IFBKJV.com Blog Directory

2012-02-25T01:38:00.001-06:00

The Lord has opened up several doors for us in the last week that are very exciting. We have been praying for a printer that could print our tracts at a fraction of the cost and we have found two. One is in the States and another in The Philippines. We can now get 10,000 14 pt card stock tracts for $180 including shipping in the States and 10,000 for $220 in The Philippines. While the price is higher in the Philippines it is actually a better deal because that is the price we are paying now and we won't need to ship them there which will save money on shipping. The Brother in the Philippines has also agreed to ship for us to countries close to him which will also save money on shipping costs. But we need your help. We are looking for anyone who would be able to help fund some of these projects. You are familiar with our 2012 Outreach and we again want to get as many of the 2012 tracts printed and handed out while we can. Our missionary friend in the Philippines has completed the Tagalog version of the video and would love to be able to hand out the tracts after he shows the video in villages. Please pray about what God might have you do to help us in our efforts. We still also ask prayer for the money to come in on the DVD duplicator we wish to purchase. Again also we need people to also use out materials so if you would like to place an order for tracts please fill out the form here http://afterdeathwhat.com/tracts.htm Please ignore the description size as the tracts are around 3.25x4.5 Have a great day. God bless. :)

Abortion Clocks

2012-02-24T18:17:00.001-06:00

Another more up to date (worse), detailed website: http://www.numberofabortions.com/

Having Meaningful Friendships & Keeping Them

2012-02-23T02:56:00.000-06:00

I don't claim to be an expert in "friendships" since I myself am prone to taking the FB route of friendships and just speaking to people online, but never approaching them in real life and actually getting to know the person! I am getting better at it though by the grace of God.

In this post, I wanted to share from a biblical point of view what are the right and wrong ways to establish friendships. I might not be an expert but God is an expert and he has given us his Word :)

How to have meaningful friendships

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. - Proverbs 18 v2

To have a meaningful friendship - first YOU must take the initiative and show yourself friendly to others. It is no good saying to yourself that others must come to you first. A person that has friends is usually the one who is open to initiate and cultivate friendships without waiting for others to initiate.

At times we are drawn to Christians who are in our own social class and we shy away from other Christians who we see as "different" to us. This kind of mentality will give you the friends you want, but not necessarily the friends you need.

Jesus was known as the friend of sinners! He identified with those who were socially unaccepted or unpopular i.e. the publicans. In Mark 15 it is said of Jesus that he was numbered with the transgressors. Jesus knew about being friendly...in fact he is the friend who sticketh closer than a brother.

If you want meaningful friendships, then FIRST be friendly to others; the more you do so the more God will bring the right Christian friends to you who will stick with you through good times and bad times.

How to keep meaningful friendships

My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away; Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid: What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. - Job 6 v15-17

Alright! So to have friends you must be friendly to others. In order to keep friends though....you must NOT do what Job's friends.

It is out of the scope of this devotional to go into the story of Job's friends, but Job himself summarized them in chapter 6 v15-17 as "fair-weather friends"

If you want to keep good friends then you have to be a friend to others not only when things are going well for them, but when things are going bad as well.

When the heat is turned up on your friend, still love that person and stand by them and be a friend through hardships.

Proverbs 17 v17 says "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

True biblical friendships are hard to come by. A friend who is there for you through hardships and who loves you is a real blessing indeed. In order though to have these kind of friends you must first be that kind of friend to others.

May we follow the LORD's example found in scripture about having and keeping friends.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. - John 15 v13

God bless

Lost Hymns

2012-02-20T12:42:00.002-06:00

Jesus, the Lamb of God
Isaac Watts
Rev. 5. 11-13

Come, let us join our cheerful songs
With angels round the throne;
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues,
But all their joys are one.

“Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry,
“To be exalted thus.”
“Worthy the Lamb,” our lips reply,
“For he was slain for us.”

Jesus is worthy to receive
Honour and power divine;
And blessings more than we can give,
Be, Lord, for ever thine.

The whole creation join in one,
To bless the sacred name
Of him that sits upon the throne,
And to adore the Lamb.

This can be sung to the tune of "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" with a little adaptation:

Come, let us join our cheerful songs
With angels all round the throne;
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues,
But all their wondrous joys are one.
“Worthy the Lamb,” they cry,
“To be exalted thus.”
“Worthy,” our lips reply,
“For he was slain for us.”
“Worthy the Lamb that died for us!"

Jesus is worthy to receive
Honour and power all divine;
And blessings more than we can give,
Be, Lord, both now and ever thine.
“Worthy the Lamb,” they cry,
“To be exalted thus.”
“Worthy,” our lips reply,
“For he was slain for us.”
“Worthy the Lamb that died for us!"

The whole creation join in one,
To bless the blessed, sacred name
Of him that sits upon the throne,
And to adore the precious Lamb.
“Worthy the Lamb,” they cry,
“To be exalted thus.”
“Worthy,” our lips reply,
“For he was slain for us.”
“Worthy the Lamb that died for us!"

KJV Verses, A Graphics Resource

2012-02-16T11:31:00.011-06:00

Here is a graphics resource I wanted to share for KJV verses. I use these as my desktop rotating backgrounds, and have also used them on my facebook group: Post a Bible Verse for the Day. You have to be careful, as some of the real older graphics are not KJV. Here are a few examples:

Women & Soul-Winning

2012-02-16T02:31:00.001-06:00

It’s rather easy to get the impression that soul-winning is a male endeavor! A casual reader of the Bible or a nominal Christian today might think that going out there and winning the lost is a task placed solely upon the shoulders of men.

The task of reaching the lost with the gospel though is a God given role to every single born again believer, male and female without exception. Allow me to expand!

The original great commission given by Jesus Christ was to his disciples which were his church when he was on Earth! Christ was the head of that church, he taught them the Word, they prayed together, sang psalms, he sent them out two by two soul-winning, he reproved rebuked and exhorted them…all the hallmarks of what a great new testament church should be was present in Jesus Christ’s ministry to the disciples.

Some of his last parting words to his disciples, before he ascended up to the Father is what we commonly know today as the great commission.

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” ~ Mark 16 v15

Now we know that Christ is the head of every single scriptural church today.

This truth is made crystal clear in the beautiful picture of marriage.

“……..Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject into Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing………..” ~ Ephesians 5 v22-24

Much like how every good marriage is a picture of Christ and the church, the same with every scriptural church....Christ is the head of that church and the pastor is known as the under-shepherd to the one Great Shepherd Jesus Christ.

So the command to preach the Gospel to every creature is to every single scriptural church standing today and ever will stand.

Churches are made up of mixed multitudes of people both male and female, if ever a church hopes to reach as many people as they can with the Gospel then it’s going to take the combined efforts of all believers not just men.

We read in the book of Acts 1 how there were gathered about 120 believers! Many who were women and it states so within the context.

These are the same believers who were filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 who went out and got about 3000 people saved.

This was a fulfilment of the prophet Joel’s words when he said “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants hand handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy” explained by Peter in the Acts 2 narrative

3000 people could only be saved with the combined efforts of all the believers working together being filled with the Holy Spirit. God is no respecter of persons he will use both men or women to save the lost, all he needs is a willing vessel.

Remember the Samaritan woman in John 4? When she was saved by Christ, she went out with the good news and got other people saved.

I believe in women preachers (not behind the pulpit preaching! God forbid) but out there in the harvest where the labourers are so few! In the highways and hedges and door to door with the news of glad tidings.

We read many times in Paul’s writings how he wanted the women that laboured with him in the Gospel to be looked after, he praised the efforts of god fearing women like Phebe, Priscilla, Mary, Julia, Chloe, Euodias, Syntyche, Eunice and Lois etc who helped him and who were bold enough to open their mouths and give people the Gospel.

God is not restricted by numbers or whether your male or female, he is though restricted when believers make excuses and are not willing to put in the work or the time for the Gospel.

The magnitude of winning the lost is a lifetimes work, a work that is so important, that it should be impressed on every believers heart.

New Song of the Month, Lyrics

2012-02-13T11:52:00.002-06:00

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me;
It was not I that found, O Savior true;
No, I was found, was found of Thee.

Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;
I walked and sank not on the storm-vexed sea;
'Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,
As Thou, dear Lord, took hold on me.

I find, I walk, I love; but, oh, the whole
Of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee!
For Thou wert long beforehand with my soul;
Always, always Thou lovedst me.

I Sought the Lord (Him Seeking Me) - http://www.godlychristianmusic.com/music/play2.aspx?id=413&type=song.mp3 Most of the time the songs I post monthly, are singer written. However, this is an old psalter hymn, written by an anonymous source sometime before 1878.

This website has original songs from singer/songwriters. You have to weed through them, but there are many very nice songs to choose from. They have some really cute kid's songs and teen choruses. I am always looking for new songs to sing in church that others may have never heard of. There are also a lot of scripture songs, but be aware, not all use the KJV.

Loving the Unlovely

2012-02-06T11:27:00.000-06:00

We all have people in our lives who are easy to love. It is easy to give and show love to these people because it is a give and take relationship. We know that when we show love to them, they will in turn show love to us. Perhaps you can think of a person in your life right now like this - maybe your best friend, a parent, sibling or someone in your church.

It is natural for us to love those who love us. Even those of the world will love those who love in return. Jesus spoke of this in Mt 5:46, "For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?" There is no reward for this kind of love. True love is giving without expecting anything in return.

Jesus talked of loving the poor, loving those who could not return the favor. When He says poor, I do not think this necessarily means in a physical sense. Who is there in your life that is difficult to love? Someone that may not necessarily love you back? What about the awkward person who always seems to say the wrong thing at the wrong time?

Being a teacher, sometimes I am often faced with students that are difficult to love. A student once asked his teacher, "do you love all your students?" Honestly, there are some of my students I don't "feel" like loving. But, wait a minute! Love is not just some fuzzy feeling we get from being around a certain person. Love is a decision. I must make the decision to love that student who tries every possible way to wear out my patience. I must make the decision to love that awkward person others may see as a misfit.

True love is putting others needs ahead of my own. This may not be as difficult to do for some people, but what about the people I really don't like or care for? When we reach this point, we are beginning to show Christlike character. For it was Him who first loved us - just the way we were - poor miserable sinners with nothing to offer.

Well Done, Faithful Servants

2012-02-01T22:12:00.004-06:00

Matthew 25:23 "His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant;" Please pray for the Casias family. Missionaries for 29+ years, murdered Jan. 31, 2012, in Mexico. It will brings tears to your eyes, bless your soul, and make you wish you did more for Christ, when you read of person after person in their guest book they have served for God. http://casias.org/home.html

They came to our church (we support them) not too long ago, telling us of the serious problems in Mexico, and asking for prayer for their continued safety. Even though they knew it was dangerous to return, their love for God, manifested in their love for the people of Mexico, drew them to return to the field. Mrs. Wanda Casias' body (67) was found by her son, and Bro. John Casias (76) was missing, but soon found nearby, dead. We know their bodies may have remained here on earth, but they are in heaven tonight! They both died doing what they desired to do, serve the Lord faithfully. Thank God for faithful servants who bravely spend their lives in the service of Jesus Christ. Please sign their guest book with your condolences for the family. They leave ten children.

2 Corinthians 5:8 "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

Let us remember to always pray for our missionaries and their work on the field! 1 Thessalonians 5:25 "Brethren, pray for us."

About the Casias (from their website): "John and Wanda Casias are Strong Bible Teachers. John believes the preaching of the Bible to be God's ordained means of pointing people to Christ and of spiritually maturing believers. We believe in Evangelistic Singing. Music with a Clear Message. The special music and congregational singing are unmistakably songs of praise to God and of His salvation through Jesus Christ. Our Churches Display Compassion for All; Genuinely Friendly Atmosphere. John and Wanda truly care, not just for the Mexican people, but about all the people. Their desire to be used of God, and to be a blessing to all those who God puts in their path. We believe all born-again Christians need to be Faithful to the Gospel. We stay Active in Outreach ministries. Our ministry extends throughout Mexico and throughout the world by supporting missionaries through the “La Primera Iglesia Bautista Fundamental e Independiente” in El Cercado, Santiago Nuevo Leon Mexico. This is one of the first churches John and Wanda organized in the Republic of Mexico. (The First Independent Fundamental Baptist Church)."

10 Things You May Not Know about Your Pastor

2012-01-31T21:52:00.000-06:00

1. Preparing a single sermon takes 8-12 hours or more. So, you see, he really does "work"! :-)

2. Unless he grew up in the town in which he pastors, he doesn't know your great Aunt Roberta's sister-in-law from her first marriage who now lives in Florida with her cat, Muffin. Likewise, he probably doesn't know where the Oak tree is that you used to climb on as a child, which is beside the road where he should turn to get to John Doe's house. (Names are fictional, please don't sue me.)

3. He isn't psychic. If you know someone who is sick or in the hospital, a phone call would be appreciated.

4. If he is a true man of God, he doesn't use his pulpit as a place to "get even". If he preaches on lying, it's because it's in the Bible, not because he knows you're doing it. To think such is to be paranoid. And under conviction by the Holy Spirit, who, by the way, knows you've been lying.

5. When he doesn't take one of your suggestions, it could be because he knows something about a particular situation that you do not know. Trust him.

6. He would be thrilled if you go forward during the invitation and get saved or get right with God (if you need to). He won't be angry, judgmental or condescending. Seeing people get saved or get right with the Lord is what he lives for. Do it. You'll be happy, he'll be happy. See? It's a win-win! :)

7. He wants people to come to church even more than you do.

8. Gossip hurts.

9. Gossip hurts.

10.Gossip hurts.

Posted by Valerie Basham

Amazing Grace

2012-01-26T11:40:00.000-06:00

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear

The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far

and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.

His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years

Bright shining as the sun.

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we've first begun.

Lost Hymns

2012-01-25T12:26:00.001-06:00

Breathing after Holiness

Isaac Watts

Ps. 119. 5, 29-37, 133

O that the Lord would guide my ways
To keep his statutes still!

O that my God would grant me grace

To know and do his will.

Order my footsteps by thy word,

And make my heart sincere;
Let sin have no dominion, Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.

Make me to walk in thy commands;
’Tis a delightful road;
Nor let my head, or heart, or hands,
Offend against my God.

Can be sung to the tune of "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing".

Ministry127 and Graphics

2012-01-16T11:24:00.001-06:00

I have mentioned Ministry127 here a few times, and they are a great resource to share. One of the things I like best about Lancaster, is that they freely share their online resources (a belief I share). They allow you to repost and use almost everything you find at Ministry127. If you are not familiar with it, it is a ministry of helps from Lancaster Baptist Church (West Coast Baptist College), with Pastor Paul Chappell.

An area of Ministry127.com I appreciate is their graphics work section. They provide these images for powerpoints, blogs, pictures for your church bulletin - really anywhere you want to use them. I have even used them as backgrounds for verses for my facebook page, and I have seen a number of tracts designed using them. To get right to the graphics, click here: ministry127.com/resources/slides. Here are some recent examples:

One nice feature, is that they also upload blank graphics, so you can customize with your own text.

Welcome!

2012-01-13T00:08:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the newest blogger here at the blogroll: A Plain Path

This blog takes a verse every day, and includes an audio (nice music!) devotion. Check it out, it's a great resource and I am enjoying the daily devos personally as well.

Also, please note our email here has changed.

Why You Don’t Like Tim Tebow

2012-01-09T14:24:00.001-06:00

Well okay, maybe not YOU, but there are a lot of those out in traditional and social media who love to do what ever they can to belittle and mock Tim Tebow, quarterback of the Denver Broncos. To be fair, there are those who are fans of Tim Tebow who go overboard the other way. But that discussion is for another post another day. As far as why he is so divisive, and what he does that causes such vitriol? While there may be many reasons behind this, here are the two major ones that I can come up with:

He is very outspoken about his faith, and that always rubs people the wrong way. The sad truth is that most of our society couldn’t publish fast enough and loud enough how great he has been in unexpectedly leading his team to victories if they knew that he was: getting drunk with his teammates afterwards, in a sexual relationship with some Hollywood scarlet, etc. How often does the media bemoan all the bad qualities of athletes, and yet when one comes along who is the opposite of MOST, he is mocked and belittled for it? But that is to be somewhat expected from non-Christians.
- What surprises me most (and maybe it shouldn’t) are all the Christians who fall into this category. But maybe it has to do with the fact that we see someone who does what we know we should be doing but have always convinced ourselves that it is impossible – sharing our faith publically and at work. Tim Tebow is an ever present example to all Christians on how to practically fulfill the Great Commission in our own life, and that convicts us.
He is doing more with less. This one is a little more tricky to spot, but I really think many have a problem with Tebow because they perceive him as having “no talent,” and yet he is leading his team in surprising fashion. Maybe the source of their negativity is in a lack of their own accomplishments. Seeing someone who shouldn’t be doing what he is doing makes them feel guilty for not doing more with their life when they have more self-perceived “talents” in their own business field.

Now, most who like to criticize Tebow will never say it has to do with either of the two listed above. But most articles, commentaries, tweets, etc. point to one of these two reasons. And at the end of the day, isn’t that one of the big problems within our society: taking our own shortcomings out on others who succeed where we fail? It is the idea that if I can blow out someone else’s light, mine will burn brighter, which is just not true.

Instead of finding reason’s to tear someone down, how about we congratulate them and then examine our own life to see whether or not we are using our talents, gifts, abilities, and blessings as a testimony for God to the benefit and blessing of others?

Stop Doing and Start Growing: Grow in Grace

2012-01-05T11:38:00.002-06:00

{My goal is publish every Monday my previous Sunday morning’s message (Yes, I realize that I am starting this on a Wednesday!). My primary goal is to be a benefit to those who were there and want to review something that was said. But if this can be a blessing to those who are not here, then great! I don’t type out full manuscripts before I preach. This is just an outline. I will work on getting ahold of the full audio version of each sermon and posting those, as well.}

Click Here For the Full Audio Version

SERIES: Stop Doing and Start Growing

TITLE: 01 – Grow in Grace
TEXT: 2 Peter 3:18
INTRO:
· What is the primary feeling felt by the majority of Christians today: Love…Joy…? Contentment…Peace…etc?
· For many, if not most, it is …GUILT.
· We have programmed ourselves that the more we do, the more God likes us: Attendance, Bible reading, offering, evangelism, etc.
· Therefore, we think the opposite is true – when we sin, God is so angry with us that He disowns us and there is no way we can return to Him…the church…etc.
· All of this is the result of faulty understanding of the Gospel and of Grace.

o Weak definition of Grace & the Gospel that leads us to believe grace only involves us when we sin.

· Our goal is to correct this mindset in 2012:

o AM – Fruit of the Spirit – not something we do, but something that flows.

o PM – The Gospel – for Christians!

· This morning, we need to start with the issue of Growing in Grace.
I. WHAT IS GRACE?
a. Grace – charis –
b. 5485. χάρις charis, khar´-ece; from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act; espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):^{^[1]}

i. So, Grace is not just something that God bestows upon us, but something God flows through us.

c. For many, grace is only something that involves either salvation or something we need when we sin. But grace is much more than that.

i. We are STRENGTHENED by grace – 2 Timothy 2:1–4 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

ii. We ENDURE SUFFERING by grace – 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

iii. We GIVE when GIVING IS DIFFICULT by grace – 2 Corinthians 8:1–2 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

iv. We SING when SINGING IS DIFFICULT by grace – Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

v. We ARE WHAT WE ARE by grace – 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

d. When we do not recognize and exercise the grace of God within us, it means it was given to us in vain.

i. Paul used his grace, and it was grace that used Paul.

ii. William Barclay – The Christian must daily experience the wonder of grace, and daily grow in the gifts which grace can bring.[2]

II. WHAT IT MEANS TO GROW IN GRACE?
a. Grow – the word is a present, active imperative and means to be constantly growing, not in spurts.

i. Spiritual spurts may get more initial recognition, but continual growth has lasting impact.

b. The fruit of the Spirit, which are listed in Gal 5:22-23 and we will be studying for the next couple of weeks, are evidences of growing in grace.
c. Growing in grace does mean that you must experience and go through trials and even suffering.

i. Wiersbe – We never really experience the grace of God until we are at the end of our resources.[3]

ii. The lessons learned while enrolled in the “School of Grace” always cost a lot, but are worth the price.

d. To grow in grace means to be more and more like Jesus.

i. John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

ii. We grow IN grace BY grace!

Close:
· Have you experienced Eternal Grace?
· Have you experienced Daily Grace?

o Are you growing in grace? Let’s grow in grace in 2012.

^{^[1]} Strong, J., S.T.D., LL.D. (2009). Vol. 1: A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (77). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
[2] William Barclay, The Letters of James and Peter,(Saint Andrew Press; Edinburgh, Scotland, 1960), pg 415
[3] Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2, (Chariot Victor Publishing, Colorado Springs, COL, 1989), pg. 470

Chat with Vera: TYNDALE: The Man Who Gave God An English Voice by ...

2012-01-03T19:24:00.001-06:00

Chat with Vera: TYNDALE: The Man Who Gave God An English Voice by ...: Meet William Tyndale, a contemporary of Martin Luther, and Thomas Moore. David Teems presents a thorough history of the life and work of Wi...

New Song of the Month, Lyrics

2011-12-13T11:34:00.002-06:00

The crowd is pressing, thronging Him,
He seems so far away.
I wonder if I'll ever have the strength to make my way.
In desperation, I push through, I must, I must succeed,
In touching One who has the pow'r to meet my every need.

CH: Closer to Jesus, that's where I long to be.
I long to have the hem of His garment just within my reach.
If I draw near to Him, He will draw near to me,
I want to be…closer to Jesus.

I've touched Him, now I know His pow'r
Is more than I could see.
So suddenly, the sin and guilt is gone, and I am free.
He turns to me, and oh, the great compassion in His voice,
Thy faith hath made thee whole, He says,
And now I can rejoice! (Let me be)

Closer to Jesus - http://www.godlychristianmusic.com/music/play2.aspx?id=553&type=song.mp3

This website has original songs from singer/songwriters. You have to weed through them, but there are many very nice songs to choose from. They have some really cute kid's songs and teen choruses. I am always looking for new songs to sing in church that others may have never heard of. There are also a lot of scripture songs, but be aware, not all use the KJV.

2011-12-10T18:10:00.001-06:00

This seems to be a hot topic and will only get hotter as we get closer to the day. If you have not done so please take 9 minutes to watch this! Please also pass this on to family and friends. God bless. :)

Questions For Pastors When Being Forced Out

2011-12-03T16:00:00.002-06:00

I have not read any statistics on this lately, but I am sure that a vast majority, upwards of 90%, of pastors have faced the situation of being forced out of the church in which they pastor. It is never a pretty picture, and usually ends in a bad way. Why does this happen? Should a pastor ever leave? Though these questions seem to be easily answered, it is not so simple when you are in the middle of the hurricane fighting to strengthen the things that remain!

Sometimes you feel that nobody cares about you. Having faced a form of this on a couple of occasions, I know exactly how it feels when the people that you love, pray for, help, and would die for, want to see you leave. It is also quite amazing how a pastor is treated by his fellow preachers when he does leave. It seems that when a pastor shares all of the gory details, making himself look good, that pastors are quick to get behind him. However, when a pastor tries to keep things "hush hush", somehow he is always the problem; obviously hiding something. The truth of the matter is that neither scenario is 100% accurate.

Listed below are some questions that a pastor should ask himself when he feels that he is being forced out!

#1 - Pastor, Are You Digging The Hole Yourself?

Many times, pastors are the ones who are digging the hole in which they find themselves.
Look around and see if there are others in the hole with you!

#2 - Pastor, Are You Doing Right?

Sometimes, as pastors, we forget that we are capable of being the problem.
Before we dogmatically place blame upon certain members of the congregation, let us be sure that we are not guilty of some sin; public or private!
Like God did with King Saul, He might be allowing trouble to come our way to chasten us!

#3 - Pastor, Are You Seeking God's Glory Or Your Own?

Being a glory hound will bring a church split in a hurry.
Your agenda, reputation, and will is not what is most important, no matter how spiritual you make think they are.
Pride in our own lives can be subtle and hard to detect.

#4 - Pastor, Are You Falling On The Wrong Sword?

Sometimes the issues (SURFACE ISSUE) which precipitate the forcing out of a pastor are complicated, but they can be rightly discerned.
Is the issue you are dieing over worth it?

#5 - Pastor, Are You Walking With God?

Being in the center of God's will is what is most important!
Contrary to popular opinion, it is sometimes the will of God to clear off a spot and do like Moses and Joshua... "Who is on the LORD's side" - "Choose you this day"
No matter how bleak things might seem, knowing for certain, the will of God brings comfort!

#6 - Pastor, Are You In Consultation With Your Pastor Or Another Objective Brother?

When in a difficult situation like is being described in this post, one needs help from their pastor.
War should not be waged alone, and it should not be waged by twins either. Don't surround yourself with people who you know to be 100% agreeable with you.
A fresh pair of eyes can make the difference between victory and disaster!

#7 - Pastor, Are You Mistaking The Actions Of A Few For The Consensus Of The Majority?

When hurt and troubled, the giants seem to be in the majority!
No matter how much venom is being spewed at you, take the high road and remember that not everyone is against you!

#8 - Pastor, Are You Looking At The Bigger Picture?

The problem you face, when being forced out, is much bigger than you and your family!
As hard as it is on family and friends, keep the big picture in mind!
There will be another brother to follow you if you do, in fact, leave the church. Please try to avoid a scorched earth policy... for his sake!

#9 - Pastor, Are You Wanting To Leave In The First Place?

Are you just looking for an exit ramp!
If you are looking for any excuse to leave, then leave and keep your mouth shut!

#10 - Pastor, Are You Willing To Admit Possible Mistakes And Work Things Out?

It could be that the whole reason you feel pressure to leave is from a mistake on your part.
Regardless of the actions taken by others, try your best to admit your mistakes, bear the consequences and move on WITH the congregation.

Conclusion
Leaving a church voluntarily or by force of opinion/vote, is never easy. In the best of circumstances, when a pastor leaves a congregation, it is difficult to move forward. Often, people are caught in the middle and never recover fully from the unfortunate course of events. Assuredly, if a pastor considers the aforementioned questions, then he possibly can make a better decision about whether or not to leave the church he dearly loves.

Christmas tree or no Christmas tree :)

2011-12-02T14:15:00.002-06:00

If I've heard it once....I've heard it a million times (pardon the exaggeration). Certain circles look down upon the lowly Christmas as a sign of idolatry, the eyes of scrutiny and the fingers of mockery point to the passage of (Jeremiah 10 v1-5) as proof that placing a Christmas tree in your home is one that should be avoided at the highest degree.

Alright....let's view the actual passage then, and see exactly what Jeremiah..or better yet the Holy Ghost through Jeremiah was talking about.

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. ~Jeremiah 10

On face-value, I can see why these passages may be interpreted to Christmas trees, but a little understanding of idolatry and what constitutes idolatry easily diffuses this mis-understanding pretty quickly.

In Deuteronomy 4; God in my opinion gives the clearest explanation of what idolatry is, for the sake of length, I shall not paste the verses here, but I encourage everyone to read the chapter.

To summarise what idolatry is, it's the making of any graven image of any likeness in Heaven, Earth or in the seas - not to mention worshiping the sun, moon & stars or all the hosts of heaven. God not only forbids making these images, but he also forbids worshiping them. A two-fold command which not only is against the creating of images of God, but also against bowing down and worshiping them.

The LORD did not show himself in any manner for which the Israelites could copy as he states so in Deuteronomy 4, as he spoke in a voice out of the mount.

Alright! So how does this all relate to the Jeremiah 10 passage? Well if you do a bible-study of idolatry, it's always people taking wood, stone or metal and either melting it into a graven image or carving it into a graven image. In Jeremiah 10....it's no different.

V3-4 of Jeremiah 10 specifically make a point of explaining how a tree is cut down with the axe of a workman. The "ways of the heathen" spoken about continues to state in v4-5 how the tree is covered in gold and silver (no not gold balls and silver tinsels lol) but actual gold and silver. The tree is cut and propped upright with nails so it "does not move".

Idolatrous images were made in different ways, either from wood, stone or from metal. What the workman would do is either carve the wooden image, cut the stone into an image or melt the metal and form an image. This is what God specifically states He is against.

v5 of Jeremiah 10 is the most telling verse and the key which unlocks the right interpretation of these passages. God states in v5 how these carved trees cannot speak, move or think evil. Therefore "fear them not". What clearly is being described here is not just a tree cut down, but an idolatrous image propped up and decked with gold and silver made to resemble God or a god.

This my friends is not the same as a christmas tree, which is indeed cut down (if you want an real tree anyway lol) decked with tinsels, gold or red balls and covered in lights. What is described in Jeremiah 10 is a graven image "graven" being the keyword.

Of course, if people choose to worship a Christmas tree then that too is idolatry. Although having a Christmas tree to mark the occassion of Christmas is not wrong in itself since it does not even qualify as a graven image.

So yeah!! I would love to be more depth with this study, but I think I've spent more time than is necessary on such an unecessary subject as Christmas trees :)

Just got tired of people mentioning this passage in conjunction with Christmas trees, that I thought I would study the passage and prove what is really being spoken about.

If you want further proof of what I mean, just read the whole chapter of Jeremiah 10 and you will quickly see how this passage is dealing with graven images and idolatry...

After 18 months of battling cancer, she says.....

2011-11-30T06:30:00.002-06:00

I am grateful to have a day to reflect on my many blessings. Here are some of the things I was thankful for today:

The opportunity to experience the joy, pride, and even frustration of being the mother of teenage boys.
Healthy parents.
Siblings who jumped on planes to attend appointments with me.
Siblings who attended appointments with mom and dad when I couldn't.
Siblings who sent care packages, cards, and texts.
A family that made sure I ate well.
A sister who hung out with me for twelve hours of surgery and chemo.
Siblings-in-law who spent hours on the phone and internet helping me find solutions.
Friends who wore "Vera shirts" on Fridays.
Answered prayers.
Strength and peace during a trying year.
Assurance: "To live is Christ; to die is gain."
Laughter.
Hair.

One of my favorite quotes is, "Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery; today is a gift. That's why it's called the Present." I am so thankful each of you! I love you!

What’s The Password

2011-11-29T12:00:00.001-06:00

Let me say this upfront if you have been redirected back to this blog post: I’m Sorry. My intentions is not to offend you, hurt your feelings, or make you angry at me. Maybe you saw the link and clicked on it, or are a regular reader. Please understand, I am not trying to offend you. But there is a problem. It creeps its ugly head up around this time of year. It is the “Merry Christmas” uproar.

I know, I know, what am I saying?!? This is what I am saying: why are we making a big deal about this? While I cannot prove this, I would not be surprised if many American Christians believe the following fictitious account:

When a person dies, they are immediately transported to the gate of heaven. There, some historical religious person (like Paul, Peter, or maybe Gabriel or another angel) waits to either let people in or keep them out. As you walk to the door, you knock two times and a little hinged door opens up and the voice inside asks, “What’s the password to let you in to heaven?” You excitedly and emphatically answer, “Merry Christmas!” The door then swings wide open, and you enter in to heaven as countless others stand sulking on the outside saying, “Why did I say Happy Holidays?!?”

It always amazes me as to all the people who get so bent out of shape when some department store decides to hang a banner that read Happy Holidays and not Merry Christmas. It is as if some people think that Jesus was speaking to Target, Wal-Mart, etc. and not the church when He said, “Go ye therefore into all nations…” These stores are not in the business of spreading the Gospel, they are in the business of making money. That is what they base their decision on. Christians, on the other hand, SHOULD be about the business of spreading the Gospel into all nations.

So, am I saying that you should not say “Merry Christmas”? NO. I always using the phrase because that is what I am celebrating. Here is my point: instead of getting mad at a store for taking “Christ out of Christmas,” lets get upset with ourselves for thinking it is someone else’s responsibility to do what God has commanded us to do.

So now, when I see the phrase “Happy Holidays,” it is a reminder to me about my responsibility to spread the Gospel. How about you?

Delightful children's Christmas storybook: "My First Story of Christmas"

2011-11-26T17:16:00.002-06:00

As a mother of 5 and grandmother to 13, I have read many, many books to children through the years. When Moody Publishers sent me "My First Story of Christmas" by Tim Dowley and illustrated by Roger Langton, I felt joy and delight to be able to read, enjoy, and review it for adults of all ages who are looking for a book for that special child - be it their own child, a dear grandchild, or one to whom they simply wish to bring a bit of joy.

"My First Story of Christmas" is a brightly colored, artistically beautiful and pleasant book to look through and learn from. The story of our Saviour's birth is told straight forward and holds true to the Biblical account and yet is in words and tone that very young children will understand and enjoy having read to them. I also envision the young "reader" treasuring this as a book they can read themselves.

The book is sturdy. That is something very important if you're expecting the book to last for several years as a family treasure. The binding is good and pages strong.

Tim Dowley's telling of the story is greatly enhanced by the beautiful pictures by Roger Langton. The drawings are simplistic yet definitive and colorful. I like the references to Judea, King Herod, and Bethlehem for it gives real "place" to the story and enriches the learning experience.

This will make a wonderful gift that will be appreciated by both adults and children.

ISBN-13: 978-0-8024-1758-9 ISBN-10: 0-8024-1758-2

It Was Me!

2011-11-18T11:08:00.001-06:00

I just found this song which played on WVGV (an online radio station our church uses regularly), and was happy to find it on You Tube! I also added it to the playlist here (click the Music tab). Enjoy! The song has a great ending!

Wait for the second part - "That Was Me".

New Song of the Month, Lyrics

2011-11-13T11:23:00.002-06:00

At the crossroads, the choice before you:
Go your own way or hear My voice.
Tho I made you, I won't force you;
You are free to make your choice.

CH: On the left hand the way is broader,
And on the left hand all seems well.
On the left hand the way is smoother,
But on the left hand the way is to Hell.
But on the right hand, the way is narrow,
And on the right hand, the way is straight,
And on the right hand, the way's not easy,
But on the right hand, life awaits.

You cannnot stand and halt forever,
There is an end that comes to all;
Make up your mind, it's now or never
The world is nothing if you lose your soul.

The Crossroads - http://www.godlychristianmusic.com/music/play2.aspx?id=1326&type=song.mp3

This website has original songs from singer/songwriters. You have to weed through them, but there are many very nice songs to choose from. They have some really cute kid's songs and teen choruses. I am always looking for new songs to sing in church that others may have never heard of. There are also a lot of scripture songs, but be aware, not all use the KJV.

A Blessing: Job and the Millennium

2011-11-02T12:44:00.002-05:00

Something in the book of Job thrilled my soul to read today, and I think it will for you too. What a wonderful Lord we have. So I'm working on a study about the Millennial Kingdom, and what it meant to people all throughout the Old Testament. To Adam and Eve, the promise in Gen. 3:15 meant that maybe they'd get back to the garden. To Enoch, well, in Jude he was the first man to preach about the Second Coming about 2,500 years before the first coming.

I can't believe I made the mistake of overlooking Job! To him the promise of the Kingdom meant seeing his Redeemer and having a new body.

Job 19:25-26, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26) And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:"

That is one of the most exciting passages in the Bible to me. Job is talking about something that Paul speaks about in I Cor. 15 - a new body. Job KNEW that his soul wouldn't simply see God, but that his weak and frail body that had been devastated by boils would one day die and be resurrected to a new and a glorious body free from disease and imperfection. Job knew it 2,000 years before Paul told us the same thing in the New Testament!

But that's not where it ends. Try to put yourself where Job was. His family, other than his wife, is dead and he's alone and miserable. Maybe he wants some recognition or understanding or something. He's one of the most dedicated servants of Jehovah, and is this how he is to die? A broken, beaten, hurting man? Is this his legacy?

Every man wants to leave a legacy. Every man wants to be remembered by something, by someone. Before Job cried the words about one day seeing his Redeemer, he said the following...

Job 19:23-24, "Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
24) That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!"

Job wanted to be remembered and he wanted his life to count for something.

And every hurting saint ever since then has turned to the book that contains the words of Job to find peace and comfort.

God answered the prayer of Job's heart. His words were put in a book.

The best book ever written - the Bible!

My site - http://www.truthandsong.com/

My articles - http://ricksarticles.blogspot.com/

Hope Springs Eternal…or Why I Was Way Too Into This Last World Series

2011-11-01T09:43:00.001-05:00

Hope springs eternal in the human breast;

Man never Is, but always To be blest:

The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home,

Rests and expatiates in a life to come.

– Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man

While I must admit that I do not know much about this poem listed above, I have always heard the phrase, “Hope springs eternal.” Usually, it is around the time of Spring Training when fans of baseball look forward to the upcoming season. For 25+ years, there never was too much hope for the team I rooted for – the Texas Rangers. But this season was a little different. They had just made their first ever World Series the year before, and even though they lost their best starting pitcher and a couple of other players, there was still some hope. Then the improbable happened – they made it back. Not only did they make it, but they actually were doing so well that many thought of them as the favorite to win their first ever World Series title.

I will admit up front that I have never really been into watching a full, nine inning baseball game on t.v. (always enjoyed watching it in person, though), but I really got swept up in the excitement of the World Series. I am sure that many who follow me on Twitter and Facebook observed this phenomenon, as I DEFINITELY over tweeted during the last two games. To come so close twice in game six and not win was probably one of the greatest and most excruciating roller coaster rides I have been on as a sports fan.

Sports will do that to you. Well, actually, anything you become heavily invested in will do that to you. Hope makes us more involved, more passionate, more vocal, and more invested. And we do so not knowing how it will all end. I always thought that the Rangers would win game six all the way up till David Freese hit his homerun in the bottom of the 11th inning.

Yet, we often do not get that involved, passionate, vocal, or invested in the things of God. I know this may be a bit of a cheesy statement to make, but maybe it is just my way of justifying my temporary obsession with the World Series. Does this mean that we should not be passionate about anything else other than the Lord. I know some that feel that way, but I don’t feel that is the truth to take away. To me, it is a reminder of how hope motivates us to step outside of our “normal” self and say and do things that we would no longer do. And when it comes to hope, we have the greatest hope available:

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Because of the eternal hope that fills our hearts and mind, we can and should openly rejoice and share our hope to those without any…like Houston Astros fans .

Is there anything that you found yourself becoming heavily involved and passionate about?

What are ways that we can become this passionate about our faith?

95 Theses - "...the just shall live by faith."

2011-11-01T06:58:00.000-05:00

A replica of the 95 Theses in Schlosskirche, Wittenberg

Martin Luther Posts His Ninety-Five Theses (1517)

According to the traditional account, Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, Germany—an event now seen as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Written in response to the selling of indulgences to pay for the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the theses represented an implicit criticism of papal policy and aroused much controversy. (copied from "This Day in History")

The 95 Theses

Much was going on during this period of history in respect to Christiandom. Controversary within and without the established church, the Roman Catholic Church. Dissension over authority of the Pope. Controversary and unrest over the practice of indulgences being sold as penance for one's sins. Interpretation and availability of the written Bible to the peoples was forbidden and much desired by those of the non-laiety.

But of even more importance that any of these very important issues was the fact that Martin Luther began to espouse and preach justification by faith. Not by indulgences. Not by confession to a priest. Not by anything other than faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of man could a person be justified in the sight of God and have forgiveness for his or her sins.

"Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." Galatians 3:11- "Now the just shall live by faith..." Hebrews 10:38

Hard Work Can Outshine Talent

2011-10-29T00:55:00.001-05:00

Piccadilly Circus is known for it's exuberant and often comical collection of indie performers, all vying for the attention and money of pass-by tourists and regular central London enthusiasts.

It was then highly comical to see a performer today of which the word "talent-less" would go hand to hand with. An act consisting of holding a windswept umbrella in a position which would give the illusion of a windy day in London would hardly get the creative juices flowing neither would compel tourists to cough up their hard-earned coffers.

WHAT a surprise then to see such an act gather the crowds and bring in the money :), maybe it was the simplicity of it all, or rather the nonsensical act of holding a windswept umbrella in a clearly wind-less day. Whatever it was, people loved it and it brought a smile on many children's faces.

As I sat and watched, it suddenly dawned on me that this guy probably has worked hard with whatever small idea he had to perfect his act. To us simpletons watching on the sidelines, it looked so easy, one would be excused for thinking it's just as simple as standing on a street holding a windswept umbrella, but the grace and poise by which he stood still, and carried himself, exposed a man who had finely tuned his act through hours and hours of practice.

This of course reminded me of all the times in the Bible, where God called many people to do great acts, people who started out with no obvious talent or skill, people who the majority would have looked upon and thought "they are good for nothing" yet turned out to be some of the greatest men and women of history. What are the underlying "keywords" for all these great men and women? "HARD WORK" and "PERSISTENCE".

Much like this man, who probably wen't through periods where he must have thought "this is stupid" or "this is hopeless" great men and women of God fell and had to start again, constantly working and perfecting themselves through God, making mistakes yet learning and becoming the people that God could use to change the climate of whole nations and bring about changes that would resonate thousands of years on in Christianity.

Maybe this is all too much to draw from a man with a windswept umbrella in the middle of Picadilly Circus lol, but according to 1Corinthians 1 v26-27 Paul wrote " For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;"

God delights to use people who maybe are not the most talented, but have a love for him and a willing-ness to learn to do great things. If you think you have no obvious talents or gifts Christian, then you are maybe who God is looking for :).

Competing or Completing?

2011-10-25T15:15:00.001-05:00

Genesis 2:24, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

This title “Competing or Completing” came to my mind as I read my wife’s blog today - Man, its been a while since I posted and now she is out blogging me! While I say that “tongue in cheek”….well, sorta ….it is true that many marriages forget that there primary purpose is to cleave to each other and begin they begin to clash with each other. While there will always be differences in personalities, opinions, likes, etc,, those differences actually become a strength when looked at like a puzzle piece. The different shapes of the puzzle fit together in a certain way that keeps everything together. Without the different pieces, the puzzle would endlessly slide around and never form the picture that it is intended to. If every piece was the same shape with ins and outs (not sure how to describe an actual puzzle piece??), the puzzle would never be complete.

Often, couples begin to look at their differences and deficiencies and wonder, “Why don’t we have more in common…he/she just doesn’t seem to get me…etc.” But when it comes to puzzles, and our marriages, the differences are not deficiencies – they are part of a large picture and are made the way they are for a purpose. As husband and wives, we should embrace the differences, knowing that God is putting together a masterpiece of a puzzle.

How do you view differences in your relationships?

what did you say?

2011-10-24T14:58:00.001-05:00

My husband sent me a link the other day for an article entitled 'Christian Cussing?'

This topic is actually something that had been on my heart and mind for a couple of months now, as I listen to my children mimic my speech. As crazy as it may seem [today], I want my children to be well-spoken, use proper grammar and even know what the words they use mean. With that being said, it is difficult for my children NOT to be exposed to illiterate speech. We live in an illiterate society. [I am in no way saying that every single person we come into contact with is illiterate. This is a generalization made from simply listening to people around me and is not meant to offend, just make aware. Words are important.]

{Even more importantly} I also do not want my children uttering profanity. BUT, what is profanity? What is unacceptable speech? Is it just the 'major' cursings [the Lord's name in any way other than speaking to or about Him, the 4-letter words, etc. I am not going to spell them out]? Or are slang [replaced] words wrong, too?

The linked article at the beginning of this post has quite a list of slang-I will not try to delve into that. Please read what he has listed. Some of those expressions I had never heard of. But several I had, and seeing their origin made me question whether or not I should say them let alone my children!

In Psalms 19 the Bible says: Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

If I am expressing words simply to let my emotion have voice [as the majority of reasons for cursing, swearing, or whatever you call it] are these 'words of my mouth being acceptable in the sight of the Lord'? They have no use other than expressing feelings. They often are not even used in proper context. [Is God going to bring damnation on an object just because you don't like it?]

These are just some thoughts that have been in my heart for a while. I would love to read your opinions [kind words, please], but I must show one example that puts shame on my head. I have often spoken the words 'oh my goodness' when I am at a loss of how to express shock or sadness. Each time, I would feel a prick in my spirit that those words were being used vainly, but I did not fully examine it until recently [not many days before I read that article].

One question I finally faced gave me my shame:

Who/what IS my goodness?

Do I even HAVE goodness apart from The Good One?

So is that not in essence saying.... Lord, I have no respect for your name or the simple fact that You are good.

As I said. Just a thought.

Don't Throw the Baby out with the Bathwater!

2011-10-20T17:56:00.000-05:00

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I see all the time where people toss books and teachers because they do not agree with everything they say. That’s fine to do, but in the end you could really miss out on learning something that God wants you to know. From Moses and Aaron to Samson and David, God’s pattern is using imperfect men to accomplish impossible tasks.

If you wind up tossing every book (or preacher!) that happens to have something wrong in it, you’ll wind up with nothing but the Bible. That may be okay for a while, but that Bible tells you that we’re supposed to learn from teachers (Eph. 4:11, I Cor. 12:28, Acts 13:1).

Other than God and the Bible, every book and teacher will have problems. So what do you keep and what do you let go? What is serious and inexcusable and what can you overlook? What helps me is viewing these “problems” in three categories.

1. Doctrinal Errors.

Doctrinal errors are usually little hangups and ideas that someone may have that don’t affect things outside of the actual teaching itself. I knew a guy once who thought he was going to get rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ because he abstained from ice cream.

Really? Not worth it! Give me my Rocky Road!

Of course the Bible doesn’t say anything about this. It was just a weird little idea he got in his head somehow and no one was going to tell him otherwise. Now it’s true that God expects us to show temperance in our lives and there’s a reward for putting your body under subjection… but there’s nothing wrong with a little Georgia Mud Fudge now and then.

Back to the ice cream man: does this idea he had make him ineligible to serve the Lord? Does it mean that anything he says, teaches, or writes is akin to trash burped up from the Bottomless Pit? Of course not!

YOU – the reader of this article – is of course right on everything. So if you find someone that disagrees with you on something ask yourself three questions:

1. Does this teaching directly affect other doctrines in the Bible?

2. Does this teaching affect any practical areas of Christian conduct?

3. Is this teaching emphasized too much by the teacher?

If you answered “no” to all three then what you are dealing with is a doctrinal error. Everyone makes them. Get over it and cut the guy some slack, he might have some good things to say.

2. False Doctrine.

There are many teachings that directly affect other doctrines and Christian conduct. Depending upon the severity and the emphasis placed upon them by the teacher, they are going to be either false doctrine or heresy.

Here’s a couple of examples:

1. Calvinism. Teaching that God specifically chooses some people to go to Hell and others to go to Heaven without giving either a specific say in the matter is wrong. That being said, Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon were Calvinists.

They were not hyper-Calvinists (Hyper-Calvinism is heresy). In other words, they believed Calvinist doctrine, but thankfully they didn’t make it a part of their practical lives. Calvinism is serious stuff, but God still uses Calvinists.

2. Arminianism.

These folks believe you can lose your salvation. That’s false doctrine, and for many it holds them in a position of always questioning their salvation. What sin can damn you, which ones are okay and which one aren’t? This teaching affects other doctrines and it can daily affect the Christian’s life and walk with the Lord. It’s serious.

Ever heard of John Wesley? The John Wesley who God used to save England from a bloody revolution? He believed you can lose it.

There are many good Christians that believe some false doctrine. Does that mean that false doctrine doesn’t matter? Of course, not, but it needs to be put in the proper perspective. If God is willing to use the man for good, then maybe he’s worth listening to in some areas. Just be careful.

3. Heresy.

Okay, this is the inexcusable stuff. Teaching that salvation comes from anything other than faith in Christ is inexcusable. Teaching that Jesus was anything other than God is heresy. The Holy Spirit told us in II John 1:7-11 that we are not to consort with people at all that abide not in the doctrine of Christ or we risk losing rewards in Heaven and partaking in “his evil deeds.” Stay away.

These are wolves in sheep's clothing and are to be identified as such according to the Bible. God doesn't expect you to be "nice" about it (see how nice Jesus was in Matthew 23). I'm not talking about people caught up in a wicked system such as the Roman Catholic Church, the Jehovah's Witness organization, the Seventh Day Adventist "denomination," the Church of Christ, or Mormonism. I'm talking about people who push these heretical teachings and organizations. God doesn't expect you to treat them with kid gloves, they are active tools of Satan to damn people to Hell.

Read what the Bible says about them:

II Peter 2:1-3, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. ²And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. ³And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

     I Tim. 6:3-5, "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
⁴He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  ⁵Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."

     Jude 1:3, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
Romans 16:17, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

     Titus 3:10-11, "A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
¹¹Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself."

     I don't see any allowance for studying underneath a heretic and seeking to learn or be inspired by one. We are not to look up to them as great examples of whatever. Just the words "damnable heresy" should clue us in to the fact that God doesn't have a high opinion of the people who push them.

     According to these verses, when dealing with heresy God exepects to do three things:

1) Identify it.
2) Fight against it.
3) Withdraw from the heretic.

     In conclusion, this is how I disipher who I should listen to and who to not. I find most carnal modern-day Christians are very hard on the preacher or teacher who may have made a mistep in what he said or taught, but they will give a lot of room to the people who fall in category number three. At best they might withdraw, but you'll never find them actually taking a stand against wickedness. The SOP of a Laodicaen Christian is that a grumpy preacher is dreadfully rude and unacceptable, and we should be very quick to condem him - but a nice man who'll lead your children to Hell is okay.

     Try to look at things the way God does. For those who lead people to Hell, God has nothing good to say. But God is gracious and merciful to those with a good heart that may be wrong in a couple areas, and we should be too.

When It's All Said and Done

2011-10-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Some of the most insightful words are spoken by those closest to death. I'm not being morbid, I'm making an observation. When you're looking back over your life, you'll be in the wisest state of mind ever possible this side of eternity. I am most touched by the following quotes given by men who were not saved, because it appears that as they are dying, the truth is finally dawning on them. However, there are many quotes below by men who were saved and those are especially encouraging. Live your life with a view toward eternity!

I think I'll sleep now. -George Washington Carver

I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible Crown, where no disturbance can be, no disturbance in the world. Remember! -Charles I, King of England

I have tried so hard to do right. -Grover Cleveland

It's very beautiful over there. -Thomas Jefferson

This is absurd! This is absurd! -Sigmund Freud
Note: He is also reported to have said “The meager satisfaction that man can extract from reality leaves him starving.”

I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country. -Nathan Hale

Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees. -Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson

Solely by the merits of Jesus Christ, Our Saviour. -Johannes Kepler

The taste of death is upon my lips…I feel something, that is not of this earth. -Mozart

Take me home. I was born in the South and I wish to die and be buried in the South. -Booker T. Washington

I am ready. -Woodrow Wilson

(wikiquote.org)

New Song of the Month, Lyrics

2011-10-13T11:01:00.002-05:00

Thorns on His head,
Spear in His side,
Yet it was a heartache that made Him cry.
He gave His life
So you would understand
Is there any way you could say "No" to this Man?

If Christ Himself
Were standing here,
Face full of glory, and eyes full of tears,
And He held out his arms
And His nail-printed hands,
Is there any way you could say "No" to this Man?

CH: How could you look in His tear-stained eyes
Knowing it's you He's thinking of?
Could you tell Him you're not ready
To give Him your life?
Could you say you don't think you need His love?

Jesus is here
With His arms open wide,
You can see Him with your heart, if you'll stop looking with your eyes.
He's left it up to you,
He's done all He can,
Is there any way you could say "No" to this Man?

Thorns on His head,
Your life is in His hands,
Is there any way you could say "No" to this Man?

Is There Any Way? - http://www.godlychristianmusic.com/music/play2.aspx?id=860&type=song.mp3

This website has original songs from singer/songwriters. You have to weed through them, but there are many very nice songs to choose from. They have some really cute kid's songs and teen choruses. I am always looking for new songs to sing in church that others may have never heard of. There are also a lot of scripture songs, but be aware, not all use the KJV.

Do You Really Mean That?

2011-10-08T09:09:00.000-05:00

Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few~Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

I don't know about you, but EVERY TIME I sing the song "I Surrender All", I get convicted by the words. "All to Jesus I surrender. All to Him I FREELY give. I will EVER love and trust HIM. In His presence DAILY live." I'll be honest here and tell you that I do not FREELY give Him everything. Sometimes I have bitterness or hurts that I like to hold on to for myself. Sometimes I think I may tell God, "Lord you can have it all as long as you don't TAKE it all (meaning all of my stuff)". If I don't read my Bible daily and seek Him, how can I honestly sing the part about "in His presence DAILY live"?

What about this song? "My Jesus I love thee. I know thou art mine. For thee ALL THE FOLLIES OF SIN I RESIGN"? Do we really? Hmmn..."I'm pressing on the upward way. New heights I'm gaining everyday. Still praying as I onward bound, 'Lord plant my feet on higher ground'." How can we sing "Sweet hour of prayer", when the only time we spend praying is thanking God for our meal? "I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold"? REALLY?? Here's just one more, "Redeemed how I love to proclaim it". Do we really LOVE to proclaim it? Do we take EVERY opportunity to reach the lost with the Good News??

These are just some questions that are in my mind. The sad truth is that many of us Christians are lying when we sing these songs. I propose that if we cannot sing these words honestly, maybe we should just hum along with the music. :-)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

The Christian Occidentalist: Diversity (1): a modern ideal unfit for the timele...

2011-10-01T04:06:00.000-05:00

The Christian Occidentalist: Diversity (1): a modern ideal unfit for the timele...: The closely related notions of diversity , tolerance and multiculturalism have also been strong themes in the political careers of David C...

in EVERTHING

2011-09-29T09:03:00.001-05:00

give thanks.

Giving thanks. This is a conscious effort that I am praying to make a way of life. He cannot take my thanks from me. I must give it to Him.

If I am trusting God, why would I not give thanks to Him? He has given me so many promises. And I am beyond unworthy.

this Life.

my own. my husband's. children. friends. family.

give thanks.

eternal Life.

salvation. through Jesus only. There is nothing I could ever hope to try to do to gain Heaven. or His favor. ever.

give thanks.

family.

parents. brother. grandparents. cousins.

husband. children.

give thanks.

work.

the ability to do so. my husband's job. income. the opportunity to teach my children.

give thanks.

friends.

near or far. just a phone call away.

health.

love.

possessions.

intelligence.

give thanks.

I will never give proper praise for all He has given me and done for me. Even the frustrations of life are for a purpose. To make me stronger. To show me just how much I need Him. To teach me to love the unloveable. To show me how I need to change to be more like Him. To remind me that life is not about me.

When I have a proper view of Who God is and who I am... giving thanks WILL BE a way of life.

These are just some thoughts I have had the past few days and have finally taken the time to write some of it out. Thankfulness is often a difficult sentiment to express beyond

thank you, God.

You love me and that is more than I could ever ask for.

And in learning and applying thankfulness, I pray I become just a little bit better at being that woman God created me to be for my man.

Does Spiritual Health Affect Your Physical Health

2011-09-29T08:49:00.002-05:00

We live today in a very compartmentalized society. By that I mean that we look at everything as a separate entity that does not affect the other. I thought of that this morning when I read:

Psalm 32:3 (KJV) - When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

By breaking down this verse of David’s psalm, we learn how our physical health often correlates with our spiritual health:

When I kept silence – By keeping silent, what David is implying is that he was silent in confessing his sins. We know this because the previous two verses deals with the subject of repentance.
my bones waxed old - Here, David is alluding to the physical pain he was suffering. He felt that his bones and his body were waxing, or wasting away. Think about it, the older we get the more physical pain we feel,e specially in our bones.
through my roaring all the day long – Here, David pulls back the curtain and tells us how he was roaring, or groaning, all day because of this physical pain.

So at one point in David’s life (the Bible shows us at least a couple of different instances that this could refer to) he suffered physical pain because of unconfessed sin. In the common language of today, it could be said that David pens, “When I kept silent and refused to confess my sin, my bones and body wasted away, and I groaned in pain all day long.”

Now, before anyone thinks, '”Well, that is only in the Old Testament,” let me remind you of what Paul warned the Corinthian church in relation to the taking of the Lord’s Supper:

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 KJV (27) Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. (28) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (29) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

As I read David’s psalm today, I thought about how much my pain, both physically and mentally, is really just spiritual in nature. Many times, our physical health is tied to our spiritual condition. There is joy when our communion with God is where it should be, and we often suffer from physical ailments when stress and sin separate us from a closeness with our Heavenly Father.

NOTE: Please don’t misunderstand me and paint me as a “Health and Wealth” prosperity preacher. There are many instances given to us in God’s Word where men and women suffered physically do to no spiritual shortfall of their own. Job is an example of this from the Old Testament, and Paul is a great reminder of this in the New Testament. But truth be told, many of us suffer more as David did in this Psalm than as Paul did with his thorn in the flesh.

So, how do we combat this? Here are a few practices that I can think of:

Pray – This is what Psalm 32 is: a prayer and song of David’s reflection on the times when his physical suffering was due to unconfessed sin. I know this sounds so simple, and we know that prayer is what should be done, but do we pray sincerely and deeply as we should? I remember when I lived in Texas the family doctor we had in Decatur, Texas. He was a good Christian man, and when he found out that I was a Bible College graduate and was praying about pastoring soon, we would often spend a couple of minutes talking about spiritual things. I will always remember what he said to me (and I think my wife Darci was with me at that time), “I know a lot of people who come to my office sick, and there is nothing I can do for them because there problem is spiritual in nature.” He then talked a little bit about the importance of prayer.
Confess – Sin is the source of our pain. So if we are tired of it, we should let it go through confession in prayer. When we come to the realization that sin is the source of our health ailment, there is no earthly doctor who has the remedy.
Serve – There is joy in serving the Lord by doing good things for those around you.

What are some other ways to renew your physical health through spiritual disciplines that you can think of?

Joab's Fire, a Distant Hope by Lynn Squire (book review)

2011-09-28T15:50:00.000-05:00

This short novel carries a punch that delivers a shattering realization into your heart and mind that man suffers and God's people scarcely understand the suffering of the individual.

Joab's Fire is set in the very early 1900's in Alberta, Canada. Sergeant Dixon of the North West Mounted Police respects the main character, Joab Black and his wife Sarah Black, for their upright living, generosity, and faith. They are a prosperous family until disaster delivers rapid fire death and destruction at their doorstep.

Others in the community of faith, seek to "comfort" and "console" Joab and Sarah in their troubles. But like the comforters of Job in the Bible, they prattle on about Joab's probable sin and unrighteousness being the cause of his calamities and his just recompense for hidden sins.

Sergeant Dixon is concerned about a visitor to the community that seems to wile his way into the minds, hearts, and lives of the residents of this isolated Canadian community. The visitor says, ".... my scientific observation has consistently revealed that anyone blessed by God with plenty will inevitably turn against God, should it all be taken away." (p. 48)

But too many details will spoil the story for you. The parallel of Joab's Fire with the Biblical book of Job is interesting, and a good Bible study can evolve using the guidelines author Lynn Squire has provided.

More about author Lyn Squire at www.LynnSquire.com or www.PresentingBiblicalTruth.com

More about Vera Godley, reviewer, at http://ChatWithVera.blogspot.com

Publisher: HigherLife Publishing; Unabridged edition (September 15, 2011)

ISBN-10: 1935245511 - ISBN-13: 978-1935245513

Powerful abortion movie 180

2011-09-28T00:53:00.001-05:00

Please take the time to watch this video and pass it on. God bless. :)

Now Available - Faith and Finance: Peace With or Without Prosperity by Melissa Schworer

2011-09-19T14:49:00.001-05:00

Click Here - Available on Amazon

In Kindle and Paperback

By Melissa Schworer

Book Excerpts

"Money reveals the love of our heart. Money reveals the pride in our heart. Money reveals whether we want to do it God’s way, or our way. This is not anything new. It started out with Cain. Cain wanted to do it his way."

"How many people have heard the story about the drunk who got his paycheck and drank it away leaving a starving family at home?

What about the man who bought a sports car, went golfing every weekend, went out to eat with his friends weekly and when he died he left his family with piles of debt and no life insurance?"

"God knows the potential and ability of each man and will lead him to reach it. If a man is lazy in the stewardship of his life, he will be held accountable for his waste. If a man is hasty in his choices and makes “investments” that go against the principles of God’s word, he will also be accountable for his stewardship. But a man that prayerfully and diligently works at increasing his ability within the bounds of God’s word has a greater opportunity to be used of God in finance.

That being said, financial increase is not what we work toward. We work toward good stewardship, and as God provides we are able to do more to increase His work in our lives."

"We women sacrifice peace when we leave our children behind for hours and find ourselves feeling guilty and insecure about our choices in this area. We sacrifice our God given peace oft times just for financial security. We enjoy knowing that our bills are being paid faster; our securities are growing as we would like; and we may be able to enjoy a vacation now and then.

What we don’t realize is that we are hampering our own spiritual growth and our husband’s growth in the Lord..."

"Christians get so ensnared in what I call the “bittersweet abundance” that comes with government assistance that I see people falsifying their income or hiding cash they receive just to stay on assistance. If they saw God as their provider they would need not lie, because you cannot lie to God. They see the government as their provider and lie to stay in good graces. That is the snare. It is when one stops recognizing God as their provider, and they shift their eyes elsewhere that Satan wins the victory.

That is what Satan desires. He wants a Godless people."

"My husband and I were discussing how direct God is in dealing with covetousness. When listing off His commandments, covetousness is the only one He becomes specific about. He knew our natural bent and listed out the specifics."

"I entitled this book “Faith and Finance - Peace With or Without Prosperity” because God’s Word promises peace to those who keep their mind upon Him; not those who keep their checking account full".

"We will find ourselves looking back and wondering, “My goodness, how did that all work out? God surely is faithful, isn’t He?”

The fighting of our battles

2011-09-12T21:56:00.000-05:00

The fighting of our battles

If this is a battle of His choosing for me,

then He will fight for me,

He will conquer the unconquerable,

He will cause the walls of Jericho to fall,

He will defeat the enemy, no matter how numerous or deeply entrenched they may be.

Did you actually notice the first part of this quote. "....a battle of HIS choosing...."? Like Job of old, we recognize that in God's will our battles are those that God chooses or allows for us. And when we fully recognize this, we can move on to gain our strength in the knowledge that He WILL fight that battle for us. Then amidst the strife of the battle, we can rest in the peace that comes from Him alone.

This quote was shared with me by a fellow employee in Alamance Christian School. She is also a pastor's wife. The quote is from Nancy Leigh DeMoss – Revive our Hearts ministry

His Robes For Mine - New Song of the Month

2011-09-12T20:04:00.004-05:00

Check out this man's video of his daughters singing this new hymn. The hymn was written by a student at BJU, who makes the sheet music (as well as a second ending with key change) available at no cost at http://www.churchworksmedia.com/hymns/his-robes-for-mine-text/

His robes for mine: O wonderful exchange!
Clothed in my sin, Christ suffered ‘neath God’s rage.
Draped in His righteousness, I’m justified.
In Christ I live, for in my place He died.

Chorus:

I cling to Christ, and marvel at the cost:
Jesus forsaken, God estranged from God.
Bought by such love, my life is not my own.
My praise-my all-shall be for Christ alone.

His robes for mine: what cause have I for dread?
God’s daunting Law Christ mastered in my stead.
Faultless I stand with righteous works not mine,
Saved by my Lord’s vicarious death and life.

His robes for mine: God’s justice is appeased.
Jesus is crushed, and thus the Father’s pleased.
Christ drank God’s wrath on sin, then cried “‘Tis done!”
Sin’s wage is paid; propitiation won.

His robes for mine: such anguish none can know.
Christ, God’s beloved, condemned as though His foe.
He, as though I, accursed and left alone;
I, as though He, embraced and welcomed home!

To Blog or Not To Blog…Is That The Question?

2011-09-12T13:05:00.001-05:00

Let me first say, “Sorry.” While I have mixed in a couple of reviews, I have not posted a true blog post in a while. It seems that for a month or so in the summer I get super busy and blogging is one of the first things to go. August was that month, and even the last part of July as I got ready for all that August would bring. We had a combined church camp, then our first Vacation Bible School that we put together from scratch. Not our first Bible School, but our first one that we did not buy the prepackaged program from a publishing company. This meant we came up with the theme, lessons, songs, crafts, games, skits, etc. It was a lot of work, but very rewarding when it was all said and done (and it saved our church a lot of money that was normally spent). Now, I could try to deny the fact that I have not posted in a while, but it is true. While I don’t know that there is anyone out there who just waits with bated breath for my post, I am sure that most people have not noticed. But if you did – I’m sorry.

Even though I may not have posted any real blogs lately, that does not mean that I stopped reading other people’s blogs. While many people will get up and read the daily paper, I usually read blogs – and a wide variety of blogs and topics. Some are long post, some are short. Some are devotional in nature, and some are theological in discussion. A couple are sports related, but most have to do with the Bible, church, Christianity, etc. My criteria for following and reading a blog is very simple: if it helps me in some way, shape, or form, I will follow. If not, then I don’t. And on regular intervals, I will re-evaluate my blogroll and drop those that I have stopped reading. Pretty simple and straight forward.

Now, this does not mean that I have to, or that I do, agree with everything I read on a blog that I follow. All this means it that that certain blog is a help to me. Sometimes reading an opposing view will help sharpen me as to what and why I believe what I do. That is why my blogroll is somewhat eclectic. And it may be why I can be somewhat eclectic in my practice of faith and why I do not necessarily fit into one “camp” or another. Seems as though there are some who think I am a little too “liberal,” while others feel as if I am too “pharisaical” in practice. But at the end of the day, I suspect that are many more preachers, pastors, and Christians like myself – they just aren’t as vocal as the extremes of both sides. At the end of the day, we must be fully persuaded in our own minds (Romans 14:5).

And as I thought about the reason why I choose to read and follow certain blogs, it reminded me once again of the importance of using my blog to be an encouragement for whoever may read it. Encouragement is not always a pat on the back, but sometimes it is the illumination of God’s Word to certain areas of my life that need to be improved. But never is it mean-spirited, hateful, or accusatory – and neither should my blog be! I understand that I might be in the minority on that one, especially considering how many blogs, websites, and even ministries seem to be devoted to being as mean-spirited and crude as possible while pointing out supposed short-comings. These folks often remind me of those who are trying to preform eye surgery on an unsuspecting brother or sister in Christ to remove a small splinter while a huge rafter beam is sticking out of their eye (Luke 6:42).

I hope and pray that you are reading this because somewhere along the way you were helped or encourage, and it is my prayer that will continue to happen in the future.

9/11 - We Still Hear The Echoes (Poem)

2011-09-11T13:41:00.002-05:00

Ten years ago! Oh ten years ago, we still hear the impact, we still hear the echoes......

We still see the planes, we still feel the crash, we still gasp at scenes,

We still wish it was all a dream......................

Ten years on, feels like ten days have gone

Tenth is this anniversary, of towers which stood strong..........

Herein lies the deceased, both here and in the Middle East

Some died for supposed honour

Many died in pure innocence

Some died on the battlefield

Some died for money and greed.........

Raging fires became dying embers

Dying embers became burning emblems

Two towers came down, one nation stood up,

one voice perked up, one heart pumped up.......indivisible

Many conspiracies arise, we can only speculate

Is it all true? Judge with your own eyes

Darkness lies within the bosom of man..............

One thing for sure, as I write from across the shore

Is we still hear the echoes, of innocent lives gone............

Rest in peace the righteous amongst the deceased

A heavenly home now yours, with which no words can afford (John 14)............:)

a price above rubies. 1

2011-08-30T07:20:00.000-05:00

this is the first post of a series from

[God's Gift: becoming the woman my man needs]

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her... Proverbs 31:11a.

Safely trust means to be secure or have confidence in.

While I have heard and read and agree that this entire passage [verses 10-31] is a collection of the Virtuous Woman's entire life's work, this one thought is the crux of her virtue and can only be achieved through daily dilegence.

All the days of her married life,

her husband's heart is safe in her hands.

There is so much that could be said here. Indeed, I have read several books on this subject.

But I will suffice it to say that if I, as a wife,

am sober [in control of my senses]

love my husband [be his friend, lover, confidant]

love our children [be affectionate and nurturing]

am discreet [in control of my desires]

am chaste [modest in all things: mind and body. other descriptive words: demure, undefiled, ladylike]

am a keeper at home [having a guarding spirit: guarding your home from worldliness- both for the sake of your children's minds and for your husband's reputation. also, the physical well being of those in your home: cooking, cleaning, creating a place of warmth]

am good [useful and pleasant to be around]

am obedient to my husband [this is my God-given RIGHT to be UNDER my husband's authority]

that the word of God be not blasphemed [I would be terrified to know that the way I lived my role as a wife/mother caused someone to speak reproach on Christ].

[Titus 2:4,5]

then my husband's heart can be safe in my care.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:10

the series

Welcome!

2011-08-29T15:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to a new blogroll member: God's Gift. You can see all the members HERE, and join our Blog Directory of blogs on any topic written by Indepepndent Fundamental Baptists who love the KJV HERE.

Want to receive these devotionals every day via email? Join the email club here:

Tracts - Some Amazing Numbers!

2011-08-28T13:52:00.003-05:00

How important is it to distribute Gospel tracts as we go about our daily tasks around town? Many people are unsure if the results are worth the effort. We seldom hear of someone being saved from a tract we hand out and rarely hear of someone coming to church because a Gospel tract was given to them. Maybe we should take a closer look at what happens when we regularly and faithfully hand out tracts.

When we give someone a Gospel tract, we never know what they are going through or how God will use it in their life. Several years ago, I was flying from Atlanta to Detroit and seated beside me was a former football star for the University of Connecticut. We began talking, and I gave him a Gospel tract. He was going to Detroit to attend his grandmother’s funeral. He was thinking about eternity, and I had the opportunity to lead him to Christ. When you give someone a Gospel tract, it may be just the answer to a troubled heart or soul. We must keep that in mind when we go through our daily routines around town.

Distributing tracts, especially with your church information on them, makes your church better known. Dr. Bobby Roberson said, “Don’t just be the pastor of your church, but be the pastor of your community.” When an unchurched person has a spiritual problem and needs a pastor, the pastor of your church should be the first name that comes to his mind. This is more likely to happen if your church members pass out tracts everywhere they go.

If each of your church members consistently distributed tracts, your town could be completely saturated very quickly. If 100 people distributed only 5 Gospel tracts each day, then 182,500 Gospel tracts would be distributed in one year! All we need to do is consistently give a person a Gospel tract each time we pull out our wallet to pay for something.

The problem isn’t that we have no opportunities; the problem is that we are not making a conscious effort to distribute tracts on a regular basis. May we all make a commitment to this simple task as we live for Christ each day.

By Earl Jessup (published by permission)

IFBKJV.com has these resources listed where you can obtain free tracts: Free Resources

New Song of the Month, Lyrics

2011-08-13T10:49:00.005-05:00

I've seen some trials,
I've shed some tears,
I've had some struggles,
And harbored some fears.
Yet, through the windy days,
The storms and the strife,
I've found just one way to hold on to life.

CH: Never let go of the Lord,
Never lose hold of His word,
Never stop praying,
Never stop saying His Name,
Never let go.

I've seen a brother pull up on the shore,
Weary from battle, with storm after storm.
And if you ask him what kept him alive,
He'll tell you there's only one way to survive.

Even in sunshine, when all skies are clear,
There is no telling what storms may be near.
So never stop praying,
Never stop saying His name.
Never let go. Never let go.

Never Let Go

What Do We Expect?

2011-08-12T09:14:00.001-05:00

I know it has been awhile since I have written. Fox News ran a story this week about an online petition to pressure the producers of "Sesame Street" into having Bert and Ernie get married. The petitioners stated, "We are not asking that Sesame Street do anything crude or disrespectful," the petition reads. "It can be done in a tasteful way. Let us teach tolerance of those that are different." The non-profit Sesame Workshop told FoxNews that the pair were created to be "best friends". "They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves," the statement read.

I was appalled by this petition to expose preschoolers to this abomination against God (yes, it's still an abomination! see Lev. 20:18), yet not surprised. I mean, what do we expect?

Reading in the book of Genesis, we find the account of two heavenly visitors going to rescue Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom. By the way, Sodom and Gomorrah were being destroyed because of the wicked sin of homosexuality, hence the name Sodomite. The visitors were angels. They came to Lot's home and were going to sleep outside of his door, a practice which was customary in those times. Lot convinced them to come and sleep inside his home. He knew the wickedness of his neighbors. The men of the city went to Lot's home and started beating on the door, saying, "Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them." Lot came out and tried to reason with them, even going so far as to offer his own daughters to them. This is how sick Lot's mind had become. The men of the city refused Lot's daughters and they said, "Stand back!" Then the Bible tells us, "...they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door."

This account reminded me of the way the homosexual agenda is pushing to get into our homes and churches. They don't have to break down our doors because we have willingly opened our doors and welcomed this and other filth into our homes and lives. We Christians have laid the Word of God aside to be entertained by Hollywood and soon we will have to "pay the piper". We have willingly brought this vile wickedness into our homes via television shows, internet, magazines, books, etc. They want us to tolerate them, but they do not tolerate true Bible-believers and God will not tolerate sin. The following is a list of some of the stations and shows that promote this:

Fox News (Shepherd Smith is homosexual)

CNN (Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon are homosexual)

MSNBC (Rachel Maddow is homosexual)

American Idol (Ellen DeGeneres is the new judge and she is a homosexual in a legally recognized homosexual marriage)

GLEE (features homosexual teen character Kurt)

Modern Family (features obese homosexual couple)

As The World Turns (features homosexual couple Luke and Noah)

One Life To Live (features homosexual triad Kyle, Fish, and Nick)

All My Children (sometimes features homosexual Bianca and her lesbian partners)

How I Met Your Mother (stars homosexual Neil Patrick Harris)

Bravo (homosexual network)

HGTV (depicts homosexuals doing normal things like buying houses and being in relationships)

Ugly Betty (homosexual characters)

Desperate Housewives (homosexual characters.

Reality TV shows like Amazing Race, Big Brother, Real World, Road Rules etc usually feature at least one token homosexual.

All of the major children’s television shows are joining together in a coalition with the “We Are Family Foundation” to promote the homosexual agenda under the guise of teaching children “tolerance” and “diversity” in our culture.
Characters from such shows as Arthur, Barney, Bob the Builder, Jimmy Neutron, etc., will appear in a video performance of a song titled “We Are Family” by the We Are Family Foundation, a pro-homosexual, pro-feminist organization. The show will air on the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and PBS on March 11.
Also in March, a DVD of the “We Are Family” video song will be distributed to 61,000 public and private elementary schools. It will be accompanied by a workbook designed by the liberal, pro-homosexual Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
AgapePress has additional details on this pro-homosexual children’s coalition: “Children’s TV Unites to Launch Pro-Homosexual Campaign of ‘Tolerance.’” SOURCE Traditional Values

We have allowed this. What do we expect?

Gospel of John: Free or Low Cost

2011-08-09T18:30:00.003-05:00

If you have a serious need for KJV booklets containing the Gospel of John, or know someone with this need (ie: children with parents unwilling or unable to buy them), the Pocket Testament League is a resource where you can order them as needed. Here is the website: http://www.ptl.org

Sometimes my husband and I purchase full-sized Bibles for the bus kids in our class, but often the need exceeds our limited finances (we spend hundreds of dollars on our class annually). If he is doing a series of lessons in the book of John, this is a good way to the the Bible into needy little hands vs. sending them away empty-handed.

Baptist History, an Unbroken Line

2011-07-28T13:39:00.014-05:00

I came across these paraghraphs recently in a little booklet by Louis Entzminger and wanted to share it. I had often thought of the first reference he uses, but I liked the way he quoted B.H. Carroll who developed the thought as follows:

I never could understand why some Baptists rejoice to say there is no church succession.

I would like for them to take hold of these two passages in this chapter, "To the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord," coupled with the last verse, "Unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations forever and ever. Amen."

Whenever church work stops) then the glory stops. Did God intend for it to stop? If he did, why did he say, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world"? And why should we tell the church when celebrating the Lord's Supper, "As often as you do this you show forth the Lord's death till he come"? Why does he provide for perpetuity? I am not discussing church history now. I am discussing God's purpose in establishing the church. Jesus said, "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it." I do not believe they have. They have never been able to convince me that the gates of hell have prevailed against the church.

I believe that God not only has had people in all ages, but that he has had an organized people.

He provided for transmission: "The things which I have committed to you, the same commit thou to faithful men." How do men have faith? By hearing. How can they hear without a preacher, and how can they have a preacher unless he be sent? Did he not send the church all gifts – apostolic gifts, prophetic gifts, evangelistic gifts, and pastoral gifts? He set every one of them in the church. The apostles and prophets served the church; when they were taken away, there remained pastors, evangelists, teachers. On whose authority? Christ's. Where placed? In the church. I am satisfied that if the angels, after watching the unfolding of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ, from the time Christ died until the time the apostles died, they have not had a recess since of a thousand years. They are not left in suspense, vainly bending over to learn more through silent centuries. The school goes right on. The purposes ripen. The ordinances continue to tell their story. Churches come from churches somewhat as horses come from horses. History cannot trace every detail of the pedigree showing how a certain drove of wild mustangs in western Texas are descendants of the Spanish barbs, brought here by the discoverers 400 years ago. The fact that the mustangs are here proves the succession, since only like begets like.

I do not undervalue church history, but far more important to me than fallible human records of passing events is the New Testament forecast of church history. The former may err – the latter never.

The booklet is "Studies in the New Testament Church". What books/booklets do you favor on this topic? You can read more of this lecture at http://sglblibrary.homestead.com/files/bhcarroll/Volume_15.htm.

What is "The Cloud"?

2011-07-28T13:24:00.004-05:00

I came across a great YouTube on "the cloud". I have heard a lot about it lately, and went looking for info, and this you tuber has a lot of good info on his many videos. I can see how this could be beneficial in a lot of ways ie: my files at church and my files at home, so I thot I'd share it here for anyone who cares.

On a side note, at the Spiritual Leadership Conference in Lancaster, CA, they released a new app for the iPhone or Android. It's a app for soulwinning contacts! It looks really nice, and they have been testing it for a year. They just got it approved at iTunes, and you can get it there for 99 cents. It's called "Outreach", and here is a link that tells more about it: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/outreach/id447923900?mt=8 "Once installed you can track the progress of each of your soulwinning prospects— you can quickly view a map to their home, make a phone call, and record each contact and spiritual decision. You can also view and organize your prospects into custom lists."

I don't have either phone yet :( but it anyone has used it, please post on it! I'd love to hear about how it works and what it can do!

Blame it on the Christians - Beginning to sound a lot like ancient Rome and the Emperor Nero

2011-07-26T14:54:00.000-05:00

WaPo 'On Faith' Contributor Blames Christianity for Oslo Bombing, Shooting | NewsBusters.org

The Deception of Sin

2011-07-26T11:12:00.001-05:00

Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

I could not help but think of this verse and the topic of the deception of sin this morning. As a pastor, I have the privilege of speaking and counseling with many people. My heart often breaks for those who are grieved by the choices of the family they love. Fathers and mothers praying and pleading with their children and grandchildren; kids hoping and praying that their family will stop sending them to church on the church van and actually come with them one Sunday morning; a strained relationship between spouses that weighs heavy on their heart. Unfortunately, I could go on and on. Why so much heartache? Why so much hurt and confusion? It is a simple answer, with devastating consequences – sin.

Satan has fed mankind the lie that sin is not that big of a deal, and there are no consequences to deal with. When that young lady decides to take that first drink of alcohol, she never plans on becoming a drunk who ruins her family, and even worse, takes the life of a innocent bystander because of her choice to drink and drive. That young man, when he decides for the first time to search and find pornography on the internet, never thinks that eventually his heart will grow away from his wife and kids and he seek immorality with another woman and tear his family apart and scar his children for life. Often, when faced with the temptation of sin, we do not consider the long-term consequences that it will bring. Unlike Moses, we decided to enjoy the pleasures of sin, but that pleasure is fleeting. We have been deceived, and the pain and destruction can last a lifetime.

But God has not left us without an answer.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

What is needed today is honesty. Honesty with ourselves – yes, we have a sin problem. No more excuses. And honesty with God – God, I am a sinner. By your Holy Spirit working through me, help me to recognize my besetting sin and lay it aside. Let’s make this our prayer today.

Spiritual Leadership Links

2011-07-23T10:47:00.001-05:00

If you sent me an email in the last ten days, you may want to send it again. I am still catching up with the many emails I get due to all my blogs, and don't want to miss yours. I was at the Spiritual Leadership Conference at Lancaster, CA. The conference was a blessing, and I came away rejuvenated with a lot of ideas and motivated to serve in my ministries more. One thing I really like about Lancaster Baptist Church, is that they share their resources so freely. I have used some of the articles from Ministry127 here as well as Pastor Chappell's devotions on the Devos side of IFBKJV.com.

They are in the process of loading all the workshops, so you can download them for free online! There are tracks for pastors, assistants, pastor wives, ladies, men, choir directors, educators, teens, etc. I really think it is wonderful how they freely share these and many ministry helps at no cost. They stay connected and properly use the internet as a tool. Even on YouTube, I find that most of the songs I go looking for there are uploaded by someone at Lancaster Baptist Church.

Here is the link to download the workshops and sermons, and a list of all available workshops to date. You can even download the notebook we used in class for all the workshops. If you only have time to listen to one now, the one I most enjoyed from the ones I heard was Sam Davidson's sermon on Tuesday night - AMEN! http://www.strivingtogether.com/pages/Spiritual-Leadership-Conference-Downloads.html

Sunday Morning—Sam Davison
Sunday Evening—Mike Norris
Monday Evening—Pastor Paul Chappell
Tuesday Morning—R.B. Ouellette
Tuesday Evening—Sam Davison
Wednesday Morning—Bobby Roberson
Wednesday Evening—Don Sisk

Pastors and Missionaries
Learning to Pray—Dan Reed
Instilling Biblical Principles in Your Local Church—John Goetsch
Will Ye Also Go Away?—John Goetsch
Finding God's Grace in Trials—Max Barton
Maintaining Joy through Seasons of Ministry—Jim Schettler
The Heart of God for Missions—Wayne Sehmish
Mentoring Young Men in Ministry—Dave Hardy
The Pastor's Family—John Wilkerson
Encouraging Fellow Pastors—Kevin Folger
Preparing for a Revival Meeting—Lou Rossi
Raising Your Family and Leading the Church—Dave Teis
Having a Resilient Spirit in Ministry—Frank Gagliano
Missionary and National Pastor Relationships—Sogoro Ogawa
Transferring God's Vision to Your Church Family—Alan Fong
How to Stay in Ministry All Your Life—Don Sisk

Unusual Increase—Doug Fisher
Leading the Building Program—Mike Norris
Balancing Family Life and Ministry on the Field—J.B. Godfrey
Reaching and Keeping People in Your Local Church—Mark Rasmussen

Assistant Pastors
Life Transformation through the Bus Ministry—Billy Willis
Analyzing and Cultivating Church Health—Tim Christoson
Developing an Organized Life—Cary Schmidt
Being a Team Player on a Growing Staff—Rick Houk
Remaining Teachable as a Leader—Dane Keely
Establishing a Ministry to the Deaf—Rick Allen
Encouraging Others around You—Rick Houk
Capturing and Projecting the Pastor's Vision—Cary Schmidt

Church Planters
The Administration of a New Church—Scott Wendal
The High Cost of Church Planting—Mark Irmler
The First Year of a New Church—Dwight Tomlinson
Before Your First Sunday—Stephen Chappell
The Faith in Planting a Church—Dean Herring

Soulwinning
Conducting a Large-Scale Doorknocking Campaign—Jerry Ferrso
Ideas for Creatively Reaching Your Community—Jerry Ferrso
The Art of Fruitful Follow Up—Jerry Ferrso

Pastors' Wives
The Spirit Filled Woman—Kathy Houk
Becoming Steadfast by God's Grace—Suza Rasmussen
Women Being Used of God—Terrie Chappell
Senior Pastors Wives Luncheon: "Sweet, Sweet Spirit"—Terrie Chappell
The Blessings of Serving the Lord in Ministry—Virginia Sisk
Mentoring Godly Ladies—Kathy Houk

Church Administration
Seven Financial Practices to Protect Your Church—Ben Hobbs
Fulfilling the Human Resources Needs of the Staff—Tim Christoson
Principles for Church Construction—Tim Christoson
Handling the Offerings with Care—Ben Hobbs

Secretarial and Support Staff
Bringing Order to the Pastor's Office—Bonnie Ferrso
Establishing Personnel Policies—Deirdre Finn
Establishing Checkpoints in Ministry—Denise Wells
Managing Multiple Projects with Joy—Lisa Stoner
The Art of Follow Through—Tammy Schellenberg
How to Have a Productive Work Week—Joy Keely

Adult Ministry and Discipleship
Discipling Young Families in God's Grace—Reggie Williams
Single Adult Ministry—Tim Rasmussen
Structuring and Leading an Adult Bible Class—Jerry Ferrso
Structuring a One-on-One Discipleship Program—Tim Christoson

Student Ministry Leaders
Helping Youth Enjoy the Christian Life—Mike Ray
Developing Effective Ministry to Parents—Cary Schmidt
Youth Leaders Forum—Cary Schmidt
Developing an Annual Student Ministry Planner—Larry Chappell
Developing a Public School Bible Club Ministry—Larry Chappell
Training Effective Youth Workers—Cary Schmidt

Teenagers
How to Develop Your Potential for God—Daniel Hopkins
Life Priorities for a Christian Young Man—Larry Chappell
The Future Now—John Goetsch
Ten Reasons to Consider Bible College for Your Future—Mark Rasmussen
Capturing God's Vision for Your Life—Jeremy Whitman
How to Prepare for Bible College—Peter Mordh

Children's Ministry
Helping Young Mothers Grow in the Lord—Julie Hanna
Developing a Children's Ministry Team—Billy Willis
Hosting an Effective VBS Week—Billy Willis
Legal Precautions for Children's Ministry—Billy Willis
Maximizing Your Children's Sunday School Curriculum—Billy Willis
Enlisting, Equipping, and Encouraging Nursery Workers—Julie Hanna

Christian Educators
Leading Others to God's Agenda for Their Lives—Mark Rasmussen
Measuring Academic Growth—Jerry Goddard
Helping Students to Love Learning—Ken Jones
Developing Synergy Between Your Church and School Ministry—Manuel Salazar
The Priorities of Christian School Development—Manuel Salazar
Training and Equipping Your School Staff—Manuel Salazar

Music Ministry
Building Excellent Ensembles—Jon Guy
An Effective Saturday Service Rehearsal—Jon Guy
Creative Ideas for the Church Pianist—Shelly Hamilton
The Basics of Congregational Song Leading—Les Wall
Effectively Leading a Worship Service—Cary Schmidt
Inspiring Your Kids to Sing—Ron Hamilton
Taking Your Church Music to the Next Level—Ron Hamilton
Creating an Annual Music Ministry Planner—Jon Guy
Finding an Using Great Music—Jon Guy

Media and Technology
Affordable Solutions for Ministry Technologies—Anthony King
Taking Your PowerPoint to the Next Level—Andrew Jones
Securing Your Church Network—Anthony King
Building and Leading a Media Ministry Team—Jeremy Lofgren
Understanding Web 2.0 and What it Means for Ministry—Jeremy Lofgren
Live Streaming Your Church Services—Larry Chappell

Ladies
The High Price of Bible Neglect—Dana Schmidt
Navigating Life Transitions by God's Grace—Debbie Goddard
The Daily Disciplines of the Christian Home—Ginna Dunwoody
Nurturing Ladies in Faithfulness—Nicole Christoson
Understanding the Unique Needs of Single Ladies—Angela Wall
Visitation and Care Giving—Joyce Jones
Dealing with Difficult People—Sheryl Williams
Doing Spiritual Battle for Your Children—Angela Wall
Biblical Principles for Counseling Ladies—Sherry Marquez

Men
Shew Thyself a Man—Eldon Martens
Developing a Servant's Heart—Tim Butterfield
Leadership in the Family—Bryan Samms
The Helpful Baptist Deacon—Dave McCollum
Leading the Usher Ministry—John Alvarez
A Guide to Studying the Bible—Mike Lester
Becoming a Biblical Husband—Toby Weaver

Get the links to download these at http://www.strivingtogether.com/pages/Spiritual-Leadership-Conference-Downloads.html

Me Obey Him ‘vs’ Me Submit to Him

2011-07-21T04:24:00.001-05:00

In the husband/wife relationship, is it... "me obey him" or... "me submit to him"? Did you know there is a difference? True... to obey requires one to submit, and to submit means you obey the wishes of another, but the processes of the two are very different.

As basic as I can state it - to obey means to be obedient and carries with it an authoritativeness that says, "This is the way it’s going to be; it is not open for discussion; this is non-negotiable." Whereas to submit, to be in submission to another, carries with it a subdued form of authority that allows room for negotiation and consideration. Submission allows one to have a voice and an opinion, whereas obedience does not allow this considered negotiation.

For example, we are commanded to obey God’s commandments, which are not subject to negotiation or debate... God said it and that settles it. Obviously, we have no righteousness of our own, nor any omniscient power of our own to negotiate any subject matter with our Holy God. God’s ways are not our ways, but we can be assured that He always has our best interest in mind, hence the reasons we are commanded to obey God. (Deuteronomy 11:27, 28; 26:17; 27:10; 28:9; 30:2, 8, 16; 32:4; I Samuel 12:14, 15; Jeremiah 42:6; Psalm 19:8; 119:75; Romans 7:12; I Peter 4:17) But there are also two other authoritative relationships mentioned in the Bible: the relationship of children with their parents (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20; Deuteronomy 21:18-20) and servants with their masters (Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22). It is both interesting and necessary to note that these other two relationships (of children/parents and servant/master) are to be patterned in much the same way, for many of the same reasons. (Exodus 20:12; 21:15, 17; Leviticus 19:3; Deuteronomy 8:5; 21:18-21; Proverbs 13:24; 20:20; Psalm 123:3; Mal. 1:6; Ephesians 6:5-7; Colossians 3:22-25; 4:1; I Timothy 6:1, 2: Titus 2:9, 10; I Peter 2:18, 19)

Have you ever notice that the Bible never says, "Children submit to your parents," or "Servants submit to your masters"? There isn’t the slightest hint of these relationships being of the negotiating kind. In all three of these examples, the command is to obey and there is no suggestion of a negotiating relationship, and it is this command of obedience that also carries with it the hand of chastisement (Deuteronomy 11:1, 2; Hebrews 12:7-11). All three of these relationships are based on a superior and subordinate design... but the husband and wife relationship is a unique unity and is designed to be different, hence the reason why the Bible repeats, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands..." in Ephesians 5:22 and Colossians 3:18.

In the Bible, it is only with the husband/wife relationship that we see submission and that is because marriage is not to be a domination relationship. (I Peter 3:1-5; Ephesians 5:21, 22) Marriage is about two becoming one flesh, not just physically (bodily) speak, but more importantly mind, and soul; becoming soul-mates. It is only submission that encourages this as a reciprocating relationship which results in the unique unity of marriage (I Corinthians 7:3, 4; I Peter 3:7; Genesis 2:23, 24; Matthew 19:5, 6). And, with this unique unity of marriage, submission does not allow a husband to dominate his wife. He is also not allowed to chastise his wife in any form or manner. Christ set the example of how a husband is to treat his wife, in Ephesians 5:22-33, and Christ does not dominate. Even when God has to chastise a wayward Christian, we are corrected as a child, not a bride. (Deuteronomy 11:1, 2; Hebrews 12:7-11)

Thank you for reading my post, your questions and comments are welcomed.
God Bless,
Jane Coley

G-d helps those......

2011-07-13T15:13:00.004-05:00

.....who help others! Yep....you read that right. Usually, G-d just lets those who help themselves do it all as He stands by and waits to see when they've struggled enough and will get with His program.

Did you know that G-d has a program for getting through life? It isn't the "Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" program. It isn't "I did it my way" program. It's not "Take care of #1" program either. No, G-d's program follows the JOY anagram: Jesus-Others-You.

The body of Christ consists of many members with different functions, right? Not one of us is the body wrapped up in one individual. G-d doesn't believe in self-sufficiency. II Corinthians 3:5 tells us, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of G-d." His economy is based on the body acting like a body---each member functioning in a healthy way, fulfilling their role so that there isn't a lack in any part of the body.

Still not convinced? How about II Corinthians 8:14, 15--"But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, he that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack."

For most of us, it's "feast or famine". We never can achieve an even keel on life. We tend to live in valleys and mountain tops---in lush plenty or scrappy wilderness.

I'd venture to say that these days there's a lot of wilderness living going on. I don't know about where you live, but in our neck of the woods, unemployment is high! It's downright tough to land a job....even a fast food job. Let's face it, we all are having to take a step back and re-evaluate our finances, priorities, budgets, etc. Some of us are really having to live a whole lot more Spartan lifestyle. Beans and rice sound familiar? Been there, done that.

During lean times, it's so easy to focus on our own needs and lack. In doing so, we run the risk of being egocentric and not considering that others are going through tough times, too.

G-d's program for wilderness living is really simple: Be generous with others. Instead of thinking of ourselves, we need to see how we can be a blessing to someone else in need. Why should G-d bless us with extra just so we can use it selfishly?

James 4: 3 says, "Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."

See, I truly believe that if the L-rd knows that we will share what He blesses us with, He will trust us with more. G-d provides us with blessings so we can bless Him by blessing others. That is G-d's economy. I know this is true.....my husband and I have tried to live by this and we are proof of this truth. I challenge you to search the Scriptures and find anything different.

But, (you say)---I have to be careful and keep as much money, stuff, food, (you fill in the blank) as I can in case we need it!! I can't afford to help someone else.....I have too many needs of my own! I have to put my family first before others. If I don't take care of myself, no one else will.

So, how well are you doing, living by your program? Less stressful? Have enough and then some?

Here's a wonderful promise for those who practice G-d's program:

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the L-RD will deliver him in time of trouble.
The L-RD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies."~Psalm 41:1,2

I don't know about you, but I'm hanging onto that!! A little unselfishness goes a long way in G-d's economy! If we help others, G-d will help us....and look how much help He provides:

1. G-d will deliver us in time of trouble.
2. G-d will preserve us and keep us alive.
3. G-d will bless us here on earth.
4. G-d will not let our enemies have their way with us.

Now who would we rather have take care of our needs---ourselves or G-d??

Isn't the L-rd such a wonderful, big, almighty, generous G-d?!!! What an awesome G-d we serve! We can be a blessing to G-d and love others by helping them with what we have (little or not), and G-d sends in the big tanks to help and bless us in a huge way!

Let's be more like the Philippian believers who helped meet Paul's needs time and again as he states in Philippians 4. Paul left them with this promise (vs. 19) because of their sacrificial giving in helping him, one of G-d's servants: "But my G-d shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

With the L-rd's help, I challenge us all to try living by G-d's program!

New Song of the Month, Lyrics

2011-07-13T10:41:00.003-05:00

I will pass this way but once,
If there's any good that I can do,
Let me know it now,
For I'll never pass this way again.

I wil see this day but once,
If there's any kindness I can show,
Let me show it now,
For I'll never see this day again.

CH: Tomorrow may be too late, my friend,
To do all the good that your command;
So reach out to those who need you,
And lend them a helping hand.

I will know this world but once,
If there's any love that I can give,
Let me give it now, Oh Lord,
For I'll ever know this world again.

I Will Pass This Way But Once - http://www.godlychristianmusic.com/music/play2.aspx?id=862&type=song.mp3

This website has original songs from singer/songwriters. You have to weed through them, but there are many very nice songs to choose from. They have some really cute kid's songs and teen choruses. I am always looking for new songs to sing in church that others may have never heard of. There are also a lot of scripture songs, but be aware, not all use the KJV.

Why I Think John The Baptist Was The Greatest!

2011-07-08T12:37:00.000-05:00

I've always wondered why Christ labelled John the Baptist the greatest person born of a woman. I mean SERIOUSLY O.o greater than Paul?, John?, Moses?, Esther?, Peter?, Abraham?, Elijah?, Joshua?, David?, Josiah?, etc etc you get the point.

Then again who am I to question our Saviour :), if he said "Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist" I believe him without doubt.

I had never really properly studied the life of John the Baptist through the gospels until this morning. I wanted for myself to see why he was the greatest, and after studying it out I thought I would relay back my thoughts.

It is very easy to read in Luke 3 the emergence of John the Baptist on the scene, preaching the baptism of repentence for the remission of sins, but what I think made Christ speak so highly of his cousin was his preparation.

In Luke 1 v80, we get a bit more background on John and that for the best part of 30 years he waxed strong in spirit in preparation for his shewing unto Israel.

There was great spiritual and political upheavals happening about the time of his short-lived ministry, and it would have taken someone "a little rough round the edges" to make people stand up and take notice. John the Baptist was that man, a worthy forerunner for Christ.

I personally believe his greatness stems from the Spirit of God upon him. In the wilderness/desert or solitudes of our rooms or quiet times what greater teacher is there than the Holy Spirit?

John was a hairy preacher both metaphorically and literally, he came preaching salvation and rebuked the religious hypocrites of his day, and what greater honour is there than to be killed for speaking the truth?

How does this tie into missions/evanglism/soul-winning? Well consider this! John even in his short ministry, baptised hundreds of converts. He had the power of God in his work, I don't know about everyone else, but I find that when I don't pray for God to help me, or spend time in his Word, I find my evangelistic work lacks the cutting edge it needs to be effective. I find my flesh taking over and leaving me apathetic to what is happening around me.

Is your spirit stirred?

Preparation is the key, waxing strong in spirit is necessary, John epitomised this perfectly and the effects and legacy of his work?...well take note of what our Saviour had to say about him and the amount of people who were converted under his ministry. Also The term "Baptist" has over history denoted people who have shown a certain tenacity in the face of persecution and error.

As I Was Commanded

2011-07-08T12:17:00.002-05:00

Ezekiel 24:15-18 - Also the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men. So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.

If we slow down and read the book of Ezekiel carefully we will find a number of things God told Ezekiel to do that leaves the 21st century Christian a tad troubled. Before us is one of those places. It is easy to read past it and fail to grasp the gravity of what Ezekiel has been instructed to do.

It can be summarized in short order. God was going to take Ezekiel's wife and he was instructed to show no sign of mourning. This is incomprehensible to our minds and we find ourselves on the verge of questioning God. But to do so would not be productive and assumes that we could possibly know better than God. This is not a conclusion with which I am comfortable. He is in heaven and I upon earth. He is eternal and I have been around 48 years.

While it may not be productive to question God's reason for the seeming madness the Scriptures answers the purpose for which God had Ezekiel do this.

Verse 24 - Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the LORD GOD.

This explanation may not do much to comfort our hearts but it does inform our intellect. We at least know the purpose even if we don't understand the reason.

Ezekiel in so many cases became God's living object lesson! Ezekiel, even though we are far removed from the intent of this prophecy concerning the nation of Israel, still leaves a lesson for us in his behaviour.

Verse 18 is striking. So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.

Ezekiel had been commanded to do something that was very unnatural. He was called upon to suppress the mourning for his wife. He was in effect to go about his day as though nothing had happened. He was not to weep, cry, or mourn. He was to get dressed and go about his business. This is a remarkable thing that he is being called upon to do.

What is Ezekiel's response. . . . . I did in the morning as I was commanded.

Lord help me this morning and every morning to do as I am commanded.

Four Types of “Fruity” Christians

2011-07-07T13:51:00.001-05:00

Are you sometimes a banana-skinned Christian, easily bruised, allowing the things others say and do to easily offend you? Or maybe you’re sometimes like another type of fruit...
I’ve learned that when I start to let my emotions get the best of me, it’s evidence of my lack of how near I have drawn myself to God.“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...” James 4:8

1.) Thin skinned / soft fruit - such as - Grapes, Kiwi, Peaches, Plums.

These fruits are usually expensive because they take so much special care. They can be damaged so easily. Their skin is thin and it doesn’t protect the soft fruit from damage, it's only enough to keep the fruit from getting dirty.

*These Christians are high-maintenance people and they are offended often and easily. You have to watch what you say around them because they are so sensitive, it's like walking on egg shells. They are the type of Christian who struggles with being faithful to church because they are somewhere else nursing another emotional injury waiting for someone to “pet” on them.

2.) Thin skinned / hard fruit - such as - Apples.

The appearance of this fruit can be deceiving because this fruit often rots from the inside out. It also bruises easily.

*This Christian has become emotionally hard in order to protect themselves. But all the while, they are rotting away on the inside from all the bitterness they are harboring. They are not joyful Christians, their pleasure is in the calamities of others.

3.) Thick skinned / soft fruit - such as - Bananas, Oranges, Grapefruits.

The skin of these fruits seem to be able to hold up to normal bumping around, but it’s not until you open them up that you find the fruit inside has been bruised.

*These Christians are easily crossed or offended but will usually keep quiet until they find their moment to lash out, and, like their fruit counterpart, they can be very acidic with others - hurting others because they have been hurt. They also like to gossip.

4.) Tough skinned / soft fruit - such as - Passion Fruit.

The skin of this fruit is almost like a shell protecting the delicate fruit inside. This fruit does not have to be handled cautiously, it can take some stress while the inside fruit is still soft, almost liquidity, and delicious.

*This is the type of Christian we need to be. Strong enough on the outside to take the offenses of this world, while still tender enough on the inside to have compassion for others.

A reflection of our quiet-time with God is revealed through how we deal with offences.
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165.
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” - Proverbs 3:1, 2.

By Jane M. Coley

Free Music (Your Choice!) Today from Amazon.com

2011-06-30T13:28:00.001-05:00

In addition to this blog and the devotions one, I also enjoy making graphics, writing Christian biographies, working on church websites and Facebook Pages - but I also have a coupon blog.

I am not an "Extreme Couponer" yet, but I am working on it! I save about 50% on my groceries each week, and I also blog on freebies and samples that companies give away online to promote their products.

Amazon is giving away free MP3s today (June 30th), and I wanted to post about it here as well before it expired. To choose your downloads, just follow the instructions on my coupon blog post, at http://coupon-newbie-deals.blogspot.com.

~ Jessica

Safe in a Shipwreck

2011-06-28T13:28:00.002-05:00

Stay in the Center of God’s Will

One of the most exciting stories in the Bible is in Acts 27. Take a moment to read this amazing story—a story of faith.

We find the Apostle a prisoner of Rome, dispatched to Caesar to appeal his case, as was his right as a Roman citizen. The journey to Rome was most quickly accomplished by ship, usually. A voyage of a few weeks turns into a six-month ordeal.

Even though a prisoner, Paul had access to Julius, the Centurion charged with his delivery to Rome. In verses nine through eleven we read, “Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, and said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.”

Put yourself in the place of the Centurion. On the one hand, you are getting counsel from the ship’s master and owner. On the other hand, the counsel is coming from a prisoner, someone whose incentive might be to delay the journey and therefore delay his judgment for crimes allegedly committed. To whom would you listen?

Paul could be perceived as an annoying guy. When things go poorly, we hear him saying in verse 21, “Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.” I’m quite sure that the sailors were tempted to reenact the story of Jonah by casting Paul into the deep, not caring if a great fish was present or not!

As exciting as this story of danger at sea is to read, that is really just a backdrop for what really thrills my heart. Reading from verse 22, “And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.”

God had ordained for Paul an audience before Caesar, fully confident that Paul would deliver to this ruler of the world the message of God’s supreme authority and an opportunity for salvation. Nothing could stay the movement of God’s hand. As we go through life’s journey in the center of God’s will, we can know that no matter how rough our seas get, God will see that we get to our appointed destination to do the work He before ordained (Ephesians 2:10).

There is no place any safer than the center of God’s will. If that is where you are, then you are safe even in a shipwreck!

Paul’s steadfast faith and trust in God for safety had a tremendous impact on the other men that were fortunate enough to travel with Paul on that fateful journey. God had promised Paul that every one of those men would survive the ordeal. Indeed, when some of the men thought to abandon the ship verse 30, pretending to let down the anchors while really letting down the lifeboats, they listened to Paul’s admonition to stay on his course or face death.

The text does not tell us whether all or any of the sailors and soldiers that were on that ship became believers in Paul’s Saviour or not. Due to their less than desirable circumstances, I suspect that they may not have. There is another lesson for us in this as well. Whether the sailors became believers or not was not Paul’s responsibility. It was sufficient before God that Paul remained strong in the Lord, not wavering in his faith. Paul’s own testimony at other times is that he would rather be with Jesus in Heaven than on the earth being tossed around and shipwrecked—again!

We are all on a journey through life’s turbulent waters. We who possess salvation need not worry. We are safe in the shipwreck. But most of the people with whom we travel have no such comfort. We can help. We can help bring them to a peaceful shore. God never promised us smooth sailing, only a safe landing.

By Troy Calvert (published by permission)

Genuine Contentment

2011-06-22T08:52:00.000-05:00

1 Tim. 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Contentment has always been one of my biggest struggles. The Holy Spirit within strives against my flesh in a battle for my desires. I know I should be satisfied with my life, but my flesh only wishes for that which I do not possess. For instance, when my husband was longing to pastor a church, it was very hard to be happy for a friend who had just taken a church. When a woman is barren, it is very difficult for her to be happy for another lady who is expecting. We can all fake a smile and a kind word to someone’s face, but to be sincerely happy for them is much harder to do. It’s a matter of the heart.

The Lord looks on the heart. He knows when we are honest in our words, or when we are just “putting on” for others. When I finally became content with the place we were living and the job we were doing, the Lord began opening doors that had once been sealed shut. Perhaps He saw that the state of my heart had caught up with my words.

To be content, I have to surrender my will to my Father. I can no longer seek to fulfill my own agenda, but I must desire to live up to His. I also count my blessings daily, sometimes hourly! This helps me to see that the Lord is, indeed, very good to me even though my desires are sometimes unfulfilled. I have learned, and am still learning, to be genuinely content.

Valerie-The Bishop's Wife

And Ye Fathers

2011-06-18T02:49:00.002-05:00

Here is a poem I wrote for Fathers Day

And Ye Fathers

There once was a father, this father had a son.

He also had a daughter. He wasn't the only one.

But just like most fathers he forgot one important thing.

He forgot to watch his walk and talk for to his children, he was a king.

So instead of training up his children in the way that they should go.

He let them do whatever they wanted and rarely told them no.

He trained his dog and chained it up but let his children run.

He told himself there only kids just let them have a little fun.

Take the kids to church on Sunday that was his day to sleep in.

That was of course until it was time for the ball game to begin.

This father never knew what an important role he was supposed to play.

Instead of watching the ball game he should have taught them to pray.

For some reason, this father seemed to think only of self.

Day after day, and year after year his bible collected dust on the shelf.

If only he opened it and read it from the beginning to the end.

He would have learned that somewhere forever him and his children they would spend.

For in that Bible Jesus said I am the way the truth the life.

There was no other way to heaven when we reached the end of life.

That same Bible said that everyone must be born again.

Or forever when they die in the lake of fire they would spend.

The Bible says it is appointed unto men once to die.

This father didn't teach his children this can someone tell me why.

The Bible says that there's non righteous no, not even one.

That's why God sent for us to die his only begotten Son.

We've broken God's law lied lusted and stole and our parents disobeyed.

That why God had to provide a substitute for our sins to be paid.

It's true God is loving, but he is more than that He is also Holy and just.

In order to be saved, we must call upon Christ and in him completely trust.

Dear Fathers, please, I beg and plead for you and your children it's not too late

To repent and call upon the name of Christ and escape this awful fate.

For your children's sake invest some time and look into the matter of life and death.

For there's no chance to change your mind when you and your children take your final breath.

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. Proverbs 17:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

Welcome!

2011-06-15T05:37:00.006-05:00

Welcome to a new blogroll member: Joyful Rejoice. You can see all the members HERE, and join our Blog Directory of blogs on any topic written by Indepepndent Fundamental Baptists who love the KJV HERE.

I'd also like to repost a recent devotion over on the KJV Daily Devotional side of IFBKJV.com from Kate Plourde that I enjoyed:

The Lord is my Shepherd
That’s relationship!
I shall not want
That’s supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
That’s rest!
He leadeth me beside still waters
That’s refreshment!
He restoreth my soul
That’s healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
That’s guidance!
For His name sake
That’s purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
That’s testing!
I will fear no evil
That’s protection!
For thou art with me
That’s faithfulness!
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
That’s discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
That’s hope!
Thou anointest my head with oil
That’s consecration!
My cup runneth over
That’s abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
That’s blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
That’s security!
Forever
That’s eternity!!
- Author Unknown

Amen! Want to receive these devotionals every day via email?
Join the email club here:

New Song of the Month, Lyrics

2011-06-13T10:36:00.002-05:00

Why do You bother with me?
Holy Father I'm so unworthy.
I know that You don't need me,
Yet you stoop down just to whisper to me:

CH: "I love you, you're My child,
For you I would die,
And I did, and now I live;
Let Me live through you."

Why Do You Bother With Me? - http://www.godlychristianmusic.com/music/play2.aspx?id=1041&type=song.mp3

This website has original songs from singer/songwriters. You have to weed through them, but there are many very nice songs to choose from. They have some really cute kid's songs and teen choruses. I am always looking for new songs to sing in church that others may have never heard of. There are also a lot of scripture songs, but be aware, not all use the KJV.

The State of the American Church

2011-06-09T22:18:00.001-05:00

As you read this article keep in mind this is in no doubt and isolated incident. These things are being done in the name of Christianity.

http://www.wyff4.com/r/27597459/detail.html

Bible Study Time / Reading Time ~ A Need for Both

2011-06-09T01:38:00.001-05:00

In April (2011) I finished my 8^th time reading completely through the Bible (both the Old and New Testaments of the Authorized King James Version) and started my 9^th time through in May. These were eight purposely recorded times, so I’m not just guessing that I’ve read the Bible enough to call it eight times through, I actually did.

I don’t say that to be bragging, to be honest, I’ve been saved more than 40 years and I should be able to say I’ve completely read through the entire Bible more than that. So, this post is not about bragging, it’s about encouraging one another.

If you’re like me, you study your Bible often because you have a Sunday School lesson to prepare for, or you have a devotion to give at a Ladies Fellowship, or somebody asked you a Bible question that you’re seeking an answer for, but I often used my Bible study time to count as my Bible reading time, after all, it’s pretty much the same thing... right? And that’s the mistake I think too many Christians make.

Bible study time is not the same as Bible reading time... yes, you have to read to study... but when you study, your mind is focused on one particular topic, unlike when you read and your mind is open to different topics and thoughts. We need to do both, read and study the Bible. There have been many times that the passages of scripture I was reading for the day, were just what I needed for the topic of study I was preparing for, and it could have been missed if I was studying without reading.

I hope you have been encouraged... but I really hope you have been challenged by this posted.

God bless.

Welcome!

2011-06-05T01:22:00.000-05:00

Welcome to two new blogroll members:

Video Sermon and Broken To Become Beautiful In Him.

You can see all the members HERE, and join our Blog Directory of blogs on any topic written by Indepepndent Fundamental Baptists who love the KJV HERE.

How to Post at IFBKJV.com

2011-06-04T21:58:00.002-05:00

IFBKJV.com is a collection of four main blogs, including a Blogroll, Devotions, Sermons, and Quotes/Quips. Authors are welcome!

First you need to join. If you are an Independent Fundamental Baptist with a blog of your own (on any topic!), and if you use the KJV on your blog, you join by adding our button to your blog, and sending an email to water05201@hotmail.com.

Secondly, where do you want to post? There are three areas to post in, with their own formats:

1. The Main Page (Blog Directory) - this is the most visited page. A snippet of your blog will come up on the sidebar automatically once you are a member. It's a handy place to come to find an interesting blog to visit. However, you can also become an author on the Main Page, and post articles following these steps:

In your email state that in addition to joining, you would like to become a contributing author on the Main Page. I will add your name to the Authors List, and Blogger will send you an email for confirmation. You will then be able to write articles, or copy and paste your own articles, directly to the main page.
Because we have over fifty authors, we ask that you only post occasionally to the Main Page (once a week or less). If your article is longer than one page view, add a jump break. There are details explaining how to do this at http://buzz.blogger.com/2009/09/you-might-as-well-jump.html.

2. Devotions - do you write your own devotions or have an author's permission to post their content online? You can add them to our growing collection of KJV only devotions. No other Bible version may be referenced in the devotional:

In your email state that in addition to joining, you would like to become a contributing author of Devotions. I will add your name to the Authors List, and Blogger will send you an email for confirmation. You will then be able to write articles, or copy and paste your own articles, directly to the devotional side of IFBKJV.com.
Because of their daily nature, you can post a devotion every day (or as often as you choose). There is no limit on length, however, no pictures are allowed (due to widgets which display the devotional feed all over the internet). The title must include the date in month/day format (just follow the format others use), and you should tag your devotions with the same tagline every time. This tagline should include your name, and serves to categorize the devotionals by author on the sidebar.

3. Sermons - Little to no restrictions are made on sermons. As long as they have been preached in a local Independent, Fundamental Baptist church, and use the KJV, you may post them as often as you like, with no size restrictions. They can be in text or in outline format. In your email state that in addition to joining, you would like to become a contributing author of Sermons.

I WAS ONCE SIXTEEN BUT NOW, AM OLD~~

2011-06-02T22:42:00.001-05:00

An Old Lady's Poem

What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply
When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
And forever is losing a stocking or shoe.....
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill....
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten ...with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.
At fifty once more, babies play round my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old woman ...and nature is cruel;
'Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years ....all too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
...Not a crabby old woman; look closer ...see ME!!
UNKNOWN

I heard this poem for the first time, when I was in my forties. I do believe it was the saddest poem that I had ever heard. Our Pastor read it on Mother's Day one year, long ago. It broke my heart then and it breaks my heart now. I think it is because I could find my place in this poem and today, I still find my place.

It was oh, so sad then and today I find it sad still and yet, I have much comfort in knowing that whatever may come, my Lord goes before me and holds my hand.

As I said earlier, I first heard this poem when I was in my forties. I had already pass the age of ten when I lived at home with a loving Dad and Mom and sisters and brothers that loved me.Those days were over.

Gone were the days of my sixteenth year when it seemed all of life lay before me. I was waiting for the one I had prayed for to come and take me to a home for he and I. A place where we could raise children, where we could each love the Lord with all our hearts and our children to do the same.Teach them to love Him and trust Him always. A place where we could not only love Him but serve Him with everything we had. A dream yes but I did know that one day, I would be there. Now that time has come and gone. Only Jim and I left now, in that home that we both so love.

I became a bride two months before my 19th birthday. And by the time, I was twenty, I was a Mother to a son. In the following years I became Mother to three more sons and a daughter. The greatest things in my life have been being a wife to my husband and a Mother to our children.There came that day that those children were raised and left home and have families of their own. So, I have gone past this time of life.

Thank God, He has not brought me to the next phase of my life. Oh, what a sad thing it must be to lose a husband or wife. The one who has known you best and loved you most in all your life. But God gives grace and all sufficient when, and as we need it. Of that I have no doubt!

I am writing this to call on all you young folks out there, just to remember when you see that old person whose eyes may be dim or no sight at all, that once they saw it all and still remember. Do your really see a crabby old woman or man, who may not seem to know very much. Please remember they have not always been this way. No they had minds that was quick and sure. That far away look you see in their eyes maybe that they are remembering happier times.Times when they did not have to depend on other for their eyes,their hearing, their help to move, to keep their selves clean,or feed their selves . It cost them so much, each time they needs to ask.

Like the poem says, open your eyes not even so much for them but for yourselves. We all must travel this road one way or another sometime. It is life, we are born dying.

Don't look at him or her in scorn or shame but remember that she too had a life once just like what is ahead of you or are now living. Be kind, be patient, be loving and maybe just maybe, God will send someone your way that will treat you likewise as you travel down this way.

Yes, today, this is still the saddest poem that I have ever read but I have learned so much from it. I get it out ever so often just to remind me and to see how far I have come down this way, called "life." connie