SUNDAY EDITORIAL

Good Morning! Take a few moments and look around you. We do have so much to be thankful for don't we. We are blessed right, blessed going out and blessed going in. And of course we are blessed to be saved, right?

We are saved aren't we? We have been Baptised, we take communion, we are trying to live better, we pray. Right? Wrong none of those things makes one saved. We can be dipped in the water all the time, we can take communion, we can do good, and we can pray. That does not save you one bit.

God knows our hearts, and it is only by being born again that we are saved, 2 Corinthians 5:17. He comes to you through the power of the Holy Spirit and creates within you a right spirit, Psalm 51:10. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 3:7 'Today, if ye hear His voice.' and Romans 8 verses 1-6, 8 & 9 teaches us if we are not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. Verse 16 tells us 'the Spirit itself beareth witness with our Spirit, that we are the children of God. We just love all these promises that He has given us.

Being good just does not cut it when it is all you are doing. Having fellowship with others, going through the motions of acting like you are a Christian does not cut it. And if you look around and see much you are not blessed if you are still lost and do not have a personal relationship with the Lord. Why, because all those material things around you will not leave here with you. The only thing you will take with you when you leave this earth is your soul. Ponder on that a bit.

God's blessings to each of you,
recj/LJG

"SPECIAL BLESSING" REAL FAITH WORKS

Real Faith Works
Introduction to the Book of James
“From Brother to Believer”
July 17, 2011 AM

Even though the book of James is situated near the end of the New Testament…it was probably the earliest of all the New Testament writings…written around 45 AD.

At one time some questioned the inspiration of this book because they thought it taught a contradiction to the writings of the Apostle Paul. For example:

Paul said, “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.”
James said, “Show me thy faith without thy works and I will show thee my faith by my works.”

The most notable objector to the Book of James was Martin Luther, the great theologian who broke away from the Catholic Church. He said, “James is a veritable epistle of straw and destitute of evangelistic character.”

Luther’s comments about James were probably born out of his own personal discovery of a glorious truth which had long been hidden under the religious guise of the Roman Catholic Church.

For he discovered through his own study of the New Testament that justification is by faith and faith alone. . And so he thought that he saw a contradiction to this truth in the Book of James...but he was wrong.

Martin Luther is owed our admiration for his strong stand against a state religion, and his conviction that the Bible ought to be in the hands of every Believer.

However, the sad thing about Luther’s comments concerning James influenced many and caused doubt about the inspiration of the book of James. However, through proper study of the book…the truth has come to light, and rather than a contradiction, we see that the teachings of James and Paul are really complimentary to one another and not contradictory.

Let’s quickly look at two passages: Ephesians 2:8-9 & James 2:14-18…

Paul simply says, “You can’t work your way to salvation, because salvation comes through faith alone and not through works.”
James simply says, “If you say that you are saved and have faith, then your works will prove it, because faith without works is not real faith.”

So what we will find in the book of James is a challenge for every believer…
It’s a book about doing the Christian life. It teaches us how to live the everyday Christian life and that real faith is active and alive...And when it is tempted it does not give in and when it is tested it continues to stand.

Real faith is proved through obedience to God, by love for others and by our works. It is demonstrated to the world around us by what we do, what we say and how we react. The truth of the matter is that your faith was never meant to be a personal and private matter. Real faith works itself out in a way that others might see it!

James is one of the most practical books in the entire Bible! James sets out from the very beginning to teach us that Real Faith Works!

It works – That is it will work in your life it is effective!
It works – That is it is active and engaged!

James mentions faith over and over again…and he seems to be primarily concerned with the relationship of faith to obedience.

There are 108 verses in James with 59 different commands! That is an average of one command for every two verses!

People today are so against the idea of legalism that even one mention of Christian rules and they run away! But James is filled with commands and rules for every believer. It is as if he says, “Hey, you don’t just say you are a Christian! You have to live like one!”

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Today I want to spend our time talking about the writer o this little Book of James.
And I think we will find that his life can and does and should resemble our lives as well.

This particular James was the younger, half-brother of Jesus. Know obviously he was only a half-brother because they had the same mother, but definitely not the same father.

So keep in mind that James grew up with the author and founder of the Christian faith. The “faith” that James describes in this book comes from one who witnessed the real and working faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

As we revisit James’ early life, it is interesting to note that at first he didn’t truly believe that Jesus was the Messiah until the end of His earthly ministry:

Like many others in that day, James was a skeptic:

Matthew 13:53-58 – Notice that James is mentioned here among those who did not believe…notice also that in that place where there was much unbelief, Jesus did not do many mighty works!

John 7:1-5 – James is seen here among his brethren saying... “If you are who you say you are then go show your power.” They were trying to force the hand of Jesus, because they still didn’t believe.

I Cor. 15:3-7 – James is mentioned here as one who personally saw the risen Lord! He may have been a skeptic for a while, but when he saw the risen Savior he finally believed.

Acts 1:14 – Now he and his brethren are gathered together with those who were waiting for the Holy Spirit to come.

And finally, in the latter chapters of the Book of Acts, we see James serving as a leader in the Jerusalem Church. He was even called a pillar of the church by the Apostle Paul in Galatians.

Oh, what a change! He was once a by-stander, and now a believer, once a critic, but now a Christian, once a skeptic, but now sold-out to the cause of Christ!

So James was hesitant to believe at first, but eventually placed real faith in Jesus.
Not in Jesus the brother, but in Jesus the Savior, the Son of God!
Look at what James 1:1 says:

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greetings.”

As he begins his letter, he emphatically states his claim – “I belong to the Lord Jesus Christ!”

He regarded himself as a servant or a bond slave of the Lord Jesus.
With this in mind consider the following:
He was the half-brother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He became an Apostle because he had seen the risen Savior.
He became the Pastor of perhaps the largest church in his day.
He had great influence among his peers…yet he considered himself a servant.

Wouldn’t you agree that this should be the claim of every Real Christian regardless of their power, prestige or position? After all, have we not been bought with a price?

During the slavery days, there was an Englishman who attended an auction of slaves. And there on the block for bid was a fine-young lad whom every bidder wanted. The Englishman outbid all the other interested buyers. And when the deal was finally complete he claimed his purchased and began to leave.
After discovering that his buyer was English, the young slave scolded his buyer for purchasing him as a slave when slavery was already abolished in England. To which the buyer replied, “I have purchased you to set you free.”And overcome with emotion and joy the young slave said, “Sir, I will gladly be your willing slave forever!”

This story is a picture of what we are my friends. We have been purchased by another and set free! “He whom the Son has set free is free indeed.”

And since Christ has set us free from the bondage of sin, shouldn’t we serve him willingly, and wholeheartedly…forever?

May I ask: Are you a willing servant of the Lord Jesus Christ today? Have you put your all on the altar?

The bottom line in the Book of James is that Real Faith works.

It worked in James’ life and it will work in your life too!

Now, if you say you have faith, but you are not at work for the Lord Jesus Christ…Or if you say that you are a Christian, but your Christianity is not active and engaged in your life…then I would seriously search your heart and ask whether or not your faith is real.

James was a skeptic early on, and he followed half-heartedly, but there came a time when he believed, and from that day forward he became a whole-hearted, willing slave and follower of Jesus Christ!

This Book is about Real Faith…and Real Faith comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Have you begun that relationship today?

Are you maintaining that relationship like you should?

Senior Pastor John Sweat, Sr
Crossroads Baptist Church
1595 Baxley Road
Middleburg, Florida

YOUR FINANCIAL STRUGGLES - DOES GOD CARE?

By Billy Graham

We're really struggling financially, and it's all I can think about. My wife still has a part-time job, but I lost my job a couple of months ago and I just can't find anything. We pray and pray, but nothing happens. I'm beginning to wonder if God even cares. — N.McC.

I want to assure you that God does care - and the reason is because He loves you, and He wants what is best for you. Don't give up, and don't lose your trust in Him. God's promise is for you: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11).

Does this mean God always answers our prayers the way we want Him to?

No, not necessarily. Many in our nation are facing hard times right now, and my heart goes out to people like you who are struggling financially and can't see the end of the tunnel. More than ever, we need to pray for our leaders, that God will give them wisdom as they attempt to deal with this economic crisis.

But even when we can't see the answer, God has not abandoned us. Hard times - of any kind - should bring us closer to God, not away from Him. Make Christ the center of your life, and ask God to bring your family together and not let worry and stress overcome you. Thank God every day for the blessings He does give you, and ask Him to draw you closer to Christ.

In addition, ask God to show you any new steps He might have you take - job retraining, volunteer work, even starting your own business. The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart ... and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

billygraham.org

WHAT DO YOU SEE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE?

Acts 7:55-56

"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'"

As an avid golfer, I was reading a recent issue of Golf Digest magazine when I came upon an article about how to deal with a "shot over trouble." In golf, "trouble" is an obstacle between the golfer and the desired goal. The author's point was the average golfer sees only the trouble or obstacles (trees, water, sand, etc). To be successful you have to see the goal -- the wide open fairway and the green -- "not the trouble." How true is this for us in life as well?

Stephen was in "big" trouble. He had spoken against the rulers of the Jewish community and had angered them beyond measure. Most of us in a similar situation would begin to see the negative consequences or punishment we were going to receive. Not so Stephen. He saw "heaven open and the Son of Man (Jesus) standing at the right hand of God."

Why? I would propose he had the right perspective: First, he was convinced he had done God's will. Second, he was full of the Holy Spirit. Third, he looked up to heaven (rather than down upon the world and his "trouble").

Stephen saw the goal, not the trouble. What do you see: the obstacles in front of you, or heaven? I believe Stephen saw Jesus standing, not because His (Jesus) work on earth was unfinished, but because He was illustrating to us that He is with us always - all we have to do is look. How could you begin look past the troubles and obstacles and see the goal today?

pocketpower.org

DOES THE TRUTH SET YOU FREE OR MAKE YOU ANGRY?

Acts 7:54

"When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him."

My wife is convinced I have a hearing problem. She has some evidence on her side -- when I watch television I need it loud or I can't hear some of the dialogue; in Church I sometimes need to ask what the Pastor just said; and I do regularly ask my wife to repeat herself. However, all of that doesn't mean I think I have a hearing problem. In my mind, these things that she thinks are evidence of my hearing problem all have very valid and logical explanations that have nothing to do with my ability to hear.

Who is right? It's hard to say, but you can be sure if my wife wants to make me mad all she has to do is suggest I go to the doctor to check my hearing.

Why do I get mad? I don't know for sure but it is probably because I'm afraid she is right.

What makes you mad when someone says something about you? I'm not suggesting that when you get angry it's proof that someone spoke a truth, but it can certainly indicate a problem or an issue lurking below a normally calm surface. The point is that our first response is often to get angry, rather than reflect calmly on the thing that was said about us.

When my wife read this devotion, she was surprised at my honesty (she knows this is a sensitive subject) and asked me when I was going to get my ears checked. What do you think was my response? What would yours be? What subject would make you angry? Is there any truth in it? What do you need to be honest about?

pocketpower.org

FREE TO BE A SLAVE

By Skip Heitzig

In America at this time of year we talk a lot about freedom, and that's only appropriate. The French writer Alexis de Toqueville once called America "the most enlightened and free nation of the earth." The Bible also talks about freedom. It says, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). We've been set free!

But what have we been set free from? And more importantly, what have we been set free for? The first question, probably most of us could answer. We've been set free from the bondage to sin. We've been set free from guilt and from punishment.

The second question is one not a lot of Christians ask. But here's the answer: We have been set free in order to become slaves of God. We've been set free from one master to become indentured to another Master. Did you know that? We're to be slaves of righteousness and slaves of God. (See Romans 6:18.)

Every person is a slave to something…or someone. If you haven't given your life to Jesus Christ, you might be saying "I'm nobody's slave!" but I disagree. "Don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval" (Romans 6:16, NLT). You may be a slave to yourself--your own habits, your own lustful desires. And there's no freedom or peace in that.

In biblical times, if somebody couldn't pay off their debts, they might become an indentured slave. They would work to pay off their debts, and in the seventh year the master had to release them. But some who really loved their masters went on working for them voluntarily. So there were two types of slaves: those who served out of compulsion, because they had to, and those who served out of loyalty, because they wanted to. Paul often used this picture, calling himself a "slave" or "bondservant" of Jesus Christ (see Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Titus 1:1).

And the message of the Bible is the more you become His slave, the more freedom you experience. The more you become slaves to other things, people, etc., the less freedom you have.

The Cross of Christ can set any prisoner free, and once that happens, you become free to be His slave. That's what salvation is all about; it's turning from sin to God. God takes good care of His servants. And you'll discover that being His slave is the greatest possible freedom you can have in this life.

Some years ago, Bob Dylan wrote a song called "Gotta Serve Somebody," which contained these words: "You're gonna have to serve somebody. Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you're gonna have to serve somebody."

Or as the Bible says, "But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life" (Romans 6:22). "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Scripture Of The Day: "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." - 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

streamingfaith.com

THE REAL DEAL

By Darius Wise

Everything on earth has an origin. In Genesis 1 God declared that everything He created was good... that was of course until He created Adam (the first man). He said then, "It is not good for man to be alone." So God created Eve (the first woman), and the earth’s first married couple was given free reign at anything in the Garden of Eden to enjoy—everything but the "tree of knowledge of good and evil."

Adam and Eve's decision to disobey God would ultimately affect human history forever. Sin would enter the world and from that point on, every human being would be born into a sinful world that would perpetuate this fatal internal corruption.

The power of evil and darkness would seem to have won, had it not been a part of God’s plan to redeem the world through the death, burial and resurrection of His only Son. It's because of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus bearing every one of our sins on the cross that we experience FREEDOM from the bondage of sin and death.

Wow... Isn't that amazing?

Galatians 5:1 says, "For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage (ASV)."

That word freedom is translated, eleutheria, which means: liberty to do or omit things that have no relationship to salvation.

You see, no longer do we have to be held captive by the fabricated “pain-killers” of life whether pornography, sex, alcohol, drugs of any kind, lying, stealing, cheating, sickness, disease, etc. WE ARE FREE and whom the Son sets FREE is FREE indeed (John 8:36)!

The trick of the enemy is to make Christians and non-believers alike feel as though being a Christian immediately places debilitating limits on what you can do. It's actually the total opposite. True freedom in Christ is living, as we should, not as we please. Trust me, I used to think I needed sex, drugs and other vises to satisfy me, until I surrendered my life to The Real Deal—Jesus. It was then that I truly experienced the kind of freedom that I had so long sought after. The freedom I speak of only comes through the love and saving power of Jesus Christ.

If you're in a place in your life where you're tired of being controlled by money, bad relationships, addictions or sickness and you want authentic FREEDOM, pray this simple prayer with me:

God I believe that your Son Jesus died, was buried and resurrected for my sin. I’ve been submitted to the works of my flesh far too long and today I choose life and freedom in Jesus the Christ. I confess and believe you are LORD of all. Free me from everything that hinders me from my purpose in You, in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Scripture Of The Day: "For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage." - Galatians 5:1 (ASV)

streaming faith.com

RECEIVING WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING

Acts 7:52-53

"Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him -- you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."

Here was Stephen, standing alone before the Sanhedrin accusing them of not just persecuting the prophets, but murdering the Messiah. Talk about inflammatory comments! I can only imagine the courage it took to speak with such boldness. He knew what they were capable of (murder), yet he continued on with this, his final accusation: "...you who have received the law put into effect by angels but have not obeyed it."

As we read the Bible we are always on the side of the "good guys," in this case Stephen. After all, we know how the story goes -- who is right and who is wrong. Too bad life isn't that simple. Have you ever had a day when you got up, read and studied the Bible, prayed, and then went out into the real world and done exactly the opposite of what you just read, studied and prayed about? That's what Stephen is talking about: receiving (reading and studying), without understanding (or application).

Paul addresses this issue in Romans when he explains that the Law only has the power to identify what sin is; it does not have the power to change us. When we intellectually read Biblical principles -- that's all we're doing -- making rules so we know when we've done the wrong thing. Therefore it is no surprise when we go out and do just the opposite of what we just read about.

Scripture comes alive in our hearts and our lives when we ask the Lord to not only help us understand, but also show us how to apply His Word.

Too often we approach the Bible as philosophy or a set of rules without the depth and richness that comes from a spiritual perspective. Is there a disconnection between your Bible study and your real life? Maybe it's time to change your approach. How can you begin today to connect what you are receiving with your everyday life? What is the first step for you?


pocketpower.org

ON THE BATTLEFIELD

By Skip Heitzig

When you gave your life to Jesus Christ, you became God's friend. At the same time, you inherited His enemy, and you took your place on a battlefield. You may not think of yourself as a warrior, but that's just what you are. And the battle is for the very hearts and minds of human beings.

In Ephesians 6 we read, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (v. 11).

The word "wiles" means schemes, tricks, tactics or plots, and it's used of an animal that stalks its prey and then suddenly pounces. In 1 Peter 5:8, Satan is portrayed as "a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." Don't underestimate him. He is a clever foe, and he has studied human nature for thousands of years.

To fight him, you need the right armament--spiritual armor for fighting the spiritual battle. Paul uses the illustration of a Roman soldier in Ephesians 6:10-18. Here's what I think these verses mean.

Having your waist girded with truth means we should live truthful, authentic lives, without hypocrisy. The breastplate of righteousness means right behavior, the practical, day-by-day adherence to the precepts of God. The "preparation of the gospel of peace" means to always be confident because you have peace with God, and always be ready to proclaim your faith.

The shield of faith means your daily trust in God, which enables you to stand against anything Satan has to offer. The helmet of salvation means to have knowledge of the Bible, and to be confident because salvation is an ongoing work.

The Word of God is your offensive weapon, as Jesus showed in His temptation in Matthew 4. Studying the whole Word of God gives you an arsenal of truths to use in a spiritual battle. Prayer is also an offensive weapon. In the midst of the battle you are to talk to God, not the devil. Resist the devil; don't carry on long conversations with him.

The day you gave your life to God was the day that you got a whole new start. That day, Satan lost. But he doesn't give up that easily. He would like nothing better than to make you spiritually powerless, to steal your commitment, to make you less fervent, and to make you ineffective for the Lord.

If you are a growing, thriving Christian you will be a target for the enemy. Satan attacks you to hurt the purpose and heart of God, and you need to know what his strategy is. He can be blatant, but he can also be subtle. Either way, expect the fiery darts!

But I have good news: "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). And as Paul said in Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

God is on our side! Remember that as you "suit up" and enter the battle.

Scripture Of The Day: "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." - 1 John 4:4 (NLT)

streamingfaith.com

FELLOWSHIP -- FLUTTER BY BUTTERFLY

Pray about where you should fellowship. Make sure the place you are going to call your church home calls sin what it is -- sin. Do they believe the promises of God? Are they loving? Does the pastor treat his wife with respect? Is he a man of the Word? Does he have a humble heart, and a gentle spirit? Listen closely to his teaching. It should glorify God, magnify Jesus, and edify the believer. One evidence that you have been truly saved is that you will have a love for other Christians (1 John 3:14). You will want to fellowship with them. The old saying that "birds of a feather flock together" is true of Christians. You gather together for the breaking of bread (communion), for teaching from the Word, and for fellowship. You share the same inspirations, illuminations, inclinations, temptations, aspirations, motivations, and perspirations -- you are working together for the same thing, for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God on earth. This is why you attend church -- not because you have to, but because you want to.

Don't become a "spiritual butterfly." Send your roots down. If you are moving from church to church, how will your pastor know what type of food you are digesting? The Bible says that your shepherd will have to give an account to Him that has entrusted you to him (Hebrews 13:17), so make yourself known to your pastor. Pray for him regularly. Pray also for his wife, his family, and the elders. Being a pastor is no easy task. Most people don't realize how many hours it takes to gather a fresh sermon each week. They don't appreciate the time spent in prayer and in the study of the Word. If the pastor makes the same joke twice, or shares something he has shared before, remember, he's human. So give him a great deal of grace, and double honor. Never murmur about him. If you don't like something he has said, pray about it, then leave the issue with God. If that doesn't satisfy you, leave the church, rather than divide it through murmuring and complaining.

A woman once spread some hot gossip about a local pastor. What he had supposedly done became common knowledge around town. Then she found that what she had heard wasn't true. She gallantly went to the pastor, and asked for his forgiveness. The pastor forgave her, but then told her to take a pillow full of tiny feathers to a corner of the town, and in high winds, shake the feather out. Then he told her to try and pick up every feather. He explained that the damage had already been done. She had destroyed his good reputation, and trying to repair the damage was like trying to pick up feathers in high winds.

The Bible says that there is life and death in the power of the tongue. We can kill or make something alive with our words. The Scriptures also reveal that God hates those who cause division among the brethren (Proverbs 6:16). Pray with the psalmist, "Set a guard O Lord, over my mouth; keep the door of my lips."

Remember the old saying, "He that gossips to you, will gossip about you."

http://www.livingwaters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=118%3Afellowship&catid=81&Itemid=229&lang=en

LASTING AND PERMANENT

I turned the television on after breakfast today. A loud commercial blared out at me urging me to buy something and make my life happier. This was followed by another commercial and another each one saying the same thing: buy this or that and your life will be great. After a while I couldn’t take it anymore. The commercials weren’t making me feel better. They were just trying to make me want things I didn’t need. Finally I shut off the set and looked out the window at the sun coming up over the mountains. The clouds were painted purple, pink, and yellow by God’s own hand. Watching them I finally smiled and felt at peace.

In my life over the years I have listened to a lot of commercials and bought a lot of things. I have bought cars, televisions, computers, cell phones, stereos, and more appliances than I could use. The happiness they brought me was temporary and fleeting at best. They may have at times made my life more convenient, but they never once made my life more joyful.

The things that did make my life happier, the things that brought lasting and permanent joy into my heart and soul couldn’t be bought in a store. They instead were found in the wide open arms of love. They were found in prayer, in thanking God everyday for my life, and in inviting His love into my soul. They were found in simple acts of kindness, freely shared, expecting nothing in return. They were found in gentle words of encouragement, big hugs of affection, and inspiring thoughts of goodness. They were found in all the little choices I made every day to grow in oneness with God and to do my best to be His Child. They were found in living a life of caring for others and giving back what I could to this wonderful world.

What do you want - the momentary pleasure the commercials offer and the empty wallet that goes with it, or the eternal joy of living a life of love? It is up to you. Choose well.

.....Joseph J. Mazzella (joemazzella@frontier.com) by way of "Christian Voices" (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

ARE YOU BEING BLOWN ON COURSE?

Acts 7:51c

"....You always resist the Holy Spirit!"



A few years ago I was skiing in Utah when one of worst blizzards and heaviest snowfalls on record fell upon us. I remember skiing (what would be the last run of the trip) against a wind so strong I had to lean against it with all of my strength to keep from being pushed over. The landscape was so white from the blowing snow that I couldn't see the terrain changes below my feet or the trees in front of me. It wasn't much fun. I continued skiing in what I thought was a downhill direction (missing all of the signs), to find myself at the bottom, but nowhere near the main lodge. I ended up having to hike several hundred yards to get back to civilization.

As I read our Scripture this morning, I thought about that skiing experience. The Holy Spirit is like a wind, sometimes soft and gentle; and other times like a blizzard, blowing so hard you have to make a conscious effort to lean against it, or it will blow you off course -- or rather on course. The problem is, we -- like the Israelites -- get stuck in our way of doing things; become consumed by what we want; develop our own expectations; or condition our way of thinking by experience. As a result we can be blinded to the signs and influence of the Holy Spirit, then we wonder why we end up some place we don't want to be.

Is the Holy Spirit trying to influence you to change direction? Are you resisting? With open heart, eyes and ears, ask God to reveal to you if you need a course correction

pocketpower.org

SINS OF OUR FATHERS

Acts 7:51b

"…You are just like your fathers…"

Stephen has made a statement that should make us all pause to look for a moment at the example of our biological fathers; and for those of us who are fathers - at our example to our children. Stephen accuses, "You are just like your fathers!" He isn't saying that in a complimentary way. If he said that to you right now, what negative behavior (if any) would he be instructing you to correct?

I'm sure you have heard discussed the issue of "generational curses." The source Scripture for this debate is from Exodus 20:5: "...I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me." The thinking goes like this, "I don't have control over the way I am, because I'm living under a generational curse. I'm paying for the sins of my forefathers by repeating their sins." For example, "My father had a bad temper, and I inherited that from him." (Modern psychology theorizes that personality traits are inherited as well as physical characteristics.)

I consider this to be a convenient excuse for surrendering to sin in our lives rather than embracing and accepting the freedom we have in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul tells us: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" What do the acts of repentance and baptism mean to you? You have been "born again." You are a "new creation." Are you truly experiencing your new life in Christ Jesus or repeating the same pattern of your fathers?

We don't have to be our fathers (or mothers). We don't have to repeat their errors. Who will break the cycle of abuse, alcoholism, drug use, lust, or infidelity in your family line? Will it be you? Or will you continue to pass on the same sickness to your children and future generations?

Stephen is addressing this very issue: "Why do you continue to repeat the error of your fathers?" These issues may not be obvious or appear to be significant, but we all have them. What are yours? What can you do today to ensure that these issues are not passed on to the next generation? Let me encourage you to share your struggles with a Christian brother who might be able to offer you encouragement and accountability. You will be glad you did.

pocketpower.org

ARE YOU IN NEED OF ANJUSTMENT?

Acts 7:51a

"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears!"

In Biblical terms, circumcision represents the act of setting oneself apart -- of God's covenant relationship with the children of Israel. But what does it mean to us today? Some think that removing the male foreskin (which is circumcision) is a barbaric act that mutilates children. Others believe that it is a necessary male health issue. The real question for us is its spiritual meaning. Stephen is basically saying to the Sanhedrin, "You can have the outward physical sign of faithfulness (circumcision); but are you spiritually circumcised -- do you have an open heart and ears?" As I apply Stephen's statement or question to me (someone who has been a Christian for a long time), I am warned to not develop a "stiff-neck" (become inflexible or closed minded to the Spirit's voice) because I have been "practicing Christianity" the same way for a long time.

The other day I went to the chiropractor because my neck was so sore that I couldn't turn it to the left. As he asked questions about my injury, it became apparent I had (through a recent activity), aggravated a problem area that was caused by the way I cradle the phone between my left shoulder and ear. As a result (and over time) the vertebrae in my neck had slightly deteriorated, and along with age (we lose elasticity with age) contributed to my stiff neck. His prescription: a series of adjustments to bring my neck back into alignment.

Whether or not you believe in the practice of chiropractics is not the point of this example. Rather it is to illustrate that the pain we sometimes experience might be God's way of telling us we are in need of a spiritual adjustment or realignment. We often develop habits to help us organize our Christianity (study, prayer, etc.) into our busy lives. However, these same routines can also make us less flexible and more rigid in spiritual matters ("stiff-necked"). Like my physical injury, spiritual rigidity usually doesn't happen as a result of one catastrophic event (although an event usually brings it to our attention). It builds up slowly over time. But unlike a physical injury or the effects of old age, a spiritual "stiff-neck" is completely reversible. All that is required is surrender. Surrender to Jesus of our habits and ideas. I pray for all of us right now to ask God to open (circumcise) our hearts and our ears that we might know (or re-learn) His voice and His will -- Amen!

Are you in need of a spiritual adjustment? Have you become too dependent on rituals or habits? Have you lost the ability to hear God's voice? Do you still have the same compassion (heart) for the needy? If not, perhaps its time for re-alignment. What needs to change in your approach to your relationship with God?

pocketpower.org

"SPECIAL BLESSING"

A Marked Man
Romans 5:12-19
July 10, 2011 AM

Stand & Read Romans 5:12-19

This morning I want to speak to you about three men who were marked for death.

Raise your hand if you have ever played paintball? If you think about it paintball is kind of a sadistic sport. Actually, “play” is not the best term to describe it…how about participate or endure?

Do you know what they call a paintball gun? They call it a marker. Do you know why?
Because it leaves a mark! Demonstrate??!!

I thought about demonstrating this…but decided against it.
In paintball, when you have been marked your out! Even if you marked yourself!

Sin is like this paintball marker…when it hits us, not only does it hurt…it also leaves a mark…and when we sin against God, it will always leaves its mark…

The Bible makes it clear to us that every person bears the mark of sin.
“For all have sinned and fall short of God’s Glory”

Because we bear the mark of sin, we are marked for death – Romans 6:23

What is sin?
Sin is anything that I think, say or do that displeases or disobeys God...
Sin is going beyond the boundaries that God has set up…
Sin is doing that which I am not supposed to do…
But it is also not doing what I know I am supposed to do.
Bottom line: Sin is simply missing the mark of God’s perfection…

God requires perfection because He is perfect; He demands holiness, because He is Holy!
He has set the standard or the mark…

There is no getting around the fact that we are all sinners! And rather than hitting God’s mark of perfection, every one of us have missed the mark…and since we have missed that mark, we have marked ourselves as sinners.

Now sin can leave all kinds of marks upon a person’s life…whether it is alcoholism, adultery, drugs, pornography, lying, cheating, stealing, and the list goes on...

While it is true that sin can be is fun…we also need to know that when the fun is over you are left with the stains of sin upon your life…the marks or consequences remain!

Paintball can be fun…but when it’s all over you are likely to have some marks.
There is one mark of sin which is no doubt the ugliest of all…it’s the mark of death! You see, sin marks you for death…That’s what happened in the very beginning!

Adam Was a Marked Man…
Why? Because he did what God had clearly commanded him not to do!

Read Genesis 2:16-17 – God said, “Adam if you eat of that tree, you will surely die!”
There will be no question about it, “Adam you will be marked for death!”

(Don’t get the wrong view of God…)

Read Genesis 3:6 – “…and he did eat” & the very moment that he ate, he was marked for death!

Guess what! He tried to cover his mark of sin…it didn’t work!
He tried to hide from God…because of his mark of sin…it didn’t work!
He tried to blame another for his mark of sin…it didn’t work!

Adam was guilty before God…he had marked his own life with sin through disobedience to God…and so he was now a marked man…marked for death!

I looked it up…Genesis 5:5 - 5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died…Just like God said he would.

But not only was Adam marked for death…

You Were Marked for Death…
Why? You were marked for death because of Adam’s sin and…your own.

Here’s the difference:
Adam’s sin will put you in the grave one day…physical death…But your sin will put you in Hell…eternal separation from God.

Romans 5:12 – When Adam sinned against God way back there, the judgment of death was passed on from him to us. Just as Adam died, so will we die…

Someone says… “Well that’s not fair! Why should I be punished for what Adam did?”

You see, even though Adam is to be blamed for what he did in the Garden long ago, and even though what he did affected you and me…we can never blame Adam for our sin!

Consider your life…Have you ever sinned against God? Of course you have!

You see if we are honest with ourselves we know that we are as guilty as Adam was…and through our own sinfulness we have been marked for death.

Read Romans 3:10-20 – In other words were are all guilty before God.

I John 1:8, 10 - 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This leads me to my final point today…not only was Adam marked for death because of sin, and not only were you and I marked for death because of sin, but…

Jesus Was Also Marked for Death…
Why? Not because of His own sin, but because of Adam’s sin and because of our sin He was marked for death…

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden long ago, Jesus was marked for death.

Let me make this plain with John 3:16

God loved Adam! He created Adam in His own image; gave him a perfect environment; gave him complete freedom in that place…even gave him a beautiful companion to be his helper…But with this incredible gift of free will Adam chose to rebel against God…

Did God stop loving Adam because of His sin? No!
Did God…because of His love for Adam…take away the penalty of sin? No!

What did God do?
Genesis 3:21 - 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

Basically, something innocent had to die so that Adam who was marked for death could live and walk in freedom once again!

(Most Bible scholars believe that the animal which was sacrificed was a lamb…that little lamb had to die, in order for Adam and Eve to live! The marks of their sin had to be covered, in order for them to be forgiven.

Now fast forward to Israel’s days in Egypt…
Every First Born Male in Egypt Had Been Marked for Death…
Read Exodus 11:4-5

Time will not allow us to spend a lot of time here, but basically God was judging the sins of Egypt…every firstborn male in the land was marked for death.

There was only one way to escape the judgment…An unblemished lamb had to be killed and its blood smeared on the door posts of the house so that the Death Angel would pass over that house.

As long as the blood was on that house, those inside would be safe…
Again we see that which was marked for death could walk in freedom because an innocent lamb died in its place.

Fast forward again to the days of John the Baptist…
“Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world”

He was referring to Jesus who would give His own life on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus is the Lamb that was slain before the foundation of the world…

While we were all marked for death by sin, Jesus came to take all our marks away…they were all laid on Him, so that everyone who believes might be marked, NOT FOR DEATH, but for LIFE!

Closing:
We all have been marked for death by sin…the question today is…have you been marked for life by the blood of the Lamb - Jesus Christ?

Jesus was marked by death so that your mark of death could be removed…
Isaiah 53:5-6 – 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Illustrate – Marked for life – (Look for a volunteer)…“Can you come up here and help me for a moment…(Put on a dirty T-shirt)…you were marked by sin”…Do you believe that Jesus is the Lamb of God which can take away your sins?” (Put white T-shirt on over it…)

For all who will believe, He says, though your sins be like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.”

What about you today? Are you still marked for death or have you been marked for life?

Maybe there is someone here today whom God is drawing to salvation…will you come to Him today? Do you believe that He alone has the power to take the mark of death away from you and mark you for life?

Senior Pastor John Sweat, Sr
Crossroads Baptist Church
1595 Baxley Road
Middleburg, Florida

USED BY GOD

By Greg Laurie

The greatest moment in my life clearly was the day that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. It's a day I just won't forget—it changed the course of my life.

I wanted to try to make up for the years I had wasted up to that point. I wanted to learn more about God; I wanted to have a relationship with Him. I couldn't get enough.

What was happening in my life was that God was changing me. I wanted to reach out to other people with the message of the gospel. I wanted God to use me.

When the Israelites had entered the Promised Land, Joshua exhorted them "to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Joshua 22:5). That was what I have wanted to do.

As I have often said, next to being a Christian, the greatest joy I know of in this life is serving the Lord, and having God direct your steps.

It amazes me that the Creator of the universe, the Almighty God would condescend to work in my life. It is totally amazing. It is the highest privilege conceivable that God wants to use us.

Scripture Of The Day: "Serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul." - Joshua 22:5 (NIV)

streamingfaith.com

BLESSING FOR FRIDAY

We think all of us feel good when someone just reaches out and takes our hand, even better when things aren't going so smooth. Isn't it wonderful to know that God says He will hold your hand. Yes right there in the Bible it says it. Isaiah 41:13 'For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee.'

Let's ponder on this a bit. [We have paused a bit] Have you pondered a bit? Good, what are your thoughts? Okay here are ours. Our Father, our First Love, our Believer [yes He believes in us] is going to take the time to hold our hand. Remember that ole beatles song 'I wanta hold your hand' well they thought they were more popular then God, but He even wanted to hold their hand. [No we did not cap. beatles. Anyone who thinks they are more then Christ gets no caps. from us]

Think about this, have you ever had someone reach for your hand and you pulled away. Remember the hurt look on their face? Think about pulling your hand away from God. Ouch! We believe we have all done it. Oh, thank You Lord for forgiving us our stupid actions.

We like the last part 'Fear not, I will help thee.' But see Lord everything is going great in my life right now I don't fear anything, I don't need your help right now. All we can say if you think that way is FOOL.

Even if we are not in fear of something, we do need His help at al times and in all places good and bad.

Blessing for the day if you want it: Hold up your right hand and say Lord hold my hand, help me in all things. Remember Bless me Lord indeed. It's yours take it.

[Do not be surprised if you actually feel Him hold your hand. It has happened to us, it can happen to you.]

God Bless
recj/LJG

PROMISES

When is the last time you have actually sat down and thought about some of the promises that God has given to those that are his children. The two we most often think of is to save us and to heal us. There is so much more.

He will bless the righteous.
Be a refuge.
Will teach sinners in the way.
He will strengthen your heart.
Deliver us.
He is our refuge.
Is with us.
Upholds us.

Matthew 7:7-8 'Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone that asked receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.'

What a wonderful reason to read and study His Word.

God Bless
recj/LJG

STEP OUT OF YOUR BOX

We encourage you to step out of your box. The bigger point being to step, it is by stepping that we go forward. We have never said that living for Christ would be easy. What we do is encourage you to fellowship with others. Jesus did not start a church. What He did was travel and speak to people. We all know that it is in listening that we learn. Listen, ask questions, study. Never accept someone at what they say when it comes to the Bible.

recj 'Years ago I had joined a church, I loved the people, the worship, the service. That is until I asked a question. I was told to sit down and listen, to never question what 'the man of God said'. 'But I don't understand', I said. It was like someone was telling me the sky was below me. It just did not make sense to me, it did not line up with what I was reading in the Word. I went to the Lord in prayer, and I got my answers. Since that day I have questioned, and I will continue.'

What someone tells you about God directly concerns your salvation. We are talking about our life with Christ. That is not something that we play with.

It amazes us when we try to write about a subject and can't seem to get anything on paper. It is a good subject, we have plenty of research and God will lead us another way. There have been times a article was ready to post on the sites, and LJG would post something else, or God would wake us up to write something else. We laugh and do what He lays on our heart.

LJG 'I was asked point blank to leave a church years ago. Why? Because I asked a question and I still remember the question I asked, "why are you incorporating Catholic doctrine into a Pentecostal Church?" Now ain't that just plain stupid? I may not know every thing in the Bible but I do study, research and yes even ask questions. My Preacher at Crossroads Baptist Church out here in Middleburg, Florida doesn't seem to have a problem with us asking him questions. Of course, I can't see his face through the computer, but he always helps. What a blessing that is from God. When you can't ask a question just leave. Don't be like me and wait for them to ask you to leave. Always remember there were a lot of people when Jesus was here asking Him questions and He answered them. Yes, you're right it wasn't what they might have wanted to hear but He told them anyway. God is our life and His truth is what we are after. Are you?'
We have wrote this before and will write it again when the Lord lays it on our hearts. Our goal is to encourage you to ask questions, not accept what you have always been told. We had very strong women of God that raised us. Those seeds were planted and have grown for many years. We know the One who will never lie to us, the One that promised to never leave us or forsake us. He welcomes our questions because He know in our hearts that we are asking those questions to learn and grow.

May God richly bless you coming in and going out, may you look to Him concerning all you put your hand to do.

recj/LJG

IS IT ME OR IS IT GOD?

Acts:12:19b-23

Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there a while. He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. Having secured the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king's country for their food supply. On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

History tells us that Herod was at the very peak of his career; his power was the greatest it had ever been. Not only had Rome granted him rule over a territory larger than his grandfather Herod the Great, but he was also able to make self-ruling Palestinian cities such as Tyre and Sidon bow to his will. We're not quite sure why Herod was "quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon," what we do know is they now wanted peace because they needed food -- they depended on him for their food supply.

We know what happens next as Herod is struck down by an angel of the Lord. I find it interesting that it wasn't the people who called him a god who were struck down, but rather Herod who accepted their honor and did not forward the praise to God. Jesus says in Luke 12:48, "...the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Clearly the ones who did not know were the people who called him a god; and conversely Herod was the one (singular not plural) who had been entrusted with much and therefore much more was demanded. Herod fell short and paid for it with his life.

I know many of you who look at this story see no relevance to your present life. Too often we look at what we don't have or what we want and fail to see how much we have been given. Few people who live in our area have ever known what it is like to go hungry. Yet how much glory do we give to God for placing us here, where we enjoy so much abundance in comparison to the rest of the world? If we don't regularly remind ourselves, we can forget and begin to think somehow it has been "me" rather than God who has created this abundance and blessed us with it.

I thank God that He does not strike me down (as He did Herod), every time I accept personally the honor or glory that is justly due Him. How many times in a day do you accept praise without glorifying God? What impression is left with others when we give the glory to God versus accepting it ourselves? How can you change your perspective? Look for an opportunity today to sincerely and honestly give God the glory for your life, your work, and your circumstances.

pocketpower.org

GOING BACK AND CHECKING IN

Acts 15:36

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing."

Most people who might have had Paul's experiences with evangelism probably would have wanted to stay in the preaching and teaching comfort of Antioch. But not so Paul. Despite the fact that Paul's life had been threatened on more than one occasion; and he had been beaten, stoned, and left for dead, Paul was ready for more. We don't know how long it took, but what we do know from our passage today -- Paul was now prepared to go back.

I don't think Paul thought for a moment that this next missionary trip was going to be any easier than the first, so why did he want to go back? The answer lies in the last phase of our passage today: he wanted to "see how they [were] doing." It was the interest of a shepherd in the well-being of his flock that once again led Paul to place himself in harms way. Now that's real love -- the willingness to place your life at risk to plant, nurture, and grow the faith of others.

One of the women in our church was a missionary during the Cold War. I marveled at her bravery after hearing her recount several harrowing and life threatening adventures in the Lord's service. She told me she was nothing more than a coward, constantly fearing for her life but the Lord made her strong. I asked her a really big question: "Why did you serve in such a dangerous area?" (After all there are countless missionary opportunities where bullets and bombs are not constant companions.) Her answer reminded me of Paul when she said, "We planted some seeds of faith, and I wanted to see them grow." I pray God might give me a measure of that kind of love.

When was the last time you checked in on the seeds of faith you planted? How are they doing? Do they need some attention? Many times it is the first person who brought us to Christ that becomes our most influential memory. Who planted the first seed in you? Wouldn't it be meaningful to let that person know how much that seed has grown and how much fruit is being produced? Be an encourager -- make a call today -- Go back and check in!

pocketpower.org

SUNDAY EDITORIAL INTO GOD'S HANDS

It is only right that we turn and place into God's hands those things that we can do nothing about.

From what I have saw on my Facebook page many of us have been affected by the Casey Anthony trial. The Bible tells us we are not to judge, holdup a minute, let me finish. If you are called for jury duty as a citizen it is your responsibility to serve according to the law. It is sad but understandable that this jury found as they did. We have to remember that they had to go by what they heard, we heard much more. They also were not given less charges to find her guilty of. We do not know for a fact how Caylee died, nor do we have answers to many other questions. Yes we can be angry, but we are not to sin.

Caylee is resting in the bosom of our Lord and Savior.

I admit I would love to be alone in a room with Casey even in my physical condition. That would serve nothing. What I can do is pray for her soul. I can turn her over to the same Lord that has Caylee. I remarked to one of my sisters that I would rather her slap me then God. I am sure we have all been in a situation were the Lord has had to remind us of our wrongs, OUCH. We have to answer for our actions, she has to answer for hers. She will face God one day. I hope by that time she has asked the Lord into her life and asked for forgiveness in whatever part she had in this. Then yes she can enter into His glory.

Yes she can. Remember there are other murderers in heaven.

When we hold anger for another we are in face letting it eat away at us like a cancer. It is only when we let go of that anger that we are released from the sin that can go with it.

I love you and may God bless you always
recj/LJG

JESUS IS OUR DEFENSE ATTORNEY

After living what I felt was a ‘decent’ life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house.

The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the ‘prosecutor.’

He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.

The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn’t take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, ‘Let us begin.’

The prosecutor rose and said, ‘My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell.’

He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.

I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all.

I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life – couldn’t that at least equal out part of the harm I’d done?

Satan finished with a fury and said, ‘This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.’

When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward.

As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, ‘HI, DAD,’ and then He turned to address the court.

‘Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won’t deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished.’

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, ‘However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine.’ My Lord continued with, ‘His name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch him from Me.

‘Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.’

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, ‘There is nothing else that needs to be done. I’ve done it all..’

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips….. ‘This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full.

Case dismissed.’

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, ‘I won’t give up, I will win the next one.’

I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, ‘Have you ever lost a case?’

Christ lovingly smiled and said, ‘Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~ Paid In Full.’

newsletter@bible-knowledge.com

TODAY'S BATTLE'S

Tomorrow’s Strengths
By Steven Furtick

One of my favorite Southern Baptist preachers, Johnny Hunt, once said that the only time he ever gets headaches is when he finds himself trying to fight today's battles with tomorrow's strength.

I think Pastor Johnny was quoting another pastor when he said it. Come to think of it, the idea originated with Jesus:

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 6:34

God supplies all the strength we need to do all that He's called us to do.
But He rations this strength much in the same way He rationed manna to the children of Israel.

He provides sufficient strength each day for the challenges of that day...and that day only. This strength doesn't carry over from one day to the next. You either use it, or lose it.

And He will not give you enough strength today for the confrontations, obligations, and challenges of next week, next month, or next year. That strength will be deposited in your account precisely when you need it, and not a moment before.

If you're stressed and overwhelmed today, check your strength supply. I'll bet you have enough to get you through this day.

And that's all you need for now.

Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)

streamingfaith.com

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

BLESS ME INDEED

1 Chronicles 4:10, "And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested."

Could we get you to do something without giving you any reason? Without asking you to understand why you should do it? Starting today pray the highlighted part of this scripture everyday for two weeks. At the end of two weeks send us a note telling what has happened in your life. It is that simple.

Humor us in this please. I do believe you will be mightily surprised by what happens in your life.

God Bless
recj/LJG

FOR CAYLEE

The Unstoppable Power of the Word!


Acts 12:24-25

But the word of God continued to increase and spread. When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.

Throughout Acts 12, we have seen King Herod execute James, imprison Peter, execute the guards who "let" Peter escape, and then make the powerful cities of Tyre and Sidon bend to his will. Finally, he was eaten by worms for failing to give glory to God. Now, contrast the words and acts of a man versus the Word of God (from our passage today). The man -- Herod -- is cut off four years into his reign (literally eaten by his ego); while the Word of God continues to increase and spread. It seems to me that Herod was working really hard; he even had what appeared to be some early success; but his demise ultimately proved that the Word and Will of God is far stronger than he (or any man) could ever hope to be.

Here is the point for me in these concluding verses of Chapter 12: the Word of God is a slow moving yet relentless force that will eventually topple every power and authority that stands against it, no matter how mighty they might appear at the time. Consider these words from Ecclesiastes 3:15, "Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account." What this means is God has got things under control, He has seen it all before, He will right the wrongs, and eventually the "Herods" of our world will be held accountable.

Are you dealing with a "Herod" right now (perhaps a person or a situation that is imprisoning or persecuting you)? Sometimes such a situation can appear hopeless, but God is always in control, no matter how much power someone seems to have over you. Do you trust in the unstoppable power of the Word of God? What can you do today to exercise that trust? Ask God to show you the truth and power of His Word.

pocketpower.org

WALKING WITH JESUS

By Greg Laurie

I think it's interesting to note those to whom Jesus chose to appear after His resurrection. We don't read about Him appearing to Caiaphas or Caesar.

Now if it had been me, the first person I would have appeared to would have been Pilate: "Yo, Pilate! Remember me? Can't keep a good man down, can you?" Or I would have appeared to Caiaphas, the high priest who, for the most part, orchestrated the crucifixion.

But it is interesting how Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and joined them on their journey. We don't know who they were, and they are not mentioned again in the Bible.

The Bible tells us that Jesus appeared in another form to them as they went into the country. In other words, He was going incognito. They didn't know that it was Jesus.

The last sight they had of the Lord was His beaten and bloodied body. Surely they wanted to get that image out of their minds.

There they were, walking along, and Jesus was walking with them. It's a reminder to us that at all times, even when we don't realize it, Jesus is walking with us.

Isaiah 43:2 promises, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."

Maybe when you are in church, you feel close to God. But wherever you go, you can know that Jesus is with you there too. When you are going through hard times, even when you cannot feel Him, Jesus is there.

Scripture Of The Day: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." - Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV)

streamingfaith.com

DON'T WASTE IT

By Skip Heitzig


In 2 Corinthians 1:3, Paul calls God "the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort." Paul knew God as a merciful comforter because he suffered as a Christian. It's part of his credentials. He suffered externally from the world, who persecuted him. And he suffered internally from Christians, who misjudged his motivation. He's sort of hinting at that in verses 3 through 7.

And what I'd like to say to anybody going through a trial is this. Don't waste your suffering. When you go through a trial, don't look at it as just a dumb accident, but as a divine appointment.

When I say don't waste it, I mean analyze it, learn from it, and ask yourself, "How can what I'm going through help other people who will go through this later on?" I'm convinced that one of the reasons you experience trials is for this very reason, so that you can be a comfort to others. Verse 4 says, "that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

You know, it's amazing that with all the things that Paul suffered, he could still say, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Somebody once said that your spiritual maturity can be measured by what it takes to steal your joy. Think about that. Have you ever met a Christian who, no matter what they're going through, just seems to be above it all a little bit? "I know life is hard, I know this trial is horrible, but God is so good!" They always seem to have a lightness in their step, and they see that there's a greater purpose for what happens. Sometimes it's sort of hard to be around those people. They're so convicting because they're filled with joy! That's a mark of maturity.

I don't know what you're going through in your life. But in the midst of it, I wonder if you can say, like Paul, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." No matter what happens in your world, there's always enough bad stuff going on that you can focus on it.

But I want you to focus on that portion of scripture in 2 Corinthians, and as you do, remember that you can offer God's comfort to others because you've received it yourself. Others need to know how you handle your suffering. As Jesus said, "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful" (Luke 6:36).

Scripture Of The Day: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Skip Heitzig is the founder and senior pastor at Calvary of Albuquerque in New Mexico. His teachings are heard across the country and around the world on The Connection. For more information on Skip, visit http://www.connectionradio.org.

streamingfaith.com

AT MIDNIGHT

By Pastor Marquis Boone


People of God, adversity comes in many shapes forms and fashions. These perplexing, confusing, and mystifying predicaments show up at the most inconvenient and awkward times in our lives, and the frustrating thing is that adversity does not need an invitation to enter your home.

One moment life appears to be serene, calm, peaceful and quiet; then the next moment we find ourselves caught in the middle of the storm. For some of us life is just one storm after another.

One of the strange things about this season is that it seems like it is lasting forever. One of the purposes God has for our lives is that we grow to maturity in our faith in Him and not in stuff or in people. You know your faith is maturing by what you do and how you act during your storm and in your problem.

"And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Acts 16:23-28 (NKJV)

Here in the book of Acts we find a story about the Apostle Paul and Silas who find themselves in what seems to be a storm. Paul & Silas were called by God to take the gospel into the region of Macedonia. However, when they got there, instead of wide open doors, like they might have expected, they ran into a season of opposition!

They are locked up and in chains because they were at the place God wanted them to be, doing the very thing God told them to do. What I love about Paul and Silas is that they still had faith in God. The text does not say they were crying and angry but that they were praying and singing praises.

This is my favorite part of the text, it says “but at midnight”. I know you have heard people say that midnight is the darkest hour and it’s when you’re at your lowest, but what I want to point out here is that midnight is also a transition period. It is the transition from an old day to a new day. It can confuse you because when you think of transition you think of a sudden, rapid change.

Midnight transition is very minute because nothing really changes but the time. I want you today to put all your faith in God no matter how it looks my sister and no matter what they say my brother. Don’t allow the code red to detour you because there is a transition about to take place in your life but you have to trust God.

Remember you are where He wants you to be. It’s not time to put your faith in the things you see but put to your faith in the God who holds you in His hand.

Scripture Of The Day: "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." - Hebrews 11:3 (NKJV)

Marquis D. Boone is the Lead Pastor of Fresh Start Church whose mission is to Re-vive, Re-fresh, Re-lease and to Re-store people back to God. For more information about Pastor Boone; log ontohttp://www.myfreshstartchurch.org orhttp://www.dreamoutloudtoday.com.…

Streamingfaith.com

TRAIN UP A CHILD

Proverbs 22:6

King James Version (KJV)
6Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

The words of God are beautiful, full of many promises. What though, when we have not trained our children in the ways of the Lord. We cannot make them children again, are they then lost. No, not any more than you are lost. The same as there is a promise to you that if you call on the name of the Lord you will be saved, that promise is to all.

People there are promises in His word that many of us have not began to touch on.

Genesis 17:13
He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

Read that scripture again. If he is born in our house, or bought with our money, which would cover any child that came into your home, the same covenant that He gives to you belongs to them.

God cannot lie. His Word stands forever. If you are saved then stand on the Word of God. If you are not saved, then get saved and stand on the Word of God.

Sometimes we have to step back and look at just how easy God makes it for us, and how we are the ones that make it hard. Ponder on that thought for a bit.

God Bless
recj/LJG

"SPECIAL BLESSING" WHY WAS GOD WELL PLEASE

I Corinthians 10:1-11
July 3, 2011 AM

* Many of us have already had a busy, but blessed weekend! Congrats again to the Mike & Sandy and Keith & Tracey for the added blessings to their families through marriage.

And of course tomorrow is July 4th! It is the day that honors the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.

This declaration was drafted by Thomas Jefferson who set out to express the convictions in the hearts and minds of the American people; and thereby also to establish a list of grievances against the King of Great Britain, in order to justify before the world the breaking of ties between the colonies and Great Britain.

Most of us have at least a foundational understanding of what took place beyond the signing of that declaration. Americans rose up to defend their rights to be a free and sovereign nation. Many of them fought and bled and died to ensure the reality of that freedom!

Take for example the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence:
Five were captured by the British and brutally tortured as traitors.
Nine fought in the War for Independence and died from wounds or from hardships they suffered.
Two lost their sons in the Continental Army…and two others had sons captured.
At least a dozen of them had their homes pillaged and burned.

Now these were all men of means and education, who could have continued to prosper under the Kings’ dominion, but they were more concerned about self-evident truths which made it clear that men ought to be free!

Let me read part of an address given by Patrick Henry to the Continental Congress March, 1775… If we wish to be free…if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending…If we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained…we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us. ...Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave… If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable…and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace…but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Oh, what powerful words! What resounding passion and zeal for freedom! And these only part of those who stood brave and strong against the enemy and stayed the course until freedom finally rang true in the red, white and blue!

And here we are 235 years later…still free…and still blessed above and beyond other nations. BUT…I ask you this morning Church, is it a flag that we raise to honor true freedom? Is it a declaration of powerful words that we cling to for our rights and privileges? Is it brave men and women who are the greatest defenders of freedom in these United States?

Without hesitation I say, the answer is no! For even our forefathers understood that without Almighty God we are doomed! He is the power, the protection and the provision that we need.

Though I am proud to be an American and I am thankful for the selfless and sacrificial endeavors of many brave men and women, who said no to tyranny and yes to freedom…but at the same time, I am not here this morning to wrap the red, white and blue around the cross of Calvary, but I am here to lift up the Cross of Christ and to say that without Him no man or nation shall be free!

Bro. Matt preached and reminded us last Sunday night Jesus said, “Whoever the Son sets free is free indeed! Our hope is Christ!

Nations rise and nations fall, but the holy nation of Christ will never fall. Kingdoms come and go, but the Kingdom of Christ has come, and is coming and will be established forever!

With enthusiasm we sing – “God Bless America” but do we forget that He has poured out His blessings on this great nation many times over! He made us free! He made us great! But we in our freedom have minimized Him!

(The Bible has been taken out of school…Prayer in Jesus name has been forbidden…the Ten Commandments have been taken out of the court houses…Christ has been taken out of Christmas…no wonder God is not pleased!

Friends, as we know freedom is not free! Therefore, those of us who are free are indebted to those who brought about that freedom with much blood, sweat and tears!

What happens when we take freedom for granted? What happens when we forget, freedom is one of the greatest treasures we can ever own? What happens is that God is not please!

Let’s look at another nation as an example of this truth: I Corinthians 10:1-5…

Notice the word “ALL” …they “ALL” experienced the presence, power, protection and provision of Almighty God!

They were “ALL” under the cloud…
They “ALL” passed through the Red Sea…
They “ALL” were blessed with the leadership of Moses, God’s man…
They “ALL partook of the food and water that God miraculously provided…
They “ALL” experienced the presence of Christ himself! He is the Rock of Ages!

Now, look at verse 5 again – BUT with many (most) of them God was not well-pleased…

I think it is important that we ask and answer the question…Why was God not pleased?
And as for our own application we might ask is God pleased with America? With me?

Now, keep in mind Israel had been in bondage to Egypt for 400 years! They cried to and begged God for deliverance from this bondage…and God answered.

God sent them a spiritual leader named Moses…and through Moses God displayed His power, His protection and His provision. God delivered them “ALL” from the bondage of Egypt.

Now, fast forward a bit…they have come out of Egypt having witnessed the power, the presence, the protection and the provision of God…they quickly arrive at the threshold of the Land of Promise, but rather than trust, believe and obey God their faith failed them and most of them never entered into the Promise Land.

Think about friend…they were free! But most of them never obtained the true freedom that God had offered them.

So, why was God not pleased?

1 Because they took God for granted – 5

a What more could God have done to prove Himself?

b Do you take God for granted? If so, He is not pleased.

2 Because They Lusted After Evil Things – 6

a They desired the pleasures of the world more than the provisions of God

b Do you desire worldly pleasures over God’s provision for your life? If so, He is not pleased!

3 Because They Followed After Other Gods – 7

a They became idolaters, worshipping created things instead of the Creator!

b Do you worship idols? If so, He is not pleased!

4 Because They Committed Fornication – 8
a Sacrificing their purity for the sake of fleshly pleasures.

b Are you committing fornication? If so, God is not pleased!

5 Because They Tempted the Lord – 9
a Anytime we forsake the goodness and graciousness of God we tempt His patience with us!

b If you are forsaking God’s goodness and grace, He is not pleased!

6 Because They Complained About Everything – 10
a They murmured and complained and whined about everything!

b Which is a slap in the face of God who had heard their cry for deliverance and delivered them, who had blessed them beyond measure, who had promised to prosper them and promote them above all the peoples of the earth!

God is not pleased when He pours out His love and mercy and grace upon us and then we take it for granted and abuse the freedom He has given us.

It angers us when we think about the way that our service men and women are treated at times. Some of you here know what it is like to put your life on the line to keep America free and then be spat upon by people who abuse the very freedom that you risked life and limb to preserve.

But now consider in verse 11…”Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples to us and they are written for our admonition…”

In other words, “Take heed, read and understand this warning…don’t be like Israel was…who forsook the power, protection, provision and presence of God…who forsook the deliverance and freedom that God had given them, and who were eventually overthrown in the wilderness.
They abused the freedom that God had granted them and therefore, in a sense spat in the face of the One who purchased that freedom!
Christian, there if no greater freedom than the freedom that God gives through Jesus Christ. If you have it, do not abuse it! You and I are free, not to do as we please, but free to serve Christ!

Lost person, you need to know that you are in bondage to your sin…and the only way to experience true freedom is to place your faith and trust in God’s Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Senior Pastor John Sweat, Sr
Crossroad Baptist Church
1595 Baxley Road
Middleburg, Florida

SUNDAY EDITORIAL PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN

God bless our children. Many years ago there was a gospel singer who wrote a song about taking his son to the altar one more time to save him and then let him die, so he would know he went to heaven. Now I am not wanting anyone to die, but what I do want all of us to do is let go. Let go of that child, and let God.

Okay if you know me you will probably say but what about your own children. Yes I made alot of mistakes, but they were mistakes I thought were right at the time. We are talking about now today. Mistakes made in the past we are sorry for but we can not pay for them all the childs' life. Asking God to forgive us has released us from any condemnation.

We all have been told not to do thing by our own parents, and we did them anyway. We really did not turn out to bad. If anything we learnt from those mistakes. There is only one answer and that is turn them over to God. And then take your hands off. By taking your hands off do not let them come into your home or presence doing something that you would not allow around you. Say I love you BUT and then stand back and let God. If fact I will take it a step further and tell you to ask God what He would have you do. You might be very surprised to learn that He does in fact love that child more then you do.

Believe me it will be one of the hardest thing you will ever do. Ask Christian people you can trust to pray with you. Remember we can't trust just anyone to pray for what God desires not what they think is best. So hit those knees and let go of these children.

Heavenly Father, I think You for this child that You blessed me with. I love this child but right now I might not like them to much. I am asking You Lord to take this child into Your hands and begin to do your most perfect will in their life. Give me the strength and courage to stand back and keep my hands off while You complete what You have started in them. Amen So Be It!!

Love you all
God Bless

recj/LJG

NO NEED TO APOLOGIZE

By Overseer Christopher J. Harris

One of the hardest things in the world to do is apologize. Saying the words themselves isn’t always the most difficult part. It’s the actual mental Olympics that come along with it. It is also the issue of pride and humility. Most people have all kinds of rampant thoughts when a situation calls for an apology.

What happens if this person takes advantage of my apologetic stance? What happens if the person rejects my apology and things don’t get resolved? What happens if I make myself emotionally vulnerable and then get in this same situation again? What if I apologize and then discover that I don’t really mean it? This is just the beginning of the kinds of thoughts we have. But most importantly, we acknowledge that apologizing is an admission of wrong doing. There was misconduct on our part, either intentionally or unintentionally, that offended someone else that now requires an amends.

So, if an apology is misconduct or a wrong done, why are so many Christians apologizing for being a Christian? Is there anything wrong with following Christ?

Today, many Christians don’t even realize that they are apologetic for what they believe. Instead of being bold, they are sort of shy about their faith and what their faith represents. When they have worship services or ministry work to do, they tell people they have business meetings, instead of telling others what they are really doing. When it’s time to offer thanksgiving for their meal in public, they do it as quickly as possible. At tax time, they almost apologize to their accountants for how much they’ve given to their ministry work. When others are talking at work about what they think or believe, the believers shy away from offending others. When they share a religious thought, they start off with phrases like, “I hope this doesn’t bother you, but…” They won’t share the gospel with lost family members and friends because they don’t want to ruffle any feathers. They carefully approach religious topics because they don’t want to be associated with those hypocritical, narrow minded, extreme Bible thumpers that the media likes to parade on talk shows and the evening news.

Maybe they don’t realize the great opportunity before them. That is, that the world is hungry for answers, solutions, and help. Maybe they don’t realize that the beginning and end of healing, restoration, renewal, forgiveness, and revival in our world both begin and end with Jesus Christ as the solution.

Paul faced this same challenge. His response was simply, “I’m not ashamed of the gospel.” (Romans 1: 16). I love the way that Wiersbe The Bible Exposition Commentary explains Paul’s situation.

“...the Gospel was identified with a poor Jewish carpenter who was crucified. The Romans had no special appreciation for the Jews, and crucifixion was the lowest form of execution given a criminal. Why put your faith in a Jew who was crucified?

Rome was a proud city, and the Gospel came from Jerusalem, the capital city of one of the little nations that Rome had conquered. The Christians in that day were not among the elite of society; they were common people and even slaves. Rome had known many great philosophers and philosophies; why pay any attention to a fable about a Jew who arose from the dead? (1 Cor. 1:18–25) Christians looked on each other as brothers and sisters, all one in Christ, which went against the grain of Roman pride and dignity. To think of a little Jewish tentmaker, going to Rome to preach such a message, is almost humorous. ”

If we’d all be honest, there are aspects of the gospel that seems totally foolish. It doesn’t seem logical to spend so much effort talking about a man that was hung on a tree thousands of years ago or talk about a God that we can’t physically touch when the problems we deal with today are so real and touchable. It probably doesn’t make sense to talk about loving those that are hard to love and getting delayed results. I’m sure that it’s difficult to understand how the Gospel of Jesus Christ is available to both those that have committed the worst crimes imaginable and yet also to that person who is considered a “good, moral person” by most of society’s standards. Yet – thousands have embraced the message and experienced God’s power. The risk involved at rejecting this gospel are greater than believing it and finding out later that it was a sham and counterfeit. I’ll take my chances believing this gospel that has some public relations issues, a few inconsistent representatives, and apparent unexplainable happenings. For all that it is worth, it makes more sense to me to believe it, trust it, represent it, stand on, and not be ashamed of it because I have found it takes more work for me to not believe than to simply trust it. For that, I will never apologize for believing this life-giving message.

Scripture Of The Day: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel.” - Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Christopher J. Harris, a native of Palatka, Florida, is the Overseer of Children & Youth for Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. Currently residing in Greensboro, NC, with his wife and children, he is also Founder of the Hub of Inspiration & the Inspired Ideas Group.http://www.ChristopherJHarris.com.…

IT'S ALL ABOUT "ME"

It’s All About “Me”

By Sharon Frame

Forget for a minute what you think it means to “remember.” Travel with me to South Dakota. Visit the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It’s one of the poorest areas in the country. There, to remember is not to recall. Remember means to restore.

“Re-member” is the name of a non-profit group working to “put back that which is broken.” That’s how founder Keith Titus describes it. Every year, volunteers from across the country sacrifice their time to help the Oglala Lakota people. Dilapidated homes are re-built. The tribe’s quality of life improves. Members reconnect to a stronger, loving community.

This puts me in mind of Jesus’ final rebuilding instruction to his disciples just before his crucifixion. At the last supper he repeatedly urged them to “remember me.”

Listen to 1st Corinthians 11:23b-25: “On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.’ In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.’”

Surly Jesus’ ultimate body and blood sacrifice deserves more than a sacred recollection now and then.

It is believed that the ancient definition of re-member is to “put back that which is broken,” If that’s true, communion is more than just a chance to think back on the miracle of Calvary. It’s also an opportunity for us to restore, revive and build up each other! Hear again the words of Jesus: “Re-member Me.” Put me back together. We are members of the body of Christ. We are his spiritual body parts. So “Me” consists of everyone who has confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Romans 12:4-5 makes it clear that, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”

1st Thessalonians 5:11 urges us to “Encourage each other and build each other up…” But too often the Body of Christ is busy producing free radicals or suicide cells. They cause the body to attack itself, and damage healthy cells. Spiritually, free radicals are strife, jealousy, envy and competition. They plant seeds of discord among the saints. But Jesus said “Re-Member Me.” Restore, uplift, edify and encourage “Me.” That’s how we ensure a healthy immune system in the Body of Christ, His church.

Physically, if you stub your big toe, the entire body is impacted. When you are vibrant and fit the whole body feels exhilarated. So it is spiritually. Yes, we are many members with different functions. Yet we are all connected. What happens to one, impacts all.

So, Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.” And Hebrew 13:11 tells us to “Let brotherly love continue.” Yes, we are our brother’s keeper. 1st Peter 4:8 reminds us to “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Every year on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, strangers from near and far gather to help build up and restore a tribe broken by prejudice and hardship.

Christ was broken and bruised to restore the world. When we restore or uplift someone, we remember him. We unify his body, the church.

So, take time today and purposely re-member, edify or uplift a brother or sister. Give a hug, a smile or an encouraging word. Restore someone’s faith in human kindness, decency and genuine friendship.

Remember, it’s not about you. It’s all about “Me,” the body of Christ.

Scripture Of The Day: "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other." - Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)