What do you think?

What do you think?
(About your thinking)

by Estelle Nazary

This could be a never-ending subject.

While we're awake, we usually are thinking most of the time, about something. Let's think for a few minutes about:
What we think
How we think
Why we think the way we do

I've been studying this subject for several weeks and have discovered there's considerably more than I realized in God's word dealing with our thinking.

Let's start with, Proverbs 23:7 (As we think in our heart, so we are). This brings up some hard questions:
Who am I?
Why am I the way I am?
It must have to do with the way I think!!!

Do you like who/what you are? Are there some things/areas that could use some improvement? I'm sure we can all think of some.

How we think affects our whole outlook/approach to life. Most everything we say/do begins with how we think. So, if we're wrong in the way we think about something, odds are, we'll be wrong when we say/do that thing. Someone has called this, "Stinkin Thinkin"

Well, it's clear we need to change our thinking if we hope to change our actions. We must have some standards/guidelines that we can use. Guess what? God has already provided some for us. Using our own standards gets us in trouble. We may think something is right and be very sincere about it, but we can be sincerely wrong! I'm certain we've all had experience with this.

How ever we think about things, let's measure them by God's word. That is the only true/certain standard for us to use. We tend to see things from our own perspective/viewpoint. ARE WE WILLING TO LET GOD CHANGE OUR THINKING WHEN IT'S NOT IN LINE WITH HIS??

Just think, if we had not changed how we thought about ourselves when we were in a lost condition, we would still be in that condition!
Do you look for what's right?
Do you look for what's wrong?
Are you an optimist or pessimist?

How does God want us to think about ourselves?? By the way, that's what many think about the most. Do you agree? Let's look at some examples:
Matthew 6:31-34 - Worry (one of our biggest areas of bad thinking)
Proverbs 6:17-18 - wrong thinking
Proverbs 3:5, 7; 14:12 - don't depend on our thinking
Romans 12:2-3 - new way to think, soberly, seriously
I Corinthians 10:12 - cautiously
Galatians 6:3-5 - humbly
James 1:26 - foolishly
Colossians 3:1-2 - things above
Philippians 4:8 - pure things

Paul said, "when I would do good, evil is present with me". (Think right) Romans 7:21
Satan roams about looking to devour us. If he gets us to thinking wrong, we're beat already. (I Peter 5:8)

Lord, teach us to think more like you, to see things through our spiritual eyes, so we'll see from your point of view and become more what you want us to be.

Christian Living

Christian Living

"To me to live is Christ"

Matthew 5:8, 48 and Philippians 1:21

Sermon by Jack Nazary

1. Christian living is Christ living in you. "In Christ", belonging to him, behaving in mind, and deed like him.

2. The Christian life is life in the Spirit

a. The Spirit produces the new being in Christ - Titus 3:5; Romans 7:6

b. Makes possible knowledge of the Will of God - I Corinthians 2:12-16

c. Produces the fruit of Christian character - Galatians 5:22

d. Becomes the power of the New Life to give victory - Ephesians 3:16

3. Christian living is grounded in the experience of repentance. "Except ye repent"

"Renewing of the mind" - Romans 12:2

Repentance is the key to Christian living.

4. Christian living is in the area of the church and associated with those in the church fellowship. Fellowship with Christ leads to participation with other Christians in partnership of the gospel of Christ - II Corinthians 13:14

Worshipping for good of all - I Corinthians 14:26

Using the gifts of the Spirit to serve one another - Romans 12:5; II Corinthians 12:21,27

5. Love (not law) is the chief moral principle of Christian living. "The love of Christ constraineth me" "Love more excellent way of life" - I Corinthians 12:31

Free from law - Liberty not license

Limits on Christian liberty

1. Not as an opportunity for the flesh but to serve others through love - Galatians 15:13, 17, 25

2. Appropriateness - All things are lawful but all things are not helpful, profitable, fitting, appropriate to the good life - I Corinthians 10:23

3. Constructiveness - not all things build up the spiritual life - I Corinthians 10:23

4. Mastery - "Will not be enslaved by anything" I Corinthians 6:26

Must ask about moral action -

a. Is it an act of service in love?

b. Is it appropriate?

c. Is it the constructive thing to do?

d. Will it enslave me?

6. Righteousness another principle of Christian living.

7. Another principle is the example of Christ - Believers, to have the mind of Christ - Philippians 2:5

Christ to be imitated in his generosity and love - II Corinthians 11:1

Live according to Christ - Colossians 2:8

Not to copy him, but to emulate him in terms of the Spirit, inner conviction and concern for spread of gospel.

The Sinner's Friend

The Sinner's Friend
Matthew 9:10-13

Sermon by Jack Nazary - West Jackson Baptist 1989, Midway Baptist 1992, and West Carthage Baptist 1997

Introduction:
Fact well established in the Bible, "Friend that sticketh closer than a brother." The earth's greatest man is the sinner's best friend." He is the centerpiece of the human race.

"I am far within the mark when I say that all the Armies that ever marched, all the Navies that were ever built, and all the Parliaments that ever sat, and all the Kings that ever reigned together have not affected the life of man upon the earth so powerfully as has that one solitary life" - an ancient writer. This is who he is the sinner's friend - the greatest individual - the greatest personality - the greatest lover - the greatest sympathizer - the greatest hearted man - the only saviour - he is the sinner's friend.

"Behold many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him"....
"They are that be whole need not a physician, but they are sick" Matthew 9:13
"For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

If Christianity is not primarily for the purpose of being a friend to sinners, then it has no purpose.

Jesus - is a friend of Sinners.

I. Jesus proves that he is the sinner's friend.
1. His words indicate the fact "neither do I condemn thee", "I come that they might have life", "I come not to call the righteous", "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bound." Yes he is the sinner's friend. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden" "They that are whole..." Remember that Christianity is redemptive. He can give you rest!

2. The Life of Jesus - shows that he is the sinner's friend.
See where he goes - most time spent among lepers, tax collectors, moral outcast, publicans, sinners, scavengers of the world.

Where do we spend our time? He was with rich - thieving unjust tax collectors, eating with publicans and sinners, among the lepers, the poor and adulterous woman at the well = all types in all kinds of places. He turned from the self-righteous to the unrighteous.

We can easily sit together in heavenly places, but need to walk and work together in unholy places among the lost of the world.

3. His compassion demonstrates this fact: When he saw the multitude he had compassion on them.

Example - Experience of Mr. Colgate in his church - Poor street walker saved as they had prayed - the congregation was reluctant to receive him - Mr. Colgate said, "We have been prying for lost souls. The Lord has heard and answered our prayers, but I guess we failed to designate to the Lord that we wanted only respectable sinners saved." All the congregation saw the rebuke and a newborn soul was received. They were not too good of a friend to the sinner!

4. Christ deeds prove his friendship to sinners.
"he received sinners and eateth with them"
"He saved Jews, publicans, - made apostles

Example - Dr. Scarborough preaching in Argentina = Christ was able to save the worst of sinners.

5. Christ death on Calvary confirmed the fact that he is the sinner's friend.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust. God's purpose in sending Jesus, and Calvary was the salvation of the lost everywhere. Jesus spoke "It is finished" from the cross. A cry of triumph for lost men, women, boys, and girls. What a glory! Blood ran freely to the ground, the sun refused to shine, the earth shook, the ground was opened.. all in the interest of lost sinners.

Come every soul by sin oppressed; There is mercy with the Lord, and He will surely give you rest, by trusting in His word.

6. His love seals his friendship for sinners.

"God so loved the World"
"Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friend"

II. The Strength of His Friendship: 3 ways Jesus demonstrated the strength of friendship

1. In the multiplicity of his provisions - he is able to provide for salvation to sanctification to glorification.

His provisions measureless - Salvation for lost, liberation for prisoner, consolation for sorrowing, bread for hungry, water for thirsty, healing for sick, sight for blind, clothes for naked, riches for poor, hearing for deaf, peace to the troubled, cleansing for leapers, AND LIFE FOR ALL.

2. In Christ's timeless power the strength of his friendship is found.

"All power is given unto Me" Matthew 28:18

"And I, if I be lifted up" John 3:14

His power is seen in creation, in upholding all things, in healing diseases, in stilling the tempest, in his resurrection, but most in his forgiveness of sins.

He loves, woes, attracts, and saves sinners.

3. The strength and value of His friendship are seen in the plan of salvation which he made.

a. a simple plan b. an inexpensive plan c. the only plan - the old way, the new way, the narrow way, the safe way, the ONLY WAY.

III. The Blessings of the Friendship of Jesus

1. Christ is our illumination

Isaiah 9:2 "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light."

They saw him through prophecy, promise and faith. We see him as he enlightens the heart and lifts them from darkness into the glory of his sunlight. Christ is the illumination of soul in its midnight darkness.

2. The blessing of His friendship is seen in that He is our salvation "neither is there salvation in any"

How shall we escape....various days in life - good days, bad days, days of celebration, red letter days, but the day of all days is day you are saved.

Waft it on the rolling tide, Jesus Saves, Jesus Saves, Tell to sinners far and wide, Jesus saves, Jesus saves

To Zaccheus, Jesus said, "Today I must abide at thy house"

3. The blessing of his friendship is seen in that he justifies us

Made him in God's sight as if he had never sinned. restored to divine favor.

Romans 5 - Therefore being justified by faith

Martin Luther said - The just shall live by faith

Since He is the friend of sinners what should you do if you are not saved...Come every soul by sin oppressed, There is mercy with the Lord. Recognize him as your friend - receive him as Lord and Savior

What should Christians do? draw self-righteous robes about us and civilize the church - NO! Cease our halfhearted efforts and go to the limit for Him and the Lost in our work and service. He will then make our yesterdays cheerful and our tomorrows confident!!!

Why are we so powerless?

Why are we so powerless?

Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-19, 23-29

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Ebenzer Baptist 2005

I found 3 outlines for this sermon. All had the same title, but slightly different points. I am going to combine them. One title had under it "why am I so powerless?"! I ask myself that question most of the time.

I. Christ has the power to save - Hebrews 7:25

II. The plight of sinners pictured

III. Powerless disciples

IV. Why have we failed?

1. Lack of Faith - Mark 9:19,23; Matthew 17:17, 20

Why expect God to do great things? Because of God's power, promises, and past performances.

2. Because of Sin - Matthew 17:16-17; Psalm 51:10,13; Joshua 7:12

What sin will do for a Christian?

a. Sin will destroy the Christian's joy of salvation and peace of heart. Defile and make a person unclean. - Psalm 51:12

b. Sin will make a person break fellowship with God.

c. Destroy joy

d. Stop him from praying - Proverbs 1:24-33; Psalm 66:18

e. Stumbling block - the sins of a Christian will cause him to become a stumbling block to other Christians and put him in the way of others coming to Christ. - Isaiah 57:14; I Cor. 8:9-13; Romans 14:13;21; Proverbs 18:19

f. Withhold prosperity from person or church - Proverbs 28:13

g. The sins of a Christian expose him to the chastening and scourging of God. - Hebrews 12:6
Rev. 3:19; Luke 12:47-48; James 4:17

h. Loss of reward - I Corinthians 3:12-23

i. The sins of a Christian will cause the defeat of the army of God - Church. Joshua 7:12-13

j. May kill you

3. Lack of Prayer - Mark 9:29

4. Lack of Concern

V. Are you powerful or powerless?

If we want power with God and with men, we must confess and forsake our sins. These conditions are set forth plainly in II Chronicles 7:14 - "If my people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

What Keeps God From Working Through Us

What Keeps God From Working Through Us?

Matthew 17:1-21

I found this sermon in granddaddy's "Matthew" folder. I am not sure who wrote it, but I needed to read it. I know the answer for me to this question and it is surely ME! I am guilty of every point at least most of the time. I get in the way!

1. Unbelief - Matthew 17:17-20; Mark 9:24 - Lack of prayer

2. Unforsaken Sin - Matthew 17:17 - "perverse generation"; Psalm 66:18 - "If I regard iniquity"

3. Laziness - Proverbs 6:6-11 - "go to the ant"; Proverbs 10:1-5, 26; Matthew 25:26; Hebrews 6:12; Proverbs 18:9; II Thess. 3:10 - "What so thy hands find to do, do it with thy might"

4. Rebellion - Prodigal Son --- Absalom vs. David

5. Pre-occupied - John 4:32 "I have meat to eat that ye know not of"; John 4:34 - "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work"

6. Lack of Surrender - Jonah

7. Wrong sense of values - John 4:38

8. Lack of Prayer and Fasting - Matthew 17

9. Fear - "Don't know what to say"; "won't listen to me"; Don't know scriptures well enough"; "be called a fanatic"; "might make someone mad"; "run them further away"; "might rock the boat"

10. Unconcern
Luke 15:20 - "had compassion"
Luke 19:41 - "Beheld the city and wept"
Acts 20:31 - "Ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears"
Romans 9:1-3 - "I have great heaviness and continual sorrow"
Matthew 9:36 - "Saw multitudes - moved with compassion"

11. Hypocrisy - Ananias and Sapphira

12. Near sightedness - Lift up and look on

The Rejection of Jesus Who is Called Christ

The Rejection of Jesus Who is Called Christ

Matthew 27:25-26

Prepared by W.H. Wood - October 1, 1946

Introduction: Here in Matthew 27:15-26 is the story of the final, willful rejection of Jesus, and his deliverance to the executioners to be crucified.

I. The motive for rejecting Jesus: Why was he rejected?
1. Pilate was attempting to shirk his plain duty and responsibility - to shift to others the responsibility of deciding Christ's fate.
2. When he could not shift the responsibility, he determined to delay the matter; put it off as long as possible.
3. All the while he was refusing to follow the plain facts - all of which he knew.
4. Fearing and heeding the wicked people instead of fearing God and his own conscience, Pilate finally wrecked his own soul and condemned Jesus (Matt. 27:26)

II. The manner of rejecting Jesus
1. Pilate cowardly yielded against his better judgement.
2. Refused to be warned by his wife.
3. Killed an innocent man in order to keep favor with influential Jews - Politics - if you please.
4. Washed his hands in innocence, but bathed his soul in the blood of Christ.

III. The meaning of rejecting Jesus: The rejection of Jesus was weighed with five tragic meanings:
1. It meant the overriding of truth and justice.
2. It meant the strangulation of conscience and good judgement.
3. It meant the rejection of all the good counsel of his wife and friends.
4. It meant the crucifixion and death of one known to be innocent.
5. It meant facing this same Christ in the final judgement.

Witnessing to the World

Witnessing to the World

Matthew 5:13-16; 7:15-17, 20-21, 24-25

by Estelle Nazary

I. Every Christian is a witness regarding Jesus Christ

1. A Christian may command others to Jesus.

2. A Christin may indicate that Jesus is not worth following.

3. Every person has some kind of influence.

II. Christians are to be like salt - verse 13

1. Salt cleanses

2. Salt preserves

3. Salt adds flavor and tastiness

4. Salt creates thirst

5. Salt irritates

III. Christians are to be like light - verses 14-16

1. Light reveals

2. Light cheers

3. Light warns

4. Light guides

5. Light warms

IV. The fruit that gives proof - 7:15-17, 20-21

1. A person's whole pattern of life is the fruit of one's nature.

2. The nature of the tree is revealed by the fruit which it bears.

3. The presence or absence of fruit and its quality will show the condition of the tree.

4. Christians bear witness to the world by the fruit they bear.

5. Only those who do the will of the Father really acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

V. The builder who lays a good foundation - 7:24-25

1. Jesus said the wise builder of a life will build on the foundation of Jesus' teachings.

2. No one can do this without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Could Jesus Christ Be Elected President?

Could Jesus Christ be Elected President?

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Ebenezer Baptist 2005

(I believe he read the article "Could Jesus Christ be elected president" by Howard Davis from the Good News - A magazine of understanding and adapted the points for his sermon. The article is excellent and can be found at http://www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn78/jesus-christ-president.htm)

Introduction: Jesus - respected leader, controversial leader. Some believed him a good, great man. He IS King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Could Jesus Christ be elected president today in America?

Simply answer is NO!

I. What kind of platform?

American people want:
* Religious freedom or freedom from religion
* Define God their way
* Freedom of choice - abortion, entertainment - films, music, books, television filled with violence and sex.
* Unrestrained sexual freedom
* Freedom of speech
* Define culture and lifestyle issues
* Freedom to divorce
* Define own freedoms and social values - fairness, justice, economic, and educational issues.
* Want a president to immediately bring utopia...BUT Their way.
* Claim to want fairness

Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus is the "same, yesterday, today, and forever."

II. Redefining the mission of government

Jesus Christ would change the intent and nature of government
A new constitution would be written to fulfill the ultimate purpose of man - Eternal - designed to prepare people to live forever in the kingdom of God.
He would advocate a perfect society of peace, human development and love.
Govern all policies toward spiritual transformation of physical man created in the image of God, into the divine man with the nature and character of God.
God's constitution would be the framework for the development of human character in the divine image of God's nature. Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

III. Reaction to Christ's platform

* How would a new constitution authored by Jesus go over today?

Ten commandments are taught and serve as the standard for human behavior.
Matthew 5:17, 19
Some think 10 commandments are too invasive to personal freedom---1st commandment "you shall have no other gods before me" is deemed a violation of religious freedom.

People would scream if there was a breakdown in separation of church and state -
Matthew 19:17

Jesus was Jewish - an ethnic minority - prejudice in America

Jesus observed the Biblical Sabbath from Friday sunset until Saturday sunset. He even said He is "the Lord of the Sabbath" Mark 2:28.

Jesus claimed to be the Son of God which would offend Jewish voters.

IV. What kind of leader would He be?

1. Jesus' teachings and practices would make him a perfect leader. Perfect integrity, compassion, miraculous powers of healing, love for ALL, and the willingness to die for the sins of mankind - ALL PEOPLE OF EVERY RACE, RELIGION, AND ECONOMIC STATUS)
The ultimate model of leadership - uncompromising, but compassionate. Perfect ethics - taught fairness and concern for all. He demonstrated virtue and truthfulness. Taught value of the family - said marriage was inviolable. He directed that we honor and care for the elderly and disadvantaged.

YET JESUS - PERFECT IN HIS LEADERSHIP - WILL NEVER BE ELECTED PRESIDENT.

Christ - would never run for the office.
Christ - would never attack others for self-promotion
Christ - would not compromise the truth or ethics or values.
Christ - would not curry favor to special interests - campaign donations...
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world." "If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight...but now My kingdom is not from here." John 18:36

V. Destined for a higher office

Have no regret that He will never be president of the USA - He is selected to an infinitely higher office.
He serves at God's throne in heaven as the High Priest for Christians
John 18:37 - "you say rightly that I am king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Jesus is the perfect ruler - with ultimate love and concern for others. HE WILL BE OUR RULER! He will bring peace and prosperity. He will transform human beings into divine nature and state of being like Christ himself. He will bring all the earth's citizens directly under the governance of the kingdom of God. Then we will experience - Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!

John 10:10 - "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." HE IS THE KING. Believe the good news and accept Him as your leader both now and for all eternity. ARE YOU WILLING TO MAKE THAT CHOICE?

Living in the Present

Living in the Present

Matthew 6:1-34

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Colonial Hills Baptist Church 1976

Introduction: Some live in the past; some build castles for the future; but we must face the reality of the present. In these verses, Jesus gives exhortations for present day living.

The Teachings of Jesus:

I. Concerning Pride (6:1-6, 16-18)

1. giving (1-4)

2. praying (5-6)

3. fasting (16-18)

II. Concerning Prayer (6:7-15)

1. Vain repetitions are heathenism (7-8)

2. Prayer directed to father (9-13)

3. Come from forgiving person (14-15)

III. Concerning Possessions (6:19-24)

1. Treasure should be laid up in heaven (19-20)

2. Treasure is the goal of the heart (21)

3. Treasure should be spiritual not material.

IV. Provisions (6:25-34)

1. An exhortation concerning values (25, 31, 32)

2. The examples of God's provisions (26-30)

3. The expectation of the Christian (33-34)

Innumerable blessings will come to us as we follow Him and His precepts laid down for us----

The Church and Its Mission in the World

The Church and Its Mission in the World

Matthew 16:15-18

prepared by W.H. Wood on September 10, 1947

Introduction: What is a church? A body of baptized believers voluntarily binding themselves together for the purpose of advancing the kingdom of our Lord.

I. Our duty to the Church
1. To walk together in Christian love. This means that we are to love all the members of the Church, harboring no malice or unkind thoughts toward them.
2. To strive for the advancement of the church in knowledge, in holiness, and in comfort.
3. To promote its prosperity and spirituality.
4. To sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines.
5. To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry.

II. Our personal duties
1. To maintain family and secret devotions. (Take time to talk to God)
2. To religiously educate our children
3. To seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances.
4. To walk circumspectly in the world. We are to be careful of our actions and so live that all who see us will know that we are Christians.
5. To be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our deportment.
6. To avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger.
7. To abstain from the use and sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage.
8. To be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

III. Our duties to others.
1. To watch over one another in brotherly love.
2. To remember each other in prayer.
3. To aid each other in sickness and in distress.
4. To cultivate christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech. Be kind to rich and poor alike.
5. To be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation.

Life's Greatest Blessing

Life's Greatest Blessing

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Colonial Hills 1980, Pleasant Hill 1980, Fellowship Baptist 1993, West Carthage Baptist 1995

Matthew 19:16-22

Mark 10:17-22

Luke 18:18-23

Suggestions (what we want):

1. Popularity

2. Good Christian home

3. Financial Security

4. Friendships

5. Good Husband/Wife

6. Good Education

7. Power

We wanted to be wanted, be loved, and do a good job.

Eternal Life is life's greatest blessing.

What is it?

"This is Life Eternal" -- John 17:3

1 John 5:11-12 - This is the record.

Pearl of great price, treasure hid in the field. Matthew 13

Everlasting Life - quality, John 10:10 - "I have come"

People are lost, condemned, lonely without God, without hope, without purpose.

The rich man:

I. Sought Life's Greatest Blessing

II. Came to the Right Source - Jesus

III. Wanted it at his OWN price

IV. Rejected it because he was unwilling to accept it at God's Price.

My Daddy - William Henry Wood

My Daddy - William Henry Wood

by Estelle Nazary

(Aunt Nell, I hope you don't mind. I got this devotional from your book "The Ups and Downs of Our Lives" by Ora Rachel Gregg Wood and William Henry Wood. I thought it was so good!)

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1. Thus states the writer of Hebrews.

This brief record gives the story of a man filled with this faith, exemplified by his life in his efforts for the risen Savior of the world.

Near Sullivan's Hollow in Smith County lived a poor, conscientious farmer, tilling the soil of the Maker. Nothing unusual appeared to be in the life of this young man. Neighbors thought of him as an honest, hardworking boy, but no great character was he in their eyes. God, however, had other plans and saw greater potentialities in this young man than did his neighbors.

Leaving Bay Springs, Mississippi, as the poorest man in the entire county, hardly owning more than the clothes on his back, and returning 25 years later as the Associational Missionary is a miracle few people can boast of.

William Henry Wood, adorned with talents endowed by his Heavenly Maker, has accomplished manifold achievements for his Lord.

This poor, roughly clad young man, the husband of Ora Rachel Gregg, and the father of six children at the time, saw a vision as did Isaiah of old, and answered, "Here am I, Lord, send me."

After replying to God in this manner, he auctioned off all his farm equipment and paid his debts, leaving him the gracious amount of $29.00, and entered school at Clarke College.

People on every hand discouraged this determined young man. Even his own family turned against him. He had entered politics, running for Supervisor in that section of Smith County and was assured a victory. But with a promising future before him, he listened to the still small voice of God and turned his back on these things and set his face toward the sun. It was far from a bed of ease he had chosen, but he was happy, knowing he was following God's will.

God sent a period of testing to this young man, even as he did to Kagawa, the great Japanese missionary, when he denounced wealth and went to the slums to serve God. Soon after arriving there, a son of poverty, suffering from a serious case of contagious itch, came and asked to spend the night. The only place for him was to share Kagawa's bed and bedding.

Kagawa looked at the itch blotches from head to toe on the man's body, and he thought, "This is God testing me," and he gladly made him his bedfellow.

Thus did W.H. Wood go through a decided period of testing, but it proved that he had faith enough to stand the test and some to spare.



My Great Grandfather...Wow... Every time I read this devotional, I long to tell more of his story. I think he and Ora (my "Granny") made incredible sacrifices for our Lord. Even with so many obstacles, you would think he would have doubted his calling, but he pressed forward. He had only finished the 6th grade and felt a calling. He packed up his family with hardly anything and moved to attend Clarke College 6 weeks into the 1st semester. I would have quit at that point. 6th grade education, a wife, 6 kids, no money, etc... but not Henry. It took him 5 years to finish high school and two years of college. 5 hard years! He then went on to finish his education at Mississippi College. From 1931 to May 1939, Henry had attended school and finally finished 8 years later. The family had suffered so much from sickness to hunger. There is so much more to tell about the struggles they endured during this time. Lots of testing...But Henry knew he was in God's will and went on to serve and greatly influence not only his own family, but countless others. I hope to learn more to share about the incredible testimony of W.H. and Ora Wood!