FBC Lake Butler In November

I will be preaching in supply for my Pastor Jason Johns Sunday morning, November 22nd, at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. The services will begin at 9:30am and 11am. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida. For more information or directions call the church at (386) 496-3704.

Scary Story

This incredibly funny story was recorded in 2007.  I should be in stand-up comedy, don't you think?

Blind Leading The Blind

Meeting Ends Tonight At Lighthouse

Revival services will close tonight at Lighthouse Baptist Church at 7pm.  This meeting began Sunday morning and has been well attended.  Mark Shaw, Minister of Music at Countryside Baptist Church, led the congregational singing and provided special music for three nights.  The service this evening will feature the music of Dr. Royal Colbert.  The final service begins at 7pm.  Lighthouse Baptist is located at 2611 NW 68th Ave. in Gainesville, Florida  32653.  For directions or more info call Pastor Mike Killian at (352) 372-6090.

NOTE: View more photos by Bill Whidden in our Lighthouse Baptist gallery.

2009 JOY Box Update

VIDEO

The JCEA JOY Box Ministry got underway last week as Jon Fletcher and I spent 4 hours shooting video and photos for our promotional video.  I'll post the video on this site as soon as it is available.  This overview of how the program works will also be available to participating churches, businesses and organizations for download or by requesting a DVD version

PROMO TOOLS

A promotion kit for JOY Box program coordinators has been prepared.  This kit includes brochure, poster, box submission form and video (if needed).  These items may be downloaded from the Promo Tools page of our website.  If you would like to coordinate this program for your church, business or organization send us an e-mail or call (386) 867-3199.

EXHIBIT

Tomorrow night volunteers will set-up a JOY Box exhibit for the Beulah Baptist Association's annual meeting and ministry fair in Lake City, Florida.

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

Currently, three drop-off locations for JOY Boxes have been established in Baker and Columbia Counties:

• Davis Golf Cart & Small Engine Repair, 126 South 5th Street, Macclenny, (904) 653-1068.
  
• Mercantile Bank, 595 South 6th Street, Macclenny, (904) 259-1628.
  
• Beulah Baptist Association, 189 NW Cali Drive, Lake City, (386) 752-6212.

Additional locations will be established in other counties as participation warrants.

FUTURE UPDATES

JOY Box updates will be available on this site, by clicking the JOY Box category in the left column, or on our ministry website.

SHARE JOY

Please share this information with others.  The more participants we have... the more JOY we share with nursing home residents!

“JOY to the world, the Lord is come...”

Failing Memory

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: Psalm 119:33-40

 

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way. —Psalm 119:37

 

A New York Times article linked the increase of computer storage with the decrease of data in the human mind. Our electronic aids now remember phone numbers, driving directions, and other information we used to learn by repeated use. In schools, memorization and oral recitation are disappearing from the curriculum. We have become, according to the Times, “products of a culture that does not enforce the development of memory skills.”

Yet never have we as followers of Christ been in greater need of hiding God’s Word in our hearts (Ps. 119:9-11). Scripture memory is more than a helpful mental exercise. The goal is to saturate our minds with God’s truth so that our lives will conform to His ways. The psalmist wrote: “Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. . . . Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way” (Ps. 119:33,37).

Why not begin committing Scripture to memory? Daily consistency and review are keys to success. And just like physical exercise, this spiritual discipline is enhanced when done with a small group or with a friend.

Let’s not forget to remember and follow the life-giving wisdom of God’s Word.  — David C. McCasland
God’s Word will change your life
If you will do your part
To read, to study, and obey,
And hide it in your heart. —Sper

Let the Bible fill your mind, rule your heart, and guide your life.

 

Legalism

The Back Pew

The World's Deepest Bin

I find this to be VERY cool, but after all, I worked in the solid waste & recycling industry for 17.5 years with New River Solid Waste Association before entering evangelism on a full-time basis.  Yes, I was a professional "trash talker"!

The Evangelizing Barber

There was a barber who paid close attention at his parish whenever the topic of evangelization was discussed. He thought he should be doing more to share his faith with his customers.

The next morning the barber told the Lord in prayer, “Today I’m going to witness to the first customer who walks through my door.”

A man came in as he opened his shop and said, “I need a shave.”

The barber said, “Yes sir! Just have a seat and I’ll be right with you.”

The barber went in the back and prayed a quick prayer saying, “Lord, the first customer just came in and I’m going to witness to him. Give me the wisdom to know just the right thing to say. Amen.”

Then the barber came out with his straight razor in one hand and a Bible in the other and told his customer, “I have a question for you: Are you ready to meet your Maker?”

Lighthouse Baptist Meeting Begins Sunday In Gainesville

I will be preaching revival services at Lighthouse Baptist Church on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 10:45am and 6pm.  The services will continue Monday-Wednesday, October 26-28, 2009 at 7pm nightly.  The church is located at 2611 NW 68th Ave. in Gainesville, Florida  32653.  For more info call Pastor Mike Killian at (352) 372-6090.

Please be in prayer for these services.

Share 'JOY' This Christmas

Christmas can be an all-consuming time of year for many people.  Dilligently trying to find the perfect gift for those on your list, special church programs, family gatherings, office and community events can make you wonder how to fit it all into the schedule.  Unfortunately, there are some in our community that are unable to participate in such activities because they now are residents of a nursing home.  These folks may receive a visit from a church or civic group, maybe some of the family will stop by with a gift, but many will be alone during this joyous time of year.  The James Croft Evangelistic Association desires to stand in the gap with nursing home residents during the Christmas season with the JOY Box Ministry.

JOY Boxes are shoebox sized packages prepared for nursing home residents.  The boxes, preferably plastic so they can be used for other purposes by the resident, include items such as shampoo, body wash, socks, hand lotion, baseball cap, magnifying glass, large print activity book, stationary, ink pen, comb or brush, lap blanket, or even a small portable radio/CD player.  Baked goods, hard candy, food, and sharp objects should not be included in the box.  JCEA will include a Gospel tract in each box.  These may not sound like great gift items to you and I, but residents appreciate that you have chosen it for them and it hasn't been "issued" by their facility.  We must also keep in mind each resident has a limited amount of storage space in their room.

JOY Boxes will be delivered to nursing homes just before Christmas or during the week following.  Depending on schedule considerations a program of music and a Christmas message will be used to distribute the boxes.

The JCEA website at jamescroft.org contains all of the information about this ministry including box content suggestions, a printable form to be included with each box, JOY news updates and more.  It is requested, not mandatory, that you include a $2 donation with each box to cover program expenses.  If you are unable to prepare a box, but would like to contribute financially toward this ministry visit our website for details.

Drop-off locations will be listed on the website and the deadline is Thursday, December 17, 2009.

Posters, brochures and a promotional video are also available online or upon request by calling 386.752.1563 or e-mail evangelist@jamescroft.org.

Share true Christian JOY this Christmas by putting Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last.

“JOY to the world, the Lord is come...”

Praying for Coffee Cake

An overweight business associate of mine decided it was time to shed some excess pounds. He took his new diet seriously, even changing his driving route to avoid his favorite bakery. One morning, however, he arrived at work carrying a gigantic coffee cake. We all scolded him, but his smile remained cherubic.

"This is a very special coffee cake,” he explained. “I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning, and there in the window was a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed, ‘Lord, if you want me to have one of those delicious coffee cakes, let me have a parking place directly in front of the bakery. And sure enough,” he continued, “the eighth time around the block, there it was!”

Surgery Scheduled November 24th

As many of you know, I underwent a hip revision surgery in November of 2008 (see related posts).  Unfortunately, the problem of a "slipping" rod in my femur has returned, and with it, pain that makes walking difficult.  The problem appears to stem from a lack of bone grafting at the top of the rod in my femur.

My surgeon, Dr. Mark Petty, will perform another procedure on Tuesday, November 24th in hopes of correcting the problem.  If the option being considered works, I should be well on the road to recovery by the first of the year.  However, the doctor will make the decision during the surgery to try this option or proceed with another major reconstruction as was required last year.  If the latter occurs, the recovery will take several months.

I will most certainly appreciate your prayers in the weeks leading up to the surgery, the day of the operation, and during the recovery period.  I ask you to pray for our Lord's perfect will to be done.  Please ask for wisdom, clarity in thinking and discernment for Dr. Petty and all involved in the pre-op, surgery, hospitalization, and physical therapy.  Pray for me to have physical and emotional strength through the entire process.  I also ask you to pray for my finances during this time and the added burden of the medical expenses.  I have health insurance, but as you know, there are always co-pays, deductibles and uncovered expenses.  Pray for this ministry as I hope to have preaching opportunities up until surgery time and will initiate our JOY Box Ministry which will continue with the assistance of volunteers.

This surgery will be one year to the day from the last one, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  I told someone recently that the Thanksgiving lunch at North Florida Regional Hospital in Gainesville was so good... I made reservations again for this year.  8-)

I know God is in total control, but I must confess to being anxious, fearful, and a little "down" (no pun intended) at the thought of another major surgery.   It has been a long and very tough year in many areas of my life since the middle of last November, but I know God's grace is, and will once again be, sufficient.

Additional information will be posted on this blog and on Facebook as it becomes available.

Jesus Messiah - Chris Tomlin

Futures

Services At Lighthouse Begin Sunday

I Am Second - Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford

Share your thoughts about this video by clicking "comments" below.

On Shoulders Of Giants

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download

READ: Joshua 1:1-9

 

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. —Joshua 1:5

 

Giants hold a special place in our lore—both historical and literary. From the real giant Goliath to the fictional giant of Jack and the Beanstalk fame, we are fascinated by these larger-than-life characters.

Sometimes we use the word giant to honor ordinary-size people who have done extraordinary things. One example is the 17th-century physicist Sir Isaac Newton. A committed Christian, he credited his success to other “giants” who had gone before. “If I have seen a little further,” he said, “it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Indeed, Newton became a giant on whose shoulders later scientists stood—even as they used his observations in the conquest of space flight.

When God commanded Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua certainly had a giant’s shoulders to stand on. He had watched Moses’ leadership for 40 years, and now he would put what he had learned into action.

Joshua had another advantage—his walk with God sustained his life’s mission. Therefore, he had both Moses’ example and God’s promised presence as he led Israel.

Looking for help as you face the future? Look for a giant to follow. And never underestimate the importance of your walk with God.  — Dennis Fisher

There is a destiny that makes us brothers:
None goes his way alone;
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own. —Markham

A good example is someone who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

 

Plank Removal

The Defeat Of Death

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: 1 Thess. 4:15-18

 

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Corinthians 15:57

Christian faith ought to make a difference in how we live from day to day. But the final test of our trust in the gospel is how we react in the face of death. When we attend a memorial service for a departed friend who loved the Lord Jesus, we gather to honor a believer whose stalwart trust has richly blessed the lives of those who knew him. The words spoken are more an expression of praise to God than a tribute to an admired fellow pilgrim. The service is a God-glorifying testimony to our Savior’s victory over death and the grave (1 Cor. 15:54-57).

How different from the funeral service of Charles Bradlaugh, a belligerent British atheist. Writer Arthur Porritt recalls: “No prayer was said at the grave. Indeed, not a single word was uttered. The remains, placed in a light coffin, were lowered into the earth in a quite unceremonious fashion as if carrion were being hustled out of sight. . . . I came away heart-frozen. It only then dawned on me that loss of faith in the continuity of human personality after death gives death an appalling victory.”

Christians, however, believe in a face-to-face fellowship with our Lord after death and the eventual resurrection of our bodies (1 Cor. 15:42-55; 1 Thess. 4:15-18). Does your faith rejoice in victory over death?  — Vernon C. Grounds


From earth’s wide bounds and ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl stream in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost— Alleluia! Alleluia! —How

Because Christ is alive, we too shall live.

"The Cross" Digital Tract

Welcome To Our Church

Share your thoughts about this video by clicking "comments" below.

Welcome to our Church from Life Quest Church on Vimeo.

Illusion With A Message

We can frequently learn important lessons about life and communication from optical illusions. Here’s one. Which square is darker, A or B?

Now click here to find the truth.

Our perception of almost anything depends on our background, culture, preconceptions, and life story. This is equally true of us as Christians attempting to communicate something, or for a not-yet Christian as they hear, or don’t hear, an inadequate or uncontextualized version of the good news.

Note how the truth is only discernible when you build a ‘bridge’ from square A to square B. This reflects the importance of the bridge strategy, a biblical, strategic, approach. Popular culture is one God-given bridge starter. Felt needs are another.

Another thought: the person we may have unconsciously categorized as ‘them’ (ie. unlike ‘us’), turns out to be ‘us’ too, the same ’shade of gray’, just in a slightly different place.

Source: Digital Evangelism Issues

Why Use The Internet And Mobile Technology For Ministry?

I once had a very nice lady in a church tell me, "I can't believe you would put your videos on YouTube!"  A lot of well-intentioned Christians might ask the same type of questions about the use of technology for ministry.  Jesus said in Luke 19:10, "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  The truth is many that need Jesus will not enter the church, but they will log-on to YouTube, Facebook, MySpace and many other similar sites.  They will also access this info multiple times a day with laptops, netbooks, mobile phones, and some will even still use a desktop computer!  Many may never listen to a preacher, but will watch a video with a Christian truth.  Many will never darken the doors of a church, but will listen to a Christian podcast or sermon on their iPod when no one is around.

The church has a Biblical origin and is still a viable ministry in reaching the lost (1 Cor. 1:21), encouraging the down-trodden, assisting the needy, and being a bold witness in the community.  Technology now allows the church and individual Christians the methods to reach and teach the world for Christ as commanded in the Great Commission, Matt. 28:18-20.

The video below provides some staggering facts about the use of mobile technology in our world.  This illuminates the need for God's people to be about His business using the methods that have the potential of reaching the most people.

By the way, don't think this is an excuse not to attend church.  God expects us to attend the local church (Heb. 10:25),  after all, Jesus set the example (Luke 4:16).

The James Croft Evangelistic Association extensively uses the internet and technology for evangelism and distribution of information.  Many of these methods are linked in the left column of this site.

Church Humor

Church sign: “Jesus Saves!”
Safeway sign across the street: “Safeway saves you more!”

Bulletin Announcement: Due to the pastor's illness, Wednesday's healing services will be discontinued until further notice.

Fire Alarm

Red Barn Sing Saturday

I will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the annual Red Barn Gospel Sing this Saturday, October 10, 2009.  Featured musicians include The Anchors (Wildwood, FL), Dave & Sherrie (Sanderson, FL), Barbara Croft (Olustee, FL), Gail Moore (Olustee, FL), Bobbi Croft (Virginia Beach, VA), Southern Crossing (Jacksonville, FL), and Eddie Croft (Sanderson, FL).  The covered-dish meal begins at 4:30pm and the music at 6pm.  The Red Barn is located on Willie Griffis Road off CR127 north of Sanderson, Florida.  For more info call (904) 275-2372 or (904) 275-2079.

Read a story about the Red Barn Gospel Sing at The Baker County Press.

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

Check Out GIANT Web Plans

I use the internet extensively for ministry, research and keeping up with friends. I have now started a business that can help others promote their business, ministry, organization, hobby, or give them a way to keep family and friends informed. The business is called GIANT Web Plans. GWP offers affordable web hosting, domain registrations, merchant accounts, web marketing tools, and all the "bells and whistles" you need for your web site. If you know absolutely nothing about building a website, don't worry, our professionals can help you with that too!

I hope you'll check out GIANT Web Plans should you need web services of any kind.

Athens Baptist This Sunday

I will be preaching on Evangelistic Sunday at Athens Baptist Church October 11, 2009. The services will begin at 11am and 6pm.  The church is located at 9090 SW CR240, south of Lake City, Florida in the community of Columbia City.  For more information call Pastor Walter Bowman at (386) 719-3844.

Goats For Jesus

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: 1 John 3:16-20

Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? —1 John 3:17

When Dave and Joy Mueller felt God prompting them to move to Sudan as missionaries, all they knew was that they would be helping to build a hospital in that war-ravaged land. How could they know that goats would be in their future?

As Joy began working with the women, she discovered that many were widows because of the devastating civil war and had no way to earn a living. So Joy had an idea. If she could provide just one pregnant goat to a woman, that person would have milk and a source of income. To keep the program going, the woman would give the newborn kid back to Joy—but all other products from the goat would be used to support the woman’s family. The baby goat would eventually go to another family. The gift of goats given in Jesus’ name would change the life of numerous Sudanese women—and open the door for Joy to explain the gospel.

What is your equivalent to goats? What can you give a neighbor, a friend, or even someone you don’t know? Is it a ride? An offer to do yardwork? A gift of material resources?

As believers in Christ, we have the responsibility to care for the needs of others (1 John 3:17). Our acts of love reveal that Jesus resides in our hearts, and giving to those in need may help us tell others about Him.  — Dave Branon

O Lord, my heart is filled with love
For others who have urgent needs
So help me share in every way
What I can give through words and deeds. —Hess

God gives us all we need, so let’s give to others in their need.

Worshipping In "Vein"?

Cedar Creek Service Sunday Morning

I will be preaching a pastor appreciation service at Cedar Creek Church this Sunday, October 4, 2009.  The celebration for Pastor Wayne Williams will begin at 11am.  The church is located at 14742 County Road 124, north of Sanderson, Florida.

Religious Coyote Or Prankster?

Lake Butler First Tonight

I will be preaching in supply for my pastor, Jason Johns, tonight at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. The service begins at 6:30pm. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.

Gainesville Revival Scheduled For October

I will be preaching revival services at Lighthouse Baptist Church on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 10:45am and 6pm.  The services will continue Monday-Wednesday, October 26-28, 2009 at 7pm nightly.  The church is located at 2611 NW 68th Ave. in Gainesville, Florida  32653.  For more info call Pastor Mike Killian at (352) 372-6090.

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

Cedar Creek Pastor Appreciation Sunday

I will be preaching for Pastor Appreciation Sunday at Cedar Creek Church this Sunday, October 4, 2009.  The celebration for Pastor Wayne Williams will begin at 11am.  The church is located at 14742 County Road 124, north of Sanderson, Florida.

Circle The Cat Game

Here's one of those games that can become very addictive, it is called "Circle The Cat".  The object is to box-in the cat where he can no longer move about.  I must say the cat is very smart, so the game is quite challenging.

God In A Box?

The Back Pew

Red Barn Gospel Sing In October

I will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the annual Red Barn Gospel Sing on Saturday, October 10, 2009.  Featured musicians include Southland Quartet (Cross City, FL), The Anchors (Wildwood, FL), Gail Moore (Olustee, FL), Dave & Sherrie (Sanderson, FL), Barbara Croft (Olustee, FL), Bobbi Croft (Virginia Beach, VA), and Eddie Croft (Sanderson, FL).  The covered-dish meal begins at 4:30pm and the music at 6pm.  The Red Barn is located on Willie Griffis Road off CR127 north of Sanderson, Florida.  For more info call (904) 275-2372 or (904) 275-2079.

Read a story about the Red Barn Gospel Sing at The Baker County Press.

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

High Attendance Day At Sardis On Sunday

I will be preaching at Sardis Baptist Church this Sunday,September 27, 2009 at 8:30am and 11am. These services are serving as a "high attendance day" for the church. Sardis Baptist Church is located on State Road 121 in Worthington Springs, Florida. For more information call Pastor Paul O'Steen at (386) 496-3685.

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

True Confession?

New Website For Jon Fletcher

My  good friend Jon Fletcher now has a redesigned website.  Jon is a photojournalist for the Florida Times-Union newspaper in Jacksonville, Florida.  He also made two mission trips with James Croft Evangelistic Association to Ghana, West Africa (2003 & 2004).  In 2008 he received a prestigious award voted by his peers, the National Press Photographers Association's (NPPA) 2007 Region Six Still Photographer of the Year.  He has won many other awards during his career.

Visit his redesigned website at http://www.jonmfletcher.com.

Sardis Baptist Sunday

I will be preaching at Sardis Baptist Church this Sunday,September 27, 2009 at 8:30am and 11am. These services are serving as a "high attendance day" for the church. Sardis Baptist Church is located on State Road 121 in Worthington Springs, Florida. For more information call Pastor Paul O'Steen at (386) 496-3685.

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

Responsive Reading?

The Back Pew

Talk Like A Pirate Day 2009

Today, September 19th, is the official International Talk Like A Pirate Day!

This certainly is not a Christian holiday, but it is a funny story. For more information visit the official website.

Arrr, I hope you have a great "Talk Like A Pirate Day" and if you don't, you may be forced to walk the plank. Shiver me timbers that's no fun a'tall.

Hey, what if we had a "Talk Like Jesus Day" (which should be every day)?!?! I think the Gospel of Jesus Christ would be shared with the lost of the world very quickly if born-again believers would truly talk and WALK like Jesus EVERY DAY and not just on Sundays!!!

NOTE: You never know what you may read on the "Walking With The Giant" blog!!!

Judge rules in favor of Pace school officials on trial for meal prayer

PENSACOLA (FBW) – Delivering a stern warning before issuing a ruling finding two Santa Rosa County School District employees innocent of willfully disobeying a lawful order, U.S. District Judge Margaret C. “Casey” Rodgers called the debate over their trial “healthy,” but warned America is a “democracy” and not a “theocracy” and the court is not a church, mosque or a temple.

“At the end of the day in this court,” it’s the opinion of the United States Supreme Court that decides the constitutionality of prayer in schools, Rodgers said.

Read more of this story at Florida Baptist Witness.

Share your thoughts by clicking "comments" below.

On Constitution Day, Sept. 17, two school administrators face jail time for lunch prayer

PENSACOLA (FBW)-On the anniversary of the day 39 men signed the United States Constitution, Sept. 17, two Santa Rosa County School District administrators will face criminal contempt charges in court for a prayer offered at a booster lunch.

Principal Frank Lay and athletic director Robert Freeman of Pace High School may face jail time if a federal judge rules they violated a court order issued Jan. 9 that forbid employees from "promoting, advancing, aiding, facilitating, endorsing, or causing religious prayers or devotionals during school sponsored events."

Charges were filed against Lay and Freeman after Lay, who is in his 20th year as the school's principal, asked Freeman to offer a prayer before the meal at a Jan. 29 luncheon in the school's field house honoring boosters and other adults. Lay is a member of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.

Read more of this article at Florida Baptist Witness.

Share your thoughts on this story by clicking "comments" below.

Leave Me Alone

The Back Pew

One at a Time, House to House

POCKET DEVOTIONS: Time With God's Word

Acts 20:20
You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

Thoughts for Today:

Too often we see the mega-evangelical crowds of five thousand, ten thousand, even one hundred thousand, and we think that in order to do effective ministry we need to generate the glamour, glitz and media hype to attract thousands. In our passage today, Paul provides the example that evangelism has both a public and private ("house to house") component. Jesus showed us through His example that He not only taught the mega-crowds (Matthew 14 Jesus fed and taught five thousand, and in Matthew 15 the crowd numbered four thousand), but also was not too big to get intimate -- one on one. Jesus talked personally to Nicodemus (John 3), the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), a demon-possessed man in the cemetery, and a woman subject to a bleeding disorder (Luke 8).

One of the things I appreciate so much about Jesus is His willingness to have a close, personal, and nurturing relationship with me individually. If we are not careful, in the course of large 'church programs,' we can forget one of the more important aspects of Christian witness and ministry that is the need for our personal involvement -- one at a time "and from house to house."

Questions to Ponder:

Who do you teach one on one? When was the last time you took an interest in someone individually? Too often we expect the professionals (pastors and staff) to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to interpersonal relationships. It is no wonder that churches everywhere suffer from a lack of personal touch. Where should this come from, who should it come from? The answer: you and me. Who could you take a personal interest in today?

Can You Talk Like A Pirate?

This Saturday, September 19, 2009 will be International Talk Like A Pirate Day. What in the world is that all about you may ask. What once was a goofy idea celebrated by a handful of friends has turned into an international phenomenon that shows no sign of letting up. The "pirate guys" were first mentioned in an article by nationally syndicated newspaper columnist Dave Berry seven years ago and the rest is history, well, sort of. You can visit the official website for more details. One of the great ideas mentioned on the website for celebrating the day is Pirates for Parkinsons charity walks all over the world to raise money for a good cause while havin' a rip-roarin' good time.

Are We There Yet?

Serving the Lord or Serving People?

POCKET DEVOTIONS: Time With God's Word

Acts 20:19a
I served the Lord...

Thoughts for Today:

The movie, "The End of the Spear" is the true story of a young boy and his family growing up with the Ecuadoran tribe who murdered his missionary father and friends -- the very tribesmen they had intended to save. Many of us in a similar situation would be more consumed with rage and retribution than we would with preaching Jesus and salvation.

In our passage today one might ask the question, how was Paul able to go on with his mission despite regularly being ridiculed, verbally attacked, threatened, and even physically beaten? The answer: because he served the Lord rather than people. It is the same message retold and relearned in "The End of the Spear" -- serve God not man. It is the only way we are able to overcome the pain and disappointment we are bound to encounter when we try to serve sin-filled man.

Questions to Ponder:

Have you been let down, disappointed and thoroughly disgusted with the people who you have tried to help? Has your experience affected your desire to want to get involved again? In other words, why help someone who is just going to make waste of all your effort, right? Wrong! An appropriate heart for service is to the Lord, not man. Man may be the recipient, but the author is God. 1 Peter 4:10-11 says, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

School Prayer

The Back Pew

NOTE: Please share your thoughts by clicking "comments" below.

Athens Baptist In October

I will be preaching on Evangelistic Sunday at Athens Baptist Church October 11, 2009. The services will begin at 11am and 6pm.  The church is located at 9090 SW CR240, south of Lake City, Florida in the community of Columbia City.  For more information call Pastor Walter Bowman at (386) 719-3844.

Cedar Creek Church In October

I will be preaching on Pastor Appreciation Sunday at Cedar Creek Church on October 4, 2009.  The celebration for Pastor Wayne Williams will begin at 11am.  The church is located at 14742 County Road 124, north of Sanderson, Florida.

How Do You Get To Heaven?

"If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale, and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into heaven?" I asked the children in my Sunday school class.

"NO!" the children all answered.

"If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into heaven?"

Again the answer was, "NO!""Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children and loved my wife, would that get me into heaven?" I asked them again.

Once more they all answered, "NO!"

"Well," I continued, thinking they were a good bit more theologically sophisticated than I had given them credit for, "then how can I get into heaven?"

A five-year-old boy shouted out, "You gotta be dead!"

Christian Checklist

The Back Pew

Huntsville Baptist Tomorrow

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jim Steele at Huntsville Baptist Church tomorrow, September 6, 2009. The services will begin at 10:45 AM and 6 PM. The church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery Road near Lake City, Florida.

Turbulent Times

A plane hit a patch of severe turbulence and the passengers were holding on tight as it rocked and reeled through the night. A little old lady turned to a minister who was sitting behind her and said, "You're a man of God. Can't you do something about this?"

He replied, "Sorry, I can't. I'm in sales, not management."

FBCLB Tonight

I will be preaching in supply for my pastor, Jason Johns, tonight at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. The service begins at 6:30pm. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.

Are You "Expected"?

 

The Back Pew

Huntsville Baptist Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jim Steele at Huntsville Baptist Church on Sunday, September 6, 2009. The services will begin at 10:45 AM and 6 PM. The church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery Road near Lake City, Florida. For more information call the church at (386) 752-2089.

Altar Call Or Funeral Dirge

The Back Pew

Deaf Wife

Ralph feared his wife wasn't hearing as well as she used to. He thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her on the subject, he called the family doctor to discuss the problem.

The doctor told him there is a simple, informal test the husband could perform, which would give the doctor a better idea of the extent of her hearing loss.

Here's what you do," said the Doctor, "stand about 40 feet away from her, and say something in a normal, conversational speaking tone. See if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on, until you get a response."

That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner. Ralph is in the den. He says to himself, "I'm about 40 feet away, let's see what happens.."

In a normal tone he asks, "Honey, what's for dinner?" No response.

So, the husband moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, "Honey, what's for dinner?" Still no response.

Next, he moves into the dining room, where he is about 20 feet from his wife, and asks, "Honey, what's for dinner?" Again he gets no response.

He walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. "Honey, what's for dinner?" Again there is no response.

So he walks right up behind her. "Honey, what's for dinner?"

"Ralph! For the FIFTH time, it's CHICKEN!"

The Importance Of Theology

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: 1 Kings 11:4-13

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. —2 Corinthians 6:14

 

When looking for a new car, potential buyers look at more than the exterior styling. They check out the inner workings that make it run smoothly and efficiently.

When choosing a spouse, however, some are not so careful. They discover too late that a beautiful body is camouflaging a defective mind and soul. Men and women both make this mistake, but author Carolyn Custis James was specifically concerned about men when she wrote: “[A] woman’s interest in theology ought to be the first thing to catch a man’s eye. . . . [Her] theology suddenly matters when a man is facing a crisis and she is the only one around to offer encouragement.”

Solomon should have known this. He was, after all, the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:12; 4:29-34). But Solomon followed his own desires rather than God’s command and married women whose allegiance was not to God (11:1-2). The results were disastrous. Solomon’s wives turned his heart toward other gods (vv.3-4), and God became angry with him (v.9). The kingdom of Israel was eventually divided and defeated (vv.11-13).

Good theology is important for everyone. And it is difficult to make good decisions if our allegiance is to someone who does not know and love God.  — Julie Ackerman Link

Thinking It Over
Why is it unwise for a follower of Christ to marry an unbeliever? What advice does Peter give to wives of unbelieving husbands? (see 1 Peter 3:1).

Faulty beliefs about God lead to faulty decisions about people.

God and Back-To-School

Eating The Proper Food

A Doctor was addressing a large audience in Tampa.

"The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks corrode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. High fat diets can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have, or will, eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?"

After several seconds of quiet, a 75-year-old man in the front row raised his hand, and softly said, "Wedding Cake".

"Practicing" Abstinence

Sardis High Attendance Service Scheduled

I will be preaching at Sardis Baptist Church on Sunday,September 27, 2009 at 8:30am and 11am. These services are serving as a "high attendance day" for the church. Sardis Baptist Church is located on State Road 121 in Worthington Springs, Florida. For more information call Pastor Paul O'Steen at (386) 496-3685.

Revival Pianist

Ken Crenshaw, a member of the JCEA 2004 Ghana Mission Team, provided piano music for revival services I preached at Sampson City Baptist Church in Starke, Florida in July 2009. This video features a portion of two of his specials. A few photos from the meeting are in this gallery.

2010 Morriston Men's Conference

Evangelist James Croft will be the guest speaker at the annual men's conference for Morriston Baptist Church in 2010. The event will also feature gospel music and a wild-game meal. The conference will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 6pm. For more information call the church at (352) 528-4080.

Huntsville Baptist Labor Day Weekend

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jim Steele at Huntsville Baptist Church on Sunday, September 6, 2009. The services will begin at 10:45 AM and 6 PM. The church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery Road near Lake City, Florida. For more information call the church at (386) 752-2089.

Oceanic Sins?

The Back Pew

Royalty Recognized

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download
READ: Philippians 2:5-11

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, . . . [and] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. —Philippians 2:10-11

As a kid, I loved watching the film Little Lord Fauntleroy. The story focuses on Cedric, a boy growing up in a poor home with his mother in Brooklyn. He discovers the stunning news that he is actually the direct descendant of the Earl of Dorincourt and the heir of a vast fortune. One day he’s a nobody playing “kick the can” on the streets of New York, and then suddenly he’s traveling through an English town to the cries of “Your lordship!” from adoring villagers.

If you had seen Jesus playing in the streets of Nazareth as a boy, you wouldn’t have taken any special notice of Him (except that He probably wasn’t playing “kick the can”). If you had seen Him in the carpentry shop, you wouldn’t have had a clue about His deity. And if you had seen Him hanging on the cross, that horrific scene wouldn’t have enticed your heart to adore Him if you didn’t know what was behind it.

But in His resurrection, Jesus revealed His true identity. He is the conquering King—ultimate royalty! Since “God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name” (Phil. 2:9), how much more should we adoringly worship Him who, in such surrendered humility, died so that He could become our victorious King! — Joe Stowell

Behold Him there! The risen Lamb!
My perfect, spotless righteousness;
The great, unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace. —Bancroft

Recognize and respond to the royalty of God—worship Him

From Dust to Dust

After church, Robbie tells his parents he has to go and talk to the minister right away. They agree and the pastor greets the family.

"Pastor," Robbie says, "I heard you say today that our bodies came from the dust."

"That's right, Johnny, I did.""And I heard you say that when we die, our bodies go back to dust."

"Yes, I'm glad you were listening. Why do you ask?"

"Well you better come over to our house right away and look under my bed 'cause there's someone either comin' or goin'!"

Building On The Wrong Foundation

Preaching Tonight In Lake Butler

I will be preaching in supply for my Pastor Jason Johns tonight, August 12th, at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. The service begins at 6:30pm. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.

Love-O-Meter

The Back Pew

Holy Kiss

The Back Pew

Shiloh Tomorrow

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Earl Tuten at Shiloh Baptist Church this Sunday, August 2, 2009. The services will begin at 11am and 6pm. The church is located at 173 Shiloh Way in Fort White, Florida. For more information call the church at (386) 454-4978.

Miniatur Wunderland

This is the official corporate video for Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg. This is the largest model railway in the world and one of the most successful permanent exhibitions in Germany.