Check The Obvious

Our Daily Bread

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READ: Colossians 3:12-17

Even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. —Colossians 3:13

About this cover

When Bill Husted walked into his 40th high school reunion, he shook hands and hugged people for 20 minutes before realizing there were two high school reunions in the building that day and he was at the wrong one.

Husted, a technology writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, used that experience to illustrate one of his enduring axioms of computer troubleshooting: Check the obvious first. Before you replace the sound card, make sure the volume control is not turned down. If the modem isn’t working, check to see if it’s connected.

“Check the obvious first” can be a good principle for spiritual troubleshooting as well. Colossians 3:12-17 lists a dozen spiritual qualities that indicate a healthy soul. Prominent among them are compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, and thankfulness.

Before criticizing our church or other Christian groups, we might ask the Lord to reveal our own shortcomings. Prior to ripping out the wires of relationships, we could check to see if patience and forgiveness are connected in our own heart.

It’s good to look inside our heart—to check the obvious first—even when it feels as if all our problems are caused by others. —David C. McCasland

I’ll check within my own heart first,
The obvious to see,
That faults I find in others
Are really faults in me. —D. De Haan

Christlike love is patient with the faults of others.

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Relationships > Relating to others > Judging/Criticism

Call Monitoring

Blog Poll #4 Results

Our Blog Poll #4 question was, "Would you vote for a presidential candidate that supports abortion?", and the results are:

Yes 3 (17%)
No 11 (64%)
Not Sure 3 (17%)

Total Votes: 17

For results of previous polls follow these links:

Blog Poll #3

Blog Poll #2

A Special Offering

A little girl was in church with her mother when she started feeling ill. "Mommy," she said, "can we leave now?"

"No," her mother replied.

"Well, I think I have to throw up!" exclaimed the girl.

"Then go out the front door and around to the back of the church and throw up behind a bush," said her mother.

After about sixty seconds, the little girl returned to her seat. "Did you throw up?" her mother asked.

"Yes," the little girl replied.

"How could you have gone all the way to the back of the church and returned so quickly?" her mother asked.

"I didn't have to go out of the church, Mommy. They have a box next to the front door that says, 'For the Sick.'"

1-800-FORGIVE

Bibles, Crucifixes Not Allowed into Saudi Arabia

If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia as the summer days wind down, you may want to think twice before taking your Bible with you. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it is officially called, reportedly bans foreigners from bringing in Bibles, crucifixes, Stars of David and other religious non-Islamic items.

The heavily Muslim country threatens to confiscate them from foreign visitors along with other prohibited items such as narcotics, firearms and pornography, according to the web site of Saudi Arabian Airlines, the country’s national carrier.

“A number of items are not allowed to be brought into the kingdom due to religious reasons and local regulations,” states the airlines’ web site.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Funny Laugh

A friend sent me a link to this video on YouTube. Apparently is was recorded at Pigeon Forge Theatre. The description of the video reads:

"This is my father. Yes, that is his real laugh. Enjoy :)"

The video is called "Dad at Comedy Barn" and has been viewed over 6,400,000 times!

Bestselling Author to Release Stories Inspired by Jesus

In a follow up to her bestselling book Real Lives, popular author D J Carswell will now release Live Wires.

The book introduces real stories of people’s lives being changed through Jesus Christ. Featured people include an actor, a successful businessman, a singer, and a Page Three photographer.

Some of those who tell their stories are everyday people like Liz, a hairdresser who came to Christ through attending a Billy Graham crusade. Some are extraordinary like the astronaut, James Irwin, who walked on the moon in 1969 as part of the Apollo 15 mission and felt there an overwhelming sense of the presence of God.

Read more of this story on Christian Today.

Taking Greater Responsibility

Take The Poll

Don't forget to voice your opinion in our weekly Blog Poll in the left-hand column of this site. This week's question is about abortion and political candidates.

Salvation Army Called in Amid Efforts to Save Trapped Utah Miners

One of the largest Christian organizations in the country is meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the families and rescuers of the trapped Utah miners as they anxiously await news on the status of their loved ones.

The Salvation Army has sent an Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team from Salt Lake City to Huntington, Utah., about 140 miles south of the Utah capital.

The emergency disaster services vehicle, called a canteen, began providing breakfast, lunch and dinner on Thursday to about 100 people each day. Salvation Army says it will continue to serve throughout the rescue process.

Officials on scene of the mining disaster had requested assistance from The Salvation Army to provide their services to the remote location, 10 miles outside of Huntington, when it became apparent that the rescue was going to take longer than originally expected.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Graham's bonds with presidents examined

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--A special edition of ABC's "20/20" Aug. 10 will examine the unique relationships Billy Graham has had with 11 U.S. presidents and his spiritual counsel to some of the most influential figures of modern history.

"Pastor to Power: Billy Graham and the Presidents," will air that night at 10 o'clock EST in conjunction with the release of "The Preacher and the Presidents," a book by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy of Time magazine.

Hosted by Charles Gibson, the special includes interviews with former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush as well as former first ladies Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton.

The current President Bush and his wife, Laura, also share their thoughts on the renowned evangelist. When Gibson asked Bush how his life would be different if not for Graham, his answer was, "I wouldn't be president."

Read more of this story on Baptist Press.

Biblical Financiers

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.

Wienermobile Ticketed for Illegal Parking in Downtown Chicago

A parking ticket topped the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile after it was left parked illegally on a downtown Chicago thoroughfare.

The 27-foot fiberglass sausage was ticketed Thursday morning after its driver parked it on Michigan Avenue and left it on the side of the six-lane road with the hazard lights blinking.

A police officer ticketed the vehicle and radioed for a tow truck, but the car's driver and passenger returned before the truck arrived.

"The situation was resolved without the use of ketchup, which in Chicago is a big thing," said Matt Smith of the city's Streets and Sanitation Department.

Read more of this story on FOX News.

Tough Job

Blogging Christians and Internet Evangelism - Experts Say it is Top Means of Witnessing

Internet evangelism is by far the newest means of getting out the gospel message. With millions of blogs, articles, videos and interactive platforms for sharing the faith, this media must be taken seriously.

Jason Lee Miller an editor and skillful writer forWebProNews said, "In the past two years, blogging, as a profession, has grown from geek obscurity into a direct challenge to the journalism industry, even with bloggers'reputation for being unruly, unvetted, grammatically and syntactically insufficient, and above all, a disorganized mess."

Although Mr. Miller is correct there are those who believe that blogging may eventually go the way of the internet chat room and fade into insignificance. If or until it does it holds the single greatest potential for evangelism thorough the media since the advent of television.

Read more of this story on USA Religious News.

The Feeding Of The 100

This week was a first for me. I preached revival services at four different locations. The Alachua County (Florida) Youth Revival took place in Alachua, Newberry, Lacrosse and Gainesville. We had a wonderful time (in spite of the preaching).

The very first night drew a larger than expected crowd. Minister of Youth Mark Spradley of Forest Grove Baptist Church said the crowd numbered exactly 200 people. The interesting part is that the church had prepared enough food for 80. Not all of the 200 stayed for the fellowship, but he said they actually served about 100 people with enough food for 80! Now, to make it more interesting, my sermon that evening was from John 6:1-14 where Jesus fed at least 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish! I just think that it is cool how the Lord tied the service and the fellowship together with a common theme! It reminded me of a situation at another church two years ago involving putting "compassion" into action.

All of the services featured great music, coordinated by Matt Simmons, Minister of Youth at Oak Park Baptist Church, and skits by the youth of Antioch Baptist Church and Forest Grove Baptist Church. Each service saw a number of youth (and adults too) coming to the altar for prayer during the Invitation or, as I call it, the Time of Decision. We also had one young lady to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior. Praise the Lord! These services and the fellowship were a real blessing to me.

If you live in the area or are passing through and would like to visit one of these churches, here are their locations:

• Forest Grove Baptist Church: 22575 NW 94th Ave., Alachua, Florida
• Antioch Baptist Church: 3612 NW 177th Ave., Lacrosse, Florida
• Oak Park Baptist Church: 4610 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, Florida

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Survey: Reasons Why Young Adults Quit Church

Gone are the days when young adults attended church because they're "supposed to," said Scott McConnell, associate director of LifeWay Research.

New research has confirmed speculation that young adults are leaving the church in droves.

LifeWay Research released study results that showed that more than two-thirds of young adults who attend a Protestant church stopped attending church regularly (at least twice a month) for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22.

While many do return and attend church at least "sporadically," 34 percent said they had not returned by age 30.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Texas Parents Sue Governor, School District Over Moment of Silence

A Texas family is suing Gov. Rick Perry and a school district over a state-mandated moment of silence in schools, according to The Dallas Morning News.

David Wallace Croft and his wife, Shannon, of Carrollton, Texas, have three children at Rosemeade Elementary and argue that the moment of silence is unconstitutional and amounts to state-sanctioned school prayer.

The couple has a history of complaints against religious affiliated words and images in schools, having previously complained about Boy Scout rallies held during school, fliers sent home about Good News Bible Club meetings and the inclusion of "Silent Night" and a Hanukkah song in holiday concerts, according to report.

Read more of this story on FOX News.

NOTE: This family spells their last name the same as mine, but I don't believe we're related.

My Horoscope Says...

White House promises hate crimes bill veto

WASHINGTON (BP)--President Bush will veto legislation to expand hate crimes protections to homosexuals and transgendered individuals, even if he has to reject a defense authorization bill, the White House says.

"The qualifications [in the bill] are so broad that virtually any crime involving a homosexual individual has potential to have hate crimes elements," said White House spokesman Tony Fratto, The Washington Times reported Aug. 7. "The proposals they're talking about are not sufficiently narrow."

The veto promise followed a May policy statement from the White House that said senior advisors in the administration would recommend Bush veto such a bill if it reaches his desk.

Read more of the story on Baptist Press.

Judge dismisses charges in case of one man's 'witnessing parade'

Charges against a Georgia man have been dropped related to his witnessing efforts and distribution of tracts. A Forsyth County Superior Court judge agreed that a parade ordinance cited in the arrest of Frederic Baumann did not legally apply.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Overqualified

Abortion Poll Question

The Blog Poll question for this week has to do with abortion and politics. You can read a related story on this site called "Illinois church challenges candidates, Christians with national newspaper ad". You can cast your vote in the left-hand column of this site. I'm extending the voting until Sunday since I was late in adding the new question.

Here are the results of Blog Poll #3.

Now That's Global Warming!

Here's what reviewers might say about this video:

"This video will set the world on fire!"

"This video is sooooo hot!"

"Don't touch the screen or you'll get burned!"

"WOW! This video is smoking!"

Former Vice-President Al Gore released a movie about "global warming", now comes a video on the same subject by 3'10" tall Evangelist James Croft and photographer Jon Fletcher.




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Reincarnation of living Buddha needs approval

NOTE: This story is just fascinating to me. I obviously don't believe in "Buddhism", but the idea of a government regulation requiring an "application for reincarnation?" This is something like you would see on Saturday Night Live, isn't it? Post your comments below.

All the reincarnations of living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism must get government approval, otherwise they are "illegal or invalid," China's State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) said in Beijing Friday.

The SARA has issued a set of regulations on reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas, which will take effect as of September 1.

"It is an important move to institutionalize management on reincarnation of living Buddhas," the SARA said in a statement issued Friday.

The regulations require that a temple which applies for reincarnation of a living Buddha must be "legally-registered venues for Tibetan Buddhism activities and are capable of fostering and offering proper means of support for the living Buddha."

Read more of this story on China Daily.

ACLU Wants Illinois Town to Remove Jesus Signs

As you enter the small town of Alorton, Ill., you'll see two green-and-white billboards that read: "Welcome to The Village of Alorton. Where Jesus is Lord. Randy McCallum Mayor."

As if on cue, the American Civil Liberties Union is objecting. The group says the signs may be unconstitutional, but hasn't determined what action, if any, to take.

Read more of this story on The Citizen Link.

Illinois church challenges candidates, Christians with national newspaper ad

An Illinois church has placed a full-page, pro-life ad in USA Today in hopes of delivering a message to presidential candidates -- and at the same time, challenging churches.

The ad -- found on page 5A of the August 6, 2007, issue of the nationwide newspaper -- is titled "A Lesson from Samuel - A Child or a Choice." The centerpiece of the ad is the famous picture taken by veteran photojournalist Michael Clancy from Nashville. He was hired by USA Today in 1999 to photograph a spina bifida corrective surgical procedure.

Click here to view a large image of the ad

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Darwinian vs. God Contest

One day a group of Darwinian scientists got together and decided that man had come a long way and no longer needed God. So they picked one Darwinian to go and tell Him that they were done with Him.

The Darwinian walked up to God and said, "God, we've decided that we no longer need you. We're to the point that we can clone people and do many miraculous things, so why don't you just go on and get lost."

God listened very patiently and kindly to the man. After the Darwinian was done talking, God said, "Very well, how about this? Let's say we have a man-making contest." To which the Darwinian happily agreed.

God added, "Now, we're going to do this just like I did back in the old days with Adam."

The Darwinian said, "Sure, no problem," and bent down and grabbed himself a handful of dirt.

God looked at him and said, "No, no, no. You go get your own dirt!"

Madame Curie

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Psalm 1

Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. —Psalm 119:11

About this cover

Madame Marie Curie holds her place in history as a pioneer in the study of radioactivity. In 1903, she was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize, capturing the honor in physics. Then, in 1911, she received a second Nobel Prize, this one in chemistry.

Such a wonderful contribution did not come without tremendous sacrifice. Madame Curie died of leukemia caused by prolonged exposure to radioactive materials. Even today, scholars who wish to read her handwritten journals and lab papers must wear protective clothing because these archives are still radioactive.

No one today would approach radioactive material without protection. But many seem unconcerned about exposure to the dangers of sin. Psalm 1 warns us against sinful attitudes, speech, and behavior (vv.1,4-6).

Obedience to God’s law is a spiritual safeguard from sin and its deadly consequences. The psalmist also wrote, “Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (119:11).

Madame Curie didn’t know about the serious health dangers of exposure to radioactivity. But God has given us ample warning about the dangers of sin. Let’s apply daily what we read in His life-giving Book. —Dennis Fisher

Thy Word is a lamp to my feet,
A light to my path alway,
To guide and to save me from sin
And show me the heavenly way. —Sellers
© Renewal 1936 Broadman Press

The Bible will tell you what is wrong before you have done it! —D. L. Moody

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Basics Of Faith > Bible/Scripture > Reliability of

The Best Medicine

Homecoming Brings Back Memories

I attended the homecoming service at First Baptist Church of Olustee on Sunday morning. This is the first homecoming service I have been able to attend there in several years, although I have attended and preached a few services there. It was good to see some folks that I haven't seen in some time and to see some folks that I "grew-up" knowing. I also still have some close friends and family at that church.

While there, I looked through some photo albums containing pictures from past events at the church and I saw a lot familiar faces, some still around and others now gone-on. It made me think of my "growing-up" in that church. I started thinking about how important being a part of a born-again body of believers is to our spiritual growth. Our life is molded by our beliefs and the "things" we are involved with. Some of the photos reminded me of things I had forgotten and of some things I still vividly remember.

I made my public profession of faith in Christ, at FBC Olustee, while in elementary school, during a revival service preached by Rev. O.E. Boals (I was saved earlier in a VBS in Green Cove Springs, FL). I was baptized by Pastor George Chism (now with the Lord) later that summer in Ocean Pond, because the church did not have a baptistery at that time. I was in and even directed several Christmas programs; taught the youth VBS class for several years and was VBS director for a few more; I remember "third-Sunday dinners" and quarterly Sunday School socials; I once had seven years of perfect attendance in Sunday School (do you remember the little pins you would receive?); I've attended too many funerals of loved ones and friends in that church; I remember weddings, homecomings and other special events; I held almost every position in that church except for deacon, pastor and nursery teacher, I even led the singing for a while; I remember being taught the Word of God and developing a deeper appreciation for God's Word and building a desire to want to learn more; I was called to the Gospel Ministry while there and publicly surrendered to the Lord to preach His Word; I remember the second message I preached was in that church. WOW! I have tons of memories from that church experience.

I am now a member of First Baptist Church of Lake Butler and building a whole new set of memories, even though I'm often away preaching at other churches. All of these experiences have been a preparation for what the Lord has called me to do as an evangelist. These experiences have "shaped" my life and my spiritual walk. What about you?

Are you being molded into someone that God can use in His service? It may not be as a minister or deacon, but it could be as a teacher, nursery worker, preparing the church bulletin, keeping the church yard mowed or just being an encouragement to a friend or stranger. God wants to use you, the question is, are you allowing Him to prepare you? Our being a part of our local church, worshiping, serving and learning is crucial in our preparation. The Bible says:

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

I've included three photos from those good ol' days, so you can see how much I have grown (wider, not taller). The top and bottom photos are with some good friends. Unfortunately miles and the death of one now separates us all. The middle photo has me sporting the traditional, yet fashionable, shepherd outfit (I'm the little one in the photo). I'm sure tomorrow I'll be wondering, "why did I post those ugly photos of me", but they are so full of memories.

If you live near or are passing through Olustee, Florida, Pastor Mike Williams would welcome you at FBC of Olustee; and, if you are near or passing through Lake Butler, Florida, Pastor Jason Johns would welcome you at FBC Lake Butler. In fact, I just imagine that no matter where you live or are passing through, there would be a Bible-believing, Jesus-centered church that would welcome you!

This Sunday, don't forsake the assembling at a church near you. There is preparation (and memories) to be made.

The 23rd Psalm

The little girl in this video is adorable. You must watch it. It will certainly brighten your day!

Jacksonville Revival Added To Schedule

Pastor Tim Nelson of Hope Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida called yesterday to schedule a revival meeting for his congregation. The services will begin on Sunday, November 4, 2007. The Sunday services will begin at 11am and 6pm. The meeting will continue Monday thru Wednesday, November 5-7, 2007 at 7pm nightly. The church is located at 826 Reynolds Lane in Jacksonville, Florida. For more information call Pastor Tim Nelson at (904) 387-5336. Please be in prayer for the preparation for these services.

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.

Quiet In Church

Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother Joel were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had enough of his antics.

"You're not supposed to talk out loud in church."

"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.

Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're hushers."

A Good Stretch

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download
READ: Romans 8:26-28

My strength is made perfect in weakness. —2 Corinthians 12:9

About this cover

Physical therapy is a painful necessity after knee-replacement surgery. Part of my routine involved my therapist pulling my knee back into a bent position and holding it taut. “Good stretch?” Mason would ask encouragingly. “No,” I winced, “not that good!”

I soon learned, however, how important it is to stretch one’s muscles and joints—sometimes causing discomfort—to gain full range of motion.

That wasn’t the first time I’ve been “stretched” outside my comfort zone. God has sometimes urged me to share my faith with someone I didn’t know very well, or to give an offering that was far beyond what I usually give, or to confront someone about a situation.

Abraham’s life illustrates the importance of faith when God asks us to move beyond our comfort zone. “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called . . . . He went out, not knowing where he was going” (Heb. 11:8).

While we stretch our spiritual muscles, we may feel discomfort. But God assures us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Our adequacy—our sufficiency—is found in Him (3:5).

When you boldly step out in faith and obedience to God, you may be surprised at how a “good stretch” can strengthen your spiritual life! —Cindy Hess Kasper

To stretch our faith, to take the risk,
God says we will succeed
If we but ask Him for the strength
And grace that we will need. —D. De Haan

Our faith is stretched by exchanging our weakness for God’s strength.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Relationships > Relating to God > Obedience

Newspaper Bible Outreach Draws Complaints from Christians

A Christian ministry’s plan to distribute copies of the New Testament alongside local weekend newspapers throughout the United States has faced opposition from an unlikely quarter – Christians themselves.

International Bible Society–Send the Light (IBS-STL) is planning to distribute Bibles with 11 newspapers in 2007 and 2008 – an outreach that will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, reported The Associated Press this past week. However, a senior figure in one of the newspapers involved in the project told AP he had received complaints from Christians who said that the Bibles distributed could be thrown away.

"I expected that we'd get some criticism, but I thought it would be coming from people who were not Christian or not religious at all. Many of the complaints we got were from people who were Christian and didn't like the idea," said Bob Ray Sanders, the Star-Telegram's vice president and associate editor.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Fewer Mistakes

Blog Poll #3 Results

Our Blog Poll #3 question was "Do you believe "global warming" is a real problem?", and the results are:

Yes, Al Gore is on target 7 (31%)

Yes, but not as serious as Al Gore says it is 1 (4%)
Not Sure, but we should take better care of our planet 5 (22%)

Not Sure, but we have too many environmental regulations 1 (4%)

No, it's not an issue 6 (27%)

I don't care either way 2 (9%)

Total votes: 22

There will be a new poll each week in the left-hand column of this site.

Cure for 'Mad Christian Disease'

Christianity has become extremely complicated, says one pastor and author.

While some Christians like whole milk, others prefer 2 percent and some want soy or even condensed.

"We've found ourselves catering to everybody to please them when the Gospel is not really to please people, it's to save people," says Tommy Galloway, author of newly released Cure for Common Christianity.

The “milk” that Galloway is referring to is the Word of God. Furthermore, the milk is just the Gospel in its simplest form. Yet he finds that churches have complicated the message, trying to turn a not-so-pretty message of blood and sacrifice into a pretty sermon.

Today, many churches are giving out messages in a "Have it your way" Burger King-fashion.

"Because of our fast-food faith, never have we had so much food and so little fire," Galloway writes in his new book. "We have microwave messages, economy meal values, and burger believers who want it their way."

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Feelings

What Do You Believe?

Our Daily Bread

READ: Isaiah 50:4-10

The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. —Isaiah 50:4

About this cover

Francis Collins earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry at Yale University and then entered medical school. During his training at a North Carolina hospital, a dying woman often talked to him about her faith in Christ. He rejected the existence of God, but he couldn’t ignore the woman’s serenity. One day she asked, “What do you believe?” Caught off guard, Collins’ face turned red as he stammered, “I’m not really sure.” A few days later the woman died.

Curious and uneasy, the young doctor realized that he had rejected God without adequately examining the evidence. He began to read the Bible and the writings of C. S. Lewis. A year later he fell to his knees and gave his life to Jesus Christ. The catalyst? A sincere question from an elderly woman whose physical heart was failing but whose concern for others was strong.

In a prophetic picture of the Messiah, Isaiah 50:4 says, “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.”

May we be ready with a timely word or a caring question to point others toward our Savior who offers life and peace to all. —David C. McCasland

Lord, let me be a shining light
In all I say and do,
That Your great love displayed in me
May lead someone to You. —Sper

The next person you meet may need to meet Christ.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Christian Life > Character > Christlikeness

Black And White

Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, "Why is the bride dressed in white?"

"Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life."

The child thought about this for a moment, then said, "So why is the groom wearing black?"

Christian Alternative to Secular Girl Scouts Growing, Expanding

American Heritage Girls (AHG), a Christian alternative to Girl Scouts, has entered a new phase of growth this month with plans to expand to all 50 states by 2008.

The 12-year-old organization offering girls programs that are God-centered has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years while large secular organizations such as t Girl Scouts have declined in membership.

"Parents are looking for programs that complement their family's values, not contradict them," said Patti Garibay, executive director of AHG, according to Focus on the Family’s CitizenLink.

Parents raised concern when the Girl Scouts changed their pledge in 1993, permitting girls to replace "God" with "words they deem more appropriate" while reciting the Girl Scout Promise. Originally, the pledge included "serve God."

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Theme Day At Work

Community Youth Revival Begins Sunday

An area-wide youth revival begins Sunday night in Alachua County, Florida. The services will be held in four different communities. I will be preaching each service and music will be provided by Matt Simmons and youth from Oak Park Baptist Church in Gainesville, Florida.

The services will be held on the following dates and locations:

• Sunday, August 5th, 6pm: Forest Grove Baptist Church, 22575 NW 94th Ave., Alachua, Florida
• Monday, August 6th, 7pm: City of Newberry Municipal Building, Newberry, Florida
• Tuesday, August 7th, 7pm: Antioch Baptist Church, 3612 NW 177th Ave., Lacrosse, Florida
• Wednesday, August 8th, 7pm: Oak Park Baptist Church, 4610 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, Florida

For more information call Mark Spradley, Minister of Youth, Forest Grove Baptist Church, at (386) 462-3921.

Surf Stop Motion Video

Here's the latest video creation by Jon Fletcher and his daughter, Klara. They describe it on YouTube this way:

"This is a little stop-motion film we did on our last day of summer vacation on the beach in Ponce Inlet, FL. It took two hours, 500 still images and a backrub for dad."

Squirrel Feeder

Our Daily Bread

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READ: Psalm 65

You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance. —Psalm 65:11

About this cover

Some years ago I placed a squirrel feeder on a fir tree a few yards from our home. It’s a simple device—two boards and a nail on which to impale a corncob. Each morning a squirrel comes to enjoy that day’s meal. She’s a pretty thing—black with a round, gray tummy.

I sit on our back porch in the morning and watch her eat. She plucks each kernel from the cob, holds it in her paws, turns it around and eats the heart out of the kernel. At the end of the day no kernels remain, only a neat little pile of leftovers under the tree.

Despite my care for her, the creature is afraid of me. When I approach, she runs away, taking refuge in her tree and chattering at me when I get too close. She doesn’t know that I provide for her.

Some people are like that with God. They run from Him in fear. They don’t know that He loves them and richly provides them with everything for their enjoyment (Ps. 65:11).

Henry Scougal, a 17th-century Scottish minister, wrote, “Nothing is more powerful to engage our affection than to find that we are [loved by] One who is altogether lovely . . . . How must this astonish and delight us; how must it overcome our [fear] and melt our hearts.” God’s love is the perfect love that “casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). —David H. Roper

O love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be. —Matheson

Your loving heavenly Father never takes His eyes off you.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Basics Of Faith > God > His Love

Short For Mother

Evangelical Theologian Sees Collapsed Bridge as a Metaphor for Life

The Minneapolis bridge that collapse without warning is a sobering metaphor for our own lives and “spiritual perils,” said a prominent evangelical Thursday.

In an age of “technological marvels” and “engineering achievements,” people expect buildings to stay on the ground, airplanes to say in the air, and bridges to hold together wrote Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in his online blog.

“The sudden and catastrophic collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis – just as rush hour was coming to a close – challenges some of our most comforting assumptions,” reflected Mohler.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Give Us A Listen

I'm in the process of adding a new Podcast player to all our internet ministry sites. The player below is provided by Podcast Pickle, an award winning podcasting site. You'll find a player on our main ministry website, in the left-hand column of this site, and in the right-hand column of our ministry video Blog. The player allows you to immediately begin playing any of the Walking With The Giant Podcast episodes without having to download the file. Let me know what you think of this player by posting a comment below.

July 2007 Podcast Downloads

Episode	Guest	July 2007 Downloads	Total Downloads
January 2006	Kevin Owen & Cheryl Kent Musicians	15	416
February-March 2006	Dr. Harold Hudson Pastor, Fellowship Baptist Church Raiford, Florida	28	452
April 2006	Jack & Ali Spin 103.8, Dublin, Ireland	20	458
May 2006	Dr. Sterling Huston Internet Evangelism Coalition & Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc.	24	554
June 2006	Evangelist Bobby Brindle “World’s Smallest Evangelist”	30	549
July 2006	Howard Butzer Amazing Grace Mission	15	464
August 2006	Ruth H. Westgate Songwriter/Author	37	318
September 2006	Chaplain (Maj.) Keith Kilgore Bagram, Afghanistan	24	198
October 2006	Junior Combs & Southern Joy 2006 National Quartet Convention Group Talent Competion Winners	38	234
December 2006	Paul Braun Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Regional Director	14	131
March 2007	Rev. Rick Coram Evangelist	20	169
June 2007	Pastor Brian Mimbs Chapel Hill Baptist Church Tallahassee, Florida	67	107
Total Downloads		332	4050

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Follow these links for more information about Walking with the Giant:

RSS Feed/Download Page

Program Information

iTunes Link

Don't Forget To Vote

There's only one more day to vote in the "Global Warming" Blog Poll in the left-hand column of this site.

Did you see the results of last week's poll? If not, click this link: Blog Poll #2 Results.

DC schools' sex-ed plan affirms homosexuality, says FRC spokesman

A policy analyst at the Family Research Council is expressing concern that proposed sex-education standards for the Washington, DC, public school system are supportive of the homosexual lifestyle and subject children to mature subject matter at very young ages. For example, under the draft standards, sixth-grade students would be taught that same-sex attractions are normal.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Florida judge dismisses charges against Gideons

Charges have been dropped against two individuals after they were accused of trespassing on a sidewalk outside of a Florida public school. The two men had been handing out Bibles.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

The Right Antidepressant

Graveside Service

As a young minister, I was asked by a funeral director to hold a graveside service for a homeless man, with no family or friends. The funeral was to be held at a cemetery way back in the country, and this man would be the first to be laid to rest there.

As I was not familiar with the backwoods area, I became lost; and being a typical man did not stop for directions. I finally arrived an hour late. I saw the backhoe and the crew, who was eating lunch, but the hearse was nowhere in sight.

I apologized to the workers for my tardiness, and stepped to the side of the open grave, where I saw the vault lid already in place. I assured the workers I would not hold them up for long, but this was the proper thing to do. The workers gathered around, still eating their lunch.

I poured out my heart and soul. As I preached the workers began to say "Amen," "Praise the Lord," and "Glory"!

I preached, and I preached, like I'd never preached before: from Genesis all the way to Revelation.

I closed the lengthy service with a prayer and walked to my car. As I was opening the door and taking off my coat, I overheard one of the workers saying to another, "I ain't never seen anything like that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years."

NOTE: This story is not about me, but it does sound like me. 8-)

July 2007 Top 5

The 5 most viewed blog posts on this site for the month of July 2007 are:

1. Good Samaritan Was Good

2. Pray For Rulers

3. Muzzling talk radio?

4. The Plate

5. Looking For Sinners

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Rocks In The Head