A Thanksgiving Story:

Below is a “devotional” – some Thanksgiving thoughts that were passed on to me by someone who is very special to me. It is a very thought provoking and convicting devotional.

John bellows out in his strong, masculine, in control voice and gathers everyone in the house for a quick devotional and time of praise before the food is served:
Alright! Everyone gather in here please! Kids, get in here right now! We are going to spend some time being thankful today.

(thinking: I wasn't thankful last year when my pay was cut. I wasn't thankful last year when all of my children were sick at once. I wasn't thankful last year when someone doublecrossed me in business. I wasn't thankful last year when we couldn't afford to go on vacation. I wasn't thankful last week when I tripped on a toy and yelled at my kids. I wasn't thankful last week when the toilet overflowed. I wasn't thankful last week when the guy in front of me made me late. I wasn't thankful last week when I received an unexpected bill. I wasn't thankful last week when my neighbor kid threw trash in my yard. I wasn't thankful yesterday when I realized that the kids ate the last of my favorite cereal. I wasn't thankful yesterday when my car wouldn't start, when I couldn't find the jumper cables and blamed my wife for moving it. I wasn't thankful yesterday when I found out that I don't get my paycheck until Monday because of Thanksgiving holiday. I wasn't thankful yesterday when I found out we had to cook for all those people on Thanksgiving. I wasn't thankful yesterday when I found out that THEY were coming to Thanksgiving dinner. But....today suddenly I find that I'm thankful! Oh sure, today is Thanksgiving. I HAVE to be thankful. Besides, I get to watch my wife cook all day, I get to hunt, eat all day, watch football all day, and so yes I'll be thankful).

Today, I think it is appropriate that we spend some time thanking the Lord since it is Thanksgiving! Right? (thinking: can't wait to get this over with, but got to do it since there are church people here).

Free Christmas Music/Soundtracks

In addition to my blogging here at IFBKJV and on KJV Devotions, I have a coupon money saving blog. I list freebies and samples, and from time to time I post them here at IFBKJV as well. This is one I wanted to get the word out about! Amazon.com has free music available for download, and these three albums are great, especially the first one. If you are always looking for soundtracks, here are a number of freebies! These "Karaoke" Christmas songs make great soundtracks - the four in the middle are great. Available with or without a lead voice. Enjoy!


The Karaoke Channel - Best Traditional Christmas Songs









Sugo Music Free Holiday Sampler (free and full-length songs!)









Timeless Christmas (Amazon MP3 Exclusive Sampler) FREE!

This is a great freebie, but I LOVE the Irish Tenors, so...I really love the first four songs. The last two I don't care for. Listen first, and only download what you like...its's all free!

Now Available - Roadmap Through Revelation

Here's the book trailer for my book, Roadmap Through Revelation:

For more information click here: http://revelationroadmap.blogspot.com/

To order, click here: http://truthandsong.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=72

Here's the introduction to Roadmap Through Revelation.  I've included it here because I think it best describes the purposes of the book and where I'm coming from on it.  I hope it's a blessing to you!

Introduction

A Personal Testimony and the

Purpose of this Book 

I remember when I first decided to study this book of the Bible. I was eighteen at the time and my parents were running a missionary guest house in Papua New Guinea. This had opened up several opportunities, one of the most memorable being able to regularly teach and preach the Bible in public high schools as well as churches from time to time.

I had the desire to do a sermon off of Revelation, and so I sat down and read it one afternoon. I had heard bits and pieces of teaching about it, and when I read it all the way through I couldn’t help but get confused about a few things. Not the least of which was that fact that Armageddon kept happening over and over again.

Why Hide?

Jeremiah 23:23-24  Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?  (24)  Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

As I decided to read a little more in my Chronological Bible this morning, I came across the 23rd chapter of Jeremiah and spent some time contemplating the many great truths for us today (So much so, that I may preach through this chapter sometime soon!). I wanted to share with my readers these two verses, mainly because they parallel what we have been studying in Sunday School.

There once was a couple who thought they no longer needed God. Now, I am sure they did not think that way outwardly, or ever even verbalized it, but that was the case inwardly. They had wonderful fellowship with God, the likes of which no one ever had before. God had richly blessed them with an abundance of provision and love and only had one restriction. 

Yet, soon after there comes along someone who begins to get them to doubt that God's way was the only way. Soon thereafter they make the choice to make their own decisions on what is right and what is wrong and wilfully disobey God. Quickly they fall under conviction and begin to try to formulate their own means of reconciliation by a covering of fig leaves. But this covering was not enough, and when they hear the LORD God walking in the garden towards them, they hide in the trees of the garden.

I am sure that most of my readers by now realize that I am speaking about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The amazing thing is that some 6,000+ years later man is still trying to hide their sin from God. First, a small covering of fig leaves. And when that does not work, we go for a forest of cover -- but are still naked to God in our sin and shame.

Let each of remember that there is no place we may hide from the presence of God and no way for us to fool Him with our feeble works of righteousness. Wherever you may be at in your fellowship/relationship with God, realize this: God sees you where you are and loves you in spite of it. Do not let your past failures and mistakes keep you from having the fellowship/relationship that your Heavenly Father wants with you. Realize about yourself what God already knows: you are a sinner saved by His wondrous grace. Then, repent of that sin and return to Him. 

His love is greater than our sin, and His Grace reaches down further to bring us out of the miry clay. 

Don't Hang Yourself... Hang Around

³ Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

⁴ Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].

⁵ And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

-Matthew 27:3-5

Consider for a moment the similarity between Peter and Judas.  Peter denied Christ, Judas betrayed him, but both of them were guilty of basically the same offense.  Peter did it to avoid embarrassment and possible persecution, and Judas did it for money.  Both men did despicable wrong against their Savior.

Now consider what makes them so different from each other.  When Judas saw that he had made a horrible mistake, he committed suicide.  The End.  Peter, on the other hand, had a talk with Jesus about it and received forgiveness, restored fellowship with the Lord, and the chance to preach at Pentecost.

There comes a time in every young person's life when you feel like you've really blown it.  At some point after you mess up, you ask yourself, "What was I thinking?!"  No doubt both Peter and Judas thought the same thing.  Now you have two options.  You can go out and ruin the rest of your life (Judas) or you can hang on long enough to get it straightened out with the Lord (Peter).

If you've had a "Peter moment," hang on a second!  Jesus is there for you, ready to help you out of that sin.  Just be humble enough to repent, submit and move on with life.  Even though Peter's denial must have hurt Jesus deeply, He looked past Peter's faults and saw Pentecost.  When we screw up, He doesn't say, "Look what you did!"  He says, "Serve Me!"

Judas didn't have to hang himself.  He could have talked it out with the Lord like Peter did in John 21.  Just think, we could have a book of Judas!  He could have lived the dream that Peter did!  But no... 

When the time comes that you feel like you've made the biggest mistake of your life, do what Peter did. Repent, submit, obey, press on, and move on.  You don't have to live a defeated Christian life just because of one mess up.  God has a future planned out for you.  Get back up, get it straight and keep on serving the Lord!

The Investment of a LIFETIME

Lu12:22-40
¶ And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

No Good Thing

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee." Psalm 84:11-12

Are you discouraged? Have you desires and supposed needs that God is not meeting? Are you feeling poor and needy? This verse gives comfort when we think the Lord has abandoned us. We may know he will never leave us, but doubt and sadness can settle into our lives when we feel our needs are not being met. We may see others complaining of what little they have and think to ourselves, "I have half of that!"

Take comfort in Psalms 84. God is good and light - in Him there is no darkness at all. For some reason, He is not giving you what you think you need; but know that the reason is a good reason. Perhaps it would allow something worse to come into your life. Perhaps you need something else more. Perhaps if your unanswered prayer were granted, it would bring some hurt or destruction in the lives of those around you.

The important thing is to just close your eyes, and put your life in His loving, kind and capable hands. Do what you can, and then trust Him to take care of all that you can not change. Be sure you are walking uprightly. Judge yourself of anything in your life that God would be displeased with, and remove it from you. Rebuke your depression, discouragement and faithlessness for what they are. Say the verse out loud, and trust God with your life, as you trusted Him with your eternal soul. "...the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Amen!

Two Ways Before All Of Us

Jeremiah 21:8-9  And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.  (9)  He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.

The prophet Jeremiah is giving a Divine Warning to the King of Jerusalem and his people. They have two choices before them: one leads to life, and the other leads to death. But there is no standing still, there is no wavering. Choose, and choose quickly, the path that you will take.

In a very real way, the same choice is before us today in regards to salvation: chose to stay in the city (sin) and die an everlasting death of separation and punishment in Hell and the Lake of Fire. Or, leave the city (sin) and fall on the Lord for his mercy and grace. The Lord has given the warning and the choice is yours to make.

What Happened to Thanksgiving ?

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100: 4-5(KJV)

A few nights ago I was watching the local news when the news anchor made a statement that made me both mad and sad. He remarked that although many people still had jack-o-lantern pumpkins sitting on their front porches, the department stores already had their decorations out for “our next holiday”. Well, I knew very well that he was talking about Christmas but that is not our next holiday! What happened to Thanksgiving?…the oldest, purest, truly American holiday we celebrate? And, please!…..don’t call it “Turkey Day” either! It’s true what the news anchor said….the stores are all getting ready for the Christmas rush. But why is that? Why do people decorate for Halloween and Christmas but almost totally ignore Thanksgiving?

I think that the main reason may be that so many people have become self-sufficient to the extent that they believe they have made themselves what they are and don’t owe any thanks to anyone. More and more people are forgetting that everything they have ultimately has been given to them by a loving God. (“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1: 17)

We have such a high standard of living in our country that many people have never had to do without the basic necessities and therefore are not grateful for the things they have. Even many of the ones who do live in what we might call poverty believe that someone “owes” them a better life and may not be grateful for the things they do have. (“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy” II Timothy 3: 2 )

God has been gradually pushed farther and farther in the background in the past twenty-five years or so and now this great day that was set aside to give thanks to God for all He has done for us is reduced to nothing more than parades, football games and “Turkey Day”. (“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100: 3)

As Christians, let us truly give thanks as we celebrate Thanksgiving this year and remember that all our blessings are because of the wonderful mercies and love of our Lord. We don’t want our children and grandchildren to ask us some day…”Can you tell me the story of how you used to have a Thanksgiving Day?”

Let’s keep the day alive!“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100: 5

May each of you have a blessed time of giving thanks this year is my prayer!

Marilyn ...from "Walking in Truth"

Pastor, Have You Heard About Missionary Chad Phillips...

A little over a year ago, I had the privilege of meeting Brother Chad Phillips and his wife, Linda, at a missions conference at Zion Hill Baptist Church of Greenville, South Carolina. I was impressed with my brother from the outset. He is a missionary sent out of Victory Baptist Church, Loganville, Georgia where Derik Lawrence is the fine pastor. The Phillips family is serving with Macedonia World Baptist Missions  going to the country of Cambodia!

God: 2. Heather: 0.

My friend Amos is leaving the states to go back to Korea as a missionary in about a week. Although we went to the same Bible College, we weren’t friends while we were there – I knew who he was, but he didn’t know me because we hung in completely different circles. Sort of. It wasn’t until after Bible College that he and I become friends.

Anyways, he is thrilled to be able to go back to his homeland of Korea as a witness to the people and try to reach them for the Lord – and I am thrilled for him as well.

But I had a conversation with the Lord this morning, and I stuck my nose where it didn’t belong…

“God, Korea? Really? So far away from all his family and friends? I mean… and before thanksgiving!? You’re not even going to let him spend Thanksgiving and Christmas here with his family before being separated from them by thousands of miles…?”

“Heather? Who are you? Why are you questioning me?”

“Well, I’m just concerned, You know… I mean, he is my friend – and I know it’s not going to be easy…”

“Really… You ha…” but I interrupted Him before He could go on. I really thought I was going to win this argument.

“It just seems like You’re being very unreasonable here. I mean, You’re already making him go – but before the holidays? It just seems like your adding insult to the injury.”

“Whoa… stop. I’m not making him do anything. I placed a calling on his heart, and he answered. He wants to go. He’s choosing to go. And another thing – I care about him more than you or his family ever could. Who do you think I Am? What is your deal this morning…?”

“Well… I just…” I stuttered a few other words and turned up my radio. This conversation was over… and I had lost.

I like my comforts. I like my air conditioning in the summer and my heated house in the winter. I like having a refrigerator and a microwave. But above all that, I love being in my home with my family on the holidays – especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Halloween fell on a Sunday this year. I found myself judging people: “I wonder how many Christians opted to stay home and pass out candy instead of going to church?” As if it was any of my business.

Christmas falls on a Sunday next year. God tapped my shoulder: “I wonder how many Christians are going to stay home instead of going to church…?”

“But God, it’s Christmas!”

“Yeah… which just so happens to be My birthday, in case you forgot.”

I mumbled something under my breath. I really wasn’t having any luck winning today.

“Oh, and by the way… I Am having a birthday party next year. It’s going to be at My house… starts at 6:00 – you’re invited.”

~ Heather Joy
www.growup318.com

In the joy of what thou art

Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
As thy beauty fills my soul,
For by thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

Circumstances abound in our daily lives that prompt us as Christians to face our need to trust in our Lord and Saviour more.  Sometimes it is the need to have patience with our children as they try our patience or trouble our souls.

Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of thy loving heart.

O how great thy lovingkindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!

O how marvelous thy goodness
Lavished all on me!

Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved,

Know what wealth of grace is thine,

Know thy certainty of promise

And have made it mine.

But have we considered how marvelous His goodness is and how it is so very much lavished all on me?  The mavelous goodness to embrace us in His loving arms and to shelter us from the fiery darts of troubles and trials and even the evil one.  All His goodness - the actual goodness of Him - is lavished on us.

Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold thee as thou art,
And thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings:
Thine is love indeed.

And we can find that our every need is met in Him.  His love so pure, so changeless completes us and satisfies us even in our deepest longings.  Even in the moments of our greatest need, He compasses us round with blessings.

Ever lift thy face upon me
As I work and wait for thee;
Resting 'neath thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth's dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father's glory,
Sunshine of my Father's face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with thy grace.

Facing our deepest, darkest trials we can rest in our Lord.  We can savor His goodness.  We can experience His love and His grace to keep us trusting, and resting. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw29s9TJ1QI&feature=related

May you love and trust Him and rest in Him completely.

Gong Show! Dealing With Disputes, and How Abrasiveness Is Not a Fruit of the Spirit!

Click Here for My Site
 
You’re peacefully laying on the couch with a good book, all bundled up by the fireplace.  Peeking over the book you can see out the window that it’s snowing outside in the dark.  You just ate your favorite dinner about forty minutes ago, and everyone in the house is in bed for the night.  You’re all alone, and you’re as cozy as cozy can get.  You lazily bring a cup of hot chocolate to your lips when all of a sudden...

**BWWWWWWOOOONNGGGGGG!**

Imagine being in such a wonderful situation and then having someone slam one of those old Chinese gongs right behind your head!

The sound of the gong pulsates through your body shaking you like a cat at a dog park!  Scalding yourself in the process, you spill the chocolate all over yourself, the book, and your blankets.  The kids run into the room screaming, lights go on in every house on the street, dogs start howling, and a car slides off the road and into your driveway!  What a wonderful thing!

Pastor, Have You Heard About Transporters For Jesus...

For many years now, I have heard about a ministry carried out by Brother Arnold Worley, and his wife, Wanda. They live in Marion, North Carolina and are members of Temple Baptist Church where Gerald Stines is the fine pastor. This ministry, of course, is Transporters For Jesus!

Who Are The Worley's?

Brother Arnold and Sister Wanda will have been married for 40 years this coming February 2011. They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Arnold was saved on October 31, 1970 and Wanda has been saved for 50 years! To God be the glory!

What Is Transporters For Jesus?

This ministry was birthed into the heart of Brother Arnold in 1996 while taking a load of lumber to a missionary in Mexico. Understanding the need to help God's servants carry out their calling by doing practical things like moving supplies, etc., Transporters For Jesus was born.

James 2:15-16 states, "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" 

To Brother Worley, it is all about helping the missionary or pastor get what they need to the field. They just want to help people of like faith to carry out the work of God. Whether it is moving someone to a new pastorate, or bringing a missionary's belongings to a sea port to load onto a container for shipping to a remote part of the world, Transporters For Jesus is there!

The Most Incredible Thing You'll Ever Do

You take your seat across from the counselor with whom you've planned all week to have a meeting.  You've carefully organized exactly what you're going to say; your thoughts are in perfect outline form.  In a matter of minutes you will have poured out all that is troubling you and she will respond with some deep, otherworldly wisdom.  

You begin to feel emotional as you recall everything that's been building up.  Nothing has gone right, and you have reacted to your circumstances in the only reasonable manner, which has actually made things worse.  You are on an emotional roller coaster ride, and you want off...now.  You finally begin to speak, but your counselor pops a question that stops you in your tracks.

"So, how have your personal devotions been going lately?"

Are you serious?  You're really asking me this? you think, the confusion showing vividly on your face.  She didn't even let me explain myself!  How does she expect to be able to help me if she doesn't even know my problem?

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5

Many souls in despair have been caught off guard by this same question.  With all the different possible variables going into your specific problem, what could personal devotions have anything to do with it?  Actually, they have everything to do with it.

Routine vs. Schedule

ROUTINE VS. SCHEDULE

A learning spirit is so important to parenting. If we were to carry around a “purse of gold” (wisdom) from which to draw, I don’t believe that one could do any better than to draw from the wealth of wisdom they have readily before them in books, older Christian parents and Christian peers.

“Christian Parenting” authors and “older-wisers” in the church have so much experience and results from which they can draw and teach. Good Christian peer’s child training styles and opinions are the “iron against our iron” that can grind against us and cause our biblical beliefs to be strengthened or wear down our rough edges.

You see, this learning spirit is necessary because as a parent has their first child, many times they try to “undo the wrongs of their parents” by doing things “differently” in their own home. Yet, rather than being reactionary against one’s upbringing and going the opposite direction, a parent needs to seek TRUTH and WISDOM from their available resources and LEARN THE BEST WAY to parent and use their God-given personality and gifts to adapt it into their home environment.

The important truths of child training that are consistent throughout many Christian child training books as well as the advice given from many of my “older-wisers” include:

1. You need to be proactive and provide your children opportunities to learn how to behave properly. This is how training is practiced in schools, business and the military. Homes should take note. (A good way to do this is by having them by your side as you work. This let’s them learn a humble, teachable spirit and to learn things by someone with experience, rather than from “the school of hard knox.” This is especially helpful as they grow older and have from experience learned to trust your opinion and guidance rather than venturing out on their own to find their “own path.”)

2. Know your child’s heart, and allow the “rod of correction” correct the attitude more than the action. (The best way to know your child’s heart is by spending time doing things with them. You will hear them talk, see their responses to your directions, and be near them when their habitual responses rear their ugly heads. You can stop bad habits / actions before they start, by seeing the heart symptoms and teaching them the BIBLE’S WAY to respond.)

3. Have joy in your home: smile at your children, let them know they are a blessing and a gift. Never degrade them: especially to others. (A child will not want to grow up like mommy and daddy if the children see the parents as worried, irritable, yellers who moan about the burdens of children, church and finances. They will find the quickest route to their bedroom, their friend’s house, and later a love interest or the sparkling world and all it’s deception. Let them know that the joy of the Lord is your strength and be an example of the fruit of the spirit.)

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH A FAMILY ROUTINE?

Everything we adapt as parents must have a “WHY” behind the “HOW.” (If you have something that works for your family; than that is wonderful. If you are struggling to get it all done with a good attitude, this may be just what you need.)

Why a family routine?

1. A routine supplies an environment of order. (I Cor 14:40)

A MONTH OF THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving will soon be here!  I just love Thanksgiving!  It is one of my favorite times of the year.  What a blessing to gather with family and friends and reflect on all the blessings of the Lord.  Do you have a blessing you would like to share?  Why not do it right here.  Add your comment and what you are thankful for.

From Shackles To Sonship

Gal. 3:23-29 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Do You Facebook?

No, this is not a debate about the evils of facebooking/internet/emails...pick your poison. Personally, I feel like Facebook is a tool...and like most other things (tv, books, forums, sitting on a bench in the park talking to someone) it can be used for good or bad. I love Facebook. It helps me connect with my friends and family who live from 33 hours to an ocean away every day in a fast and free format. I use Facebook to witness, encourage, share devotions, promote IFBKJV.com...as well as to share last week's photos from the library, recipes, and prayer requests. I also do a fair amount of coupon and freebie hunting, which I post on FB for anyone else to benefit from.

This post is not about any of that. It was inspired by a FB status update from an old friend of mine. In fact, my husband and I were her youth pastor and wife about 13 years ago. In honor of Thanksgiving she is posting as her status something every day that she is thankful for.

Today she posted: "Day 3 of 30 days of thankfulness...today I am thankful for a job that provides me insurance benefits. Although I don't care to pay the high premiums and co-pays, it really does help and I'm grateful that my company pays into my insurance too so my part isn't as much."

What a great idea! Not only does it make other people remember to take time to be thankful, but it glorifies God, and I'm sure it helps set the tone for her day. Lately I have been going through a lot of personal battles, and it has been hard to not let depression overwhelm me. This is a simple task that can help me focus on the things God has done for me...count my blessings and not my problems. Wouldn't it be great if Christians all over America started posting their own 30 Days of Thankfulness? I know I am late, it being the third day of the month, but better late than never! If you do participate, please comment and let me know! I would love to find you on Facebook. I am Jessica Twardy Roberts.

Pastor, Have You Heard About Tom Meador...

The Working Pastor is delighted to introduce a fine veteran missionary named Tom Meador. Brother Meador and his wife Cheryl are a blessing to my family in a personal way. Brother Tom was saved in 1974 and left for Greece as a missionary in July of 1985. They are members of and sent out of Gospel Light Baptist Church of Walkertown, North Carolina where Dr. Bobby Roberson is the pastor.

There are many people who have left the ministry due to health reasons, and rightly so in many cases. However, the Meador family, in spite of Cheryl's illness, and car accident, have managed to keep on the firing line!!! This family has been Stateside since November of 2004, but has been sharing the gospel with Greeks WORLDWIDE through his printing of Gospel Tracts and his publication. Praise The Lord! God has a way of working through seeming misfortunes beyond our comprehension!

An Excerpt From His Testimony...

"I did not want to move back to America, but the Lord kept speaking to my heart about it and convinced me through prayer...  I believe the most important issue for any Christian is the WILL OF GOD!  The Lord brought us back in November, 2004 and our ministry has expanded ever since!  I send out our publications, ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ-ΦΩΣ & EVANGELIO-FOS, all across Greece to Australia, Canada, and to Greeks in every state in the U.S.A.  I also publish Gospel tracts and booklets in both languages and send them freely in bulk to Greek Gospel workers all around the world.  Just the other day, a Greek woman wrote to me from Sydney Australia who was saved after reading our paper.  I contacted a Greek Baptist pastor there by email. Another precious soul just on the outskirts of Athens also….  It’s amazing how the Lord has a way of working things out.  I’m thankful God allowed us to go to Greece for almost 20 years and yet brought us back, increasing our Gospel outreach from a place where we can be near these great doctors for my wife." Bro. Tom Meador

Below is a list of important links that every pastor should investigate about Tom Meador. 

Brother Tom's Testimony

August 2010 Prayer Letter

Booklets That Tom Publishes

Recent Publication

Contact Missionary Tom Meador Via Email: tj_meador@yahoo.com

Read More At The Working Pastor...

Before You Criticize Your Pastor…

Before You Criticize Your Pastor…
By Cary Schmidt (published by permission)

Ever noticed that some people relish the criticism of pastors? Like kids and candy—they addict themselves even though it’s rotting something in them. While choosing voluntarily to stay under his leadership, they commit themselves to finding and exploiting every possible imperfection. I’ve never understood this thinking. Selecting a pastor, only to proceed to condemn the selection doesn’t make sense. It’s a strange, sad little game that brings some bizarre satisfaction.

The next time you are tempted to join this crowd and participate in “roasted pastor” after Sunday services, take a moment to remember this list…

Remember the sacrifice he makes to be in the ministry—good pastors would be good at a lot of other things, and most of them could make a lot more money in secular employment. He stays in the ministry because he loves you!

Remember the biblical nurture he provides for your life and family—his study and prayer time have proven effective in feeding and nurturing your spiritual life. He labors in the Word so that your Christian life can be stronger.

Remember the qualities that caused you to appreciate his leadership—at some point you voluntarily placed yourself under his leadership and influence. Take a moment and remember the good qualities that originally led you to this decision!

Remember the victories he has led you towards in life—because of his leadership you’ve probably had a part in some personal and ministry victories—some joyful, abundant moments. Delight in those memories!

Remember the spiritual decisions you have made because of his influence—because of his preaching, you’ve probably avoided some traps, been spared some bad decisions, and seen some real spiritual growth. Take a moment to reflect on those decisions.

Remember that plenty of others are criticizing him—anybody can be a critic, because everybody is imperfect! Look long enough and you’ll find fault with everybody. Too many people join “the dark side.” There’s nothing virtuous or valiant about finding fault and pointing it out—any unspiritual nitwit can do it. It takes a lot more spiritual maturity and depth to be steadfastly committed to a perfect cause with an imperfect church family!

Remember he’s probably bearing burdens he cannot tell you about—outside of my petty little world, my pastor is probably dealing with big things—a man whose life is falling a part, a family on the brink of destruction, a dying loved one, a personal spiritual attack, a church member facing a trial, a child who’s been sexually abused, a wife whose husband just left. He can’t tell you about it all, but it’s still there and it’s all very, very real.

Remember he probably has information you don’t have—critics never have the full story, and usually they grossly distort the few details they do have. It’s their modus operandi! They don’t want the full story—because it removes their ability to imagine and distort it in their favor with their troll-ish followers. I used to believe everybody wanted the truth. Boy was that naive! The few times I’ve tried to approach a dedicated critic with the truth, they either ignore it, don’t believe it, or refuse to hear it. When you don’t understand a decision, just remember, the pastor probably sees a part of this picture that you can’t see.