Gracious host Diane "MeMe" Leary shares her recipe for simple
no-bake "berry" delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Icebox Cake!
And everybody remember, Shine for Jesus!
"For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned
unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."
(1 Peter 2:25)
THE SHEPHERD OF SOULS
It is needless to trace this metaphor through the Old Testament, where it is employed to
express the relation of Jehovah to Israel. The most familiar of all the psalms shows us
a single devout soul appropriating the whole rest and blessedness of thought for
the nourishment of the individual life of trust.
"The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want."
(Psalm 23:1)
The Shepherd leads. And under that thought is included all the shaping
of outward life, for Christ is the Lord of providence, and the hands that
were pierced for us hold the helm of the universe.
And therefore we must think of His guidance as mainly leading our souls
in the paths of righteousness, and "showing us that which is good."
The touch of His hand on our wills, the sweet constraint of His love,
the wisdom which directs breathed into the soul which lives in fellowship
with Him, has silenced the loud voice of self, that His voice may be heard.
He says, "Come, follow Me" and His sheep walk not in darkness,
but have the light of life.
CHRIST THE BISHOP OF OUR SOULS
Undoubtedly, the allusion here is to the bishop or elder of the early Church.
The marginal rendering of the Revised "overseer" is perhaps better than
"bishop". The connection between "shepherd" and church "overseer"
can clearly be seen in the apostle Paul's address to the elders at Ephesus:
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the
Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which
He hath purchased with His own blood."
(Acts 20:28)
The original meaning of the word, "overseer" suggests the vigilant inspection
which Christ exercises over His Church. The Good Shepherd knows each sheep
by name and His watchful eye is on every one of His flock.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts!
See if there is any offensive way in me, lead me in the way everlasting."
(Psalm 139:23-24)
Reference Material for
"The Shepherd and Bishop of Souls"
A. Maclaren/Bible Hub
"O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You.
My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water."
(Psalm 63:1)
"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness
and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what may
be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities, His eternal power
and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from
His workmanship, so that men are without excuse."
(Romans 1:18-20)
Les continues his walk through the Bible, teaching us how
to connect the dots within the Holy Scriptures.
Gracious host Arlene Williams demonstrates 12 common
cooking terms just in time for your next dinner!
"O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the crevice of the cliff, let me see your face,
let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet and your countenance is lovely."
(Song of Solomon 2:14)
In the clefted rock I hide,
Savior, let me here abide;
Sheltered from each stormy gale,
All secure within the vale.
Blessed Rock on Thee I build,
Ever be my sun and shield;
Help me labor, watch and pray,
Ready for the crowning day.
Tempest tossed, I came to Thee
Precious shelter made for me;
Cleansed and purified from sin,
Thou didst freely take me in.
When the surging billows roll,
There's a calm within my soul;
While my trust in Thee is stayed,
I shall never be afraid.
Rock of safety-blest abode,
Hid away with Christ in God;
Nothing can I want beside,
For my soul is satisfied.
When this earthly house shall fall,
And my days are numbered all;
Then my house not made with hands,
Evermore in glory stands.
Then dear Jesus, keep me hid,
That I e'er be found amid
Choicest jewels of Thy care,
When in glory I appear.
Blessed Rock on Thee I build,
Ever be my sun and shield;
Help me labor, watch and pray,
Ready for the crowning day.
"The Clefted Rock"
(1893)
Nancy Stewart Whistler Byers
(1833-1894)
American hymn writer
Set against the tranquil beauty of sun-soaked lagoons and volcanic rock outcroppings,
this True-Life Adventure from Walt Disney Productions explores the unique
maritime wildlife on a tropical coral island in the Pacific Ocean.
"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge.
In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed."
(Psalm 57:1)
When you find yourself suddenly facing a crisis what is your first response?
To see if you can work it out yourself or do you cry out to God?
Dr. Charles Stanley explains the difference between simply praying to God
and crying out to the Lord in times of uncertainty, heartache and trouble.
From 1978, Buck Owens and Roy Clark and the whole
Hee Haw gang celebrate the show's 10th Anniversary!
A time when country music was really country music,
and comedy skits were both crazy and clean!
"Almost persuaded," Agrippa said;
Conviction humbled his proud stately head,
And stirred his kingly breast;
He heard the wonderful words of Paul,
Proclaiming Jesus, the all in all,
The sinner's solace and rest;
But "almost persuaded" the king went his way,
Awaiting a more convenient day.
A more convenient day,
A more convenient day,
Alas! how many are going astray,
Awaiting a more convenient day.
"Almost persuaded," with bated breath,
The young man thinks of the moment of death,
But fame's alluring star,
To his fond vision so bright appears,
And comes anon to His waiting ears,
Such praise from near and far,
That with these delusions the youth turns away,
Awaiting a more convenient day.
"Almost persuaded," the maiden cries,
And wipes the tears from her sparkling brown eyes;
"But O, I'm called so fair,
'Tis hard to sacrifice joys of youth;
I'll seek the Lord and accept His truth,
When comes a season of prayer;
And struggling with conscience the girl turns away,
Awaiting a more convenient day.
"Almost persuaded," the Spirit waits,
"And knocks, and knocks, at the closely barred gates,
But silence reigns within;
No word of welcome comes back from those
Who spurn His warnings and seek repose
In fatal opiates of sin;
Rejected and slighted they turn Him away,
No hope of a more convenient day.
A more convenient day,
A more convenient day,
Alas! how many are going astray,
Awaiting a more convenient day.
"A More Convenient Day"
(1897)
Lou Singletary Bedford
(1837-1945)
American hymn writer
and poetess
"Desperado...why don't you come to your senses,
You been out ridin' fences...for so long now..."
Inspired by tales of the Old West, "Desperado" a ballad written by Eagles' band members
Glen Frey and Don Henley for their second studio album by the same name, was released
53 years ago this week on April 17th, 1973. This most well-known Eagles' song ranked
at Number 494 on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time" in 2004.
Members of the Western Writers of America included the song in their list of the
Top 100 Western songs of all time. It was also the theme song of the late 1980's
"Desperado" film series starring American actor Alex McArthur as honest
cowboy Duel McCall trying to clear his name of a false murder charge.
It's Bat Appreciation Day!
Bats!
Creatures that hang themselves up like an old rag, to sleep;
And disgustingly upside down.
Hanging upside down like rows of disgusting old rags
And grinning in their sleep.
Bats!
In China the bat is symbol for happiness.
Not for me!
"Bat"
Birds, Beasts, and Flower Poems
(1923)
D.H. Lawrence
(1885-1930)
English novelist and poet
Although many people share the same sentiment as D.H. Lawrence when it
comes to these mysterious winged denizens of the night, long the subject of
nightmarish myths and legends, the bat is not only one of God's most unique
and intelligent creatures but has long been a valuable friend to man.
Bat droppings (Guano) has been used for centuries as a highly effective
fertilizer due to it's high content of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium,
all key nutrients essential for plant growth. Bats also consume many
insects, including annoying mosquitoes!
In the following presentation from the classic PBS series,"Wild America"
host Marty Stouffer provides a close up view of these amazing flying
mammals and offers fresh insight into the dark world of cave ecology.
Gracious host Rivki Green and Israeli chef David Pliner share a healthy
and delicious no bake, no sugar, snack recipe inspired by the Bible!
Where did angels originate and how did some become fallen angels?
What about demons-did God create them?
In this special presentation, Pastor Jack explores these pertinent questions,
offering scriptural references that provide insight into their origins, the
fall of angels with Satan, and the nature of demons.
President George Washington directed in his will that his "new" tomb
be built at Mount Vernon and that he be buried in it. In this presentation,
host John Marshall, Director of Guest Relations at Mount Vernon, explains
the history of the tomb and about the wreath-laying ceremony held daily
where the first President of the United States lies buried today.
"The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail"
(James 5:16)
This prayer is read aloud each day at Mount Vernon's wreath-laying ceremony.
I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States in
His holy protection, that He would incline the hearts of Citizens to cultivate
a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly
affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States
at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field and
finally, that He would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do
Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility,
and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the
Devine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble
imitation of whose example in these things, we can never
hope to be a happy Nation. Amen.
"The scepter of royalty shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler's staff
from between his feet; Until Shiloh, the Messiah, the Peaceful One, comes,
and to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples."
(Genesis 49:10)
"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation
to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. (Gentile) For the
gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish,
just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
(Romans 1:16-17)
Les continues his walk through the Bible, teaching us
how to connect the dots within the Holy Scriptures.
"Do not be deceived; God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.
The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one
who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."
(Galatians 6:7-8)
I thought you knew better, President Trump. So, you do not like the personal
views of Pope Leo XIV. Did this give you the right to mock the Lord Jesus Christ?
You claim that this image portrays you as a doctor?
The robe you chose to depict yourself in is rich in symbolism. The vivid
scarlet color is often associated with royalty, wealth, and power. However, as
it applies to the Lord Jesus Christ, the robe was used by the Roman soldiers
to mock Jesus' kingship before they crucified Him.
"And having stripped Him, they put a scarlet robe around Him."
(Matthew 27:28)
The Lord Jesus Christ came to earth to die for your sins, Mr. President.
It was His unfailing mercy which prevented an assassin's bullet
from ending your life two years ago.
He, not the landslide in 2024, allowed you to become America's leader again.
I think it is time for you to take a good hard look at yourself and realize
that you cannot justify the foolish mistake you made in posting this image.
However, just as the penitent thief hanging beside Him at the cross
realized, the Lord Jesus Christ is full of mercy and compassion for those
who humbly seek His forgiveness. He alone can heal your troubled soul.
The gracious host of At Home shares her thoughts on prayer
and great recipes for Rosemary Chicken, Broccoli Casserole,
plus Pistachio Pudding for a quick dessert!
"We are called to be a field under heavenly cultivation, walled around by grace,
planted by instruction, visited by love, weeded by heavenly discipline,
and guarded by divine power."
-Corrie Ten Boom
"What has been will be again, and what has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun."
(Ecclesiastes 1:9)
Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, begins at sundown tonight
and will end at nightfall, Tuesday April 14, 2026. Unfortunately, denial
of this tragic time in history is on the increase, especially among younger
Americans, along with an unprecedented rise in Antisemitism worldwide.
In this classic presentation, Dutch-born writer and speaker Corrie Ten Boom
(1892-1983) shares her remarkable story as a Christian survivor of the Nazi
death camps, and how she was miraculously spared from death near the
end of WWII. Her release was later blamed on a "clerical" error.
Corrie was not only an eye witness to one of the most evil times in
human history, but her powerful testimony of the love and mercy
of God in her life continues to serve as an inspiration to millions
of Christians around the world in their own walk of faith.
"As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge and put their trust in Him."
(Psalm 18:30)
While through this changing world below
I would not choose my path to go;
'Tis Father's hand that leadeth me,
Then O how safe His child must be.
Sometimes we walk in sunshine bright,
Sometimes in darkness of the night;
Sometimes the way I cannot see
But Father's hand still leadeth me.
Sometimes there seems no way to take,
But Father's hand a way doth make.
Sometimes I hear Him gently say,
"Come follow Me, this is the way."
Why should I mind the way I go?
His way is best for me, I know.
He is my strength, my truth, my way,
He is my comfort, rod, and stay.
So on we travel hand in hand,
Bound for the heavenly promised land.
Always through all Eternity,
I'll praise His name for leading me.
"The Father's Hand"
Ida L. Cornett
