In one of my German devotional treasuries I am reading the following:

It happened quite some time ago now at the official opening of a missionary headquarters in Germany. 

One of the speakers got quite carried away and said with a loud voice, “At last we have a place, where our enemy, the devil, cannot enter.”

But the blessed pastor G. D. Krummacher stood up and replied with authority, “Just as the serpent was able to enter paradise, the serpent will be able to enter the doors of this place.”

I am reading that in the book Lass dein Heil uns schauen, by Wilhelm Busch. (W. Busch worked as youth pastor in Essen/Germany about fifty years ago, where I heard him preach. I used to live in Bottrop at that time.)

THE CROSS

“‘I am the LORD,

Isaiah 45:6,7

Intr.:

and there is no other.

1. I form the light and
2. create darkness,
3. I bring prosperity and
4. create disaster;

End:

I, the LORD, do all these things,'”

SUNFLOWER

“‘TURN TO ME AND BE SAVED, ALL YOU ENDS OF THE EARTH.'” – Isaiah 45:22

What a surprise it was for me today to find out what I wanted to know for quite some time. “How many dogs are in this part (Far North District) of the country?” is my question.

But there is even more information about dogs in the publication of the Far North District Council, I picked up today at the local library.

Siberian Husky

I am told how to be safe around dogs.

And I really need that information.

I am told to

STOP

STAND

LEAVE

when I see an angry dog. When standing I must not look at the dog and keep my hands by my sides,

There are more than 9,000 dogs in this part of the country (Far North District). And the population is just over 55,000.

A beautiful flower

“‘Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground.'” – Isaiah 45:9

Science is uncovering that the key to happiness is PURPOSE. So is psychology and also spirituality.

PURPOSE means engagement. It means to be interested in what is going on. It means also to get involved if at all possible in the community.

We must have a reason to get out of bed in  the morning.

KAITAIA

I am quite often in town, not so much for the cup of coffee in the coffee shops, but to meet people.

I am also on the lookout for meetings, any kind of meetings, where I can learn more.

Kaitaia has also a beautiful library.

And I must not forget to tell you that KAITAIA is the place where journeys begin. There is a local bus service to Ahipara, Pukenui and Mangonui. And of course, you can go to Cape Reinga by bus.

Cape Reinga

Science, psychology and spirituality also agree that people who are connected with their creator are far more likely to be happy. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have a purpose in life. They have also a goal.

The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:21:

“FOR ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS GAIN.”

THE CROSS

The prayer of Hezekiah.

“‘REMEMBER,

Isaiah 38:3

Intr.:

O LORD,

A .  HOW I HAVE WALKED BEFORE YOU

a.  FAITHFULLY AND

b.  WITH WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION AND

B.   HAVE DONE WHAT IS GOOD IN YOUR EYES.’

End:

AND HEZEKIAH WEPT BITTERLY.”