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. ” (Exodus 20:12)

It does not matter who you are, what you do, or how much money you make if you honor your mother she will be proud of you. Love your mother with all your heart. Love her in such a way that she will be thankful for all the time she invested and all the sacrifices she made for you. Remember whoever you are you owe a lifetime of love to your mother!

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends

Email- pavementendsministry@gmail.com

Check The Gate

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The Bible teaches that as Christians we must guard our hearts. Because Satan is like a roaring lion prowling around looking to destroy whomever he can. If you let your guard down, he will attack you. This devotion is an audio podcast. Click the link below to listen and be encouraged to guard your heart.

https://podpoint.com/pavement-ends-ministry/keep-the-gate-locked?fbclid=IwAR2s6KdWh3jjRQeELrBOEhX1q3KSYDZlBj3GcZJcOFIhdmUfBeb5Pl5nZ40#

Founded On the Gospel of Christ

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Everyone knows that Patrick Henry said, “Give me liberty or give me death”. But did you know he also said, “It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was not founded, by religionists, but by Christians. Not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” These words bear witness to the fact that our Founding Fathers knew this nation could survive only if she stood on the solid rock that is Christ Jesus.

Notice he said this nation was not founded by religionists. A religionist is a person whose faith is placed in the rules, regulations, and other trappings of a religion. The establishment of this nation came about, not because of religious people, but because of Christians who followed Christ. These Followers of Christ knew that we are endowed with unalienable rights by our Creator. The government of the United States was instituted to secure these rights and must never be allowed to become destructive of these rights.

In the early 1700s from the pulpits of Protestant churches, people were taught they were to be bond slaves to Christ and Christ alone. The sermons of many humble preachers stirred the souls of men to receive a Great Spiritual awakening. It was this Great Awakening that unified the thirteen colonies into one nation under God. From the pulpits were heard great patriotic sermons teaching that freedom was a God-given right. These pastors were determined that no one should infringe on their congregation’s rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. The men who heard these sermons became the Minutemen who marched into battle with Great Britain determined to have Liberty or Death.

The right to worship freely is the foundational right of all the unalienable rights given to us by the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God. When the Freedom of Religion is abolished all other rights will soon be gone. We must never relinquish our right to worship and the focus of our worship must always be Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only One who can give Life, Liberty, and Happiness.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

Ballast Stones

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Two ships leave the port. Headed for a distant land both ships expect to return loaded with valuable cargo.

One ship rides high and majestic in the water. Her sails are filled with air, she seems to fly along on top of the water. The captain stands at the wheel piloting his vessel with pride. Because of the speed and agility of the ship, he anticipates a quick and successful journey.

The second ship sets low in the water. Her sails are also filled with air but she struggles to force her way through the water. With a firm grasp on the wheel, her captain watches as the first ship leaves him and his crew behind.

The first night out there is a fierce storm. Both ships are hit hard by the force of the wind. As the lightning flashes the crashing waves pound against the vessels. The storm is devastating. Only one vessel can survive. The wind and the waves batter the other one and it is tossed around on the ocean until it capsizes and is lost.

Why was one ship able to withstand the storm but the other couldn’t? The answer is simple. The surviving ship was weighed with ballast stone and the other vessel was not.

The first ship was lost in the storm because she was light and had no weight to give her stability. The second ship was able to withstand the storm because the captain had filled the cargo hold with ballast stones. The ballast stones caused her to ride low in the water, slowing the ship and making her look cumbersome. However, the ballast stones also gave her stability and the ability to withstand the storm.

The first ship is called Pride and the second ship was called Humility. The Bible teaches us that, A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. Let humility be the ballast stone of your life because pride brings destruction but those who are humble will survive the storm.

Douglas Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends