OUR DAILY BREAD             Thurs., April 6, 1995
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READ: Numbers 13:17-33

                   ONLY A SCARECROW

       "He who is in you is greater than he who
                   is in the world."

                            -- 1 John 4:4

Like the children of Israel in today's Bible reading,
Hannah Hurnard, author of "Hinds' Feet on High Places,"
was once paralyzed by fear.  Then she heard a sermon on
scarecrows that challenged her to turn her fear to faith.

The preacher said, "A wise bird knows that a scarecrow
is simply an advertisement.  It announces that some very
juicy and delicious fruit is to be had for the picking.
There are scarecrows in all the best gardens...If I am
wise, I too shall treat the scarecrow as though it were
an invitation.  Every giant in the way which makes me
feel like a grasshopper is only a scarecrow beckoning me
to God's richest blessings."  He concluded, "Faith is a
bird which loves to perch on scarecrows.  All our fears
are groundless."

Hannah testified that this humble parable has encouraged
her to walk along some frightening but fruitful pathways
more times than she could number.

What is your scarecrow today?  Difficult circumstances?
Personal inadequacy?  Uncertainty?  The enemy of your
soul wants to keep you away from the place of God's
blessing.  Perch on your scarecrow by faith, start
singing, and expect an abundant feast!

                                -- Joanie E. Yoder

        So let us trust Him in our troubles,
         For He is loving, kind, and wise;
        And most often trials and troubles
          Are but blessings in disguise.

                                -- Jarvis

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           THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
-------------------------------------
     When you fix your eyes on God,
         your fears will vanish.
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