FWD: Morning Manna (Jan. 1); BP: II Cor. 5:17-21; RBTTY: Mt. 1; Gen. 1-3

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

---

-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:34:09 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Jan. 1); BP: II Cor. 5:17-21; RBTTY: Mt. 1; Gen. 1-3
 

January 1                                                                           "When the Old Becomes New"
 
"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, He is a new creature; old things are passed away—behold, all things are become new."
                                                                                                                                    II Corinthians 5:17
Another year has dawned today,
At least on the calendar of men;
It’s supposed to be a time of "new beginnings,"
When we leave behind what’s been.
 
We’ll make our resolutions
And vow to start anew;
"I’ll lay aside my old, bad habits," we promise,
By changing what I say and do."
 
For a while we may do oh so well
As the New Year gets underway;
But, soon we’ll likely resort to the old
In the things we do and say.
 
That’s why we need help in changing,
For it’s impossible to do it on our own;
And that’s where the Lord Jesus can help us,
For "new beginnings" rest with Him alone.
 
Only He can cleanse a guilty conscience;
Only He can set the captive free—
For He, alone, is able
To make the changes so needed in me.
 
In Christ I find forgiveness
From sins, both great and small;
Only in Him is there true life anew
When on His Name we do call.
 
Yes, only in Christ does the "old" pass away
And Only in Him are we made new;
It’ll happen the moment we surrender to Him
In all we say and do.
 
There’s no need to keep on living
The same as in years gone by;
Instead, when we surrender to Jesus as Savior and Lord
He’ll change us by His great power from on high.
                                                                                                                --Tom Smith

12/31/2007 Farm Bureau Market Report

Click here to view this report online.

Grain & Soybean Date: December 31, 2007 In observance of the holiday, the Farm Bureau Center will be closed Tuesday, January 1, 2008. The next report will be available on Wednesday, January 2, 2008. We wish you all a safe and Happy New Year. Soybeans Local Elevators: (Dec) EAST AR:  1147 to 1175 (NC) Summ. 1159 to - - - River Elevators: (Dec) MISS: 1159 to 1184 ; AR & White 1151 to 1159 (NC) Summ. 1159 to 1194 Ark. Processor Bids: (Dec) 1157 to 1165  (NC) 1169 to 1191 Memphis:  (Dec) 1189 1/4 to 1192 (NC)  1075 1/2 to - - - Riceland Foods:  (Dec/Jan) Stuttgart 1165 ; Pendleton 1175 ; West Memphis 1184 Chicago Futures: Jan down 8 3/4 at  1199   March  down  8 3/4  at  1214 1/4   May down 10 3/4  at  1229 3/4   Nov '08 unchanged 0  at  1120 1/2   Nov '09 down 5  at  1037   Today's Arkansas LDP rate for soybeans is: 0¢ Soybean Comment Soybeans were hit by an early round of profit taking in a thinly traded end of the year session. The market dipped as much as 25 cents in the first 15 minutes of trading, but rallied to recoup a portion of that decline in a shortened trading session. A key reversal on Friday would typically signal a market top, but this market does not appear to be through. With corn still working higher, any retracement is likely to be shortlived. Wheat Cash bid for new crop at Memphis  680 1/2 to 687 1/2; Bids to farmers at Local Elevators 666-678; River Elevators 662-681; Chicago Futures: March unchanged  0  at  885    May unchanged 0  at  893    July down  2 1/2  at  775 1/2    Sept down  7 1/4  at  775    July '09 down  1  at  742    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for wheat is: 0¢ Grain Sorghum Cash bid for December at Memphis  865 to 867; Bids to farmers at River Elevators 721-784; Today's Arkansas LDP rate for sorghum is: 0¢ Corn Cash bid for December at Memphis   443 1/2 to 451 1/2;   New crop at Memphis   446 1/4 to - - -; Bids to farmers at River Elevators  422 to 442 Chicago Futures: March up  3 1/2  at  455 1/2    May up  3 1/2  at  466 3/4    July up  3 1/2  at  476 1/2    Dec '08 up  1/2  at  473 1/2    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for corn is: 0¢ Grain Comment Wheat was all over the board before ending steady to lower. Wheat gives all appearances of having topped, but tight supplies should limit downside. Both Russia and China have raised export tariffs to slow outbound movement. July futures have initial support around $7.64. Cotton & Rice  Date: December 31, 2007 Cotton Spot Price, Grade 41 Staple 34: Memphis up 12 at  6276   Greenwood up  12 at 6276 New York Futures: March up  12  at  6801    May up  19  at  6957    July up  17  at  7121    Dec '08 up  1  at  7521    March '09 unchanged  0  at  7770  This week's LDP rate for cotton is  n/a cents   The estimate for next week is  n/a cents Cotton Comment Cotton was mixed in a limited trade. There remains a growing concern about further cuts in ’08 planted acreage. While there are ample stocks available for the current market year, plantings in the 9 to 10 million acre range would substantially reduce stocks in 08/09. Production would likely be in the 14 to 16 million bale range. While that is well above domestic needs, China and several other countries will need substantial imports to feed their rapidly expanding mill sector. Old crop March may test support at 70 cents, while December may need to move above 80 cents to keep acreage from moving to soybeans, corn and wheat. Rice Long Grain Cash Bid for  Jan/Feb 1215/cwt  to  - - -   March 1215/cwt  to  - - - Chicago Futures: Jan down  10  at  1355    March down  10 1/2  at  1386 1/2    May down  7  at  1415    Sept up  5  at  1380    - - -   - - -  at  - -  Today's Arkansas LDP rate for long grain rice is  0¢ medium grain rice is  0¢ Rice Comment Rice followed the lead of beans and wheat and retreated from Friday’s contract highs. Limited trading pared Friday’s gains, but there is no indication of topping action in this market. Things will be back to normal after the New Year’s holiday and the overall fundamental situation remains positive. Upside potential may be limited, or it may be significant. Both U.S. and world stocks are limited and U.S. rice production could decline in 2008 unless price is competitive with the corn and bean market. High fuel and fertilizer costs could move weaker land from rice to beans. Cattle & Hogs  Date: December 31, 2007 Cattle As reported by Federal-State Market News, receipts were - - - head at sales in - - -.  Compared with last week, feeder steers - - - . Steers:  Medium & Large Frame - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -  Medium & Large Frame - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Heifers:  Medium & Large Frame - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -  Medium & Large Frame - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Slaughter Cows, Boners - - -   to   - - - Light Weight - - - to - - - Bulls, Yield Grade   - - -   - - -   to   - - - lbs.   - - -   to   - - - Midwest Steers   were   at   89   to   93.50 Panhandle Steers   were   at   91   to   93.50 Oklahoma City Feeders Steers - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Heifers - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Chicago Futures: Live Cattle: Feb up 12 at 9617   June up 25 at 9502 Feeders: Jan up 92 at 10510   March up 75 at 10710 Cattle Comment Cattle futures were higher across the board with feeders leading the way. Generally, there is a feeling that cattle have bottomed, but any upside recovery will be limited unless cutout values improve significantly. February live cattle need to close above trendline resistance around $97 to suggest a bottom has been made. Support remains the recent low of $94.50. Hogs Peoria: were     steady   at   28   to   30 Chicago Futures: Feb up 57 at 5787   June up 32 at 7325 Sheep St. Paul n/a   at   - - -   to   - - - Hogs Comment Hogs were mostly higher as the market made a late partial recovery of Friday’s big losses. A larger than expected inventory will pressure prices for the near term. Resistance is located between $58 and $59 for February futures. Support at $57 appears weak. Poultry  Date: December 31, 2007 Eggs New York:  Ex. Lg. 163-167; Lg. 161-165; Med. 146-150; Chicago:  Ex. Lg. 152-160; Lg. 150-158; Med. 141-149; Eastern Region Turkeys Hens: 8-16 lbs. 75 Toms: 16-24lbs. 75   Delmarva Broilers U.S. Grade A Movement of ready-to-cook whole birds was moderate to good approaching the New Year's holiday. Offerings were in good balance to well cleared for immediate trade requirements. Live supplies were moderate; weights were mixed, but noted as mostly desirable. Processing schedules were light with many plants closed due to the holiday. Less than trucklot asking prices were unchanged at 71 to 85 cents. The market tone ranged fully steady to firm. ---------------------------------------- HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE You are receiving this newsletter because you requested that your e-mail address be added to the Arkansas Farm Bureau Market Report. To unsubscribe or change your subscription information, go to http://www.arfb.com/commodity_marketing/email/ ---------------------------------------- QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? If you have any comments or questions about this e-newsletter please e-mail us at mktrpt@arfb.com Arkansas Farm Bureau 10720 Kanis Road Little Rock, AR 72211 501-224-4400 Copyright 2007 Arkansas Farm Bureau, Inc. All rights reserved Terms of Use

FWD: Morning Manna (Dec. 31); BP: Lk. 2:36-38; RBTTY: Rev. 22; Malachi

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

---

-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sun, 30 Dec 2007 19:28:39 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Dec. 31); BP: Lk. 2:36-38; RBTTY: Rev. 22; Malachi
 

December 31                                                                                     "Grateful Witness"
 
"And she, coming in that instance, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord and spoke of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem."
                                                                                                                                                   Luke 2:38
      She didn’t get to hold Him, but she did behold Him—and that was all she needed to become the first female evangelist.
     Some think Anna was over 100-years-old—quite possibly 104, if you count the "time of her virginity" (v.36d) as being around 13-years-of-age and add that to her seven years of marriage (v.36c) and 84 years of widowhood (v.37).
 
     Regardless, it’s clear she was a Godly woman. . .a prophetess, in fact (v.36a). . . "the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher" (v.36b), who was the eighth son of Jacob by Zilpah, one of Lean’s maidservants (Gen. 30:13). Thus, it’s clear she was from a Godly heritage. And, the fact that Jacob, from his deathbed, had said of Asher, "Bread from Asher shall be rich and he shall yield royal dainties" (Gen. 49:20), makes us believe that seeing the Christ-child (the "Living Bread") with her own eyes was Anna’s "Royal Dainty." Hallelujah!!
 
     Unlike Simeon, she didn’t just happen to be at the Temple that day when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus in to be dedicated and circumcised. Instead, she "departed not from the Temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day" (v.37). Simply put, she was a regular "fixture of faith" around the place and those who came to worship at the Temple knew full-well who she was and what she was about.
 
     Why, then, did the Lord let Simeon be the one to hold Baby Jesus and not Anna? True, he also was a "just and devout person, waiting for the consolation of Israel" (v.25), just like Anna. But, why did he get the "up-close-and-personal" encounter with the Christ-child and Anna did not?
 
     The answer is "Only God knows."
     Our Lord God is a sovereign God Who "rains on the just and the unjust" (Mt. 5:45c). Or, as Jesus said, "He makes His sun to rise on the evil and the good" (Mt. 5:45b) and then reminded them (and us) of our responsibility to love all people just as He does (Mt. 5:38-48).
 
     There’s no doubt that Anna would have loved to hold Jesus in her arms and pronounce a blessing upon Him. You don’t spend 84 years in the Temple in "fastings and prayers night and day" without longing to experience God’s richest blessings firsthand.
 
      But, such was not to be that day for Anna.
     Instead, she saw what was going on. . .realized Who the Baby was. . .rejoiced in Simeon’s blessed benediction. . . "gave thanks likewise unto the Lord". . .and then spent the rest of her life telling everyone that she, like Simeon, had "seen the Lord’s Salvation" (v.30) and how they needed to place their trust in Him. May the Holy Spirit help us today to rest in God’s grace and not allow envy or jealousy to rob us of His joy.

FWD: Morning Manna (Dec. 30); BP: Lk. 2:21-40; RBTTY: Rev. 21; Zech.

Happy 2008 to all.  God Bless 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

---

-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sat, 29 Dec 2007 11:58:28 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Dec. 30); BP: Lk. 2:21-40; RBTTY: Rev. 21; Zech.
 
December 30                                                                                                     "On Waiting In Hope"  
"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon. And, the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel—and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ."
                                                                                                                                             Luke 2:25-26
      When God plants a desire within our hearts, it’s not a matter of "if" it’ll come to pass, it’s a matter of "when."
     Simeon, whose name means "God hears," was evidently an elderly man, who was "just and devout." This tells us about his character, while the words "waiting for the consolation of Israel" tell us of his hope.
 
     The Greek word "paraklesis" is used here for "consolation" and also means "solace, comfort, to call near, invoke, etc." Thus, it’s clear he was a consecrated man, who longed for the arrival of the Messiah or the Christ. His mind was steeped in Jewish theology and prophecy and it’s likely not a single day went by without his praying, "Lord, could today be the day?"
 
     Day after day he studied the Law, psalms and the prophets. He poured over the Messianic prophecies, trying to discern what this "Promised/Anointed One from God" would be like and when He’d come.
 
     One day gave way to another. One week soon turned into another and another and another. Months became years and years became decades. And, maybe, just maybe, he was about to lose hope. Like Zecharias, who’d prayed for so long for a child, but pretty much resigned himself to the fact that he and Elizabeth were too old (Lk. 1:7, 13, 18), it’s quite possible that Simeon had begun to give up on ever seeing the One sent from God.
 
      Then God sneaked up on him. Perhaps he was studying the Word and praying when "the Holy Ghost came upon him." Or, perhaps he was lying in bed during the wee hours of the morning. Or, perhaps he was taking a walk when the Spirit spoke.
But, then "it" happened.
 
      "Today’s the Day," the Voice whispered.
      "Today’s the Day you’ve waited for all of your life," He said. "Go now into the Temple and you’ll see your ‘desire’s Delight’."
 
     So, up to the Temple he went. How surprised he likely was when the Spirit directed his attention to a young couple with a tiny baby and the Lord said, "He’s the One!" (v.27). How touching the scene must have been as he took the Child in his arms and blessed Him. Even though Mary wouldn’t understand his prophecy (v.35) until some 33 ½ years later, Simeon was faithful to deliver it. No wonder he could say, "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your Word—for my eyes have seen Your salvation" (vv.29-30). Hallelujah!!
p

FWD: Morning Manna (Dec. 29); BP: Mt. 2:1-12; RBTTY: Rev. 20; Zech. 9-12

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

---

-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:54:46 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Dec. 29); BP: Mt. 2:1-12; RBTTY: Rev. 20; Zech. 9-12
 
December 29                                                                                      "On Obeying God"  
"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."
                                                                                                                                             Matthew 2:12
      As Peter and the Apostles once said, "We ought to obey God rather then men" (Acts 5:29).
     Anyone who’s ever served in the military knows the importance of respecting and submitting to those in authority over you. Not only is this the "right" thing to do, it’s the "wise" thing to do—for the consequences of not doing so can be quite drastic at times.
 
     Even Jesus Himself said "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s" (Mt. 22:21). Likewise, the Apostle Paul also instructed Timothy and the early church to "intercede for kings and all who are in authority" (I Tim. 2:2), while the writer of Hebrews said "Obey them that have the rule over you—and submit yourselves" (Heb. 13:17a).
 
     Why, then, did the "wise men from the east" disobey Herod by "departing into their own country another way" after he’d told them "bring him word again when they’d found the One born King of the Jews" (v.8)? Simply because they’d been commanded by a Higher Authority to do what they did! Hallelujah!!
 
     While it’s true they were foreign visitors to Judea and under no legal requirement to comply with Herod’s command, the fact remains they could have been arrested and imprisoned for their actions. And, the fact that they were pagan Gentiles when they left home—but now obeying the God of Abraham—tells us their encounter with the Christ-child had definitely had an impact upon them.
 
     Regardless, the truth contained in today’s Manna is one we’d all do well to hear and heed: It’s always the "right" and "wise" thing to do to "obey God rather than men." Does this mean we should rebel and engage in anarchy whenever the government raises our taxes or imposes another oppressive, illogical, red-tape, bureaucratic regulations?
 
     No, it doesn’t mean that at all—for Mary and Joseph "submitted to those in authority over them," even though Mary was pregnant and the journey to Bethlehem was a long, hard one (Lk. 2:1-5).
 
     But, there’ll be times when we must "stand up for right" or, else, we’ll end up "falling for wrong." History is full of those who "counted he cost" of "obeying God rather than men" and flung themselves wholeheartedly into doing God’s will (e.g., Martin Luther, Wilbur Wilberforce, etc.). Their actions cost them dearly; but they knew it’s better "to please God than be a man-pleaser" (Eph. 6:6-7). Amen and amen.
 
     Oh, dear Pilgrim, every day we’re face with decisions—many of them seemingly "small" and "inconsequential"—where we’re tempted to compromise and condone. But, inwardly, we know the "right" thing to do. May the Holy Spirit help us to stand firm on the Word of God, even if no one stands with us—and He will bless.

12/28/2007 Farm Bureau Market Report

Click here to view this report online.

Grain & Soybean Date: December 28, 2007 Soybeans Local Elevators: (Dec) EAST AR:  1156 to 1184 (NC) Summ. 1171 to - - - River Elevators: (Dec) MISS: 1168 to 1193 ; AR & White 1160 to 1168 (NC) Summ. 1168 to 1203 Ark. Processor Bids: (Dec) 1166 to 1174  (NC) 1178 to 1200 Memphis:  (Dec) 1193 to 1200 3/4 (NC)  1075 1/2 to - - - Riceland Foods:  (NC) Stuttgart 1164 ; Pendleton 1183 ; West Memphis 1174 Chicago Futures: Jan down 4 3/4 at  1207 3/4   Mar  down  8 1/2  at  1223   May down 7 1/2  at  1240 1/2   Nov '08 down 1 3/4  at  1120 1/2   Nov '09 up 2  at  1042   Today's Arkansas LDP rate for soybeans is: 0¢ Soybean Comment Soybeans could not hold early gains and ended lower for the second day in a row. The January contract registered a key reversal top, but given the holiday trade, it isn’t likely to hold up. The market was boosted by a good sales report and further weakness in the dollar. Higher crude oil also contributed to the early upturn. However, late profit taking and the upcoming New Year’s holiday contributed to the weak close. Some old crop contracts pushed near the all time record high of $12.90. We could see prices hit the teens for the first time ever. Be aware the market remains overbought technically, and is due a correction. Wheat Cash bid for new crop at Memphis  683 to 690; Bids to farmers at Local Elevators 668-680; River Elevators 665-683; Chicago Futures: Mar down  30  at  885    May down 26  at  893    Jul '08 down  14  at  778    Sep down  14 3/4  at  782 1/4    Jul '09 down  11  at  743    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for wheat is: 0¢ Grain Sorghum Cash bid for December at Memphis  859 to 861; Bids to farmers at River Elevators 716-763; Today's Arkansas LDP rate for sorghum is: 0¢ Corn Cash bid for December at Memphis   440 to 443;   new crop at Memphis   444 1/4 to - - -; Bids to farmers at River Elevators  419 to 438 Chicago Futures: Mar down  2 3/4  at  452    May down  2 3/4  at  463 1/4    Jul down  2  at  473    Dec '08 down  1 1/2  at  473    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for corn is: 0¢ Grain Comment Wheat prices fell sharply today as most wheat contracts closed the day down almost the limit. March wheat fell through support levels at $9.06 and approached secondary support levels of $8.81. Additionally prices look to be moving toward a 50 percent retracement. As the new year approaches the large funds will begin re-evaluating their positions in the commodity markets. If we combine this with the current fundamentals situation, we may be in for a wild ride as we begin the new year. Cotton & Rice  Date: December 28, 2007 Cotton Spot Price, Grade 41 Staple 34: Memphis up 11 at  6264   Greenwood up  11 at 6264 New York Futures: Mar up  11  at  6789    May up  19  at  6938    Jul up  17  at  7104    Dec '08 up  3  at  7520    Mar '09 unchanged    at  7770  This week's LDP rate for cotton is  0 cents   The estimate for next week is  0 cents Cotton Comment Cotton inched higher as the market is showing growing concerns about further cuts in ’08 planted acreage. While there are ample stocks available for the current market year, plantings in the 9 to 10 million acre range would substantially reduce stocks in 08/09. Production would likely be in the 14 to 16 million bale range. While that is well above domestic needs, China and several other countries will need substantial imports to feed their rapidly expanding mill sector. Old crop March may test support at 70 cents, while December may need to move above 80 cents to keep acreage from moving to soybeans, corn and wheat. Rice Long Grain Cash Bid for  Jan/Feb/Mar 1252/cwt  to  - - -   - - - - - -  to  - - - Chicago Futures: Jan up  14  at  1365    Mar up  14  at  1397    May up  14  at  1422    Sep up  10  at  1375    - - -   - - -  at  - - -  Today's Arkansas LDP rate for long grain rice is  0¢ medium grain rice is  0¢ Rice Comment Rice futures jumped to new contract highs with a number of contracts now trading above $14 level. There is no indication that this market is near a top as overall fundamentals remain positive with U.S. and world stocks continuing to tighten. The market got a positive boost from the recent European Common market announcement that they would no longer test for biogenetic materials. In order to hold acreage rice will likely need to move higher in order to compete with soybeans and grains. Cattle & Hogs  Date: December 28, 2007 Cattle As reported by Federal-State Market News, receipts were n/a head at sales in n/a.  Compared with last week, feeder steers n/a . Steers:  Medium & Large Frame n/a   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -  Medium & Large Frame n/a   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Heifers:  Medium & Large Frame n/a   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -  Medium & Large Frame n/a   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Slaughter Cows, Boners n/a   to   Light Weight n/a to Bulls, Yield Grade   n/a   - - -   to   - - - lbs.   - - -   to   - - - Midwest Steers   were steady   at   92   to   93 Panhandle Steers   n/a   at   - - -   to   - - - Oklahoma City Feeders Steers n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Heifers n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Chicago Futures: Live Cattle: Feb down 12 at 9605   Jun down 5 at 9477 Feeders: Jan down 5 at 10432   Mar up 2 at 10635 Cattle Comment Cattle prices finished the day mixed. Sharply lower hog prices made it difficult for cattle prices to strengthen today, despite continued weather concerns. February futures have resistance around $97. Hogs Peoria: were     steady   at   28   to   30 Chicago Futures: Feb down 197 at 5730   Jun down 100 at 7292 Sheep St. Paul sheep shorn slaughter lambs   at   n/a   to   - - - Hogs Comment Yesterday's USDA Hog report showed a 5% increase in hog inventories compared to year ago levels. The increase was much larger than industry expectations, causing hog prices to drop sharply today. These large supplies are likely to extend into 2008 and pressure prices for some time. Poultry  Date: December 28, 2007 Eggs New York:  Ex. Lg. 163-167; Lg. 161-165; Med. 151-155; Chicago:  Ex. Lg. 152-160; Lg. 150-158; Med. 141-149; Eastern Region Turkeys Hens: 8-16 lbs. 75-76 Toms: 16-24 lbs. 75-76   Delmarva Broilers U.S. Grade A Trade sentiment was fully steady to firm. Supplies of all sizes were balanced to short of full trade needs. In production areas, live supplies were moderate at mixed, but mostly desirable weights. ---------------------------------------- HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE You are receiving this newsletter because you requested that your e-mail address be added to the Arkansas Farm Bureau Market Report. To unsubscribe or change your subscription information, go to http://www.arfb.com/commodity_marketing/email/ ---------------------------------------- QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? If you have any comments or questions about this e-newsletter please e-mail us at mktrpt@arfb.com Arkansas Farm Bureau 10720 Kanis Road Little Rock, AR 72211 501-224-4400 Copyright 2007 Arkansas Farm Bureau, Inc. All rights reserved Terms of Use

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December 28, 2007 Dear Agriculture, Time is running out to make your year-end tax-deductible donation. With the close of this year's holiday season, I hope you'll take a moment to reflect on the bounty of the season and how it contributed to your enjoyment of the holidays. Whether it was a Christmas tree from a local tree farm, a holiday turkey or freshly harvested fruits and vegetables…the "season of giving" just wouldn’t be the same without the gifts of the land. Please make a special year-end gift today to support American Farmland Trust's farm and ranch land protection efforts. Thanks to support from people like you, 2007 was a year of unprecedented success for American Farmland Trust. We helped keep bulldozers off tens of thousands of acres of crop and ranch land, educated farmers about reducing the use of pesticides and urged Congress to bring fresh, healthy produce to schools across the country. We have ambitious goals to surpass these efforts in 2008—but we need your help to achieve them. These last few days of the year are your last chance to support AFT and benefit from a tax deduction on your 2007 tax return. Make a tax-deductible year-end gift to American Farmland Trust now. Although the holidays are behind us, I hope you'll keep the spirit of the season going and consider making a secure online donation now to help American Farmland Trust prepare to meet the challenges ahead in 2008. Make a secure online donation now to support our work in 2008. From all of us at American Farmland Trust, thank you for your support and best wishes for the New Year. Sincerely, Ralph Grossi President, American Farmland Trust

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FWD: Morning Manna (Dec. 28); BP: Mt. 2:1-12; RBTTY: Rev. 19; Zech. 5-8

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

---

-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:51:22 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Dec. 28); BP: Mt. 2:1-12; RBTTY: Rev. 19; Zech. 5-8
 

December 28                                                                                                 "On Seeking the Savior"
 
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He that is born King of the Jew? For we have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him’."
                                                                                                                                           Matthew 2:1-2
     As someone once said, "Wise men still seek Him."
     They’d come a long ways, these visitors from the east, in search of One Who’d be "born King of the Jews." And, their purpose in seeking Him was singular and clear: "To worship (Grk. ‘proskuneo’—‘to kiss, crouch before, lie prostrate, etc.’) Him."
 
     Who they were, how they’d come to learn about Him and why they wanted to worship Him is little more than speculation. The first ones who took special note of Jesus’ birth were the lowly shepherds (Lk. 2:8-20), with the aged Simeon and prophetess, Anna, doing so some eight days later (Lk. 2:25-38).
 
     Even so, again, we know little of these foreign visitors, other than the fact they’re called "Magoi" in the Greek text, which comes from the root word "magos" and basically means "magician, sorcerer, etc." But, history records these men were a type of Oriental scientist from Persia and most likely their philosophers and/or priests.
 
     Likewise, the fact that they’d "seen His star in the east and had come to worship Him" lets us know they were likely stargazers, who engaged in divination based upon what they saw in the stars. Regardless, we do know they were Gentiles in search of the Promised One from God—and isn’t this a beautiful picture of what would happen later on in Jesus’ ministry and continues until today?
 
     Assuredly it is. Hallelujah! These "seekers," of whom we don’t know the exact number, lived in an idolatrous society that worshipped the stars as "the host of heaven" and even named the planets according to their idol-gods (Amos 5:26). It’s possible they’d heard of Balaam’s prophecy that a "star should arise out of Jacob" (Num. 24:17) and that’s what intrigued them; however, the fact that they were in search of a Person, not a planet, lets us know they’d also heard other prophecies about One Who arise in that particular day-and-age while Herod was on the throne (Gen. 49:10).
 
     Thus, it’s clear these were "men on a mission." We’re not told how long they’d traveled, although there are some who conclude it’d possibly been as long as 1-2 years. Regardless, the fact remains that they’d traveled a long distance, did arrive, bearing gifts and chose to "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29) when they returned home. Hallelujah!!
 
     Oh, dear Pilgrim, if those—who were "without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Eph. 2:12)—could make seeking Christ their "magnificent obsession," why shouldn’t we? May we, like them, be wise today by putting Christ first (Mt. 6:33) and then seek to lead others to Him as well.

12/27/2007 Farm Bureau Market Report

Click here to view this report online.

Grain & Soybean Date: December 27, 2007 Soybeans Local Elevators: (Dec) EAST AR:  1161 to 1189 (NC) Summ. 1169 to - - - River Elevators: (Dec) MISS: 1178 to 1198 ; AR & White 1167 to 1173 (NC) Summ. 1175 to 1208 Ark. Processor Bids: (Dec) 1171 to 1179  (NC) 1183 to 1205 Memphis:  (Dec) 1202 1/2 to 1209 1/2 (NC)  1077 1/4 to 1082 1/4 Riceland Foods:  (Dec) Stuttgart 1179 ; Pendleton 1189 ; West Memphis 1198 Chicago Futures: Jan down 8 1/4 at  1212 1/2   Mar  down  8  at  1231 1/2   May down 8 1/4  at  1248   Nov '08 down 4 1/4  at  1122 1/4   Nov '09 down 7  at  1040   Today's Arkansas LDP rate for soybeans is: 0¢ Soybean Comment Soybeans gave back a portion of yesterday’s gains but remains in a solid uptrend. Record vegetable oil prices in China and other Asian countries are fueling the recent upturn. While that situation remains a factor, traders took profit and eased up on positions heading into the end of the year. November futures have upside gap objective of $11.70, while old crop futures appear to be heading to the all time high of $12.90. Wheat Cash bid for new crop at Memphis  697 to 704; Bids to farmers at Local Elevators 682-694; River Elevators 679-697; Chicago Futures: Mar down  26 1/4  at  915    May down 24 1/2  at  919    Jul '08 down  14 1/2  at  792    Sep down  12  at  797    Jul '09 down  10  at  754    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for wheat is: 0¢ Grain Sorghum Cash bid for December at Memphis  864 to 866; Bids to farmers at River Elevators 721-784; Today's Arkansas LDP rate for sorghum is: 0¢ Corn Cash bid for December at Memphis   442 3/4 to 447 3/4;   new crop at Memphis   446 1/4 to 449 1/4; Bids to farmers at River Elevators  423 to 441 Chicago Futures: Mar up  2 1/2  at  454 3/4    May up  3 1/4  at  466    Jul up  2 3/4  at  475    Dec '08 up  4 1/2  at  474 1/2    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for corn is: 0¢ Grain Comment Wheat appears to have priced itself out of the international market with Egypt having cancelled a number of purchases. March futures gave further signs of a possible market top as trading pushed futures below recent support. Retracement objectives are $8.94, $8.69 and $8.44. Cotton & Rice  Date: December 27, 2007 Cotton Spot Price, Grade 41 Staple 34: Memphis up 66 at  6253   Greenwood up  66 at 6253 New York Futures: Jan up  5  at  1351    Mar up  5  at  1383    May up  4  at  1408    Sep up  3  at  1365    n/a up  - - -  at  - - -  This week's LDP rate for cotton is  0 cents   The estimate for next week is  0 cents Cotton Comment Cotton extended recent gains as the market is showing growing concerns about further cuts in ’08 planted acreage. While there are ample stocks available for the current market year, plantings in the 9 to 10 million acre range would substantially reduce stocks in 08/09. Production would likely be in the 14 to 16 million bale range. While that is well above domestic needs, China and several other countries will need substantial imports to feed their rapidly expanding mill sector. Old crop March may test support at 70 cents, while December may need to move above 80 cents to keep acreage from moving to soybeans, corn and wheat. Rice Long Grain Cash Bid for  Jan/Feb/Mar 1238/cwt  to  - - -   - - - - - -  to  - - - Chicago Futures: Jan down  5  at  1351    Mar down  5  at  1383    May down  4  at  1408    Sep down  3  at  1365    - - -   - - -  at  - - -  Today's Arkansas LDP rate for long grain rice is  0¢ medium grain rice is  0¢ Rice Comment Rice was a little lower today in a thinly traded holiday market. Overall fundamentals remain positive with U.S. and world stocks continuing to tighten. The market got a positive boost from the recent European Common market announcement that they would no longer test for biogenetic materials. In order to hold acreage rice will likely need to move higher in order to compete with soybeans and grains. Cattle & Hogs  Date: December 27, 2007 Cattle As reported by Federal-State Market News, receipts were n/a head at sales in n/a.  Compared with last week, feeder steers n/a . Steers:  Medium & Large Frame n/a   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -  Medium & Large Frame n/a   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Heifers:  Medium & Large Frame n/a   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -  Medium & Large Frame n/a   - - - to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Slaughter Cows, Boners n/a   to   - - - Light Weight - - - to - - - Bulls, Yield Grade   n/a   - - -   to   - - - lbs.   - - -   to   - - - Midwest Steers   n/a   at   - - -   to   - - - Panhandle Steers   were quoted   at   93   to   93.50 Oklahoma City Feeders Steers n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Heifers n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Chicago Futures: Live Cattle: Feb up 117 at 9617   Jun up 85 at 9472 Feeders: Jan up 87 at 10437   Mar up 130 at 10632 Cattle Comment Cattle futures rallied on weather concerns as forecast indicates snow across the plains. Packers and feedlot bids and offers remain several dollars apart and cutout values continue to decline. Tighter cattle supplies are expected by late February or early March. February futures have resistance around $97. Hogs Peoria: were weak to     steady   at   28   to   30 Chicago Futures: Feb down 62 at 5935   Jun down 55 at 7392 Sheep St. Paul sheep shorn slaughter lambs   at   n/a   to   - - - Hogs Comment Hogs remain under pressure as the market anticipates further expansion in today’s pig crop report. Big hog runs and limited demand pushed futures back to the bottom of a narrow consolidation. If support at $59.25 fails to hold, futures will retest support at the contract low of $59.15. Poultry  Date: December 27, 2007 Eggs New York:  Ex. Lg. 163-167; Lg. 161-165; Med. 151-155; Chicago:  Ex. Lg. 152-160; Lg. 150-158; Med. 141-149; Eastern Region Turkeys Hens: 8-16 lbs. 75-76 Toms: 16-24 lbs. 75-76   Delmarva Broilers U.S. Grade A Trade sentiment was fully steady to firm. Demand into retail channels was mostly light to fair with optimism for next week’s first of the month. Supplies of all sizes were adequate to short of full trade needs due to reduced holiday schedules with many plants down next week for New Year’s Day. In production areas, live supplies were moderate at desirable to heavy, but mostly desirable weights. ---------------------------------------- HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE You are receiving this newsletter because you requested that your e-mail address be added to the Arkansas Farm Bureau Market Report. To unsubscribe or change your subscription information, go to http://www.arfb.com/commodity_marketing/email/ ---------------------------------------- QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? If you have any comments or questions about this e-newsletter please e-mail us at mktrpt@arfb.com Arkansas Farm Bureau 10720 Kanis Road Little Rock, AR 72211 501-224-4400 Copyright 2007 Arkansas Farm Bureau, Inc. All rights reserved Terms of Use