Walking with the Giant

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READ: Matthew 1:18-25

The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. —Isaiah 7:14

In contrast to many of the resounding carols proclaiming the Savior’s birth, “Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming” is a gentle song. Its words and music capture the hushed, almost preposterous assertion that a rose of hope has bloomed in the world’s winter of despair. Written in the 15th century by an unknown German poet, it stands quietly in the midst of our modern Christmas rush, bearing a message of joy for all who will pause to listen.

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming,
As men of old have sung.
It came, a floweret bright,
Amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.

The song speaks of a season when roses don’t bloom and of a night half gone, a time when people often give in to despair.

Christmas can be an emotional winter, a dark night when the holiday lights are dimmed and cheery greetings are muted by loneliness or fear. Yet there is this word of hope:

This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere;
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us,
And lightens every load.

A Rose has bloomed at midnight in winter. Christ the Savior is born! —David C. McCasland

The message of the cradle proclaims the mission of the cross.

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Star Light, Star Bright

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

FBC Lake Butler Added To Schedule

I will be preaching at my home church, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, on Sunday, January 7, 2007. The service will begin at 6pm in our newly remodeled sanctuary. The morning service will be a special dedication service for the new sanctuary and will be led by our pastor, Jason Johns. I am honored to be asked to preach on this special day.

First Baptist Church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida. For more information call the church office at (386) 496-3704.

What is JCEA?

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

Monday, December 25, 2006

Reason For The Season

Silent Night Movie

This site features a Flash movie about their interpretation of the song "Silent Night".

Tracking Santa

The flight of Santa Claus this year is once again being tracked by the North American Air Defense Command, known as NORAD. They have a cool website with a lot of features. It is very interesting to read how this tracking tradition began in the 1950's. Follow this link to track Santa.

I guess I'm still a kid at heart.

Wonder

READ: Luke 2:15-20

All those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. —Luke 2:18

Elmer Kline, a bakery manager in 1921, was given the job of naming the company’s new loaf of bread. As he struggled to come up with something “catchy,” he found his answer in an unlikely place. While visiting the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he stopped to watch the International Balloon Festival.

Later he described the sight of the beautiful hot-air balloons launching into the Indiana sky as one of “awe and wonderment.” The thought stuck, and he called the new product Wonder Bread. To this day, the packaging for Wonder Bread is brightened by colorful balloons.

Wonder, however, is a word that evokes something more significant than a loaf of bread or hot-air balloons. One dictionary defines wonder as “a cause of astonishment or admiration.” It’s a word that captures the experience of all the people surrounding the events of the coming of Jesus into the world—the angels, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and all the people they told. Luke said they “marveled” (2:18). For all of them, trying to understand the birth of Christ was an exercise in wonder.

As we celebrate Christmas, may we be filled with wonder at His love and His coming! —Bill Crowder

Have you felt the joy of the shepherds,
Who were first to behold the sight
Of that holy Child of Mary
On that wonderful Christmas night? —Brill

A wonder-filled life is yours when you know the Christ of Christmas.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Bible in One Year: Habakkuk 1-3; Revelation 15

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Christmas Jungle

Teach The Children

Here's an interesting reading about Christmas. It is called "Teach the Children".

Saturday, December 23, 2006

A Baby Boy

READ: Luke 2:8-14

[Mary] brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths. —Luke 2:7

The full-page advertisement in the newspaper caught my eye immediately. Near the top of the light-blue page was the silhouette of a star. In the center of the page were the words:

It’s a boy.

Luke 2:11 was printed across the bottom of the page: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (niv).

This simple message—it’s a boy—proclaimed the indescribable gift of a Savior who came to earth as a baby. Why did He do it?

We needed God to send Jesus. Because of our sin, we were separated from a holy God (Rom. 3:23). A perfect Savior and mediator was needed to bring us back together. Only God could restore the relationship.

God wanted to send Jesus. He loved us so much that He gave His Son (John 3:16) so that our relationship could be restored. Jesus was the only One who could meet His demand for a perfect sacrifice—only He was sinless (Heb. 9:11-15). He willingly gave Himself on the cross. God accepted that sacrifice and raised Him from the dead.

Because of our need and His love, God the Father gave us the gift of Jesus the Son. Accept His gift today—it’s free. —Anne Cetas

Rejoice, O soul, the debt is paid,
For all our sins on Christ were laid;
We’ve been redeemed, we’re justified—
And all because the Savior died. —D. De Haan

Jesus died that we might live.

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Bible in One Year: Nahum 1-3; Revelation 14

Virgin Birth

Friday, December 22, 2006

The Christmas Guest

This is the second of the two Christmas writings I mentioned yesterday. This has been recorded by several artist. My favorite rendition is by Grandpa Jones. Here's a website where you can hear the song (using Internet Explorer).

The Christmas Guest

It happened one day near December's end,
Two neighbors called on an old time friend.

And they found his shop so meager and mean
Made gay with a thousand bows of green,

And Conrad was sitting with face ashine,
When he suddenly stopped as he stitched a twine,

and he said, "old friend, at dawn today
when the cock was crowing the night away

The lord appeared in a dream to me,
And said, "I am coming your guest to be."

"So I've been busy with feet astir,
Strewing my shop with branches of fir.

The table is spread and the kittle is shined,
And over the rafters the holly is twined.

And now I'll wait for my lord to appear
And listen closely so I will hear

his step as he nears my humble place
And I open the door and look on his face.

So his friends went home and left Conrad alone
For this is the happiest day he had known,

For long since, his family had passed away
and conrad had spend many a sad Christmas day.

But he knew with the Lord as his Christmas guest,
This Christmas would be the dearest and best

So he listened with only joy in his heart,
And with every sound he would rise with a start

and look for the Lord to be at his door,
Like the vision he had a few hours before.

So he ran to the window after hearing a sound,
But all he could see on the snow covered ground

was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn
and all his clothes were ragged and worn.

But Conrad was touched as he went to the door
And he said, "your feet must be frozen and sore.

I have some shoes in my shop for you,
and a coat that will keep you warmer too."

So with grateful heart the man went away,
But Conrad noticed the time of day

And he wondered what made the Lord so late,
and how much longer he'd have to wait?

When he heard a knock; he ran to the door
But it was only a stranger once more.

A bent old lady with a shawl of black,
With a bundle of kindling piled on her back.

She asked for only a place to rest,
but that was reserved for Conrad's great guest,

But her voice seemed to plead, "Don't send me away.
Let me rest for a while on Christmas day.

So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup,
And told her to sit at the table and sup.

But after she left he was filled with dismay
For he saw that the hours were slipping away,

And the Lord hadn't come as he said he would
And conrad felt sure he had misunderstood.

When out of the stillness he heard a cry,
"Please help me and tell me where am I?"

So again he opened his friendly door,
And stood disappointed as twice before.

It was only a child who had wandered away
And was lost from her family on Christmas day.

Again Conrad's heart was heavy and sad,
but he knew he should make the little girl glad

So he called her in and wiped her tears
And quieted all her childish fears

Then he led her back to her home once more,
But as he entered his own darkened door,

he new that the lord was not coming today,
For the hours of Christmas had passed away.

So he went to his room and knelt down to pray,
And he said, "Dear Lord, why did you delay?

What kept you from coming to call on me?
For I wanted so much your face to see.

When soft in the silence a voice he heard,
"Lift up your head for I kept my word.

Three times my shadow crossed your floor.
Three times I came to your lowly door.

For I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet.
I was the woman you gave something to eat.
And I was the child on the homeless street.

Three times I knocked, Three times I came in,
And each time I found the warmth of a friend.

Of all the gifts, love is the best.
I was honored to be your Christmas guest."

Note: Read Matthew 25:31-46 for more information.

Just In Time For A Christmas Download

The Christmas edition of the Walking with the Giant podcast is now online and available for download.

Program Features:

Ghana Update: Christmas In Ghana is the theme of Evangelist Raphael Adjei Kingbi's, JCEA Ministry Coordinator (e-mail), monthly report. You'll hear Evangelist Ralph discuss Carol's Night, Christmas trees and much more. This conversation is not only informative, but humorous too.
Interview: Paul Braun with Samaritan's Purse discusses Operation Christmas Child. He talks about the the program's goals, costs, logistics and volunteers. Braun is the ministry's Regional Director for North and West Africa and for the Middle East. For more information about the program, visit their website or call the toll-free number (800) 353-5949.
Music: The First Noel by Kevin Owen and Cheryl Kent.
Message: Room For Jesus by Evangelist James Croft is taken from Luke 2:1-7 in the Holy Bible.

Edition: Vol. 1, No. 10
File Size: 21.01 MB
Length: 45 min. 42 sec.

Program Links:

RSS Feed/Download Page

Program Information

iTunes Link

You may also contribute financially to this ministry to help with production costs by following these links:

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

Living Paintings

Here's a cool site someone sent to me that features Christmas scenes as living paintings. Check it out.

The Joy Of Redemption

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READ: Psalm 98

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things. —Psalm 98:1

For 30 straight Christmas seasons at the Omaha Community Playhouse, Dick Boyd never missed a performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. When he retired at the age of 83, Boyd no longer needed makeup to play the cynical, miserly old man who is transformed at Christmas. During the play, the dramatic change in Scrooge is seen in his face, in his voice, and in his generosity. The director who selected Boyd for the role in 1976 said, “Dick was the one who best captured the joy of redemption.”

Each Christmas reminds us of God’s grace shown to us in the gift of Jesus Christ, His Son. The carols of the season reflect the psalmist’s words: “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations” (Ps. 98:1-2). Isaac Watts poetically expressed Psalm 98 in these enduring words:

Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing.

The evidence of God’s salvation can be seen in our faces, heard in our voices, and reflected by the works of our hands. May the joy of redemption shine through us this Christmas, and throughout the rest of the year. —David C. McCasland

You’ll have no true joy at Christmas if Christ is not in your heart.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Basics Of Faith > Salvation > New Birth

Bible in One Year: Micah 6-7; Revelation 13

Thursday, December 21, 2006

The Parable of the Birds

I have two all-time favorite Christmas writings and this is one of them. You may have heard Paul Harvey read this on his program. It is awesome to hear him read it.

I'll share the second writing tomorrow.

The Parable of the Birds

by Louis Cassels

Once upon a time, there was a man who looked upon Christmas as a lot of humbug. He wasn't a Scrooge. He was a very kind and decent person, generous to his family, upright in all his dealings with other men.

But he didn't believe all that stuff about God becoming man, which churches proclaim at Christmas. Why would God want to do anything like that?

So when his family left to attend midnight services on Christmas Eve, he stayed home.

Shortly after the family drove away, snow began to fall. He went to the window and watched the flurries getting heavier and heavier. Sometime later, as he was reading his newspaper by the fire, he was startled by a thudding sound that was quickly followed by another. Then another.

When he went to investigate, he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the snow. They had been caught in the storm, and in a desperate search for shelter had tried to fly through the window.

"I can't let these poor creatures lie there and freeze," he thought. "But how can I help them?"

Then he remembered the barn. It would provide a warm shelter. He quickly put on his coat and boots and tramped throught the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the doors wide and turned on the light.

But the birds didn't come in.

"Food will bring them in," he thought. So he hurried back to the house for bread crumbs, which he sprinkled on the snow to make a trail into the barn.

To his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow. He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around and waving his arms. They scattered in every direction -- except into the warm, lighted barn.

"They find me a strange and terrifying creature," he said to himself, "and I can't seem to think of any way to let them know they can trust me."

"If only I could be a bird myself for a few minutes, perhaps I could lead them to safety."

Just at that moment the church bells began to ring. He stood silently for a while, listening to the bells pealing the glad tidings of Christmas.

Then he sank to his knees in the snow. "Now I understand," he whispered. "Now I see why You had to do it."

Note: Louis Cassels was religion editor for United Press International. His "Parable of the Birds" has been reprinted and rebroadcast on radio many times in the years since it first appeared in the Christmas editions of newspapers across the country in 1959.

More Than Christmas

Seeing At Christmas

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READ: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

God . . . commanded light to shine out of darkness. —2 Corinthians 4:6

During the Christmas season of 1879, an agnostic reporter in Boston saw three little girls standing in front of a store window full of toys. One of them was blind. He heard the other two describing the toys to their friend. He had never considered how difficult it was to explain to someone without sight what something looks like. That incident became the basis for a newspaper story.

Two weeks later the reporter attended a meeting held by Dwight L. Moody. His purpose was to catch the evangelist in an inconsistency. He was surprised when Moody used his account of the children to illustrate a truth. “Just as the blind girl couldn’t visualize the toys,” said Moody, “so an unsaved person can’t see Christ in all His glory.”

On that first Christmas, only a few people understood who Jesus really was. Many heard the report of the shepherds and were amazed, but they didn’t view the baby in the manger as the Son of God.

Today, multitudes are unaware of the true identity of Jesus because they are spiritually blind. If this describes you, ask God to open your eyes. Believe that the Lord of glory died for your sins. Then trust Him. Your eyes will be opened, and you’ll recognize who He really is. —Herbert Vander Lugt

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping? —Dix

Wise men still seek Jesus.

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Wednesday, December 20, 2006

He Was There

Molly and the Mistletoe

Here's an animated Christmas card for you called Molly and the Mistletoe. The card is by Jacquie Lawson.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Name Above All Names

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READ: Philippians 2:5-11

You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. —Matthew 1:21

If you knew for certain that you were going to lose your voice and that you would never be able to speak again, what would you want your final words to be?

A man with throat cancer faced an operation that would save his life but not his voice. Just before surgery, he spent time with his wife telling her of his love. He did the same with his daughter.

Then he asked his doctor to let him know precisely when the anesthetic would make him unconscious. As the man was slipping off to sleep, he said distinctly, “Jesus! Jesus!” That was the last word he chose to utter in this life—“Jesus!”

How meaningful is the name of Jesus to us? Other names, like the names of those we love, are inexpressibly precious. But for those of us who are redeemed by God’s grace, the name of Jesus is the most meaningful. And it is to our heavenly Father as well. He “has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, . . . and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11).

Throughout the rest of our lives and into eternity, let’s magnify that wonderful name—Jesus. —Vernon C Grounds

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Let all heaven and earth proclaim:
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
But there’s something about that name! —Gaither
© 1970 by William J. Gaither

The name of Jesus is precious to those who know Him and profane to those who spurn Him.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Basics Of Faith > Jesus Christ > Savior

Bible in One Year: Jonah 1-4; Revelation 10

Christmas Christians?

Monday, December 18, 2006

JCEA December Newsletter Online

The December 2006 edition of the monthly newsletter of the James Croft Evangelistic Association is now online.

Christmas Podcast

The Christmas edition of the Walking with the Giant podcast is now online and available for download.

Program Features:

Ghana Update: Christmas In Ghana is the theme of Evangelist Raphael Adjei Kingbi's, JCEA Ministry Coordinator (e-mail), monthly report. You'll hear Evangelist Ralph discuss Carol's Night, Christmas trees and much more. This conversation is not only informative, but humorous too.
Interview: Paul Braun with Samaritan's Purse discusses Operation Christmas Child. He talks about the the program's goals, costs, logistics and volunteers. Braun is the ministry's Regional Director for North and West Africa and for the Middle East. For more information about the program, visit their website or call the toll-free number (800) 353-5949.
Music: The First Noel by Kevin Owen and Cheryl Kent.
Message: Room For Jesus by Evangelist James Croft is taken from Luke 2:1-7 in the Holy Bible.

Edition: Vol. 1, No. 10
File Size: 21.01 MB
Length: 45 min. 42 sec.

Program Links:

RSS Feed/Download Page

Program Information

iTunes Link

You may also contribute financially to this ministry to help with production costs by following these links:

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

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Past Opportunities

I have revamped the "Past Opportunities" page on my ministry website. Let me know what you think.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Christmas In Ghana

Evangelist Raphael Adjei Kingbi serves as the Ghana Ministry Coordinator for the James Croft Evangelistic Association and gives a monthly report during the "Walking with the Giant" Podcast. During the Christmas edition of the program, Evangelist Ralph will be sharing about how Christmas will be celebrated in Teshie-Accra, Ghana West Africa. It is a lively, informative and, sometimes, funny discussion. The program should be available for download on Monday.

I will be sending a financial donation to Evangelist Ralph and his family for Christmas around Wednesday, December 20th. If you would like to send a financial gift to the Kingbi's to assist with their ministry in Ghana, please follow the appropriate link below:

You would be suprised just how much help a small sum can be in Ghana. If you are unable to contribute financially, please contribute prayerfully to this Kingdom work. May God richly bless you for your efforts!

Where Was That Verse?

This is a Bible Search too provided by Bible Gateway. You will always be able to find it at the bottom of the left column on the Walking with the Giant Blog.

Lookup a word or passage in the Bible
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Christmas Love

I posted the following story last year, but it tells such a powerful story I think we should read it again.

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating and even overspending. Yet, still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant". I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All Parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas", I didn't expect anything other than fun commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes, and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row - center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas, " a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her, a small, quiet girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of the 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake, but she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In an instant, we
understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the
first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"CHRISTWASLOVE"

Friday, December 15, 2006

Overcoming Evil With Good

I'm glad our Savior, Jesus Christ, is all about love, aren't you?

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READ: Luke 9:51-56

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:21

Jesus was passing through Samaria on His way to Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to prepare a place, but the villagers rejected Him.

When James and John heard about the refusal, they fumed, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” (Luke 9:54). They had just been on the Mount of Transfiguration and had seen their Lord with Moses and Elijah. No doubt they recalled the story of Elijah calling down fire from heaven (2 Kings 1:9-12). But when they asked for a consuming fire, Jesus corrected them.

He told them, “The Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” (Luke 9:56). It is not our business to seek vengeance. God treads the winepress of His wrath alone (Isa. 63:3). Our business is to bring the good news of salvation to the world.

Paul wrote, “Do not avenge yourselves . . . for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:19-21). We must leave vengeance with God.

Jesus calls us to treat difficult people with kindness and to seek to bring them to Him. —David H. Roper

When anger springs up in my heart, dear Lord,
Because of the evil I see,
Help me to channel the wrath that I feel
And do something noble for Thee. —Branon

God’s wrath and mercy are both seen in the cross of Calvary.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Relationships > Relating to others > Confrontation

Podcast Update

As you may know, a November edition of the Walking with the Giant podcast has not been released. The reasons for this are many. However, a combination November/December episode will be released the first of next week as a Christmas special. It will contain information about how Christmas is celebrated in Ghana, West Africa and an interview with a representative from Samaritan's Purse discussing Operation Christmas Child. You'll also hear some Christmas music! I'll let you know when the episode is available for download.

If you receive the program via audio CD, it should be mailed by Tuesday and will hopefully arrive to you before Christmas. Your CD subscription will also be extended by one month due to the combining of two programs. Visit the Walking with the Giant website for information on receiving the program each month on audio CD.

Stay tuned for more information!

The Perfect Child

Christmas Jigsaw Puzzle

Here's a Christmas jigsaw puzzle in the form of an animated card.

The one thing about this card that really bothers me is that it doesn't actually use the word "Christmas"! What's up with that?

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Low Sodium Diet

“Little Rajah, Little King”

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READ: Isaiah 9:1-7

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. —Isaiah 2:11

In an editorial printed in Reaper magazine, David G. Stewart wrote, “In India we used to chuckle about baby pujah, or baby worship. All the women would gather around the baby in arms, and cluck like broody hens with their approval, and note the supposed likeness to mom or dad, and hold the fingers, touch the cheek, kiss the feet. A favorite term to describe the young baby boy was ‘Little Rajah, Little King.’ Though they do not actually bow down and worship a new baby, those Indians give so much attention to a new infant that it’s no wonder they call it ‘baby worship.’”

When Jesus was an infant, He too received adoration and honor. He was adored by shepherds who left their flocks in the fields to worship a baby in a manger. Why? Because He was the King of kings.

I wonder, as this Christmas season progresses, are you able to focus your attention, even briefly, on the One whose birth we celebrate? Even more, are you willing to bow down in humility and give Him the adoration He rightly deserves? Isaiah prophesied long ago that His name would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (9:6). Jesus was no ordinary baby. He truly was the King of all kings! —David C. Egner

As you bring your gifts to His cradle
And worship Him now as King,
Do you bow your knees to His power?
Is your life the offering you bring? —Brill

When we recognize Jesus’ kingship, we will give Him our worship.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Walking with the Giant Blog

Walking with the Giant Podcast

James Croft Ministry Schedule

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Do the Flu Dance

I received this little poem in an e-mail. Read it as a square-dance caller would on a Saturday night.

The Flu Dance

Choose your partners, one and all,
Aspirin, Advil, or Tylenol!

Now fling those covers with all you've got,
One minute cold, the next minute hot,

Circle right to the side of the bed,
Grab the tissues and Sudafed.

Back to the middle and don't goof off;
Hold your stomach and cough, cough, cough.

Forget about slippers, dash down the hall,
Toss your cookies in the shower stall.

Remember others on the brink;
Wash your hands; wash the sink.

Wipe the doorknob, light switch too,
By George, you've got it, you're doing the Flu!

Some like it cold, some like it hot;
If you like neither, get the shot.

Youth Christmas Dinner Tonight

I will be bringing a devotion tonight at a youth Christmas dinner for First Baptist Church of Lake Butler (Florida). Please be in prayer for this service.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Sin Sniffles

AvantGo Subscriptions

AvantGo users now have the ability to subscribe to three JCEA ministry channels with the service. AvantGo RSS Channels have been created for this Blog, the Walking with the Giant Podcast and my Ministry Opportunities schedule. If you have an AvantGo account, follow the appropriate link below:

Monday, December 11, 2006

Ministry DVD Available

The "Ministry Overview" DVD has been completed for the James Croft Evangelistic Association. The presentation about this full-time ministry features:

Intro: the award winning Flash presentation created by Jon M. Fletcher for the Florida Times-Union in 2003
Preaching: 1 video sermon and 1 audio sermon
Missions: a video featuring the three Ghana, West Africa mission trips
Broadcast: 4 audio episodes of the Walking with the Giant podcast
Internet: links to JCEA related websites
Contact: information on contacting the JCEA

If you are a pastor; church or ministry staff member or leader; or member of a church and you are interested in this ministry or wanting to share this ministry with someone in one of these positions, we will be happy to mail a copy of the DVD to you. Just send an e-mail with your name, mailing address, telephone number and information about the ministry that will be receiving the DVD and one will be mailed. If you would like to donate to this ministry to help cover postage and supplies, please follow the "Contribute to this Ministry" links in the left column of this site.

Please note: At this time, this is limited to mailing addresses in the United States and Canada.

Babel Joke

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Eternal Rock Tonight

I have been asked to return to Eternal Rock Christian Church for tonight's service. The service will begin at 6:30pm. The church is located on Brown Road in Lake City, Florida.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Goliath Obituary

Friday, December 08, 2006

Eternal Rock Christian Church on Sunday

I will be preaching at Eternal Rock Christian Church this Sunday morning at 10:45AM. The church is located on Brown Road in Lake City, Florida. Please be in prayer for this service and for the church as they search for a pastor.

Appointment Goes Well

I want to thank everyone for their prayers for my visit to the eye doctor. The appointment turned out well. I will have to return in February for another exam, so please continue to remember me in your prayers.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Waiting For God

This is a good devotion for me today as I have an appointment with my eye doctor. Some of you may have already been praying for me about this, and I thank you so much. I will post the outcome later today. Please keep me in your prayers.

James

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READ: Luke 2:25-35

Simeon . . . was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel. —Luke 2:25