07/09/2008 Farm Bureau Market Report

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Grain & Soybean Date: July 09, 2008 Soybeans Local Elevators: (Jul) EAST AR:  1518 to - - - (NC) Summ. 1444 to 1470 River Elevators: (Jul) MISS: 1498 to 1561 ; AR & White 1532 to 1538 (NC) Summ. 1450 to 1487 Ark. Processor Bids: (Jul) n/a to - - -  (NC) 1464 to 1466 Memphis:  (Jul) 1567 to - - - (NC)  1482 to - - - Riceland Foods:  (NC) Stuttgart 1466 ; Pendleton 1470 ; West Memphis 1487 Chicago Futures: Aug up 23 at  1572   Sep  up  26 3/4  at  1564 3/4   Nov up 27 1/2  at  1557   Jan '09 up 28 1/4  at  1571   Nov '09 up 11 1/2  at  1466   Today's Arkansas LDP rate for soybeans is: 0¢ Soybean Comment Soybeans broke away from grains continuing yesterday’s late reversal and closing higher for the session. Strong demand, tight supplies and uncertainty regarding this year’s crop combined to give soybeans early upward impetus. Early firmness in crude oil and a weaker dollar were also contributing factors. November came within a penny of closing yesterday’s gap. However, there is overhead resistance in the $15.60 area which could forest all further gains. Improving crop conditions and a favorable weather outlook kept corn on the defensive. December is testing key support around $7. Additional support is seen at $6.75 and $6.50. Wheat Cash bid for new crop at Memphis  n/a to - - -; Bids to farmers at Local Elevators 573-581; River Elevators 560-606; Chicago Futures: Sep down  10 3/4  at  825 3/4    Dec down 10 1/2  at  849 1/4    Mar '09 down  10 1/4  at  871 3/4    May '09 down  9 1/2  at  885 1/4    Jul '09 down  6 1/2  at  893    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for wheat is: 0¢ Grain Sorghum Cash bid for July at Memphis  996 to 1005; Bids to farmers at River Elevators 979-1063; Today's Arkansas LDP rate for sorghum is: 0¢ Corn Cash bid for July at Memphis   654 3/4 to 659 3/4;   new crop at Memphis   634 3/4 to - - -; Bids to farmers at River Elevators  629 to 644 Chicago Futures: Sep down  9 3/4  at  694 3/4    Dec down  9 3/4  at  712 3/4    Mar '09 down  10 1/4  at  729 3/4    Dec '09 down  3 1/2  at  662    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for corn is: 0¢ Grain Comment Wheat continues to follow corn and closed lower for the day. Wheat production is expected to be significantly higher world wide, particularly soft red, that makes it more attractive for feed purposes, which links the market to corn. Some support has developed around $8.20, but a retest of the September low around $7.60 is possible. Cotton & Rice  Date: July 09, 2008 Cotton Spot Price, Grade 41 Staple 34: Memphis up 200 at  6481   Greenwood up  200 at 6481 New York Futures: Jul up  190  at  6684    Dec up  170  at  7344    Mar '09 up  173  at  7877    May '09 up  169  at  8067    Jul '09 up  166  at  8212  This week's LDP rate for cotton is  0 cents   The estimate for next week is  0 cents Cotton Comment Cotton got strong upward bounce despite the generally weaker undertone in grains. However, upside potential appears limited. December will likely test support around 71 cents in the near future. Slow utilization and big ending stocks have nullified any advantage of this year’s smaller plantings. Futures may have to trade below 70 cents to encourage exports to help reduce projected stocks. The June report increased stocks to 10.3 million bales and further adjustments are possible in this Friday’s report. Rice Long Grain Cash Bid for  Jul 1956/cwt  to  - - -   - - - - - -  to  - - - Chicago Futures: Sep down  16  at  1791    Nov down  18  at  1819    Jan '09 down  18  at  1851    Mar '09 down  19  at  1883    - - -   - - -  at  - - -  Today's Arkansas LDP rate for long grain rice is  0¢ medium grain rice is  0¢ Rice Comment Rice declined slightly as it followed corn and wheat lower. September ended the session with an inside trading day that gave little in the way of clues about future movement. The international market continues to weaken with Thai quotes generally below $750.00 per tonne on a milled basis. The panic buying of this spring has dissipated at least for the time being. U.S. plantings don’t suggest any big shift in total rice available for 08/09. Friday’s report should have production around 200 million cwt. Cattle & Hogs  Date: July 09, 2008 Cattle As reported by Federal-State Market News, receipts were 1,030 head at sales in Conway & Pocahontas.  Compared with last week, feeder steers sold $2-3 lower . Steers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 110.07 to - - -   500 to 550 lbs. 105.21 to - - -   600 to 650 lbs. 101.92 to - - -  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 95.33 to - - - Heifers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 94.48 to - - -  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 86.98 to - - - Slaughter Cows, Boners 52   to   59 Light Weight 36 to 40 Bulls, Yield Grade   1   1000   to   2100 lbs.   67   to   72.50, high dressing 77.50-78 Midwest Steers   remained   at   99   to   - - - Panhandle Steers   were quoted   at   99   to   - - - Oklahoma City Feeders Steers n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - -   n/a to - - - lbs. - - - to - - - Heifers 500 to 550 lbs. 107.25 to 111   550 to 600 lbs. 108.25 to 112 Chicago Futures: Live Cattle: Aug up 45 at 10255   Dec up 47 at 11240 Feeders: Aug up 137 at 11290   Oct up 112 at 11617 Cattle Comment Cattle futures reversed recent declines and moved higher today. Feedlots and packers remain somewhat apart with bids at $99 and asking prices at $103. Overall beef demand is good as a result of export movement. Longer range we could see some seasonal weakness develop as ample market ready supplies head to town. Hogs Peoria: were     steady   at   41   to   43 Chicago Futures: Aug up 230 at 7300   Oct up 205 at 7055 Sheep St. Paul sheep shorn slaughter lambs   at   n/a   to   - - - Hogs Comment Hogs took a big jump after 5 or 6 days of sideways trading following last week’s sharp decline. Today’s move left a potential island reversal bottom which could suggest further near term improvement. Falling slaughter weights is also positive for price. Poultry  Date: July 09, 2008 Eggs New York:  Ex. Lg. 112-116; Lg. 110-114; Med. 87-91; Chicago:  Ex. Lg. 112-120; Lg. 110-118; Med. 86-94; Eastern Region Turkeys Hens: 8-16 lbs. 91-93 Toms: 16-24 lbs. 91-93   Delmarva Broilers U.S. Grade A Trade sentiment was mostly steady. Demand was fair to moderate. Supplies of all sizes were usually sufficient to satisfy trade needs. In production areas, live supplies were moderate. Weights were mostly desirable. ---------------------------------------- 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 2008 Arkansas Farm Bureau, Inc. All rights reserved Terms of Use

07/08/2008 Farm Bureau Market Report

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Grain & Soybean Date: July 08, 2008 Soybeans Local Elevators: (Jul) EAST AR:  1491 to - - - (NC) Summ. 1417 to 1443 River Elevators: (Jul) MISS: 1481 to 1538 ; AR & White 1509 to 1515 (NC) Summ. 1423 to 1460 Ark. Processor Bids: (Jul) n/a to - - -  (NC) 1437 to 1439 Memphis:  (Jul) 1544 to - - - (NC)  1454 1/2 to - - - Riceland Foods:  (Jul) Stuttgart 1439 ; Pendleton 1443 ; West Memphis 1460 Chicago Futures: Aug down 30 at  1549   Sep  down  29 1/4  at  1538   Nov down 31 1/2  at  1529 1/2   Jan '09 down 32  at  1542 3/4   Nov '09 down 44 1/2  at  1454 1/2   Today's Arkansas LDP rate for soybeans is: 0¢ Soybean Comment Yesterday’s downturn in beans and corn continued today with big early losses. However, the markets retrenched in the afternoon with November soybeans closing down just 31 ½ cents. Early declines were about 80 cents, taking November to key support just above $14.80. Inability to hold above $14.70 would suggest a drop to trendline support around $14. Corn also retraced about half of the early losses to close about 20-22 cents lower. December gapped below support at $7.40 and immediately filled the upside breakaway gap between $7.03 ½ and $7.15. That area just above $7 is key support, which if broken would bring test of support at $6.75 and $6.52. Wheat Cash bid for new crop at Memphis  n/a to - - -; Bids to farmers at Local Elevators 584-592; River Elevators 570-617; Chicago Futures: Sep up  1/2  at  836 1/2    Dec up 3/4  at  859 3/4    Mar '09 up  1 1/4  at  882    May '09 up  3/4  at  894 3/4    Jul '09 up  2 1/2  at  899 1/2    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for wheat is: 0¢ Grain Sorghum Cash bid for July at Memphis  1022 to 1031; Bids to farmers at River Elevators 1004-1080; Today's Arkansas LDP rate for sorghum is: 0¢ Corn Cash bid for July at Memphis   664 1/2 to 669 1/2;   new crop at Memphis   644 1/2 to - - -; Bids to farmers at River Elevators  638 to 653 Chicago Futures: Sep down  23 1/4  at  704 1/2    Dec down  24 1/2  at  722 1/2    Mar '09 down  24  at  740    Dec '09 down  2  at  665 1/2    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for corn is: 0¢ Grain Comment Wheat futures ended near unchanged after trading lower in early dealings. This market has clearly been following corn, since harvest pressure and an extremely wide basis suggest this market is overpriced. Without carryover strength from corn, September could move toward recent support near $7.50. Cotton & Rice  Date: July 08, 2008 Cotton Spot Price, Grade 41 Staple 34: Memphis down 105 at  6281   Greenwood down  105 at 6281 New York Futures: Oct down  55  at  6921    Dec down  67  at  7209    Mar '09 down  99  at  7722    May '09 up  137  at  8134    Jul '09 down  136  at  8000  This week's LDP rate for cotton is  0 cents   The estimate for next week is  0 cents Cotton Comment Cotton turned the market into a two way street albeit just briefly. Early pressure gave way to a strong rebound which carried December above 85 cents. However, the market proceeded to move lower into the close after trading a wide 450 point range for the day. December fell below the June low of 71.65 cents and now has support just below 71 cents. Slow utilization and big ending stocks have nullified any advantage of this year’s smaller plantings. Futures may have to trade below 70 cents to encourage exports to help reduce projected stocks. The June report increased stocks to 10.3 million bales and further adjustments are possible in this Friday’s report. Rice Long Grain Cash Bid for  Jul 1969/cwt  to  - - -   - - - - - -  to  - - - Chicago Futures: Sep up  3  at  1807    Nov up  8  at  1837    Jan '09 up  10  at  1869    Mar '09 up  13  at  1902    - - -   - - -  at  - - -  Today's Arkansas LDP rate for long grain rice is  0¢ medium grain rice is  0¢ Rice Comment Rice was again hit with big declines early but retraced to close mostly higher. Only expiring July remained on the negative side. September moved to $17.39 before rebounding to close 3 cents higher. Recent reports indicate international markets have dropped below $8.00 per metric tonne for milled rice. The panic buying of this spring has dissipated at least for the time being. U.S. plantings don’t suggest any big shift in total rice available for 08/09. Friday’s report should have production around 200 million cwt. Cattle & Hogs  Date: July 08, 2008 Cattle As reported by Federal-State Market News, receipts were 881 head at sales in Fort Smith & Marshall.  Compared with last week, feeder steers sold unevenly, averaging near steady . Steers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 112.14 to - - -   500 to 550 lbs. 107.90 to - - -   600 to 650 lbs. 105.69 to - - -  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 103.14 to - - - Heifers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 99.75 to - - -  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 89.94 to - - - Slaughter Cows, Boners 51   to   58 Light Weight 36 to 41 Bulls, Yield Grade   1   1000   to   2100 lbs.   65   to   70 Midwest Steers   were steady to $3 lower   at   99   to   - - - 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: Aug down 20 at 10210   Dec down 85 at 11192 Feeders: Aug up 50 at 11152   Oct up 30 at 11505 Cattle Comment Cattle futures posted losses as well. Yesterday’s weakness sparked further selling. October live cattle futures have clearly violated trendline support and look to be headed back to retest the June low of $105.90. Hogs Peoria: were $1     lower   at   40   to   42 Chicago Futures: Aug up 37 at 7070   Oct down 35 at 6850 Sheep St. Paul sheep shorn slaughter lambs   at   n/a   to   - - - Hogs Comment Hogs ended mixed despite early pressure from weak corn prices. Recent price action leaves open the possibility that August will test the contract low of $69.45. Poultry  Date: July 08, 2008 Eggs New York:  Ex. Lg. 117-121; Lg. 115-119; Med. 90-94; Chicago:  Ex. Lg. 112-120; Lg. 110-118; Med. 86-94; Eastern Region Turkeys Hens: 8-16 lbs. 91-93 Toms: 16-24 lbs. 91-93   Delmarva Broilers U.S. Grade A Trade sentiment was at least steady. Demand was fair to moderate. Supplies of all sizes were usually sufficient to satisfy trade needs. In production areas, live supplies were moderate. Weights were mostly desirable. ---------------------------------------- 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 2008 Arkansas Farm Bureau, Inc. All rights reserved Terms of Use

Ralph Grossi Says Farewell to American Farmland Trust

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	July 7, 2008                                                                                                              Dear Agriculture, A few months ago, I announced that I will be stepping down as president of American Farmland Trust this summer. After 23 years at the helm of this wonderful organization, my family and I have decided it’s time for us to return to the peaceful hills and meadows of our family’s ranch in Marin County, California, where we will spend some time re-focusing attention on the farm. As I return to the farm that has been in my family for four generations, I will also be returning to the farm life that I left more than two decades ago, when I was a young dairy farmer tapped to be the head of a fledging national farmland conservation organization. I may have known a lot more about Holstein cows than Washington politics or running a not-for-profit organization back then, but my fellow AFT founders—Peggy Rockefeller, Douglas Wheeler, Pat Noonan—had already set AFT on course to help farmers and communities who were grappling with rampant sprawl that was consuming their local farms and farmland. More than two decades later, much has been accomplished—and there remains much to do.  The on-going dedication of a dynamic, diverse Board and an experienced professional staff has helped AFT: Grow from two offices and six staff in 1985 to become the nation’s leading farmland protection organization with members in every state. Help 27 states and hundreds of local communities create and improve programs to protect farmland from development. Undertake pioneering studies such as Farming on the Edge and Cost of Community Services to tell the full story of farmland loss—highlighting the importance of agriculture near our cities, where much of our food is grown.  Create the nation’s first national information clearinghouse, The Farmland Information Center, to collect and distribute information and raise awareness about what we lose when farm and ranch land disappears and to offer technical assistance to farmers, land trusts and local and state officials across the nation. Establish the highly regarded Center for Agriculture in the Environment at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, as the nation’s leading private-sector center for research into improved public policies and practices that help farmers protect their land and establish sustainable practices that contribute to a healthier environment. Play a critical role in integrating conservation policy with federal farm policy in every federal farm bill since 1981.  An afterthought in 1980, conservation is now a key component of federal farm policy, in part, due to AFT’s work.  I know that AFT could not have had all these successes without you—loyal supporters who have been with us every step of the way, along with our staff, and board members. You can also be assured that I will continue to stay involved with American Farmland Trust in the years to come, and in advancing the cause of agriculture from my own farm to the federal policy level.   Please join me and AFT’s board of directors in welcoming AFT’s new president: Jon Scholl. Jon is a farmer from Illinois who understands the challenges that today’s farmers face. His career experiences with farm organizations, and more recently at EPA, have prepared him for this role. I am confident you will find that he embodies AFT’s commitment to both agriculture and the environment.  Thank you for all you have done to support America’s farms and farmland, and know that American Farmland Trust will continue its vital work as a national leader in farm and ranch land conservation, environmental stewardship and local food systems for years to come. Sincerely,             Ralph Grossi President American Farmland Trust
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07/07/2008 Farm Bureau Market Report

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Grain & Soybean Date: July 07, 2008 Soybeans Local Elevators: (Jul) EAST AR:  1522 to - - - (NC) Summ. 1453 to 1469 River Elevators: (Jul) MISS: 1509 to 1511 ; AR & White n/a to - - - (NC) Summ. 1453 to 1481 Ark. Processor Bids: (Jul) n/a to - - -  (NC) 1468 to - - - Memphis:  (Jul) 1554 to 1579 (NC)  1466 to 1486 Riceland Foods:  (Oct/Nov) Stuttgart 1470 ; Pendleton 1474 ; West Memphis 1491 Chicago Futures: Aug down 70 at  1579   Sep  down  70  at  1567 1/4   Nov down 70  at  1561   Jan '09 down 70  at  1574 3/4   Nov '09 down 55 1/2  at  1499   Today's Arkansas LDP rate for soybeans is: 0¢ Soybean Comment Improved weather in long range forecasts provided impetus for sharp declines in corn and beans. Early losses in crude oil and a strong dollar pushed the market lower on technical selling as some commodity funds took profits. This could bleed over into index funds, which would suggest further selling and perhaps push the market toward the early June gap near $14. Additional support is seen around $14.75. Corn will test support at $7.46 before heading toward the June report gap at $7.03 ½ to $7.15. Wheat Cash bid for new crop at Memphis  n/a to - - -; Bids to farmers at Local Elevators 583-591; River Elevators 576-616; Chicago Futures: Sep down  51 1/2  at  836    Dec down 51 1/4  at  859    Mar '09 down  50 3/4  at  880 3/4    May '09 down  50 1/2  at  894    Jul '09 down  47 1/2  at  902    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for wheat is: 0¢ Grain Sorghum Cash bid for July at Memphis  1075 to 1093; Bids to farmers at River Elevators 1121; Today's Arkansas LDP rate for sorghum is: 0¢ Corn Cash bid for July at Memphis   671 3/4 to 687 3/4;   new crop at Memphis   646 3/4 to 667 3/4; Bids to farmers at River Elevators  670 to - - - Chicago Futures: Sep down  30  at  727 3/4    Dec down  30  at  747    Mar '09 down  30  at  764    Dec '09 down  30  at  667 1/2    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for corn is: 0¢ Grain Comment Wheat futures gapped lower following corn. This market has clearly been following corn, since harvest pressure and an extremely wide basis suggest this market is overpriced. Without carryover strength from corn, September could move toward recent support near $7.50. Cotton & Rice  Date: July 07, 2008 Cotton Spot Price, Grade 41 Staple 34: Memphis down 244 at  6176   Greenwood down  244 at 6176 New York Futures: Oct down  256  at  6964    Dec down  277  at  7258    Mar '09 down  288  at  7789    May '09 down  266  at  7977    Jul '09 down  27  at  8136  This week's LDP rate for cotton is  0 cents   The estimate for next week is  0 cents Cotton Comment Cotton is on a one way street that is currently headed lower. Sharp losses today have the market within easy reach of the early June low of 71.65 cents. Slow utilization and big ending stocks have nullified any advantage of this year’s smaller plantings. Futures may have to trade below 70 cents to encourage exports to help reduce projected stocks. The June report increased stocks to 10.3 million bales and further adjustments are possible in this Friday’s report. Rice Long Grain Cash Bid for  Jul 1985/cwt  to  - - -   - - - - - -  to  - - - Chicago Futures: Sep down  50  at  1804    Nov down  50  at  1829    Jan '09 down  50  at  1859    Mar '09 down  50  at  1889    - - -   - - -  at  - - -  Today's Arkansas LDP rate for long grain rice is  0¢ medium grain rice is  0¢ Rice Comment Rice has become a follower with light trading the matter of course in recent weeks. September move to $18.04 has the market testing support and perhaps even moving toward the late May low of $17.06. Recent reports indicate international markets have dropped below $8.00 per metric tonne for milled rice. The panic buying of this spring has dissipated at least for the time being. U.S. plantings don’t suggest any big shift in total rice available for 08/09. Friday’s report should have production around 200 million cwt. Cattle & Hogs  Date: July 07, 2008 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 $2 higher to $1 lower   at   99   to   102 Panhandle Steers   were $1.50 higher to $1.50 lower   at   99.50   to   102.50 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: Aug down 150 at 10230   Dec down 172 at 11277 Feeders: Aug down 55 at 11102   Oct down 30 at 11475 Cattle Comment Cattle futures posted losses as well. Weakness in crude oil carried over into livestock pits as index funds liquidated positions. October live cattle futures gapped lower and are challenging trendline support near today’s low of $109.45. Hogs Peoria: were $1     lower   at   41   to   43 Chicago Futures: Aug down 62 at 7032   Oct down 60 at 6885 Sheep St. Paul sheep shorn slaughter lambs   at   n/a   to   - - - Hogs Comment Hogs were also under pressure from weaker corn and crude oil futures. Recent price action leaves open the possibility that August will test the contract low of $69.45. Poultry  Date: July 07, 2008 Eggs New York:  Ex. Lg. 122-126; Lg. 120-124; Med. 95-99; Chicago:  Ex. Lg. 112-120; Lg. 110-118; Med. 86-94; Eastern Region Turkeys Hens: 8-16 lbs. 91-93 Toms: 16-24 lbs. 91-93   Delmarva Broilers U.S. Grade A Trade sentiment was fully steady to firm. Post holiday demand was light to moderate following the weekend. Supplies of all sizes were usually no more than adequate to satisfy trade needs. In productions areas, live supplies were moderate. Weights were mostly desirable. ---------------------------------------- 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 2008 Arkansas Farm Bureau, Inc. All rights reserved Terms of Use

FWD: Morning Manna (July 5); BP: Josh. 1; RBTTY: Acts 13:26-52; Job 30-31

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

---

-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 15:12:57 -0500
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (July 5); BP: Josh. 1; RBTTY: Acts 13:26-52; Job 30-31
 

July 5                                                                                                    “Be Strong and Of A Good Courage”

 

“Be strong and of a good courage—for unto this people shall you divide for an inheritance the land which I swore unto their fathers to give them.  Only be strong and very courageous. . .”

                                                                                                                                                      Joshua 1:6-7a

     When the enemy says “Give up,” the Spirit says “Look up, be strong and stand firm.”

     Joshua had been through the fire.  He was born into slavery, but dramatically and miraculous delivered by “God’s strong Hand” (Ex. 6:1; 13:9; Ps. 136:10-26).  And, even though he’d had to endure the wilderness for 40 long years because of others’ unbelief (Num. 14:20-35), he’d rested in the assurance that he would not die there and one day would finally entered into God’s Promised Land (vv.24, 30).

 

      How important it is for us to cling to God’s Promises when everything around us is falling apart and the forces of evil are assailing our soul.  Like a “sure and steadfast Anchor” (Heb. 6:19), God’s Word helps us continue on when it’d be so easy to quit.  And, when we remember the Risen Lord is our “Shield and exceeding Great Reward—yea, a very Present Help in times of trouble” (Gen. 15:1; Ps 46:1)—then we can face unafraid anything or anyone that comes against us.

 

     The words God spoke to Joshua in today’s Manna were the same ones given by Moses shortly before he died (Deut. 31:6).  It’s always important for us to engage in a “righteous rehearsing” of God’s unfailing promises to those around us—whether it be our children, family, friends or fellow “Pilgrims of the Way.”  Doing so will ensure that “none of God’s Word will fall to the ground and be trampled underfoot by careless, callused and carnal cares” (I Sam. 3:19; Heb. 10:29).

 

     Thus, God’s Word to Joshua is what we still need to hear today:

     “Be strong.”  The Hebrew word “chazaq” is used here for “strong” and also means “to fasten upon, seize, bind, be obstinate, etc.”  It’s “triumphant tenacity” that springs from being grounded in God’s Word and walking in His Spirit.  Simply put, it’s a clarion call to “look up, not give up” when the battle’s raging.

 

     “And of a good courage (Heb. ‘amats’—‘to be alert, steadfastly-minded, established, fortified, harden one’s self, etc.’).”  We should note that it doesn’t say “be of good courage;” it says “be of A good courage.”  Why is this important?  Because there’s “carnal courage,” which is rooted in flesh and is fickle.  Even thieves will stick together until the heat of the battle becomes too great, then “it’s every man for himself.”

 

     Only those who are in Christ will “endure unto the end” (Mt. 10:22), one of the hallmark characteristics of the “Pilgrim’s Perseverance.”  Although we may not win every round, we still shall arise and still “fight the good fight and win the prize” (II Tim. 4:7a; Phil. 3:13-14).  Although we may not win every race, we’ll still “finish the course and receive the victor’s crown” (II Tim. 4:7b, 8).  And, through it all we’ll “keep the faith” (II Tim. 4:7c) by “being of a good courage—yea, Christ’s Courage,” knowing if “we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him” (II Tim. 2:12).  Amen.

FWD: Morning Manna (July 4); BP: Josh. 1; RBTTY: Acts 13:1-25; Job 28-29

 

All of you have a Safe and nice July 4.  We are Blessed.  Thanks for serving our country.  God Bless  
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

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-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thu, 3 Jul 2008 11:03:56 -0500
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (July 4); BP: Josh. 1; RBTTY: Acts 13:1-25; Job 28-29
 

July 4                                                                                           “Our Never-Changing, Never-Failing God”

 

“There shall not any man be able to stand before you all the days of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will not fail you nor forsake you.”

                                                                                                                                                            Joshua 1:5

     Truly, He is the “sure and steadfast Anchor of the soul” (Heb. 6:19).

     Tempered steel, hardened by intense heat, is strong.  So are diamonds, which are formed from coal which has been transformed after thousands of year of tremendous pressure.  Yet, none of these can compare to the strength we find in the One Who has promised to “never fail or forsake us.”

 

     Towering skyscrapers must have deep, firm foundations.  But, as we saw on 9/11, they, too, can topple.  Likewise, architecturally-beautiful and engineered-strong bridges collapse and ocean-going vessels. . .regardless of how well-designed or how expensively made. . .still capsize or run aground.

 

     Every manmade source of strength will one day succumb to “rust, rot and robbers.”  That’s why we make sure our “treasure” is Heavenly (Mt. 6:19-21; II Cor. 4:7) and our “strength” is the Lord Jesus and His Word (Mt. 7:21-23); otherwise, we’ll soon discover (too little, too late) that ours was a “house of cards,” built on shifting sands, rather than a “house of God,” built on Christ, the Solid Rock (Mt. 7:24-27).

 

     Joshua, whose name means “The Lord is Salvation,” was born in Egyptian slavery and God’s chosen successor to Moses.  He witnessed the plagues of judgment upon Pharaoh and his people and knelt in reverent fear that night the death angel passed over the land of their captivity.

 

     Along with his other, former slave-countrymen, he’d witnessed the Lord’s mighty deliverance at the Red Sea (Ex. 14:10-31) and knew the importance of “fearing not and standing still to see the salvation of the Lord” (v.13).  Even more, he, along with Caleb, were the only two of 12 spies who refused to see themselves “as a grasshopper in their own sight and that of the enemy” (Num. 13:33).  Instead, they said “Let us go up at once and possess it (the Promised Land)—for we are well able to overcome it” (Num. 13:30).  He also said, “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us. . .Only rebel not against the Lord; neither fear the people. . .the Lord is with us; fear them not” (Num. 14:8-9).

 

     Thus, God’s Words to him in today’s Manna were simply a reminder to him that He was the “same God yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8).  Even though he’d had to endure the wilderness for an additional 40 years because of unbelieving countrymen’s sins (Num. 14:20-23), he would not die there and would one day finally enter into that which the Lord God had promised (Num. 14:24, 30).

 

     Dear Pilgrims, there’ll be times when your faith will falter and fears will threaten to take you hostage.  But, do not give in to them or listen to the hoots and howls from the hosts of hell.  Stay focused and faith, always standing firm on the Promises of God, and soon you’ll enter into the “abundant life” He has promised (Jn. 10:10; 16:33).

    

; </F