file:  /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940819.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                      Friday, August 19, 1994
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READ:  Isaiah 55:6-13

                        "KEEP AT IT"

            "My Word... shall not return to Me
             void, but it shall accomplish what
                         I please."

                       Isaiah 55:11

They know Tom Dotson pretty well in the prisons of
Michigan.  They ought to.  He has spent one-third of
his 38 years as an inmate.

Tom gave his testimony at the annual banquet for jail
chaplains in Muskegon, Michigan.  He said he had grown
up in a Christian home but had rebelled and rejected the
gospel.  His wife, who sang for the banquet, had stayed
with him in spite of his repeated failures.  And a prison
chaplain faithfully worked with him.

Then, a few years ago, Tom genuinely surrendered to
Jesus Christ.  He's stayed out of jail ever since.

In his testimony, Dotson spoke directly to Christian
workers.  "Continue on in your ministry with people like
me, he urged, "no matter how frustrating.  We may have
lots of setbacks.  But don't give up.  There's power
for change in even the most frustrating person through
the sacrifice of Christ, the One who really sets us
free."  Then looking right at the chaplain who had
patiently witnessed to him, Tom said tenderly, "Thank
you for not giving up on me."

Are you about to give up on someone?  Don't!  God will
"abundantly pardon" all who come to Him (Is. 55:7). His
powerful Word can bring change (v. 11), freeing men and
women from the prison of sin (John 8:32).  Keep at it!

     - David C. Egner


 Be not weary in well-doing,
 Though your labors cause you pain --
 There has always been a harvest
 From the sowing of the grain.

   - Anon.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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Instead of giving up on a person, give that person to God.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Jeremiah 47-49


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Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of
Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA.
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