A Very Scary Story

A man was walking home alone late one foggy night, when behind him he hears: BUMP... BUMP... BUMP... Walking faster, he looks back and through the fog he makes out the image of an upright casket banging its way down the middle of the street toward him. BUMP... BUMP... BUMP... Terrified, the man begins to run toward his home, the casket bouncing quickly behind him, FASTER... FASTER... BUMP... BUMP... BUMP...

He runs up to his door, fumbles with his keys, opens the door, rushes in, slams and locks the door behind him. However, the casket crashes through his door, with the lid of the casket clapping clappity-BUMP... clappity-BUMP... clappity-BUMP... on his heels, the terrified man runs. Rushing upstairs to the bathroom, the man locks himself in. His heart is ounding; his head is reeling; his breath is coming in sobbing gasps. With a loud CRASH the casket breaks down the door. Bumping and clapping toward him. The man screams and reaches for something, anything, but all he can find is a bottle of Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup! Desperate, he throws the cough syrup at the casket... and

(hopefully you're really ready for this)

The coffin stops!!!

Great Costume Idea

Monster Mash For Halloween (Or Just For Fun)

This is the song "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Cryptkickers. Read a post on this site about the death of Pickett earlier this year.

This unique video was produced by Sundaegirl2004 on YouTube.

Tap, Tap In The Cemetery

Two men were walking home after a Halloween party and decided to take a shortcut through the cemetery just for laughs. Right in the middle of the cemetery, they were startled by a tap-tap-tapping noise coming from the misty shadows. Trembling with fear, they found an old man with a hammer and chisel, chipping away at one of the headstones.

"Holy cow, Mister," one of them said, after catching his breath, "You scared us half to death! We thought you were a ghost! What are you doing working here so late at night?"

"Those fools!" the old man grumbled. "They misspelled my name!"

Skeletons' Favorite Scripture

The Back Pew

Poll About Gambling

This week's Blog Poll (#16) is about "gambling". Share you opinion on this subject by voting in the left-hand column of this site. The poll will close on Saturday night.

Identity Theft And Halloween

Mercy Me - I Can Only Imagine

This is a great song by MercyMe.

Goliath On Halloween

Carve Your Own Pumpkin

This is in no way an endorsement of Halloween, but just a cool little flash program. It allows you to try your hand at carving a pumpkin. Just click on the word "pumpkin" and give it a try.

Revival Meeting in Jacksonville Begins Sunday At Hope Baptist

Witnessing On Halloween

Eleven On A Rope

NOTE: Here's a joke I received from a female.

Eleven people were hanging on a rope, under a helicopter. Ten men and one woman. The rope was not strong enough to carry them all, so they decided that one had to leave, because otherwise they were all going to fall.

They weren't able to choose that person, until the woman gave a very touching speech. She said that she would voluntarily let go of the rope, because, as a woman, she was used to giving up everything for her husband and kids or for men in general, and was used to always making sacrifices with little in return.

As soon as she finished her speech, all the men started clapping ...

A Balanced Life

Ron Kenoly - Ancient Of Days

Blog Poll #15 Results

Our Blog Poll #15 question was, "Should Christians allow their children to celebrate Halloween by 'trick or treating'?" and the results are:

• Yes, there's nothing wrong with it. 8 (44%)
• Yes, but avoid the scarry costumes, etc. 2 (11%)
• No, not at all. 2 (11%)
• No, but offer a Christian or family-based alternative. 5 (27%)
• Undecided 1 (5%)

Total Votes: 18

Here are the results of Blog Poll #14.

Comfortable Church

NOTE: If you have a good digital photo of a great church sign, send it to me and I may post it on this site.

Church Costune?

Tree-house Story

My good friend, Jon Fletcher, has a story in today's edition of the Florida Times-Union about tree-houses. The story contains photos and videos too. Check out "The Great Escape."

This is a time-lapse video of the construction of the Fletcher tree-house.



Jon, a photojournalist with the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, Florida, has made two mission trips to Ghana, West Africa with the James Croft Evangelistic Association. He has also written a couple of stories for the newspaper about this ministry.

To view even more of Jon's outstanding work or to learn more about his work with this ministry click on the Jon Fletcher category in the left column of this website. This will allow you to view previous posts on this site about Jon's work and ministry projects with James Croft Evangelistic Association.

Also see:

• Jon M. Fletcher Photography
• Jon M. Fletcher Senior Portraits
• Jon M. Fletcher JCEA Related
  

Bishop leads campaign to re-brand Halloween

The Anglican Bishop of Shrewsbury is to give away hundreds of apples to shoppers and commuters in Shrewsbury Town from on Monday 29 October as part of a Church of England campaign to re-brand Halloween and change permanently the way the festival is celebrated.

Each apple carries a sticker which invites people to visit a dedicated website and donate a cash 'Halloween treat' to The Children's Society, helping the charity's work in caring for and supporting young people in need.

The Bishop of Shrewsbury, the Rt Rev Dr Alan Smith, said: "I would encourage everyone to visit the Halloween Choice website and help transform Halloween. The website includes resources for parents, schools and church congregations, many of whom will be running alternative Halloween events and raising money for The Children’s Society."

Read more of this story on Christian Today.

Vets plan to ignore ban on flag-folding recitations

An American Legion commander in California says he and other veterans will defy a newly imposed ban on flag-folding recitations that include references to God.

During thousands of military burials, Veterans Administration employees and volunteers have folded the American flag 13 times and recited the significance of every fold to survivors. The fourth fold, for example, refers to God's "divine guidance." The 11th fold glorifies "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." And the 12th fold glorifies "God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost." Now the National Cemetery Association has made a decision to ban flag-folding recitations by VA employees and volunteers at all 125 national cemeteries -- all because of one complaint about a ceremony at Riverside National Cemetery in California that included a reference to God.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Computer Choices

New Oak Grove Baptist Sunday Morning

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Terry D. Elixson at New Oak Grove Baptist Church on Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 11am. The church is located at 18100 NW 262nd Ave. near Alachua, Florida. Please be in prayer for this service.

Chris Tomlin - How Great Is Our God

This is the song with words in the video.




This is an interview with Chris Tomlin about the song.

Samson's Costume

Italy firm to post 'Last Supper' image on Internet

A high-resolution image of Da Vinci's "Last Supper" will soon be posted on the Internet by an Italian technology firm, allowing art lovers and conspiracy theorists alike to scrutinise it from their own computers.

The digital imaging firm, called HAL9000 after the killer computer in Stanley Kubrick's film "2001: A Space Odyssey", will post the 16-17 giga pixel image on its Web site (www.haltadefinizione.com) on Saturday.

Read more of this story on Christian Today.

Sign Outside Muffler Shop

No appointment necessary - we hear you coming.

Growth Persuasion

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Hebrews 12:7-11

No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but . . . it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. —Hebrews 12:11

About this cover

My Uncle Lester, who lived in Florida, was discouraged by the lack of fruit on his grapefruit tree. Someone told him he needed to whack the trunk of the tree a few times with a board.

Apparently, there is some truth to this unusual method of encouraging growth. One gardening expert says: "At times, the flowering hormone in the tree seems to get stuck and no flowers appear. Carefully persuade the tree to flower by shocking it. Hit the trunk . . . several times, [which will cause] small bruises in the bark." This advice may stimulate growth.

When trouble comes into our lives, we sometimes feel as if we’ve been hit broadside. We feel desperation and then we wonder, Why is this happening to me?

One possibility is that God is using a painful experience to get our attention. In Psalm 119:71, David wrote, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes." And Hebrews 12:11 says that chastening "yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness."

Is God using pain in your life to lovingly persuade you to change? The season of trouble may not be easy, but if we let ourselves be trained by it, new growth will result as we become more like His Son (Phil. 3:10). —Cindy Hess Kasper

We shrink from the purging and pruning,
Forgetting the Gardener knows
The deeper the cutting and paring
The richer the cluster that grows. —Anon.

Affliction for God’s people can be the pruning knife to prepare us for greater fruitfulness.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Relationships > Relating to God > Growth/Sanctification

Company says chaplain helps worker productivity

A Georgia company that specializes in preparing applicants for the U.S. Postal Exam says it believes a key part of its success lies in the stabilizing effect of its corporate chaplaincy program.

Exam Services of Norcross, Georgia, was founded in 2005 with two workers. It now employs 500. They claim to service more than 5,000 postal exam candidates a week with study materials and educational supplements for the U.S. Postal Services' Postal Battery Exam. Spokeswoman Jennifer Sheran says company founder Tyler Long attributes his success to a decision he made during start-up that helps workers and staff members maintain productivity in the face of life's situations that have on-the-job influences. The decision was to have a full-time company chaplain.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

You Can Be Replaced

"Glorious One" by Steve Fee

I really like this song.

Praying For A Sign

Commissioners Under Fire For Evoking Name Of Jesus At Meetings

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. -- Prayer and politics are not mixing well in Osceola County. Commissioners are under fire for the way they pray before meetings. One group wants the name of Jesus stripped from prayer.

A three-page letter from the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State cited many examples of Christian religious prayer from board meetings over the last two and a half years, including such comments as "For it's in Christ's name that I pray" and "We pray all of these things in Christ's name.

"The watchdog group says it has received complaints. The letter urges the Osceola County commission to "consider ceasing the prayers altogether," arguing that the practice of prayer in meetings is unconstitutional.

Read more of this story on WFTV.

The End Is Near

A local priest and a pastor were fishing on the side of the road. They thoughtfully made a sign saying, "The End is Near! Turn yourself around now before it's too late!" and showed it to each passing car.One driver who drove by didn't appreciate the sign and shouted at them, "Leave us alone, you religious nuts!"

All of a sudden they heard a big splash, looked at each other, and the priest said to the pastor, "You think maybe we should have just said 'Bridge Out' instead?"

Technology Questions

JCEA Internet Resources

Along with this blog, James Croft Evangelistic Association provides the following web resources and ministries:

Websites

• Ministry Website (includes preaching calendar, Ghana ministry and more)
  
• Audio Podcast Ministry (Walking With The Giant)
  
• Video Podcast Ministry (Walking With The Giant Videos)
  
• YouTube Channel
• GodTube Group
• GospelTube Ministry
• MySpace Ministry
• Ministry Newsletter
  

RSS Feeds (for newsreaders and aggragators)

• Blog Feed
• Audio Podcast Feed
• Audio Podcast iTunes Link
• Video Podcast Feed
• Video Podcast iTunes Link
• Ministry Schedule Feed
• Ministry Newsletter Feed
  

E-mail Subscriptions

• Blog Notifications (Daily)
• Ministry Schedule (Monthly)
• Audio Podcast (Monthly or with each new release)
• Video Podcast (Weekly or with each new release)
• Ministry Newsletter (Monthly or with each new release)

Please join us in praying that the Lord will mightily use each of these areas of ministry on the web.

The Pumpkin Is Evidence

Nicole C. Mullen - Redeemer

This song by Nicole C. Mullen is absolutely awesome!!!

Wisdom Of Solomon

Two women came before wise King Solomon, dragging between them a young man in a three-piece suit. "This young lawyer agreed to marry my daughter," said one.

"No! He agreed to marry MY daughter," said the other.

And so they argued before the King until he called for silence.

"Bring me my biggest sword," said Solomon, "and I shall cut the young attorney in half. Each of you shall receive a half.""Sounds good to me," said the first lady.

But the other woman said, "Oh Sire, do not spill innocent blood. Let the other woman's daughter marry him."

The wise king did not hesitate a moment. "The attorney must marry the first lady's daughter," he proclaimed.

"But she was willing to cut him in two!" exclaimed the king's advisor.

"Indeed," said wise King Solomon. "That shows she is the TRUE mother-in-law."

Results Of Being Overworked

A Complicated Costume

The Casket And The Jewel

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Romans 2:17-24

We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. —2 Corinthians 4:7

About this cover

Canadian minister John Gladstone has made a compelling application of a sad episode in the life of Isaac Watts. That famous English hymnwriter fell in love with a beautiful young woman, Elizabeth Singer. She admired his poetry, his mind, and his spirit, but for all her admiration she could not overcome her revulsion at his appearance.

Isaac was short and slight, afflicted with mere slits of gray eyes, a hook nose, and large cheekbones. When he proposed to Elizabeth, she all too hurtfully replied, "Mr. Watts, if only I could say that I admire the casket [jewelry box] as much as I admire the jewel it contains."

Gladstone draws a disturbing analogy between the "jewel" of the gospel and the "casket" of the church. How many people have rejected the good news because of its often sincere yet overly zealous witnesses! Are we unknowingly repulsive and unloving? How can we be "a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness" (Rom. 2:19) if the beauty of Jesus cannot be seen in us?

By every means possible, let’s proclaim the gospel. But let’s pray that the Holy Spirit will make us personally winsome and loving and free from sin so that we can attract others to Him. —Vernon C Grounds

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
Oh, Thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. —Orsborn

Righteousness in the heart produces beauty in the character.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Ministry and Outreach > Sharing the Gospel > Inviting others to Christ
Christian Life > Character > Christlikeness

The Dentist

Tim Conway and Harvey Korman were hilarious on the Carol Burnett Show. This was one of my favorite shows.

Most Americans Believe Jesus Rose from Dead, David Killed Goliath Literally

A majority of Americans believe in God's power and miracles, according to a new survey.

Furthermore, most accept well-known Bible stories as literal truth, including the biblical account of Jesus Christ rising from the dead, The Barna Group found.

Three out of four adults (75 percent) said they interpreted the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Christ as literal truth. An earlier study also found that 75 percent of Americans who do not identify as born-again Christians believe Jesus literally resurrected, according to the Center for Missional Research of the North American Mission Board – the Southern Baptist Convention’s domestic mission agency.

Although the more highly educated respondents were less likely to take the story literally, two-thirds (68 percent) of college graduates said they believe the resurrection is literally true, The Barna Group showed.

Read more about this survey on The Christian Post.

The Right Time

It Was No Accident

An insurance agent was talking to a farmer, trying to sell him a life insurance policy.

"Have you ever met with an accident?" asked the insurance agent.

"No," replied the farmer, "but a mule kicked me in the ribs once, and a rattlesnake bit me on the leg."

"Good grief!" exclaimed the agent. "Don't you consider those accidents?"

"Naw," said the farmer. "They done it on purpose."

Blog Poll #15 Is About Halloween

Our Blog Poll #15 is about celebrating Halloween. You can express your thought on this issue by voting in the left-hand column of this site. This poll will close on Saturday night. "Thanks" in advance for participating.

Football Proverb

The Back Pew

A Powerful Weapon in the War on Crime

Is there an inverse relationship between prayer and crime rates? The Orlando Police Department apparently thinks so.

On October 10, just days after the seemingly gratuitous killing of Officer Alfred Gordon, the police department launched “Operation Armor All,” a 40-day city-wide effort—planned long before Gordon’s death—to combat Orlando’s crime problem with prayer. Volunteers from at least 20 churches showed up at Parramore Heritage Park—one of the city’s most troublesome areas—to kick off the 40 days. The police department hopes that 40 Orlando churches will “adopt” a day to pray for a specific part of the city. So far, 22 have signed up.

Will it work?

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Big Plans

Running For Nothing

Our Daily Bread

READ: Romans 4:4-17

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. —Acts 4:12

About this cover

As my friend Roger Weber started the 2006 Chicago Marathon, he noticed something on the ground. It was a runner’s chip—the device each runner puts on his or her shoe to record progress at various timing stations during the race. Apparently, one poor runner would be traversing the next 26.2 miles on foot with nothing to show for it.

Officially, that runner did not run the race. There would be no record of his participation. Even if he had finished the race in record time, it wouldn’t have mattered. The folks who organize the race set the rules, and no matter how well someone runs, if the officials say the runner doesn’t qualify, that’s the way it is.

In one sense, that’s also the way it is with all of us. We can run what appears to be a good race by doing good things for others and obeying lots of rules. But when we arrive at the final checkpoint—heaven—and haven’t made sure our name is recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life by putting our faith in Jesus as our Savior, we’re disqualified to enter.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Are you trusting in Jesus? If not, you’re running for nothing. —Dave Branon

It’s not what I achieve that qualifies,
It matters not if I gain wealth or fame;
The only thing I must be certain of
Is “Have I put my trust in Jesus’ name?” —Hess

If we could earn our salvation, Christ would not have died to provide it.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Basics Of Faith > Salvation > Justification

Jacksonville, Florida Revival Meeting

Washington state capitol officials agree to allow Nativity scene display

Officials at the Washington state capitol have agreed to allow a private citizen to display a Nativity scene on behalf of citizens who celebrate Christmas.

Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) filed a lawsuit last year, after Ron Wesselius was told he could not display a Nativity scene at the state capitol in Olympia, although a menorah and a holiday tree were displayed. State officials have agreed to a settlement that will allow the Nativity scene to go up this season.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Sign At Car Dealership

The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment.

Blog Poll #14 Results

The Blog Poll #14 question was, "Do you consider baptism essential for salvation?" and the results are:

• Yes 4 (20%)
• No 16 (80%)
• I don't believe you even need to be "saved". 0 (0%)

Total Votes: 20

Here are the results of Blog Poll #13.

Chest Thumping

Sign On The Front Yard Of A Funeral Home

Drive carefully. We'd rather wait.

Detroit suburb to vote on nativity display

BERKLEY, Mich. - Voters in the Detroit suburb of Berkley will decide November 6th whether to return a Christmas Nativity scene to City Hall.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Trespassing Sign

What A Quote!!

Here's a statement you rarely hear from a high-ranking U.S. government official:

“Being here at the birthplace of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, has been a very special and moving experience,” said Rice, the daughter and granddaughter of Presbyterian ministers, after the tour, according to The Associated Press. “It is also, I think, a personal reminder that the prince of peace is still with us.”

This is from a story about U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to Bethlehem on Wednesday. You can read the entire story on Christian Today.

Investing In Futures

A Wrong Turn, A Case Of Nerves, Old Friends And An Annual Meeting

I had the honor of preaching the message for the Annual Meeting of the New River Baptist Association on Tuesday night. It was good to minister to folks from various churches and to see some old friends. I must admit, I was nervous prior to the service. Part of the nervousness could be attributed to the fact that I took a wrong turn and went several miles out of my way. The biggest factor causing the "nerves" was that I had never preached during an associational annual meeting.

I must say that the Lord brought me through just fine, just like He always does. God gave me the opportunity and a liberty to preach His Word. I know He's better to me than I deserve.

The photo above was taken during the Time of Decision, or as some call it "The Invitation". The music was provided by "The Old Time Way", a bluegrass gospel band. Pictured with me below are (left) Dr. Jim Snell, pastor of Lake Hill Baptist Church in Keystone Heights, Florida, (the church that hosted the meeting) and New River Baptist Association Director of Missions Dr. Jerry Gesell, Sr. A special thanks to attendees Lon and Ruth Klingman of International Commission for these photos.

It seems like I've been running into folks that I haven't seen in years as of late. Tuesday night was no exception. Ralph and Barbara Bradley who once owned Digital Access, an internet service provider, are members of Lake Hill Baptist Church. I met these fine folks back in the mid 1990's. The agency I worked with, New River Solid Waste Association, was required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to utilize e-mail. At that time, none of our staff had much experience with the "Internet", so the task of setting it all up was given to me. Digital Access was the company that I contacted for the service. Mrs. Bradley even came to our office to help with some of the issues.

It's interesting to think back on how it was necessary for me to learn about the Internet, and now it is a valuable tool in my ministry. I believe the Lord was preparing me, even then, for this ministry.

Along with this blog, James Croft Evangelistic Association provides the following web resources and ministries:

Websites

• Ministry Website (includes preaching calendar, Ghana ministry and more)
  
• Audio Podcast Ministry (Walking With The Giant)
  
• Video Podcast Ministry (Walking With The Giant Videos)
  
• YouTube Channel
• GodTube Group
• GospelTube Ministry
• MySpace Ministry
• Ministry Newsletter
  

RSS Feeds (for newsreaders and aggragators)

• Blog Feed
• Audio Podcast Feed
• Audio Podcast iTunes Link
• Video Podcast Feed
• Video Podcast iTunes Link
• Ministry Schedule Feed
• Ministry Newsletter Feed
  

E-mail Subscriptions

• Blog Notifications (Daily)
• Ministry Schedule (Monthly)
• Audio Podcast (Monthly or with each new release)
• Video Podcast (Weekly or with each new release)
• Ministry Newsletter (Monthly or with each new release)

Please join us in praying that the Lord will mightily use each of these areas of ministry on the web.

Radio Disney: Remove God From 'Ten Commandments' Movie Ad

NOTE: As one that worked in the radio industry and still produces radio commercials, I found this to be a very interesting article. I encourage you to not only read it, but listen to both radio commercials (links are in the article), and make your own decision. Feel free to post your thoughts by clicking "comments" below. By the way, my thought (for what it's worth) is that the phrase made it sound as if the actors were "chosen by God". What do you think?

Radio Disney was to broadcast a radio spot for Promenade Pictures, makers of the film "The Ten Commandments," but the company sent an e-mail earlier this month instructing that the phrase "chosen by God" be stripped from the script.

"Our BS&P [Broadcast Standards and Procedures] said Both scripts need to include the studio mention and omit the following line: CHOSEN BY GOD.... Please let me know if you have any questions," reads the e-mail, sent Oct. 2 to Promenade media buyer Casey Baker by Radio Disney Network sales associate Jason Atkinson.
Read more of this story and hear the radio spots on FOX News.

The Million Dollar Question For God

A poor man walking in the forest feels close enough to God to ask, "God, what is a million years to you?"

God replies, "My son, a million years to you is like a second to me."

The man asks, "God, what is a million dollars to you?"God replies, "My son, a million dollars to you is less than a penny to me. It means almost nothing to me."

The man asks, "So God, can I have a million dollars?"

And God replies, "In a second."

Baby Ralph Pictures

I have received two new photos from Ghana, West Africa of Evangelist Ralph and Mavis' son, Baby Ralph. His proper name is Raphael Nii Adjei Anang Kingbi. You can read about the meaning of his name on this previous post. He was born on June 2, 2006 and you can hear his dad discussing his birth on our June 2006 and July 2006 editions of Walking With The Giant. Evangelist Ralph is the Ghana Ministry Coordinator for James Croft Evangelistic Association and is financially supported each month by this ministry.

If you would like to e-mail a note of encouragement to this family as they serve the Lord, you may do so by clicking here.

I often joke with Evangelist Ralph that I pray the baby favors Mavis (the pretty one) more than his dad (the ugly one). I'm glad Ralph has a good sense of humor. 8-)

Computer Virus

The Back Pew

Gospel Music Association Partners with American Bible Society

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) and The American Bible Society (ABS) have recently agreed to a long-term Ministry Partnership that celebrates songwriters who incorporate the Bible’s life-changing message into their music.

The new partnership calls for the GMA and the Bible Society to create a new songwriting competition at GMA’s Annual Music in the Rockies event, according to Dr. Paul G. Irwin, president and CEO of the American Bible Society and John W. Styll, president and CEO of GMA.

The ABS Scripture Song category will be added to the 34th Annual GMA Music in the Rockies, scheduled for 3-9 August 2008.

Read more of this story on Christian Today.

Warning And Response

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. —1 Thessalonians 5:6

About this cover

When a dangerous blizzard hit Colorado Springs in late October 2006, residents had plenty of warning. Weather forecasters began predicting the storm 36 hours before it arrived. On a warm, sunny afternoon people swarmed into grocery stores to buy supplies, while tire shops worked overtime to meet the demand for winter treads. Everyone was talking about the coming storm. Even before the snow began, schools and businesses announced they would be closed for the day. When the storm hit with blowing snow and freezing temperatures, most people were safe at home, not trying to get to work or school.

When we believe a warning, it affects our behavior. It’s true in every area of life, including our walk of faith. Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica, reminding them that the day of the Lord would come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night (1 Thess. 5:2). His call to action urged them to avoid spiritual lethargy but remain alert and self-controlled (v.6).

Paul’s challenge echoed Jesus’ own words urging His followers to be watchful and ready, "for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matt. 24:44).

If we believe our Lord’s word about His coming, how will it affect our thoughts and actions today? —David C. McCasland

What would He find, should He come just now:
A faded leaf, or a fruitless bough;
A servant sleeping, an idle plow?
What would He find, should He come just now? —Anon.

Every Christian should be an expectant uplooker, not a sleepy onlooker!

For similar resources, search these topics:

Basics Of Faith > Future/Prophecy > Christ's Return

Alabama First State to Adopt Bible Textbook for High Schools

Alabama has become the first state to approve a Bible textbook for statewide adoption, makers of ”The Bible and Its Influence” announced Monday.

The Bible Literacy Project, an interfaith group that released the book in September 2005, said the decision by the Alabama State Board of Education last Wednesday also makes ”The Bible and Its Influence” the first textbook for academic study of the Bible to be adopted statewide.

“This is major news in the field of education,” stated Bible Literacy Project Chairman Chuck Stetson. “While academic study of the Bible is legal in all 50 states, this decision means that any school in the state of Alabama can purchase our textbook with state-provided funds until 2013.”

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Til Death Do Us Part

More Naylor Photos

Here are a few more photos from last Saturday's Naylor Gospel Explosion 2007. The photos were taken by Dana Ellis of Dana Ellis Photography. You can view more photos from this event on her website.

This photo is me and Chris Musgrove. I first met Chris several years ago when I was a youth leader at First Baptist Church of Olustee. We took our youth group to a "Judgement House" presented by Melody Christian Center in Live Oak, Florida. Chris was the youth minister or worked with the youth program. I had lost contact with him until the event in Naylor. He now has a new ministry based in Valdost, Georgia called Future Now. It was good to see him again and to learn about his current ministry.

Is this the three amigos? Left to right are Benny Daniels, Wesley Harrell and yours truly.

James "Hollywood" Croft? Styling with sunglasses?

Read a related post about the event in Naylor, Georgia.

North Carolina county muzzles prayers in the name of Jesus

The founder of Liberty Counsel says a policy banning prayers in the name of Jesus in a North Carolina county is unconstitutional.

In May, attorneys for the city of Fayetteville and for Cumberland County issued memos to city and county leaders requesting that local government employees refrain from invoking the name of Jesus during prayers at official functions. Attorneys requested the ban after recent lawsuits cited a case in which the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals -- which has jurisdiction over North Carolina -- ruled that the invocation of Jesus at the beginning of meetings amounted to an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

A Timely Word

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Ephesians 4:17-32

A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! —Proverbs 15:23

About this cover

In Liverpool, England, on the eve of the 2006 British Open Championship, professional golfer Graeme McDowell was in trouble. The next day he was going into the tournament clueless about what was causing his struggles on the course.

While he was out for the evening, McDowell got a surprise. A stranger, who was an avid golf fan, recognized him and commented that he had noticed a flaw in his swing. The next day, Graeme tested that advice on the driving range, and to his great shock he discovered that the fan had been correct. Satisfied with the value of the change, Graeme implemented the suggestion and finished the first day of the British Open in first place! All because a stranger took time to speak a word of help.

Words are like that. They are powerful instruments for good or for ill. We can use words in destructive ways, or we can use words to build and encourage. This must be what Solomon had in mind when he said, "A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (Prov. 15:23).

In a world where words are often wielded as weapons, may we use our words as tools to build up the hearts of others. —Bill Crowder

Keep my tongue, Lord, bridled well,
Words of truth, oh, may I tell;
Take my heart, its wellspring deep,
Cleanse and purify and keep. —Bosch

Gentle words are more powerful than angry words.

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Christian Life > Attitudes > Kindness/Courtesy
Relationships > Relating to others > Judging/Criticism

Rice Expects Emotional Bethlehem Visit

JERUSALEM (AP) — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Monday she expects an emotional experience when she travels to Bethlehem, the Biblical birthplace of Jesus, this week.

The daughter and granddaughter of Presbyterian ministers, Rice plans to visit the Palestinian town for the first time Wednesday. She will meet civic leaders and make a pilgrimage to the Church of the Nativity, built over Jesus' traditional birth grotto.

"I'm really looking forward to going to Bethlehem," she told reporters at her Jerusalem hotel after two days of meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials aimed at preparing a U.S.-hosted peace conference this fall. "I think it will be kind of emotional for me."

Read more of this story on Associated Press.

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