Tid Bits of Wisdom

TID BITS of WISDOM from the

WONDERFUL WORD
1801 Old Hickory Trail
From the Wonderful Word Publishers

DeSoto, Texas 75115

Publishers, Inc.
April & May 2021 Vol 15 5-6

How To Maintain Godly

Character
We Sup Together
Rev 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I
will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

We have two choices. We can leave Jesus at the door or invite Him to our
table. Last issue, we wrote about supping with the Lord Jesus Christ. He tells us
in Revelations 3:20 that He wants us to open the door of our hearts and let Him
come into the table of our hearts. He will sup out of the cup that life has handed
us. We don’t have to live this life alone. This is where we find sweet fellowship!
This is step one in living the Christian life. Read last issue.

We “Walk” Together

DeSoto, Texas 75115

Step two is our walk. We have two choices, the Straight gate or the
Non-Profit Organ.

Broad gate.
U.S. Postage
Permit 697

Matt 7:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that
leadeth to destruction (not hell), and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and
few there be that find it.
(Continued on page 2)
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 and “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but
(Continued from page 1) shall not be heard” (Prov. 21:13) are a very vital and important part of the Word of
God to be followed just as closely and carefully as Malachi 3:10 or John 3:16.
How To Maintain A Godly Character After obtaining his teacher’s certificate, Rice taught in a country school
Luke 13:23-24 fifteen miles from his home. The school was only open for four months of the
23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto year and his $55 a month salary gave him a gross income of $220 for the entire
them, year. Naturally, he was not able to save much money from such a meager rev-
24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter enue.
in, and shall not be able. More and more, however, he felt an increasing burden to continue his
KJV schooling and broaden his education. On one occasion he went thirty miles to
If you want a prosperous life you must walk the narrow way. Look around you hear Dr. J.L. Ward, president of Decatur Baptist College, and Dr. George Truett
and see how many Christians you know that are living victorious lives. I’m not talking of the famous First Baptist Church in Dallas, when they were speaking at the First
about Christians that have no problems, I’m talking about Christians who make it through
Baptist Church of Wichita Falls, Texas. Again he was deeply stirred about his
their problems without being destroyed. Their material goods may be destroyed, but not
them. It is simple to trust in Jesus and have your sins forgiven, but then how are you
need for further education.
going to walk in this life? Blessings don’t just fall on you because you are a Christian. I think you would find the rest of the story very interesting if you could
There is a WAY that we are to walk and Jesus said, “ FEW there be that find it.” He tells find the book.
us to STRIVE to go there in.
Obedience to God’s commands is what puts you on the narrow way. David said,
“I will RUN the way of thy commandments” (Ps. 119:32) David said, “I have chosen the
Way of Truth.” (Ps. 119:30) “He is in the Way of Life that keepeth instruction.” (Prov.
10:17) Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6) Jesus said, “If
any man come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and FOLLOW Me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake
shall find it.” (Matt. 16:24-25) Jesus said, “If any man serve me, let him follow me.”
(John 12:26) If you are on the narrow way, then you are following righteousness, faith,
charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Tim. 2:22 also 1Tim.
6:11-12)

We Work Together
Matt 11:29-30
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and
ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Again we have two choices. We can either yoke up with the Lord Jesus,
or we can attempt to do our work by ourself. It’s a hard life when we attempt to
play god of our lives. I guaranty you will have heavy burdens and the yoke will
not be easy. Getting in the yoke with Jesus is real submission. When we put our
necks in the yoke with the Lord, He is boss and we have to do it His way. But
the reward is a life that is easy and light!!! You can’t ask more than that. “Stand
fast in the Liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again
with the yoke of bondage.” (Gal. 5:1)
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 (Continued from page 3)
their way to please him and treat him like a king, and made his every wish their
command. He was amazed that such distinguished people would treat so royally
a poor, country lad of only eighteen.
A long time later he learned why the judge almost wept in begging to be
allowed to do something for him. In his sermon, “The Seamless Robe,” Dr. Rice
gives his explanation:
This family had a prodigal son. One
day, after he had long been gone from home,
my father saw him in a certain Texas city. He
was unshaven, filthy, in rags. My father rec-
ognized him and called him by name, “Bruce!
what are you doing here?”
The shamed young man told a sad
story. He drank and gambled until his money
was gone. Then he slept in a flophouse. His
clothes became dirty. He had no money for a
shave or haircut or bath, no money for clean
clothes. He was too ashamed to go home as a
ragged and disreputable bum.
My father took the young man to a
barber shop where he got a haircut and shave
and a bath. Then my father took him to a
clothing store and bought him a suit, shirt,
underwear, hat, and shoes. He outfitted the
prodigal son of his old friend, then took him
to the train and bought him a ticket home.
Now, months later, I was entertained as the
darling guest in that home. My slightest wish
was law. They treated me as if I had been
the most distinguished guest. Everything in
the house was at my disposal. All of it be-
cause my dear father had earned it for me by
kindness which the family could never, never
forget! Because of my father’s righteousness
I was received and loved in a strange home.
And Will (John’s father) Rice’s tender heart beats in the heart of his fa-
mous son. Only eternity and the Judgment Seat of Christ will reveal the multifold
acts of human kindness and material help given by this humble man of God to
those in need and distress. To him, such biblical exhortations a “Be not forgetful
to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware;”
10
An Excerpt from the book
A MAN SENT FROM GOD
A Biography of Dr. John R. Rice
by Robert L. Sumner
Editor’s note: I thought I knew Bro. John and his family. My mother
went to his church in Gainsville, Texas before she married. Her memory was
of all the girls sitting on the front row and their long hair hanging over the pew.
Many years later Lavon Drive hosted the women’s conference for his daughters.
I was in charge and got to know the girls and Bro. John and his wife. Later I
typed for Grace when she was dying of cancer. We had wonderful times together.
Later I met Libby Handford and found a kindred spirit. I have had this book for
years and never read it. It was written in 1959 and there is much about Bro.
John’s beginning that I did not know. If you can find this book I believe you would
really enjoy reading it. This is a small excerpt of chapter 4.
In the wild, woolly, West Texas prairie days of John Rice’s boyhood, the
amount of education received depended almost entirely upon the initiative of
the youth. The school at Dundee had only three teachers and the students never
graduated from high school. They simply took whatever courses were available
and eventually dropped out. After taking all the subjects the school offered, Rice
decided to study for a teacher’s examination. With what little help he could get
from various textbooks, he first studied and then took the county teacher’s exami-
nation for second-grade certificate. Eventually he took and passed the examina-
tion for a first-grade teacher’s certificate.
It was when he went to Archer City, Texas, to take one of those county
teacher’s examinations that an incident happened which gives an insight into the
character of the man who was his father and who helped develop the same type of
character in him. Some time previously a very distinguished professional man,
Judge Walker, had moved with his family from Dundee
to Archer City. To the amazement of the Rice lad, the
judge looked him up in that strange town where he did
not know anyone and insisted he be guest at their love-
ly home during his stay in the city. The Walker fam-
ily showed him every kindness. They gave him the best
room in the house, served him delightful meals, would
not let him spend any of his own money, went out of
(Continued on page 10)
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 TID BITS OF WISDOM
F MONTHLY REPORT
E By the time you get this paper you will have already celebrated the Res-
M urrection. Isn’t it wonderful to have a risen Savior? We do not serve a dead god.
When we pray He hears and cares. What a treasure God’s people have.
A
March 28th, Jerry has been gone one year. I don’t feel like I have
L lost him, because I believe he is more alive than he ever has been. I don’t
E grieve for him (for me, yes) because of the look of anticipation on his face
By when he knew he was dying. There have been many deaths this year that
INSPIRATIONS Gloria Brewster were not expected because of the Covid - 19. My prayers are with you.
Please don’t let the troubles of this year stop you from going forward in
your service for the Lord. If you have breath, you have purpose!
Bobbie Mayhew I have received a few calls from people who read through their
Bibles but didn’t let us know in time to print their names. One person,
October 24, 1930 - Mrs.Shipmen, said she and her daughter challenged each other to read
March 9, 2921 through their Bibles in six weeks. They both made it. Hopefully you are
This picture was taken of Bobbie as she reading through your Bible this year. If not, it is never to late to start. The
looked at her granddaughter in her wedding dress. truths I have learned through the years I have read my Bible ,has taken me
I believe this is just how she looked when she saw through this year in the loss of my husband. I was praying, after Jerry’s
Jesus face to face. death, and told the Lord I was alone now. The Lord said, ”Gloria, Jerry
My husband was called to Galilean Baptist died, I didn’t!” I am so glad the Lord is alive.
Church in the late 1990’s. Miss Bobbie was my first Our country is in a battle. Evil against good. We serve a merciful
visitation partner. She was my silent partner. I talked and she prayed or played Father but we had better make sure our lives and our hearts are in tune with
with the children. She and I kept a close check on our widows and shut-inns
Him! Only a miracle can redeem us at this point. Prayer is very important,
also.
Bobbie and I thought we were meeting for the first time. Little did we
but walking the walk is what God is looking for. We need to make sure we
know about our families. She would talk about her sister and her family and after are in the narrow way!
awhile I asked her where they went to church. She said, “Lavon Drive Baptist
Church”.. That’s where we had gone for 18 years and I had counseled her sister
and taken her niece to Bro. Roloff’s girls home. A short time later, Bobbie called
and said, “You will never believe what I found in my mother’s things. It’s a copy All gifts made to Tid Bits of Wisdom go directly into Tid Bits
of Wisdom. The paper will be 15 years old this December
of your daddy’s funeral notice.” Her mother had attended my daddy’s funeral.
and many who started with us have died or become unable
Come to find out, our families had been in the same church (Honeycrest Baptist to give. Many have been faithful all these years. Pray and
in Oak Cliff ) when we were young children. It’s a small world! ask God if He wants you to join us with a monthly support.
Bobbie and I had kindred spirits when it came to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are grateful for our faithful supporters.
We shared each other’s burdens. We prayed for our children together. One day All donations to Tid Bits of Wisdom are tax deductible.
Bobbie got a call that her son had gone hunting and had accidently shot himself. 1801 Old Hickory Trail, DeSoto, TX, 75115. Phone 214-
This was very hard for her. Her daughter asked her to come and live with her and 293-5252 Email - gbrew14834@aol.com
her husband. That was a very hard decision. She had her home and all her friends
here but she was very lonely for her family. I encouraged her to go while she Jerry & Gloria Brewster
could enjoy them. She did and was able to enjoy them for many good years. Founders of Tid Bits of Wisdom
4 9
 (Continued from page 5)
“Do I continue this paper?”. The Lord said, “It’s your field, keep it planted.”
Wonderful Word Publishers and Tid Bits of Wisdom is now myself, Mrs. Connie
(who is in rehab) and Bro. Larry. His wife, Judy, died of Covid - 19 this past year.
Things have changed, but the reason for these works has not. Our tracks go out
to spread the Gospel to a lost world. Tid Bit’s of Wisdom goes out to encourage
and strengthen God’s people, and Bread of Life Missions (Bro. Larry Connor)
produces the written Word for all. We don’t have much time left to share God’s
Word. Are you doing your part? If you can’t go out, then support someone who
does and be a part of their work.
Mrs. Bobbie was the first person to support Tid Bit’s of Wisdom. Jerry
and I invested $500 for the first publication and for over 15 years God has sup-
plied all the money to keep it going. The family has asked loved ones to give
to Tid Bits of Wisdom in lieu of flowers. At this time we have received $200.
Would you pray about taking Mrs. Bobbie’s place of support? Not just in money,
but we will miss her prayer life for our work.
IN MEMORY OF:
Jimmy Harris
February 24, 1936 - March 23 2021
You can shed tears because they are gone,
or you can smile because they lived.
You can close your eyes and pray they will come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all that they left for you.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see them,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember only that they are gone,
or you can cherish their memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind and feel empty,
or you can do what they would want.
SMILE, OPEN YOUR HEART, LOVE...and go on.
8 5
Before Bobbie moved I was given an opportunity to write a monthly
paper for Wonderful Word Publishers. Wonderful Word Publishers was started in
the 60’s by Dick & Rose Cimino. They had a burden for the Spanish Speaking
people and wanted to get the written Word to them. They did all their printing
free of charge.
Bro. Dick had come from Italy and was raised in Catholicism and had
never heard the gospel until coming to America. He had polio when he was very
young and he was an invalid. While at Ellis Island they took a piece of chalk
and marked an X on his shirt that meant he was rejected and would not be able to
enter America. His older sister was holding him and did not understand what the
X meant, all she knew was it made her mad and she thought he was making fun
of him. Sooooo, she wiped it off and he was let into America with his family.
I never had the privilege of knowing Bro. Dick, but met Mrs. Rose when
she was in her early 80’s. Our hearts were knit instantly and we loved to talk
Scripture together. Not long after meeting Mrs. Rose, her son David died of a
heart attack, leaving only Mrs. Rose and Mrs. Connie to do the work. Bro. Larry
and Mrs. Judy had already been doing their printing but the ladies had to take care
of correspondence. Mrs. Rose said that when she and I talked Scripture she felt
like she had been with Bro. Dick. She asked me to consider writing a monthly
paper like he did when he was alive. The ladies didn’t feel they could go to
the churches like the men could and this paper would keep the work before the
people. I felt like the Lord said for me to do this.
Jerry was pastoring his first church and his attention was on his people.
He didn’t feel he could take anything else on but he said if I wanted to do it, he
was with me. All our married life we had done everything together. It took me
ten years to learn to work through Jerry’s position and I felt I couldn’t do it if
he wasn’t going to join me. Two years later, Mrs. Rose asked me once more if I
would pray about starting the paper. I did, and I thought maybe this time Jerry
would feel like taking charge of it. Again he said, “If you feel this is what God
would have you do, then go for it, but I must focus on my church people”..
I felt sure the Lord wanted me to do this, but I couldn’t get peace. Mrs.
Bobbie and I went to serious prayer about this paper. She had a desire for me to
print the paper and she prayed earnestly about it. One day, while filling my car
with gas, I was holding the nozzle and the Holy Spirit said to me, “Gloria, how
many times have you taught Proverbs 31?“ I said, “Many, many times.” He said,
“Remember the verse, she findeth a field and buyeth it, and plants it with the fruit
of her hands. This is your field and it is to be planted by the fruit of your hands.”
Instantly I had peace that this is what God wanted me to do. Jerry’s heart was in
it as much as mine and he helped me each month to do the mailing. My oldest son
owned a printing business and printed my paper free of charge for many years.
Bro. Larry and Mrs. Judy have printed it ever since.
My husband, Jerry, died March the 28, 2020, and my first question was,
(Continuing on page 8)
 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for
I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where
the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead;
and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him:
lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great
joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them,
saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and wor-
shipped him.
10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that
they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so
He Has Risen!
Matt 28:1-10
28 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day
of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the
sepulchre.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the
Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone
from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead
men.
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1 Cor 15:12-22
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say
some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not
risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your
faith is also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have
be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your
sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits
of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection
of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even o in Christ shall all be made alive.
KJV