persistence

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

The Baby Brother A podcast

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I hope you never let a broken heart become so cold and calloused that the embers of love cannot be rekindled. This devotion is an audio podcast. In it I retell the story of the prodigal son but with the emphasis on the older son. Click the link below to listen.

https://podpoint.com/pavement-ends-ministry/the-baby-brother?fbclid=IwAR3nLEkpVoCEodgB2-RSTRMzNQO2tmu2gEryEfqCndkR59dEcn4Stnnit1U#

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#

Everybody is a Nobody Who Can Be Somebody

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In Mark Chapter 5, there is a story about a woman who was a nobody. We don’t even know her name. If we had been there on this day, she would not have been in our field of vision. Seeing her would have made us uncomfortable, so we would have chosen not to see her. If we had seen her at all, we would have assumed her problems were her own fault, because that is the way we think.

She was a nobody that most people avoided. She was not supposed to be there. For twelve years she had suffered from an issue of blood. This made her unclean. Because she was unclean, she could not be around others. She could not even worship God. In her shame and grief, she spent everything she had seeking help. She has suffered all sorts of abuse and indignities. Hopeless and helpless, she spends her days and nights lonely and untouched.

She felt like a nobody, but one day she overheard people talking about Jesus. I say “overheard” because since she was a nobody, why would anyone bother to tell her about The Savior? She considers herself a nobody so she cannot even face Jesus. She hopes that maybe if she can just touch his coat she will be healed. To the world and herself, she was a nobody. But to Jesus she is somebody. He stops everything and looks for her. He finds her and calls her His daughter. Her faith in Him has made her well. She was a nobody, but now she is somebody. She is a child of God.

Do you feel like a nobody? Have addictions caused you to spend all you have seeking relief from your demons? Are you broken and abused? Do you stand there weeping? Is your life filled with loneliness and do you spend your days untouched and unloved? Maybe it seems that no one sees you, because no one offers help. It seems that no one cares. To the world you are nobody.

Today I hope you hear about Jesus. I hope you will push through the crowd and reach out for Him. Have faith only in Jesus. He will stop everything to reach out to the ones the world ignores. Everybody is somebody to Him. The Bible tells us that God is rich in mercy. Because of His great love, even when we are nobody and dead in our sin, He makes us somebody alive in Christ. Wow, look at the love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Anybody can reach out to Jesus because everybody is somebody to Him.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

Pavement Ends Ministry

Hezekiah

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In the history of the Kings of Judah, Hezekiah was one of the best. He led His nation well and did many great things. However toward the end of his reign, he did something stupid. (read this story in 2 Kings Ch.20) This thing that he did was a product of him doing what was right in his own eyes and the result was death and destruction for his children, grandchildren, and nation.

Honestly, when I read his story I feel sorry for Hezekiah. After all, he was a good man, who made one very bad decision. Afterward, the prophet Isaiah came to him with this message; “the king of Babylon will invade your nation. Your descendants will become slaves and eunuchs and your people will be scattered.”

Hezekiah responds by saying; “ well, at least there will be peace in my lifetime”. Whenever I read his response I am horrified. I wonder, how could anyone be so cold and callous about the future suffering of their children and grandchildren.

It is true, at some time in our lives all of us have done stupid things. Thankfully for most of us, the result of our bad choices will not be as bad as it was for Hezekiah. However, you must know that everything you do, small or great will have some impact on your and your children’s future. That is why it is important never to do anything simply because it looks good in your own eyes.

One more thing! What is your grandchildren’s future worth to you? Will you speak out while others stay silent? Will you rise up for the battle while others stay home? Will you stand up against evil, even when people call you a fool? Or will you be like Hezekiah and say, “Just let me have peace in my lifetime ?”

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends

Email- pavementendsministry@gmail.com

The Man With No Name

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His name was, well we don’t know if he even had a name. He is known as Bartimaus, but that just means that his father was a man named Timaus. The Bible says he was a blind man who sat by the road begging. Sometimes a person would feel sorry for him and throw a cheap coin in his lap. But mostly the world saw him as a person with no sight, no usefulness, and no hope. He was not even worthy of a name, so they just called him the son of Timaus.

However, even blind people can hear and this man with no name had heard that Jesus could give hope to the hopeless, sight to the blind, and would even use useless people. When he heard that Jesus was close he began to shout as loud as he could “Jesus, Son of David have mercy on me!” The people around him considered him a nuisance so they told him to be quiet. But he wouldn’t. He loudly continued to beg for mercy. He knew the people would not help him, but because of his faith and persistence, Jesus did.

Jesus was surrounded by people who had names. These people were irritated because of the loud noise coming from a man who was blind. They wanted him to be quiet. Jesus wanted him to be healed. Jesus said to the blind man, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” When the man received his sight, he followed Jesus, because Jesus is the Way. Once this man was blind and had no name but now he sees and has a name that is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Do you have a name that is written in Glory? Jesus Christ is nearby, call loudly to Him, and don’t stop crying out until He hears you. He will answer and show you great and mighty things. If you have faith and are persistent, you will see like you have never seen and you will have a name that Jesus will never forget.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends

The Bible Is Always Right

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The Word of God is always right. It is always right about everything. You may have an incredible IQ or you may be abundantly ignorant, however, if you say, ” I know what the Bible says but this is what I think.” Be assured of this. God does not care what you think. If you disagree with God you are wrong and He is right. Always.

The Word of God is never wrong. Maybe your circumstances have led you to think you can disregard His teaching, but you are wrong. Perhaps your situation causes you to feel as if His commandments don’t apply to your life. If so, you need to know that your feelings are wrong. Understand this. His ways are higher than your ways and His thoughts are higher than your thoughts. If you disagree with the Word of God, you are wrong and He is right.

God is never wrong! Never!

The Word of God is righteous. Some people have issues with the things the Bible teaches. Their perception of God is that He is cold and heartless. But they don’t know that God is omnipotent or that He transcends time. He was in the beginning and He is in the future. God has seen the actions of men in the past and knows the results of these actions in the future.

Do not trust your own understanding, but take joy in the Lord’s instructions. Meditate on His Word day and night and you will find that His Word is always righteous. Always.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends

Email- pavementendsministry@gmail.com