Heart Trouble

Our Daily Bread

READ: Ephesians 2:1-10

Create in me a clean heart, O God. —Psalm 51:10

About this cover

What’s the most common affliction that plagues people in the US? Heart trouble. More than any other ailment, it’s the disease that causes an early death.

But there’s an affliction even more deadly than a malfunction of the organ that pumps blood through our bodies. It’s a spiritual heart disease from which everyone suffers. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).

Here’s the diagnosis made by Jesus Christ, the greatest of all heart specialists: “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man” (Matt. 15:19-20).

His words echo the verdict of Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” That diagnosis includes all who are dead in their sins (Eph. 2:1).

We need a new heart—to be made alive. But how can that happen? It takes the healing touch of our Lord. God showed His kindness to us in Christ Jesus when He gave His Son to die in our place. He makes us alive by grace through faith; “it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8).

Ask Him for a spiritual heart transplant. —Vernon C Grounds

Now rest, my long-divided heart,
Fixed on this blissful center, rest,
Nor ever from my Lord depart,
With Him of every good possessed. —Doddridge

We need more than a new start; we need a new heart.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Basics Of Faith > Salvation > New Birth

Statenville, GA on Sunday

I will be preaching at Macedonia Baptist Church tomorrow, Sunday, July 1st. The services will begin at 11am and 7pm. I will be filling in for vacationing pastor Milton Smith. The church is located on Mayday Road in Statenville, Georgia. Please be in prayer for these services.

Outside The Box

Cop Roasted For Pulling Over Wienermobile

MADISON, Wis. -- Is the hot dog a hot car? An Arizona Highway Patrol officer pulled over the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

The trooper had run a license check on the Wienermobile's YUMMY plates and the report came back as stolen. It seems that the plates had been swiped from the Wienermobile months ago in Missouri but had been replaced.

However, the stolen plate report was still listed in a nationwide law enforcement database.

Read more of this story on News4Jax.

BANGLADESH: Christians Beaten; Mob Threatens To Burn Homes

DUBLIN, June 28 (Compass Direct News) – Muslim villagers armed with bricks and wooden clubs savagely beat 10 Christian converts in Nilphamari district, Bangladesh, on Tuesday (June 26) and threatened to burn down their homes if they did not leave by today.

The mob gave the Christians an ultimatum on Wednesday (June 27) to leave the village within 24 hours, threatening more beatings along with home burnings; that deadline expired today without incident. Muslim extremists also threatened to kill two Christians.

A human rights advocate working on behalf of the Christians who requested anonymity said he had contacted local police and government officials, including the district commissioner, but “they are very slow to respond.” Police rejected the Christians’ attempt to file a complaint, instead threatening to arrest them for “converting Muslims.”

Read more of this story on Compass Direct News.

Stock Market Report

Helium was up, feathers were down.
Paper was stationary.
Fluorescent tubing was dimmed in light trading.
Knives were up sharply.
Cow steered into a bull market.
Pencils lost a few points.
Hiking equipment was trailing.
Elevators rose, while escalators continued their slow decline.
Weights were up in heavy trading.
Light switches were off.
Mining equipment hit rock bottom.
Diapers remain unchanged.
Shipping lines stayed at an even keel.
The market for raisins dried up.
Coca Cola fizzled.
Caterpillar stock inched up a bit.
Sun peaked at midday.
Balloon prices were inflated.
Scott Tissue touched a new bottom.

To Whom Do You Pledge Your Allegiance?

It is not heretical to display the Christian flag along with the American flag in a church auditorium—as long as the church members’ primary allegiance is to the Christian flag and their secondary allegiance is to the American flag.

In my childhood, I attended Training Union (now called Discipleship Training) every Sunday night before church. We pledged allegiance to the Christian flag, to the Bible, and to the American flag. It was made very clear to whom ultimate allegiance belonged: first to the Bible and to the Christian flag, and then to America. And as long as that is the proper order and priority, there is no problem with flying the flags together.

In this country, we have never had an official relationship whereby the government has placed the flag in the churches. Here, if the U.S. flag is in a church, it is because the church members have chosen to place it there. That’s very different than in European countries, where the flag was often placed in churches by the government because the government owned the church. Only one major country in Western Europe is purely secular—France. In England, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Scandinavian countries, an official relationship exists between the church and the state.

Read more of this opinion on The Christian Post.

Sticky Burdens

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Psalm 32:1-7

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you. —Psalm 55:22

About this cover

Have you ever had Super Glue or oil-based paint on your fingers? If so, you may have discovered that what seemed impossible to remove can be taken off with the right solution.

Life’s burdens can be that way. Someone I was mentoring sent me an e-mail and asked me to pray. It read: “I can’t shake this burden. It’s something I haven’t been able to give up to God. I’m very sad about it and know that I must hand it over to Him and be transformed. I truly need God’s strength to rid myself of it. I know that God’s forgiveness can clean me if I let it. I just must choose to let it.”

I responded, “The joy of the Christian life is knowing that God can handle anything we hand over to Him. . . . But at the same time, the great burden of the Christian life is that we—weak and helpless individuals that we are—hang on to stuff we know we need to give to God. We all know the feeling.”

Our sins and concerns, big and small, seem to stick to us like Super Glue. The solution? We need to take those burdens off our own hands and put them on God’s shoulders. The Bible tells us: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you” (Ps. 55:22).

Why carry around those sticky burdens? —Dave Branon

God knows our burdens and our crosses,
Those things that hurt, our trials and losses,
He cares for every soul that cries,
And wipes the tears from weeping eyes. —Brandt

God tells us to burden Him with what burdens us.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Christian Life > Personal Crisis > Worry/Anxiety

Great Virus Protection

Mission T.I.M.E. Tonight

I will be preaching tonight during the Mission T.I.M.E. Revival sponsored by Evangelist Rodney Keith of Keith Ministries. The service begins at 7pm at First Baptist Church, 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida. Please be in prayer for this service.

Jacksonville, FL Date Scheduled

I will be preaching the 11am morning worship service at The Good Samaritan Church on Sunday, July 8, 2007. The Good Samaritan Church is located at 44 Jericho Road in Jacksonville, Florida and is pastored by Rev. David Collins. Please be in prayer for this service.

Christian Teen Seeks to Grant Troops' Wishes

ORANGE, Calif. (AP) - Between cramming for finals, preparing for prom and graduating, Shauna Fleming crisscrossed the country, visited the Pentagon, threw out the first pitch at a baseball game and filmed a television advertising campaign.

Not a bad way to finish high school.

Three years ago, the Orange County student started the "A Million Thanks" letter-writing campaign for U.S. troops fighting overseas. After tripling her expectations, she is starting a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to wounded soldiers.

"It's been an amazing but very humbling experience," the 18-year-old said. "I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world because it's so valuable."

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Enemies Into Footstools

NBA Draft viewed with eyes of faith

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (BP)--Lee Humphrey is at a crossroads as Thursday's NBA Draft looms. A multitude of paths are branching out in front of him, but none of them are clearly lit.

For spiritual clarity, the 23-year-old University of Florida shooting guard has drawn encouragement from an unlikely source: the Old Testament account of Israel's dramatic departure from Egypt.

"I'm in Exodus," said Humphrey, who is reading through the Bible chronologically in a year. "When the cloud moves, they get up and go. It's been pretty neat that that's what I've been reading with all that is going on, because soon I can be almost anywhere in the world. I'm praying and I have faith that God knows where I'm going to be."

Read more of this story on Baptist Press.

A Bad Day?

Jesus Portrait in La. Court Will Stay Up Despite Outcry from ACLU

SLIDELL, La. (AP) — A portrait of Jesus on the wall at Slidell City Court will remain up for now, despite objections from the American Civil Liberties Union, which calls it a violation of church-state separation.

Further investigation will be needed before court officials decide whether to remove the portrait on First Amendment grounds — and the court might not make a deadline demanded last week by the ACLU, court spokeswoman Ann Barks said.

"It's more than just a picture of Jesus," Barks said. "It might have more to do with the business of the court than purely religious reasons."

A priest Friday identified the image as a 16th century Russian Orthodox icon called "Christ the Savior," — most likely a reprint. In the picture, Jesus is shown holding open a book to display two pages, each with a biblical quotation about judging correctly and wisely. The quotations are written in Russian.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Trading Cards

Billboard Delivers Message from Satan

CBNNews.com - A Texas church is turning heads with a new billboard that displays a message from Satan.

The "I hate Victory Family Church Members" sign was put up by the victory family church near Fort Worth.

The pastor who came up with the idea, Allen Gates, says the message is working.

Watch a video of this story or read more of this story on CBN.

Professor Punished for Thanksgiving Email to Return

An Arizona professor will return to teaching classes this fall following a months-long campaign over a Thanksgiving email he sent out to the college community.

Professor Walter Kehowski, a tenured professor of mathematics at Glendale Community College in Glendale, Ariz., was initially put on forced administrative leave because of an email that directed readers to George Washington’s “Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789” posted on politician Pat Buckhannon’s website.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Integrity 101

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Psalm 101

I will behave wisely in a perfect way. . . . I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. —Psalm 101:2

About this cover

Officials in Philadelphia were astonished to receive a letter and payment from a motorist who had been given a speeding ticket in 1954. John Gedge, an English tourist, had been visiting the City of Brotherly Love when he was cited for speeding. The penalty was $15, but Gedge forgot about the ticket for almost 52 years until he discovered it in an old coat. “I thought, I’ve got to pay it,” said Gedge, 84, who now lives in a nursing home in East Sussex. “Englishmen pay their debts. My conscience is clear.”

This story reminded me of the psalmist David’s commitment to integrity. Although he made some terrible choices in his life, Psalm 101 declares his resolve to live blamelessly. His integrity would begin in the privacy of his own house (v.2) and extend to his choice of colleagues and friends (vv.6-7). In sharp contrast to the corrupt lives of most kings of the ancient Near East, David’s integrity led him to respect the life of his sworn enemy, King Saul (1 Sam. 24:4-6; 26:8-9).

As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk in integrity and to maintain a clear conscience. When we honor our commitments to God and to others, we will walk in fellowship with God. Our integrity will guide us (Prov. 11:3) and help us walk securely (10:9). —Marvin Williams

Lord, cleanse my heart of all deceit
And teach me to be true;
Help me to have integrity
In all I say and do. —Sper

There is no better test of a man’s integrity than his behavior when he is wrong.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Christian Life > Character > Integrity

Building Muscle

Happy Campers

Camp Crestridge for Girls provides the setting for our weekly video Podcast called "Walking with the Giant Videos". The video features Crestridge camper Kate Thompson from Florida.


You can receive e-mail notifications when new videos are added:
Subscribe to Walking With The Giant Videos by Email

For more information about this ministry visit these sites:

• Evangelist James Croft
• Walking with the Giant Videos
• Walking with the Giant Podcast

You may also contribute financially to this ministry to help with evangelism projects by following these links:

• Credit Card
• Check or Money Order

Keeping Up

Keeping up with the various areas of our ministry is easy with the E-mail Subscription service powered by Feedburner. Just complete the forms below for the areas in which you are interested. You will be able to unsubscibe at any time and your e-mail address will not be shared with anyone. So, sign-up today for one or all of the notifications!

Walking with the Giant Blog

An e-mail will be sent each day a new post appears on this site.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Preaching Schedule

An e-mail will be sent each time an event is added to Evangelist James Croft's ministry schedule.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Walking with the Giant Videos

An e-mail will be sent each day a new ministry video is added.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Walking with the Giant Podcast

An e-mail will be sent each time a new edition of the Walking with the Giant podcast is released.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

JCEA Ministry Newsletter

An e-mail will be sent each month when the newsletter is updated.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

PLEASE NOTE: This is a "double opt-in" system. After entering your e-mail address you will be sent an e-mail containing a link to validate your address.

The Offensive Truth

I was dismayed a while back when I learned that a Barna survey found that “less than one out of every ten churched teenagers has a biblical worldview.” But a survey is just that, a survey. Things couldn’t be that bad, could they? Well, I recently heard a shocking story that vividly illustrates just how far relativism has infected the Church—to the point where Christian kids balk at the idea that Christianity would claim to be, of all things, true.

Read more of this opinion on The Christian Post.

Rules Of Chocolate

~ If you've got melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly.

~ Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices & strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.

~ The problem: How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in hot car. The solution: Eat it in the parking lot.

~ Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less.

~ A nice box of chocolates can provide your total daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy?

~ If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.

~ If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet? Don't they actually counteract each other?

~ Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives make you look younger.

~ Q. Why is there no such organization as Chocoholics Anonymous?
A. Because no one wants to quit.

Getting Free

Our Daily Bread

READ: Mark 10:17-27

One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. —Mark 10:21

About this cover

Personal downsizing usually occurs when someone moves to a smaller home. Furniture and other possessions are sacrificed because there is no longer room for them. But when psychologist Jane Adams moved to a larger home, she still went through the difficult process of parting with many treasured items from her worldwide travels. Instead of downsizing, she was ridding herself of unnecessary things that bound her to the past.

“Downsizing,” she said, “is about pinching, restricting, and cutting back while keeping yesterday’s dreams alive; divesting is about freedom, expansion, . . . and dreaming new [dreams].”

Instead of searching for meaning in possessions, we are called to find life and freedom in Jesus. To a religious young man whose possessions gripped him, Christ said: “‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.’ But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:21-22).

It’s hard to imagine Jesus needing a storage unit for His extra stuff. If anything I own keeps me from obeying Him wholeheartedly, am I ready to open my hand, release it, and freely follow Him? —David C. McCasland

No longer do I ask for things,
For Christ is my desire;
He walks with me and talks with me;
He is my satisfier. —Bang

A faith that costs nothing and demands nothing is worth nothing.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Christian Life > Lifestyle issues > Money/Possessions

Redesigned Newsletter

The June issue of the James Croft Evangelistic Association newsletter is now online. Check out the new design and let me know what you think by posting a comment below.

Over-Protected Child

NC Trip Productive

I returned very late last night from North Carolina. I had a very productive trip for the ministry and it was a lot of fun too.

I went to Camp Crestridge For Girls in Ridgecrest, North Carolina to attend the closing program for their first summer session. While I was at the camp, I interviewed Chris Maslin, Assistant Director for Ridgecrest Camps. That interview will be featured on the July episode of the Walking With The Giant Podcast. I also produced an episode for the Walking With The Giant Videos Podcast. This episode will be available tomorrow (Tuesday, June 26, 2007). I was also able to shoot several other video episodes along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in Cherokee that will be avaiable over the next few weeks.

I also conducted an interview with Eddie Swimmer in Cherokee, North Carolina. He has a unique radio ministry to Native Americans that I think you will find interesting. This interview will be featured on the August edition of Walking With The Giant.

If you're going to be in Cherokee, North Carolina during the summer and early fall months, make plans to see "Unto These Hills". This is a wonderful drama/musical about the Cherokee people. I attended on Friday night and had a wonderful time.

I visited with the fine folks at Cherokee Baptist Church on Sunday morning. I heard a great sermon by my friend, Pastor Percy Cunningham (pictured with me). A young man was saved during the service! Praise God!

Due to time constraints, I wasn't able to do as much sight-seeing as I would have liked. Maybe I'll have another opportunity in the future.

Pastor Beaten And Burned In India

Delhi (AsiaNews/Compass) – A mob of young Hindu extremists beat the pastor and tried to set him on fire before parading him naked in the suburbs of Bangalore, capital of Karnataka state. The Compass Direct News agency reports that Laxmi Narayan Gowda, an independent pastor and representative of the Global Council of Indian Christians, is now in hospital: he is badly wounded and has serious burns.

The incident took place at about 7 p.m. June 7th in Hessarghatta, about 30 kilometres from Bangalore. A group of about 50 people barged into the pastor's house and threatened him with violence unless he moved out of the area.

Read more of this story on AsiaNews.

Pastor: Wristbands Cut Congregation's Complaints

Bethel Temple Community Church has ended a unique challenge that aimed to stop its congregation from complaining for 21 days.

Church pastor the Rev. Steve Schwambach passed out 1,900 purple wristbands sporting the phrase "No complaining! Php 2:14." to his congregation. Band wearers were supposed to switch it from wrist to wrist every time they caught themselves complaining.

The challenge ended on Sunday.

Read more of this story on FOX News.

Just Be Yourself

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: John 9:1-25

You, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled. —Colossians 1:21

About this cover

For those of us who don’t have the spiritual gift of evangelism, the word witness can stir up some unpleasant memories or paralyzing anxieties. In fact, I’ve sometimes felt like a complete failure when I tried to follow methods that were designed to make witnessing easier.

Jim Henderson, author of Evangelism Without Additives: What if Sharing Your Faith Meant Just Being Yourself? has made the subject less threatening for me by suggesting another way of thinking about the subject. Instead of using someone else’s words or story, he suggests “just being yourself.”

In courtrooms, second-hand testimony is not allowed because anything other than a first-hand account is unreliable. The same is true spiritually. The authentic story of the work Christ has done in our lives is the best testimony we have. We don’t need to doctor it or dramatize it. When we tell the truth about Christ’s power to save us and keep us from sin, our testimony will be credible.

If the thought of taking classes or memorizing plans has kept you from witnessing, try a different approach: be yourself! Like the blind man Jesus healed, simply say, “Though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25). —Julie Ackerman Link

Thinking It Through
Write out your personal testimony of when you received
Jesus as your Savior. Try including what your life was
like before, and what it’s like now.

If you want others to know what Christ can do for them, tell them what He has done for you.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Ministry and Outreach > Sharing the Gospel > Inviting others to Christ

Health Insurance Program

Exact Change

A man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him. The waitress asks them for their orders.

The man says, "A hamburger, fries and a coke," and turns to the ostrich, "What's yours?"

"I'll have the same," says the ostrich.

A short time later the waitress returns with the order "That will be $9.40 please," and the man reaches into his pocket and pulls out the exact change for payment.

The next day, the man and the ostrich come again and the man says, "A hamburger, fries and a coke."

The ostrich says, "I'll have the same."

Again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.

This becomes routine until the two enter again. "The usual?" asks the waitress.

"No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato and a salad," says

the man.

"Same," says the ostrich.

Shortly the waitress brings the order and says, "That will be $32.62."

Once again the man pulls the exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table.

The waitress cannot hold back her curiosity any longer. "Excuse me sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change in your pocket every time?"

"Well," says the man, "several years ago I was cleaning the attic and found an old lamp. When I rubbed it, a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money would always be there."

"That's brilliant!" says the waitress. "Most people would ask for a million dollars or something, but you'll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!"

That's right. Whether it's a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there," says the man.

The waitress asks, "What's with the ostrich?"

The man sighs, pauses and answers, "My second wish was for a tall chick with long legs who agrees with everything I say."

North Carolina Trip

Posts to this Blog may not be as numerous as usual for the next few days. I am currently in North Carolina on a combination pleasure and business trip.

The pleasure part is to attend closing ceremonies at Camp Crestridge for Girls in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. Two neices have been at the camp for two weeks.

The business part of the trip will be conducting two interviews for upcoming episodes of the Walking With The Giant Podcast. I'll also be recording a few video episodes for the Walking With The Giant Video Podcast. I have some great ideas that I can't wait to share with you in these two ministries.

Please pray that all goes well and that we have safe travels over the next few days.

What's Wrong With Me?

The man told his doctor that he wasn't able to do all the things around the house that he used to do. When the examination was complete, he said, "Now, Doc, I can take it. Tell me in plain English what's wrong with me."

"Well, in plain English," the doctor replied, "you're just lazy."

"Okay, doc," said the man. "Now give me the medical term so I can tell my wife."

Use It Wisely

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Genesis 2:7-15

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness. —Psalm 24:1

About this cover

God gave us an incredible gift—the beautiful world in which we live. Naturally, though, as we share this planet with so many others, we run the risk of seeing its beauty diminished and its resources depleted.

While we have every right to use the resources God placed in and on the earth, we also need to recognize our responsibility to respect the earth as His and to preserve its resources for future generations.

In Genesis, the Lord told Adam (and, by extension, all of us) to “tend and keep” the earth (2:15). Because we don’t know when Jesus will return, it would not be responsible stewardship to leave our children and grandchildren without the resources that God provided for them as well.

We might think our individual efforts to preserve God’s world aren’t valuable. But we can all work together to do our part. Buying and consuming less, simplifying, repairing instead of replacing, reusing, and recycling are all good stewardship practices.

One way we can testify of our love for God and to express our gratitude for what He has done is by tending and keeping the earth and all that it offers. Until the Lord returns, let’s use our world wisely. —Dave Branon

The natural world that God has made
Is given to us and must be shared;
May generations yet to come
Be thankful that we cared. —D. De Haan

God created the world and placed it in our care.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Relationships > Relating to God > Blessings From
Christian Life > Our World > Environment/Nature

Warning For Dieters

'Jesus' Film on Verge of Reaching 1,000th Translation

The ”Jesus” film – the most translated and widely distributed film in history – announced Tuesday that it is on the verge of reaching its 1000th translation.

As one of the most effective evangelism tools with more than 6 billon viewers globally over 28 years, the “Jesus” film has been seen and translated far more times than top Oscar-winning films such as “Gone With the Wind,” “The Sound of Music,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

When the 1,000th translation milestone is reached, the one million primarily Ho speaking people in India will be able to hear the Gospel story in their “heart language.” Already through the film more than 200 million people have accepted Christ as their Savior.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Summertime Excitement

Summertime means fun-time for most children, including 3'10" tall evangelist James Croft. One of those "fun-times" for all ages is Vacation Bible School (VBS).

A special "thank you" to First Baptist Church of White Springs, Florida for their assistance with this video.



You can receive e-mail notifications when new videos are added:
Subscribe to Walking With The Giant Videos by Email

For more information about this ministry visit these sites:

• Evangelist James Croft
• Walking with the Giant Videos
• Walking with the Giant Podcast

You may also contribute financially to this ministry to help with evangelism projects by following these links:

• Credit Card
• Check or Money Order

Forgivenall

Interactive Crossword Puzzle

Try your hand at this Biblical interactive crossword puzzle. The answers are based on John 3.

Lake Park, Georgia Dates Added

I have been scheduled to lead revival services at Antioch Church in August. The services will begin on Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 11am and 6pm. The meeting will continue Monday-Thursday, August 27-30, 2007 at 7pm nightly. Antioch Church is located on State Road 376 in Lake Park, Georgia. For more information call Pastor Micheal Corbett at (229) 559-6654.

Psychiatrist Seminar For Students

The aspiring psychiatrists from various colleges were attending their first seminar on emotional extremes. "Just to establish some parameters," said the professor, to a student, "What is the opposite of joy?"

"Sadness," said the student.

"And the opposite of depression?" he asked of a young lady from another college.

"Elation," said she.

"And you sir," he said to the young man in the back of the room, "how about the opposite of woe?"

The student replied, "Sir, I believe that would be giddy-up."

Hairs Are Numbered

Evil Cholesterol

JCEA June Newsletter Now Online

The June issue of the James Croft Evangelistic Association newsletter is now online. Check out the new design and let me know what you think by posting a comment below.

Rope-A-Dope

A man ordered a length of rope by telephone from his nearest hardware shop. But when he went to collect the rope, he found that the assistant had miswritten the order by interchanging feet and inches. As a result of this, the rope was only 30 percent of the length that the man wanted. What length did he want and what length did he get?

NOTE: To see the answer click and highlight the area between the arrows below.

Answer: -->The man ordered 9 feet 2 inches of rope, and got 2 feet 9 inches.<--

Fatherly Wisdom

Missing 2 Days, 5-Year-Old Found Alive

OMENCE, Ill. — A 5-year-old girl who was feared drowned with her grandfather on a boating trip startled searchers Friday when she emerged from the woods — naked, scratched and holding raspberries.

Crews had pulled her grandfather's body from the Kankakee River in eastern Illinois just hours earlier.

"People were like, 'Who's that little girl? That can't be her, can it?'" Kankakee Sheriff's Chief Deputy Ken McCabe said. "I went up to her (and) asked, 'How you doing? What's your name?'"

When authorities told Hannah Klamecki's family — already grieving the loss of her grandfather — that she was alive, the home erupted in screaming.

Read more of this story on FOX News.

Computer Jokes 2

Q: What happened when the computer fell on the floor?
A: It slipped a disk.

Q: Why was there a bug in the computer?
A: It was looking for a byte to eat.

Q: What is a computer virus?
A: A terminal illness.

Q: How did the mouse get out of the Russian Cathedral?
A: He clicked on an icon and opened a window

Billy Graham: Wife Ruth Beautiful in Death

Ruth Graham retained her beauty even in death and surely "had a great reception in heaven," an ailing Billy Graham told mourners who gathered Saturday to remember his beloved wife.

"I wish you could look in that casket because she's so beautiful," said Graham, clinging to his walker. "She was a wonderful woman."

Ruth Graham died Thursday at age 87 following a lengthy illness. Her husband's closest confidant, she was remembered as a spiritual stalwart and modest mentor who provided a solid foundation - both biblically and geographically - for her globe-trotting husband.

Read more of this story on NewsMax.

Definitions For Parents

DUMBWAITER: one who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.

FEEDBACK: the inevitable result when the baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.

FULL NAME: what you call your child when you're mad at him.

GRANDPARENTS: the people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.

INDEPENDENT: how we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say.

OW: the first word spoken by children with older siblings.

PUDDLE: a small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.

SHOW OFF: a child who is more talented than yours.

TOP BUNK: where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.

TWO-MINUTE WARNING: when the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar grunting noises.

A Letter From Dad

Our Daily Bread

READ: 2 Timothy 1:1-10

Stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. —2 Timothy 1:6

About this cover

A few months before my father died of cancer, he wrote me a letter in which he said: “I never think of you that I don’t offer up a short prayer for you and your success. I know you. I know what’s behind you. And I am pretty sure that I understand your goals, the kind of writing you hope to do, and the message you wish to convey. Stay in there and pitch, and may the Lord bless you. I am just so proud and thankful that the Lord let me be your father.”

That letter is one of my dad’s greatest gifts to me.

The New Testament contains two letters from Paul to Timothy, a young man he mentored and considered his “true son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2) and his “beloved son” (2 Tim. 1:2). The second letter begins with Paul’s deeply personal words assuring Timothy of his love and faithful prayers (vv.2-3). Paul affirmed Timothy’s spiritual heritage (v.5) and his God-given gifts and calling (vv.6-7). Then he encouraged him to live boldly for the gospel of Christ (v.8).

Dads, you can give great encouragement to your children by writing them a letter of love and affirmation. It may be the greatest gift you can give them. Why not sit down and write it from your heart today? —David C. McCasland

God gives us children for a time
To nurture and to love,
To give them our encouragement,
With wisdom from above. —Sper

The greatest gift a father can give his children is himself.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Relationships > Family > Father

The Computer "Age"

What boots up must come down.

Fax is stranger than fiction.

Don't byte off more than you can view.

The geek shall inherit the earth.

The e-mail of the species is more deadly than the mail.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to use the Net and he won't bother you for weeks.

Who's Working?

For a couple years I've been blaming it on lack of sleep and too much pressure from my job, but now I found out the real reason: I'm tired because I'm overworked.

The population of this country is 237 million. 104 million are retired. That leaves 133 million to do the work. There are 85 million in school, which leaves 48 million to do the work.

Of this there are 29 million employed by the federal government, leaving 19 million to do the work.
2.8 million are in the Armed Forces, which leaves 16.2 million to do the work.

Take from the total the 14,800,000 people who work for State and City Governments and that leaves 1.4 million to do the work.

At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals, leaving 1,212,000 to do the work.Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons.

That leaves just two people to do the work. You and me.

And you're sitting at your computer reading jokes!!!

Source: Thought and Humor Blog.

New Laptop

Etch A Sketch Magic

NOTE: I don't think I ever created anything on my Etch-A-Sketch quite this detailed when I was kid.

What Is The JCEA?

If you would like to financially contribute to this ministry you may follow the links below:

• Credit Card
• Check or Money Order

Computer Jokes

Q: What is a computer's first sign of old age?
A: Loss of memory.

Q: What does a baby computer call his father?
A: Data.

Q: What is an astronaut's favourite key on a computer keyboard?
A: The space bar.

Billy Graham's Wife Ruth Dies at 87

MONTREAT, N.C. (AP) - Ruth Graham, who surrendered dreams of missionary work in Tibet to marry a suitor who became the world's most renowned evangelist, died Thursday. She was 87. Graham died at 5:05 p.m. at her home at Little Piney Cove, surrounded by her husband and all five of their children, said a statement released by Larry Ross, Billy Graham's spokesman.

"Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team," Billy Graham said in a statement. "No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.

"I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we've had in the mountains together. We've rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven."

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Statement by the President Regarding the Death of Ruth Bell Graham

Public Invited to Attend Funeral Service for Ruth Bell Graham, Late Wife of Billy Graham

Family Discussion

Poll: More Americans Believe in God, Heaven than Devil, Hell

Americans are more likely to believe in God and Heaven than in the Devil and Hell, a new Gallup poll found.

The latest study found that 86 percent of American adults believe in God which is a drop from 90 percent in 2004 and in 2001. Seventy percent expressed belief in the Devil.

Also, 81 percent said they believe in Heaven; 75 percent in Angels; and 69 percent in Hell.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

A "Final" Riddle

Some try to hide, some try to cheat,
but time will show, we always will meet.
Try as you might, to guess my name,
I promise you'll know, when I do claim.
What am I?

NOTE: To see the answer click and highlight the area between the arrows below.

Answer: -->Death, see John 3:16<--

Bread For The Coming Day

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Matthew 6:9-13

Give us this day our daily bread. —Matthew 6:11

About this cover

Not long ago, I traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo to lead a Bible conference. I took in the beauty of the Nyungwe Forest and Ruzizi River, which separates Congo from Rwanda. I experienced the amazing hospitality of the Congolese people, and I was moved by their sincere faith in God’s provision.

Because unemployment, poverty, and malnutrition are serious problems there, the people often don’t know where their next meal will come from. So each time they sit down to eat, they thank God and ask Him to provide the next meal.

Their prayer sounds a lot like Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 6:11, “Give us this day our daily bread.” The word bread refers to any food. The phrase “this day” indicates provision that came to them one day at a time.

Many first-century workers were paid one day at a time, so a few days’ illness could spell tragedy. “Daily” could be translated “for the coming day.” The prayer would read: “Give us today our bread for the coming day.” It was an urgent prayer to those who lived from hand to mouth.

This prayer calls Jesus’ followers everywhere to recognize that our ability to work and earn our food comes from God’s hand. —Marvin Williams

Lord, thank You for our daily bread
And everything that You provide;
Increase our faith and help us see
That Your supply is deep and wide. —Sper

Our problems are never a strain on God’s provision.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Relationships > Relating to God > Blessings From

Appropriate Names

Q: Why did the farmer name his two dogs Rolex and Timex?
A: Because they were watch dogs.

Gumby Applies For A Job

NOTE: You got to be old enough to remember "Gumby and Pokey" to appreciate this one.

Videos Now On iTunes

The Walking With The Giant Video Podcast is now available on iTunes. Now you can watch all of our ministry videos on your iPod or other video compatible device or view them on your computer. Check us out on iTunes and tell your friends too.

Ex-'Idol' Contender Chris Sligh to Release CD

One of this year’s standout Christian “American Idol” contestants will soon be releasing his debut album under the same music label as award-winning artist Aaron Shust.

Chris Sligh, the curly haired vocalist who said he was “bringing chunky back,” alongside his band Half Past Forever, will release their CD Take A Chance On Something Beautiful on July 10 under Brash Music. The band is using Sligh’s recent popularity from “Idol” to help launch them into the Christian music scene.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

View the video of the song "Know" below.

Out Of Touch

Game Day Acrobats

Acrobatics performed on the first night of Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida. It features music leaders, Kevin Owen and Cheryl Kent.



You can receive e-mail notifications when new videos are added:
Subscribe to Walking With The Giant Videos by Email

ADF Accuses ACLU of Bullying Florida School District

A Christian litigation group is accusing the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of unfairly putting pressure on a Florida school district to remove free religious speech at graduation ceremonies.

The ACLU is trying to convince the Duval County School Board to change its policy on student speech content after a controversial presentation by a class valedictorian who urged students to seek Jesus Christ. In response, the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) – a legal alliance that defends the right to speak the “Truth” – sent a letter to the school district on Friday, explaining that a precedent court case already provided the student the right to say what they did.

Read the rest of this story and what the student said on The Christian Post.

With All My Art

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Exodus 35:30-35

[The Lord] has filled him with the Spirit of God . . . to design artistic works. —Exodus 35:31-32

About this cover

Why plant flowers? You can’t eat them,” said my father-in-law after witnessing my spring ritual of filling pots with fragrant and colorful treasures from the garden store. Jay’s dad is an engineer—a practical sort of person. He can make anything work, but making it beautiful is not a priority. He values function over form, usefulness over aesthetics.

God created us with different gifts. Engineers who work for the glory of God design machines that make life easier. The Lord also created artists, who make life more pleasant by creating beautiful things for the glory of God and the enjoyment of others.

When we think of art in worship, we usually think of music. But other art forms have long had a role in glorifying God. The calling of Bezalel demonstrates God’s regard for fine art (Ex. 35:30-35). God commissioned him to beautify the first official place of worship: the tabernacle. God’s purpose for the arts, says Gene Edward Veith, is “to glorify God and to manifest beauty.”

When artistic talent is enlivened by the Spirit of God, it becomes an act of worship that then can become a witness to point people to Christ. God has greatly enriched our lives with beauty. And we in turn express our gratitude by displaying His glory in our art. —Julie Ackerman Link

Father, may our work—whatever it may be—
draw the kind of attention that causes others
to praise and worship You. Amen.

Do all things for the glory of God.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Christian Life > Worship > Expressions of

Pair Of Bananas

Q. What would you call two banana skins?
A. A pair of slippers.

Jury Rules Bus Driver Not Guilty after Prayer

A Texas bus driver accused of manslaughter was acquitted by a local jury on Thursday after the members had stopped to pray to God for guidance.

Jerry Cook, former bus driver for Pasadena Independent School District, was brought up on the charges, initially for murder, after he had accidentally run over a 9-year-old girl, Ruth Young, just outside Houston.

"God led us to make the right decision," juror Cedric Kissam said after the verdict, according to the Houston Chronicle. "It was an accident. It wasn't reckless driving."

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Watery Riddle

Five siblings are they, their color is true; One belongs to one, four are shared by two. Connected together, some by locks; Many meet their fate upon the rocks. Arrange their initials, and you should Find things that are found in a neighborhood. What has just been described?

NOTE: To see the answer click and highlight the area between the arrows below.

Answer: -->The Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario<--

SBC's Frank Page elected to 2nd term

SAN ANTONIO (BP)--In an unopposed race for president of the Southern Baptist Convention, Frank Page, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Taylors, S.C., was elected to serve his second term.

Messengers to the nation's largest non-Catholic denomination with 16.3 million members voted unanimously to give Page a second term on the first day of the 150th session of the SBC annual meeting in San Antonio June 12-13.

Read more of this story on Baptist Press.

Please Rewind

Prepared Golfer

Q. Why do golfers wear two pairs of pants?
A. In case they get a hole in one!

Game Day

A skit performed on the first night of Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida. It features Pastor Mike Williams as the coach and, music leaders, Kevin Owen and Cheryl Kent as players.


You can receive e-mail notifications when new videos are added:
Subscribe to Walking With The Giant Videos by Email

Paris At Bible School?

Did Paris Hilton make an appearance at a Vacation Bible School in Florida? One of three "interesting looking" cheerleaders claims to be her during this video. In reality, the cheerleaders are Buddy Dees, Evangelist James Croft and John Croft. The video, recorded by Kim Steichen at First Baptist Church of White Springs, Florida, also features Charlie Parnell as the cheerleaders' team coach and Kristie Croft, VBS Director. If nothing else this video proves you can have fun in church!





You can receive e-mail notifications when new videos are added:
Subscribe to Walking With The Giant Videos by Email

You may also contribute financially to this ministry to help with evangelism projects by following these links:

• Credit Card
• Check or Money Order

May God richly bless you for your prayerful and financial support!