Gospel Tentmaker

In all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. 2 Corinthians 11:9.
Paul was a tentmaker, and he supported himself by working at his trade. While working thus, he spoke of the gospel to those with whom he came in contact, and turned many souls from error to truth. He lost no opportunity of speaking of the Saviour, or of helping those in trouble.
The history of the apostle Paul is a constant testimony that manual labor cannot be degrading, that it is not inconsistent with true greatness and elevation of human or Christian character. Those toilworn hands, he deemed, detracted nothing from the force of his pathetic appeals, sensible, intelligent, and eloquent…. Those toilworn hands as he presented them before the people bore testimony that he was not chargeable to any man for his support…. At times he also supported his fellow workers, himself suffering from hunger in order to relieve the necessities of others. He shared his earnings with Luke, and helped Timothy obtain the necessary equipment for his journey.
Paul set an example against the sentiment, then gaining influence in the church, that the gospel could be proclaimed successfully only by those who were wholly freed from the necessity of physical toil. He illustrated in a practical way what might be done by consecrated laymen in many places where the people were unacquainted with the truths of the gospel. His course inspired many humble toilers with a desire to do what they could to advance the cause of God, while at the same time they supported themselves in daily labor….
While some with special talents are chosen to devote all their energies to the work of teaching and preaching the gospel, many others, upon whom human hands have never been laid in ordination, are called to act an important part in soulsaving…. The self-sacrificing servant of God who labors untiringly in word and doctrine, carries on his heart a heavy burden…. His wages do not influence him in his labor…. From heaven he received his commission, and to heaven he looks for his recompense when the work entrusted to him is done.
Conflict and Courage p. 342
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Prayer Requests
—–update—I just spoke to Buddy’s Mother. She said they had gotten his Hgb up to 9 by last night but this morning it is back down to 7. They are planning on continuing the transfusions and that is all she has been told. It seems they are in a holding pattern. The bright spot is that I did get to talk to Buddy last night. He called me and it was so wonderful to hear his voice. He ask that we pray more specifically that God would intervene and stop the artery or vein that is actively bleeding. He said to remain positive and don’t get in the negative. Keep faith in God’s ability to heal if it is in His will to do so. He also shared that he has already passed out a lot of books and had a divine appointment with a phlebotomist. They talked for about 40 minutes and the man gave Buddy his name and phone number. Buddy really loves the Lord and tries to never miss an opportunity to share Jesus. I am sure because of his situation, it must really make an impression on those he touches. Please continue to remember him as often as he comes to your mind. Thanks, Donna
—–Please pray that God gives us wisdom in a matter. L
—–I need prayer for work Sandra has a problem with me. Favor with Bonnie and Sandra to keep my current full time job. Ann
—–An up date on the condition on Rick. Rick has been admitted to the hospital with Blood piosioning. I don’t know what stage it is in. Please keep praying. Leonard
—–Please pray for my brother, Mike. He was diagnosed with cancer today. He is not saved but has recently been listening to the Bible while driving to and from work. I pray God uses this a time for him to see his need of a savior. Tricia
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Dear Friends,
One hot summer day, Edwin Harmon , my grandfather, begged his mother to let him go to the river with a group of his friends. He was only 8, but he felt there would be no problem since he was going with others. His mother sighed. Ed was supposed to be watching Harold , his four year old brother.
Looking fondly at her first born, Ada relented. “You may go if you take Harold with you. Now you must watch him carefully, because he cannot swim.”
Ed promised that he would not let Harold out of his sight, gave his mother a big hug, grabbed his little brother’s hand, and started running as fast as Harold could go. His friends had been waiting for him by the dusty road, and when they saw his happy face, they let out a shout of victory. Ed ‘s friends were not too happy when they found out that little brother had to tag along, but they were glad to have Ed with them.
As they walked along the road, they stopped and waited for a few more boys to join them. Finally, they got to the water. Ed turned to Harold and told him to stay on the river bank and not go near the water. He showed Harold some stones and sticks and acorns to play with. In the little boy’s imagination those simple objects could become anything.
Harold played happily for a long time but eventually became bored. Seeing his big brother and the other boys laughing and splashing and dunking each other, Harold suddenly felt very left out of all the fun. In spite of his brother’s warning, he headed down to the water. Soon he was wading along the edge.
Ed was having so much fun that he had not checked to see if Harold was alright for a very long time. Harold felt like he was a big boy too and became braver and braver. Soon he was out in deeper water. Then it happened. Whether he fell or stepped into a hole he did not know, but soon he was over his head and struggling to stay up. None of the boys saw his struggle. None of them heard his cry. Soon he sunk beneath the surface and did not come up again.
Suddenly from out of nowhere came a huge black dog. Jumping into the water he plunged down and grabbed the child in his mouth. This action got the boy’s attention and fear replaced their happy laughter. Looking up at the riverbank, Ed ‘s heart stood still. Harold was not to be seen.
Within seconds, the large animal had brought the boy to the river’s edge and he and Harold were instantly surrounded by all the boys. That stray animal was petted and talked sweet to. Ed was especially grateful. Harold was alive! He was coughing up water and wheezing a few breaths, but he was alive!
About that time, Ed looked up and saw his mother coming. He knew he was in big trouble. Ada wrapped Harold in her large apron and cuddled him. Tears of relief and gratefulness ran down her cheeks. Her tear-filled eyes and troubled face was a greater punishment to Ed than the beating that he knew his father would give him when he got home.
As they walked back to the house, Ada told her two sons how she had felt impressed to pray for her boys. She had suddenly had such a feeling of dread that she could no longer stay at home. She knew she must go and see if her boys were alright. Ada looked down at Harold , whom she was carrying in her arms. Harold snuggled into her ample chest and reached his arms around her neck. He was tired from his ordeal, but he was safe.
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” Ps 91
Let us praise the Lord for His mercy and watchcare over us. Let us trust in His Saving Power. Let us daily meditated upon “His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men.” Ps 107:8
Rose