Storms Of Life

by Pastor Bill

Scripture: Psalm 57:1 "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by" NLT

Life has a way of erupting into a storm. Routines may be going along fine and then all of a sudden a storm erupts and everything takes a back seat to the storm.

When a sudden storm hits there is a natural process the storm follows:

1. Wind blows the storm in --- bringing trials and tribulations.

2. Lightning strikes everywhere --- focusing pain.

3. Thunder echoes all around --- engaging fear and preservation.

4. Rain follows --- tears flow.

Then just as suddenly as the storm erupted it stops. The winds subside, lightning and thunder fade away and the rain ends. A new natural process begins:

1. The air is fresh and clean --- a new life emerges.

2. The clouds separate --- sunshine enters with new hope.

3. Blue sky envelopes the horizon --- a new peace of mind settles in.

4. Birds begin singing --- Joy and happiness are restored.

Matthew 8:23-27 puts it this way:

Then he (Jesus) got in the boat, his disciples with him. The next thing they knew, they were in a severe storm. Waves were crashing into the boat-and he was sound asleep! They roused him, pleading, "Master, save us! We're going down!" Jesus reprimanded them. "Why are you such cowards, such faint-hearts?" Then he stood up and told the wind to be silent, the sea to quiet down: "Silence!" The sea became smooth as glass. The men rubbed their eyes, astonished. "What's going on here? Wind and sea come to heel at his command!" MSG (emphasis added)

If you are going through a storm in your life keep in mind that Jesus is in control and when it is over HE has something better for you.

Prayer: Father thank you for helping me through the storms of life and holding me close. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Just A Closer Walk With Thee

I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Refrain

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

Refrain

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

Refrain

How Mickey Rooney's Encounter With an Angel Led to his Faith in Jesus Christ 

by Mark Ellis

Mickey Rooney with Judy Garland

Legendary actor Mickey Rooney, one of Hollywood’s last surviving stars of its classic era, passed away April 6th from natural causes. He was 93.

The award-winning actor became the biggest star in the world in his teens when he played the character Andy Hardy in A Family Affair.

The son of vaudevillians, he career started even earlier – as a mere babe. On lunch break when he filmed the Mickey McGuire comedies, five-year-old Rooney walked into an office at Warner Bros. studio, and introduced himself to a cartoonist named Walt Disney.

“Come over and sit on my lap,” Disney told the youngster.

When he sat on his lap, Disney held up a mouse he had drawn. “That’s a good-looking mouse, Mr. Disney,” Rooney blurted out.

“It sure is, Mickey,’ he said, and then paused for a moment. “Mickey, Mickey,” he said with a gleam in his eye. “Tell me something, how would you like me to name this mouse after you?”

“I sure would like that, but right now I got to go and get a tuna sandwich,” Rooney replied, and he jumped off Disney’s lap.

“It’s a true story,” Rooney told Kira Albin, in a 1995 interview.

Sadly, Rooney’s private life was turbulent, and his eight marriages became the fodder for late-night comedians’ jokes. But the challenges he survived –including elder abuse more recently – left him with an uncommon depth of wisdom gained with time.

After the deaths of his mother and fifth wife in 1966, he battled substance abuse and financial problems. In the depths of the valley, Rooney had an unusual encounter that he said changed his life, according to the same interview with Albin.

Over breakfast at a Lake Tahoe casino coffee shop, Rooney was greeted by a busboy with “blond curls, a white-rose complexion, and shining teeth,” he recounted.

When the man called his name, Rooney started to stand, thinking he had a telephone call. But the busboy leaned toward him and whispered in his ear, “Mr. Rooney, Jesus Christ loves you very much.” Then the mysterious busboy vanished.

Have a Blessed Friday,
Richard

New Life for Us All

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. —1 Peter 1:3

A couple from Chicago was planning a vacation to a warmer climate, but the wife couldn't join her husband until the next day, because she was on a business trip. Her husband scribbled down her e-mail address on a little scrap of paper, but upon his arrival, he discovered that he had lost it. He wanted to send off a quick e-mail to let her know he had arrived safely. So trying his best to remember her e-mail address, he composed a brief message and sent it off.

Unfortunately, his e-mail did not reach his wife. Instead, it went to a grieving widow who had just lost her husband, a preacher, the day before. She had gone to her computer and was checking her e-mail when she let out a loud shriek and fainted on the spot. Her family came rushing in to see what was on the screen: "Dearest wife, I just checked in. Everything is prepared for your arrival tomorrow. P. S.: It sure is hot down here!"

The good news is that because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we don't have to be afraid of that real place that is hot down there. In fact, we don't even have to fear death. Because Christ died and rose again from the dead, we know that for us as believers, there is life beyond the grave.

If that were all the resurrection did for us, it would be worth the price of the ticket. Of course, we didn't buy the ticket. Christ did. But if all that Christianity offered was the hope of life beyond the grave, it still would be worth it to be a Christian.

But there is a whole lot more that the resurrection has for us. Our risen Lord will give us a new heart and put a new spirit within us (see Ezekiel 36:26). He will give us new knowledge, new comfort, new peace, and a new life in Him.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org

How Great Thou Art

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the *worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the *rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:

Refrain

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:

Refrain

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Refrain

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then *I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, My God, how great thou art!

Flash floods in the Solomon Islands killed 19 people and left approximately 49,000 homeless in the aftermath. Forty people remain missing reports The Guardian. The Mataniko river in Honiara rose over its banks Thursday, causing houses to be damaged or swept away completely.

The Solomon government declared a state of emergency when the river banks flooded following a tropical storm in the area. Concerns have now shifted to getting survivors accessing clean water, food and shelter. Water treatment facilities were destroyed in the storm.

Water-borne illnesses are another concern for authorities, as evacuation shelters are overpopulated with people displaced by the floods.

Christian relief organization World Vision has responded to the disaster by providing blankets, mosquito nets, tarps, hygiene kits, cooking kits, and containers for water reports Christian Today. So far, 2,000 people have benefited from the organization’s aid and the group will continue to distribute materials to survivors.

Katie Greenwood, country director of the Oxfam organization said that a disaster of this magnitude was "unprecedented" for the location.

"This flash flooding is unlike anything that I've seen previously here in the country," she said.

Happy Thursday Readers,
   I have a Dr. appointment today... I hope & pray that most of my problems have been allergy related; however, I feel that the dreaded Bronchitis Bug that I avoided during the Fall and Winter months has finally caught up with me... 
   Some coughing at night, tightness of chest, difficulty breathing and an achy flu like feeling all over are a few of the Bronchitis signs that I get...
   Your prayers are appreciated...
Have a Joyous and Blessed Thursday,
Richard

Failure in Breaking A Bad Habit

"If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. 
What we call failure is not the falling down, 
but the staying down."

Have you ever vowed to put an ungodly habit behind you, only to fall again soon after? Feelings of guilt can lead to a renewed commitment to never do something again. But the very next day, the cycle repeats itself as we give in to the same temptations. Our defeat leaves us wondering, What’s wrong with me? Our despair at repeated failure produces a sense of hopeless resignation and confusion. We want to know, Lord, why can’t I change? All of us have experienced the problem of wanting to honor God and yet reverting back to old, sinful ways almost immediately. Isn’t the Christian life supposed to be more liberating and victorious than this? Why then, does habitual sin take hold of us? Wasn’t Christ supposed to change all this? If we are new creations, why do we still act like old ones? We feel as stuck as a ship run aground.  

Examine the way change occurs in the Christian life. Salvation is an instantaneous work of God, which happens the moment we receive Jesus as our Savior. But from that point on, we enter a continual process of transformation called sanctification. The Lord’s goal is to mold us into the image of Christ, but this process requires our cooperation. That’s what the Bible means when it says, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). If we neglect this responsibility, we’ll find ourselves struggling with the same issues over and over again. But if we submit to the Holy Spirit, He’ll exert His influence in every area of our lives. Old sinful habits will pass away and be replaced with new Godly behavior.  Becoming the people God created us to be is an inside-out process. Because our thoughts govern each area of our lives—emotions, decisions, actions, attitudes, and words—any lasting transformation must begin with the mind. If all we want is to modify our conduct, we’ll never experience long-term success. What we need is a new way of thinking.  At the moment of salvation, the Lord doesn’t erase all our negative and sinful thought patterns any more than He automatically removes our physical imperfections.  The good news is that whatever our thoughts have been in the past, God can teach us to think differently. He gives His Spirit to lead us through a process that produces real healing and lasting change.

Have you ever been thinking about some plan or task, only to have a vile, ungodly idea pop into your mind? You may wonder, where did that come from? These are satan’s attempts to distract us with his ideas and twist the truth, inciting us to disobey God. his purpose is to destroy our character and lead us astray.  The way we respond determines whether we fall to his enticements or stand strong against him. Will we allow our minds to be transformed by these things? Or will we take the bait?  We cannot coast through the Christian life. An unengaged mind is an open invitation for sin. If we’re distracted, having trouble praying or reading the Bible, our thoughts are not where they should be.  Perhaps you feel as if you’re the rope in a tug of war between God and sin, constantly being pulled in two opposing directions. No need to beat ourselves up when we fail, confess and repent as quickly as possible. During those times we need to remember that we are engaged in a long process and we cannot renew our own mind. Trying harder and making promises to God will only be discouraging, because in our own strength, we will never be able to change. True transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit—and it takes time.  We need to submit to His leading, heed His warnings, and obey His voice.

Happy Tuesday Everyone,

Richard

Sacrificial Love

by Samantha Evilsize

"You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." (Mark 10:21 ESV)

I had some misplaced priorities. I suppose at some level I'd known it for some time. But I didn't fully recognize how misplaced they were until I took a trip to El Salvador with a Christian humanitarian organization.

I met two children on a home visit. They lifted their tarp door and invited me into mud puddles and dirt walls with just one bed where their family of five rested at night. One bed for dreaming dreams of being a doctor and police officer.

I'd come to offer gifts of detergent and food. But the children's gifts exceeded anything I had to give. A tiny beaded bracelet smudged with dirt, drenched in love. They wanted it to be mine. They filled my hands with selfless love. Love shared in smiles and what few tangible gifts they owned.

Feeling too shy to hand me the bracelet herself, the girl nudged her brother. He presented it to me as if it were a royal crown and slid it gently on my wrist. I declare, diamonds couldn't match the worth of their hearts, their gift in that moment.

The next morning as I was getting dressed, I felt a nudge. Give your bracelet away like those children gave theirs to you.

You see, I had another precious bracelet with me. It was one my dad had given me over twenty years ago. Just a simple wooden bracelet from South Africa, but it meant the world to me.

How could I part with it? I wrestled with indecision. My heart soared, anticipating the moment I'd spot a mama to whom I would give my bracelet. Then my heart sank, anxious at the thought of giving up one of my treasures.

And there lay the problem. My misplaced treasure.

I'm embarrassed ... heartbroken. I'm sad to say I couldn't give it away. Couldn't? No; more like I wouldn't. Both bracelets journeyed back home with me. One bearing selflessness; the other, selfishness.

I thought I was really something, bringing gifts to those kids in the form of beans and rice. Little did I know, I was the one in need. I needed God's mercy. I needed a new perspective. I don't want possessions if I'm not willing to use them to love others.

I needed the one thing I lacked ... more love for the Lord than for my possessions. My heart held tighter to my bracelet than it did to what God had asked me to do. He beckoned, "Give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven." A simple request, yet so difficult to follow.

I don't want to be lacking in love for the Lord or those He cares for. Next time I'm giving it all. I'm starting by opening my hands and heart and looking for opportunities today. Are you with me?

Dear Lord, You are the perfect example of giving. Thank You for new mercies, second chances, and a heart capable of responding to Your prompting. Help me to respond to Your prompting this day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have A Blessed Monday,
Richard

The Stretch

1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray continually. (NIV)

Remember, before cordless phones, how those old, curly phone cords could be stretched and stretched and stretched? In fact, I recall that when my kids were small, the four-foot phone cord in the kitchen eventually stretched to more than three times that length due to the fact that I was always stretching it to its limit. A friend would call, and during our conversation, that curly cord would stretch over to the sink as I washed dishes. It would follow me to the washer and dryer on laundry day, to the back door to let the dogs in or out, and over to the living room door to check on the kids in the play area.

All this stretching occurred because communication between stay-at-home moms was invaluable. Sorrows as well as joys were shared. Problems were discussed and worked through. Decisions were made. Friendships were forged, and relationships were strengthened, all because that old, curly phone cord had the ability to stretch and stretch and stretch.

Learning to pray continually is also a stretch. And yet, the forging of this discipline is invaluable when it comes to the results that continual prayer offers. When we stretch ourselves to include God in everything we think and say and do, sorrows are more easily borne; joy is multiplied; decisions are wiser and less stressful; problems are seen from new perspectives; and our relationship with Jesus Christ is strengthened as we discover that He is the best and greatest friend we will ever have the privilege of knowing.

Prayer: Father God, we thank You for the privilege of prayer: being able to speak with You at any time, under any circumstance, in any place. Bless us daily through the prompting of Your Holy Spirit to stretch our times of communication with You, more and more, until it becomes natural to pray continually.

In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.
Lynne Phipps

Heavenly Sunshine

Walking in sunlight all of my journey
Over the mountains, through the deep vale;
Jesus has said, “I’ll never forsake thee,”
Promise divine that never can fail.

   Refrain:
     Heavenly sunlight, Heavenly sunlight,
     Flooding my soul with glory divine;
     Hallelujah! I am rejoicing,
     Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

Shadows around me, shadows above me,
Never conceal my Savior and Guide;
He is the light, in Him is no darkness;
Ever I’m walking close to His side.

   Refrain:
     Heavenly sunlight, Heavenly sunlight,
     Flooding my soul with glory divine;
     Hallelujah! I am rejoicing,
     Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing His praises, gladly I’m walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.

   Refrain:
     Heavenly sunlight, Heavenly sunlight,
     Flooding my soul with glory divine;
     Hallelujah! I am rejoicing,
     Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

5-Year-Old Rebuked for Praying at School, Parents Call 'Religious Discrimination'

Carrie Dedrick | Editor, ChristianHeadlines.com

A 5-year-old girl in Florida was rebuked by a lunchroom worker for praying in her elementary school cafeteria before her meal reports Charisma News. The incident occurred last month; now Marcos Perez, the father’s child has hired lawyers to demand that the school stop “engaging in such religious discrimination” as stated in a letter to the school.

The letter from the Liberty Institute Lawyers explains that the child bowed her head in prayer, but was told by a lunchroom supervisor to stop.

The girl said, “But it’s good to pray,” to which the supervisor responded, “It is not good.” When the girl tried again to bow her head and pray silently, she was stopped again.

The Liberty Institute argue that the Carillon Elementary School is violating state and federal law. “...we expect the school district to apologize to the Perezez and the community as well as take steps to ensure this does not happen again,” the letter states.

Since the exchange in the cafeteria, the Perez family has started homeschooling. Perez said, “...we have exercised our option as parents to teach our daughter at home. We live in a very good school district, but we cannot, in good conscience, send our daughter to a school where her religious liberty has been compromised.”

Have A Blessed Day,

Richard

Following God is Not an Easy Road

One of Satan's greatest tools is to isolate believers in their minds from other believers around them. He makes us think we are the only ones facing such struggles.

Beware of Self-Isolationism

When Satan keeps us from sharing our struggles, bearing each other's burdens, and encouraging one another—he has pushed our spiritual lives into a potential cycle for constant defeat. He plants thoughts like: "no one else has ever faced what I am facing", or "I am so bad and no other Christian has ever done what I have done", or "no believer has ever failed as I have failed".

As we read I Corinthians 10:11-13, it is our introduction to how much we need to realize we are all weak, frail, and in need of God's grace.

What David faced, we all face; how David struggled, we all struggle. In varying degrees an in various flavors of sin, but we are all made of the same stuff. There are no super-saints.

"Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

Most of us who grew up in the twentieth century remember the comic books, cartoons, and TV shows portraying the exploits of super-heroes. Those superheroes had extraordinary abilities to fight a never-ending battle for truth and justice. Fans all over the world therefore idolized them—and loved hearing stories of their great feats!

In the 21st century many of these superheroes are coming back in the movies. As usual, movies often reflect deeper issues that can lurk in the back of our minds. It is easy to slip into a Bible-characters-were-superheroes mentality.

Those thoughts can lead to many Christians viewing God's choicest servants like David, or Elijah, or Paul as Super Saints.

He Leadeth Me

He leadeth me, O blessèd thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

  Refrain

    He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
    By His own hand He leadeth me;
    His faithful follower I would be,
    For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me

  Refrain

    He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
    By His own hand He leadeth me;
    His faithful follower I would be,
    For by His hand He leadeth me.

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.

  Refrain

    He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
    By His own hand He leadeth me;
    His faithful follower I would be,
    For by His hand He leadeth me.

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me

  Refrain

    He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
    By His own hand He leadeth me;
    His faithful follower I would be,
    For by His hand He leadeth me.

Mississippi Governor to Sign Bill Outlawing Abortion After 20 Weeks

Amanda Casanova | Religion Today Contributing Writer

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant plans to sign a bill that will ban abortion at 20 weeks.

Under the bill, abortion would be allowed at or after 20 weeks if the baby faces severe fatal abnormality or the woman faces permanent injury or death because of the pregnancy.

“This measure represents a great effort to protect the unborn in Mississippi,” Bryant said in a statement after the bill passed in the House and the Senate.

It passed in the House 91-20 and in the Senate 41-10.

The most recent Health Department statistics show more than 2,100 abortions were done in Mississippi in 2012. Two were listed at 21 weeks or later.

Mississippi’s only abortion clinic already stops doing abortions after 16 weeks’ gestation, said Diane Derzis, of Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Other states with a 20-week ban include Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.

Sen. Deborah Dawkins, who voted against the bill, said the 20-week ban would affect poor women.

“It occurs to me, over the past few years, that a lot of men do not understand how a female body works,” Dawkins said.

Happy Saturday Everyone... We made it through another week... 

Have a Blessed Day,

Richard

An Unavoidable Subject

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. - (Hebrews 9:27–28)

Jesus talked a lot about hell. In fact, He talked more about hell than any other preacher in the Bible. Therefore, we don’t want to steer clear of the subject. We want a biblical understanding of what the Bible says.

The apostle Paul concluded his message on Mars Hill with these words: “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30–31).

Jesus talked about judgment. Paul talked about judgment. The apostles talked about judgment. The Bible talks about judgment. And we need to talk about it, too, and have a proper understanding of what it is all about.

Some would say that it isn’t loving to talk about these things. But I could not disagree more. I think it’s the most loving thing we could do.

Let’s say there was a house on fire with someone trapped inside. And let’s say for some reason, he didn’t know his house was on fire. Would it be a loving thing for me to run and kick down the door, grab him, and run out of the burning house with him? Of course it would.

On the other hand, would it be a loving thing for me to walk by and say, “Oh, that house is on fire! Very interesting. Let’s go”? That wouldn’t be loving at all.

If we really believe there is an afterlife—and more specifically—a final judgment, if we really believe we will be held accountable for things that we say and do, then it will affect the way that we live.

Copyright © 2012 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org

Into My Heart

Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay;
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

Out of my heart, out of my heart,
Shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus;
Shine out today, shine out alway;
Shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus.

Supreme Court Nears Council Meeting Prayer Decision

Russ Jones | ReligionToday.com Contributor

The U.S. Supreme Court could decide any day about the Constitutionality of prayer during government meetings in a small New York town.

Even though 4 of the 12 prayers in 2008 were given by non-Christians, including a Jewish layman, a Wiccan priestess and the chairman of the local Baha'i congregation, Greece residents Susan Galloway and Linda Stephens filed a complaint about the predominately Christian prayers during the Greece, New York board meetings.

Despite the fact that a majority of the religious entities in Greece are Christian, an appeals court ruled too many of the prayers were Christian. In Greece v. Galloway, each meeting from 1999 through 2007 had been opened with a Christian-oriented prayer.

According to FoxNews.com, This month's meeting followed suite as a Baptist minister delivered a 40-second invocation.

"Lord, we ask that the decisions that are made will be made with a lot of thought and with a lot of wisdom from you," said the Rev. Mike Metzger of First Bible Baptist Church. "In Jesus' name, I pray."

Tony Perkins of the Washington DC-based Family Research Council, maintains that although the Supreme Court upheld the practice of legislative prayer in the 1983 case Marsh v. Chambers, militant secularists are attempting to banish this practice nationwide as it has existed for over 200 years.

“The arguments presented on both sides before the Supreme Court in Galloway could impact every aspect of faith in public life and the public square, as this is Ground Zero for the war on Americans of traditional faith -- especially observant Christians -- and the increasing attacks on Christmas and other longstanding celebrations of faith. Galloway could become the most important Establishment Clause case decided by the Supreme Court in decades,” Perkins said.

Happy Friday Everyone...
Have a Blessed Day.
Richard

Barren No More

"Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." - Ephesians 6:18

When we meet Hannah in 1 Samuel 1, we find her in the temple of the Lord, pouring out her heart to God. The Bible says she was in bitterness of soul and prayed to the Lord and wept much. Hannah was unable to have children, and her physical barrenness had become intolerable to her.

As she poured out her heart to God, she was completely oblivious of how she appeared to others. Eli the priest thought she was drunk.  But God answered Hannah's prayer for a child and she became the mother of Samuel.

I wonder how long it has been since you and I prayed like that because of our spiritual barrenness. I believe that one of the secrets to a fruitful Christian life is to become so fed up with our fruitless life that we will approach the Lord on our knees and pour out our hearts to Him in prayer. Amen!

We often pray for other reasons -- when we face financial difficulty, when a cherished relationship is in trouble, when our physical health fails. Out of our personal anguish we will fall on our faces and pour out our souls to God. But will we do it because of our lack of spiritual fruit?  Only if God so convicts us that it produces a genuine grief of soul.

Christian , when we begin praying for God to use us and make us fruitful for His glory, something wonderful is going to happen - - try it - - prove our God!  He is faithful!

Prayer
"Lord, create in me a grief for my lack of spiritual fruit. Amen."

Do I have a personal longing for the salvation of souls? Lord, Jesus, do not allow me to lay my head on my pillow tonight unless I share with "whosoever" Your  life cleansing blood.

There's Power In The Blood

1. Would you be free from your burden of sin?
     There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
   Would you o’er evil a victory win?
     There’s wonderful power in the blood.
• There is power, power, wonder-working power,
    In the blood of the Lamb;
  There is power, power, wonder-working power,
      In the precious blood of the Lamb.
2. Would you be free from your passion and pride?
     There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
   Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide,
     There’s wonderful power in the blood.
3. Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
     There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
   Sin-stains are lost in its life-giving flow,
     There’s wonderful power in the blood.
4. Would you do service for Jesus your King?
     There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
   Would you live daily His praises to sing?
     There’s wonderful power in the blood.

Have a Blessed Day,
Richard

The Prodigal Son

Today's Scripture
"The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living." - Luke 15:12-13 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Enabling is anything that stands in the way of or softens the natural consequences of a person's behavior. Enabling behaviors may actually hinder what God is doing in our loved one's life.

In Luke 5:11-32, we learn that the father of the prodigal son understood the dangers of enablement. The prodigal son chose to take his part of the inheritance and leave home. He went to a distant country and wasted his wealth. Finally, out of money and working in a field feeding pigs, he came to his senses and decided to go home and ask his father's forgiveness.

Consider this …
Although it had been painful to see his son leave, the prodigal's father allowed him to be responsible for his own actions … all the while, praying for him and waiting to receive him with open arms when he returned. But in the meantime, the father did not send care packages to the pigpen.

When the son recognized his sin and confessed it, his father welcomed him home and showered him with mercy and love.

It is vital that we don't try to deliver our loved ones from the natural consequences of their actions, but instead allow God to work his perfect plan in their lives.

Prayer
Father, help me not to interfere with your plan for my loved one's life. Help me not "jump to the rescue" when I should stay back and trust you to work in his life. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from … 
Understanding the Times and Knowing What to Do by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. This book offers biblical strategies for ministry to our family and friends. Contemporary issues and needs faced by society are addressed with biblical principles that are timeless. Ideal for small group leaders and Sunday school teachers who want a better understanding of ministry in an addictive culture.

Saved, Saved
I’ve found a Friend, who is all to me,
His love is ever true;
I love to tell how He lifted me
And what His grace can do for you.

Refrain

   Saved by His power divine,
   Saved to new life sublime!
   Life now is sweet and my joy is complete,
   For I’m saved, saved, saved!

He saves me from every sin and harm,
Secures my soul each day;
I’m leaning strong on His mighty arm;
I know He’ll guide me all the way.

Refrain

   Saved by His power divine,
   Saved to new life sublime!
   Life now is sweet and my joy is complete,
   For I’m saved, saved, saved!

When poor and needy and all alone,
In love He said to me,
“Come unto Me and I’ll lead you home,
To live with Me eternally.”

Refrain

   Saved by His power divine,
   Saved to new life sublime!
   Life now is sweet and my joy is complete,
   For I’m saved, saved, saved!

Islamic Extremists’ Attempted Jailbreak Reportedly Leads to 21 Shootout Deaths in Nigeria

Story by the Associated Press; curated by Dave Urbanski

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A shootout at Nigeria’s State Security Services headquarters near the presidential villa killed at least 21 people Sunday, a government spokeswoman said of what appears to be an attempted jailbreak by Islamic extremists.

Residents described shooting that went on for more than two hours Sunday morning.

Security services spokeswoman Marilyn Ogar tried to minimize the event, saying it involved one detainee who tried to disarm a guard by hitting him on the back of his head with his handcuffs. Ogar’s statement said the only shots fired were warnings by guards and soldiers who quickly deployed around the perimeter of the compound, fearing collaborators from the outside.

Later Sunday Ogar reported 21 deaths — but did not specify if the fatalities included security agents and soldiers. She said two “service personnel” were seriously injured.

Jailbreaks are common in Nigeria, often aided by corrupt officials. But not from the state security headquarters which holds suspects of special interest, including alleged fighters in the northeastern Islamic uprising that has killed more than 1,000 people this year.

That insurgency is led by the Boko Haram terrorist network that on March 14 staged a daring jailbreak in an attack on Giwa Barracks, the main military barracks in the northeastern city of Maiduguri. Hundreds of detainees held at the barracks were freed. The military said it killed hundreds of them. Hospital workers said they counted 425 corpses at the morgue, the worst fatalities recorded in the 4-year-old uprising.

Residents described a shootout that began at about 7 a.m., when detainees are served breakfast, and continued until after 9 a.m.

“Whatever this is, it appears more serious than an attempted jailbreak claimed by the SSS,” said a tweet posted by Nasir El-Rufai, a former Cabinet minister who lives in the neighborhood. He said there were exchanges of gunfire and a helicopter gunship hovering overhead.

“What I witnessed with my eyes and heard this morning was a full-scale battle,” tweeted another former Cabinet minister, Femi Fani-Kayode. He said he lives 55 yards from the state security headquarters and the presidential villa called Aso Rock.

Agents at the scene said a detainee received a smuggled pistol along with his breakfast, and used it to shoot a guard who had unlocked his handcuffs so he could eat. It was unclear if the guard survived. The agents spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to reporters.

Have A Blessed Wednesday,
Richard

Go and Sin No More

John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Some folk think Jesus is just waiting to point a condemning finger at poor sinners. They think GOD is sitting up in heaven with a lightning bolt in hand to sap them. 

I have good news for you! GOD is not in the condemning business. He is in the saving business. GOD loves us and has done everything to save lost man.

Our living GOD of all things wants man to be reconciled to him. God did not send is son to condemn but to save.

The woman in our verse today had been caught in the very act of sin. She had no defense. She and everyone else knew she was guilty. Jesus knew she was guilty. BUT, Jesus forgave her of her sin. Jesus told her to go and sin no more

That is our problem. We sin, ask for forgiveness, then go out and sin again.

We are not perfect, but, we should try to be.

God Bless;

Walter D. Hill D. Min.
P.O. Box 235
LaGrange, Ga. 30241
hill.walter19@yahoo.com

He Leadeth Me

He leadeth me, O blessèd thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.

Refrain

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.

Refrain

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

Refrain

and I found this next article interesting since both my wife and I plan to be cremated at death...

Is Cremation Biblical? Poll Reviews America's Views on Consequences for Afterlife

12:00PM EDT 3/28/2014 LifeWay Research

Forty-one percent of Americans say they plan to be cremated, according to a survey. (arizonaurns.com)

A growing number of Americans are taking “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” literally when they die.

About four in 10 (41 percent) Americans say they plan to be cremated, according to a survey of 1,036 Americans from Nashville-based LifeWay Research.

Six in 10 (58 percent) say being cremated won’t keep you from being resurrected to live in heaven. And few (14 percent) say that cremation is wrong.

The LifeWay online survey reflects the growing acceptance of cremation, which has become common in the United States.

About four in nine (43.5 percent) Americans who died in 2012 were cremated, according to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). That’s nearly double the rate from 1996 (21.8 percent).

LifeWay researchers found that few Americans have qualms about the practice.

More than seven in 10 (71 percent) disagree with the statement “I believe it is wrong to cremate a body after someone dies.”

Only three in 10 (30 percent) disagree with the statement “I plan to have my body cremated when I die.” Forty-one percent agree, while 29 percent do not know.

Scott McConnell, vice-president of LifeWay Research, says that cremation fits the way most Americans live these days.

“Few people stay in the same place all their lives, so they don’t have strong connection to a place they want to be buried,” he says. “Cremation is also often less expensive than burial. And many of the social taboos about cremation are fading.”

The survey found that few Americans think cremation has any consequences for the afterlife. Fifty-eight percent disagree with the statement “If someone’s body is cremated, there is no way for them to be resurrected to live in heaven.” Only 8 percent agree. One in five (20 percent) don’t know. Fourteen percent say there is no resurrection to live in heaven.

Evangelical Christians have been wary of cremation in the past. And the practice does remain less common in the Bible Belt. In Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee, the cremation rate is among the lowest in the country, at 23.9 percent, according to CANA. By contrast, in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, the cremation rate is 60.3 percent.

In LifeWay’s survey, self-identified born-again, evangelical or fundamentalist Christians are most likely (27 percent) to say that cremation is wrong and to disagree (42 percent) when asked about being cremated. They’re also (70 percent) most likely to disagree when asked if cremation would keep someone from being resurrected to live in heaven.

Have a Blessed Day - No April Foolin',
Richard

 

Our Provider

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread of heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:32-35

I love to sit down at the dinner table with my family. While it doesn't happen as often as it used to, there's nothing better than time spent with my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren over a good meal. And there's almost nothing better than Virginia's cooking. It's the best around! With every bite, you can almost feel the warmth take over your body and soul.

What's interesting is that this scenario is completely opposite from what takes place when a human being goes for days or months without food. The body goes into starvation mode breaking down fat and muscles for energy. Diseases are more apt to take over and other symptoms begin to take effect: irritation, fatigue, pain, depression, personality changes, hysteria, and eventually death.

I think it says something that Jesus called Himself the bread of life and the living water (see John 4:1-26) numerous times in Scripture.

He said, "Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world" (John 6:49-51).

Yes, Jesus is our salvation. He does provide eternal life when we enter into a personal relationship with Him. But we are also to fellowship with Him in prayer, His Word, and community with other believers in order to nourish and sustain our spiritual lives.

Challenge yourself to spend time in God's Word each day. Take in one bite at a time and enjoy the consistency and flavor of it. Drink in the presence of Jesus during your prayer time and fellowship with other believers at His table.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Jesus, nourish my soul with Your Word. Fill my cup with Your presence. Give me sweet fellowship and communion with You and other members of God's family.

Slow Church Movement Fights the 'McDonaldization' of Church

Bob Smietana | USA Today | Friday, March 28, 2014

A mega-church pastor has come under fire of that for allegedly claiming Muslims and Christians worship the same God.

Critics have taken aim at Brian Houston, pastor of the 30,000-member Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australian for comments he made in a December 2013 sermon titled "Living for the Master's Well Done, Part 1.”

"Do you know – take it all the way back into the Old Testament and the Muslim and you, we actually serve the same God,” Houston said. “Allah to a Muslim, to us Abba Father God. And of course through history, those views have changed greatly. But let's make sure that we view God through the eyes of Jesus, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the beauty of a Savior, the loving open inclusive arms of a loving God. And that way we'll lead out of that and you'll be purposeful about your leadership and you'll draw people just like the Lord Jesus always does through the power of the Holy Spirit."

According to Christian Post some Christian leaders claim Houston is promoting a new theological concept known as “Chrislam” which blends the two world religions of Christianity and Muslim.

Houston refutes such claims. He released a statement Friday clarifying his comments.

“Recently there have been false claims on social media that I believe Muslims and Christians worship the same God. This is incorrect. Those propagating these false statements have taken one sentence from an entire message out of context. I realize that some critics WANT to believe their interpretation, but my prayer is that reasonable people will take my comment in context, accept my acknowledgment that I did not explain this sentence as I intended, and judge me on 40 years of pointing people to Jesus - not one sentence.

For further clarification, here is the context of my message:

King David said about His God in Psalm 119:68, "you ARE good and you DO good". Who David believed God IS, determined what He Believed God DOES. The spirit of the message was exactly the opposite of what some critics are claiming. If you listened to the message in its entirety, my point was that; who a Muslim extremist believes God is, determines what they believe God does, and what they believe God loves.

I was contrasting their harsh perspective of (their) god, with who I believe God is - (a Loving God, the Father of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ) and therefore what I believe God does and what I believe God loves. The ONE sentence that critics are drawing huge conclusions from was clearly a (clumsy) way of me explaining that though both Christians and Muslims believe they serve the God of Abraham, they are very DIFFERENT 'entities' or 'deities' in both nature and action.

I have always believed and will always believe that there is only one Way to God and that is through His Son, Christ Jesus. I also believe that anyone – irrespective of their religious upbringing, culture or background – can find grace, peace, freedom and eternal life through Christ.”

Have a Fantastic Monday,
Richard

Spring brings a glimpse of Christ’s resurrection power

“ I want to Christ and the power of his resurrection...”  — Phillipians 10:13 ( NIV)

As I looked at the computer screen saver, I saw a picture my husband had taken last year of three bald-headed, baby birds still in the nest. It brought back memories of last spring, when a  mother robin  built her nest on the down spout of our neighbor’s garage. Each time I looked out my kitchen window I could see the circular bundle of twigs, bark, and grass nestled on top of the elbow of gutter pipe.

It wasn’t hard to recognize because I’d seen robin’s nests before. Each time I spotted one I looked with anticipation hoping to find some eggs inside. However, I’d never had the pleasure of witnessing life inside those nests. But this one was different. It wasn’t an empty decoy. There were three tiny eggs snuggling side-by-side in the bottom, as if they were being held in the palm of God’s hand.

I took my binoculars and eagerly watched each day for signs of life to resurrect from this group of miniature eggs. Then one day, I watched with delight as a newborn bird stretched it’s skinny neck up over the top of the nest. Before I knew it, there was a threesome bobbing up and down, with their tiny beaks wide open, crying for their mother to bring them some  food.

Within days, their little heads were sprouting fuzz. It seemed almost overnight that feathers emerged from their barren wings. Jeff snapped pictures, as we watched in wonder how the baby birds transformed from barren and bald, to a state of beauty. Watching them resurrect from eggs to living creatures was a breathtaking experience.

Spring is the season we celebrate the Easter holiday. It commemorates God’s display of power in Christ’s resurrection from death to new life. I think God planned it that way. Watching creation emerge all around us each spring, gives us a glimpse of the miracle of His resurrection power.

Annettee Budzban is a newspaper religion columnist, freelance writer and author. She has been published in Christian magazines such as guideposts Angels on Earth, Stewardship, Standard, and many more. Her writings have also been many popular anthologies such as a Cup of Comfort, Chicken Soup,God's Way books and others. Her books when Heaven Whispers and Inspirations to Restore Your Soul can be ordered on -line in any bookstore. Her e-mail is ahrtwrites2u@aol.com       

Pakistani Christian Sentenced to Death for Blasphemy

Carrie Dedrick | Editor, ChristianHeadlines.com | Friday, March 28, 2014

The Pakistani court found Sawan Masih guilty of blasphemy on Thursday and sentenced him to the death penalty. The Christian sanitation worker had been accused of speaking against the Prophet Muhammad in March 2013 by a Muslim friend.

According to The New York Times, the friend informed authorities that Masih had insulted Muhammad during an argument. The accusation caused an uproar in which riots swarmed the Christian neighborhood of Joseph Colony in Lahore. Residents fled the area as 170 houses were burned along with two churches.

While an execution has never been performed in Pakistan for a blasphemy charge, recently elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has voiced his public support of capital punishment.

Masih’s lawyer will be appealing the sentence to the Lahore High Court.

Masih says that he has been falsely charged so that Christians will leave the Joseph Colony area, making it available for industrial development.

“They hatched a conspiracy to push out the residents of the colony,” Masih said in a  statement. “They contrived a case and got it filed by a person who was close to me. I am innocent.”

Human rights groups say that Pakistan’s blasphemy laws have been used in the past by individuals with personal vendettas settle scores with another. Some accused of blasphemy are attacked and murdered by vigilantes before cases come to trial.

Pray for the persecuted Christians of the World... 
Have a Blessed Sunday,
Richard 
     

Not of Works, But of Faith

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17

Martin Luther struggled with the book of James because he felt that the book discredited grace. After he, himself, tried to work so hard to prove his own faith, Luther came to the conclusion that salvation is by grace alone. He also realized that even our works are an act of God's grace. Verses like those above stumbled him because earlier in his life he tried to earn his salvation and to prove his faith through works, instead of grace.  It is not works that save or justify or affirm your faith; it is a result of your faith that you desire to work for the things of God. When Luther ended up exhausted, burned out and lacking peace in his works, then he let faith be his guide to do what God called him to do. The Reformation is a result of his faith, not of his work. The Reformation resulted as a work of God through the faith of Martin Luther.

As the Bible says, God causes all things to work together for good. Today, there are countless churches and denominations reaching the world through the means and convictions that God has placed on each one's heart. God works through movements in His churches, but His works are still accomplished through individuals.   That work is a result of the outpouring of love we have for the Lord. His burden is easy and His yoke is light. Titus 3:5 says "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us," meaning that we do works of righteousness but those deeds are a result of God's mercy, saving us and then working in us through faith. Today, allow the Lord to develop and strengthen your faith. Rest in His saving mercy and He will accomplish His work through your faith.What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17 

A True Disciple

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:4

... When my hair began to turn gray, and it was evident I'd been around a long time, people began asking me, "How are Christians today different from Christians when you came to Christ?" My answer is always the same: Today's Christians are far better trained to serve the Lord. There are conferences, seminars, and workshops available today that were unheard of in my early years. There's also one thing lacking: the intense hunger for holiness that was in the lives of Christians a few decades ago.

Paul told the Romans, "I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil" (Romans 16:19, KJV). The word translated simple also is translated guileless and innocent! The word doesn't come from the field of religion but from the study of metal. There are pure metals--gold, iron--and there are mixed metals--steel, bronze. And that's the word Paul uses to mean unmixed regarding evil.

... To the Greeks in Corinth, he spelled it out by asking them five questions recorded in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16: What do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and [Satan]? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?

... It's clear, isn't it? You can't mix light with darkness, or Christ with Satan. And to make this point, Paul never hesitated to go head-on against the culture in which these new converts were living. He warned them that God had called them to holiness in a culture where chastity was an absolutely unknown virtue. Christian, take your stand. Abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul.

Prayer

"Lord, create in me a hunger for holiness in my life.  Amen."

... Is the light of Christ in you so bright that it's like a beacon in this dark world?


Ed Chandler

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.


Happy Friday, The Weekend is almost here... 
Richard

Leaving the Light

Today's Scripture: Hosea 7-8

"This is the verdict: Light had come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." - John 3:19

For those people who think that the God of the Old  Testament is a God of wrath and judgment, with no mix of compassion and love, I recommend reading the book of Hosea. Admittedly, God does eventually unleash His wrath on those who disobey, but it is not His first impulse.

Day after day, sometimes year after year, He pleads with His people to repent and turn to Him. But finally the day of reckoning comes. In the section of Scripture before us, we find these words: "I wrote for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something alien" (Hosea 8:12). God had become a stranger--an alien--among His own people. Hosea records that the Word of God did not fit the people's lifestyle. They were glued to their idols. Sin and immorality were the order of the day. At long last these people had made their final decision: sin, rather than God.

You can be assured that the final act on their part did not happen overnight. It was a long time coming. And it started with a slight deviation from the path--a small sin, an act that looked quite harmless. But it resulted in disorder. So Hosea makes this chilling statement: "My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him; and they shall be wanderers among the nations" (9:17 KJV).

Christian, take stock. Are you toying with something that displeases the Lord? Take steps to nip it in the bud. Put it to death before it gets a stranglehold on your life.

Prayer

Lord, have mercy on my wayward heart and draw me back to You. Great is Your faithfulness to me. Amen.

To Ponder

Does my lifestyle fit with God's Word?

Ed Chandler 

May your day be filled with joy... Happy Thursday,

Richard