Today's Thot

Jan. 30, 2011: This is the day which the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!  Psalm 118:24  How glad are you for today? If you're feeling poorly today, how glad are you for today? If you're sad, how glad are you for today? No matter what comes our way - joy, sorrow, pain, sadness - we should rejoice in the day and be glad.  We get our strength to rejoice and be glad from the Lord!  What say you?

We All Have Questions - Faith and Finance: Peace With or Without Prosperity

PART ONE - WE ALL HAVE QUESTIONS TO ASK

Everything I write stems from some major experience in my life that has caused me to dig into God’s Word to find His way of operating.

I have found that there is so much more peace in making decisions when the decisions have been made ahead of time. 

For instance:

·                     Should I get involved with this unsaved guy?  NO

·                     Should I tell this white lie?  NO

·                     Should I listen to this music?  NO

·                     Should I watch this movie?  NO

·                     Should I go to that party?  NO

·                     Should I tell this joke?  NO

·                     Should I ever abort a baby?  NO

All of these situations have clear Biblical passages supporting them.  It is a matter of us submitting to the Bible and TRUSTING GOD that He knows the desires of our heart far better than we do.  Yet, many times out of fear and inexperience we “lean upon our own understanding” and do what MAKES SENSE.

I know many teenagers and young adults choose to answer “YES” to the above questions out of fear or frustration concerning loneliness and emptiness inside, rather than trusting that God has a plan for their life and that HIS WAY brings the most joy.

As teenagers grow into young adults they have different questions to answer.  Rather than socially / morally related questions, they face financial / life direction questions which take more discernment to answer.

·                     Should I get a trade or go to college?

·                     Should I rent or buy?

·                     Should I get a roommate?

·                     Should I stay living at home?

·                     Should I buy the car I really want now, because I don’t know if I will be able to afford it when I am married?

·                     Should I work full time or part time?

·                     Should I start a career without going to college; the old fashioned way?

·                     Should I go to Bible College, State College, or a Community College?

As young adults marry they find the financial decisions they made in their early twenties greatly impact their marriage: TIMES TWO.

Seeking God

The Bible says, "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God:  God is not in all his thoughts."  (Psalm 10:4)  Do you seek after God?  Is He in all of your thoughts?  Is He is some of your thoughts?  If not God, who or what do you seek after?  Is it wealth and riches?  Fame and fortune?  Happiness?  I'd like to challenge you to seek the Lord.  "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near." Isaiah 55:6  He does not have to be an "UNKNOWN GOD" [see Acts 17:23].  He is very near to all who seek Him.

Pastor, Have You Heard About Charlotte Matthews

Most of us do not think of the United Kingdom as a needy mission field. The truth, however, is that it IS a place that is in desperate need of a spiritual awakening. Even though we read of great revivals and mighty works, wrought by God's own hand, in this part of the world from our history books, there is a greater need of laborers now more than ever!

Charlotte Matthews is one such individual who has given her life to further the cause of Christ and to "stand in the gap" for the United Kingdom. This young lady is excited about serving Christ! Learn more about her in this post and pray for her situation.

In Her Own Words...

Hello Pastor,

My name is Charlotte Mathews. I am a Missionary with Macedonia World Baptist Missions, sent out of Liberty Baptist Church in Stockbridge, Georgia to the United Kingdom.

I had the great privilege of growing up in a Christian home and I accepted Christ as my personal Saviour when I was twelve years old. A year later, I surrendered my life to Full‐Time Christian Service and became involved in the ministry of my local Church.

It was during this time that I went on my first Mission Trip with my Church Youth Group. This trip planted a burden in my heart that continued to grow throughout the years, and in 2002, during another Youth Mission Trip, the Lord began leading me to the United Kingdom as a Missionary.

A Prisoner of Hope

Everyone knows there is pain in this life.
We've all seen our share of tears,
But I choose to live on the positve side and
I won't be held hostage by fear.

(Chorus) I'm a prisoner of hope,
Bound by my faith, chained to His love,
Locked up in Grace, I'm free to leave, but I'll never go,
I'm wonderfully, willingly, freely a prisoner of hope.

Some people doubt what they don't understand,
But I know what's true in my heart,
Now I can't control what's out of my hands,
But I can lay back in His arms.

You're Trying Too Hard

"Don't work too hard!"  Ever heard that?  Though it's important to have a good work ethic on the clock, trying to live the Christian life in your own strength is another story.

I consider myself a fairly independent girl.  I like to earn my own money and find my way without asking for directions.  Unfortunately, this carried over into my spiritual life by working my hardest to live for God.  What's wrong with that?  Living the Christian life in our own strength is not just incredibly aggravating, it's impossible.  Paul puts it this way in Romans 7:22-23:

²² For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

²³ But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

I'm going to take a wild shot in the dark and just assume that if you're reading this, you desire to please God with your life.  My problem was, I was trying too hard.  Because of the law of sin that we're under, any righteousness we can dish out is as filthy rags, fit for nothing.

If you feel like you're constantly running into a brick wall, maybe you should reevaluate who you're relying on to get the job done.  At the time I struggled with this, I was doing everything I knew to go forward spiritually: I read my Bible, prayed, had good friends, and even went on visitation.  Yet, I was still relying on me.  I was doing everything I knew... God wasn't even invited into the picture.  Sure, I was praying to Him, but my prayers were something like, "Please help me to do my best today, so I won't do such-and-such."  Finally I crashed.

²⁴ O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? -Romans 7:24

I wasn't getting anywhere spiritually.  Actually, everything was getting worse.  I went down by the baseball field by my dorm where it was quiet, sat by a tree, and told God that I was giving up.  I had tried and tried, over and over, and nothing was working.  I did everything I knew to do, but my condition only worsened.  I told God that I couldn't do it.

And that's when things started to change.

²⁵ I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. -Romans 7:25

All God needs to work in your life is for you to admit that you can't do it on your own.  I might be somewhat independent, but my spiritual health hinges on me being totally dependent on God.  Don't think that just because your New Year's resolution is to improve on a certain area in life that "it'll just come to you."  Victory in the Christian life is victory in Jesus, not in all the labor we put into changing closer into His image.

If you're striving to improve your spiritual life and finding it impossible, you're trying too hard.  Let go and let God!  Victory comes from Him alone, and He is just waiting for you to give the hard stuff to Him.  The day I finally let Him handle my situation, He started working a miracle.  Whatever your problem is, the answer is Christ.  Stop "trying" and let God fight your battles for you.  Victory is guaranteed!

Come visit A Spring of Joy to read more posts on this topic, as well as subjects such as circumstances, loneliness, discouragement, and pain.  Come thirsty... leave refreshed!

Who Is Rick Schworer?

My Site                    My Blog

I’ve had a number of people online ask me who I am, and where I came from. I’ve had several ask me if I’m a pastor and I was amused to receive a snail-mail letter this week addressed to a “Rev. Rick Schworer.” About a week ago I was looking at what people typed in google to find this site, and someone typed in “Who is Rick Schworer.”

Well, I suppose it would be a good idea if you knew who I was, now wouldn’t it? I mean, why bother reading anything I have to say - for all you know I may be some maniac on a smoke break from his prison cell or a loser living in his mother’s basement.

I was born in 1979 in Sunrise Hospital, within Las Vegas, Nevada. Fortunately, my parents didn’t raise me in that hell-hole. The city that is, I'm sure the hospital is just dandy. My parents both got saved around the time that I was three years old, and they moved to Idaho and began attending Treasure Valley Baptist Church when I was five. Part of the motivation for them moving out of Vegas was when I began to ask questions about women stripping on billboards. While I do understand that there are those called to hold the line as best they can in places like Las Vegas, I’m very thankful my parents were not and that they had the common sense and decency not to raise me around that sort of debauchery.

At Treasure Valley Baptist Church in Meridian, Idaho, we found a home. I was saved the very next year at our church’s very first Vacation Bible School. TVBC didn’t have another VBS for another twenty years; it was exciting to see it again not too long ago.

I discovered Superman and Batman as a kid.

At thirteen years of age, God moved us to Phoenix, Arizona, and my father was an assistant pastor in a small church in a run-down, bad side of town. It was fairly common to hear gunshots in the neighborhood and see a prostitute here and there. The church was dying, and when my dad came it brought a last breath of fresh air to the people there. We were able to be a blessing and to be used. I discovered Basketball and became a rabid Phoenix Suns fan as I watched the Suns, led by Charles Barkley, squash team after team only to fall to MJ's legendary Chicago Bulls.

IT IS HIGH TIME

"If ever there was a time for we who profess faith in Christ, who are by His own pronouncement "the salt of the earth, the light of the world, a city set on a hill" - if ever there was a time to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven, it is now. If ever there was a time to do all things without murmuring and disputing, so that we might be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a wicked and perverse generation, it is now.

If ever there was a time for the redeemed of the Lord to say so, it is now. If ever there was a time to stir up the gift that is in us, no longer ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor drawing back for fear of rejection and ridicule, it is now. If ever there was a time to hold fast the pattern of sound words, standing in the grace of Christ and enduring hardships as good soldiers, it is now.

If ever there was a time to shun profane and vain babbling's, and to flee youthful lusts, it is now. If ever there was a time for diligence in presenting our case for Christ with dignity, it is now. If ever there was a time for private piety to become public virtue, it is now."copied (I wish I knew the author, so I could give credit)

Rom 13:11 And that , knowing the time , that now it is high time to awake out of sleep : for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

TIME....The measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues;

The fact is......we do not know when our time on earth will end. More importantly we do not know when the Saviour will return for His children. Yet, we let such unimportant things take the place in our life that belongs to Him alone.

TIME, is precious, I am sure if you have any age on you at all, by now you know as the Bible puts it.....Jam 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow . For what is your life ? It is even a vapour , that appeareth for a little time , and then vanisheth away .

It matters not how much money we have, how much power we hold over any man, how much knowledge we possess, no matter the beauty we may think is ours, The fame that can be attained, or the place in society that we hold, one day all these things will pass away.

1Pe 1:24 For all flesh is as grass , and all the glory of man as the flower of grass . The grass withereth , and the flower thereof falleth away:

All of us have an appointment with death and it is one thing that WILL NOT be put off. Hbr 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die , but 1 after this the judgment:

We do not know how many ticks of the clock we have left. We better use the time God has given us wisely. For one day......Rom 14:11 For it is written , As I live , saith the Lord , every knee shall bow to me , and every tongue shall confess to God . CONNIE'S THOUGHTS FROM THE HEART

"A Song for Mothers" by Abigail Miller

Here is a song for all you mothers out here who work very hard every day to honor God, honor your husbands, and raise your children for the glory of God, and yet recognize that you are fully human! Many have affectionately called it "The Cheerio Song." :-)

One humorous thing to keep in mind is that Abigail wrote this song when we had only two children! Now we have nine! We had no idea what was awaiting us. LOL! God does have a sense of humor.

Enjoy! (The pictures are of our family in 2008.)

"I Can Go In" Video by Abigail Miller

Greetings, friends. I wanted my first post to be one that would share a powerful song my wife, Abigail, wrote some years ago after reading an illustration that Charles Spurgeon used in one of his sermons. The Lord has used it all over the world. May it be a blessing to you as you consider the truths of redemption.

More songs/videos coming soon!

(NOTE: The video below was created by a third party--Peter Paul San Diego--to Abigail singing the song.)

Acts of Compassion

One of my joys in ministry is teaching the fourth grade girls Sunday school class at Lancaster Baptist Church. I enjoy incorporating many different teaching methods in our Sunday school class, and for a lesson on the Good Samaritan, I decided to use the element of surprise. On my way to the front of the classroom to begin the lesson, I would trip and fall to the ground. I expected my fourth grade girls to be sympathetic and helpful, then I could explain the definition of compassion and compare it to the Good Samaritan.

My act was flawless. I walked to the front of my classroom and fell, dropping all of my handouts, lesson notes, and visuals. But to my surprise, the girls just sat there. They were shocked and embarrassed for me. Instead of jumping to my aid, they froze in awkward silence. Needless to say, my great class introduction did not go as planned.

As I thought about compassion that day, the Lord taught me that sometimes we as adults respond the same way to others during their time of need or trial. When we see those in need of compassion, we do what my fourth grade girls did—we look on in awkward silence. We love the person, we feel bad, and we want to help. But because we don’t know what to do, we do nothing at all.

True compassion goes beyond a sympathetic feeling in my heart. True compassion involves action. We see this demonstrated by Jesus. He was moved with compassion (Matthew 9:36)—He did something about it! He healed those with disease and saved those who were lost.

How is compassion being displayed in your life today?

In Your Home
Often, it is hardest to be compassionate toward the people closest to us. Ephesians 5:33 commands husbands and wives, “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” We don’t always treat our families like we should, but our homes should be a picture of compassion. Does your daughter need help with her math homework? Does your husband need a clean house and a quiet evening at home? Ask God to give you a compassionate heart, and then, with the help of the Holy Spirit, seek for ways to demonstrate that compassion to your family.

In Your Church
Isn’t it easy to get into a routine when we go to church? We drop our Bibles off at our pew, drop our kids off in the nursery, line up for choir, listen to the sermon, and coordinate various details for church related events following the service. Have you recently stopped to notice the person sitting by himself in need of a friend? Do you display true, biblical compassion to those you serve at church, or are you just going through the motions? Galatians 6:10 tells us, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” The Lord can increase your burden and give you wisdom to know how to be a blessing to those around you. Don’t limit what God can do through you. If you stop to look, God will show you someone whom He can encourage through you.

Toward the Lost
We all know John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave….” We find the ultimate picture of compassion in this one phrase. God’s burden for us was displayed through action—He gave His Son. If Jesus felt that type of compassion for each of us as sinners, we should also live to show that compassion to those who don’t know Him. If you’re like me, God renews your heart for the lost during Missions Conferences or other outreach-related events. The missionary testimonies and displays remind us of the desperate need for Jesus in our world today. Sadly, though, my heart loses some of that fervor throughout the year. I have to pray to God for a compassionate heart that will actively share the Gospel with other people. Godly compassion is more than an emotion that comes and goes. It is a God-given burden that compels us to action.

When faced with someone who is hurting, do you respond like one of the fourth grade girls? Do you see a need, but tentatively look on in awkward silence? If so, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you as you seek to demonstrate compassion to those around you. After all, it is because of the Lord’s compassion that you and I are able to show it to others! Lamentations 3:22 says, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” I thank the Lord for our compassionate Saviour and pray that as we enter the fall season, you will be a vessel through which His compassion can flow to those around you!

Article by: Terrie Chappell
Ladies Ministry Director, Lancaster Baptist Church

The Error Of The Mob Mentality

Matthew 27:20  But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

When considering all that happened surrounding the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, I couldn’t help but think how we are a lot like the crowd that surrounded Pilate. It was the religious leaders of the day that persuaded the crowd to seek the release of Barabbas over Jesus.

Now today, it is often the religious leaders of our day (New Evangelicals, Reformed Theologians, etc.) who are persuading the crowd to turn against Biblical, Baptistic Fundamentalism. I will admit that some of the “problems” people have with Fundamentalism are legitimate – pastoral dictators that are worshipped, easy believism, numerical growth at the expense of spiritual growth, preferences preached as Biblical truth, etc. But,. this does not mean we “throw out the baby with the bath water!”

It seems to me that many IFB’s are being swept up in the mob mentality and have not considered the error of their actions. The blurring of lines and watering down of the message is not only hurting this generation, but more importantly will hurt those that follow us.  When church’s drop their distinctives (the Baptist name, etc.), the following generation will find it more difficult to remember why they separate from others to begin with. This is how the ecumenical movement gains its ground.

There may be safety in numbers, but the last time I read, Jesus did not seem to have big “numbers” surrounding Him when the “going got tough.” Yes, the IFB movement might be in the minority, but that is okay. Instead of allowing the angry mob of New Evangelicals and Reformed Protestants dictate to us what is right and was is wrong, let’s get back to allowing God and His Word to be our standard of faith and practice.

I would be amiss if I did not mention that we in the IFB crowd are just as guilty of following the “mob mentality.” If you don’t - run in our circle, support our school, go to our camp, toe the line where we do, etc. - you are a liberal and we will blast you to anyone who will listen. Many would do go to remember the discussion Jesus had with his 12:

Mark 9:38-40  And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.  (39)  But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.  (40)  For he that is not against us is on our part.

A big part of the mob mentality is, “Hey, they are not following us!” Yet, our concern should not be whether or not people are following us, but are they following Jesus. Maybe we all would do well to take this advice and stop spending so much time worry about other people’s ministry and churches and worry about our own. This is not to say that we don’t deal with false teachers when their corrupt doctrine begins to effect those we minister to, but let’s pull the beam from our eyes first so we can help others pull at the mote from their eye.

Let’s all resist the “mob mentality” that is prevalent in today’s Christianity and follow the Lord and His Word in all that we do.

I Believe to See

Here is the song that was mentioned a few posts back - Paul Miller sent me the link, and you can even order the sheet music there for a few dollars at http://www.abigailmiller.com/.

Great testimony from a Tulane University Professor of Biology that got saved after being confronted with the truth!

Testimony of Dr. Richard Lumsden on Vimeo

The Petrobrussians and the Arnoldists

“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.” Deuteronomy 32:7

Looking at these groups of Baptists briefly brings to light four from the twelfth century. These congregations were home to some of the boldest Baptist ministers who have ever lived. Peter de Bruys and Arnold of Brescia were both great preachers and great overall leaders of the Baptists.

I know that many critics of our Baptist heritage say, “You have named Montanists, Novationists, Donatists, Vaudois, Cathari, Paterines, Petrobrussians and Arnoldists, but you have not named any group by the title ‘Baptist’, therefore you are just speculating that these were Baptists.” My answer to the critics is we believe that Baptist faith and practice, or a continuation of biblical teachings and distinctives, have existed since the time of Christ. The title Baptist is very important to us because it is the title that God gave His people in the New Testament, but ultimately it is what you believe that determines whether or not you are a Baptist. Therefore what denominational label would you place on someone:

A. Who believed in salvation by grace,
B. Who baptized by immersion upon a profession of faith,
C. Who rejected infant baptism,
D. Who rejected the baptism of anyone coming from the mother of harlots or her offspring,
E. Who believed the Bible to be without error?

The honest answer is: A BAPTIST. According to Ephesians 3:20-21, Matthew 16:18 and Matthew 23:34, Jesus promised the church would stand, suffer and glorify Him THROUGHOUT THE AGES.

In Peter de Bruys and Arnold of Brescia, we clearly see several things. First, we see God’s desire to change people by His grace and then use them in the ministry. Secondly, we see the true character and bravery of these men. They did not just talk the talk, but they also walked the walk. Both men died for what they believed. Many of their followers did also. This was a noble bunch. Thirdly, we see the Roman Church at its lowest point in human history. It had become such a laughingstock among the common populace that discontent was the feeling of the day. So many were disgruntled with the hypocrisy of Rome that when these two men and their preacher friends began to publically herald the pure Gospel, everything from riots to revivals regularly broke out. These two men, and the many baptized believers of their day, truly gave the Devil a black eye, and snatched thousands of souls from his clutches. Rome patiently bided her time until the wretched cult could grab these great men of God and martyr them in a most cruel fashion. History has not forgotten these two men and their influence. Would to God that, like our Bible verse states, we would not let their memory die, but would do everything in our power to share their testimony with the next generation.

1. The Petrobrussians (A.D. 1126)

The sect of the Petrobrussians, followers of Peter de Bruys, born 1093, spread widely in southern France. He was a converted Catholic priest. In doctrine and practice there was close agreement between them and the Waldsenses.

Outspoken Tucson sheriff faces recall bid - Washington Times

Outspoken Tucson sheriff faces recall bid - Washington Times

Seven Minutes With God

Do you want to start having morning devotions, but don't know how to start?  If getting to know your Savior is one of your New Year resolutions, I recommend starting with just Seven Minutes with God.  The following text is adapted from the tract "7 Minutes With God" or "The Morning Watch" by Robert D. Foster.

Invest the first 30 seconds preparing your heart.  Thank Him for the good night of sleep and the opportunities of this new day.  "Lord, cleanse my heart so You can speak to me through the Scriptures.  Open my heart.  Fill my heart.  Make my mind alert, my soul active, and my heart responsive.  Lord, surround me with Your presence during this time.  Amen."

Now take four minutes to read the Bible.  Your greatest need is to hear some word from God.  Allow the Word to strike fire in your heart.  Meet the Author!

One of the Gospels is a good place to begin reading.  Start with the Book of Mark.   Read consecutively - verse after verse, chapter after chapter.  Don't race, but avoid stopping to do a Bible study on some word, thought, or theological problem which presents itself.  Read for the pure joy of reading and allowing God to speak - perhaps just 20 verses, or maybe a complete chapter.  When you have finished Mark, start the Gospel of John.  Soon you'll want to go ahead and read the entire New Testament.

After God has spoken through His Book, then speak to Him - in prayer.  You now have two and a half minutes left for fellowship with Him in four areas of prayer that you can remember by the word ACTS.

A - Adoration. This is the purest kind of prayer because it's all for God - there's nothing in it for you.  You don't barge into the presence of royalty.   You begin with the proper salutation.  So worship Him.  Tell the Lord that you love Him.  Reflect on His greatness, His power, His majesty, and sovereignty!

C - Confession follows.  Having seen Him you now want to be sure every sin is cleansed and forsaken.  Confession comes from a root word meaning "to agree together with."  Apply this to prayer.  It means to agree with God.  Something happened yesterday you called a slight exaggeration - God calls it a lie!  You call it strong language - God calls it swearing.  You call it telling the truth about somebody in the church - God calls it gossip.  "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18).

T - Thanksgiving.  Express your gratitude to God.  Think of several specific things to thank Him for: your family, your business, your church and ministry responsibilities - even thank Him for hardships.  "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

S - Supplication.  This means to "ask for, earnestly and humbly."  This is the part of your prayer life where you make your petitions known to Him.  Ask for others, then for yourself.  Why not include other people around the world, such as missionaries, students studying abroad, friends in distant places, and above all the people of many lands who have yet to hear about Jesus Christ.

Let's put these seven minutes together:

1/2 min	Prayer for guidance (Psalm 143:8)
4 min	Reading the Bible (Psalm 119:18)
2 1/2 min	Prayer ·                                 Adoration (I Chronicles 29:11) ·                                 Confession (I John 1:9) ·                                 Thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:20) ·                                 Supplication (Matthew 7:7)
7 min total

This is simply a guide.  Very soon you will discover that it is impossible to spend only seven minutes with the Lord.  An amazing thing happens - seven minutes become 20, and it's not long before you're spending 30 precious minutes with Him.  Do not become devoted to the habit, but to the Savior.

Do it not because other men are doing it - not as a spiritless duty every morning, nor merely as an end in itself, but because God has granted the priceless privilege of fellowship with Himself.  Covenant with Him now to guard, nourish, and maintain your morning watch of seven minutes.

Quips and Quotes

C.H. Spurgeon once said: "If you want to be read then read. If you want to be quoted, then quote. A man who fails to pick the brains of those that have gone before him, reveals that he has no brains of his own."

Every day we add a quip or a quote to BaptistQuips.blogspot.com (also available from the tabs at the top of IFBKJV.com). You can get the quips and quotes automatically on your Facebook live feed by "liking" our IFBKJV Fan Page on Facebook. You can also get them via http://twitter.com/IFB_KJV.

If you have a blog or website, please consider adding our free widget by adding a few lines of code to your sidebar. This will display the daily quote or quip automatically every day:
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AND NO MARVEL;FOR SATAN HIMSELF IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT

To me it seems, that people today are only out to have fun. They don't want to think about anything serious. Certainly don't want to think about anything that might cause them concern or take any responsibility for the things that they do.They act and leave the consequences of their lack and selfishness, up to others to have to bear and deal . There is something that has concerned me recently that I want to share with you.

Do you think of a witch as a ugly old woman? If you do then you are fooling yourself. They come in all sizes and shapes, beauty and ugly in outward appearance. They can be, yes, even angels of light. You might ask, "Have you ever seen one." You know what I am not sure. It is possible. But we should all be on guard.

WITCH.....One that is credited with malignant supernatural power; a woman practicing usually back witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or familiar: Sorceress----compare warlock; a practitioner of WICCA.

There are no good witches no matter what anyone may tell you!! The Bible in Deuteronomy 18:10-12......"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a WITCH, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For ALL THAT DO THESE THINGS ARE AN ABOMINATION UNTO THE LORD;because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee." There are none that do these things considered "GOOD" in any way. So don't fall for that lie. The Bible tells us in 2Cr 11:14... "And no marvel ; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

The things of Satan of evil and will destroy you. I hope if you are reading this (you know who you are) that you just stop and think.....Look at your life, are you doing things that you said you NEVER WOULD DO? Are you loving God and the things of God or are you shunning and despising them? Are you following what He says in the Bible are you determined to live your own way? Have you broken Holy vows that were made and do not care? Do you care more about "I", "me", SELF than anything else. I am praying for you and hope you see before it is forever too late. I love you and know that the only one who can help you is the LORD God Almighty. Please think!Then do what you know needs to be done to make things right first with God then with others you have harmed.

Galatians 4:22-23...."BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKENSS, TEMPERANCE: AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW." As a child of God, we may at times because of unconfessed sin, not show forth this fruit but if we are saved it will be there and in abundance when our hearts are made right with God.connie

Starting Out the Semester Right, Part 2

At an early age, I remember asking my mom a deep, theological question: Why do we pray?  After all, if God knows everything (including what you're about to ask Him), then why pray?  My mom gave a very simple but true answer, "Well, I suppose it's because He wants us to talk to Him!"

Precisely.  God knows every answer to every prayer you'll ever pray, but that doesn't take away from His desire for fellowship with you.  He loves you, made you, and wants to spend time with you.  Not only does it bring the Lord joy to commune with His children, but it helps us out in a number of ways.

What exactly do we accomplish by having daily devotions?  

1.  We're putting our armor on.  Imagine being thrust into battle, exactly as you are at this moment.  No gun, no helmet, no bulletproof vest, no boots... just everyday clothes.  It's just as ridiculous to send a soldier into battle without his armor as it is for you to face temptations from the world, Satan, and you're own flesh without help from the Most High.

2.  We're sharpening our ax.  Imagine trying to cut down a huge tree with a dull ax.  It would be much easier to accomplish your task if you stopped for five minutes and sharpened your tool.  How often do we attempt to hack away at life without preparing ourselves through prayer?  It's amazing how much smoother a day will go after asking God for strength.

3.  We're plugging into the Power Source.  I want to assign a science experiment to each of you.  Try to make a lamp work without plugging it in.  What?  You mean it can't do it in its' own strength?  John 15:5 says that without the Lord, we can do nothing.  What makes us think we can accomplish everything we have planned this semester in our own strength?  We must plug into the Power Source, because we are insufficient in of ourselves.

Also note Matthew 19:26, which states that with God, all things are possible!

                              without Him = nothing

                              with Him = anything

The difference is whether we choose to plug into God's power, or just decide that we can handle it on our own.  Cultivating a relationship with the Lord not only makes Him happy; we greatly benefit from it, as well!

Ten Differences between Public and Christian Schools

Discover Christian Schools - Ten Differences between Public and Christian Schools

"The Views Behind the News" Good churches who are doing things scripturally are many times lumped in with those who don't

Group's study of housing allowance, love offerings could impact churches

My Disclaimer: The inclusion of any story, news article etc. on this blog does not necessarily carry with it my full endorsement of all of its statements. Neither, by including news stories etc. from other news services does this imply any endorsement of those news sources.

Rick Warren hosts 'cult' celebrity docs

Rick Warren hosts 'cult' celebrity docs


My Disclaimer: The inclusion of any story, news article etc. on this blog does not necessarily carry with it my full endorsement of all of its statements. Neither, by including news stories etc. from other news services does this imply any endorsement of those news sources.

Alabama Gov: If You Aren't Saved, You Ain't My Brother - Robert Bentley causes controversy an hour into governorship

Alabama Gov: If You Aren't Saved, You Ain't My Brother - Robert Bentley causes controversy an hour into governorship

Man Sentenced to Death for Killing Coptic Christians in Egypt | Christianpost.com

Man Sentenced to Death for Killing Coptic Christians in Egypt | Christianpost.com

My Disclaimer: The inclusion of any story, news article etc. on this blog does not necessarily carry with it my full endorsement of all of its statements. Neither, by including news stories etc. from other news services does this imply any endorsement of those news sources.

King James Moment #2

Forgot last weeks, so here it is:

Starting Out the Semester Right, Part 1

Have you ever gotten the shock of your life?  I did -- here at Bible college!  Coming from a church that preaches standards, I started to think that my standards were the measure of my spirituality.  Now don't get me wrong, music and dress are important areas in life that need to be addressed, but these do not determine how healthy you are spiritually.

Remember the story of Mary and Martha?  Even though Martha could be awarded "Miss Multi-Task," Jesus commented that Mary had chosen "that good part" (Luke 10:42).  All she did was sit at Jesus' feet and hear His word!  Martha probably juggled most of the cleaning and meal preparation, yet obviously she missed something.

This story shows two important points:  Even though serving the Lord is extremely important, He would rather you spend time with Him than do something for Him.  Also, we can become so "careful and troubled about many things" that we neglect personal time with the One we're supposed to be pleasing.  Being involved in ministry and going on visitation are good things, but don't put so much emphasis on them that you forget the best things.

If prayer and time in the Word are indeed the measure of your spirituality, then how healthy are you?  Do you feast daily?  Are you malnourished?  You might be wondering, "What's the big deal?"  In Part 2, I will explain what exactly we accomplish by having daily devotions.  I'll even answer the question, "If God knows our prayers before we even ask, then what's the point of praying?"  I pray that through this series, you will see how to start out the semester right!

One of Our IFBKJV.com Bloggers in Heaven

I am saddened to write, that a dear lady who was not only a member of IFBKJV.com, but also a personal friend and comfort to me, missionary Micki Harjo, recently lost a sudden battle with cancer. Her blog is at http://mickiharjo.blogspot.com/ where you can see her sweet testimony and heart for the Lord. She had one of the biggest hearts for lost souls of anyone I know, and will be so dearly missed by the family she loved and wrote of often.

Please pray for Micki and Bobby Harjo as the family faces this trial. It seems like mere weeks ago the cancer was discovered...maybe two months? I believe Micki is with the Lord now, and was an outstanding witness of His love and grace until she end of her race here on earth.

With a sad heart, but hope for a reunion one glad day,
Jessica Twardy Roberts

SO GOOD!! I Help Everyone - Who Is Going to Help Me?

I BELIEVE; HELP THOU MY UNBELIEF

I BELIEVE; HELP THOU MY UNBELIEF


There is a song that I have playing on my blog called "I BELIEVE TO SEE." I really love the words to this song. It says exactly how I feel in my heart. The words are:

This world is a place where we believe what we can see.
The tangible, the visible is what must really be.
BUT, HE WHO WOULD BE WISE MUST SEE WITH DIFFERENT EYES.
We live by faith, where miracles will come as no surprise.

I believe to see the goodness of the Lord.
I believe the promises He gave us in His Word.
I don't need to know the outcome of His plan.
I WILL TRUST HIS WAYS, THOUGH I CAN'T SEE HIS HAND.

We're looking for a city that's not made by human hands,
We're living for a purpose that so far exceeds our plans.
When trials take their toll beyond what we control,
WE REST UPON THE FAITHFUL ONE, THE KEEPER OF OUR SOULS..
Abigail Miller

Isn't this a wonderful song? How many times in life do we only believe what our eyes can see and fail to trust the things that God has promised us in His WORD? What a great loss to ourselves when we can only see with human eyes and not the eyes of faith. It is Faith that takes us places in life that God prepares for us. The world can not understand why we believe, but we know . Pro 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser : teach a just man, and he will increase in learning .

Sometimes, we can not see God's plan fully but if we trust, we know that He is working it out for our good. It is our job to JUST TRUST HIM. Psa 91:2 I will say of the LORD , He is my refuge and my fortress : my God ; in him will I trust

I was reminded by someone that I love very much last week, that one day this life will be over and we want have to worry about people or anything anymore. Then it want matter the things that we did not understand here. We will be with the ONE who loved and loves us for ever more. Then there will be no more pain, no more sorrow or heartache. All will be joy and happiness then. So even a hundred years from now the things that break our hearts and cause us great concern will not matter anymore. If we have done our very best to love and serve the Lord, that is what matters.

God has a purpose for our life like the song says "that far exceeds our plans.When trials take their toll beyond what we control, WE REST UPON THE FAITHFUL ONE, THE KEEPER OF OUR SOULS."

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life : in thy presence is fulness of joy ; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.


Have a great day and a wonderful year, keeping your eyes on the Lord and trusting in His will and way. connie

Boasting In The Lord

Boasting In The Lord

So many will boast of their status and wealth -
For too many that is all that's worth living;
I'd rather boast in my spiritual health -
I'll rejoice that I am saved and forgiven!

So many will boast in who and what they know -
Their connections are the things they do treasure;
I would rather boast in the Lord Jesus Christ -
His Word is my only sure guide and measure!

So many will boast in the things they have made -
As if this life was the end of the story;
But I would rather boast in the world to come -
Heaven above is in what I will glory.

So many will boast that they have now arrived -
Trusting in themselves - a sad situation!
But I'd rather boast in what Jesus has done -
Singing aloud of His wondrous salvation!

So many will boast of things under the Sun -
Things that will one day be shaken and scattered;
I will boast in my Father's, "My child, well done" - 
In eternity, that's all that will matter!

January 9th, 2011
Jerry Bouey

Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovindkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

1 Corinthians 1:29-31 That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Hebrews 12:26-28 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifying the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Matthew 25:21 His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

What will you be boasting about in 2011?

In God We Trust

Ps. 8:1-9 ¶ O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. ¶ When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

New Year Resolutions

Thank you!
First, let me start by saying how thankful I am to have over 100 blogging members of IFBKJV.com. When I started this website long ago, I had a hard time finding Christians who were doctrinally sound online. I started KJV Devos for a similar reason. Years ago, the only KJV devotions you could find were Spurgeon's! Now we have a number of good IFB men and women either posting, or who have given me permission to repost, devotions that only reference the KJV every day! I am always looking for more help in this endeavor.

A few months ago I merged several sites (the blog directory, the KJV devotions, quotes and quips, and IFBKJV sermons) into this one "mega site". If you have blogging friends who are IFB and KJV, please invite them to join us! It is free, and all I ask for is a linking button back. This site is ad free because I am not in it for personal financial gain, but I am in it for personal spiritual gain, and to spiritually benefit others as well. I would love to see more blogs join http://ifbkjv.com/ in 2011.

Let me take a moment here to invite those who link to us, or read us via Blogger or our Facebook Page to become authors! Many of the people I ask to write or post articles express the opinion that what they have to say is not worth posting on IFBKJV.com. On the main page you can post just about anything! Take a minute to read back through the older posts we have recently had, and you will find political opinion, YouTube links, interesting emails, quotes, thoughts, sermons, notes, devotions, recipes, graphic pictures with Scriptures, church planter biographies, poems, etc!

Please email water05201@hotmail.com, because IFBKJV.com can have up to 100 authors, and I know you all have valuable and interesting things to share here. I do ask that you add "Jump Breaks" for long articles (more than one page in length). There is an excellent article on how to add them here: http://buzz.blogger.com/2009/09/you-might-as-well-jump.html

For 2011 I have two main resolutions.
One is to clean up old and dead links here. Sometimes this happens because people stop blogging. Sometimes they change their blog URL and forget to tell me. Sometimes they remove the linking button because their position doctrinally has changed. This week I will be going through and cleaning up the site. If your blog is missing, please let me know, and I will fix it immediately. Be sure your blog links back to us. I hope to add more blogs this year, and in fact, today I have added two! Welcome!

However, it is now 1:00, and my other resolution is to go to bed by 1:00am. So, even though I have only made it through checking the "A" blogs, I will have to continue this tomorrow. Goodnight, God bless, and happy blogging in 2011!

What the World needs NOW!

1 John 1:2-3 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Dr. Clarence Macartney told a story about a meeting in hell. Satan called his four leading demons together and commanded them to think up a new lie that would trap more souls.

“I have it!” one demon said. “I’ll go to earth and tell people there is no God.”

“It will never work,” said Satan. “People can look around them and see that there is a God.”

“I’ll go and tell them there is no heaven!” suggested a second demon, but Satan rejected that idea. “Everybody knows there is life after death and they want to go to heaven.”

“Let’s tell them there is no hell!” said a third demon.

“No, conscience tells them their sins will be judged,” said the devil. “We need a better lie than that.”

Quietly, the fourth demon spoke. “I think I’ve solved your problem,” he said. “I’ll go to earth and tell everybody there is no hurry.”

The best time to trust Jesus Christ is—now!

And the best time to tell others the Good News of the Gospel is—now!

Love Broke Through

Love Broke Through

I left my shelter, wandered out into harm;
My faith grew so weak in the path of the storm.
A trial of my choosing; no one else to blame;
But His love broke through when I called on His name.

Chorus:
Love broke through the clouds, Love scattered the rain;
God’s love brought healing in the midst of my pain.
When the wind and the waves were all I could view,
Jesus calmed the storm, and His love broke through.

The wind rose so sudden, the thunder now roared;
I was all but sinking; my faith came unmoored.
A trial to test me – how could I survive?
Love broke through and showed me, “My Saviour’s alive!”

When loved ones were drowning; all seemed nearly lost,
I wanted to save them, whatever the cost;
But my strength was useless – oh, what could I do?
I called on the Saviour, and His love broke through.

When the wind and the waves were all I could view,
Jesus calmed my storm, and His love broke through.

December 24th, 2010
Jerry Bouey

Matthew 8:23-27 And when he (Jesus) was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye so fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?

Matthew 14:24-33 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth, thou art the Son of God.

P.S. Poem edited slightly on January 2nd, 2011, due to the input of two friends. Thanks for helping me make this song even better! ;)