praise

Upside Down

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In the first century, a handful of believers devoutly followed Christ. With the power of the Holy Spirit, this group of believers turned the world upside down. Their numbers grew, and with miraculous multiplication powers, they overcame all obstacles and infiltrated the world.

With a crescendo of Godly power, Christianity molded and shaped civilization. An honest study of history reveals that hospitals, orphanages, and all forms of charitable organizations are rooted in Christian ideals. You will find also that the legal structure of every civilized nation in the world is solidly based on the laws of God that were fulfilled in Christ.

But now we have come full circle. The influence of Christianity has evaporated. Once the worship of God brought about civility, now individual rights have been idolized and crudity reigns supreme. In the days of Christian influence, personal responsibility was admired, but now things of God are considered old-fashioned. No one is held accountable for their actions and personal irresponsibility is treated as a virtue. In this post-Christian world, the Robin Hood syndrome has become a perverted way of robbing from the hard workers and rewarding the lazy and undeserving.

In this era of social Christianity, we have surrendered our ability to impact the world. Instead of the church influencing the world, the world has infiltrated the church. Once upon a time, Godly men turned the world upside down. Now we are afraid to speak the truth because we might offend someone. For the sake of political correctness, we now call wrong right and accept the unacceptable. Once we bore the marks of Christ and had a preservative effect on the world. Now we have turned our eyes from Jesus and the marks we bear are the footprints of the world. Like salt that has lost its saltiness, we are fit only to be walked on.

What many in this world call progress, is actually the destruction of society. We are going the way of Rome, Greece and Babylon. Like these ancient civilizations we idolize gratuitous sex and we worship personal pleasure. And now we are in danger of disappearing into a haze of lunacy.

But it does not have to be this way. God’s children, the crème of His power and mercy can rise to the top again. We must humble ourselves, and in prayer turn from our wicked ways. If we do this, He has promised that He will hear our prayers. He is God and He keeps His promises. The question is will we humbly turn to Him in prayer? Will we do our part? We have to, for the sake of our grandchildren, we just have to.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends

Bud’s Helper

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I want to tell you a story about my neighbor Bud and his great-grandson Logan. Bud is with the Lord now and Logan has grown into a fine young man. This story took place many years ago when Logan was a toddler maybe two or three years old.

Bud had a pasture right across the road from my house. The pasture fence was old, the cedar post were loose and the barbed wire was sagging. One day I sat on my front porch and watched as Bud and little Logan worked on this old fence.

As I watched, Bud would push the dirt around the post and then he and Logan would both take hold of a rod and pack the dirt down. Bud would then stretch the barbed wire as tight as he could and. nail it to the post. After he had driven the staple into the post he would then give the hammer to little Logan and let him “ finish” hammering it in. I would hear Bud say, “ has that got it?”. Logan would answer, “yea got it.” Then they would go to the next post.

From fence post to fence post, they went with Bud allowing Logan to “ help” him work on that pasture fence. Now, you and I both know that Bud did not need Logan’s help. No, he probably could have finished quicker and done a better job by himself. However, Bud was not working on a fence that day, he was working on a little boy. That fence and Bud are both gone now. But the lessons that Logan and I learned that day remain.

Jesus tells us in the Book of Matthew that we should take His yoke upon ourselves. When He says this, He means that He wants us to work by His side as He does the Father’s business. Jesus’ yoke is easy because He is the one carrying the load. When He allows us to walk with Him, it is not because He needs us but because He loves us and wants us by His side. Put your hand in His hand and you will find that He is working on you, making your soul fit for the Kingdom of God.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends

Email- pavementendsministry@gmail.com

The Crime that Jesus Committed

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Most of us know that Jesus is the only begotten Son Of God. We also know that He is the only truly righteous Man to ever live. His death on the cross was an atonement for our sins. He was bruised for our iniquities and chastised for our transgressions. It is by His stripes that we are saved.

However, for a couple of minutes, I want you to remove from your thoughts the fact of the Deity of Jesus. From a human point of view, I want you to know that Jesus was killed on the cross because He was guilty of committing a horrendous crime. It was a crime that mankind cannot tolerate. You can do almost anything and be forgiven, but not this. We do not forgive people for this crime. What was this horrendous crime? Jesus was guilty because He did not fit in. He stood out from the crowd. He did not do what they thought He should. He was guilty of being different, so they killed Him.

The Pharisees thought He should have conformed to their rules, but Jesus would not, so they pronounced Him guilty. Jesus would not do what the people wanted Him to do, so they called for Him to be crucified. Rome wanted Him to blend into the crowd, but Jesus would not so Pilate nailed Him to the cross. The Son of God was guilty of being a different kind of Messiah, so they killed Him.

Among all living breathing beings on earth, the most hated creature is the one who stands out from the crowd. And yet a famous preacher once said, “The sad thing about modern American Christians is that nobody wants to kill them anymore. Jesus tells us in John 15:18-19; “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”

If you are a child of God, your purpose on earth is to glorify Him and make a difference in this world. You cannot honor God or impact the world if you will not stand out from the world. God’s people must not be tossed to and fro like a reed blowing in the wind. We must be influenced only by the Presence of God, led only by the Holy Spirit of God, and strive to be perfect like the Son of God. Stand out from the world and Jesus will stand up for you.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

Don’t Listen to the Pharisees on the Front Row

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By now almost everyone has heard of the “Asbury Revival.” A Wednesday night chapel service that continued for weeks. It has been reported that the Holy Spirit had taken control. It was also reported that the testimony, preaching, and singing of ordinary people were used in a mighty way.

This happened organically. There were no famous preachers, no well-known musicians, and no influence from religious denominations. It seems the Holy Spirit alone was in control. Jesus was lifted up and people were drawn to Him. And some people didn’t like it.

What I have to say is not in response to the “Asbury Revival.” I was not there so I can’t give an accurate report on it. But I have heard and read commentary on this amazing phenomenon from different people. Most have been positive. Others however have been negative. What I have to say is in response to the negative comments.

When I read the Bible, I see that whenever Jesus was teaching there was always Scribes and Pharisees present. These men were not there to worship, learn or glorify God. The Pharisees would show up to hinder Jesus and try to retain their influence over the people. Sitting in prominent places they were horrified because Jesus didn’t follow their rules and regulations.

Today many self-appointed VIPs have reported their negative opinions on this movement. Some say we should test the spirit, and with that, I agree. Some people ask if this revival is for real. To that, I say “Wait twenty years until we can examine the fruit of this movement, then ask me again.” Until then I will rejoice that the Name of Jesus is heard everywhere. He is lifted up, souls are being saved, and lives are changing. And I will pay no attention to the Pharisees on the front row.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

Email-pavementendsministry@gmail.com

Follow Jesus and See What He Will Make of You

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At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus asked two fishermen, Simon and Andrew to be His disciples. He called them by saying,” follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” These were two ordinary men who were destined to remain ordinary until they trusted Jesus. Then He made them into extraordinary men.

When most people consider what Jesus said to these men they usually focus on the words, “fishers of men”. However, you miss the point if you focus on those words. Jesus used these words because they were fishermen, and they understood the terminology. Jesus will always speak to us in ways that we can understand.

As we consider what Jesus said to these men I think that the most important words in this sentence are, “I will make you.” It is important to realize that Jesus has a plan and purpose specifically for each of us. You see, He made Simon and Andrew fishers of men. If you are a carpenter He might make you into a builder of men, or a welder may become a mender of broken men.

An old preacher used to say; “bloom where you are planted.” That is good, but I say that we should also use the tools that are handy. Whatever and wherever you are God is exceedingly and abundantly able to use you. He does not want you to be something that you are not. He just wants to make you the best at what you are.

In 1 Peter 4:10, we read; “Everyone should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” God is calling out to you with a promise. He promises to make you into an extraordinary person. But you must be willing to trust Him with your life. You must choose to follow Him and let Him use your tools and your talents for His glory.

Douglas @Deborah Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends

Email- pavementendministry@gmail.com

A Gentle Old Soul

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A gentle old soul walked into the shop the other day and called out, “Is anybody at home”. I looked up to see a precious friend of mine and almost everyone in the community. I asked, “can I help you?” By the way he answered, I recognized he was lost in the fog of Alzheimer’s disease. He told me he was looking for his wife and I knew she was probably frantically looking for him.

Putting my hand on his shoulder, I walked with him to where his family was. As he shuffled along he talked about things that only he understood. He kept telling me he had something for me and that he was going to take care of me. I wish I could have made him understand that truly he was giving me something very precious. You see, Alzheimer’s had taken my daddy and as I walked with this gentle old soul, I felt as if I was walking with my own daddy once again.

In Genesis there is a story of a man named Enoch. The story goes that Enoch walked with God everyday. But one day Enoch could not be found, because that day God took him home to heaven. Now I think that like Enoch, those who suffer from Alzheimer’s walk close to God in ways you and I cannot understand. As these gentle old souls shuffle along on their last journey, I think that God walks with them. He listens to their jumbled words and untangles their confused thoughts. Then one day they are no longer here, their journey has ended. God has taken them home.

These gentle old souls with Alzheimer’s have much to give as they walk their last mile. It is easy for us who are mere mortals to be impatient and misunderstanding in their presence. But if we listen to their rambling stories, we might hear a conversation with God. If we put a hand on their shoulder and walk with them, we might find ourselves walking with The Father. Myself, I truly believe that God sent this gentle old soul into the shop the other day so I could walk with my daddy one more time.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

Pavement Ends Ministry

Desiring the Masters Touch

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My favorite place for a morning quiet time is the back porch. Here I can see the sunrise, feel the morning breeze, and listen as the birds start their business for the day. Knowing that days have started like this for thousands of years helps me to draw close to the God of hope and glory.

As I sit and try to commune with God, my dog will pester me for attention. She stands on my left nudging my hand begging me to pet her. When I ignore her she goes around to the other side and nudges my right hand. If I continue to ignore her she comes around in front of me and plops her big ol head down on top of my Bible. When I push her back and continue to read she will lie down at my feet and wait until I decide to pay attention to her.

Why does she so persistently seek my attention? Is it because I feed her and take care of her? No. She would be loyal to me even if I did not feed her. She is persistent because she longs for my touch. Because I am her master, Her greatest joy is in the touch of my hand.

Like this dog I long for my Masters touch. While I sit on the porch and watch the sunrise I look expectantly to God. With the morning breeze He fulfills His promise as He opens His hand and satisfies my great desire with an amazing caress. The birds pay no attention to worldly affairs, as they have for thousands of years they just go about their daily business of singing to the Glory of God. So through it all, I remember this; God is righteous in all His ways and gracious in all His works. And He has promised To be near to all who call upon Him. If we seek first His Kingdom He will fulfill our greatest desires with the touch of His Hand.

Douglas Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends

The Cost of My Salvation

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When I consider the tremendous future I have in God’s Kingdom, I am struck by this one fact. It cost God everything to purchase my salvation.

This devotion is an audio podcast. Click the link below to listen.

https://podpoint.com/pavement-ends-ministry/the-cost-of-my-salvation?fbclid=IwAR0CvjA3pWhqi7Inrn1wD3gHCChsdW5hB_whe6-Wya081T3CdlF7N0cccFI#

Lost

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             I remember once when I was a teenager, my daddy and I where deer hunting in the area of Oglethorpe County called Goosepond. My daddy had gone in one direction towards his stand and I went another way toward mine.

            As I was going to my stand I jumped a deer. When the deer ran, I followed it. The deer never ran far, and although I never had a clear shot at it, every few yards I would catch a glimpse of it. All evening I followed that deer, with it staying just close enough to keep me interested in the hunt.

            Now, here’s the problem; while I was concentrating on following the deer I was not paying attention to where I was going. All of a sudden I realize that I had been following that deer for several hours and now it is getting dark. But where am I? Which way do I go to get back to my daddy?   I was lost! I was separated from my daddy and did not know how to get back to him.

            Ok, you see the problem, and you probably know where I am going with this. You see the world has ways of separating us from our Heavenly Father.  There are things that capture our attention and they beguile us into following after them. They may not be bad things; they are just things that take our focus of God. We start following after these things and all of a sudden we realize that we have not heard from God in a while. Now it’s dark and we don’t know how to get back to our Father. And it is dangerous to wander around in the dark.

            OK, back to the deer hunt. I was lost and I really wanted my daddy. What did I do? Well I called out for him. He was a long ways off, but he heard me and he answered me. We continued to call back and forth until I found my way back to him. To this day I can still remember the sound of my daddy’s voice as he called out to me in the dark.

            What do you do when the world draws you away from The Heavenly Father? What do you do when it is dark and you don’t know how to get back to Him? Well you call out to Him. You can be sure that He will hear and He will answer your call.  In Psalms 141:1 we read; “LORD, I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You.” 

            Look, if you find yourself separated from God and it is dark just keep calling out to Him and He will keep answering you. You will never forget the sound of His voice as it leads you home.

Douglas Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

Peace and Quiet

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Down where the pavement ends. Yes, that is where we live. The pavement really does end just passed our house. Many of our visitors have said things like; “ We thought we would never get here and it sure is quiet and peaceful out here.” Yes, we do enjoy a peaceful neighborhood. However, the term “quiet” is relative.

Early one morning as I enjoyed setting on my back porch, I realized it was not really quiet down here. There is a low hum of fans from a nearby chicken farm. From a highway two miles away, there is a constant sound of traffic and I hear a train blowing its horn from seven miles away. Also in the corner of my back porch sits an old refrigerator that is imitating a John Deere tractor. So while it is peaceful down here, I can’t really say that it is quiet.

It has been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I believe that to be true. I also believe that quietness is in the ear of the listener and peace is in the heart of the believer. If you choose to rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in God then He will envelope you in salvation and wrap you in righteousness. Peacefulness and a quiet soul are fruits of a righteous heart

In Isaiah 32:17-18 we are assured that “The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” God says “My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in quiet resting places”.

Perhaps today your heart is overwhelmed with turmoil. You long for a place of tranquility.How wonderful it would be if you could sit on a back porch and listen to the birds singing and wind whispering. However, peace and quiet are not contingent on your location. Instead it is determined by the state of your heart. Wherever you are today, God invites you to be still and know that He is God. He will keep you in perfect peace if your mind is focused on Him.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

Email- pavementendsminstry@gmail.com