Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Peace

Sometimes this concept seems rather illusive. It comes and goes with our moods. However, we often mistake or at least substitute peace with happiness. Peace is a condition or state of mind, while happiness is a feeling of elati0n for the moment or as a result of some "happening" Life is full of happenings of all kinds. Some are good, some not so much, but Jesus came to give us peace. he doesn't want us swimming around in a soup of feelings that rise and fall with the occasion. He said, in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth,give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. his peace is enduring, steadfast, comforting and supporting.
In today's economy, it's challenging ,to say the least, to not worry about how bills are going to get paid when all you have is Social Security. It's distressing to want to give to help others when you can barely keep yourselves together. Then, we have to stop and think that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He certainly knows where each and everyone of us live. Amazing how He can do it without satellite or GPS or asking for our SS# to keep track. I'm reminded of the story of a preacher who was praying for a special need of the church and he said" Lord, we know you own the cattle on a thousand hill. Would you mind killing a couple for us?" That week a cattle rancher in the community, had two of his cattle slaughtered and gave the money to meet the need of that church. That might not be the way God chooses to answer your need today, but He WILL answer your need.
One of my mother's favorite hymns was Constantly Abiding. Some of the words are:
There's a peace in my heart that the world never gave and a peace it cannot take away. Though the trials of life may surround like a cloud. I've a peace that has come her to stay. Constantly abaiding, Jesus is mine, constantly aboiding, rapture Divine. He never leaves me lonely, whispers oh so kind. "I will never leave thee" Jesus is mine.
Let Him be yours today. If you need Him as Savior, contact us or the church and let us show you how that can happen. If you need to get closer to Him, simply rest, trust and leave the burden with Him. As always you are invited to e-mail us at eandlhuested@comcast.net with a request for help, or even to let us knowhow you are doing.

Your servants, Ernest and LouAnn Huested

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Victim or Victor

It seems as though lately the word "victim" is used a great deal. Oh, I don't mean victims of war or flood or violence or flood or anything like that. In those situations there are obviously victims. I mean it in the sense of people considering themselves to be victims of injustices that they encounter. It is so easy for us to lay blame on someone or something other than ourselves for the things that come our way in life. Maybe it's because we have so much in this country that we have forgotten or are unaware of what REAL suffering or disadvantage is. I don't read anywhere in the Bible where it says that life is going to be sweet and carefree. It isn't for anyone. However, there is a word that we should wrap ourselves around more often--"Victory"
Jesus suffered and died for our redemption. He was victorious over suffering and sin and did it all for us. He didn't endure it for Himself.
Rejoice in that God gives us grace to meet all our needs, no matter what that need might be. He knows the end from the beginning. He sees the whole picture, while we see it only in part. Jesus said in John 16:33 "These things thave I spoken unto you,that in me ye might have peace. In the world, ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." The words of that great old song are "Oh victory in Jesus, my savior forever. He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew him and all my love is due him. He plunged to victory beneath the cleansing flood." See, our victory is already won. All we have to do is rest in that finished work on Calvary. Let Him be your source of victory today as you live your daily life.
As always, we are here for you. You can reach us at eandlhuested@comcast.net May God richly bless you. Until next time,
Ernest and LouAnn Huested

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

It's My Progress and I Want It Now

Does it seem like not much is being accomplished in your life because of the suffering you have been asked to endure?
Progress isn't necessarily measured against that of others, but primarily within yourself. The rate at which each person improves isn't the same. We are all different. Progress is often very frustrating because it can be slow and laborious.
LouAnn has been giving piano lessons for about six years now. She often asks her students ; How do you eat an elephant? After they look at her like she is from another planet, she'll tell them: one bite at a time. Time-- that thing that rules our lives, is what it takes to see progress. It also has another purpose, namely to allow us to evaluate our situation and learn to trust, demonstrate courage to others, including people we do not know, as well as being satisfied where we are until we are ready for the next step. Babies learn to crawl before they walk and hang on to things while they learn to get their balance. What a lesson there is to those of us who are in a place of transition
It can also be noted that Noah preached to the known world of his day for 120 years. After all that, only his family believed and were saved from the flood.
One of our favorite Scripture verses is Isaiah 40:31 " But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Hopefully we all can take comfort and encouragement from this verse.

As always, your servants,
Ernie and LouAnn Huested

eandlhuested@comcast.net

Friday, April 23, 2010

How can I be Lonely ?

Everyone at some time in their lives is faced with lonliness. It probably happens more frequently to those who spend a lot of time without the benefit of human companionship, but it does not have to be an all-consuming thing. There are simple things that can help.
* Remember, "no man is an island". Even though we think we are alone, we really
are not. We all come in contact with people every day. Taking advantage of those
contacts is a good thing to do. It may be the mail deliverer, the pharmacist, doctor,
or even maybe that pesky telephone solicitor. At least it's somone to talk to. The
telephone is a good way to stay in touch with people.

* Call people at the church where you are affiliated. Love your family and treat them
with respect. Sometimes just a kind word will go a long way to let people
know that you care about them, as much as you want them to care for you.
A well placed "Thank You" means more than you might think.

* Let your life be filled with music. Listen to good music, Sing, even if you think you
can't. Read poetry. Think about the lyrics to songs. Many times they could bring to
mind something that could lift your spirit.

Haldor Lillennas penned the words to this old hymn: "How Can I be Lonely" "One is walking with me over life's uneven way, constantly supporting me each moment
of the day. How can I be lonely when such fellowship is mine, with my Blessed Lord Divine.
Refrain:
How can I be lonely when I've Jesus only, to be my Companion and Unfailing Guide. Why should I be weary, or my path seem dreary, when He's walking by my side."

As you may know, we are still praying for more exposure to our blog. We are doing this by having churches add it to their websites. However, you who are our readers could assist us as well by telling others you think would benefit from our site, about us. We are very anxious for feedback. If you can do this, it would be an encouragement to us as well as a good indicator for us to know what improvements we can make as well as get a feeling for how many are reading our blog.
We love you, care for you and pray for you. As always, you can contact us at eandlhuested@comcast.net. If you would like to talk to us, please contact Shelby Bible Church for our home phone and we will be glad to encourage your heart and help in any way that we can.
Until next time
Ernest and LouAnn Huested

Friday, February 26, 2010

Medicines, Bah! Humbug!

Do you ever feel like that? Have you been taking pills longer than you care to remember?
We have, and if this is true of you, we know exactly how you feel.
Despite the fact that it's a chore and sometimes even a real pain to take them or endure some treatment, it would behoove us to thank God that they are available.
We are in our 60's we were recalling today that many people who lived during the time of our great-grandparents, died during childbirth, from pneumonia, tuberculosis (then called consumption) polio and other such diseases that are curable today by commonly known and easily available drugs and treatments.
Yes, taking medications is inconvenient. Yes, they are costly. Yes, it is sometimes difficult, but the end result is rewarding. Jesus said in Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." This verse encompasses a lot in the life of a Christian. We can rest assured that leaning on His everlasting arms for everything in our life guarantees our safety and happiness. There is no safer place on earth than in the will of God. He has promised us this and all we have to do is believe, obey and trust.
We are here for you. Trust and believe today. He is coming soon.
We have at your request the books of John and Romans as well as helpful lietrature. We welcome your feedback and questions.
As always we can be reached at eandlhuested@comcast.net.

Until later,
Ernie and LouAnn Huested