The revival meeting scheduled for April 2007 at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Gainesville, Florida has been pushed to Sunday, April 15, 2007 through Wednesday, April 18, 2007. Please check my Ministry Opportunities page for all of the details.
I will be leading a devotion for executives of S&S Food Stores in Lake City, Florida on Monday, December 4, 2006. The service is a part of the company's weekly meeting of executives. Please be in prayer for this service.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. —Psalm 30:5
Unlike some of my family—who can’t wait to go downhill skiing—I don’t look forward to winter. When the first snowflake falls, I immediately start calculating how many months of Michigan winter are left.
Imagine C. S. Lewis’ fictional world of Narnia, where for a hundred years it was always winter. Cold, wet snow—with no hope of springtime ever arriving to wipe away the memories of icy temperatures and piles of white stuff. But worst of all, in Narnia, Christmas never came. Always winter and never Christmas! To me, the best part of winter is the anticipation, excitement, and wonder of Christmas. Life is bleak when you have nothing to look forward to.
There are some whose souls are locked in winter. The hardness of life has frozen their hearts. Disappointed with life, they find that each day is filled with despair. “Weeping may endure for a night,” the psalmist tells us, “but joy comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). In the darkest times of our lives, God longs to turn our “mourning into dancing” (v.11).
David wrote, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul” (Ps. 94:19). If you cry out to God in the midst of your “winter,” you can experience the joy of the Christ of Christmas today.
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
None other name for me;
There’s love and life and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in Thee. —McGranahan
Jesus can turn your sorrow into dancing.
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Christian Life > Personal Crisis > Sorrow/GriefI will be preaching at the youth service of First Baptist Church of Lake Butler tonight at 6:30pm. The service will be held at The Fire Escape located at 102 SW 11th Street in Lake Butler, Florida. For more info call the church office at (386) 496-3704.
Revival services have been scheduled at Pine Grove Baptist Church located at 4200 NW 39th Ave. in Gainesville, Florida. The meeting will begin on Sunday, April 1, 2007 with services at 10:45AM and 6pm. It will continue Monday-Wednesday, April 2-4, 2007 at 6:30PM nightly. For more information call Pastor John Parker at (352) 376-4052.
I attended a revival service last night at First Baptist Church of White Springs, Florida to hear Evangelist Rick Coram. Brother Rick is a powerful preacher of the Gospel. We met two years ago for the first time and since then, he has helped me with some areas of my ministry. I certainly consider him a friend.
I would like to invite you to check-out Brother Rick's website. On this site you'll find schedule information, available resources (including CD's and books), PowerLife Camp details, contact info and much more.
The meeting in White Springs will continue tonight and tomorrow at 7pm each night. The church is located on Camp Street in White Springs, Florida. For more information or directions call Pastor Ron Thompson at (386) 397-2895.
I have a four e-mail subscription services for my ministry:
An article headlined: "James Croft's trash-talking days are over" appeared in last week's edition of two Florida newspapers, the Bradford County Telegraph and Union County Times. The article is about my entering full-time ministry and leaving my job with New River Solid Waste Association.
With Christmas shopping season now underway, I thought this would be a good reminder for us all.
READ: Haggai 1:1-11
You eat, but do not have enough; . . . you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes. —Haggai 1:6
A little bit of doggerel goes as fol lows: “A cheerful old bear at the zoo could always find something to do. When it bored him, you know, to walk to and fro, he reversed it and walked fro and to!” The writer apparently thought people could learn a lesson from the bear, for these creatures seem to be quite happy as long as they have enough food to eat and a few of their own kind around them.
This is not true of humans, however. The Israelites who had returned from Babylon discovered that man cannot find happiness when he lives only for himself. They ignored the fact that God’s temple had not been rebuilt, but gave themselves to the construction of fine houses and completely occupied themselves with materialistic things. Yet their harvests were poor, their clothing inadequate, and their wages did not keep pace with rising costs (Hag. 1:6). The prophet told them they were reaping a harvest of unhappiness because they were putting selfish pleasures first.
God has made us in His own image and for His glory. We can never find true joy until we obey Christ’s admonition to seek “first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). Only then will we sow and reap abundantly, and eat and truly be filled.
O the emptiness of life without the Savior!
Nothing worldly here can truly satisfy;
We can only reap a harvest that’s abundant,
Serving Jesus as to self we daily die. —Bosch
Selfish gratification will lead to spiritual stagnation.
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Relationships > Relating to God > SubmissionIf you are unsure about having anything to be thankful for on this day after "Thanksgiving", maybe the following will help put it all in perspective.
I AM THANKFUL FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE
BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS
WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH..
FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH
WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS
I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES
AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN
CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
I found this info at Abraham Lincoln Online and the photo and related links at infoplease.com.
This is the proclamation which set the precedent for America's national day of Thanksgiving. During his administration, President Lincoln issued many orders like this. For example, on November 28, 1861, he ordered government departments closed for a local day of thanksgiving.
The holiday we know today as Thanksgiving was recommended to Lincoln by Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent magazine editor. Her letters to Lincoln urged him to have the "day of our annual Thanksgiving made a National and fixed Union Festival." The document below sets apart the last Thursday of November "as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise."
According to an April 1, 1864 letter from John Nicolay, one of President Lincoln's secretaries, this document was written by Secretary of State William Seward, and the original was in his handwriting. On October 3, 1863, fellow Cabinet member Gideon Welles recorded in his diary that he complimented Seward on his work. A year later the manuscript was sold to benefit Union troops.
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
William H. Seward,
Secretary of State
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. —Colossians 3:17
For centuries, people in many countries have held harvest festivals to celebrate the bounty of the land and the blessings of life. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln established a national holiday in the United States as “a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father.”
Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen thinks that most holidays have been corrupted by commercialism, while Thanksgiving Day has retained its intended purpose. He said, “This is a very rare day. It is wholly and entirely about gratitude.”
No matter what others do, we as followers of Christ have the privilege and responsibility to extend the spirit of thankfulness to every day of the year. Paul urged the Colossians to keep growing in Christ while overflowing with thankfulness (Col. 2:6-7). We are to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (3:17).
Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation also declared that all our blessings “are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”
This is a fitting day to express gratitude to God. And so is tomorrow, and every day that follows.
Worthy is God of our worship,
Worthy is He of our praise,
Magnify Him with thanksgiving,
Gladly our voices we raise. —Anon.
The joy of living comes from a heart of thanksgiving.
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Christian Life > Attitudes > Thankfulness/GratitudeI will be preaching the youth service for First Baptist Church of Lake Butler on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 6:30PM. The youth meet at The Fire Escape located at 102 SW 11th Street in Lake Butler, Florida. For more info call the church office at (386) 496-3704.
I will be preaching at Eternal Rock Christian Church on Sunday at 10:45AM. The church is located on Brown Road in Lake City, Florida. Please be in prayer for this service and for the church as they search for a pastor.
This is a pretty cool site called Dr Calculator. You can calculate mortgage, savings, loans, interest, retirement, etc.
I received one of those e-mails that you're never really sure if it's true, you know the kind. Well, this one told about a burger chain that has Bible Scripture notations on some of it's packaging. I checked it out and apparently it's true. The business is called "In-N-Out Burger". Here's the info that I found about the packaging on Snopes.com.
Are you looking for some good online Bible study resources? Check out Discovery Series booklets by RBC Ministries. RBC also produces Our Daily Bread devotional, which is available online or in print.
READ: Philippians 3:13-21
Forgetting those things which are behind . . . I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:13-14
A certain businessman was notorious for saving almost everything that came across his desk—especially correspondence. Consequently, the files in his office were bulging. One day his secretary asked if she might dispose of all the old, useless material. The man was reluctant, but finally said, “Well, all right, but be sure you make a copy of everything before you throw it away.”
That’s the way some Christians handle their sins. They know that Jesus paid the penalty, but somehow they can’t let go of the guilt. It’s as if Christ’s suffering were not enough, and they must contribute some of their own anguish by continually lamenting their failures. They want to keep copies of everything they’ve done. How foolish!
The apostle Paul wanted nothing of this. He accepted as an accomplished fact the removal of all his guilt before God because Christ’s death had marked PAID IN FULL over his account. The memory of earlier days remained vivid, but it didn’t weigh him down.
Everything that happens to us is retained in that remarkable filing system called “memory.” A wise forgetfulness based on Christ’s atoning sacrifice can keep all guilt feelings from cluttering up our life.
The Lord forgives our sins because of Calvary,
And He Himself remembers them no more;
So let us not be burdened with their memory,
But look ahead to all He has in store. —Hess
Guilt is a burden God never intended His children to bear.
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Christian Life > Sin > Guilt
This is a 1/4 page ad that appeared in this week's edition of the Florida Baptist Witness. The ad was created for the James Croft Evangelistic Association by Jon M. Fletcher.
Please pray that the Lord uses this ad to open doors of opportunity for this ministry, which will in turn, glorify Jesus Christ.
The monthly podcast, Walking with the Giant, for November has been delayed. My travel and ministry schedule, along with our DVD distribution has been such that I am just beginning the production of the program for November 2006. I hope to have it completed and ready for download by the first of next week. I'm sorry for this delay and ask that you pray for me and this project as production begins.
In the meantime, you can download previous editions of the program. Below are links for download and subscription:
You shall teach them diligently to your children. —Deuteronomy 6:7
Our family was excited to visit the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit that was coming to town all the way from Israel. These ancient copies of the Old Testament provide evidence that our Bible has remained accurate over the centuries. Our nephew Daniel was so elated about this outing that he told his schoolmates, “Our family is going to see ‘the dead sea squirrels!’” We all laughed when we heard his misquote. His little ears had turned a word he had never heard (scrolls) into a word he did know (squirrels). And in his childlike enthusiasm, he also knew that the family was going to see something wonderful!
Daniel’s excitement underscores an important spiritual aspect of parenting. Values are transmitted to our children not only by what we say but by the emotions we convey. Both content and heartfelt appreciation for God’s Word can be communicated to children in a variety of ways (Deut. 6:4-9), including what they overhear in our conversation with others.
Young children may not initially understand each spiritual idea we discuss, but they can catch the importance we place on it. Children pick up on spiritual values and grow in understanding as we express reverence and excitement about the Word of God.
Lord, give us wisdom to provide
The proper atmosphere
To lead our children in Your ways
By what they see and hear. —Sper
Train up a child in the way he should go—but be sure you go that way yourself.
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Relationships > Family > Children/Youth
The "Ministry Overview" DVD has been completed for the James Croft Evangelistic Association. The presentation features:
We returned safely from our trip to the annual Florida Baptist Convention in Fort Myers, Florida. It was a great time of fellowship, preaching, learning, and meeting new people.
I stopped by the exhibit for the Florida Baptist Convention Strategic Endowed Giving Department and received a caricature of me. I think it looks kind of like me doesn't it?
I told the artist upon completion of the drawing that it was a "life sized portrait"!
I'll be preaching for the First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Florida youth on Wednesday night. The service will begin at 6:30pm. For more information call the church at (386) 496-3704.
I preached the Homecoming for Bryceville (Florida) First Baptist Church this morning. It was good to see Pastor Richard Fish and to make some new friends. The service also featured a Gospel trio called "Calvary Voice". They sounded very good.
I arrived in Fort Myers, Florida around 7pm for the Florida Baptist Convention and pastor's conference. I heard some great preaching tonight and I'm looking forward to the rest of the services.
I'm traveling with Pastor Jason Johns, Ralph Parrish and Kevin Box from my home church, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Florida. We had dinner with another good friend, Pastor Terry Elixson of First Baptist Church of Winter Springs, Florida. We had a great time of fellowship.
He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” —Luke 22:19
I was in London’s Heathrow Airport waiting for a connecting flight to the US. An announcement came over the public address system stating that it was “Remembrance Day” in the UK, the day on which people honored those who had died for their country in times of war. The announcement further said that at 11:00 a.m. there would be 2 minutes of silence and that it would be appreciated if everyone kept that in mind. Thousands of people from all over the world stood in silence as a tribute to the fallen soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen of the UK.
The desire to remember those who gave their lives for their country is noble. Yet, as meaningful as that is, it cannot compare to the privilege that belongs to us when we approach the Lord’s Table. As we celebrate Communion, we are obeying Christ’s command that we remember His death (Luke 22:19) and to do it “till He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). When He sacrificed His life for us, He provided the forgiveness of sins that sets us free and secures for us an eternal home in heaven.
Rather than letting the Lord’s Supper become routine, make every opportunity at the Table a true “Remembrance Day” by honoring Him till He comes.
Thank You, Lord, for dying for me
On the cross of Calvary;
Help me always to remember
What You did to set me free. —Sper
Remembering Christ’s death for us should cause us to live for Him.
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Basics Of Faith > Jesus Christ > Death/CrossHere are a few sites with information & resources about Veteran's Day:
Military.com: Veteran's Day 11/11: Veteran's Day information
Kaboose: a site for kids with information, games and activities
Apples4theteacher: a site for teachers containing activities and information
Kidsturncentral: a site for kids with online resources about Veteran's Day
I hope you find some of these useful, informative and fun.
Don't forget to show your support and thanks for our veteran's today!
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. —Romans 13:1
Jamaicans were recently concerned that their country’s murder rate was nearing an all-time high. Debate was lively as good citizens sought solutions.
Typical of two common approaches came in letters to the editor of one Jamaican newspaper. One writer said, “Unless our scholars, . . . policymakers and political representatives seriously seek answers, the future of our nation is dire.” Another observed, “It is time we address the heart of the problem—that the people of Jamaica go . . . not to the Minister of National Security but to God Himself.”
One problem, two views: The totally secular proposal, which leans on the wisdom of man alone; and the divine approach, which depends on God and those who love Him.
We need both: God-ordained government to care for the people (Rom. 13:1-7), and people who have a proper view of God and His guidelines for life (Prov. 14:33).
No matter where we live, we must pray for those in charge, asking God to provide direction. Then we must also work and pray that individuals—one by one—see their need for Jesus and their dependence on the Lord.
By combining the two views, we can make a difference.
It’s always easy to complain
And say that government’s unfair,
But God’s Word says we should give thanks
And lift our leaders up in prayer. —Hess
Through prayer, the public business of the nation can become the private business of the Christian.
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Relationships > Relating to God > PrayerI will be preaching the Homecoming Service at Bryceville First Baptist Church on this Sunday, November 12th. The service will begin at 11am. The church is located at 7732 Highway 301 in Bryceville, Florida. For more information call Pastor Richard Fish at (904) 266-4169.
Immediately following the Bryceville service, I will be traveling, with my pastor and others from First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, to Fort Myers for the annual Florida Baptist Convention. This will be the first time I have attended this convention. Please pray for our travel and for the meeting too.
The JCEA ministry DVD should be completed this weekend and I hope to begin work on the November edition of Walking with the Giant today or tomorrow. I'm way behind on this edition due to a heavy schedule in my first 2 1/2 weeks of full-time ministry. Please keep all of these projects in your prayers.
I will be leading a training session tonight on "The Church Preparing for Revival" for the Santa Fe River Baptist Association. The session will be attended by Southern Baptist pastors from the Gainesville, Florida area. Please be in prayer for this session.
I will be preaching at my home church, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, tonight at 6:30pm. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.
Do you remember the Ray Stevens song "Mississippi Squirrel Revival"? Here's a site that features the song, lyrics and some photos to make it more interesting.
This is the day that United States voters will elect those that will serve in various offices from Congress to local government. I hope that every eligible citizen will take this responsibility seriously and let their voice be heard by voting. I also hope that each Christian will make their vote a matter of prayer so that the result will reflect God’s perfect will for our nation.
After the election, let's be in prayer for both winners and losers, as well as those already serving.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
I will be preaching in supply for my pastor, Jason Johns, on Wednesday, November 8th at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. The service will begin at 6:30pm in the fellowship hall due to construction in the sanctuary. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida. For more info call the church at (386) 496-3704.
I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. —Deuteronomy 30:15
You’ve heard the infamous name of John Wilkes Booth. He assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. But have you heard about Edwin Booth, John’s eldest brother? Edwin, a well-known actor, was waiting at a Jersey City train station when he saw someone slip and fall off the platform. Edwin quickly grabbed the man’s collar and pulled him to safety—rescuing him from serious injury or death. Who was the man he saved? Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert, a soldier in the Civil War.
How ironic that the man who saved Lincoln’s son had a brother who would soon kill the president. One saved a life; one took a life. One chose life; the other chose death.
The Lord gave His people a choice between life and death: They could love Him and obey His commands (Deut. 30:16), or they could worship and serve other gods (v.17). He told them, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life” (v.19).
We too have a choice between life and death. We can receive Jesus as our Savior and live with Him forever, or we can reject Jesus and be in darkness forever without Him. The best choice is clear. Receive God’s gift of His Son Jesus. Choose life!
The choice we make determines our
Eternal destination;
One leads to everlasting life;
The other, condemnation. —Sper
The choice you make today will determine your tomorrow.
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Basics Of Faith > Salvation > Eternal Life
I mentioned in a previous post that it was good to see some of my family at the revival meeting at First Baptist Church of Lacoochee this week. There are several members of the Croft family that live in the area. I rarely see most of them. I see some of them at an annual family reunion in Lulu, Florida, but not all are able to make the trip. Well, this week I was able to see alot of them, some of which I didn't even know. Pictured are a few of the family members that were present for last night's service. There were several others that attended other services.
One of my cousins, Russell Linville, a deacon at the church, is the person that recommended me to the church. Russell and I always looked forward to a family reunion that was once held in Ocala, Florida. We,along with his brother Rodney, would catch-up on events of the past year and just have a great time. Well, you know how the aging process, starting careers and families, etc. can allow you to lose touch; plus they stopped having that reunion in Ocala.
Russell learned last year that I had been called into evangelism, so when the church began to discuss a revival he recommended me. He was able to find how to reach me via the Internet and the line of communication was re-opened after 31 years!
I don't think it will be another 31 years before we communicate again. I praise the Lord for the technologies we have today such as the Internet and cell phones that make it much easier to stay close to family from great distances.
This has truly been a great week for the Lord and for members of the Croft family.
By the way, Russell and I now have something else to share with each other, our worship and service to our Lord, Jesus Christ!
This can be a tough lesson for Christians to learn.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32
When we or someone we love has been hurt, thoughts of revenge may dominate our minds. But we won’t ever be able to “get even.” Dr. Lewis Smedes, a professor of theology, wrote extensively about forgiveness in Forgive and Forget, saying: “Revenge never evens the score, for alienated people never keep score of wrongs by the same mathematics. Forgiveness is the only way to stop the cycle of unfair pain turning in your memory.”
These insights help us understand why Paul wrote with urgency: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger . . . be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, . . . forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:31-32). Paul knew that a spirit of forgiveness was essential for the Ephesians’ spiritual survival. His appeal was based on God’s forgiveness of them.
Smedes said that forgiveness is not forgetting, excusing, or smoothing things over. Instead, forgiving breaks the cycle of revenge and “creates a new possibility of fairness by releasing us from the unfair past. Forgiving is love’s toughest work, and love’s biggest risk. To forgive is to dance to the beat of God’s forgiving heart. It is to ride the crest of love’s strongest wave. To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
Jesus came our debt to pay,
Saved our soul in grace one day,
So in love we all should live,
Ready always to forgive. —Bosch
Revenge imprisons us; forgiveness sets us free.
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The revival meeting at First Baptist Church of Lacoochee, Florida went very well. It was great to make new friends and to see family that I hadn't seen in years.
Pictured left to right are: Pastor Eldridge Parrish, Deacon Russell Linville, Evangelist James Croft and Deacon/Music Director Donald Surrency.
This will be the last night of the revival meeting at First Baptist Church of Lacoochee, Florida. It has been a great week thus far and I look forward to the Lord blessing again tonight.
The number of downloads for the Walking with the Giant podcast are dwon for the month of October. I think this could be contributed to some technical changes made to our download blog by Blogger.com which has resulted in a change of how our RSS Feed works. The last two episodes are longer than the previous ones which would mean longer download times. This could be deterring some from downloading them. Whatever the reason for the lower numbers, we will continue to pray that the Lord uses the program to speak to hearts around the world.
Here's a breakdown of the numbers for October 2006:
| Episode | Guest | Oct. 2006 Downloads | Total Downloads |
| January 2006 |
| 20 | 264 |
| February-March 2006 | Dr. Harold Hudson | 18 | 250 |
| April 2006 | Jack & Ali | 19 | 285 |
| May 2006 | Dr. Sterling Huston | 52 | 369 |
| June 2006 | Evangelist Bobby Brindle | 46 | 308 |
| July 2006 | Howard Butzer | 49 | 320 |
| August 2006 | Ruth H. Westgate | 5 | 76 |
| September 2006 | Chaplain (Maj.) | 17 | 68 |
| October 2006 | Junior Combs & Southern Joy 2006 National Quartet Convention Group Talent Competion Winners | 25 | 25 |
| Total Downloads | 251 | 1965 | |
