Winds of Love

April 20, 2006 Winds Of Love Read: 1 John 4:1-8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. —1 John 4:8 Bible In One Year: 2 Samuel 9-11; Luke 15:11-32

A farmer had a weather vane on his barn, on which was written "God is love." When friends asked why, the farmer said, "This is to remind me that no matter which way the wind blows, God is love."

When the warm "south wind" with its soothing and balmy breezes brings showers of blessing, God is love. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17).

When the cold "north wind" of trial and testing sweeps down upon you, God is love. "All things work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28).

When the "west wind" blows hard upon you with its punishing intent, God is love. "Whom the Lord loves He chastens" (Hebrews 12:6).

When the "east wind" threatens to sweep away all that you have, God is love. "God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19).

Perhaps you are discouraged and downhearted. If so, remember, God still cares for you. What you are experiencing has either been sent or it has been allowed by Him for your good.

Yes, no matter which way the wind is blowing, God is love. —Richard De Haan

God is love: His mercy brightens
All the path in which we rove;
Bliss He wakes and woe He lightens—
God is wisdom, God is love. —Bowring

No affliction would trouble us if we knew God's reason for permitting it.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
The Lord Is My Shepherd

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Support for RBC Ministries comes from the gifts of our members and friends.

RBC Ministries is a member of theGospel Communications Network (GCN).

rbc@gospelcom.net
©2006 RBC Ministries--Grand Rapids, MI 49555
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Our Daily Bread is a daily devotional provided by RBC Ministries
for spiritual growth and Bible study

Do I Look Good?

FBC Lake Butler Tonight

I will be preaching at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler tonight at 6:30pm. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.

Christian Thoughts

Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited
until you try to sit in their pews.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Many folks want to serve GOD, but only as advisors.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

People are funny; they want the
front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the Church.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation
bangs on your front door forever.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Some minds are like concrete
thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

Nobody Believes Old People

Everyone thinks they are senile.

An Elderly couple were celebrating their sixtieth anniversary. The couple had married as childhood sweethearts and had moved back to their old neighborhood after they retired.

Holding hands they walked back to their old school. It was not locked, so they entered, and found the old desk they'd shared, where Andy had carved, "I love you, Sally."

On their way back home, a bag of money fell out of an armored car, practically landing at their feet. Sally quickly picked it up, but not sure what to do with it, they took it home..

There, she counted the money... fifty-thousand dollars.

Andy said, "We've got to give it back."

Sally said, "Finders keepers." She put the money back in the bag and hid it in their attic.

The next day, two FBI men were canvassing the neighborhood looking for the money, and knocked on the door. "Pardon me, but did either of you find a bag that fell out of an armored car yesterday?"

Sally said, "No."

Andy said, "She's lying. She hid it up in the attic."

Sally said, "Don't believe him, he's getting senile."

The agents turn to Andy and began to question him. One says: "Tell us the story from the beginning."

Andy said, "Well, when Sally and I were walking home from school yesterday..."

The first FBI guy turns to his partner and says, "We're outta here."

Two Gardens

April 17, 2006 Two Gardens Read: John 18:1-11 The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. —Genesis 2:8 Bible In One Year: 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 14:1-24

Two gardens are mentioned prominently in the Bible: the garden of Eden and the garden of Gethsemane. God placed the first man, Adam, in the garden of Eden; Jesus went into Gethsemane to restore what the first man had lost.

The first Adam sinned in the garden; the last Adam took this sin upon Himself. The garden of Eden had the tree of life, which man could have enjoyed forever had he not broken fellowship with God. The garden of Gethsemane was a step toward the tree of death (Acts 5:30; 1 Peter 2:24). By Adam's transgression, he forfeited his right to the tree of life and brought death to all mankind. He who hung on the tree of Calvary conquered death and by His glorious resurrection restored the tree of life to all who believe.

The garden where Adam fell is gone from the earth, but there is a glad day coming when He who suffered alone in Gethsemane will restore all things. The curse will be lifted from the earth, the animals will again be docile (Isaiah 11:6-8), the deserts will disappear (Isaiah 35:6), the earth will yield her increase abundantly (Amos 9:13), and Jesus will be here personally to bless His people (Revelation 21:3).

What Adam lost, Jesus will restore. —M. R. De Haan, M.D.

Adam was God's first man in creation—
He through sin brought death to all mankind;
Jesus came to earth to bring salvation:
Trusting Him, eternal life we'll find. —Hess

God formed us; sin deformed us; Christ transforms us.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Is There Life After Death?

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Next Day | Previous Day | This Month | Archive | Topical Index

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Support for RBC Ministries comes from the gifts of our members and friends.

RBC Ministries is a member of theGospel Communications Network (GCN).

rbc@gospelcom.net
©2006 RBC Ministries--Grand Rapids, MI 49555
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Our Daily Bread is a daily devotional provided by RBC Ministries
for spiritual growth and Bible study

Happy Anniversary Ralph & Mavis

My dear friends, Evangelist Ralphael Adjei Kingbi and his wife Mavis are celebrating their second wedding anniversary today (Monday, April 17th). Evangelist Ralph was our host in Ghana during our mission trips in 2002, 2003 & 2004. Ralph now serves as Ghana Ministry Coordinator for the James Croft Evangelistic Association.

Ralph & Mavis live in Teshie-Accra, Ghana, West Africa and are expecting their first child in July.

If you would like to send Ralph & Mavis a note of congratulations or a note of encouragement for their work for the Lord you may e-mail him at evangralph@yahoo.co.uk. You can also write them at:

P.O. Box 193
Teshie, Accra
Ghana-West Africa

He Is Risen!

The Holy Bible, Matthew 28 (NKJV)

1Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
5But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
8So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
9And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
11Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 15So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
18And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Bunny in the Bible?

As Christians it is our responsibility to make sure EVERYONE knows what Easter is all about.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (NKJV)
1Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,
2by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

Got Excitement?

Click image to enlarge.

Still He Walked

He could hear the crowds screaming "crucify" "crucify"...

He could hear the hatred in their voices,

These were his chosen people.

He loved them,

And they were going to crucify him.

He was beaten, bleeding and weakened...

His heart was broken,

But still He walked.

He could see the crowd as he came from the palace.

He knew each of the faces so well.

He had created them.

He knew every smile, every laugh, and every shed tear,

But now they were contorted with rage and anger

His heart broke,

But still He walked.

Was he scared? You and I would have been

So his humanness would have mandated that he was.

He felt alone.

His disciples had left, denied, and even betrayed him.

He searched the crowd for a loving face and he saw very few.

Then he turned his eyes to the only one that mattered

And he knew that he would never be alone.

He looked back at the crowd...

At the people who were spitting at him

Throwing rocks at him and mocking him

And he knew that because of him,

They would never be alone.

So for them, He walked.

The sounds of the hammer striking the spikes echoed through the crowd.

The sounds of his cries echoed even louder,

The cheers of the crowd, as his hands and feet were nailed to the cross,

Intensified with each blow.

Loudest of all was the still small voice

Inside his Heart that whispered "I am with you, my son",

And God's heart broke.

He had let His son walk.

Jesus could have asked God to end his suffering,

But instead he asked God to forgive.

Not to forgive him, but to forgive the ones who were persecuting him.

As he hung on that cross, dying an unimaginable death,

He looked out and saw, not only the faces in the crowd,

But also, the face of every person yet to be,

And his heart filled with love.

As his body was dying, his heart was alive.

Alive with the limitless, unconditional love he feels for each of us.

That is why He walked.

When I forget how much My God loves me,

...I remember his walk.

When I wonder if I can be forgiven,

...I remember his walk.

When I need to be reminded of how to live like Christ,

...I think of his walk.

And to show him how much I love him,

...I wake up each morning, turn my eyes to him,

......And I walk.

Author Unknown

Easter Services at Huntsville

I will be preaching Easter services at Huntsville Baptist Church on Sunday. The morning worship service will begin at 10:45am and the evening service will begin at 6pm. Huntsville Baptist Church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery in Lake City, Florida.

Easter Card

Here's an animated Easter (egg) card for you: http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=QZ40293483.

It's not the "true" meaning of Easter, but it's cute.

Practice Doesn't Make Perfect

You can call it whatever you want, but if it's not focused on Jesus Christ then it's idolatry.

Exodus 20:3-4 (NKJV)
3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;

John 14:6 (NKJV)
6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Interesting Thoughts, Volume 5

• When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

• Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.

• Every one has a photographic memory, some just don't have film.

• How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?

• What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

FBC Lake Butler Tonight

I will be leading the Bible study tonight at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. The church is located at 195 East Main St. in Lake Butler, Florida. The service will begin at 6:30pm. Please be in prayer for this service.

Pine Tree Crosses

This is an interesting site, check out Pine Tree Crosses.

Itching Ears?

God said it would be like this... 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

Easter Calculator

Do you have a tough time trying to figure out when Easter Sunday falls each year? Check out the "Easter Calculator", it is cool!

FBC Lake Butler on Wednesdays

I will be preaching each Wednesday for the next several weeks at my home church, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. The services will begin at 6:30pm.

These dates are subject to change if I'm called for revivals, etc. I will post updates on this site if changes are made or you may call the church office at (386) 496-3704 for more information.

First Baptist Church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida. Please be in prayer for this church as they seek a pastor.

Forest Grove Added to Schedule

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Warren Chesser at Forest Grove Baptist Church on Sunday, June 11, 2006. The service will begin at 6pm.

Forest Grove Baptist Church is located at 22575 NW 94th Avenue in Alachua, Florida.

"They Wouldn't Let Me!"

My devotion in "Our Daily Bread" gives a wonderful illustration that I wanted to share with you.








April 7, 2006

"They Wouldn't Let Me!"

Read:
Matthew 11:20-30

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. —Matthew 11:28

Bible In One Year: 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 9:18-36

A woman was trapped on the top floor of a burning building. Flames and smoke blocked every way of escape. When firefighters arrived, one of the men scrambled up a ladder to the window where the woman was screaming for help, and with outstretched arms he offered to save her. But when she looked down and saw the great distance to the ground below, she panicked and drew back into the room.

The man attempting the rescue begged her to trust him for her safety, but his pleas were not heeded. In senseless fear she retreated beyond the fireman's reach. Finally, being forced to return to the ground, he said with tears in his eyes, "I did everything I could to save her, but she wouldn't let me!"

Those words made me think of the spiritual peril facing so many people. Jesus longs to forgive their sins, but they stubbornly resist His offer of salvation. By refusing to trust Him, they are like the woman who perished in the flames even though she could have escaped.

Dear friend, right now believe on the Lord Jesus! He invites you to come to Him (Matthew 11:28). Don't be among those of whom the Lord must say, "I did everything I could to save them, but they wouldn't let Me!" —Richard De Haan

Why do you wait, dear brother?
The harvest is passing away;
Your Savior is longing to bless you,
There's danger and death in delay. —Root

Faith is the hand that receives God's gift.

Support for RBC Ministries comes from the gifts of our members and friends.

RBC Ministries is a member of theGospel Communications Network (GCN).

rbc@gospelcom.net
©2006 RBC Ministries--Grand Rapids, MI 49555
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Our Daily Bread is a daily devotional provided by RBC Ministries
for spiritual growth and Bible study

New Edition of Podcast Now Online

"Walking with the Giant" for April 2006 is now online and ready for download. The links for the Podcast are as follows:

RSS Feed

Website

Download Page

Let me know what you think about this edition.

Interesting Thoughts, Volume 4

• A day without sunshine is like . . . night.
• On the other hand, you have different fingers.
• He who laughs last thinks slowest.
• The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
• Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
• If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
• O.K., so what's the speed of dark?
  

Easter Service

I will be preaching at Huntsville Baptist Church on Easter Sunday, April 16th. The morning worship service will begin at 10:45am and the evening service at 6:30pm.

For more information call Pastor Jim Steele at (386) 752-2089. Huntsville Baptist Church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery in Lake City, Florida.

Cool Info

On Wednesday (tomorrow) at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06. I think it's safe to say, that will never happen again.

You see what you can learn by reading this blog?

Basket Case?

Check out the "basket case" at Exodus 2:1-9.

Scripture Tree

Check out this Scripture Tree.

Shiloh Baptist Today

I will be preaching at Shiloh Baptist Church today at 11am & 7pm. The church is located at 173 SW Shiloh Way between Ft. White & High Springs, Florida.

Who Knows When It Will End?

God knows... Matthew 24:36!

Interesting Thoughts, Volume 3

• I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.
• I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.
• Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.
• The gene pool could use a little chlorine.
• Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.
• Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?
• Wrinkled Was Not One of the Things I Wanted to Be When I Grew up.
• Procrastinate Now!
• He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless dead.
  
• A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three thousand times the memory.
• The original point and click interface was a Smith and Wesson Revolver.
• Being "Over The Hill" is much better than being under it!

Mark 5:1-19

Shiloh Baptist This Sunday

I will be preaching the morning (11am) & evening (7pm) services at Shiloh Baptist Church this Sunday, April 2nd. The church is now in a brand new sanctuary and this will be my first time to see how it looks. I've heard it is very nice!

Shiloh Baptist Church is located at 173 SW Shiloh Way between Fort White and High Springs, Florida.

Bad Hair Day?

Check out 2 Samuel 18:9 for details.

Anniversary for Palm

My friends all know that I am an enthusiastic user of a Palm PDA. They often joke that I carry my "brain" on my belt. Well, Palm (the brand that I use) is celebrating an anniversary. Read more about it by clicking here.

Just in case you're interested, I use the Palm TX. I use it for everything; from schedules, addresses, photos, databases (to track mileage, etc.), documents, expenses & donations, and I even have several translations of the Bible and Bible reference books on my TX.

Since it has a bright screen, I even used it to read Scripture in some school classrooms in Ghana (West Africa) that were not well lit.

My PDA is a valuable tool in my ministry!

Spin Talk Interview Now Online

The interview on Dublin, Ireland's Spin 103.8 Radio aired this morning (Tuesday, March 28th) around 8am EST. The interview was part of the program "Spin Talk with Jack & Ali". To hear the interview click here.

The interview will also be used in the upcoming edition of "Walking with the Giant" due out the end of this week.

Mt. Horeb Revival Photos

I had a wonderful time at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church a couple of weeks ago preaching revival services. One of the members, Rodney Maney, took quite a few photos and e-mailed me a few. Here are some of them for you to check out.

They're pretty good photos, in spite of the subject. 8-)

Interview May Air Tomorrow

The recorded interview for a radio program called Spin Talk with Jack & Ali is tentatively scheduled to air tomorrow (Tuesday, March 28th) at 8:45am EST. The program airs on a radio station in Dublin, Ireland, Spin 103.8 Radio. The interview is about my new Podcast Ministry. You can hear it by going to this link.

I will be attempting to record the interview portion of the program and will then make it available on my website and possibly in an upcoming edition of "Walking with the Giant".

"Wondering" in the Wilderness?

(Scripture reference: Numbers 14)

The Stranger

Here's an interesting story.

A few months before I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small Tennessee town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later.

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me the word of God, and Dad taught me to obey it. But the stranger? He was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies.

If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind.

Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to her room and read her books (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave). Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them.

Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home... not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush.

My Dad was a teetotaler who didn't permit alcohol in the home, not even for cooking. But the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis.

He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex.

His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing. I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... and NEVER asked to leave.

More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you were to walk into my parent's den today you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?

We just call him, "TV."

Butterflies Are Free

This is a nice poem with a great message. Click here to check it out.

Another Change, Now on Tuesday

The time of the interview on Dublin, Ireland's Spin 103.8 has changed again. It is now scheduled for Tuesday, March 28th at 8:45am EST. I just received this notice:

Hi James,

Just want to change the time of broadcast for the pre record. Sorry for the toing and froing but just thought I'd email so you can keep your blog up dated. It is now going to air 8.45am EST on Tuesday 28th March.

Aideen
producer - spin talk

Noah's Ark Game

This is a cool little game to test your memory and speed. Let me know how you do.

Noah's Ark Game

Not Tomorrow, but on Monday

I have learned that the Interview on Dublin, Ireland's Spin 103.8 is scheduled to air next Monday, March 27th at 9:30am EST (2:30pm Ireland time). I'll repost the links that morning in case you would like to tune in to the web and listen. See previous posts below for more details.

Revival Services in Brooker Added to Schedule

I just received a call from Pastor Jason Reid of New River Baptist Church to schedule revival services during the month of May 2006. The services will begin with the morning worship service (11am) on Sunday, May 7th. The services continue that night at 6pm and Monday through Wednesday (May 10th) at 7pm. For more information call Brother Jason at (352) 485-1246. New River Baptist Church is located at 16703 SW 144th Ave. in Brooker, Florida.

Maybe Tomorrow?

Well, it appears our interview on Spin 103.8 in Dublin, Ireland did not air today unless it aired before 8:30am EST when I started listening. One of the co-hosts, Ali of Spin Talk with Jack & Ali, was absent today. This could have been the reason the recorded interview did not air since she conducted part of the interview.

If I hear any word I'll post it here.

Interview May Air Today in Ireland

I was interviewed yesterday for a radio program called Spin Talk with Jack & Ali and it is tentatively scheduled to air today at 9:15am EST. The program airs on a radio station in Dublin, Ireland, Spin 103.8 Radio. The interview is about my new Podcast Ministry. You can hear it by going to this link.

I will be attempting to record the interview portion of the program and will then make it available on my website and possibly in an upcoming edition of "Walking with the Giant".

Please be in prayer for this opportunity.

Featured Podcast

"Walking with the Giant", a podcast for the James Croft Evangelistic Association, is one of the "Featured Podcasts" for March 2006 at iTunes Links.

If you do not have a high-speed internet connection or are unable to download the Podcast, the program can be received each month on an audio CD. E-mail me for more information at evangelist@jamescroft.org.

"Bumped" in Ireland

We were "bumped" this morning on Spin 103.8 in Dublin, Ireland, but the interview was recorded and will hopefully air tomorrow (Thursday, March 23rd) around 9:15am EST. For more details listen here.

I'll re-post the links tomorrow morning for the website if you would like to listen. We are going to try to record it as it plays and then post it on the ministry website. It may also be used on the next "Walking with the Giant" podcast.

Interview on Ireland Radio Station

I will be interviewed tomorrow (Wednesday, March 22nd) by a radio station in Dublin, Ireland. The interview, about our new Podcast Ministry, will be on Spin Talk with Jack & Ali on Spin 103.8 Radio. I believe you can hear it live by going to this link. The interview will begin around 9:30am EST (2:30pm Ireland time).

Please be in prayer for this opportunity.

JCEA Now Incorporated

I'm proud to announce that my ministry has now been incorporated in the state of Florida. March 14, 2006 is the official "date of birth" of the James Croft Evangelistic Association, Inc. Over the next few weeks my website will be updated with official documents and information on board of directors members. There is a link for James Croft Evangelistic Association at the bottom of the front page.

Interviewed by a National News Service

I was interviewed today by Wireless Flash News for an upcoming story. They are a news service that provides information to clients around the world. Their website states:

"Wireless Flash News, Inc. is an independent news agency that provides exclusive feature and entertainment news to radio and TV stations, newspapers, and magazines across the United States and around the world."

The story, which will be very short (no pun intended), will be about our podcast ministry "Walking with the Giant". The reporter, Brook Fischer, said the story should be released to their clients in the next few days.

Their website also states that some of their clients include:

"The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and "Good Morning America." Major print media outlets include New York Daily News, Las Vegas Review-Journal, National Enquirer, National Examiner, and men's lifestyle magazines Men's Journal and Stuff. We also serve major media outlets around the globe from the BBC in London to The Nation in Bangkok."

Let's get the Gospel out to the people by any means the Lord makes available!

Interesting Thoughts, Volume 2

• Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
• If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the "terminal"?
• I am a nobody, and nobody is perfect; therefore I am perfect.
• If carrots are so good for the eyes, how come I see so many dead rabbits on the highway?
• Everyday I beat my own previous record for number of consecutive days I've stayed alive.

Do I hear a woodpecker?

Do you think Woodpeckers could have created a problem aboard the Ark?
Just a thought...

"Jesus Loves Me" for Seniors?

I received this in an e-mail.

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow.
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.

(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go.
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.

(CHORUS)

Though I am no longer young,
I have much which He's begun.
Let me serve Christ with a smile,
Go with others the extra mile.

(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."

(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.

(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does he know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.

Athens Baptist on Sunday

I will be preaching the evening worship service for Interim Pastor Tommy Bankston at Athens Baptist Church on Sunday. The service will begin at 6pm and the church is located at 9090 SW CR240 near Columbia City, Florida.

The revival services at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church will end tonight. The service begins at 7:30pm at 3449 NE CR340 near High Springs, Florida.

Please be in prayer for these services.

Got Excitement?

Computer Desktop War?

What does your computer do when no one is looking? Could this link hold the answer? Click Here

iTunes Links Featured Podcast for March

"Walking with the Giant", a podcast for the James Croft Evangelistic Association, is one of the "Featured Podcasts" for March 2006 at iTunes Links.

If you do not have a high-speed internet connection or are unable to download the Podcast, the program can be received each month on an audio CD. E-mail me for more information at evangelist@jamescroft.org.

New Web Addresses for Ministry

I have acquired three new domain names for our ministries that are online. The new domains will be easier to remember. The new names are:

www.walkingwiththegiant.org will take you to information about the Podcast.

www.jceaministry.org will take you to information about James Croft Evangelistic Association (this site is under construction).

www.walkingwiththegiantblog.org will bring you to this blogsite.

The main ministry website can still be found at www.jamescroft.org.

Mt. Horeb Revival Begins Tonight

I will be preaching revival services this week at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church located at 3449 NE CR340 near High Springs, Florida. The services will begin at 7:30pm starting tonight and ending Friday night. Please be in prayer for these services.

That's God

This is a long read but it's a good story and I hope you enjoy it. Click here to read it.

Changing E-mail Font Size

Did you know this? If you hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and then turn the small wheel in the middle of your mouse, away from you or towards you, the print size will change - it will either get larger or smaller - depending on which way you turn the wheel. I think it will only work with e-mail that is sent as "Plain Text".

Columbia City & White Springs Dates Added

I have added two new supply preaching dates to my calendar.

On Sunday, March 19th I will be preaching at Athens Baptist Church, 9090 SW CR240, Columbia City, Florida, for Interim Pastor Tommy Bankston. The service will begin at 6pm.

I will be preaching for Pastor Ron Thompson at First Baptist Church of White Springs on Sunday night March 26th at 6pm. The church is located on Camp Street in White Springs, Florida.

Completed Cardiac Rehab

Yesterday (Wednesday) I completed the Cardiac Rehab Program at Shands at Alachual General Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. I had been going three days a week since December. The program is designed to help increase your stamina and recovery after open-heart surgery. I had triple bypass heart surgery on November 3, 2005.

I must say that this program is great! I believe that I feel better than I have in years! The staff and interns that help you each session are very professional and they know their stuff. I thank God that there is this type of assistance available. I also thank you for all of your prayers during these months following my surgery.

The Name Game

Today, March 8th, is "Learn What Your Name Means Day". Do you have any idea what your name means? I found this site, "Behind The Name", where you can look up origins and meanings of names. When I looked up my first name "James" this is what it displayed:

JAMES

Gender: Masculine Usage: English, Biblical Pronounced: JAYMZ [key]

English form of the Late Latin Jacomus which was derived from Iakobos, the New Testament Greek form of Ya'aqov (see JACOB). This is the name of two apostles in the New Testament. The first was Saint James the Greater, the apostle John's brother, who was beheaded by Herod Agrippa in the Book of Acts. The second was James the Lesser, son of Alphaeus. Another James (known as James the Just) is also mentioned in the Bible as being the brother of Jesus. Kings of England and Scotland have borne this name. Other famous bearers include the inventor of the steam engine James Watt, the explorer Captain James Cook, and the novelist and poet James Joyce.

Monopoly Anniversary

Today, March 7th is the anniversary of the game called "Monopoly". Read some of the history of the game here.

Independence Day in Ghana

Today, March 6th is Independence Day in Ghana, West Africa. You can read a little about this country at this link.

The James Croft Evangelistic Association has conducted crusades, Bible Schools and training sessions in Ghana and still maintains a ministry in this West Africa country. You can read about this work at this link.

Revival Added Near Worthington Springs

I have added the first fall revival to my preaching schedule for 2006. The meeting will be held at Grace Christian Fellowship Baptist Church located at 4948 SW 107th Ave. near Worthington Springs, Florida. The services will begin on Sunday, October 1, 2006 at 11am & 6pm and continue each night at 7pm through Wednesday, October 4th. For more information call Pastor Terry Elixson, Sr. at (386) 496-3583.

Interesting Thoughts?

I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose-fitting clothing. If I HAD any loose-fitting clothing, I wouldn't have signed up in the first place!

Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press 'Ctr Alt Delete' and start all over?

Stress is when you wake up screaming and then you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet.

If raising children was going to be easy, it never would have started with something called labor!

Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.

New River Baptist Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jason Reid this Sunday at New River Baptist Church. The services begin at 11am & 6pm. New River Baptist Church is located at 16703 SW 144th Ave. in Brooker, Florida.

Revival at Mt. Horeb Baptist Added to Schedule

I will be preaching revival services at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Monday-Friday, March 13-17, 2006. The services will begin at 7:30pm each night. For more information call Pastor James West at (386) 454-5238. Mt. Horeb Baptist Church is located at 3449 NE CR340 near High Springs, Florida.

The Map

A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl. She wanted to know what the United States looked like.

Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to her, & said, "Go into the other room & see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today."

After a few minutes, she returned & handed him the map correctly fitted together. The father was surprised & asked how she had finished so quickly.

"Oh," she said, "on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together."

WWTG Featured Podcast for March

"Walking with the Giant", a podcast for the James Croft Evangelistic Association, is one of the "Featured Podcasts" for March 2006 at iTunes Links.

The second episode of the program was released yesterday (see previous post on this site).

If you do not have a high-speed internet connection or are unable to download the Podcast, the program can be received each month on an audio CD. E-mail me for more information at evangelist@jamescroft.org.

WWTG for Feb./March Now Online

After a series of technical problems the next edition of "Walking with the Giant" is now available online. Those who have contributed to this ministry will receive their CD version in the next few days.

Due to the extreme delays, this edition will actually be for February & March 2006. I hope that the April edition will be back on schedule with release in the last week of March.

The new edition includes an interview with Dr. Harold Hudson (pictured above) that focuses on his ministry during January's tragedy in Union County (Florida) where seven children from one family were killed in an accident involving a car, school bus and semi truck. The children attended Dr. Hudson's church, Fellowship Baptist Church in Raiford, Florida.

Also featured on the program is an interview with Evangelist Raphael Adjei Kingbi (JCEA Ghana Ministry Coordinator) and the second part of the message entitled "The Rock".

To subscribe to the RSS Feed for the program follow this link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/jamescroft/opEf.

For more information about "Walking with the Giant" or financial contributions "Click Here".

To download the program follow this link: "Click Here"

(Photo by Jon M. Fletcher)

Shine On

The devotion in “Our Daily Bread” for Sunday, February 26, 2006 is good and I wanted to share it with you. You can read it at: http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml.

Brotherhood Saturday

I will be speaking on "Missions" tomorrow during a Brotherhood Breakfast at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Florida. I will also be sharing a video from our 2004 Ghana, West Africa mission trip.

Television Interview Video

On Sunday, February 19, 2006 I was interviewed for a news story on WAWS FOX 30 & WTEV CBS 47 News (Jacksonville, Florida). The story aired that evening. If you would like to view the full video story, please click this link: http://www.jamescroft.org/Video/Croft%20medium.wmv.

You can also find the link on the "Bio" page of my website.

More Blog posts about the story can be read at these links:

Television Interview

Television Interview Links

News Crew was Professional

The Other Side

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that is
enough."

News Crew was Professional

I want to thank Jeff Butera (News Reporter) and Matt Trees (Video Photographer) from WTEV CBS 47 and WAWS FOX 30 News in Jacksonville, Florida for their professionalism yesterday. Their presence was very unobtrusive while taping during our morning worship service at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. They made every attempt not to disturb the congregation or the service while preparing their story about my ministry.

I also want to thank them for a story filled with accuracy. I know many times the media takes a lot of heat for inaccuracy in reporting especially where Christians and the Gospel message is concerned, but the story yesterday was an accurate report of our time together.

The idea to do a story on my ministry actually began on Thursday, January 26th, one day after the tragic, fatal accident in Union County that claimed the lives of seven children. The reporter, Jeff Butera, was in Lake Butler covering the accident when he passed FBC of Lake Butler and observed Celeste Saunders changing the message on the church sign. He stopped and interviewed her about the message she had displayed. During the conversation she told him about our service the night of the accident (which I was leading). From that conversation came the idea to do another story on "James the Giant".

It never ceases to amaze me how God bring good, positive news out of a tragedy! We serve a wonderful, awesome God!!! I certainly want to praise God for the blessing that this story is to me and I pray that He uses it to His honor and glory!

Film at 11:00 (or maybe by the weekend)

Due to a technical problem the FOX 30 News website will be unable to link to yesterday's television interview about my ministry. I hope that with the help of a friend to have it available on my website by this weekend. I'll post the link here also.

Television Interview Links

Here are the links that I have thus far about the television interview that aired last night about my ministry.

This is an abbreviated video of the story:

http://www.cbs47.com/mediacenter/default.aspx?videoId=3535@video.cbs47.com.

These are printed versions of the story:

http://www.fox30online.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=642FF538-004E-45D4-A2A9-9E7E243EE6AD

http://www.cbs47.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=642FF538-004E-45D4-A2A9-9E7E243EE6AD

The full length video of the story may be added later on the FOX 30 site, if not, I will upload it to my website later this week and post a link here.

Television Interview

CBS 47 (WTEV) News from Jacksonville, Florida is scheduled to interview me about my ministry tomorrow (Sunday). The reporter, Jeff Butera, and a camera "person" will be at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Florida for the morning worship service. I will be interviewed prior to the service and they will shoot video during the service.

The story is tentatively schedule to air Sunday evening as follows:

CBS Channel 47 News (Jacksonville) at 6:30pm
CBS Channel 4 News (Gainesville) at 6:30pm
FOX Channel 30 News (Jacksonville) at 10pm

I will update this post tomorrow with any additional information. On Monday I will post a link to the video that can be viewed online.

Please be in prayer for the services tomorrow and the interview too!

FBC Lake Butler Sunday

I'll be preaching the morning (11am) & evening (6pm) worship services this Sunday at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.

How To Get To Heaven

A Sunday School teacher was testing the children one Sunday in class to see if they understood the concept of getting to heaven.

She asked them, "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?"

"NO!" the children answered.

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

Again, the answer was, "NO!"

By now she was starting to smile and asked the children, "Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children, and loved my husband, would that get me into Heaven?"

Again, they all answered, "NO!"

She was just bursting with pride for them. "Well," she continued, "then how can I get into Heaven?"

A five-year-old boy shouted out, "YOU GOTTA BE DEAD."

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Romans 10:13 (NKJV)
13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”