Landmark study: Change for homosexuals is possible

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--In what some are calling groundbreaking research, a new four-year study concludes it is possible for homosexuals to change their physical attractions and become heterosexual through the help of Christian ministries.

The data was released Sept. 13 at a news conference in Nashville, Tenn., and will be published in the forthcoming book, "Ex-Gays?" (InterVarsity Press) by psychologists Stanton L. Jones and Mark A. Yarhouse. Thirty-eight percent of the subjects followed in the study said they had successfully left homosexuality, while an additional 29 percent said they had had only modest successes but were committed to keep trying. In another significant finding, Jones and Yarhouse said attempts at conversions do not appear to be psychologically harmful.


Experts in the field call it the first scientific study performed on a sample of individuals undergoing Christian counseling, monitoring their successes and failures from the beginning. A follow-up study is being conducted and will be released in the future.

Read more about this study on Baptist Press.

'Our God Saves' Website - Coming Soon

An online community inspired by Christian artist Paul Baloche’s song “Our God Saves” will this week launch in conjunction with the album release of the song writer.

OurGodSaves.com will launch 18 September, the same day Our God Saves will release. “Our God Saves”, a current radio hit, was co-written by Baloche and Brenton Brown.

The website, OurGodSaves.com, will provide an online Christian community where visitors can “encourage and uplift others” by sharing their testimonies.

Read more of this story on Christian Today.

Sheep Horns

Winokur Services Begin Sunday

School Prayer

The Horse And His Boy

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Proverbs 16:18-25

When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. —Proverbs 11:2

About this cover

In the Narnia Chronicle The Horse and His Boy, Bree is a talking horse. He considers the boy, Shasta, a “foal” who is badly in need of training. Often the horse’s arrogant opinions reflect an air of superiority. He thinks of himself as a brave warhorse, possessing great skill and courage. Yet, when he hears the roar of a great lion, he flees and leaves the other members of his party unprotected.

Later, Bree meets Aslan the lion, who is king of Narnia. The horse admits that he has been an arrogant and frightened failure. Aslan praises Bree for admitting his shortcomings.

The Bible tells us: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). Life has a way of exposing the flaws of our own personal vanity. But learning the hard lesson that “pride goes before destruction” can become a turning point in which we intentionally shift our focus away from exalting self. Then, as we adopt a humble spirit before God and man, we can become channels of wisdom to others. “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom” (Prov. 11:2).

Promoting our own importance leads to stumbling. But focusing on glorifying God and meeting the needs of others gives us the perspective of the wise. —Dennis Fisher

Blessed Savior, make me humble,
Take away my sinful pride;
In myself I’m sure to stumble,
Help me stay close by Your side. —D. De Haan

Pride brings shame. Humility brings wisdom.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Christian Life > Attitudes > Humility/Pride

How Many Women?

A little boy was attending his first wedding. After the service, his cousin asked him, "How many women can a man marry?"

"Sixteen," the boy responded.

His cousin was amazed that he knew the answer so quickly."How do you know that?"

"Easy," the little boy said.

"All you have to do is add it up, like the Preacher said: 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer."

Survey: Most Americans Say Founders Intended Christian Nation

A majority of Americans believe the nation's founders intended the United States to be a Christian nation, a new national survey revealed.

In the First Amendment Center’s annual survey measuring attitudes toward freedom of religion, speech and press, 55 percent of Americans said they believe that the Constitution establishes a Christian nation. Furthermore, three out of four people who identify themselves as evangelical or Republican agree while about half of Democrats and independents do.

Read more about this survey on The Christian Post.

Taking Responsibility

Blog Poll #9

Our new blog poll is now in the left-hand column of this site. The question is "Do you think we should pull U.S. troops out of Iraq?". The poll will close Sunday night, September 16, 2007.

Here are the results for Blog Poll #8.

Lead Them To The Cross

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. —Galatians 6:14

About this cover

Many heart-touching stories were circulated after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. None seems more spiritually significant than that of ironworker Frank Silecchia. As he was helping to recover bodies, Frank noticed two steel beams in the shape of a cross standing upright in the middle of all the debris.

Appointing himself as the curator of that striking symbol of God’s love, he often took heartbroken visitors to see it. Many of them were comforted by the silent testimony to the divine Presence in the worst of tragedies. One day when journalist Barbara Walters came with tearful friends who had lost a son in the catastrophe, Frank simply led them to the cross.

The answer to the world’s terrible pain and evil is not a philosophical argument or a theological treatise. The all-sufficient answer is Calvary’s cross, where in fathomless grace Jesus, the incarnate God, took upon Himself the burden of our sins and bore them “in His own body on the tree, that we . . . might live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24).

If you have not been led to Calvary’s cross, let me take you there. He died for you and then rose again. Believe in Him and you will be saved (1 Cor. 1:21). —Vernon C Grounds

They are nailed to the cross, they are nailed to the cross!
O how much He was willing to bear.
With what anguish and loss, Jesus went to the cross,
But He carried my sins with Him there. —Breck

The pathway to heaven begins at the foot of the cross.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Basics Of Faith > Salvation > Cost of

Good times were had at Olustee Baptist Church

NOTE: This is an article from the September 9, 2007 edition of the Lake City Reporter newspaper in Lake City, Florida.

The First Baptist Church of Olustee celebrated its 67th anniversary on Aug. 5, and every one there had a Hallelujah good time. Pastor Mike Williams, Evangelist James Croft and featured guest speaker Rev. Herman Rios all contributed to the serious religious message and also to the good humor.

Evangelist Croft, a 3-foot-10 preacher known as “James the Giant,” has a special pulpit designed to fit his size. He takes his own pulpit with him when he travels as a guest speaker and his slogan is, “Have Pulpit, Will Travel.”

Read more of this story on the Lake City Reporter.

Free Admission

A little boy came home eating a big candy bar. Seeing the candy bar, his mother remembered he had already spent all his allowance money. Surprised, she asked him where he got it.

"I bought it at the store with the dollar you gave me," he said."But that dollar was for Sunday School," his mother replied.

Smiling, the boy said, "I know, Mom, but the Pastor met me at the door and got me in for free!"

ACLU Irony

The Back Pew

Watching Too Much Football

Heard Around Deep Creek...

Those who watch too much football will wear out their end zone.

NOTE: From the weekly newsletter of Brian Mimbs, Pastor of Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Brian is also a member of the Board of Directors of James Croft Evangelistic Association.

Old Refs Never Die

New River Baptist Association Annual Meeting

I have been asked to preach one of the services during the New River Baptist Association Annual Meeting. The service will begin at on Tuesday, October 16, 2007. The meeting will be held at Lake Hill Baptist Church at 5165 County Road 214 near Keystone Heights, Florida. For more information contact the association's Director of Missions, Dr. Jerry Gessell, Sr. at (904) 964-8340.

Just The Facts, Sorta

An Orangutan's Reading List

One day the zoo-keeper noticed that the orangutan was reading two books: the Bible and Darwin's Origin of Species. Surprised, he asked the ape, "Why are you reading both those books?"

"Well," said the orangutan, "I just wanted to know if I was my brother's keeper or my keeper's brother."

Here's Hope!

The Here's Hope Flash movie presents the road to hope by first finding the power found in the good news of Jesus Christ. This interactive movie illustrates the real problem that we all have, which is the sin that separates us from God.

This presentation is part of the website of the North American Mission Board. Please share it with your friends.

The First Traffic Light

The Back Pew

Senior Adult Services Begin Monday

Blog Poll #8 Results

Our Blog Poll #8 question was, "Do you believe committing homosexual acts is a sin?", and the results are:

Yes 16 (88%)
No 2 (11%)
It's really not an issue 0 (0%)
I'm not sure 0 (0%)

Total Votes: 18

Here are the results of Blog Poll #7.

How Teens Ponder The Scriptures

FBC Lake Butler Tonight

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

How To Have A Perfect Pastor

NOTE: I believe it has been said that a lot of truth is said in jest.

A recent survey has compiled all the qualities that people expect from the perfect pastor:

Results of a computerized survey indicated that the perfect pastor preaches exactly 12 minutes.

He frequently condemns sin but never upsets anyone.

He works from 8 a.m. until midnight and is also a janitor.

He makes $60 a week, wears good clothes, buys good books, drives a good car, and gives about $80 a week to the poor.

He is 28 years of age, but he's been preaching for 30 years.He is wonderfully gentle and handsome.

He gives himself completely but never gets too close to anyone to avoid criticism.

He speaks boldly on social issues, but must never become politically involved.

He has a burning desire to work with teenagers, but he spends all his time with senior citizens.

He makes 15 daily calls to parish families, visits shut-ins and the hospitalized, spends all his time evangelizing the unchurched, and is always in his office when needed.

Doing What's Right

Our Daily Bread

READ: Psalm 15

He who does these things shall never be moved. —Psalm 15:5

About this cover

Bruce Weinstein is known as “The Ethics Guy.” His books and seminars challenge people to make choices based on principle rather than convenience or self-interest. In his business workshops, he often asks the participants, “Why should we be ethical?” He says that most responses center on the benefits of honesty and morality—avoiding punishment and having a clear conscience. While acknowledging that there are long-term benefits, Weinstein emphasizes doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.

Psalm 15 gives a vivid picture of the person whose conduct grows out of fellowship with the living God. The question “LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?” (v.1) is answered with examples from everyday living: “He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart” (v.2). It goes on to describe honest relationships with neighbors and friends (vv.3-4), along with integrity in business and financial matters (v.5). The psalm ends with the words, “He who does these things shall never be moved” (v.5).

Ethical living is more than a concept discussed in seminars. It’s a powerful means of demonstrating the presence of Christ in our lives. Doing what is right is always the right thing to do. —David C. McCasland

Lord, help me put away deceit
And live a life that’s true—
And may there be integrity
In all I say and do. —Sper

There is no legacy as rich as integrity.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Christian Life > Character > Integrity

Jake Shimabukuro plays "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

This guy is really good with this instrument.

A Busy Schedule And Exercise

Kiwanis Presentation Scheduled

I will speaking during a meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Baker County on Thursday, September 27, 2007. The meeting, held at the Baker County Health Department, begins at noon. I will be discussing our upcoming mission trip to Ghana, West Africa. The Baker County Health Department is located on Lowder Street (CR23-A) in Macclenny, Florida. Visit the Kiwanis Club website for more information about the organization.

Nepal Airline Sacrifices Two Goats to Sky God in Face of Aircraft Problems

NOTE: Doesn't this make you want to call them for your next flight?

It’s not exactly the most common way to fix a commercial airliner, but officials from Nepal’s state-run airline sacrificed two goats on Sunday in effort to do just that, according to Reuters.

Faced with technical problems on an aging Boeing 757 aircraft, Nepal Airlines' representatives told local media the sacrifices were made to appease Akash Bhairab, the Hindu sky god.

“The snag in the plane has now been fixed and the aircraft has resumed its flights,” said Raju K.C., a senior airline official, without explaining what the problem had been.

Read more of this story on FOX News.

Awana program unites children, inmate dads at Louisiana prison

Hundreds of inmates in one Louisiana prison will have a chance to spend a weekend with their children, as part of a program by Awana Clubs International.

This weekend, 1,100 children will spend time with their dads who are inmates at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. It is all part of a joint effort between the prison and Awana Clubs, an international children and youth ministry based in Chicago.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

School asks student to replace Bible reading with book about witches

In one Pennsylvania public school, reading from the Bible is forbidden -- but reading about witches and Halloween is encouraged.

Wesley Busch is a kindergarten student at Culbertson Elementary School in Newton Square, Pennsylvania -- and all he wanted to do was have his mother read aloud from his favorite book, the Bible. The book reading was part of a classroom assignment called "All About Me," the purpose of which was to provide students an opportunity to identify individual interests and learn about each other through the use of items such as stuffed animals, posters, books and other mediums.

Jeremy Tedesco, legal counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), says the school district had a big problem with Wesley's favorite book. "When Wesley told his mom 'I want you to read the Bible, that's my favorite book,' the school said no -- even though they let every other book reading go forward," the attorney explains. "And even though they told Mrs. Busch 'no, you can't read the Bible,' [they said] 'but here, read this book on witches and Halloween instead,'" says Tedesco.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Common Sense

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Proverbs 1:20-33

The LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. —Proverbs 2:6

About this cover

Voltaire said, “Common sense is not so common.” He was right! In a society that has grown increasingly litigious, we are inundated with warnings on products, mostly because some people lack common sense. Just read the following instructions.

On a hair dryer: Do not use while sleeping.

On an iron: Do not iron clothes on body.

On a chainsaw: Do not attempt to stop chain with your hand.

Common sense can be learned from experience or the teaching we receive from those we trust. But God’s Word is the best source of all to develop discernment and good judgment.

Three words echo throughout the book of Proverbs: wisdom, knowledge, understanding. God has packed this book with common sense.

Proverbs 11:12 advises restraint: “A man of understanding holds his peace.”

Proverbs 17:27 warns: “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.”

Proverbs 20:13 is practical: “Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty.”

To get more common sense, consult God’s Word—the source of wisdom—daily. —Cindy Hess Kasper

To Gain A Heart Of Wisdom:
Ask God for it (James 1:5).
Read regularly from the Proverbs.
Seek out godly counsel (Prov. 11:14; 15:22; 19:20).

Knowledge without common sense is folly.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Christian Life > Character > Wisdom/Thinking

Church Softball League

Do You Know?

Here are a few "Do You Know?" questions. The music is "Sing Alleluia" by Kevin Owen and Cheryl Kent.



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

Green Tea

James Croft Ministry Opportunities

Here are the dates for ministry opportunities for September 2007. Watch this site for updates or visit the Ministry Opportunities page on my website. You can also receive notifications via e-mail subscription, the form is at the bottom of this post.



To view dates on a calendar go to James Croft Ministry Opportunities.

Preaching Schedule

An e-mail will be sent each time an event is added to Evangelist James Croft's ministry schedule.

Enter your email address:

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Cargo Bounce

Here's another one of those games that I think you will enjoy. It is called Cargo Bounce. Stack pirate stuff until the boat's in ship shape.

Some of these games will make you crazy!

Witness Protection Program

The Back Pew

Coffee First, Rejoicing Second?

FBCLB Sunday Night

I will be preaching at my home church, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, this Sunday night at 6pm. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida. For more info call Pastor Jason Johns at (386) 496-3704.

Four Weeks Left

A Bible study group was discussing the unforeseen possibility of their sudden death. The leader of the discussion said, "We will all die some day, and none of us really know when, but if we did we would all do a better job of preparing ourselves for that inevitable event."

Everybody nodded their heads in agreement with this comment.Then the leader said to the group, "What would you do if you knew you only had four weeks of life remaining before your death, and then the Great Judgment Day?"

A gentleman said, "I would go out into my community and minister the Gospel to those that have not yet accepted the Lord into their lives."

"Very good!" said the group leader, and all the group members agreed, that would be a very good thing to do.

One lady spoke up and said enthusiastically, "I would dedicate all of my remaining time to serving God, my family, my church, and my fellow man with a greater conviction."

"That's wonderful!" the group leader commented, and all the group members agreed, that would be a very good thing to do.

But one gentleman in the back finally spoke up loudly and said, "I would go to my mother-in-law's house for the four weeks."

Everyone was puzzled by this answer, and the group leader ask, "Why your mother-in-law's home?"

Then the gentleman smiled sarcastically and said, "Because, that would make them the longest four weeks of my life!"

Hurricane Intensity Animation

This cool animation shows the typical damage caused by hurricanes at each of the five intensity categories on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

I pray this is something we don't experience, but living in Florida (and certain other areas) means there is always a chance.

My Prince

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Ephesians 5:22-33

Husbands, love your wives. —Ephesians 5:25

About this cover

People around the world reacted with shock in September 2006 when news broke that Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter,” had died. His enthusiasm for life and for God’s creatures was contagious, making him a favorite personality worldwide.

When his wife Terri was interviewed shortly after Steve’s death, her love for him was obvious as she said through her tears, “I’ve lost my prince.” What an affectionate way to memorialize her husband! She saw him as her prince and her best friend.

The husband-wife relationship is often viewed today as anything but the tender one Terri and Steve must have shared. We see bitterness, insults, and animosity presented in the media as the norm. How much more desirable it is to see true love—to see a husband unashamedly cherish his wife, to unselfishly be her “prince.”

How can a husband continue to love his wife in a more princely way? Try these suggestions: Listen—enjoy those tender times when she can unburden her heart without fear. Love life—find ways to add fun to your marriage. Lead spiritually—guide the way into prayer and intimate fellowship with the Lord.

Men, be a prince to your princess. —Dave Branon

Honor your wife and in love with her dwell,
Yield to the Savior and all will be well;
Peace He will give to both husband and wife,
Blessing their marriage with joy throughout life. —Anon.

Marriage thrives in a climate of love and respect.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Relationships > Marriage > Husband/Wife
Christian Life > Character > Christlikeness

Specialty Store

Naylor Gospel Explosion Added To Schedule

I will be preaching during the Naylor Gospel Explosion on Saturday, October 13, 2007 in Naylor, Georgia. The event will feature Gospel Singing, Testimonies, Preaching, Games, Horse, Mule and Wagon Rides and much more. The event begins at 10am at Riley-Leford Park on Savannah Avenue and will end around 5pm. Many local churches will be involved too.

For more information visit the event website or e-mail the event's coordinator, Wes Harrell. You can also call him at (229) 257-0717.

NYC Blackout Pictures

These pictures were taken during the 2003 Blackout in New York by one of the top professionals using a 16 mega-pixel camera.

What a wonderful job. I just can't believe how well they turned out.

You Can't Have Two Teams

Pastor: Slain Korean Hostage was Killed for Refusing to Convert

The youth pastor who was leading the group of 22 South Korean aid volunteers in Afghanistan was killed for refusing to convert to Islam, the head pastor of the church revealed after the final 19 former hostages arrived home.

“Among the 19 hostages who returned on the second (of September), some were asked by the Taliban to convert and when they rejected, they were assaulted and severely beaten,” reported Park Eun-jo, pastor of hostages’ home church – Saemmul Presbyterian Church in Bundang, just south of the South Korean capital Seoul.

“I heard from the hostages that they were threatened with death,” he added, according to the Seoul-based Christian Today newspaper. “Especially it is known that the reason Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu was murdered was because he refused the Taliban’s demand to convert.”

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Peter Kerridge & You - 4 September

Poll On Homosexual Acts

Our Blog Poll (#8) question for this week is about committing homosexual acts. Cast your vote in this poll in the left-hand column of this site. The poll will close on Saturday night, September 8, 2007.

Illinois governor nixes 'moment of silence' bill for students

An attorney for a pro-family group says it's outrageous that the governor of Illinois vetoed a measure that would have required public school students to observe a "moment of silence" at the beginning of each school day.

Even though the bill does not mention prayer and simply talks about a "moment of silence," Governor Rod Blagojevich vetoed it, citing concerns about the alleged "separation of church and state." Matt Barber, policy director with Concerned Women for America, says if a lie is kept alive long enough, people will buy into it.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Happy Marriage

Blog Poll #7 Results

Our Blog Poll #7 question was, "Do you think it is OK for Christians to call God 'Allah'?", and the results are:

Yes, it's OK 0 (0%)
No, it's not OK 16 (94%)
It doesn't matter, what's in a name? 0 (0%)
I'm not sure. 1 (5%)

Total Votes: 17

Here are the results of Blog Poll #6.

Working Hard

August 2007 Top 5

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

1. Blog Poll #5 Results
2. Days Of Elijah
3. Bigger Budget
4. Can You Hear Me Now?
5. TV airing for Islam's story of Christ
   

Statistics are based on views of posts on this site's RSS Feed as powered by FeedBurner.

Coffee Keeps Me Awake

NOTE: Some folks may need to try coffee before I preach. 8-)

Political Correctness For Students

Your bedroom isn't cluttered; it's "passage-restrictive."

You're not having a bad hair day; you're suffering from "rebellious
follicle syndrome."

No one's tall anymore. They're "vertically enhanced."

You're not shy. You're "conversationally selective."

You don't talk a lot. You're just "abundantly verbal."

It's not called gossip anymore. It's "transmission of near-factual
information."

The food at the school cafeteria isn't awful. It's "digestively
challenged."

Your homework isn't missing; it's just having an "out-of-notebook
experience."

You're not sleeping in class; you're "rationing consciousness."

You don't have smelly gym socks; you have "odor-retentive athletic
footwear."

You weren't passing notes in class. You were "participating in the
discreet exchange of penned meditations."

You're not being sent to the principal's office. You're "going on a
mandatory field trip to the administrative building."

August 2007 Podcast Downloads

Episode	Guest	Aug. 2007 Downloads	Total Downloads
January 2006	Kevin Owen & Cheryl Kent Musicians	10	426
February-March 2006	Dr. Harold Hudson Pastor, Fellowship Baptist Church Raiford, Florida	23	475
April 2006	Jack & Ali Spin 103.8, Dublin, Ireland	18	476
May 2006	Dr. Sterling Huston Internet Evangelism Coalition & Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc.	23	577
June 2006	Evangelist Bobby Brindle “World’s Smallest Evangelist”	39	588
July 2006	Howard Butzer Amazing Grace Mission	38	502
August 2006	Ruth H. Westgate Songwriter/Author	45	363
September 2006	Chaplain (Maj.) Keith Kilgore Bagram, Afghanistan	32	230
October 2006	Junior Combs & Southern Joy 2006 National Quartet Convention Group Talent Competion Winners	40	274
December 2006	Paul Braun Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Regional Director	26	157
March 2007	Rev. Rick Coram Evangelist	28	197
June 2007	Pastor Brian Mimbs Chapel Hill Baptist Church Tallahassee, Florida	46	153
July 2007	Chris Maslin Ridgecrest Camps	49	49
Total Downloads		417	4467

Stats powered by Feedburner.

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RSS Feed/Download Page

Program Information

iTunes Link

Senior Adult Enrichment Seminar

Christian Bulletin Bloopers

She sang "I Will Not Pass This Way Again," giving much pleasure to the congregation.

Sermon this morning: Jesus Walks on the Water. Sermon tonight: Searching for Jesus.

The patient is having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack's sermons.

A letter to the men’s fellowship reads: "All members are requested to bring their wives and one other covered dish to the annual banquet."

Information Overload

Trying to Take It With You

A stingy old lawyer who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness was determined to prove wrong the saying, "You can't take it with you." After much thought and consideration, the old lawyer finally figured out how to take at least some of his money with him when he died.

He instructed his wife to go to the bank and withdraw enough money to fill two pillowcases. He then directed her to take the bags of money to the attic and leave them directly above his bed. His plan was that when he passed away, he would reach out and grab the bags on his way to heaven.

Several weeks after the funeral, the deceased lawyer's wife had gone up in the attic to clean. Coming upon the two forgotten pillowcases stuffed with cash she exclaimed, "Oh, that darned old fool, I knew he should have had me put the money in the basement."

Trust Christ, Not Feelings

The recent revelations of Mother Teresa's spiritual struggle should remind all believing Christians that our faith is in Christ – not in our feelings.

The disclosure of previous secret letters from Mother Teresa indicates that she was deeply troubled by doubts and a sense of Christ's absence. The fact is that many Christians struggle with doubt. Indeed, the most thoughtful believers are most likely of all to understand what is at stake, and thus to suffer pangs and seasons of doubt.

Doubt can be healthy. It can drive believers to a deeper knowledge of what we believe and a deeper embrace of the truth of the Gospel. It can deepen our trust in God and mature our faith. At the same time, doubt can be a form of sin . . . a refusal to trust God and his promises.

Read more of this opinion on The Christian Post.

IRA Rollover

Where Was God?

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Hebrews 13:5-8

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. —Isaiah 53:4

About this cover

Was God sadistically absent? That’s what Robert McClory, professor emeritus of journalism at the Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, asked after Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area of the US.

We may want to try to exonerate the Almighty for permitting disasters that rip apart vulnerable communities. But is God absent in such situations? No, McClory insists. Talking about the Katrina tragedy, he said that God was invisibly present “with the suffering and the dying. He was in the individuals, communities, churches, and schools that organized aid for the victims and took evacuees into their cities and homes. He was with the hundreds of thousands who showed compassion by prayer and financial assistance.”

So it is in our own lives when a heartbreaking tragedy occurs, such as the death of someone we love. We have no completely satisfactory answer to life’s painful problems. We do know, however, that the Lord is present with us, for He said He would never leave us (Heb. 13:5). Jesus’ name “Immanuel” literally means “God with us” (Matt. 1:23).

Even though suffering baffles our minds, we can trust God to be near and to work out His purposes. —Vernon Grounds

God’s unseen presence comforts me,
I know He’s always near;
And when life’s storms besiege our soul,
He says, “My child, I’m here.” —D. De Haan

The storms of our life prove the strength of our Anchor.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Relationships > Relating to God > Presence
Basics Of Faith > God > His Love

Wall Street feeling heat of investors' values

More sources tracking Wall Street and its market money-making companies are confirming that investors don't want their monetary support going to businesses that conflict with their moral or ideological values.

The idea of an economic boycott against the products of a company that sponsors objectionable television shows containing sex and violence, or supports groups espousing homosexuality or abortion, is nothing new. But the idea of making sure that financial investments do not support the stock of such companies is a fairly recent twist that is growing surprisingly in popularity.

Read more of this story on One News Now.

Jesus, Take The Wheel