Thursday, December 29, 2011

Tax Deductible Donations

This time of year, the non-profit status of James Croft Evangelistic Association lets your generosity help you and our ministry at the same time.  By giving before the end of the calendar year, you may enjoy the ability to deduct your gifts in income tax calculations for 2011. You can help our Gospel ministry at the same time!


To make an investment in one or more of our ministry areas with your credit card or PayPal click the appropriate "Donate" button(s) below.
To make a contribution by check or money order follow 
JCEA Donation
Click this button to make a donation to be used as needed.



JOY Box Donation
Click this button to make a donation to the JCEA  JOY Box Ministry.  Donations will be used to cover expenses in providing shoe box gifts to nursing home residents.
 


NOTE: 
The James Croft Evangelistic Association is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) corporation and all donations are tax deductible.

Thank you for your consideration!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Should Tebow tone it down?

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP) -- Denver Broncos quarterback and former University of Florida football star Tim Tebow has been getting a lot of advice lately about how much he should be talking about Jesus.

In November former Bronco quarterback Jake Plummer said about Tebow, "I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ then I think I'll like him a little better. I don't hate him because of that, I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff ... like you know, I understand dude where you're coming from." In other words, Tim, tone it down.

Just before the turn of the millennium, another Christian quarterback, Kurt Warner, was the Cinderella story of the NFL. Never in the history of professional football had a player so rapidly ascended from unknown to Super Bowl champ and MVP. When the lights were shining the brightest and the platform was the largest, Warner seized the opportunity to boldly proclaim his faith in Jesus Christ to millions.

For a decade, through ups and downs, Warner was consistent in his bold public witness. During the postgame celebration of the 2009 NFC Championship, a game in which Warner led the Arizona Cardinals to victory, Warner declared before millions watching on TV, "Everyone's gonna get tired of hearing it, but I never get tired of saying it. There's one reason why I'm standing up on this stage today…that's because of my Lord up above. I gotta say thanks to Jesus. You knew I was gonna do it; I gotta do it."

So one would think that if anyone is excited about Tebow's bold witness, it would be Warner, right? Well, not necessarily. Not long after Plummer's comments, Warner weighed in on the issue with the Arizona Central's Dan Bickley: "Put down the boldness in regards to the words, and keep living the way you're living. Let your teammates do the talking for you. Let them cheer on your testimony." Again ... tone it down, Tim.

Read more of this article on Baptist Press.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas Shopping Humor 2011

I found humor while Christmas shopping at the Oaks Mall in Gainesville, Florida.

 I always love seeing Santa at the mall.

 I ate chikin till the cows came home.

 This store charged an "arm & leg" for everything! Too expensive for me!

 What should be the caption for this photo?
A) WOW! What a BIG present!!
B) WOW! What a little man!!
C) I hope this fits in my car!!
D) Hmmm, I could get in this box and give myself to _____!!

Is Chick-fil-A the Tim Tebow of restaurants??

Sunday, December 25, 2011

What's It All About?

Luke 2:1-20 (NKJV)


Christ Born of Mary
 1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Glory in the Highest
    8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
       14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
      And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

No Substitutes

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Friday, December 23, 2011

Sharing JOY on WJTK

By Ken Allen, WJTK 96.5 FM, The Jet

• Tue, Dec 20, 2011- The James Croft Evangelistic Association has kicked-off its JOY Box Ministry for 2012.  JCEA is again collecting plastic shoe boxes filled with small gift items for residents in Baker & Columbia Counties nursing homes.  The boxes may contain a variety of items including shampoo, body wash, puzzle book, magnifying glass, and socks.  A copy of God’s Word is also placed in each box.  Last year churches of various denominations, individuals, businesses, school clubs and organizations shared “JOY” by preparing shoe boxes.  James Croft was a guest on 96.5 the Jet, WJTK's North Florida Today show to talk about the Joy Box Ministry.  The interview is below.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Chapel Hill Baptist in January

I will be preaching on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at Chapel Hill Baptist Church.  The service will begin at 10am.  The church meets in the Workforce Development Building at Tallahassee Community College at 444 Appleyard Drive in Tallahassee, Florida.  For more information or directions call the church office at (850) 222-6900.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Rerun: Peaceful Christmas Village

A miniature Christmas village is the illustration used by the miniature evangelist James Croft to discuss "peace".

Monday, December 19, 2011

Rerun: Christmas in Ghana

A rebroadcast of the December 2006 Walking with the Giant interview with James Croft Evangelistic Association Ghana Ministry Coordinator Evangelist Raphael Adjei Kingbi.  Christmas traditions & celebrations are discussed.  Photos from the JCEA 2002-2004 mission trips to the West African nation are included.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Christmas Crime Scene

Where is a CSI when you need them?? A little girl got ran over by a reindeer!! It was a Christmas collision in the park. No harm done. It was all for fun.  I guess I have a strange sense of humor.  8-)

You can watch more of my videos, funny and serious, on the JCEA YouTube Channel.

Monday, December 12, 2011

JOY Box Contents

This is an example of the items suitable for including in JOY Boxes for nursing home residents.  You will find all of the details on this program on the JCEA website.


Shoebox size containers (preferably plastic boxes) should be filled with the following types of items:
 
Socks Hand/body lotions Small portable radios
Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash Body wash (no bar soaps), shampoo Combs & brushes
Baseball caps Handkerchiefs & scarves Small lap blankets
Hair spray for women, hair tonic for men (Vitalis, etc.) Large print puzzle books (word search, crossword, etc.) Large print books & magazines
Stationary, writing pads, writing pens Cologne, aftershave, perfume, body powder Bedroom slippers for men & women
Music CD’s (please choose music wisely)   Magnifying glass
  Please do not include: Candy, baked goods, food or sharp objects  
This list is not all-inclusive. Other items may be allowed, but please keep in mind each resident has a limited amount of storage space in their room.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Prayer List?

Saturday, December 10, 2011

What is a JOY Box?

A promo video for the JOY Box ministry coordinated by James Croft Evangelistic Association.

Friday, December 09, 2011

McAlpin on Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Tommy Smith at Pinemount Baptist Church this Sunday, December 11, 2011.  The services will begin at 11am and 6:30pm.  The church is located on Highway 129 in McAlpin, Florida.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Thursday, December 08, 2011

This Little Piggy

One of my nieces received this piggy bank during a recent baby shower.  It has a place for "My Money" and an attached smaller piggy bank for "My Tithe".  What a wonderful way to teach a little one about a Godly principle.  Now, if we could just get the adults to learn!  8-)

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Time for JOY!!


It’s time to kick-off the James Croft Evangelistic Association JOYBox Ministry for 2012!!

We are again collecting plastic shoeboxes filled with small gift items for residents in Baker & Columbia Counties nursing homes.  The boxes may contain a variety of items including shampoo, body wash, puzzle book, magnifying glass, and socks.  We also place a copy of God’s Word in each box.  Last year churches of various denominations, individuals, businesses, school clubs and organizations shared “JOY” by preparing shoeboxes.

A section of the JCEA website offers full details of the ministry including a video explaining how you can participate.  If you are unable to prepare a box, but would like to contribute financially toward this ministry our website provides details for that too.

Drop-off locations for JOY Boxes are:
·        Davis Golf Carts, 126 South 5th Street in Macclenny, FL.
·        BeulahBaptist Association, 189 NW Cali Drive in Lake City, FL.

Deadline for boxes is Thursday, January 12, 2012.

Your prayers & consideration of this ministry are greatly appreciated!

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Huntsville Revival Scheduled for February 2012

On Sunday, February 19, 2012, Homecoming Service will serve as a kick-off for revival services at Huntsville Baptist Church in Lake City.  The homecoming service will begin at 10:45am.  Four more services will follow: Sunday night at 6pm and Monday-Wednesday, February 20-22 at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery Road near Lake City, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Jim Steele at (386) 752-2089.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Monday, December 05, 2011

Comedy Night at Parkview?

I will be the guest speaker for the annual Super Seniors Holiday Dinner at Parkview Baptist Church in Lake City, Florida, on Tuesday, December 6, 2011.  The event will be held in the church's fellowship hall beginning at 6pm.  I will be providing a "little" comical relief (I hope) and a "short" devotion.  All puns intended.  For more information about the Super Seniors ministry call the church at (386) 752-0681.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Up A Tree

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Why Christmas?

Are you looking for a Christmas website that is informative and fun?  Then check out "Why Christmas?".  You'll find answers to many of your Christmas questions and information about various Christmas traditions.  The kids (and adults too) will enjoy coloring pictures, decorating a Christmas tree, playing games, and much more.  There is even an app for your Android phone.  Now, I didn't build the website, and I'm not endorsing everything on the site.  I just found it to be interesting and fun.  Let me know what you think about it by clicking "comments" below.

Friday, December 02, 2011

Macclenny Christmas Festival

James Croft Evangelistic Association will have an exhibit about the ministry during the annual Macclenny Christmas Festival tomorrow.  Our display will feature information about the various JCEA ministries with an emphasis on encouraging volunteers to participate in the JOY Box program for area nursing homes.  The all-day event concludes with fireworks and a lighted Christmas parade in downtown Macclenny, Florida.  The event is sponsored by the City of Macclenny Fire Department.

Why the heck do we hate Tim Tebow?

NOTE: This article is about a month old, but I just read it today and wanted to share it with you.  Feel free to share your thoughts by clicking "comments" below.

By Jen Floyd Engel

What if Tim Tebow were a Muslim?

Imagine for a second, the Denver Broncos quarterback is a devout follower of Islam, sincere and principled in his beliefs and thus bowed toward Mecca to celebrate touchdowns. Now imagine if Detroit Lions players Stephen Tulloch and Tony Scheffler mockingly bowed toward Mecca, too, after tackling him for a loss or scoring a touchdown, just like what happened Sunday.

I know what would happen. All hell would break loose.

Stinging indictments issued by sports columnists. At least a few outraged religious leaders chiming in on his behalf. Depending on what else had happened that day, they might have a chance at becoming Keith Olbermann's Worst Person In The World.

And there would be apologies. Oh, Lord, would there be apologies — by players, by coaches, possibly by ownership with a tiny chance of a statement from NFL commish Roger Goodell.

You cannot mock Muslim faith, not in this country, not anywhere really.

It is primarily a respect issue, because religion is sacred and should be off limits. Yet when Tulloch and Scheffler dropped to a knee to mock how Tebow prays — an action known as “Tebowing” that has gone viral among the public, too — we yawned and told Christians to lighten up. We blamed Tebow for making a show of honoring God rather than himself in moments of joy. We excused them because Tulloch said he was mocking "Tebowing," not God.

Because ridiculing a man who chooses to honor God is so much better, right?

Read more of this story and take a poll on FOX Sports.

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Brazilian drug lord receptive to the Gospel

NOTE:  This is a fascinating and true story about a Southern Baptist Missionary in a dangerous area of the world.  Feel free to post your comments about the story and video by clicking "comments" below.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (BP) -- A drug lord called "The Godfather" wanted Eric Reese dead.

Reese, an IMB missionary in Brazil who works in the gang-controlled favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro, often ministers to gang leaders, drug dealers and prostitutes, frequently finding himself in dangerous situations on streets where violence often rules. In seeking to take every step with faith in following God's call to go wherever people need Jesus, Reese has gained a reputation for being a man everyone can trust.

During the past year, The Godfather began to experience a change of heart and invited Reese to come share God's Word with him on a monthly basis.

As my colleagues and I planned our media coverage to tell how God is using Reese and his wife Ramona in Rio, Reese asked if we would be willing to interview The Godfather. Cautiously, we agreed and began the process of gaining access to him.

Weeks before arriving, we were asked to send in photos of ourselves, so The Godfather's guards could recognize us. Then we had to submit our interview questions for prior approval.

Read the entire story on Baptist Press.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Gospel According to Peanuts

How A Charlie Brown Christmas almost didn’t happen


Few headlines about network television make me giddy. Fewer still make me hopeful that all is good in the world. But back in August of 2010, I read the following headline from the media pages with great excitement: “Charlie Brown Is Here to Stay: ABC Picks Up ‘Peanuts’ Specials Through 2015.” The first of these to be made, the famous Christmas special, was an instant classic when it was created by Charles Schulz on a shoestring budget back in 1965, and thanks to some smart television executives, it will be around for at least another five years for all of us to see and enjoy. 

What people don’t know is that the Christmas special almost didn’t happen, because some not-so-smart television executives almost didn’t let it air. You see, Charles Schulz had some ideas that challenged the way of thinking of those executives 46 years ago, and one of them had to do with the inclusion in his Christmas cartoon of a reading from the King James Bible’s version of the Gospel of Luke.
The more things change, the more things stay the same.

As far back as 1965 — just a few years before Time magazine asked “Is God Dead?” — CBS executives thought a Bible reading might turn off a nation populated with Christians. And during a Christmas special, no less! Ah, the perils of living on an island in the northeast called Manhattan.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” was a groundbreaking program in so many ways, as we learned watching the great PBS American Masters series on Charles Schulz, known by his friends and colleagues as “Sparky.” It was based on the comic strip Peanuts, and was produced and directed by former Warner Brothers animator Bill Melendez, who also supplied the voice for Snoopy.

We learned in that PBS special that the cartoon happened by mere serendipity.

“We got a call from Coca-Cola,” remembered Melendez. “And they said, ‘Have you and Mr. Schulz ever considered doing a Christmas show with the characters?’ and I immediately said ‘Yes.’ And it was Wednesday and they said, ‘If you can send us an outline by Monday, we might be interested in it.’ So I called Sparky on the phone and told him I’d just sold ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ and he said, ‘What’s that?’ and I said, ‘It’s something you’ve got to write tomorrow.’” 

We learned in that American Masters series that Schulz had some ideas of his own for the Christmas special, ideas that didn’t make the network suits very happy. First and foremost, there was no laugh track, something unimaginable in that era of television. Schulz thought that the audience should be able to enjoy the show at its own pace, without being cued when to laugh. CBS created a version of the show with a laugh track added, just in case Schulz changed his mind. Luckily, he didn’t.

The second big battle was waged over voiceovers. The network executives were not happy that the Schulz’s team had chosen to use children to do the voice acting, rather than employing adults. Indeed, in this remarkable world created by Charles Schulz, we never hear the voice of an adult.

The executives also had a problem with the jazz soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi. They thought the music would not work well for a children’s program, and that it distracted from the general tone. They wanted something more . . . well . . . young.

Last but not least, the executives did not want to have Linus reciting the story of the birth of Christ from the Gospel of Luke. The network orthodoxy of the time assumed that viewers would not want to sit through passages of the King James Bible.

There was a standoff of sorts, but Schulz did not back down, and because of the tight production schedule and CBS’s prior promotion, the network executives aired the special as Schulz intended it. But they were certain they had a flop on their hands.

“They were freaking out about something so overtly religious in a Christmas special,” explained Melendez. “They basically wrote it off, like, hey, this is just isn’t going to be interesting to anyone, and it’s just going to be like a big tax write-off.”

Melendez himself was somewhat hesitant about the reading from Luke. “I was leery of the religion that came into it, and I was right away opposed to it. But Sparky just assumed what he had to say was important to somebody.”

Which is why Charles Schulz was Charles Schulz. He knew that the Luke reading by Linus was the heart and soul of the story.

As Charlie Brown sinks into a state of despair trying to find the true meaning of Christmas, Linus quietly saves the day. He walks to center of the stage where the Peanuts characters have gathered, and under a narrow spotlight, quotes the second chapter of the Gospel According to Luke, verses 8 through 14:
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.
“ . . . And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown,” Linus concluded.

The scene lasted 51 seconds. When Linus finished up, Charlie Brown realized he did not have to let commercialism ruin his Christmas. With a sense of inspiration and purpose, he picked up his fragile tree and walked out of the auditorium, intending to take it home to decorate and show all who cared to see how it would work in the school play.

When CBS executives saw the final product, they were horrified. They believed the special would be a complete flop. CBS programmers were equally pessimistic, informing the production team, “We will, of course, air it next week, but I’m afraid we won’t be ordering any more.”

The half-hour special aired on Thursday, December 9, 1965, preempting The Munsters and following Gilligan’s Island. To the surprise of the executives, 50 percent of the televisions in the United States tuned in to the first broadcast. The cartoon was a critical and commercial hit; it won an Emmy and a Peabody award.
Linus’s recitation was hailed by critic Harriet Van Horne of the New York World-Telegram, who wrote, “Linus’ reading of the story of the Nativity was, quite simply, the dramatic highlight of the season.”

A Charlie Brown Christmas is equaled only perhaps by the 1966 How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in its popularity among young and old alike. Thank God the Grinch-like executives at CBS chose to air the special back in 1965 despite their misgivings. If it had been left to their gut instincts, we would have had one less national treasure to cherish come Christmas time.

— Lee Habeeb is the vice president of content at Salem Radio Network, which syndicates Bill Bennett, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, and Hugh Hewitt. He lives in Oxford, Miss., with his wife, Valerie, and daughter Reagan.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Help From The Bank

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Singing Bowl


Read: Deuteronomy 4:32-40

We therefore ought to . . . become fellow workers for the truth. —3 John 1:8

Artist and scientist Michael Flynn designed a singing bowl for display in ArtPrize, an international art competition held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The bowl requires no electricity but it does require something that is in short supply: cooperation.

As I observed people trying to make the bowl sing, I was surprised that none of them bothered to read the directions about rocking it gently. Instead, impatient to make music, they kept trying their own ideas. After a few minutes they walked away frustrated and disappointed, as if the bowl was defective.

How many times, I wonder, do we become frustrated that life isn’t working the way we think it should? We keep trying ways that seem right, but things keep turning out wrong. Instead of following God’s Word, we continue trying to find our own way.

The singing bowl reminds us that we can’t expect life to go well if we ignore the instructions of the Designer (Deut. 4:40). Failing to obey divides us from one another and separates us from God. To fulfill His plan for the world and make the way of salvation known (Ps. 67:2), we need to follow His instructions about living and working peacefully together. When life doesn’t go well, it may be that we’ve stopped following God’s plan.

Sure it takes a lot of courage to put things in God’s hands,
To give ourselves completely, our lives, our hopes, our plans;
To follow where He leads us and make His will our own;
But all it takes is foolishness to go the way alone! —Kline

Life is a beautiful song that God is teaching us to play.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Left Behind vs. Left Overs

Thanksgiving Pardon


Read: 1 John 1:1-10

The blood of Jesus Christ [God’s] Son cleanses us from all sin. —1 John 1:7

Each year at the end of November, the President of the United States issues an official pardon for the National Thanksgiving Turkey. During this lighthearted ceremony, one president remarked: “Our guest of honor looks a little nervous. Nobody’s told him yet that I’m going to give him a pardon.” The poor turkey had a good reason to be uneasy—without an acquittal, he was doomed to be Thanksgiving dinner.

We are in a similar situation when it comes to our sin. Without God’s pardon, we’re on our way to certain demise. This condition is a direct result of our own wrongdoing. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). However, we can be set free from this death sentence because God’s Son bore our sin in His body on the cross, “that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24). First John 1:7 tells us that Jesus’ blood “cleanses us from all sin.”

We can accept God’s pardon for our sin and receive eternal life when we confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead (Rom. 10:9). Today, consider how you will respond to God’s offer of forgiveness.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide.
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow—
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! —Chisholm

Through faith in Christ,
we receive God’s pardon and escape sin’s penalty.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Turkey Run

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

When God Cleans House


READ: Jonah 1


Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. —Ephesians 4:31


God did some fall housecleaning this week. He sent a mighty wind through our neighborhood that made the trees tremble and shake loose their dead branches. When it finished, I had a mess to clean up.

In my own life, God sometimes works in a similar way. He will send or allow stormy circumstances that shake loose the “lifeless branches” I’ve been refusing to release. Sometimes it’s something that once was good, like an area of ministry, but is no longer bearing fruit. More often it’s something that’s not good, like a bad habit I’ve slid into or a stubborn attitude that prevents new growth.

The Old Testament prophet Jonah discovered what can happen when one refuses to get rid of a stubborn attitude. His hatred for the Ninevites was stronger than his love for God, so God sent a great storm that landed Jonah in a giant fish (Jonah 1:4,17). God preserved the reluctant prophet in that unlikely place and gave him a second chance to obey (2:10; 3:1-3).

The lifeless limbs in my yard caused me to think of attitudes that God expects me to dispose of. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians lists some of them: bitterness, anger, and evil speech (4:31). When God shakes things up, we need to get rid of what He shakes loose. —Julie Ackerman Link

Lord, give me a listening heart and help me
to cooperate with You when You
point out changes that need to be made in my life.
I want to honor You and please You. Amen.

Christ’s cleansing power can remove the most stubborn stain of sin.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Saturday, November 19, 2011

5 Reasons NOT to use an Evangelist

Here are 5 reasons NOT to utilize evangelists in your church:

  1. You do not believe your church needs spiritual encouragement.
  2. You are satisfied with the overall growth of your church.
  3. All of your church members are passionate in their personal evangelism.
  4. You are convinced that evangelists are not biblical.
  5. You fear the influx of new souls into the Kingdom and your local church.
For more information about the ministries of the James Croft Evangelistic Association visit our website.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Open Dates and JOY Boxes

Unfortunately, this is the time of year when my preaching schedule slows to a crawl.  I currently have several open dates on my preaching calendar through the end of this year and the first three weeks of 2012.  A list of these dates are available on my ministry calendar viewable at this link.  I am always ready to serve our Lord's Church through preaching, teaching, and special programs for all ages.  Please let me know if I may serve your church or group.

I am currently preparing updated information about our annual JOY Box ministry for nursing home residents in Baker and Columbia Counties.  I'm praying we will be able to provide each nursing home resident with a box of JOY in January.

You are invited to participate by filling a plastic shoebox with small gift items including shampoo, body wash, puzzle book, magnifying glass, socks, etc.  James Croft Evangelistic Association will place a Gospel tract in each box to share the JOY of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  All YOU have to do is prepare and designate boxes for male or female residents.  Unisex boxes are also acceptable.  Print and place a JOY Box Submission Form in each box.  If possible, please include a $2.00 donation for each box to assist with program expenses.  In the past we have received boxes and donations from churches of various denominations, individuals, businesses, school clubs and organizations.

The JCEA website offers full details of the ministry including suggested box contents, drop-off locations, box submission form and a video explaining how you can participate.

I hope you join us in sharing a little JOY!!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Tebow's Jesus Jersey Causing A Stir

Fans of Denver Broncos' quarterback Tim Tebow have created custom jerseys that feature the name 'Jesus' displayed above Tebow's number, according to KTVQ.

While some say the shirts are simply a way to honor the proudly Christian player, others are speaking out against the divine comparison.

"It's making Tebow out to be a god instead of an athlete," one person told a Christian media outlet. "I'm happy he's a Christian and isn't afraid to demonstrate that, but for fans to hold him up in such high regard, perhaps comparing him to Jesus, is going too far."

But in a recent post on Cafe Mom's "The Stir," blogger Jacqueline Burtargues that the shirts are harmless:

    "I know Tim Tebow fans are loyal with a capital ... who am I kidding, they're LOYAL in all caps. So I guess if you're a true Tebow supporter, altering the jersey of the NFL quarterback for the Broncos to read "Jesus" instead of "Tebow," wouldn't seem over-the-top. Particularly since the QB is so emphatically Christian..."

Read more of this story on Church Report.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Thank You! Thank You!

I would like to thank everyone that has offered your support to the various ministries of James Croft Evangelistic Association.  Our ministries involve many facets that do not include financial compensation, i.e. JOY Boxes, school presentations, nursing home visitationprison services, internet videos, etc.  The only way I am able to dedicate the time and talents to these efforts is through your generous financial donations. I pray the Lord blesses you tremendously for your investment, which may not see returns while on earth, but will certainly be realized in Heaven!

Again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and with a sincere appreciation for all you do to further the Kingdom of God!

For more information about the James Croft Evangelistic Association or to financially invest in these ministries visit our website or use the buttons below.

NOTE: The James Croft Evangelistic Association is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) corporation and all donations are tax deductible.


Financial Contributions

To make an investment in one or more of our ministry areas with your credit card or PayPal click the appropriate "Donate" button(s) below.
To make a contribution by check or money order follow 
JCEA Donation
Click this button to make a donation to be used as needed.



JOY Box Donation
Click this button to make a donation to the JCEA  JOY Box Ministry.  Donations will be used to cover expenses in providing shoe box gifts to nursing home residents.
 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Did You Talk "Trash" Today?

Today, November 15th, is America Recycles Day. This would have been the perfect day to talk a little "trash" and really mean it!!  8-)

America Recycles Day, an initiative of Keep America Beautiful, is the only nationally recognized day and community-driven national awareness event dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States.

Since its inception in 1997, communities across the country have participated in America Recycles Day on November 15 to promote environmental citizenship, educate and encourage action. Through America Recycles Day, KAB empowers communities to educate and directly engage their citizens in the act of recycling.

Follow America Recycles Day on Facebook and Twitter.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Wellborn on Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Don Minshew at Wellborn Baptist Church this Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 10:30am and 6pm.  The church is located on East U.S. Highway 90 in Wellborn, Florida.  For more information or directions call the church at (386) 963-2231.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Thursday, November 10, 2011

DEAR at Lake Butler Elementary

I read to Celeste Saunder's 2nd grade class at Lake Butler Elementary School on October 26, 2011.  The opportunity was part of Red Ribbon Week at the school and was called DEAR, Drop Everything And Read.  The book I shared was Max Lucado's "You Are Special".  I was surprised when Mrs. Saunders and the class presented me with a hardcover edition of the book.  After completing the book I had a great question & answer time with the students.  This is always exciting, because you never know what they will ask.  I had a great time!!

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Halloween Ministry?

I'm always looking for unique opportunities to minister for our Lord.  On October 31st I donned my leprechaun attire and visited a nearby nursing home.  I purchased 80 tiny jack-0-lanterns and went on a reverse trick-or-treating mission giving one to each resident.  The visiting took a little over three hours as I talked with each resident and prayed with several.  The 80 tiny gifts only cost $22, but you would have thought the leprechaun was handing out real gold by many of the reactions.  I think the Lord blessed me more than the recipients.  It was a wonderful visit.

Many of the staff wondered about the location of the leprechaun's gold and were surprised when I produced a "gold" coin for them from my green jack-o-lantern (hey, it matched the hat).  A friend provided me with the gold coins inscribed with a verse of scripture.  The tokens were left over from Vacation Bible School.  One of the residents, looking at my bright green container, said "you picked that one a little early."

Now, I know some may take issue with the idea of even recognizing "Halloween".  I prefer to think by witnessing, sharing scripture, praying and laughing with residents a little "light" illuminated the evening.  In Matthew 5:14-15 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house."

Nursing home residents - 80
80 small gift items - $22
Time spent visiting - 3 hours
Joy & smiles of residents - PRICELESS!!

Sunday, November 06, 2011

Bethel Baptist Today

I am preaching in supply for Pastor Jason Cain at Bethel Baptist Church today.  The services begin 11am and 6pm.  The church is located on CR230A in Starke, Florida.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Momentum Lost

Friday, October 21, 2011

Weekend Ministry Opportunities

I have three ministry opportunities this weekend and I would appreciate your prayers.

Aunt Rosie & James
Saturday afternoon I will preach the funeral service of my 100-year-old great-aunt, Rosie Mott.  She passed away on Tuesday at Baya Pointe Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lake City, Florida, where she had lived since 2003.  She had lived most of her adult life on Nolan Street in Jacksonville.  Aunt Rosie was the 11th of 14 children of the late William P. and Virginia (Hurst) Mikell, a pioneer family of the Possum Trot area of Olustee.  She was preceded in death by her husband Lester Mott, a son William 'Buck' Mott, and all of her siblings.  My grandmother, Pearl Mikell Croft, was one of her sisters. She is survived by 19 nieces and nephews, and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Aunt Rosie turned 100 on February 5, 2011 and we held a celebration at Baya Pointe for family and friends.  Photos from the event can be viewed in the gallery "Aunt Rosie's 100th Birthday".  I posted two articles about her 100 years on this site in February.  One of them was titled "A Long Life" and the other was "100 Years = A Long Time".

The funeral will be a graveside service at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd. in Jacksonville.  The service will begin at 2pm.  Please pray for our family during this time of loss.

Airline Baptist
On Sunday, I will be making my first trip to Airline Baptist Church to preach in supply for Pastor Chip Parker.  The morning service begins at 10:30am.  The church is located at 164 NE CR 354 in Mayo, Florida.  For more information or directions call (386) 294-2676.

After the service at Airline Baptist, I will drive back to Baker County to preach an evening service.

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Randy Williams at First Baptist Church of Glen St. Mary, Florida at 6pm. The church is located at 9846 George Taber Boulevard in Glen St. Mary, FL  32040.  For more information or directions call (904) 259-6977.
 
As you can see, I will truly be a "travelling" evangelist this weekend.  I will certainly appreciate your prayers as I prepare for these services and for my travel.
 
NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Chapel Hill Baptist in November

I will be preaching in supply on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Chapel Hill Baptist Church.  The service will begin at 10am.  The church meets in the Workforce Development Building at Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee, Florida.  For more information or directions call the church office at (850) 222-6900.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

First Baptist Glen St. Mary Sunday Night

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Randy Williams at First Baptist Church of Glen St. Mary, Florida this Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 6pm. The church is located at 9846 George Taber Boulevard in Glen St. Mary, FL  32040.  For more information or directions call (904) 259-6977.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Your Consideration Will Be Appreciated

Have you been considering creating a website for your church, business, organization or for personal use? Have you been considering registering a domain name for your new site or maybe an additional domain name for an existing site? Do you have an existing website and domain name, but you're wondering if you're paying too much? Well, if you answered "yes" to any of these questions, I invite you to check-out my online business called Giant Web Plans.

You'll find very competitive prices for various levels of hosting plans and website enhancement tools, as well as domain registrations and transfers. If you're not exactly sure what you need, a knowledgeable representative is just a phone call away 24 hours a day. Giant Web Plans also offers around-the-clock tech support to help you with any questions that may arise.

Please visit Giant Web Plans if you're considering a presence on the World Wide Web or just looking to enhance the one you have. If you're not in need of these services at this time, but know of someone that is, I would appreciate you passing this information along.

Airline Baptist Sunday Morning

I will be making my first trip to Airline Baptist Church this Sunday, October 23rd to preach in supply for Pastor Chip Parker.  The morning service begins at 10:30am.  The church is located at 164 NE CR 354 in Mayo, Florida.  For more information or directions call Pastor Chip Parker at (386) 294-2676.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Evergreen Baptist on Wednesday

I will preach one night during revival services at Evergreen Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 19, 2011.  The service will begin at 7pm.  The church is located at 2509 224th Street south of Lake City, Florida.  For more information call (386) 935-3497.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Marital Status