MARY-ELLEN'S NOTE

"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." Matthew 9:16-17 NIV
I've never been much a wearer of jeans, but when I was nine-years-old or so, I had a pair of well-worn light blue denim jeans that fit like a glove. They were comfortable and moved with me like a second skin. I wore them for every day, and they were subjected to much outdoor activity. Alas, too much crawling on concrete, probably drawing hopscotch lines, and scraped knees while bike riding or running caused the material to wear thin and give way.

Jeans with holes in the knees were not the fashion then, so I bought iron-on patches. Even with considerable care, I could not get these stiff patches to stay on my old jeans. Granny suggested soft material from old gunny or feed sacks, but the patched look made me feel like an agile scarecrow. I soon outgrew the jeans anyway.

So often we are like my experience with my favorite jeans. We are so comfortable with "old clothes" or familiar ways that we hesitate to move on to new experiences and new ways of doing. As we grow spiritually, we may keep trying to patch up the old ways and lug them along, only to find that we have outgrown the old and truly need to strive toward new ways and new behaviors. We need to aim toward new goals and decisions.

As 2 Corinthians 5:17 points out, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." The gift of the Holy Spirit begins to transform us from the inside out. We become a new person, leaving the old behind. Perhaps we do take the best of the old with us as part of our motivation for learning and growth, but the Spirit and Bible learning transform this worthy material into the new being which lives, loves, and grows toward being a new creature in Christ Jesus.

…..Mary-Ellen Grisham (meginrose@gmail.com) by way of Eternal Ink (eternal_ink@associate.com) “Christian Voices” (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION?

By Shawneda Marks


Giving back to the community has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was in grade school, I loved to help the teacher clean up before recess and after school. In middle school my height and agility were nice additions to the school basketball team. Cheerleading, chorus and student council at my high school were fun activities I enjoyed that also served others. I also joined my foster family in volunteering at my younger brother and sister’s school during their basketball games on Saturdays.



During my childhood years, I served for different reasons. Sometimes during elementary school I didn’t want to go home, so I had to find a legitimate reason to stay at school. In middle school, being popular and winning was important so I played basketball to achieve those goals. In high school my desire was to make my foster parents glad they welcomed me into their home and have the right extracurricular involvement on my college applications. When I reestablished my relationship with God after leaving college it was less than three months before I was on the hospitality ministry at church. I was overjoyed to learn despite everything I’d done God still wanted to use me.

I went on to serve as an intercessor and on several other ministries based on my gifts and talents when I joined a new church to be with my husband. I served because I believed I owed God something. I offered my gifts under compulsion. While serving, I encountered two leadership styles—some leaders offered wisdom, love and prayers to those who served under them. Some of the leaders used intimidation, shame and guilt.

After years of serving on a ministry led by someone using the second leadership style, I found myself serving in pain. I began to resent the ministry and wondered why I was going to church at all. My desire to be in a relationship with the Lord hadn’t changed but I began to question the reasons why I served. This led me to several years of intercession and study at a new level. Before we left that church I repented to God for using my gifts and giving him my time out of guilt and under compulsion. I knew I shouldn’t serve for any of the reasons I’d done it as a child or out of guilt, shame or as a result of someone abusing their spiritual authority.

My husband and I joined a new church. It was hard for me to open up to people again. The desire to serve was gone, I had to get it back but I didn’t know how. I prayed for God to help me want to serve again. This time I didn’t want to do it to be popular, out of obligation or as a distraction. During the time I took away from serving I fell in love with God all over again. I remembered I didn’t have to do anything to keep or deserve His love no matter what anyone said. It took over twenty years but I finally have the right reason to serve others. My motivation for serving now is founded in the love I receive and give to God.

Scripture Of The day: "And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served]." - 1 Corinthians 12:5-6 (AMP)

STREAMINGFAITH.COM

CHILDREN: A TRUST FROM GOD

A SELECTION FROM RUTH BELL GRAHAM’S WRITING

by Ruth Bell Graham

What is your attitude toward your children? Do you consider them a trust from God, eternal souls for whom Christ died? Did you ever hear God say to you, as Pharaoh’s daughter did to Moses’ mother, “Take this child … and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages”? (Exodus 2:9, KJV).

Children are to be taught, and they ought to be taught early in life. Where do you suppose Moses learned about God? In Pharaoh’s court? Hardly. He learned about God from his mother.

I was brought up in the Orient, and I know that it is not an unusual thing for a mother to nurse her baby for three to five years. In that length of time, Moses’ mother could have taught him a great deal about God and about his own people. So when he became a man, he chose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25).

And later we have the story of Hannah, who prayed so earnestly for young Samuel. Someone has said, “If more children were longed for and prayed for as Hannah longed and prayed, perhaps there would be more men like Samuel.” God gave Hannah Samuel, and she gave him back to God. After she had weaned him (again, he could have been 3 to 5 years old), she took him to the Temple and presented him to the Prophet Eli.

The Bible says that Eli’s sons, “made themselves vile, and he restrained them not” (1 Samuel 3:13, KJV). Samuel, living at the same time in that atmosphere, grew up pure and clean—a man of God.

You have your children for a few short years; train them before the time is gone.

Taken by permission from “Husbands, Children and God” by Ruth Bell Graham, originally published in Decision magazine, June 1967 ©1967 The Ruth Graham Literary Trust.

3 WAYS TO USE TIME WISELY

Are you stressed and running late? Not enough time to spend with God or your family? Billy Graham offers wise teaching on what time means to the Christian and how to use every minute you are given to His glory.


A Message by Billy Graham More than 75 years ago Henry Luce wanted a name, in just one word, for a weekly newsmagazine that would describe the passing events of the day. He chose the word time. The Bible says, "The days of our lives are seventy years" (Psalm 90:10, NKJV). Time is a mystery. We sense its passing in our consciousness. We measure its progress with delicately adjusted instruments. We mark its flight and read the record it leaves behind. But the one thing we cannot do is define it. The Bible teaches that time and life are tied together. It seems that the whole universe is organized for measuring time. Nature is like a huge clockmaker's shop in which thousands of timepieces are ticking. Pulse beats indicate the fleeting moments; the rotation of the earth marks the passing of day and night; the phases of the moon, the moving on of the months; the revolutions of the planets, the march of the years. Geology studies the wrinkles written by time on earth's brow. Astronomy studies the clockwork of the heavens. Archaeology, peering about among the relics of the ancient past, traces the footprints of time in the ages gone by. At this time of year we speak of Father Time and visualize an old man with a long white beard who is holding a scythe in one hand and an hourglass in the other hand. But time is a thief. Time steals strength from our muscles and youth from our faces. Time robs us of our health and strips us at last of everything that we have. THE MEANING OF TIME TO CHRISTIANS To the Christian, time has a moral significance and a spiritual meaning. Let us consider time in three ways. First, time is a trust. What are we doing with it? Are we frittering it away, letting it slip through our fingers, squandering it in wanton waste? Or are we treasuring it, using it to maximum advantage, filling every minute with 60 seconds' worth of service to God? The Apostle Paul counsels us to "redeem the time" (Cf. Ephesians 5:16). Time cannot be relived; it can only be redeemed. Let us treat time as a trust. Second, time is a test. Suppose I were to ask you what you propose to do at 1 o'clock yesterday. You would think I had lost my mind. You might reply, "Don't be silly. I cannot decide what I shall do at 1 o'clock yesterday, because I've already decided that issue." But suppose I were to ask you, "What do you propose to do at 1 o'clock tomorrow?" You might answer, "I may do this, or I may do that." Time past is time over which we have no power, but time to come lays upon each one of us the possibility of moral and spiritual choices. As life goes on, there are billions of events happening in every moment of historic time. To those billions of events we contribute our quotas. What is the next contribution that you will make? In the next instant you can tell a lie or commit other sins, or you can choose to use that time to serve God and to lay up treasures for eternity. Time in itself is neither good nor bad except as we make it so. But it becomes a crucial test, sifting us through and through, minute by minute. How are you reacting to that test? How does it affect you? Are you growing daily in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)? Do you take advantage of every opportunity to study the Scriptures and to pray? Do you take advantage of every opportunity to witness to Jesus Christ? Third, time is an appointment. Time has been given to us for the purpose of glorifying God in this life. Time has been given to us to have an encounter with the living God. However famous a person may be, or however great his wealth, or whatever his contribution to literature or science, if he has not come into a vital conversion experience with Jesus Christ, then that person has lived in vain. Thus time is an appointment with Christ, and the Bible says, "Now is the accepted time" (2 Corinthians 6:2, NKJV). God has given us a moment in which we can come to know His Son Jesus Christ. We can come out of time and enter eternity with Him. From now on, everything we do can be done with eternity in view. A story has been told about a party of men shipwrecked and adrift in a small boat on a stormy sea in the mid-Atlantic Ocean. After floating for several days, the men one night saw the light of a passing ship. But how could they attract the attention of those on the ship? How could they make them aware of their desperate plight? They had a lantern—but only one match. Someone in the boat had to accept the responsibility of striking that one match. That solitary match was all that stood between them and the liner that was steaming by. What was to be done? They decided to cast lots, and the heavy responsibility fell upon the youngest sailor. With a prayer on his lips and with trembling fingers, he struck the match. For a moment the flame flickered as though it would go out. Shielding the match with his cupped hands, the young sailor put it through the open door of the lantern, lit the stub of the candle and quickly closed the door. On the liner the lookout man spotted the light and informed the captain, and soon the men were saved. Amid the stormy seas of life and against the background of eternity, the present moment flickers like the flicker of that lighted match. What will you do with your moment? Ebenezer Erskine wrote that in the summer of 1708, he "got his head out of time into eternity." That was the hour that he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. That hour was his existential moment, his life's crowning instant. Will you keep your appointment with Jesus Christ? THE END AND THE BEGINNING As the world moves from crisis to crisis, a moment will come on God's clock, and that hour is about to strike. The Bible tells us that the end will come but that the end also will be the beginning. When Jesus Christ comes again, it will be the end of this world's system of evil and the beginning of God's reign throughout the earth. But before that hour strikes, our world is in for crisis after crisis. There will be wars and rumors of wars, revolutions and riots everywhere. People will betray each other as the deceitfulness of their hearts comes out into the open—crucifying Jesus Christ afresh. The hour is late. The time is coming when people will call upon God, but they will not hear an answer. They will look for God, but they will not find him (Proverbs 1:28). Today is your day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Today you can accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. You can put your faith, your trust and your confidence in Him. He will change your dimension of time and put you into eternity with Him.

WAITING FOR AN APOLOGY

Answered by Sara Esther Crispe


Dear Rachel,
A few months ago I had a falling-out with someone with whom I have been close friends for many years. Since this incident, we have not spoken even once. I know I am biased, but I really feel that I was not at fault. The whole experience has hurt me very deeply. I had assumed all along that she would call to apologize, and until recently, I wasn’t even sure I was ready to forgive her. Now I am, but she hasn’t contacted me, and I am starting to think that she won’t. I am finally ready to forgive her, and I don’t even have that opportunity. How do I put this behind me and move on?
Hurt, LA
Dear Hurt,
While granting forgiveness to one who has hurt you is an extremely hard thing to do, asking for forgiveness is even harder. For starters, you have taken a very big step in dealing with this situation by putting yourself in a place where you are willing to forgive your friend. But now you actually have an even bigger challenge. If you are willing to forgive her only if she asks for that forgiveness, which in essence means admitting that she has hurt you and was at fault, then your forgiveness is not really completely sincere either. You cannot forgive on a condition. Forgiveness means that you have reached a point where you will forgive her, whether or not she asks, and whether or not she feels she is wrong.
Furthermore, there is another step you can and should take—and this may be the hardest of all: you approaching her. Considering that often, when there is a fight, both people end up feeling hurt, and it is rarely one hundred percent one person’s fault, perhaps you too need to ask for forgiveness. But even if this is a situation where you truly did nothing wrong and therefore have nothing to ask forgiveness for, you can still approach her and open that door. When you make the first move, you show her that you forgive her without needing to directly say it. And more importantly, without making her ask. By approaching her, you show her that you understand and know that asking forgiveness is hard,and save her from that uncomfortableness.
The month where we go to great lengths to make these attempts at asking for and granting forgiveness is the month of Elul. One of the names of Elul is “the month of rachamim.”Rachamim can loosely be translated as “compassion” or “mercy.” The root ofrachamim is rechem, which means “womb.” Why is there this connection between a womb and asking for forgiveness?
The concept of a womb is that of being able to make a space inside ourselves for another. Completely removing our ego, our opinion, our thoughts, ourselves—to give room, space and a place for another to enter and feel comfortable and connected. When we do so, the other becomes so much a part of ourselves that we are then truly able to understand the directive to treat another as you yourself want to be treated. If the other person is a part of us, if we can give them that space, then we don’t see them as a separate entity, as someone who can be against us.
While it is certainly hard, try to view the situation from her eyes: not just how she views you, but how she views herself, from within herself. Meaning, if she doesn’t feel that she is wrong, and you believe that she feels she is innocent, then she may also be wondering why you haven’t approached her, or she may be thinking that she has nothing to ask forgiveness for. If she does feel responsible, if she knows she has wronged you, then when you think about how she must be feeling, she must be so embarrassed and she may not even know how to face you.
If your goal is to make her grovel and feel terrible and undergo the difficulty of approaching you, just to teach her a lesson and make her suffer, that would be one thing. But you say you are ready to forgive her. So forgive her. Do so without making her ask. And then approach her. Give her a call. Send her an e-mail. Let her know that you welcome her back into your life—or, if you are not ready for that, just a note to wish her a shanah tovah, a good and sweet new year. That in itself will let her know that you no longer bear that grudge.
Granted, your friend has a responsibility during this time to approach you and ask for forgiveness if she wronged you. But it is not your job to make sure she does what she needs to do. It is, however, your job to make sure you do what you can do to help another and make another feel better. In this case, it seems to be taking that first step for her.
I wish you much luck in this uncomfortable situation, and may your willingness to forgive her be something that you are granted as well from others. Wish wishes and blessings for a healthy, sweet and successful new year!Shanah tovah u’metukah.
Rachel
http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/426530/jewish/Waiting-for-an-Apology.htm

"SPECIAL BLESSING" REAL FAITH DEMONSTRATES HEAVENLY WISDOM

Real Faith Demonstrates a Heavenly Wisdom
James 3:13-18
September 4, 2011 PM Service

In the Book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to seek after wisdom. We are told that its value is far above that of silver and gold…more precious than rubies…more to be desired than any worldly treasure.

Solomon says that wisdom is more precious than anything that we could ever desire. And remember Solomon was the wealthiest man who ever lived, maybe even today.

Proverbs 3:13-15
13 Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things you can desire are not to be compared unto her.

Proverbs 4:7-8
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honor, when you do embrace her. 9 She shall give to your head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

Solomon exhorts his readers to seek wisdom above everything else. It is the principal thing! And the New Testament also exhorts us to seek after and walk in wisdom.

Ephesians 5:15-17
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

So we see in these few verses that wisdom is to be desired; sought after; valued; and followed by all believers.

However, let me warn you that we must be careful where we seek for this wisdom.
There are all kinds of wisdom and it can be found on every corner, but it is not every kind of wisdom that we are to seek.

Let’s stand and read James 3:13-18.

James shows a contrast between two types of wisdom. He defines one as “earthly” wisdom and the other as from above or “heavenly” wisdom.

Now don’t miss what James says in verse 13 – “Who has wisdom, who has understanding? …Whoever has it, let him show it out of good behavior and works”

So once again, James is teaching us that Real Faith Works!
Now let’s look at the contrasts between these two types of wisdom:

There Is a Contrast in "ORIGIN"

There is an earthly wisdom (15)

It is called EARTHLY…and earthly means that it is of this world or worldly. It is a wisdom which is according to the world's standards and ideas.
It is a type of wisdom which is available to us today, but what is most important to know is that it does not come from God.
“It is not from above”. In fact, Paul tells us that God calls this wisdom foolishness.

1 Corinthians 1:20
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

It is not only called earthly, but it is also called SENSUAL. This means it appeals to the senses, or the emotions, or the passions of a person.
It is according to what FEELS right….it leads us to the “If it feels good do it” mentality.

Ever heard that song, “If loving you is wrong, then I don’t wanna be right”?

It is also called DEVILISH. Which means demon-like or of the Devil.
It was this kind of wisdom that the devil and his angels were possessed by when they rebelled against God.
You see, earthly wisdom finds its origin in the influences of Satan himself! And he is diabolically opposed to God!

2 Corinthians 10:5 - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
There Is Also a Heavenly Wisdom (17)
The phrase “from above” means that it is not of this world…but rather it comes from GOD (James 1:17).
Heavenly wisdom is a good and perfect gift which comes only from God himself.
James also tells us that this wisdom comes through & by PRAYER (James 1:5).

Knowing the origin or source of each kind of wisdom should be enough to help us choose the right one. But if that is not enough, let’s also consider that...

There Is a Contrast in “Nature”
The Nature of Earthly Wisdom (14, 16).

It is full of BITTER ENVY – literally a passionate jealousy
It is also SELF-SEEKING – meaning that deep down it cares only about self
It manifests in its possessor the wrong desires:
Power, Position, Privilege, Prestige

This kind of wisdom prompted Satan and his angels to rebel against God
This kind of wisdom prompted the disciples to argue over who would be to greatest in the kingdom.
The kind of wisdom that caused Judas to betray the Lord Jesus Christ.

The world offers us wisdom, but its nature is diabolically opposed to God’s wisdom.

The Nature of Heavenly Wisdom (17)
It is PURE…above all else, it is true to God's Word and God’s Will.
It is pure because it is from “above”…it comes from God

It is also PEACEABLE.
When we have the right wisdom, we have right relationships
And it is possible to be at peace with others

Romans 12:18 - 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Philippians 4:6&9 - 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus… 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

It is also GENTLE…it makes one kind in his dealings with others; not harsh…even when you are right or when you are dealing with those who disagree.

2 Timothy 2:24-25 - 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.

It is WILLING TO YIELD. (Not in matters of truth, but...)
In matters of opinion - Romans 14:1 - 1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
In matters of liberty - Romans 14:19-21 - 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
It is FULL OF MERCY
Meaning it is quick to forgive the offenses of others, wisely understanding one's own need of mercy (James 2:13).

It Produces GOOD FRUIT, which are shown by our conduct.
This wisdom makes one not only a HEARER, but a DOER - James 1:22
It understands that "faith without works is dead" - James 2:26

It is WITHOUT PARTIALITY, treating all persons fairly, and on the same basis.
Showing no respect of persons - James 2:1

It is WITHOUT HYPOCRISY, not just an "act" or a "show" or wearing a mask
But that it comes from a heart desiring to please God above all others
This is the kind of wisdom the Apostles used in the book of Acts, when they said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

There is also a contrast in their "FRUIT"

The Fruit of Earthly Wisdom (16)
It causes CONFUSION and It is responsible for EVERY EVIL WORK

The Fruit of Heavenly Wisdom (18)
It produces PEACE, instead of confusion, and it bears the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, instead of every evil thing.

CONCLUSION:
The conclusion of this passage is that there are only two types of wisdom offered to us…and there is no doubt about which one we need, but the question is:

Which one do you desire? And which one do you have?

What kind of wisdom do you want? If it is EARTHLY, then no effort is necessary:
1) Just do what the world tells you
2) Just do what feels good or right.

b. But if you want HEAVENLY wisdom that you seek, then we must be diligent:
1) To search it out through the WORD & PRAYER
2) To demonstrate it in our lives on a daily basis – OBEY

What James teaches us here goes right along with what he has been saying about Real Faith…it is not only hearing, saying or knowing…it is also doing!

Lord, help us to seek Your wisdom and when we have found it…may be obey and practice it in our lives for Your honor and glory. Amen.

Senior Pastor John Sweat, Sr
Crossroads Baptist Chruch
1595 Baxley Road
Middleburg, Florida
904)376-5049

THE LORD'S TWO GIFTS: HIS PROMISE(S) AND HIS PRESENCE

Acts 18:10a
[The Lord speaking to Paul in a vision] "For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you..."
The year was 734BC when Ahaz, the King of Judah, was about to be attacked by an alliance between Rezin, King of Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel. In Isaiah 7: 3-9, The Lord told Isaiah to reassure Ahaz, "Say to Him, 'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid...' This is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'It will not take place, it will not happen...'" [Continuing on in verse 9] '"...If you do not stand firm in your faith you will not stand at all.'" In other words, "What you fear will not happen, so you better get your emotions under control. But be careful, because how you manage your faith from this point forward will ultimately determine your fate, not this particular battle or war." We would all be well served to follow this counsel.

We don't have time to discuss the full history of King Ahaz (see 2 Chronicles 28:1-27), however the point I want to make from his negative example is contained in Isaiah 7:9, '"...If you do not stand firm in your faith you will not stand at all.'" When faced with difficult circumstances we can be like King Ahaz and crumble, be unstable, emotional, and seek the help and advice of others; or we can choose to be like Paul from our passage today who would stand his ground, finding confidence, certainty and security in the Lord's presence and promise(s). King Ahaz was so evil and poorly thought of that he was not even buried in the tombs with the other kings of Israel. Paul on the other hand stayed for a year and a half, being firmly fully established in his faith and the Lord's promise ("For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you..."). Which will you choose?
While King Ahaz did not stand firm in his faith, the Lord was faithful and his kingdom was preserved for his son Hezekiah (who would later lead a revival and return to the ways of the Lord). The promise(s) and presence of God should give us the confidence, certainty and security to stand our ground in the face of adversity, as the words to the old Christian hymn "The Solid Rock," penned in 1836 by Edward Mote reflect:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus' Name.
[Refrain]
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

On what ground are you standing right now? Are your feet planted on "The Solid Rock" of Jesus, or do you reach for other solutions when you are faced with problems? What needs to change?

pocketpower.org

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

Can the weakest be the stronger? Have you ever looked at a cinder block supporting a house? Remove one cinder block from under a house and the entire house will begin to fall. When we take away the thing that supports something we have a big problem.
The same is true of people. Many times it is the ones that are looked at as the bottom of the totem pole, the lowest paid, without whom we would be in a big mess. Where would we be without the cleaning crews that come in and clean behind us?
Let’s look at a hospital. First we do need the Doctors, and yes the nurses, we would be lost without them. Where would we be though without the laundry crew. I used to work at a Hotel as a housekeeper. We would not be able to do our job without the lowest paid people doing again that laundry. Let’s look at a restaurant and the dish washer. We might complain when a dish is not clean, but how often do we think of the dish washer. Whatever your job today look around and see who if missing would make a difference?
I attended a church once where the Pastors wife cleaned the toilets. This women had a voice that did not need instruments. I asked her why did she do this. “I am no better then anyone here, it keeps me grounded.” What a beautiful thought.
Today is Friday. As you go to work today look around you at some of the people you take for granted and think what your job would be without them. After you have done that then look at yourself and realize that no matter what your job is , it too is important and without you there would be problems.
No matter what your job you are important, and so is everyone else around.
My thanks to LR for the thoughts that brought this article to mind.
God Bless
Recj/LJG

THINK ABOUT IT

by Patsy Clairmont
Have you heard Anita Renfroe sing “Think About it”? I love that girl! One of the repeated lines in the song is, “You’ve got to think about what you think about ’cause you think about something all day long.”
Ain’t that the truth! Our brains don’t rest. Oh, they might nod off for a nano-second, have bleeps, or even visit Mars momentarily, but they are aerobic, always active.
Ever have a night where your brain decides to chatter at you? Probably we all have, when what we want to do is sleep, yet when we lie down the brain rises up and decides to replay our day, our conflicts, our upcoming demands, our childhoods, the news, etc. It’s like being subjected to a yodeler in a canyon and we can’t find our way out. Yikes!
So what’s a girl to do?
I have found a few things that have helped me to help shush my brain noise. (“Shut up,” doesn’t work, I know. I tried that.)
What does help is if I reserve the last half hour before bedtime to get quiet (soft music, a soothing book, Scripture, prayer). If my head is stirred it helps to jot down what’s whirring around up there giving it somewhere else to be, besides on the fast track of my thoughts. The head-racket may be things I need to do in upcoming days, or conflicts that are current, and writing them on paper can relieve the immediate pressure.
I have found that my nature doesn’t do well with bad news before sleep, so I tend to catch up on world events throughout the daytime hours. Also rowdy TV shows can leave my brain cells in a wrestling match. So no thrillers or tension-producing stuff for me at night, lest I beat the stuffing out of my pillow―or worse yet, my sleeping husband. And arguing with one’s mate or teenagers is best reserved for daylight hours and should have physical and emotional boundaries. (Don’t forget: the purpose of an argument is not to prove our point, but to resolve conflict. Rats!)
During the day I have to deliberately scrutinize my thoughts, because I can entertain unworthy musings. I need to work at upgrading my thoughts, because they inspire actions, they spill out lips, and they affect or infect my beliefs about myself and others.
Anita is so right when she belts out, “Think about what you think about, ’cause you think about something all day long.”
What you thinkin’ bout??
http://www.womenoffaith.com/blog/2011/08/think-about-it-by-patsy-clairmont/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

IN TIMES OF DEATH

Death is a time with many feelings. We can do nothing for the dead, it is the living that we need to comfort. A few days ago my baby girl called to say she was on the way to my house. When I opened the door she could only say Daddy is dead. My first thought was of my own Father who is 80. All I could say was what, this time I heard her good as she said 'My Daddy is dead.' Needless to say this is not a easy week in my home. Right after this a message was received that a [step]brother was in the hospital. And for those that have followed us for a while LJG's husband is not doing well.
Being close to the Lord right now is important. I have been spending quality time with Him. I would like to thank the reader who left the message about 'We are all waiting on something' I do plan on answering you in a few days.
Some time all of us need to just step back and seek the comfort of His arms. He has given me such a peace about all that is going on. We both thank God for all of you.

God Bless
recj/LJG

ALLOWING FRUSTRATION TO TURN INTO REJECTION

Acts 18:6-7
But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God.
I think it’s really interesting how Paul leaves the synagogue in protest by saying, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Paul was obviously very frustrated; after all he had expended a considerable amount of time and effort teaching and in study with the Jews. I’m sure he felt his logic and thought processes related to the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy in the person of Jesus were incontrovertible. Yet they still wouldn’t believe. Have you ever felt that way before? You’ve done everything possible with a close friend or family member to bring them into a relationship with Jesus, but they still won’t believe. So what are we supposed to do?
When my daughter Amanda was a baby, she was always a pretty good eater, but there would come a time when she had eaten enough. How did I know? First, when I spooned the food into her mouth, she would spit it back out. If I still didn’t get the message, she would then seal her lips really tight. If I still didn’t get the idea she was full, she would then turn her head to the side and say “No!” If I still kept trying to make her eat she would push the food away. Finally in frustration she would try to get out of the high chair by standing up while pulling off her bib. Now you may think I must be pretty thick to not get all of Amanda’s not so subtle hints, but I was just following my wife’s instructions, “Feed her a jar of chicken and rice and a jar of bananas. She will be hungry in an hour if she doesn’t eat all of it.”

In our passage today, the Jews like Amanda thought they were full; they had heard enough; had no interest in hearing any more; and that frustrated Paul. Why? Because he knew they needed Jesus to grow spiritually, just like I knew my daughter needed nourishment and nutrition to grow physically. I have a question for you, do you really think Paul was finished with the Jews (through trying to feed them), or do you think he was merely adjusting his approach?

Do you have a close friend or family member who seems to at this point be closed to hearing about Jesus? Are you tempted to shake out your clothes in protest, as Paul did, and take the Gospel message and your testimony to another person who might value it (“From now on I will go to the Gentiles”)? I know it can be frustrating, but even when you feel like you’re not making progress, continue on; God’s Word penetrates.

The Pocket Testament League membercare@ptl.org

ONE WOMAN'S STORY

I was a kinda on again/off again Christian, you could say . . . I am proud to say that Women of Faith changed that. Something happened to me there last year, and it was a good thing. I am now a 24/7 ‘Women of Faith’ and loving every minute of it.
When I was at Women of Faith I went to the prayer room. A woman there was so sweet and caring. She talked to me for a long time, and we prayed a lot. When I went back to my seat there was a skit being played out on abortion. I was pushed into [an abortion] in my early twenties. I felt as if I could not breathe, I wanted to run out of that place as fast as I could, yet I stayed―even though I felt my heart being ripped outta my chest, I stayed.
At some point during that weekend, it just hit me like a slap in the face!You are not alone Kathy, you ARE loved. The world as I knew it was not so scary and I was not so hated. God loves me. ME. God loves me!
I could now start healing―after almost 50 years―I can now start healing with God’s love. It was like He wrapped his arms around me that weekend and just hugged me and said I am here, I have always been here.

So, am I healed now? No, not even close. I do, however, have God in my heart and in my life. I am healing slowly. I know the pain in me is so deep that God is the only way to heal. He is the only one that can handle me and my pain and past.
I have been so very blessed in my life. I have the best husband in the world, I have 4 wonderful kids, and guess what? They all love me! I did not see that until Women of Faith.
I cannot wait to be there this year, you have no idea how much I have been looking forward to this. And I plan on being at one every year from now on! Thank you for changing my life for the better.
— Kathy R.
http://www.womenoffaith.com/blog/2011/08/one-womans-story-247-woman-of-faith-by-kathy-r/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

"SPECIAL BLESSING" MOVING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Moving out of Your Comfort Zone
I Chronicles 4:9-10
September 4, 2011 AM

We have been studying the Book of James, but this morning we will be in I Chronicles 4.
If you are a guest among us today this message is just as applicable to you as it is for any of us, but I want to challenge you, Crossroads…to Move out of Your Comfort Zone and ask God to do something more…in your lives…and in our Church.
We have come a long way over the last few years…and glory be to God for the things He has done…and is doing. But if we are not careful we can easily get comfortable with where we are as a church and where we are as believers.
Don’t misunderstand my heart today…I am very thankful for what God has done…and is doing among us! People are being saved…being baptized…lives are being changed…people are growing…visitors are coming…and many are joining! I am excited about what God is doing!
But, I am not satisfied! And I don’t want to be satisfied! Why? Because if I get too comfortable with what God has done, I just might miss what God wants to do next. And I know the Lord can and will do so much more if we will move out of our comfort zones and ask Him for, and trust Him for more!
The truth of the matter is that we are creatures who like being comfortable. And there’s nothing wrong with our liking and desiring to be comfortable.
But, when our desire to be comfortable hinders us from moving forward as a church or doing what God wants us to do…or being what God wants us to be, then obviously our comfort is a concern that should be addressed.
I am not saying that you are too comfortable…Nor am I saying that you are not moving forward or growing…What I am saying is that because we have the tendency to like our comfort zones…we must examine ourselves…individually and corporately.
Are we hanging out in the comfort zone, just barely getting by…just barely being and doing what God has called us to be…Or should we be consumed with a driving passion to move forward with and for the Lord?
How do we move out of the Comfort Zone? Well we can find the answer in a very small and obscure passage…I Chronicles 4:9-10…Let’s stand and read it!
You may not see it at first, but in these two short verses we find out that Jabez is not a comfort zone dweller…he is not a status quo person.
The Personality of Jabez

Notice His Place – Jabez is just one person listed among many.

His name is found in a section of the Bible that list the genealogy of Israel. Name after name you will read…but when it comes to Jabez there is a brief pause. We are not given much, but a close look at these two verses reveal a lot about Jabez.

Notice His Problem – “His mother named him Jabez”

The name Jabez means “Son of sorrow, pain or affliction”. We are not sure why he is given such a name...but it would appear that he didn’t let his name or his beginning in life keep him from going on to greatness for God.

Notice His Performance – “Jabez was more honorable than his brethren”

It seems clear to me that among his peers, Jabez was head and shoulders above the rest. It also seems clear that Jabez wanted to be more than just average…more than just your run of the mill Israelite. He wanted to be more for God!

Jabez is not remembered as a great leader, prophet or preacher. He is remembered because He was a man of prayer. He is remembered because he refused to be satisfied with status quo.

The Prayer of Jabez

This one verse reveals the heart and life of the man Jabez. And notice that it is a prayer. You can tell a lot about a person by the things they pray for…what kind of things did Jabez pray for?

He Prayed for Prosperity – “Bless me indeed”

Jabez didn’t ask God for something, because he had nothing…he asked God for more!

Stay with me here…and don’t misunderstand the heart of Jabez. He wasn’t asking God for fortune or fame…He wasn’t asking God or to give him more stuff for the sake of having stuff. He was asking God to bless and prosper him so that he could be a more of a blessing to God.

He Prayed for Power – “That Your hand might be with me”

For what good are the blessings of God upon a person’s life if they do not also have the presences and power of God upon their lives?

The answer to this is demonstrated every day in people who do not know Jesus.

Without God’s hand upon our lives it doesn’t matter who we are or what we do it will eventually amount to nothing.
But with God’s hand upon us…we cannot fail! We can do all things! We are conquerors and victors!

Therefore Jabez not only prayed that God would prosper him, but that God would also put His hand upon his life and use it for His own honor and glory!
He Also Prayed for Protection – “That You would keep me from evil”

Protection? From who or what? Did he pray that God would protect him from enemies? No.
How about illness? No. What about calamities? No.

He prayed for protection from sin and evil. Why? Because he knew as all men should know that without God’s help he would fall into sin and sinfulness. What’s more, his prayer reveals how desperately he does not want to fall into it!

I am afraid that most Christians today are worried about a lot of things…things that really don’t matter…more so than they are about sin and sinfulness.

Truth is…sometimes we don’t ask God to protect us from it because we are already comfortable in it.

And so, Jabez, desiring more from God and for God…prayed. His heart was pure and he prayed for the right things (prosperity, power and protection)…and for the right reasons (For the honor and glory of God in his life).

And Last…The Provision of Jabez

Look at the end of verse 10…don’t miss it…
Prayer Answered – “God granted him that which he requested”

Did you know that God wants us to pray? Did you know that He wants to answer our prayers?

We will soon discover in our study of James 4:4 that, “We ask, but we do not have, because we ask for the wrong reasons and with the wrong motives.”

Closing:

Crossroads: Are we hanging out in the comfort zone?
I believe God wants so much me from us…from me…I believe He wants us to continue to grow individually and corporately…I believe He wants to use us for His honor and His glory to build up believers in the faith and reach the lost with the Gospel.

But we must be willing to move out of our comfort zone and ask Him to do it, and to help us do it…if we ask for it He will give it to us! That’s Bible, not Bro. John!

Christian: God has not called us to a comfortable, casual Christianity. Will you ask Him today to bless you and be with you and keep you from sin for His honor and glory?

Finally as we prepare for the invitation…if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior what are you waiting for? Jesus left the comforts of Heaven and came to a cruel cross…He died on that cross to pay for your sin. Why? Because He loves you and because He wants more for your life, for His honor and Glory! Now He is waiting for you to respond…Will you move…

Senior Pastor John Sweat, Sr
Crossroads Baptist Chruch
1595 Baxley Road
Middleburg, Florida
904)376-5049

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

God's Blessing to each of you this morning. Yesterday God took me on a walk down memories on Blessing Lane. To look at the picture of the thoughts that came to me, it does not look like any blessings one would desire.

It started when my dear neighbor who lost her job a few weeks ago told me that now her husband had been fired, and she was denied her unemployment benefits. These are the type of neighbors that when I knocked on their door at 5 am said you need to go to the hospital before opening the door. They check on me, run errands, and check my mail.

That remined me of Virgina. At first we thought she had the flu. This prayer warrior did not get sick. She was on fire for the Lord. The church was praying, her friends visited and kept her in prayer. Virginia just got sicker, till finally she was completely bed ridden. She believed that God heals and stood on that word while her body refused to show any reaction to any of the healing scriptures spoken over her. What was God doing? Virginia said she did not have an answer but the longer she was bed ridden the more time she had to focus on God. I wish I knew the end of the story with her, the last I heard of her she was writing for a newspaper and then moved away. I do know in my heart that where ever she is she is still on God's path not her own.

As to my neighbor when she told me that, the words flew out of my mouth "God is getting ready to bless you' she agreed.

We need to step back and look at the ways God has blessed us in our lifes. When the trouble comes we know we are getting ready to be blessed.

With the things happening in my life right now, I admit it does sadden me. I do not like being able to not do the things I used to do. But the slower my body becomes the more my desire to do the things that I am able. My life is changing, I can give up or ask 'What now God?' and do the things that I am able.

Like Virginia laying in her bed, this prayer warrior said 'now I have all the time in the world to pray for others'. Amen Virginia!!

God Bless
recj/LJG

MACHINE GUN PREACHER

THE MACHINE GUN PREACHER’S JOURNEY TO DARFUR.

MGP TV’s Zac Simpson talks about the Machine Gun Preacher’s recent trip to Darfur.

In hindsight, the journey to Darfur was equal parts exhilarating, daunting and horrifying.

Leaving the relative safety of the orphanage at Nimule we didn’t know what to expect, although we had considered that this journey could be our last. The particular region we intended to visit had been off-limits for years and anarchistic rebel forces continued to destabilise the area.

We made slow progress, mostly due to the wet season turning the roads into a coarse muddy soup that threatened to swallow our vehicles. On either side of the sea of dirt, thick stems of green grass burst from the earth to tower above our heads. The growth formed a beautiful natural wall on either side of the road but also provided the cattle rustlers and bandits who tried to rob us with acres of cover. In the end though, circumstances always seemed to tip in our favour (it may have had something to do with all the guns) and we made it to our target.

We scouted the border and discovered that the other NGOs had abandoned the area. We visited regions without fresh water, watched hundreds of orphans scamper the streets in search of food, and passed thousands of squalid shanties that appeared to have been hit by a tornado. Such was the devastation.

As we made to leave, we spotted a corpse beside the road: the body of an elderly woman. I distinctly remember looking at her hands. Her fingers clutched at the dirt as though somehow, if she could have just held on to the bare earth, she might have lived.

And then she moved.

We sprang from the vehicle, bundled her emaciated body into the back of the tray and sped toward the local medical centre. We carried her into the shallow building, where the reek of defeat and lack of hope crushed against our chests like a slab of grief, and laid her on an empty gurney. The well-fed doctor arrived, diagnosed her with cerebral malaria and gave her an IV injection that saved her life.

The doctor was administering the last scraps of medicine left behind two years ago by a retreating NGO. We had no medication to give him but promised to do what we could. We pushed on, thinking that we had seen the worst this region could offer.

But Turalei was worse. As we entered the town we were greeted by a toothless madwoman who cackled and beat at her chest. It was an ominous display of the human misery we would soon encounter.

Within a few minutes we knew this town was in bad, bad shape. Villagers were eating mud and drinking sewage to survive. Haggard adults, more bone than flesh, limped across the carcass of earth to beg us for food.

We stayed overnight, helped the people we could and shot some video to ensure that we could raise the funds to return. And then we left.

We began to fight towards home, only this time we took another route and were soon surrounded by stranded vehicles and tractor-trailers that had fallen sideways to be swallowed by the earth. We passed an airliner that had crashed in a paddock, shot Hyenas that were harassing local villagers and drove through bandit territory in the dead of night. We made it through but the guy ahead of us wasn’t so lucky: he was shot and killed as he struggled to guide his van in the sludge.

By this stage our Mitsubishi L200 King Cabs were beginning to disintegrate. We had lost the braking system on one truck and were reliant on gears alone to slow us down. The other vehicle was also plagued with problems. In the end, we had to drive slower and slower just to keep the cars on the road.

As we neared Nimule we began to relax but we weren’t out of danger yet. We rounded a corner and hurtled in a tribal clash between the Dinka and Madi tribes. 4,000 fighters, armed with pangas (machetes), rudimentary bows, spears and clubs, stormed back and forth looking for someone to fight. In amongst the drunks I saw an elderly man poised for battle and a young woman with a bow in her hand and a baby slung across her back. As the situation escalated we had no choice but to lock and load. Shots were fired and we drove through the screaming remnants of the volatile mob. Luckily, no one was killed. We rolled down the range, careful to stay in low gear lest we plummet off the side of the mountain, and snuck back into Nimule. The Children’s Village, an oasis of safety in a country at war with itself, welcomed us with open arms.

http://www.machinegunpreacher.org/the-machine-gun-preachers-journey-to-darfur/

REPRESENTING GOD

How well do you represent God in your daily life? Today was one of those days where I had to deal with a number of businesses. It surprises me the way employees will act toward customers. I will say the good overweighed the bad. What it did was get me to thinking how well we as Christians sell the One and Only True God. Do people walk away from us thinking oh my gosh, I don't want to do business with who they work for? Do they say I will go there again and refer my friends?

Every action gets a reaction, we have all heard that. Just as a businesses employees treatment of us determines if we continue to do business with them. Our example as a Christian shows people not only where we stand in our relationship with Christ, but influences their desire to want to know Christ themselves.

Thankfully I had done business with one company before. If not I would never do business with them again. What I did do was speak to the owner of the company. His conversation with me showed me that he cared how I was treated. Do we ever stop to think do people go to God with our treatment of them? I am sure He would listen, and as the business man today He would do His best to make it right with me. Think about that today or the day you get up on the wrong side of the bed.

Have a blessed day and remember He is watching over all we do and say.

God Bless
recj/LJG

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

If your day has made you happy whatever happened, then you have your joy. You are wise!

Take a mintue to think about the beautiful rainbow. You see it usually after a storm.

After the pain is over, is when you notice the growth.

It is wonderful to get on your knees, it is powerful when you fall on your face.

It is only in realizing we have make a mistake that we can realize we did try.

Coal has passed the hardest test when it turns to a diamond.

A penny on the ground is a reminder 'In God We Trust'.

Have a blessed day
recj/LJG

LITTLE GIRL AND ATHEIST ON AIRPLANE

An atheist was seated next to a little girl on an airplane and he turned to her and said,
“Do you want to talk? Flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.”
The little girl, who had just started to read her book, replied to the total stranger, “What would you want to talk about?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” said the atheist. “How about why there is no God, or no Heaven or Hell, or no life after death?” as he smiled smugly.

“OK,” she said. “Those could be interesting topics but let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff – grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, but a horse produces clumps. Why do you suppose that is?”

The atheist, visibly surprised by the little girl’s intelligence, thinks about it and says, “Hmmm, I have no idea.”

To which the little girl replies, “Do you really feel qualified to discuss why
there is no God, or no Heaven or Hell, or no life after death, when you don’t know …. ?”
And then she went back to reading her book…

off internet

OUR RIGHT TO BELIEVE, YOUR RIGHT TO DISAGREE

...‘Jesus was claiming to be God, uses logic to advance three possibilities: either he really was God, was deliberately lying, or was not God but thought himself to be (which would make himdelusional and likely insane).’ C. S. Lewis
We are stepping a little out of the box today. Due to a response to an article we wrote, in looking for the above quote, we decided to share a little about who Lewis was. It is in learning about a person we can better understand their views.
Clive Staples Lewis lived from 1898 to 1963. Lewis wrote more then thirty books. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’,and ‘Out of the Silent Planet’.
At the age 15 in the year 1913 he became an atheist, abandoning the Christian faith he was raised in. This was the beginning of a journey that would continue until 1931 when his conversion to Christianity happened, and on into a rich journey where he became one of the greatest Biblical scholars ever.

According to his memoir Surprised by Joy, Lewis had been baptised in the Church of Ireland (part of the Anglican Communion) at birth, but fell away from his faith during his adolescence. Owing to the influence of Tolkien and other friends, at the age of 32 Lewis returned to the Anglican Communion, becoming "a very ordinary layman of the Church of England". His faith had a profound effect on his work, and his wartime radio broadcasts on the subject of Christianity brought him wide acclaim.

He would in his journey explore theism, and pantheism, which he says is incoherent; atheism he declares to simple. Eventually he arrives to Jesus Christ, and invokes a well-known argument now known as the "Lewis trilemma". Lewis, arguing that Jesus was claiming to be God, uses logic to advance three possibilities: either he really was God, was deliberately lying, or was not God but thought himself to be (which would make himdelusional and likely insane). This from his book ‘Mere Christianity’ which in 2006 placed third in Christianity Today's list of the most influential books amongst evangelicals since 1945. The title has influenced Touchstone Magazine: A Journal of Mere Christianity and William Dembski's book Mere Creation. Charles Colson's conversion to Christianity resulted from his reading this book, as it did to Francis Collins, Josh Caterer and the philosopher C. E. M. Joad.

C. S. Lewis defends Christianity by building a logical foundation for belief and constructing an entire theology upon that foundation. He begins with the premise that a Natural Law must exist, as humans did not invent it, but humans respond to it and cannot escape its influences. From this he proposes that God must exist, and that this God must be made up of three parts: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost (or Spirit). Love springs from the relationship between the Father and Son. The Holy Ghost is a conduit for the divine love, and the Son has the responsibility to bring as many human souls to the Father as possible.
It just goes to show that anyone at anytime can be used by God.
Following are some of his quotes:
“There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way”
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.
“Talk to me about the truth of religion and I'll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I'll listen submissively. But don't come talking to me about the consolations of religion or I shall suspect that you don't understand.”

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
So having read this we hope that you will either agree that there is One God who is our Savior Jesus Christ or respect our right to disagree with you if you don't.
God Bless
recj/LJG

BE WHO YOU ARE!

By Sheila Walsh

There is no one else in the whole wide world like you. I’m sure you have heard that before, but I wonder if you understand how true it is and how precious you are to God. We are not always treasured on this earth. Our relationships with our parents or friends or spouses can lead us to believe that we may be unique, but that it’s not a good thing. So often we are encouraged to blend in, don’t rock the boat, don’t be different, but I say, rock that boat, and be who you are. . . .

When you hold back who you really are, we all miss out. So whether you are a pet nut like me or a wordsmith like Patsy Clairmont, whether you like high heels or flip-flops, be who you really are. You have a voice and a style that is all your own. It has been given to you by God so that through you, a unique picture of our Father is seen.
http://www.womenoffaith.com/blog/2011/08/be-who-you-are-by-sheila-walsh/

GOD IS WATCHING

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 KJV

Numbers 16
1Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
2And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:
3And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?
4And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:
5And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
6This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;
7And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.
8And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:
9Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?
10And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?
11For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?
12And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up:
13Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?
14Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up.
15And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
16And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow:
17And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer.
18And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.
19And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.
20And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
21Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.
22And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?
23And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
24Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
25And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him.
26And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of their's, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.
27So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.
28And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
29If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me.
30But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.
31And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:
32And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.
33They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.
34And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.
35And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
36And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
37Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed.
38The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.
39And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar:
40To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.
41But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.
42And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.
43And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation.
44And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
45Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.
46And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
47And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
48And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.
49Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.
50And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.

God our God is a jealous God. Let us look again at certain verses:
29If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me.
30But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.
31And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:
32And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.
33They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

If these men die as others then it is not of God. But if God makes something happen that is different then know that it is God. The earth opened up and toke Korah and all that followed after him and all their goods.

Isn't it great that we are offered, called, invited to be a part of the Lord God's family. That if we obey His commandments and follow after Him that we have rights and privileges that do not belong to others.

Are you sure you are standing on solid ground?

God Bless
recj/LJG

9/11: A WAKE UP CALL FOR GOD'S PEOPLE

Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of American Christian evangelist Dr. Billy Graham, passionately believes that the tragic events of September 11, 2001, were a wake-up call for all Christians. The Christian clock is still ticking toward another watershed moment.

In her new book, Expecting to See Jesus: A Wake-Up Call for God’s People, Lotz outlines the signs of Jesus’ return step by step and explains that he could return at any moment.

"The nation is taking steps to stay prepared for another terrorist attack but God's people still have hearts that are stale and time is running out," Lotz said.

Lotz told The Christian Post in an interview this week that she wants Americans to realize how far we have pushed Jesus out of our government, schools, and personal lives.

“It is time to repent and invite God back into our lives,” Lotz said.

“The signs that Jesus gave us in the Bible and the headlines in the news are coming together in a dramatically sobering way.”

Lotz, now 63, says she profoundly believes that if she lives out her natural life, she will live to see the physical return of Jesus to earth.

Since the events that transpired on 9/11, terrorism preparedness has become a top priority. Whether it is training, equipment or communications, "more" and "better" are the buzzwords for cities. Federal officials say they have conducted a thorough review of the emergency management procedures in cities across the U.S. and reorganized some major operations to focus on terrorist preparedness.

Potential targets across the nation are numerous and most operation systems have been enhanced and "dedicated solely to emergency management," said Paul Christian, Boston's fire commissioner.

“We certainly see the need for sharing intelligence, sharing communication, but we want to control communications. ... We don't want people going to information overload," Christian said.

Lotz, the president and CEO of AnGel Ministries, a nonprofit organization that undergirds her efforts to draw people into a life-changing relationship with God through His word, says the nation is physically preparing for another terrorist attack through Homeland Security and multiple government agencies.

“But God’s people are not preparing themselves personally for Christ. They are missing the message and not assessing their relationship with Jesus with enough zeal,” she said.

Lotz believes that the attack on Sept. 11 was meant to be a wake-up call to all Christians.

"But we missed the message," she said.

She says God’s people should start a revival within the church that will shake believers into changing their lives.

“Our nation is seeing wars, unprecedented weather events, starvation, and other signs that depict theend of the world as we know it,” Lotz said.

“Most Christians are not preparing themselves spiritually for the coming of Jesus Christ and they need to wake up. I believe we have one more chance to make things right with our Lord.”

She remembers how Sept. 11 personally transformed her own faith and instilled in her a passion to share her convictions with others.

“On that day, God woke me up and set my heart on fire to tell other people the glorious good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

In her new book, Expecting to See Jesus, Lotz breaks up the message so readers can understand what is going on in the world around us. She divides the signs Jesus gave his disciples into five categories and shows how they are being fulfilled right now.

Lotz details how the signs Jesus described as “birth pains” are here and happening all around us. By referencing Matthew 24:8 and the Book of Revelation, she says there have always been wars, famines, earthquakes and the persecution of His people, but just as birth pains, they are happening more frequently and more intensely than ever before.

The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were a series of four coordinated suicide attacks by al-Qaida on the United States. On that morning, 19 al-Qaida terrorists hijacked four passenger jets. The hijackers intentionally crashed two planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing everyone on board and thousands of those working in the buildings.

Both towers collapsed within two hours, destroying nearby buildings and damaging others. A third plane was crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. Hijackers had redirected the fourth plane toward Washington, D.C., targeting either the Capitol Building or the White House, but crashed it in a field near Shanksville, Pa., after passengers tried to take control of the plane.

There were no survivors from any of the flights and the overwhelming majority of casualties were civilians, including nationals of over 70 countries.

“God meant for all of these tragic events to change us," Lotz said.

Lotz says that it’s possible to do everything right – go to church, pray, read your Bible, be involved in ministry – and still lack a "fire of personal revival" in your relationship with God.

"I believe the answer is that there is more to knowing God than just head knowledge alone," Lotz said.

Lotz believes the kingdom of God is desperate for churches that are filled, not with good Christians, but filled with great ones that are ready to be revived.

In conjunction with the book’s release, Lotz is hosting an unprecedented national webcast on Sept. 11, 2011, with Joel Rosenberg, the New York Times bestselling author of The Twelfth Imam.

The event is designed to function as a final wake-up call to the nation.

Lotz will remember the victims of 9/11 while calling for a spiritual revival ten years after the terrorist attacks that changed our nation.

"We want all Christians to join us that night as we consider the times in which we live, refocus on Jesus as our hope for the future, and ask God to re-ignite such an intense longing for His return that we live the rest of our lives with no regrets,” Lotz said.

“Millions will join us on this night from Jerusalem to California. Anyone can listen and watch and it is free for everyone.”

Expecting to See Jesus: A Wake-Up Call for God’s People is available at most major bookstores and online at http://www.annegrahamlotz.com/.

BIBLEKNOWLEDGE@CHRISTIANPOST.COM

POLITICALLY INCORRECT 9/11 ANNIVERSARY

Today everyone is looking back at 9/11, reliving where we were and what we were doing. Our thoughts of what that day means to us, might seem off track. Usually the Sunday article is my day to express myself , today it is both of us. Our thoughts are usually the same. People are so hard on about their rights, while expecting others to not disagree with them, whatever their views are. We are bombed, people shout and march about being gay, and kill unborn children, we are not to say anything. We are wrong for saying this is wrong. We are suppose to accept that what they are doing, is their right.
Today brings memories of amazement in watching the twin towers struck and then falling. Amazing in that what it is going to take for this country to wake up and accept that we have brought all this on ourselves. Are we wrong in these thoughts? Is God actually tired of us, that He has stepped back and said I will let them go and see what happens without Me?
What has happened to us? The people of God have become so passive and politically correct that they can no longer see what lies ahead of them. We, Americans, have always had freedom of speech, but not any more. When we go out we have to listen to our God’s Name being used in vain and all other forms of vain horrible curse words. If we mention God in any way, shape or form, then we are being told we cannot express ourselves. We look at t-shirts with all forms of vulgar displays , including pictures and words, even those cussing our Lord. We on the other hand wear our shirts proclaiming Christ and we are told we have offended them. Televison is a complete story in itself. We sit down to watch a PG rated movie to see commercials that we would never allow in our homes.
We are looked down on and scorned for professing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Where have our voices gone. How many stories does our Father give us of a few standing and seeing mighty changes?
We do not want to be policality correct anymore. We do not want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but if the shoe fits wear it. We will not back down from the Word of God.
We have mourned for those lost during 9/11. We do not pray for the dead, they are gone, we can do nothing for the dead. We pray for the living that are left behind. We have prayed that those who know Christ have received the peace only He can give. We pray that those who do not have a personal relationship with Him come to know Him so they can turn to the right and know peace. We pray that this country will turn back to the Lord and take their eyes off self and this country will be restored. We pray that this country prays to only One the True God who is Jesus Christ. Praying to anyone else is wasted prayers.
Do you think we should apologize? Do you think we have spoken to harshly? Have we hurt your feelings? We stand on the truth and that is it. We love our enemies, all of them.
Have a blessed day in the Lord, and if His Name is not the Name of the One True Living God Jesus Christ that we believe in then believe as you want. We will not change. We will not be quite anymore, and if you don't agree with us, and don't want to agree to disagree with us then in the words of the great and mighty editor of these sites then "just deal with it."

God's Bless,
rECj/LJG

"SPECIAL BLESSING" REAL FAITH AND CONTROLLING THE TONGUE

Real Faith and Controlling the Tongue
James 3:1-2
August 28, 2011 PM

Tonight we move to a new chapter in the book of James. In this chapter we will talk about the tongue…a little member of your body that the Bible calls an unruly evil which is full of deadly poison.

James begins this passage with a caution about being a teacher, and then he provides a series of illustrations to show the power and danger of the tongue, and how we misuse it.

The Danger of Being A Teacher/Preacher (1-2)

James says that teachers will receive a stricter judgment…even so, anyone who has been called to teach/preach ought to obey that calling, but they ought to take is very seriously.

Three things must be true of a teacher:
They Must Know the Truth - If a person doesn’t have a thorough knowledge of the Word of God, he obviously won’t be able to teach it (2 Tim. 2:15).

They Must Teach the Truth - This simple principle seems obvious, but sadly, it is lacking today. Paul warned young Timothy about false teachers (2 Tim. 4:2-3).

They Must Live the Truth - This has been the emphasis of James thus far (“Doers, pure religion, good works”). Godliness should characterize the life of all believers, but this must be especially true of a teacher (Titus 1:9).

Friends, there is indeed a lack of sound teaching today. And far too many teach about sugar and spice and everything nice…majoring on the minors and minoring on the majors…avoiding the parts that they do not like. They preach to draw a crowd.

Let me be transparent: I hope my preaching draws a crowd, but I hope that the crowd it draws is a group of people who truly desire the Word of God and not a feel good speech.

Sometimes the Word of God can be encouraging…and sometimes convicting. But we are to preach the whole Council of God.

One day every teacher/preacher will give an account of what he taught.

Before you exclude yourself from this warning think about this: are we not all teachers in a way? Every one of us from the youngest to the oldest, teach others. We teach them by what we say; by what we do; by what is important to us. What are you teaching others? Your children; your friends; your coworkers, etc.?

So, there is a danger in being a teacher…for we shall give an account to God for what we teach.

Now, since the primary instrument for teaching is the tongue, James gives us some illustrations about the tongue.

The Danger of the Tongue (3-12)

The Bible says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Someone else has said “Our tongues show us and others just how short we have come of the glory of God!”

Now, just because this is a very common problem among men, it is certainly not a license for loose lips. For we are still held accountable by God for every word we speak. Therefore, we must learn to control our tongues.

Read James 3:2…Note two things here:
 Controlling the tongue is the way to becoming mature and fully developed as a Christian. Maturity can be measured by the way the tongue is controlled.
 Controlling the tongue is the way by which we can also learn to control the whole body with all its appetites and passions. If a person will learn to control his tongue, he can learn to control any passion or appetite of the body.
The tongue is a little member, but boasts great things (v. 5)
The example of the bit and the rudder: A small bit enables a man to control a powerful horse…and a small rudder enables a man to steer a huge ship.
I am not a horseman, but they say a horse is a self-willed creature…it is wild at heart and will run wild if it is not controlled. Yet just a small bit in his mouth is able to overcome the wild nature of the horse.
A huge ship has no control over itself…if left uncontrolled the ship will be moved about by the wind and water current. However, a small rudder under the captains’ control gives him the ability to fight the winds and waves and keep the ship on course.
Warren Wiersbe says that our tongues also must overcome contrary forces, both internal and external. It is our inward sinfulness and the outward influences that we must guard against.

And the Tongue, though it is but a little member of the body, its power is great.

The tongue can boast great things. Now, a person can boast about anything. He can boast in a quiet and unassuming way or boast by talking big. But no matter how the boasting is done, it is destructive. Boasting is nothing more than vain or empty talk, but its destructive force must never be underestimated.

Psalms 10:3 - For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
Proverbs 27:1-2 - Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

James 4:16 - But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity (v. 6)
Notice the word "matter" in verse 5 – it refers to wood or a forest. Therefore, the meaning is that a great forest is set on fire by only a little spark of fire. So it is with the tongue.
The tongue is a fire that can set a whole forest of lives and relationships on fire, consuming and destroying everything in its path. It can cause what seems to be a world of sin and destruction when it is set ablaze.
Think about the great and terrible damage that has been done by the fire of words…rumors, tale bearing, and sharp or cutting remarks.
 marriages are destroyed  children are verbally abused  friendships are damaged  reputations are ruined  fights are aroused  wars are fought
The list could go on an on, but the point is well made. The tongue can start a tiny fire which sets ablaze and consumes a whole forest of people and relationships.

James tells us that the fire of the tongue defiles the whole body and sets on fire the whole course of a man's life.

Just name a sin and you will find that words are involved…either through thoughts of the mind or verbally through the tongue.

Taken from the POSB - Note the source of a fiery tongue: Hell. Satan himself is the igniter of a fiery tongue; therefore, any person who sets his tongue ablaze is following the tongue of Satan, of the fire of hell itself. This person demonstrates a hellish, satanic heart and not the heart of Christ. The fire of hell, is never to be seen in the life of a believer. A believer's tongue is never to speak forth the fiery flames of hell's destructive words.

Ephesians 4:31 - Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 1 Peter 2:1-2 - Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
The tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (v. 8)
It would seem that the tongue is the only thing that cannot be tamed (7). Men have tamed every kind of creature there is: beasts, birds, serpents, and creatures of the sea.
The tongue cannot be completely tamed by any man (8)—the idea is completely and fully tamed. Note that the verse says that no man can tame the tongue. But God can.

Lehman Strauss says: "While no man can tame the tongue, there is One who can. The Lord is no less able to control a lying, blaspheming, slanderous, gossiping tongue than He is to deliver the drunkard from alcohol, the gambler from the game table, the drug addict from drugs, or the lustful person from adultery"

The point is this: no man is able to tame his own tongue…not fully…not completely…not adequately…not enough to please God. But with the help of the Lord a tongue can be controlled!

The tongue is unruly, restless, unstable, always roaming about and it is full of deadly poison. Note how inconsistent it is: Some days are better than others! With it blesses God and curses men. The very same tongue that blesses is the same tongue that curses.

How many sit in church on Sunday blessing God, and then turn around on Monday and curse or use foul language? It is the same tongue!

James says – “Brethren these things must not be." It is not fitting for a believer's tongue to be untamed.
 It is contrary to the true purpose of a believer's life. A believer is just like a fountain, a fountain for God. Does a fountain that is supposed to bring forth sweet water bring forth bitter water also? (11)
 It is contrary to the true nature of believer’s life. Just as contrary as it would be for a fig tree to bear olives, or a vine to grow figs?

We may think that what we say doesn’t really matter all that much, but it does matter!

Psalms 34:13 - Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Proverbs 13:3 - 3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
James 1:26 - If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Conclusion

The point is that what is really inside you…will come out! “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” If the well is dirty…so shall the water be dirty; if the heart is not right, then your speech will not be right. Conversely, if your speech is not right, it is an indication that your heart is not right.
Remember, Jesus said that we will give an account for every word that we speak. Are you controlling your tongue?

Senior Pastor John Sweat, Sr
Crossroads Baptist Church
1595 Baxley Road
Middleburg, Florida
904) 376-5049

HISTORICAL SERMONS FROM THE BLACK ROBE REGIMENT

♦ An Election Sermon – Massachusetts, 1814
Preached by the Rev. Jesse Appleton, at Boston, May 25, 1814.
The Rev. Dr. Jesse Appleton was the president of Bowdoin College, founded in 1794, chartered by Governor Samuel Adams, a Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence. This sermon was preached before Governor Caleb Strong (a delegate to the federal Constitutional Convention), Lieutenant Governor William Phillips, and the legislature of Massachusetts. Rev. Appleton speaks about the importance of a state being distinguished by wisdom, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. He explains how these characteristics will contribute to high morals and the prosperity of the people; and when the people have the right morals, they will choice officials who will reflect those morals. He challenges that a state “distinguished by a union of wisdom, knowledge, and the fear of God, is morally certain of having its government well administered… because the tone of morals, existing in such a nation, will operate as a powerful restraint” to keep men lacking virtue from taking office. He concludes that through knowledge, wisdom, and the fear of the Lord, government will be stable and happy.
♦ A Sermon on Dueling – Albany, 1838
Preached by William Sprague, in Albany, New York, on March 4, 1838.
William Sprague (1795-1876) was born in Andover, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale in 1815, attended Princeton theological seminary for two years (he later received advanced degrees from Columbia, Harvard, and Princeton), and in 1819 was installed as a pastor of the West Springfield, Massachusetts’ First Congregational Church (the same church pastored by Joseph Lathrop). After ten years, Dr. Sprague moved to New York to pastor the Second Presbyterian Church in Albany, where he served until 1869. He was a prolific author, with over 100 published sermons, essays, addresses, and other writings. His monumental Annals of the American Pulpit (9 volumes published 1857-’69) serves as a comprehensive history of early America’s diverse religious heritage. This sermon was preached the Sabbath after intelligence was received that the Hon. Jonathan Cilley, a member of Congress from Maine, had been murdered in a duel with the Hon. William J. Graves, a member from Kentucky. In this sermon, Dr. Sprague not only takes a strong stand against the practice of dueling but also exhorts his congregation on the vital importance of praying for government officials.
♦ An Election Sermon – Connecticut, 1803
Preached by Matthias Burnet, D.D., at Hartford, Connecticut on May 12, 1803.
The Rev. Matthias Burnet was a Pastor of a Congregational Church in Norwalk, Connecticut. As was the case with all Election Sermons, he was invited by State officials to preach a sermon at the opening of the legislative session at the state capital in Hartford, in May, 1803. This sermon was preached before Governor John Trumbull (a soldier during the American Revolution and a Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives before becoming Governor), the Lieutenant Governor, and the State House and Senate. In this sermon, Burnet addresses the correlation between religion and good citizens, good leaders, and good government. He then outlines five things needed not only to “lay this foundation” but to “perpetuate” this philosophy. He then charges the gathered officials, citizens, and parents with their responsibility to fulfill his challenge.
♦ A Sermon on Liberty – Philadelphia, 1775
Preached by the Rev. Jacob Duche´, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 7th, 1775.
The Rev. Jacob Duche´ (1737-98) was born in Pennsylvania, a descendant of Huguenots who immigrated to America with William Penn. He attended the College of Philadelphia (graduated in 1757) and the University of Cambridge in England. He was made rector of Christ Church in Philadelphia in 1775. Rev. Duche´ was the minister who prayed the famous “First Prayer” for the 1st Congress in September of 1774, a prayer that deeply impacted those present, including John Adams. While strongly supportive of liberty at the beginning of the Revolutionary War (he even served as Chaplain of Congress), Duche´ gave up hope for the patriot cause after Philadelphia was lost to the British. He brought great dishonor upon himself by sending a letter to George Washington in 1777 urging that the Declaration of Independence be rescinded, which eventually resulted in him being declared a traitor. Even though Rev. Duche´ was later disgraced, his message in this sermon is a powerful and compelling presentation of the liberty Christ provides His people, and the clear application of that liberty to the civil arena.
♦ An Election Sermon – Massachusetts, 1783
Preached by Henry Cumings, at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on May 28, 1783.
The Rev. Henry Cumings was the Pastor of a Congregational Church in Billerica, Massachusetts. He was invited by State officials to preach a sermon at the opening of the legislative session in the year in which America officially secured her independence from Great Britain. This sermon was preached before the Lt. Governor, Thomas Cushing (a lawyer, he served as a soldier and also a member of the Continental Congress during the Revolution). Pastor Cumings preached on the importance of mutual submission and servitude, both in private life and politics. He explained that a leader suppressing a regard for the good of others confines himself to the narrow circle of his own private interest, thereby rendering himself, at best, a nuisance to society. He challenges the people to keep a “jealous eye on those who are trusted with power” and encourages “patriotism” (a love for God and for country) in light of the conflict with Great Britain.
♦ A Sermon on the Moral View of Rail Roads – Ohio, 1851
A Sermon on Transportation, preached by Samuel Clark Aiken, in Clevland, Ohio, on February 23, 1851.
Samuel Clark Aiken (1791-1879) was born in Windham, Vermont. He became the first permanent pastor of Cleveland, Ohio’s well-known Old Stone Church (also known as First Presbyterian Church) in 1835; and pastored there until his retirement in 1861. Rev. Aiken was also an outstanding civic leader in Cleveland. He preached several notable sermons including Theatrical Exhibitions (1836) and The Laws of Ohio in Respect to the Colored People, Shown to be Unequal, Unjust and Unconstitutional (1845). Among the audience members for Aiken’s Moral View of Rail Roads discourse were Governor of Ohio, Reuben Wood (soldier in the War of 1812), Speakers of the House and Senate, the presidents of two railroad companies, the mayors of Columbus and Cleveland, and others. In his discourse, Rev. Aiken cultivates a Christian worldview in his audience by presenting both a Biblical and historical context for transportation.
♦ An Election Sermon – New Hampshire, 1816
Preached by Pliny Dickinson, at Concord, New Hampshire on June 6, 1816.
The Rev. Pliny Dickenson was Pastor of a Congregational Church in Walpole, New Hampshire. Pastor Dickinson was invited to preach to the opening assembly of the State Legislature in New Hampshire in 1816, the year following the end of the War of 1812. This sermon was preached before the Governor, William Plumer (a lawyer, Baptist Preacher and U. S. Senator before becoming Governor), the Lt. Governor, and the legislature of New Hampshire. In this sermon, Pastor Dickenson uses the life of King Joash to draw multiple “profitable reflections,” relevant to those elected to office, including “religious education”; “the fatal effects of listening to the advice of the wicked”; “the happy influence of religion in a ruler”; “civil and religious institutions”; the “fatal effects of the fear of man that bringeth a snare”; and the importance of “firmness and stability.”
♦ An Execution Sermon – Hartford, 1797
Preached by the Rev. Nathan Strong, in Hartford, Connecticut, on June 10th, 1797.
The Rev. Nathan Strong (1748-1816) was born in Connecticut. He attended Yale, graduating in 1769 (he went on to receive a D.D. degree from Princeton in 1801). Rev. Strong was set in as pastor of the First Church of Hartford in 1774. Interestingly, both his father, also named Nathan, and brother, Joseph, were clergymen as well. Strong became a chaplain in the patriot army during the American Revolution, and was a strong supporter of the American cause. He later was a chief founder and a manager of the Connecticut Missionary Society (founded in 1798), and was involved in the “Connecticut Evangelical Magazine,” which lasted fifteen years. In this “execution sermon,” preached before Richard Doane was executed for the murder of Daniel M’Iver, Rev. Strong reminds his listeners (including Doane) of the terrible consequences of a sinful life apart from God, and urges them to be reconciled to God through Christ.
♦ An Election Sermon – Connecticut, 1796
Preached by John Marsh, A.M., at Hartford, Connecticut on May 12, 1796.
The Rev. John Marsh was the Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Pastor Marsh was invited to preach this sermon after the death of Governor Samuel Huntington (a Founding Father and a signer of the Declaration of Independence), as Lt. Governor Oliver Wolcott (another Founding Father and a signer of the Declaration) was taking the Governorship (Wolcott had served as a military general during the Revolution). This Election Sermon was preached before Lt. Governor Wolcott, and the legislature of Connecticut, on May 12, 1796, as George Washington was preparing to leave the presidency. In this sermon, Pastor Marsh looks at the design of civil government and the importance of Christianity in the civil ruler. Marsh praises former Governor Huntington for his profession of religion, reliance on Christianity, and for not being ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; he then challenges new Governor Wolcott concerning his relationship with God and his duties in public and private life.
♦ A Sermon on the Infirmities and Comforts of Old Age – West Springfield, 1805
Preached by Joseph Lathrop, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1805.
Joseph Lathrop, a New England clergyman, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on October 20, 1731. He graduated from Yale in 1754, and was ordained as pastor of the Congregational church in West Springfield in 1756 – a church he pastored for over sixty years until his retirement in 1818. Many of his sermons were published; and a portion of them were issued in a seven volume series (published from 1796-1821), the last of which was published following his death in December of 1820. In this 1805 sermon, preached when he was 74 years old, Rev. Lathrop encourages his listeners to adopt a Biblical perspective on aging; to recognize that its effects are inevitable; to lean more heavily on God for grace to deal with the weakening of the body; and to maintain a positive testimony of faith before others. (Rev. Lathrop would preach another sermon on aging, Old Age Improved, in 1811, when he had reached his 80th year.)
♦ An Election Sermon – Massachusetts, 1800
Preached by Joseph McKeen, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on May 18, 1800.
The Rev. Joseph McKeen was the Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Beverly, Massachusetts. Joseph McKeen preached this sermon to the legislature of Massachusetts, on May 18, 1800, as the quasi-war with France was closing and as the presidency of Massachusetts’ favorite son, John Adams, was coming to an end. In this sermon, Pastor McKeen charges both the officials and the citizens with the significance of living a life of Christian principles as an example to win the confidence, attachment, and support of good men. He reminds them of the necessity of religion to the maintenance of order and tranquility, and he discusses the connection between freedom, religion, and morality. He then shows how the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the tendency to promote the happiness of a civil society.
♦ A Sermon on Christian Patriotism – Boston, 1840
Preached by Rev. Mellish Irving Motte, in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 5, 1840.
Rev. Mellish Irving Motte (1801-1881) was originally from Charleston, South Carolina. He obtained a Bachelors of Arts from Harvard in 1821 and became pastor of the South Congregational Church in Boston on May 21, 1828. In this 1840 sermon, Rev. Motte encourages Christians to fully engage the culture, especially in the political arena. He decries politicians acting out of self-interest and greed rather than making decisions based upon what is morally right and wrong. Motte insists that religious morality is the very first manifestation of true patriotism and “Public virtue is the strongest spirit of national vitality.” He reminds his listeners that nations must be judged in the present since they do not exist in eternity and national ruin awaits national unrighteousness. Rev. Motte states that America’s Fathers founded the country on Christian principles and intended for the United States to be a Christian nation. According to Motte, the realization of this goal is to be found in individual piety and allegiance to righteousness over any political party.
♦ An Election Sermon – Massachusetts, 1791
Preached by Chandler Robbins, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on May 25, 1791.
The Rev. Chandler Robbins was the Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the home of the original Pilgrims of 1620. Chandler Robbins was invited by state government officials to preach at the outset of the Legislative session. This Election Sermon was preached before Governor John Hancock (President of the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration), Lt. Governor Samuel Adams (“The Father of the American Revolution” and also a signer of the Declaration of Independence), and the legislature of Massachusetts, on May 25, 1791, as the Bill of Rights was being added to the U. S. Constitution. In this sermon, Pastor Robbins identifies three things that contribute to a happy and prosperous nation: a good constitution; a good administration of the government (concerning which he identifies the qualifications necessary for good civil leaders); and the duty of the people (the stewards of the government). He finishes with the challenge that everything related to civil and private life must be done in the fear of the Lord.
♦ A Sermon on the Great Fire in Boston – Boston, 1760
A Sermon on God’s Providence Acknowledged in Calamities, preached by Rev. Jonathan Mayhew, in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 20, 1760.
Rev. Jonathan Mayhew (1720-66) was a Massachusetts clergyman. He graduated with honors from Harvard in 1744 and began pastoring the West Church (Boston) in 1747. He preached what he considered to be a rational and practical Christianity based on the Scriptures. Mayhew was a true Puritan and staunchly defended civil liberty; he published many sermons related to the preservations of those liberties, including one immediately following the repeal of the Stamp Act entitled The Snare Broken (1766). Highly thought of by many patriots, including John Adams, who credited Rev. Mayhew with being one of the most influential individuals in preparing Americans for their fight for independence. In this sermon, Mayhew exhorts his congregation after the Great Fire in Boston (March 20, 1760), providing them with a Biblical perspective of disasters and encouraging them to cultivate a humble and repentant heart before God. Rev. Mayhew’s sermon is an unambiguous example of how early American pastors used the events of their day to impart truth and promote the development of a Christian worldview within their flocks.
♦ An Election Sermon – Vermont, 1812
Preached by the Rev. Isaac Beall, Pastor of the Baptist Church of Christ in Pawlet, Vermont.
This Election Sermon was delivered before Governor Jonas Galusha (a soldier during the American Revolution), Lt. Governor Paul Brigham. (also a soldier during the American Revolution), and the Honorable Council and the House of Representatives of the State of Vermont, on October 8, 1812, as the War of 1812 was in its earliest stages. Pastor Beall gives six necessities for “political righteousness – that is, a righteous administration of the government.” He concludes with contrasting the “reverse of righteousness” and challenging the people always to choose a leader “called of God … to the chair of government.”
♦ An Artillery Sermon – Boston, 1809
Preached by John Foster, in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 5, 1809.
John Foster, a New England clergyman, was born in Massachusetts, on April 19, 1763. He graduated from Dartmouth in 1783 and went on to receive advanced degrees from both Dartmouth College and Harvard University. Foster was selected as the first pastor of the Congregational church in Brighton, Massachusetts, in 1783. He preached in Brighton until October of 1827, and died two years later in September of 1829. Foster was a board member of Harvard University in addition to being involved in numerous other benevolent works. He was married to Hannah Webster, who was a famous early American novelist. Here, Foster delivers what is called an “Artillery Sermon”, an annual sermon given before a military audience. Rev. Foster provides a Biblical perspective on war by discussing just war and self-defense, the lamentability of war, the importance of preparedness, and God’s sovereignty ruling over every event.
♦ An Election Sermon – Massachusetts, 1790
Preached by Daniel Foster, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on May 26, 1790.
The Reverend Daniel Foster was born in 1750. He was ordained in 1788 (his father, the Rev. Isaac Foster, preached his ordination), and pastored a church in New Braintree, Massachusetts for many years. Daniel Foster had numerous sermons published, of which copies of five are known to be extant. In this election sermon, preached before Governor John Hancock (President of the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration), Lt. Governor Samuel Adams (“The Father of the American Revolution” and also a signer of the Declaration of Independence) and both houses of the Massachusetts legislature, Rev. Foster provides an exemplary model of a pastor illuminating God’s governmental principles for the political leaders of his State. He lists the duties of magistrates as well as the duties of the people in a Christian country, and details God’s design for civil government. Reverend Foster ends his sermon by directly addressing on a personal and individual level John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and the legislators. Foster’s sermon is loaded with Biblical wisdom; and he is an excellent example of a minister who’s “lips keep knowledge [that] the people should seek the law from his mouth” (Malachi 2:7).
♦ A Sermon on a Solar Eclipse – West Springfield, 1806
Preached Joseph Lathrop, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on June 16, 1806.
Joseph Lathrop, a New England clergyman, was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on October 20, 1731. He graduated from Yale in 1754, and was ordained as pastor of the Congregational church in West Springfield in 1756 – a church he pastored for over sixty years until his retirement in 1818. Many of his sermons were published; and a portion of them were issued in a seven volume series (published from 1796-1821), the last of which was published following his death in December of 1820. In this sermon, Rev. Lathrop uses the occasion of a recent solar eclipse to strengthen the Biblical worldview of his parishioners by providing both a scientific explanation and gleaning spiritual truths from the phenomenon. Lathrop’s sermon is a clear example of how early American pastors used the events of their time to impart truth and develop the Christian worldview of their listeners.
♦ An Election Sermon – Massachusetts, 1788
Preached by David Parsons, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, May 28, 1788.
David Parsons was an influential pastor from New Hampshire. He was born in Amherst in 1749. Parsons attended Harvard and graduated in 1771; he later received a Doctorate of Divinity from Brown University in 1800. Rev. Parsons pastored the Amherst Congregational church from 1782 until 1819, and was a proficient scholar. He was offered the divinity chair at Yale in 1795 but declined the honor. He did however, become a principle backer for Amherst College, donating the land for the college and serving as board president (Noah Webster also played a significant role in the founding and establishment of Amherst College). David Parsons died in May of 1823 at the age of 74. In this election sermon, preached before Governor John Hancock (President of the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration), and both houses of the Massachusetts legislature, Rev. Parsons continues the century-old tradition of American ministers giving a sermon before newly-elected government leaders. Parsons’ sermon describes the importance of virtuous civil rulers and characterizes good government from a Biblical standpoint.
♦ A Sermon on Marriage, 1837
Preached by the Rev. Henry Handley Norris, in South Hackney, London, on July 2, 1837.
The Rev. Henry Handley Norris was a British clergyman who served as Rector of South Hackney in Middlesex County, England. Rev. Norris married Catherine Henrietta Powell in 1805. Their marriage lasted for forty-five years until his death in December of 1850. In this sermon, Norris marks the recent passage of a new law on marriage by providing a detailed look at the marriage institution from a Biblical perspective. He painstakingly progresses through the Scriptures in establishing his point that marriage is most importantly a religious institution, and therefore it should never be relegated to a strictly civil character. Rev. Norris emphasizes that God created and established the marriage institution and therefore His intent and purposes should be followed by both religious and civil rulers. Rev. Norris’ sermon provides an example of how 18th and 19th century clergymen regularly instructed their congregations in a Biblical worldview.
♦ An Election Sermon – Massachusetts, 1790
Preached by Daniel Foster, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on May 26, 1790.
The Reverend Daniel Foster was born in 1750. He was ordained in 1788 (his father, the Rev. Isaac Foster, preached his ordination), and pastored a church in New Braintree, Massachusetts for many years. Daniel Foster had numerous sermons published, of which copies of five are known to be extant. In this election sermon, preached before Governor John Hancock (President of the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration), Lt. Governor Samuel Adams (“The Father of the American Revolution” and also a signer of the Declaration of Independence) and both houses of the Massachusetts legislature, Rev. Foster provides an exemplary model of a pastor illuminating God’s governmental principles for the political leaders of his State. He lists the duties of magistrates as well as the duties of the people in a Christian country, and details God’s design for civil government. Reverend Foster ends his sermon by directly addressing on a personal and individual level John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and the legislators. Foster’s sermon is loaded with Biblical wisdom; and he is an excellent example of a minister who’s “lips keep knowledge [that] the people should seek the law from his mouth” (Malachi 2:7).
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