What's Wrong With This Picture
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Carve Your Own Pumpkin
This is not a Halloween promotion, just a fun Flash program. Try your hand at carving a pumpkin.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Good Out Of Evil
READ: Romans 8:18-28
We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. —Romans 8:28
The events of life can challenge our trust in the Scriptures. Romans 8:28 teaches that God can bring good out of "all things." But in August 2004 "all things" seemed hard to fathom. Some longtime friends of mine contacted me and others asking prayer for their son and his fiancée who were missing. It was so out of character for Jason and Lindsay that we feared the worst. Several days later, their murdered bodies were found, just 2 weeks before their wedding.
In those troubling days, "all things" seemed incapable of including such a senseless act. Yet the victims' families were amazing in their resolve to trust Jesus Christ, reaffirming their confidence that God would graciously bring good out of great evil.
In the following months, incredible stories began to roll in. Through letters, e-mail, and phone calls, we heard of people who had seen the families' example in the media coverage and had come to Christ. Eternal destinies had been changed and lives had been won through the testimonies of Jason and Lindsay and their families.
Nothing could ever justify those murders or replace precious lives cut short. But we are drawn again to hope, for we see God's ability to bring good out of evil.
We comprehend Him not,
Yet earth and heaven tell
God sits as sovereign on the throne
And ruleth all things well. —Gerhardt
God can turn tragedy into triumph.
For similar resources, search these topics:
Christian Life > Personal Crisis > Sorrow/GriefChristian Life > Personal Crisis > Comfort
Friday, October 27, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Losing To Gain
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READ: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. —2 Corinthians 9:6
On my father's farm were certain fields he sowed by hand. He would strap on a canvas contraption that looked somewhat like a kangaroo pouch, fill it with seed, and go out to sow. He would cast seed everywhere.
When a farmer sows seed in his field, it looks like he's throwing it away. It seems to be lost, but it isn't really gone. In due time he gets it back—with much more besides.
When we give ourselves to Christ, it may seem to people as if we're throwing our life away. But He said that it is only as we lose our lives in Him that we find true life (Matt. 10:39).
Jesus teaches us to measure our lives by losses rather than gains, by sacrifices rather than self-preservation, by time spent for others rather than time lavished upon ourselves, by love poured out rather than love poured in.
It's a rule of life: God blesses those who give of their lives and resources (2 Cor. 9:6). Give out the truth you know, and He'll give you more to give away. Give your time, and you'll have more time to give. Set no limit on your love, and you'll have more love for others than before.
Israel's wise man said, "There is one who scatters, yet increases more" (Prov. 11:24). It's one of the oldest paradoxes in the world, but it works.
We lose what on ourselves we spend;
We have as treasure without end
Whatever, Lord, to You we lend,
Who givest all. —Wordsworth
When you grasp, you lose; when you give to God, you gain.
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Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Be An Example
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READ: 1 Timothy 4:12-16
Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. —1 Timothy 4:12
A high school senior honored as one of the "Best & Brightest" in our community has provided a forceful demonstration of integrity. When his school team was given the word auditorium in a regional spelling bee, Brady Davis glanced down to ponder his response and noticed that the word was printed on the microphone stand. He called this to the attention of the judges who responded with a more difficult word. Brady did what he knew was right whether others noticed or not.
We don't know when our actions might become an example to others. But if we live each day to honor Jesus, our behavior will model His righteousness, no matter who is watching.
Idealism and enthusiasm are often best expressed by the young. But uprightness and honor should be goals for Christians of every age. Paul told his young protégé Timothy: "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12).
Brady Davis says his goal in life is to change the world around him while never compromising himself. We would do well to join him in that pursuit of life, integrity, and exemplary behavior.
I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care.
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare. —Walter
A good example always makes a good sermon.
DVD Project in Production
The James Croft Evangelistic Association will soon have a DVD presentation about the ministry. The program will feature the various areas of ministry involvement. Production got underway yesterday with filming of an introduction for the presentation. Pictured with me is Jon Fletcher doing the filming. The location is First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida, which is where I was licensed in the Gospel Ministry on December 4, 1994. The video should be completed in November.
Monday, October 23, 2006
James and Emma
I preached at First Baptist Church of White Springs yesterday morning and evening. Between the services I was able to have lunch and fellowship with my brother, John, and his family. I am picured with my one-month old niece, Emma. John and his family are active in the Lord's work and he is a member of the Board of Directors of the James Croft Evangelistic Association.
Bible Search Tool
This is a new addition to the site. It is a a Bible Search too provided by Bible Gateway. You will always be available to find it at the bottom of the left column.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Adjust Your Conscience
READ: Acts 24:10-16
I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. —Acts 24:16
Built into our nature is an internal judicial system, the conscience, that commends us when we do right and condemns us when we do wrong. But this vital monitor of morality does not say the same thing to everyone. In some cultures vengeful killing is seen as honorable. In others, a person is still considered good even when he betrays a friend.
A story from The Philadelphia Inquirer illustrates this problem. A 12-year-old boy was caught stealing a watch. He told police that previously he had shoplifted a gift for his mother, and he felt he had to do the same for his dad. Although troubled about slighting his father, he had no qualms about stealing.
Because of sin, conscience is unreliable and needs a continual adjustment. This begins with a right relationship to God through faith in Jesus Christ. He paid sin's penalty, and now our hearts are "sprinkled from an evil conscience" (Heb. 10:22). But this does not make conscience obsolete. As we study the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit puts our inner monitor on a frequency that brings us in tune with the words, deeds, and attitudes of the Lord Jesus.
"Let your conscience be your guide" is valid only if God's Word is guiding your conscience.
There is a treasure you can own
That's greater than a crown or throne:
A conscience good with which to live,
That only God Himself can give. —Isenhour
Conscience is like a sundial: when the truth of God shines on it, it points in the right direction.
Friday, October 20, 2006
White Springs on Sunday
I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Ron Thompson this Sunday at First Baptist Church of White Springs. The services will begin at 11am and 6pm. The church is located on Camp Street in White Springs, Florida.
Podcast for October 2006
The October 2006 edition of the Walking with the Giant Podcast is now online and available for download.
The special guest for this month's program is Junior Combs and Southern Joy, a Southern Gospel trio from Baldwin, Florida. They won the prestigious group talent competition during the 2006 National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky in September. The trio features veteran Southern Gospel singer Junior Combs, his 18 year old daughter Jessica and his 11 year old son Wesley. The interview also features two songs from their first CD, Expressions From The Heart. You may have heard of another Gospel Music singer with the name "Combs" . It is Michael Combs. Junior and Michael are related. Talent runs in that family.
The program also features an excerpt from a message titled Forsaking All that I preached at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Florida on September 27, 2006. I made a special announcement during this message about a new chapter in this ministry.
The program begins with the Ghana Update from our JCEA Ministry Coordinator. Evangelist Ralph gives us some information about a revival service in Teshie, Ghana-West Africa that he will be preaching.
Let me know what you think about this episode.
Photo by Jon M. Fletcher
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Prayer Request
Rev. H. Donald Freeman, a retired pastor and member of the James Croft Evangelistic Association Board of Directors, is having surgery on his back today. The procedure will take approximately 5 1/2 hours and will be performed at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. The doctors have said the recovery time will be approximately six months. Please be in prayer for Brother Freeman and his wife Fran.
I consider Brother Freeman to be my "mentor" in the ministry, and he and his wife are also very dear friends.
Photo: Donald Freeman, James Croft, Frances Freeman
A Gratitude Visit
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READ: Romans 16:1-16
I commend to you Phoebe, . . . for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. —Romans 16:1-2
Counting your blessings promotes good physical health, according to a study by some US doctors. Volunteers who kept weekly gratitude journals reported fewer aches and pains than those who recorded daily hassles or neutral events.
A "gratitude visit" was developed by Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman to promote strong emotional health. He tells people to think of someone who has made an important difference in their lives. He asks them to write the story of how that person has helped them, and then to visit that person and read the story aloud. Tests show that a year later the people who had done so were happier and reported fewer episodes of depression. Even more important, think of what it must have done for those who were thanked!
The apostle Paul had a long list of people who had helped him and for whom he was grateful (Rom. 16:1-16). He wrote that Phoebe had "been a helper," Priscilla and Aquila had "risked their own necks" for his life, and Mary had "labored much" for him. And he took time to write his thanks in a letter to the church at Rome.
Who has helped to shape your life? Could you make a gratitude visit—for their sake, and for yours?
Consider what the Lord has done
Through those who've shown you love;
Then thank them for their faithful deeds,
For blessings from above. —Sper
Gratitude should not be an occasional incident but a continuous attitude.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Award Winning Illustration
An illustration by Jon M. Fletcher has received a "First Place" in the International Photography Awards for 2006. His creation won in the "Professional Photographer of the Year: Special" division in the sub-category "Digitally Enhanced".
Jon describes his illustration this way:
"The butterflies have set a trap for the little girl; and that one butterfly on the rod is willing to sacrifice himself to get rid of her for good. It's a little dark, but to me it's almost a picture of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. God was tired of sin controlling and containing us (the butterfly in the jar), so he sent His Son as a sacrifice to break Satan once and for all. Yes, I know it's a stretch, but that's what I honestly see in it."
Jon is a photojournalist for the Florida Times-Union newspaper in Jacksonville, Florida. He has made two trips to Ghana, West Africa (2003 and 2004) with our mission teams to document the events with photos.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Ali, James and the Great Fish?
Alexx St. John and I found ourselves in the jaws of one big fish Saturday at the Baker County Fair in Macclenny, Florida. At least we only spent a few minutes in the big fish; Jonah had to spend three days!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Ministry Newsletter
My monthly ministry newsletter for October 2006 in now online. If you would like to be notified about the availability of the newsletter by e-mail each month just sign-up for my Ministry E-list.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Careless Preachers
READ: Matthew 23:1-12 For similar resources, search these topics: Christian Life > Character > Hypocrisy
Do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. —Matthew 23:3
Some opponents of Christianity may not be so much against Christ as they are against the hypocrisy of His followers. Ironically, it hasn't occurred to them that no one was more opposed to hypocrisy than Jesus Himself.
We've all met scoffers who thoughtlessly parrot the phrase, "The church is full of hypocrites!" But let's not be thoughtless in our response and dismiss such pronouncements without taking heed lest they be true.
We tend to think that it's not true of us. But let's think again. Have we ever been like the Christian who glanced through her window, only to see a nosy, noisy neighbor approaching her door? Her young, impressionable children heard her as she growled, "Oh, no—not her again!" Whereupon she opened the door and gushed insincerely, "How very nice to see you!"
Our lips and our lives often preach a mixed message. In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus described the hypocritical teachers of the law and warned His disciples, "Do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do" (v.3).
God forbid that some opponent of Christ would be influenced by careless hypocrisy in our lives.
Lord, help us to be "careful preachers."
You can fool the hapless public,
You can be a subtle fraud,
You can hide your little meanness,
But you can't fool God. —Kleiser
A hypocrite will often pray on his knees on Sunday and prey on his neighbors on Monday.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Gainesville Revival Begins Sunday
I will be preaching homecoming/revival services beginning Sunday morning at Grace Baptist Cburch. The 11am service Sunday will be the church's homecoming and will also kick-off revival services. There will be no service on Sunday night, but the meeting will continue Monday through Wednesday night at 6:45pm.
Grace Baptist Church is located at 7100 NW 39th Ave. in Gainesville, Florida. For more information call Pastor Jim Riley at (352) 374-4748.
Please be in prayer for these services.
The Universe Is God's
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READ: Psalm 104:31-35
He touches the hills, and they smoke. —Psalm 104:32
Rising 6.3 miles from its base on the ocean floor and stretching 75 miles across, Hawaii's Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on Earth. But on the surface of the planet Mars stands Olympus Mons, the largest volcano yet discovered in our solar system. The altitude of Olympus Mons is three times higher than Mt. Everest and 100 times more massive than Mauna Loa. It's large enough to contain the entire chain of the Hawaiian islands!
Long ago, David looked up at the night skies and stood in awe at the wonder of his Creator's universe. He wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork" (Ps. 19:1).
But the stars and the sky were not all that stirred the wonder of ancient writers. Earthquakes and volcanoes also inspired awe for the Creator. Psalm 104 says, "[God] looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke" (v.32).
As space probes explore more of our solar system, they will continue to discover unknown wonders. But whatever they find is the work of the same Creator (Gen. 1:1).
The wonders of the universe should move us to praise God, just as they moved a shepherd boy long ago as he gazed up at the heavens (Ps. 8:3-5).
I sing the mighty power of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies. —Watts
All of creation bears God's autograph.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
E-mail Subscriptions
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FBC White Springs Added To Schedule
I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Ron Thompson at First Baptist Church of White Springs on Sunday, October 22nd. The services will begin at 11am & 6pm. First Baptist Church is located on Camp Street in White Springs, Florida. For more information call the church office at (386) 397-2895.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
October 2006 Podcast
The October 2006 edition of the Walking with the Giant Podcast is now online and available for download.
The special guest for this month's program is Junior Combs and Southern Joy, a Southern Gospel trio from Baldwin, Florida. They won the prestigious group talent competition during the 2006 National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky in September. The trio features veteran Southern Gospel singer Junior Combs, his 18 year old daughter Jessica and his 11 year old son Wesley. The interview also features two songs from their first CD, Expressions From The Heart. You may have heard of another Gospel Music singer with the name "Combs" . It is Michael Combs. Junior and Michael are related. Talent runs in that family.
The program also features an excerpt from a message titled Forsaking All that I preached at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Florida on September 27, 2006. I made a special announcement during this message about a new chapter in this ministry.
The program begins with the Ghana Update from our JCEA Ministry Coordinator. Evangelist Ralph gives us some information about a revival service in Teshie, Ghana-West Africa that he will be preaching.
Let me know what you think about this episode.
Photo by Jon M. Fletcher
Monday, October 09, 2006
The Scrabble Syndrome
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READ: Nehemiah 8:5-11
They read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. —Nehemiah 8:8
A contender at the 2005 World Scrabble Championship Finals in London said mathematics and a good memory are necessary to win, but not a good vocabulary. A New York Times journalist described the event as "a time when language divorced itself from meaning" because a champion may create a high score using obscure English words such as zobo and ogive without knowing their meaning.
All of us are susceptible to what might be called "The Scrabble Syndrome"—using words to win religious arguments without understanding and demonstrating their meaning. Bible verses can become weapons against those who disagree rather than life-altering truths to be lived.
During a critical period in Israel's history, Ezra instructed the people and was assisted by others who "read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading" (Neh. 8:8). As the people grasped what they heard, they had a deep sense of sorrow for their sins, followed by a joyful response to God's mercy (vv.9-11).
Biblical words divorced from meaning undermine our relationship with God and others. Understanding with obedience brings wisdom, repentance, and joy.
God's Word, when it is understood,
Can keep us free from strife;
And when obeyed, it brings us joy
And nourishes our life. —Sper
Knowing God's Word should result in obeying God's Word.
Happy Columbus Day!
COLUMBUS DAY holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus's discovery of America. It has been traditionally celebrated on Oct. 12 throughout most of the United States, parts of Canada, and in several of the Latin American republics. In the United States, however, since the observation in 1971 of the Uniform Holiday Act, it is celebrated on the Monday nearest to Oct. 12.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
A 19-Mile Fall
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READ: Deuteronomy 33:26-29
Underneath are the everlasting arms. —Deuteronomy 33:27
On August 27, 1960, US Air Force Captain Joseph Kittinger Jr. sat in a gondola suspended from a high-altitude balloon. When the balloon reached 102,800 feet above the surface of Earth (more than 19 miles), Kittinger jumped out. Four minutes and 36 seconds later his main parachute opened at 18,000 feet, but not before he had attained a velocity of 614 miles per hour! Kittinger carefully planned his record-setting descent.
In the spiritual realm, we're more likely to find that life is filled with unexpected free falls. The loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, or a terminated job can make us feel as if we're dropping into the unknown. For believers, there is a spiritual "parachute"—the loving arms of God.
Thousands of years ago, Moses wrote these words to the Israelites just before he died: "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27). The words "everlasting arms" refer to the protection and preservation of God's people. Despite the stressful circumstances they would surely face, they could rest in the assurance of God's watchful care.
Do you feel as if you're in a free fall? Take heart. God's loving arms are there to catch you.
O the sweet unfailing refuge
Of the everlasting arms;
In their loving clasp enfolded
Nothing worries or alarms. —Hennessay
With God behind you and His arms beneath you, you can face whatever lies ahead of you.
Oak Grove Homecoming Sunday
I will be preaching the Homecoming Service at Oak Grove Baptist Church on Sunday morning. The service will begin at 11am. The church is located at 1007 N.E. Needmore Rd. north of Lake City, Florida. Please be in prayer for this service.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Revival Services End Tonight at GCFBC
This will be the last night of this meeting. Please be in prayer for this service and for the church as they move forward for Jesus.
Fortune Teller
Would you like to have your fortune told by a real "fortune teller"? If so, follow the link.
This is ONLY a joke!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
The Flag That Didn't Fly
The 2002 floral flag was 740 feet wide and 390 feet high and maintained the proper flag dimensions as described in executive order #10834. This flag was 6.65 acres and was the first floral flag to be planted with 5 pointed stars, each star was 24 feet in diameter and each stripe 30 feet wide. This flag was estimated to contain more than 400,000 Larkspur plants with 4-5 flower stems each for a total of more than 2 million flowers. It's life span was approximately 3 months and went to seed in early August 2002.
Aerial photo courtesy of Bill Morson
Monday, October 02, 2006
September Podcast Dowloads
"Walking with the Giant", the Podcast of the James Croft Evangelistic Association, continues to be regularly downloaded from the web. Here is an update on the number of downloads for each episode since the stats became available.
April 18, 2006 - September 30, 2006
| Episode | Guest | Sept. 2006 Downloads | Total Downloads |
| January 2006 |
| 40 | 244 |
| February-March 2006 | Dr. Harold Hudson | 41 | 232 |
| April 2006 | Jack & Ali | 39 | 266 |
| May 2006 | Dr. Sterling Huston | 65 | 317 |
| June 2006 | Evangelist Bobby Brindle | 65 | 262 |
| July 2006 | Howard Butzer | 72 | 271 |
| August 2006 | Ruth H. Westgate | 40 | 71 |
| September 2006 | Chaplain (Maj.) | 51 | 51 |
| Total Downloads | 413 | 1714 | |
Sunday, October 01, 2006
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