Bibles Needed for Ghana Village Ministry

The Ghana Ministry Coordinator for James Croft Evangelistic Association, Evangelist Raphael Adjei Kingbi is now serving as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Bimbilla, located in the Northern Region of Ghana.  He was transferred to the church several months ago from Teshie in the Greater Accra Region of the West Afican country.  The area he is serving is comprised of several villages.

One of the needs in his ministry is Bibles for the congregation and those he visits and evangelizes.  We take having access to a Bible for granted, but in his area there are in short supply.  The JCEA is preparing to begin a collection of Bibles for use in Evangelist Ralph's ministry.  We will also be accepting donations to purchase Bibles and cover shipping costs.  Additional details will be posted on this site as they become available.  If you would like to contribute to assist with this program visit our Ghana Ministry page on on the JCEA website and look for the donation link at the bottom of the page.

Please be in prayer for Evangelist Ralph as he serves in this new area of ministry, and in an area far from his hometown.  Also, pray for his wife and two children as they are still residing and attending school in Teshie.  He has certainly been faithful to leave his comfort zone for the cause of Christ!

Evangelist Ralph is now on Facebook.  He has established a profile on the popular social networking site.  If you are on Facebook I'm sure he would love to hear from you.

Bushnell Revival Begins Sunday

I will be preaching my first revival meeting for 2010 beginning this Sunday. The services will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Bushnell, Florida. The services will begin at 11am Sunday, February 21, 2010 and continue that evening at 6pm; and Monday-Wednesday, February 22-24, 2010 at 7pm nightly. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church is located at 5635 County Road 316-A in Bushnell, Florida. For more information call Pastor Phillip Howe at (352) 424-0723.

(Click image to enlarge)

FBCLB Wednesday Night

I will be preaching in supply for my Pastor Jason Johns this Wednesday evening, February 17th, at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. The services will begin at 6:30pm. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida. For more information or directions call the church at (386) 496-3704.

The Hard Part

Happy Valentine's Day

We have all been offered a "Valentine" from God. It is revealed in the Bible for all to see. Have you accepted this "Valentine"? For more information visit "Do You Know".

New River Baptist Tomorrow Morning

I will be preaching a special evangelistic service on Valentine's Day (tomorrow) at New River Baptist Church.  The service titled "I Love You" will begin at 11am.  The church is located at 16703 SW 144th Ave. in Brooker, Florida.

Valentine's Day Dress Code?

"I Love You" Service At New River Baptist

I will be preaching a special evangelistic service on Valentine's Day, Sunday, February 14, 2010 at New River Baptist Church.  The service titled "I Love You" will begin at 11am.  The church is located at 16703 SW 144th Ave. in Brooker, Florida.

Motivational Speech At RMC

I am scheduled to speak at Reception and Medical Center in Lake Butler, Florida on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 4pm.  The presentation will be a motivational address to inmates preparing for release.

Wheaties Posterboy

The Back Pew

July Date Scheduled For FBC Macclenny

I have added a Sunday engagement at First Baptist Church of Macclenny to my schedule for July.   I will be preaching on Sunday, July 11, 2010 at 10:45am and 6pm.  The morning service is also broadcast on WJXR 92.1 FM beginning at 11am.  The church is located at 372 S. 6th. Street in Macclenny, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Edsel Bone at (904) 259-2933.

Camp Sonrise Scheduled For June

I will once again be speaking each day during an annual children's camp sponsored by several churches in North and Central Florida June 21-24, 2010.  "Camp Sonrise" will be held at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Campground near Madison, Florida.  I will be leading devotions in the morning and preaching each night for the campers.  I really enjoyed last years' event and am excited to be participating again.  Please be in prayer for this opportunity.

Press Any Key

You Are Someone Special

Add to your website

Chapel Hill Baptist 5th Sunday Service

I will be preaching a special 5th Sunday service on January 31, 2010 at 10am at Chapel Hill Baptist Church.  The service will be followed by dinner-on-the-grounds.

The church is now meeting at Tallahassee Community College's Workforce Development Building Ballrooms in Tallahassee, Florida.  For more information or directions call (850) 222-6900.

Reading For Literacy Week

I will be reading to 5th grade students at Keller Intermediate School in Macclenny, Florida on Thursday, January 28, 2010.  This activity is in recognition of Literacy Week.

Hmmm, I wonder if I'm smarter than a 5th grader... not!

Stethoscope

Flee The Fridge

The Back Pew

Band Of Brothers Conference Tomorrow

I will be the guest speaker at the annual Band Of Brothers men's conference tomorrow, January 23, 2010, at Morriston Baptist Church.  The event will also feature special music and a wild-game feast.  The event begins at 6pm.  For more information call the church at (352) 528-4080.

Morriston Baptist Church is located at 20291 SE 33rd Street in Morriston, Florida.

FBC Olustee On Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Mike Williams at First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida this Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 11am and 6pm. First Baptist Church is located at 23311 Lakeside Lane in Olustee, Florida. Please be in prayer for these services.

Some Things Must Stop?

Thru The Bible In A Year

The Back Pew

Best Seller?

Wishes That Won't Last

A bus carrying only ugly people crashes into an oncoming truck, and everyone dies. As they stand at the Pearly Gates waiting to enter paradise and meet their maker, God decides to grant each person one wish because of the grief they have experienced.

They all line up, and God asks the first person what the wish is.

"I want to be gorgeous." God snaps his fingers, and it is done. The second one in line hears this and says, "I want to be gorgeous, too." God snaps his fingers again and the wish is granted.

This goes on for a while, with each one asking to be gorgeous. When God is halfway down the line, the last guy in the line starts laughing. When there are only ten people left, this guy is rolling on the floor, still laughing.

Finally, God reaches this last guy and asks him what his wish will be.

The guy calms down and says, "Make them all ugly again."

Conflict Of Interest

Charlie Brown Christmas

Peaceful Christmas Village

Unbelievable Night

The Back Pew

First Post-Op Doctor Visit

I received a good report from Dr. Mark Petty, my hip surgeon, today.  The hip revision performed four weeks ago is healing very nicely and everything looks very stable.  In fact, Dr. Petty said it looks much better than it did following last year's surgery.  However, he did say I must remain on the 50% weight bearing status for two more weeks (January 6, 2010).  At that point I can add more weight while still using the walker for another week (January 13, 2010).  If this goes well I can begin moving to the cane for 3-4 weeks.  He will then determine if I must continue using the cane all the time or if I can lay it down.

Due to remaining on the walker and being unable to drive for another 3 weeks, my first revival meeting of 2010 has been rescheduled to February 21-24th.  This meeting will be in Bushnell, Florida at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.  I appreciate Pastor Phillip Howe's understanding and willingness to reschedule the event to allow more time for recovery.  I do have a couple of single-day events in late January that I hope will help me ease back into a full schedule.  A full revival meeting requires not only spiritual preparation, but mental, physical and emotional stamina too.

I very much appreciate your prayers during this time of recovery and hope you will continue to ask for God's perfect will in every area of my life and ministry.

NOTE: Read previous posts related to the hip surgery here.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

You Better Watch Out

The Back Pew

It's A Relative Thing

The Back Pew

Feeding Reindeer And Singing Jingle Bells

This is one of my favorite Christmas memories!

Zeke The Shepherd

The Back Pew

JOY Box Deadline Tomorrow

The JCEA 2009 Christmas JOY Box Ministry submission deadline is tomorrow, December 17th.  You are invited to help bring Christmas JOY to residents of nursing homes by filling a shoebox sized container with a few needed and enjoyable items.  The JOY Boxes will be delivered to area nursing homes the week after Christmas.  Boxes may be dropped-off at the following locations:

• Beulah Baptist Association, 189 NW Cali Drive, Lake City, Florida
• Davis Golf Cart & Small Engine Repair, 126 South 5th Street, Macclenny, Florida
• Mercantile Bank, 595 South 6th Street, Macclenny, Florida
  
• First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, 195 East Main St., Lake Butler, Florida

If you would like to participate in this ministry, but are unable to prepare a shoebox by the deadline, you may invest financially by credit card or PayPal.  Donations will be used to prepare additional boxes.

Additional information about the JOY Box Ministry is available at these links:

• What are JOY Boxes?
• Box Contents
• Box Submission Form
• JOY News
• JOY Photos
  

You will experience true Christian JOY when you put Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last.  Share this JOY with others!

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

Becoming Whole

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: Romans 7:13-25

 

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. —Philippians 2:12-13

 

When a friend fell off her bike and suffered a severe brain injury, doctors weren’t sure she would survive. For several days she remained suspended between life and death.

The first good news came when she opened her eyes. Then she responded to simple voice commands. But with every small improvement, anxiety remained. How far would she progress?

After one difficult day of therapy, her husband was discouraged. But the very next morning he shared these welcome words: “Sandy’s back!” Physically, emotionally, psychologically, and mentally, Sandy was becoming the “self” who we knew and loved.

Sandy’s fall reminds me of what theologians refer to as “the fall” of mankind (Gen. 3). And her struggle to recover parallels our struggle to overcome the brokenness of sin (Rom. 7:18). If only her body healed, recovery would be incomplete. The same would be true if her brain worked but her body didn’t. Wholeness means that all parts work together for one purpose.

God is the one healing Sandy, but she has to work hard in therapy to improve. The same is true of us spiritually. After God saves us through Christ, we must “work out” our salvation (Phil. 2:12)—not to earn it but to bring our thoughts and actions into agreement with His purpose.  — Julie Ackerman Link

More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do. —Gabriel

To become whole, keep yielding to the Holy Spirit.

 

Late Water Bill

Allergy

One Outing, Multiple Blessings

I had my first "out-of-home" experience yesterday since returning home from the hospital two weeks ago.  I attended the morning worship service at my home church, First Baptist of Lake Butler.  It was great to participate in corporate worship again and to hear my pastor, Jason Johns, preach again.  I also saw the "JOY Tree" in the church lobby surrounded by JOY Boxes for nursing home residents.  This is a ministry initiated by James Croft Evangelistic Association two years ago.  The church has set a goal of 200 boxes!  Praise the Lord!!

After service one of my sisters, Melissa, and her daughter and I went to Lake City for lunch at Applebees.  I'm still unable to drive, so she was my chauffeur - don't tell her I said that.  Anyway, we saw a family from my church and a family from a church in Lake City, and we all spoke.  During the meal the waiter handed me an Applebees gift card and said "Santa Claus" wanted me to have it.  He would not divulge the name of the donor, only saying they said it was from Santa.  It was a $75 gift card, what a blessing!

I don't know if the gift was from one of the two families or not, but the Lord knows the donor and I have asked Him to bless them tremendously for this random act of Christian kindness.  It's so interesting how the Lord works, because Brother Jason's message was about letting others "see" your kindness.  Basically, we should not just let the world hear the message of Christmas, but let them see the message of Christmas.  You can hear his message here.  I had a similar experience three years ago and you can read about it in this post.

To top the day off, the youth group from First Baptist Church of Olustee came for a visit Sunday night and brought a couple of boxes of food they have been collecting.  We had a great time of fellowship and laughter.  I pray the Lord greatly blesses them for being such a blessing to me and my family.

It was wonderful day and felt good to finally get out of the house even though it was somewhat tiring.  I hope this is just the beginning of a full recovery that will allow me to soon continue doing what the Lord has called me to do.

Let's Say Thanks

Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS In 2010

Evangelist James Croft will be teaching during Vacation Bible School sponsored by Chapel Hill Baptist Church. The event will be held Monday-Friday, June 7-11, 2010 from 10am to 12pm.  Additional details, including location, will be posted soon.  The VBS will feature lessons and activities included in the Saddle Ridge Ranch Vacation Bible School. For more information call (850) 222-6900.

Dressed To Kill

The Back Pew

FBCLB Youth Visit

I've had many great visits to my home since my release from the hospital following hip surgery.  I don't think I've ever had as many visitors at one time as I did this past Wednesday.  Twenty-four members of the youth department at my home church, First Baptist of Lake Butler, came to minister to me at my home.  We had a wonderful time of devotion, prayer, fellowship, and sharing.  It was a great blessing to me!

Bear Fruits?

Hope To See You

War . . . Then Peace

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: Luke 23:32-43

 

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:7

On December 7, 1941, a Japanese war plane piloted by Mitsuo Fuchida took off from the aircraft carrier Akagi. Fuchida led the surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Through the war years to follow, Fuchida continued to fly—often narrowly escaping death. At war’s end, he was disillusioned and bitter.

A few years later, he heard a story that piqued his spiritual curiosity: A Christian young woman whose parents had been killed by the Japanese during the war decided to minister to Japanese prisoners. Impressed, Fuchida began reading the Bible.

As he read Jesus’ words from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34), he understood how that woman could show kindness to her enemies. That day Fuchida gave his heart to Christ.

Becoming a lay preacher and evangelist to his fellow citizens, this former warrior demonstrated “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7)—a peace enjoyed by those who have trusted Christ and who “let [their] requests be made known to God” (v.6).

Have you found this peace? No matter what you have gone through, God makes it available to you.  — Dennis Fisher


There is peace in midst of turmoil,
There is joy when eyes are dim,
There is perfect understanding
When we leave it all to Him. —Brown

True peace is not the absence of war; it is the presence of God. —Loveless

CSI: Palestine

The Back Pew

The Truth About Christmas

The truth about Christmas is found in Luke 2:1-20 in the Holy Bible. Robin Croft shares this truth during a Christmas celebration with her family.

The Pits

The Back Pew

Who's Will?

The Back Pew

Big Diet Pill

The Best Of Gifts

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: John 1:10-13

 

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! —2 Corinthians 9:15

Having trouble selecting that perfect gift for someone? A friend shared with me a few suggestions:

• The gift of listening. No interrupting, no planning your response. Just listening.
• The gift of affection. Being generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.
• The gift of laughter. Sharing funny stories and jokes. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
• The gift of a written note. Expressing in a brief, handwritten note your appreciation or affection.
• The gift of a compliment. Sincerely saying, “You look great today” or “You are special” can bring a smile.

But as we begin this special month of celebration, why not pass on the best gift you’ve ever received? Share the fact that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:23). Or share this verse from John 1:12, “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” Remind others that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

The best gift of all is Jesus Christ. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15).  — Cindy Hess Kasper


The greatest Gift that has ever been given
Is Jesus Christ who was sent down from heaven.
This Gift can be yours if you will believe;
Trust Him as Savior, and new life receive. —Hess

The best gift was found in a manger.

Do Ya, Punk?

The Back Pew

Poultry Rapture

The Back Pew

Surgery Day 2

I received a glowing report from my surgeon, Dr. Mark Petty, this morning.  He is very pleased with the results of the procedure and said that everything went as planned.  I have not had as much pain as I did with last year's surgery.  I am already at 50% weight bearing, which took 9 weeks to accomplish last year.  Physical Therapy had me take a few steps this morning and I am currently sitting up in a chair.  I may be discharged as early as Friday to a rehab hospital for continued physical therapy.  PRAISE THE LORD!!!

I have received many calls and visits and they are much appreciated.  I ask for your continued prayerful support for me, the medical staff and all those assisting me during my recovery.

I'll post additional information as it becomes available.

God Bless You All!

Pray For Sick Turkeys

The Back Pew

Surgery Update

The surgery is complete.  Dr. Petty provided the update at 6:50 pm.  A decision was made earlier today to replace the femoral rod regardless of it's condition.  The extra bone was added to reinforce the grafting and all strapped in place.  Dr. Petty expects to have James up on a walker tomorrow.  You continued prayers and support are appreciated.

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Turkey Fights For Freedom

The Back Pew

Surgery Scheduled For 2pm Tuesday

One year ago, I was facing some of the most challenging news in my life: a complicated hip revision surgery and the accompanying rehabilitation.  Nearly three months of immobility left me unable to accomplish the primary task to which our Lord called me back in 1994: Gospel preaching and evangelism.

During those uncertain days, you responded with grace and generosity.  You interceded with prayers that lifted me to God's close care.  You called, wrote and visited.  You gave financial gifts to cover medical bills and loss of income.  A few churches in my area renovated my home, and repaired my roof.  You showed love in Christ.

I received news in recent weeks that my surgery last year wasn’t completely successful.  My options at this point have narrowed to two: a second surgical attempt or the permanent living with pain or possible loss of walking ability.

Needless to say, I have opted for the surgical option now slated for 2pm tomorrow, November 24th.  Dr. Mark Petty plans to insert cadaver bone for grafting at the top of my femur.  A substance that will help promote grafting will also be utilized.  The goal is for the rod in my femur (implanted during the surgery last year) to be stabilized by the grafting, which should (hopefully) eliminate the pain.  The presence of pain seems to indicate the femoral rod is "loose".  This is, obviously, not the proper medical terminology, but it's the best explanation I can offer at this point.

The surgery will take place at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida.  It is estimated the surgery will last 2-4 hours.  If there are no complications, I will stay in the hospital for three to four days and then be transferred to a rehab hospital for physical therapy.  Dr. Petty tells me, if all goes well, I will use a walker for about a month and then move back to using a cane.  If the femoral rod is slipping more than is currently thought, another rod will be implanted during the surgery and the recovery period will be greatly extended as it was last year.

My desire to serve the Lord will once again be greatly impeded.  And, once again, the reality of financial woes are upon me.  I don’t like to make such pleas, but should God lead you to make a one-time or continuing donation, no matter the size, it would be an extraordinary investment.  Little is much when God is in it.

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

Please join me in praying that the Lord's "Perfect Will" is done all along the way.  I have a revival meeting scheduled to begin January 10, 2010 in Bushnell, FL, so you know how I'm praying.  I do know God also knows about the meeting, after all, He led the pastor to call me.


Your prayers and financial gifts are appreciated.  Mostly, I am looking for 2010, a recovered body, and a foundation of faith from which to preach Christ to the nations.

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

No Cash Offerings?

Help With A Home Run

NOTE: A video about the story in this devotion is below, it will bring tears of joy to your eyes.

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: 1 Peter 4:7-11

 

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. —1 Peter 4:10

Sara Tucholsky, a softball player for Western Oregon University, hit the first home run of her life in a game against Central Washington. But she nearly didn’t get credit for it. As she rounded first base in excitement, she missed it! When she wheeled back to correct her mistake, she injured her knee. Crying, she crawled back to the base. By rule, she had to touch all four bases on her own for the home run to count. Her teammates could not assist her in any way.

Then Mallory Holtman, the first baseman for the opposing team, spoke up. “Would it be okay if we carried her around?” After conferring, the umpires agreed. So Mallory and another teammate made a chair of their hands and carted Sara around the bases. By the time they were through carrying her, many were crying at this selfless act of compassion, and Sara was awarded her home run.

The lesson for followers of Christ is clear. When fellow Christians stumble and fall, we need to follow the example of these ballplayers. Reach out. Lift them up and carry them along. It’s a wonderful opportunity to “minister . . . to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).  — David C. Egner



When a fellow Christian stumbles
And he needs some help to stand;
Don’t ignore his circumstances—
Offer him your outstretched hand. —Sper

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. —Charles Dickens

Bad Things Happen To Good People

FBC Lake Butler On Sunday Morning

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

Precious Fruit

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: Galatians 5:22-26

 

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. —Galatians 5:22-23

 

How much would you be willing to pay for a piece of fruit? In Japan, someone paid more than $6,000 for one Densuke watermelon. Grown only on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, this beautiful dark-green sphere looks like a bowling ball. The nearly 18-pound watermelon was one of only a few thousand available that year. The fruit’s rarity brought an astronomical price on the market.

Christians have fruit that is far more precious than the Densuke watermelon. It’s called the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). Each “fruit” is a different aspect of Christlikeness. In the Gospels, we see how Christ exemplified these virtues. Now He wants to produce them in our hearts—in what we say, how we think, and how we respond to life (John 15:1-4).

A rare and delicious fruit may bring a premium price in the marketplace, but Christlike character is of far greater worth. As we confess all known sin and yield to God’s indwelling Spirit, our lives will be transformed to the likeness of Christ (1 John 1:9; Eph. 5:18). This spiritual fruit will fill our lives with joy, bless those around us, and last into eternity.  — Dennis Fisher

Think not alone of outward form;
Its beauty will depart;
But cultivate the Spirit’s fruits
That grow within the heart. —D. De Haan

Fruitfulness for Christ depends on fellowship with Christ.

 

Attack By A Marching Band

The Back Pew

Be Ready

Witness Protection Program

The Back Pew

Angelic Assistance?

An old-time pastor was riding furiously down the road, hurrying to get to church on time. Suddenly, his horse stumbled and threw him to the ground.

Lying in the dirt, his body wracked with pain, the pastor called out, “All you angels in heaven, help me get up on my horse!”

With extraordinary strength, he leaped onto the horse’s back—and fell off the other side.

From the ground again, he called out, “All right, just half of you angels this time!”

FBCLB Sunday Morning

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

Attention To Detail

No Deal!

Our Daily Bread

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

 

It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” —Luke 4:4

 

We’ve all seen and heard advertisements that entice us to take shortcuts to happiness. Buy our product and make no payments for one year! Instant gratification!

When the devil tempted Jesus (Luke 4:1-13), he offered a shortcut to “satisfaction.” He tried to tempt Jesus to take matters into His own hands rather than trust His Father.

When Jesus was hungry from 40 days of fasting (v.2), Satan suggested that He use His power to turn stones into bread. Had the Lord done so, He would have been using His powers for His own benefit, but He refused.

Why didn’t Jesus accept the devil’s offer of ruling all the kingdoms of the world right away? (vv.5-7). He could have avoided the cross. But that would have gone against God’s plan for Him—to give His life on the cross, to be resurrected, and to sit at the Father’s right hand in His kingdom. Satan’s offer of a shortcut was no deal at all.

Beware of enticements that seem to cost little for the present. Satan hopes to get you to do things his way. And he doesn’t give up easily. Even after Jesus overcame a third temptation, Satan left only “until an opportune time” (v.13).

Whenever you are offered a shortcut to happiness, watch out to see who’s behind the cashier’s counter!  — C. P. Hia

Lord, help me see the devil’s offers for what they are—enticements to sin. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You and Your Word, and my ears attentive to You in prayer. Amen.

The best way to escape temptation is to run to God.

Shankapotomus

This is one of those rare commercials that make me laugh out loud.  It's the E*TRADE Golf Baby at his best!

Need A Presence On The Web?

Have you been considering creating a website for your church, business, organization or for personal use? Have you been considering registering a domain name for your new site or maybe an additional domain name for an existing site? Do you have an existing website and domain name, but you're wondering if you're paying too much? Well, if you answered "yes" to any of these questions, I invite you to check-out my online business called Giant Web Plans.

You'll find very competitive prices for various levels of hosting plans and website enhancement tools, as well as domain registrations and transfers. If you're not exactly sure what you need, a knowledgeable representative is just a phone call away 24 hours a day. Giant Web Plans also offers around-the-clock tech support to help you with any questions that may arise.

Please visit Giant Web Plans if you're considering a presence on the World Wide Web or just looking to enhance the one you have. If you're not in need of these services at this time, but know of someone that is, I would appreciate you passing this information along.

The Answer

The Back Pew

So Help Me God

Add to your website

Bottle Bank Arcade

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

Biblical Bumper Stickers

If Bible Characters Had Bumper Stickers:

Jonah: Save the Whales

The Israelites: Honk If You Love Moses

Elijah: My Other Chariot Rolls

Goliath: Support the Ban on Slingshots

Methuselah: Be Kind to Senior Citizens

Piano Stairs

Now this is cool!

If Snakes Could Talk

The Back Pew

Share Some JOY

The video provides a brief overview of the JCEA Christmas JOY Box ministry for nursing home residents.  This video will also be available for download from our video blog and on iTunes by this weekend.



A special "God bless you" to Jon Fletcher for this production.  God has certainly used Jon to enhance the JCEA ministries in so many areas.

More Pics From Lighthouse Baptist

I have added a few pics to the photo gallery from the Lighthouse Baptist Church revival meeting last week.  I had a wonderful time of ministry and fellowship.  I met up with some old friends and made some new ones.  The most exciting thing about the week was two young ladies accepted Christ's free gift of salvation!!

The Revival Hymn Redux

Pre-op Completed

I completed the pre-op with my doctor and hospital yesterday for the surgery scheduled November 24th.  The surgeon, Dr. Mark Petty, said the x-rays showed no change or worsening in my hip condition (this is good); although, the pain is increasing.  Dr. Petty plans to insert cadaver bone for grafting at the top of my femur.  A substance that will help promote grafting will also be utilized.  The goal is for the rod in my femur (implanted during the surgery last year) to be stabilized by the grafting, which should (hopefully) eliminate the pain.  The presence of pain seems to indicate the femoral rod is "loose".  This is, obviously, not the proper medical terminology, but it's the best explanation I can offer at this point.

The surgery is tentatively scheduled for 11am on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida.  It is estimated the surgery will last 2-4 hours.  If there are no complications, I will stay in the hospital for three to four days and then be transferred to a rehab hospital for physical therapy.  Dr. Petty tells me, if all goes well, I will use a walker for about a month and then move back to using a cane.  If the femoral rod is slipping more than is currently thought, another rod will be implanted during the surgery and the recovery period will be greatly extended as it was last year.

Please join me in praying that the Lord's "Perfect Will" is done all along the way.  I have a revival meeting scheduled to begin January 10, 2010 in Bushnell, FL, so you know how I'm praying.  I do know God also knows about the meeting, after all, He led the pastor to call me.

NOTE: Click here to read past posts and future updates on my hip surgery.

Be A Stander

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now |  Download
READ: 2 Timothy 4:9-18

 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. —Proverbs 17:17

 

Western novelist Stephen Bly says that in the days of America’s Old West there were two types of friends (and horses): runners and standers. At the first sign of trouble, the runner would bolt—abandoning you to whatever peril you were facing. But a stander would stick with you no matter the circumstances. Unfortunately, you wouldn’t know which kind of friend you had until trouble came. And then it was too late—unless your friend was a stander.

Rather than being concerned with what kind of friends we have, however, we ought to consider what kind of friends we are. In the final days of Paul’s ministry, as he awaited death, some who had ministered with him turned into runners and abandoned him to face execution alone. In his last letter, he listed some (like Demas) who had run off, then simply stated, “Only Luke is with me” (2 Tim. 4:11). Luke was a stander. While undoubtedly disappointed by those who had deserted him, Paul must have been deeply comforted to know he was not alone.

Proverbs tells us that “a friend loves at all times” (17:17). During times of adversity, we need friends we can rely on. When the people we know face trouble, what kind of friend will we be—a runner or a stander?  — Bill Crowder

Dear Lord, help us to be the kind of friend who doesn’t run when our friends are in need. Give us the courage to stand by them, the wisdom to know what to say, and the ability to serve them. Amen.

A true friend stands with us in times of trial.

 

Buried By Life

The Back Pew