James Is The Giant

This past Sunday night I spoke to students in the AWANA program and adults during the evening service at Gateway Baptist Church in Lake City, Florida.  The theme for the evening was "Super Size".  How appropriate is a 3'10" tall man nicknamed "James The Giant" speaking on the theme of "Super Size"???  Of course there is only one subject that I felt would be appropriate for this setting - David and Goliath.

I shared the story of this great event from 1 Samuel 17:1-52.  At one point I had an AWANA student play the role of David while I stood on a chair and played Goliath.  Hey, James The Giant should play the role of the giant... right??

I had a great time sharing with the students and they seemed to enjoy it too, and maybe the adults even learned something.  8-)

Spartanburg Revival Begins March 6th

Click to enlarge

I will be preaching revival services for the first time at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church beginning on Sunday, March 6, 2011.  The Sunday services begin at 11am and 6pm, and continue Monday-Wednesday, March 7-9, 2011 at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 1301 Boiling Springs Road in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  For more information call Pastor Danny Garrett at (864) 585-3113.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Starting a Revival

Croft & Steele

This week I had the honor of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ during a revival meeting in Lake City, Florida.  The services were held at Huntsville Baptist Church as part of their 32nd Anniversary celebration.  I'm unable to report to you that the sanctuary was filled to capacity each night or that a multitude of people were saved during the meeting.  In fact, the attendance was about average for the church and no one received Christ (that we know of).  However, you never judge a revival meeting by what happens during the services.

"Revival" doesn't just happen because we plan a series of meetings; have great numbers in attendance; experience electrifying music or preaching; nor does it happen because we say we want it.  I have seen churches have a great series of meetings, but then after the meetings the church returns to their "normal" mode.  "Revival" only begins when the "born again" believer completely surrenders to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, replacing our will for our life with His "Perfect Will" for our life.

With that said, the indicators (for lack of a better term) of a church or believer in revival will become evident after the series of meetings.  Some of these "indicators" may be, but are not limited to, increased faithfulness by the believer in personal Bible study, prayer, serving, and sharing Christ with the lost.  This faithfulness by the believer in these areas should lead to increased faithfulness in attendance, worship, serving, giving, and meeting the needs of others.  The result: a church wholeheartedly committed to furthering the Kingdom of God by impacting their community and the world for Christ.  Sounds like the start of "revival"!

So, was "revival" sparked during this week of services?  Only the Lord knows the future.  I do know that I was blessed by the faithfulness of those attending, their apparent sincerity in seeking God's face, and by the loving fellowship shown to visitors and each other.  I hope you will join me in praying for the Lord to use my dear friend Pastor Jim Steele and everyone at Huntsville Baptist Church.  God has certainly used them for the past 32 years in reaching and loving others in Jesus' name.

If you live in the Lake City, Florida area or are passing through, Pastor Jim Steele and members of Huntsville Baptist Church would welcome you to worship with them. The church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery Road in Lake City, Florida. For more information or directions call at (386) 752-2089.

Morriston On Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Keith Stewart at Morriston Baptist Church on Sunday, February 27, 2011.  The services will begin at 8:30am, 11am and 7pm.  The church is located at 20291 SE 33rd Street in Morriston, Florida.  For more information call the church at (352) 528-4080.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Surf On Over

As technology advances, the James Croft Evangelistic Association believes Christians must keep up with it, using the tools God gives us to spread His Word so that all may know Him.  With over 1.5 billion people already online, the potential for web evangelism is staggering. This is a day of opportunity!

The JCEA maintains a strong presence online with our ministry homepage.  From this website you can access all of our web resources and ministries including: videos, ministry blog, e-mail newsletters, ministry resource links and our social networking pages on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

Surf on over to JamesCroft.org and check us out!

Camp Sonrise Again This Summer

I will once again be speaking each day during an annual children's camp sponsored by several churches in North and Central Florida June 27-30, 2011.  "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.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Civil War Reenactor Chaplain

Yesterday was the annual reenactment of the Battle of Olustee (a.k.a. Battle of Ocean Pond) here in my hometown.  I was not able to attend due to a full day of ministry opportunities in nearby Lake City, Florida.  The weather was great for the event and I understand the crowd was large.  In light of this event, I decided to go back into the JCEA archives and republish an interview from the March 2008 episode of Walking With The Giant podcast.  The video below allows you to hear the interview and view various photos from past reenactments.

Dr. James Gipson of Macclenny, Florida is a chaplain for various civil war reenactment calvary units including the Alabama Volunteer Brigade, the Tenth Tennessee Calvary, the Florida Division Calvary and the Winston Stephens SCV of Macclenny, Florida. He also pastors River City Family Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Gipson shares with us about this unique ministry opportunity.

Heavenly Cake?

The Back Pew

1.5 Billion People Online

There are over 1.5 billion people online in the world, are you reaching them with your message or product? A website is a must and Giant Web Plans is the place to start!  (Click image to enlarge)

 Giant Web Plans

Revival Begins Sunday with Homecoming

Homecoming Service will serve as a kick-off for revival services at Huntsville Baptist Church this Sunday in Lake City.  The service will begin at 10:45am.  Three more services will follow Monday-Wednesday, February 21-23 at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery Road near Lake City, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Jim Steele at (386) 752-2089.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Goat for Dinner

A young couple invited their elderly pastor for Sunday dinner.  While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having.

"Goat," the little boy replied.

"Goat?" replied the startled man of the cloth, "Are you sure about that?"

"Yep," said the youngster.  "I heard Dad say to Mom, 'Today is just as good as any to have the old goat for dinner.'"

Gateway Baptist AWANA Sunday Night

I will be speaking to the AWANA of Gateway Baptist Church Sunday as their theme for the night is "Super Size".  The presentation will be held as part of the normal evening service beginning at 6pm.  The church is located at 3252 SW State Road 247 in Lake City, Florida.  For more information call (386) 755-4447.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Friending

Our Daily Bread

Read: John 15:9-17

 

You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. —John 15:14

The social networking Web site Facebook.com was launched in 2004 as a way for college students to connect with each other online. It is now open to people of all ages, and currently there are an estimated 500 million users. Each user has an individual page with photos and personal details that can be viewed by “friends.” To “friend” a person means opening the door to communication and information about who you are, where you go, and what you do. Facebook friendships may be casual or committed, but each one is “by invitation only.”

Just before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples: “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:14-15).

Unselfishness, oneness of purpose, and confident trust are the hallmarks of true friendship, especially in our relationship with the Lord. Christ has taken the initiative by giving His life for us and inviting us to know and follow Him.

Have we responded to the Lord Jesus’ invitation of friendship by opening our hearts to Him with nothing held back?

Friendship with Jesus,
Fellowship divine;
O what blessed, sweet communion—
Jesus is a Friend of mine. —Ludgate

Jesus longs to be our Friend.

No Bulk Foods

The Back Pew

Huntsville Homecoming and Revival Begins Sunday

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On Sunday, February 20th, Homecoming Service will serve as a kick-off for services at Huntsville Baptist Church in Lake City.  The service will begin at 10:45am.  Three more services will follow Monday-Wednesday, February 21-23 at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery Road near Lake City, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Jim Steele at (386) 752-2089.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

V-Day for Dummies

The Back Pew

Alachua and Graham This Weekend

New Oak Grove

I will be the guest speaker at a Valentine Banquet for senior adults at New Oak Grove Baptist Church on Saturday night at 6pm.  My presentation will have a "comedy" theme, or at least I hope it will.  The church is located at 18100 NW 262nd Ave. in Alachua, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Terry Elixson (386) 462-3390.

Praise Christian Assembly

I will be preaching at Praise Christian Assembly in Graham this Sunday morning, February 13, 2011.  The morning worship service begins at 10:30am.  Praise Christian Assembly is located on County Road 18 east of Graham, Florida.  Please be in prayer for this church as they search for a pastor.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Revival Meeting Scheduled for 2012

I have scheduled a revival meeting at Forest Grove Baptist Church near Alachua, Florida for January of next year.  The services will begin on Sunday, January 22, 2012 and continue through Wednesday, January 25, 2012.  The church is located at 22575 NW 94th Avenue in Alachua, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Warren Chesser at (386) 462-3921.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Final JOY Box Delivered

Photo by Jon M. Fletcher

All of the 105 JOY Boxes collected for nursing home residents have now been delivered.  The total number of boxes was much less than last year, so the number of nursing homes reached was reduced.  W. Frank Wells Nursing Home and Macclenny Nursing and Rehab in Macclenny; and Baya Pointe Nursing Home in Lake City were this year's recipients.

I would like to thank everyone that took the time and effort to prepare a shoebox gift and those that sent financial contributions for the James Croft Evangelistic Association to prepare the boxes.  We had 105 smiling faces as a result of your efforts!

It's not too early to begin praying and preparing for next years' box collection.  You can find all of the program info and the latest JOY Box news by visiting the following links.

• JOY Box website
• Facebook page
• Blog posts
• Photo galleries
• Donate for JOY Boxes

Wednesday Night in Lake Butler

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jason Johns at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Wednesday evening, February 9, 2011.  The service 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.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

100 Years = A Long Time

The family of William Paul & Virginia Hurst Mikell of Olustee, Florida.  The girls married name is in parentheses.  All of the males last name is Mikell.  Pictured are (standing left to right) Owen, Shep, Ruby (Harvey), Gertie (Owen), Ina (King), Rosie (Mott), Ethel (Dowling), Ernest, John, Earl, & George; (seated left to right) William Paul Mikell (father), Paul, Virginia Hurst Mikell (mother), Dorothy (Stumpe), & Pearl (Croft).

This past Saturday, February 5th, my great-aunt Rosa (Rosie) Mott celebrated her 100th birthday during a party the family held at Baya Pointe Nursing Home in Lake City, Florida.  She is the last surviving child of Paul and Virginia Mikell of Olustee.  There were 14 children, 7 boys and 7 girls (see photo above).  She was the 11th child born in the family.  Her husband, Lester, died in the 1940's and her only child, a son "Buck", passed away in 2003.  She had 25 nieces and nephews of which 20 are still living, 9 of them made it to the celebration (pictured at right).  My grandmother, Pearl Mikell Croft (died in 1981), was her oldest sister.

As I made the plans for the "centennial celebration" I began to research events and inventions that have come to pass in the last 100 years.  Most of us never lived without many of these inventions and we have only read of many historical events in books or online.  Here are a few of the things I shared during the celebration.

• The first "old-age" home opened in Prescott, Arizona on 2/6/11.
• The first transcontinental airplane flight arrived at Pasadena, CA from New York on 11/5/11. The flight lasted a whopping 82 hours, 4 minutes.
• Clarence Crane created Life Savers candy in 1912.
• In 1913 the crossword puzzle and the modern zipper was invented.
• In 1919 the pop-up toaster was invented by Charles Strite.
• Earl Dickson invented the Band-Aid in 1920.
• In 1923 Clarence Birdseye invents frozen food.
• Aunt Rosie didn't use a notebook with spiral bindings in school because this wasn't invented until 1924.
• PEZ Candy and Aerosol cans came along in 1927.
• 1928 seen the discovery of penicillin, and the inventions of bubble gum and the electric razor.
• How did they wrap presents because Scotch Tape wasn't patented by 3M until 1930.
• In 1935 Wallace Carothers and DuPont Labs invents nylon (polymer 6.6).
• The ballpoint pen came along in 1938.
• In 1943 some fun stuff came along with the invention of the "Slinky" and "Silly Putty".
• The microwave oven invented by Percy Spencer in 1946.
• Mobile phones were first invented in 1947; however, cell phones were not sold commercially until 1983.
• Velcro, the Frisbee, and the Wurlitzer jukebox were invented in 1948.
• I guess cakes were made from scratch before 1949, because cake mix was invented.
• The first credit card came along in 1950 (Diners).
• In 1951 came Super Glue.
• Mr. Potato Head was patented in 1952.
• Aunt Rosie never enjoyed a "Happy Meal" at McDonalds as a child because the restaurant chain did not open until 1954.
• The Hula Hoop was invented in 1958.
• Aunt Rosie never played with a Barbie doll because the toy wasn't invented until 1959.
• Permanent-press fabric invented was invented in 1964.
• The first men walked on the moon in 1969 (Neil Armstrong was first and "Buzz" Aldrin was second).
• Post-it Notes came along in 1974.
• Aunt Rosie was born when William Howard Taft was President.  She has lived under 18 different US Presidents.

This list is by no means all-inclusive and I do not guarantee complete accuracy as it was compiled from various online sources.   The list also does not include all of the wars, conflicts, political changes, fads, technological inventions, etc. that have taken place since 1911.  I hope it gives you some idea of the things that a 100 year-old person has seen in their time.  Even more interesting to me is the things Aunt Rosie grew-up without!

Happy Birthday Aunt Rosie!!!

NOTE: Additional photos are in this photo gallery.

Valentine Sale

The Back Pew

Aerobic Workout

Youth Retreat and VBS In Tallahassee Scheduled

I will be teaching during a youth retreat sponsored by Chapel Hill Baptist Church, June 3-5, 2011.  More details on the weekend event will be posted later.  After completing the youth retreat on Sunday, I'll begin teaching the church's Vacation Bible School on Monday, June 6th and continuing through Friday, June 10th.  The children's VBS will begin at 10am and end at noon at Megg's Barn off Riverton Road in Tallahassee, Florida..  The VBS will feature lessons and activities included in the "Big Apple Adventure" Vacation Bible School. For more information call (850) 222-6900.

From Lake Butler to Honduras

From Lake Butler, Florida, to Siguatepeque, Honduras, hear how a group of women have become missions motivators in their church.

This video was produced by the Florida Baptist Convention and features my home church, First Baptist of Lake Butler.


Women on Mission: Following Jesus, Serving People from Florida Baptist Media Services on Vimeo.

Cloud Watching

Valentine Banquet At New Oak Grove Baptist

I will be the guest speaker at a Valentine Banquet for senior adults at New Oak Grove Baptist Church in February.  The event begins at 6pm on Saturday, February 12, 2011.  The church is located at 18100 NW 262nd Ave. in Alachua, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Terry Elixson (386) 462-3390.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on the preaching schedule of Evangelist James Croft visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Mr. Noah-It-All

The Back Pew

Morriston Baptist in February

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Keith Stewart at Morriston Baptist Church on Sunday, February 27, 2011.  The services will begin at 8:30am and 11am.  The church is located at 20291 SE 33rd Street in Morriston, Florida.  For more information call the church at (352) 528-4080.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Reading For Literacy Week

I participated in Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! activities this week by reading to 5th grade students at Keller Intermediate School in Macclenny, Florida yesterday.  The book teachers chose for me to read was "You Are Special" by Max Lucado.  After completing the book I had a great question & answer time with the students.  The students asked a wide range of questions about the theme of the book, my life experiences as a little person, and even about my careers and ministry.  The students engaged in a great discussion about how we should treat others, how we want others to treat us, and not being a "bully".  One of the four classes involved even wanted me to perform "stand-up comedy" for them after learning that I had "attempted" that career and performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.  We had a blast!

I hope the Lucado book and our discussions helped the children realize that we are all special in God's eyes in spite of our physical, mental, and personality differences.  It reminds me of Psalm 139:14:

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
         Marvelous are Your works,
         And that my soul knows very well

Speaking At RMC Lake Butler

I am scheduled to speak at Reception and Medical Center in Lake Butler, Florida on Tuesday morning, February 1, 2011.  This will be a special service honoring Black History Month.

Reading At Keller Intermediate School

I will be reading to 5th grade students at Keller Intermediate School in Macclenny, Florida on Thursday, January 27, 2011.  This activity is in recognition of Literacy Week.

Hmmm, I wonder if I'm smarter than a 5th grader??

5 Reasons NOT To Utilize Evangelists

Here are 5 reasons NOT to utilize evangelists in your church:

1. You do not believe your church needs spiritual encouragement.
2. You are satisfied with the overall growth of your church.
3. All of your church members are passionate in their personal evangelism.
4. You are convinced that evangelists are not biblical.
5. You fear the influx of new souls into the Kingdom and your local church.

For more information about the ministries of the James Croft Evangelistic Association visit our website.

Lake Butler Wednesday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jason Johns at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Wednesday evening, January 26, 2011.  The service 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.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Nature Abhors A Vacuum

Our Daily Bread

Read: Ephesians 3:14-21

 

Be filled with all the fullness of God. —Ephesians 3:19

 

According to the ancient philosopher Aristotle, “Nature abhors a vacuum.” Aristotle based his conclusion on the observation that nature requires every space to be filled with something, even if that something is colorless, odorless air.

The same principle is at work in our spiritual lives. When the Holy Spirit begins to convict us of sin, the idea of starting a self-improvement plan immediately comes to mind. We put forth our best effort to defeat our worst habits. But every attempt to get rid of unclean thoughts, attitudes, and desires is destined to fail because getting rid of one creates a vacuum in our souls. As soon as we empty ourselves of one vice, others move in to take its place, and we end up just as bad or worse than when we started.

Thinking about vacuums helps us to understand the importance of what Paul was saying to the Ephesians when he prayed that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith and that they would “know the love of Christ . . . that [they] may be filled with all the fullness of God” (3:19).

The only permanent solution to the problem of sin in our lives is to replace it with the love of Jesus, which fills the vacuum. The more we are filled with His love, the less room there is for any evil thing.

Father, thank You for Your Spirit
Fill us with His love and power;
Change us into Christ’s own image
Day by day and hour by hour. —Anon.

We don’t need to put our house in order before Jesus comes in; He puts it in order after we let Him in.

The Right to Life is Self-Evident

Rep. James Lankford (R-OK) delivers an impassioned floor speech on protecting the rights of the unborn. (January 19, 2011)

Hide and Seek

The Back Pew

Light and Sound

Light travels faster than sound... which is why most people appear brilliant until you hear them.

Lake Butler First Baptist Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jason Johns at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Sunday morning, January 23, 2010.  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.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Two Revival Meetings Scheduled

I will be leading revival services in Lake City, Florida and Spartanburg, South Carolina in February and March of this year.

On Sunday, February 20th, Homecoming Service will serve as a kick-off for services at Huntsville Baptist Church in Lake City.  The service will begin at 10:45am.  Three more services will follow Monday-Wednesday, February 21-23 at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery Road near Lake City, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Jim Steele at (386) 752-2089.

I will be preaching my first revival meeting in Spartanburg, South Carolina March 6-9th.  The services will be held at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church with services beginning Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 11am and 6pm, and continuing Monday-Wednesday, March 7-9, 2011 at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 1301 Boiling Springs Road in Spartanburg.  For more information call Pastor Danny Garrett at (864) 542-0908.

Please be in prayer for these upcoming services.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Home School Group on Friday

I will be speaking on environmental stewardship to home school students from Raiford Road Church on Friday at 10:45am.  I once served as Assistant Director for Recycling & Education with New River Solid Waste Association, a multi-county solid waste authority.  I enjoyed my career in the "environmental business", because I always felt that it too was a ministry for me. I believed (and still do) that we should be good stewards of the planet God has entrusted us with, but we should never forget to worship the Creator. We can admire God's creation, but never worship the creation. Worship is reserved for God, and Him alone.  Friday's presentation will be followed by the clean-up of a public park in Macclenny, Florida.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

JCEA Mission

The James Croft Evangelistic Association (JCEA) led by 3'10" tall evangelist James Croft of Olustee, Florida is working to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.  This ministry utilizes various means to win lost souls, to stir revival fires in believers, to educate Christians on Biblical and social issues, and to be an encouragement to all.  These methods include James' preaching ministry, foreign and local missions, and use of the internet utilizing podcasting and videos.

Budget Miracle

The Back Pew

Freedom At Alcatraz

Our Daily Bread

Read: Philemon 1:4-16

 

I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains. —Philemon 1:10

 

A tour of the federal prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay left me with some unforgettable images. As our tour boat pulled into the dock, I could see why this now-closed maximum-security federal prison was once known as “The Rock.”

Later, inside the legendary Big House, I stared at shafts of light coming through heavily barred windows. Then I saw row after row of cagelike cells that housed well-known inmates such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.”

But another image made a deeper impression. Stepping into an empty cell, I saw the name “Jesus” scrawled on a wall. In another, a Bible lay on a shelf. Together they quietly spoke of the greatest of all freedoms.

Paul knew such liberty while waiting to be executed. Regarding himself as a “prisoner of Christ,” he used his incarceration to help other inmates discover what it means to be an eternally forgiven, dearly loved member of God’s family (Philem. 1:10).

Barred windows and doors represent one kind of confinement. Physical paralysis, inescapable poverty, and prolonged unemployment are others. Perhaps you endure another. None are to be desired—yet who would trade “imprisonment” with Christ for life “on the outside” without Him?

My heart and soul imprisoned lay,
Not knowing Christ the Lord;
But since the day He set me free,
We live in one accord. —Hess

To be under Christ’s control is to have true freedom.

Graham, FL Sunday Morning

I will be preaching at Praise Christian Assembly in Graham this Sunday morning, January 16, 2011.  The morning worship service begins at 10:30am.  Praise Christian Assembly is located on County Road 18 east of Graham, Florida.  Please be in prayer for this church as they search for a pastor.

Why Use An Evangelist?

The Biblical office of evangelist is often one of the most overlooked and underutilized resources that God has presented in and through the local church to reach the world for Christ.  Why use evangelists?

• Evangelists are called by God to specifically reach the lost.
• Evangelists are able to communicate a direct Biblical message with a passion and zeal.
• Evangelists cooperate with the ongoing work of local churches to reach their communities for Christ.
• Evangelists encourage Christians in their daily zeal for soulwinning and discipleship.
• Evangelists help churches culminate their long-term evangelistic efforts in harvesting the fields "white unto harvest".
• Evangelists affirm the work of the local church pastor and the vision God has for his ministry through the local church.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV)

Wellborn Baptist Thursday

I will be speaking during a men's ministry meeting on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Wellborn Baptist Church.  The meeting will begin at 6pm.  Wellborn Baptist Church is located on US Highway 90 in Wellborn, Florida.  For more info call the church at (386) 963-2231.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

JOY Shared At Wells Nursing Home

The residents of W. Frank Wells Nursing Home in Macclenny, Florida were treated to a JOY Box Distribution Party on Sunday, January 9th.  Volunteers from the James Croft Evangelistic Association presented a hymn sing-a-long and some special music followed by a message on the true "joy" of Christmas.  Shoebox gifts donated to the ministry were shared with each of the 40 residents as volunteers spent time with each one, sharing, listening and praying.

The boxes contained a variety of gifts including shampoo, body wash, lotions, puzzle books, small gifts, lap blankets and more.  Each time a box was shared the volunteers received a wonderful smile in return.  One of the teenage volunteers said she heard one comment several times, "you mean I get the whole box?"  She would respond, "yes, it's all yours."

The remaining JOY Boxes will be distributed to nursing homes in Macclenny and Lake City over the next two weeks.  Unfortunately, the number of boxes received this year is much lower than last year, but volunteers have made every effort to stretch the resources to the max.

Additional photos from the event are available in this online photo gallery.  Due to HIPAA regulations we are unable to show the faces of the residents, but trust us, those photos were filled with smiles!

The Eye That Never Sleeps

Our Daily Bread

Read: Psalm 121

In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He heard me. —Psalm 120:1

Detective Allan Pinkerton became famous in the mid-1800s by solving a series of train robberies and foiling a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln as he traveled to his first inauguration. As one of the first agencies of its kind in the US, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency gained even more prominence because of its logo of a wide-open eye with the caption, “We Never Sleep.”

There is no better feeling than knowing you are protected and secure. You feel peaceful when the doors are locked and all is quiet as you drift off to sleep at night. You feel safe. But many lie awake in their beds with fearful thoughts of the present or dread of the future. Some are afraid of commotion outside or of a spouse who has been violent. Some cannot rest because of worry over a rebellious child. Others are anxiously listening to make sure a seriously ill child is still breathing.

These are the times when our loving God encourages us to cry out to Him, to the One who will neither “slumber nor sleep” (Ps. 121:4). Psalm 34:15 reminds us that “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.”

Pinkerton may have been the original “private eye,” but the One who really has the eye that never sleeps is listening to the cries of “the righteous” (Ps. 34:17).

Before you sleep, just gently lay
Every troubled thought away;
Drop your burden and your care
In the quiet arms of prayer. —Anon.

We can sleep in peace when we remember that God is awake.

All I Need

The Back Pew

The Decomposition of Our Spiritual Life

Pocket Devotions

Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Romans 8:8

Thoughts for Today:

Many people mistakenly believe that living for the flesh is the same as willfully sinning. In reality, it can simply mean to give high priority to the cravings of the material world. In Matthew 6:31-32, Jesus said, "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." For us that might be: "Where do you want to go for lunch?" or "What new toy should we buy?" or "Where will we go on vacation this year?" Let's be honest, we all think about those kinds of things -- however, the real question is: What priority do they represent in our lives?

Truly, if my body controls my thoughts, then I am fleshly minded and cannot please God. In the Garden of Eden, Adam gave in to his fleshly desires and ate of the forbidden fruit. He allowed his body to pervert and dominate his spirit which severed his direct communion with God's Spirit. As a result death entered the world. We do the same thing when we allow our fleshly desires to take precedent over our spirit. If you want to experience the decay and decomposition of your spiritual life, all you need to do is live for your flesh -- allow your worldly priorities to get out of order with God's.

Questions to Ponder:

Is your spiritual life producing fruit or is it in the process of decay? What are your priorities? Are they God's or your own? What's important to you? Do your priorities need to be reordered?

Wells Nursing Home Sunday

The James Croft Evangelistic Association will hold a Distribution Party at JOY BoxW Frank Wells Nursing Home on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 2pm.  The party will include music, fellowship, a message from God's Word, and the distribution of JOY Boxes to residents.  W Frank Wells Nursing Home is located at 210 N 2nd Street in Macclenny, Florida.  Please be in prayer for the party and the residents.

Men's Meeting Added To Schedule

I have been asked to speak during a men's ministry meeting on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Wellborn Baptist Church.  The meeting will begin at 6pm.  Wellborn Baptist Church is located on US Highway 90 in Wellborn, Florida.  For more info call the church at (386) 963-2231.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Is Your Message Online?

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.

Can We Help Your Church?

James fields calls from pastors, youth ministers, and lay leaders of ministries to gauge how best he can help meet the overall goals of local churches.  Here are some thoughts to help you:

• James believes his primary mission is to evangelize through the context of local New Testament churches.
• Financially, he is supported by the generosity of churches and individuals.  His Association board encourages churches to provide for his transportation costs, housing, as well as love offerings during the time of ministry with you.
• Length of engagements is not an issue.  James speaks in week-long meetings, as well as one-day services.  He is also available for church banquets, retreats, youth revivals, and children’s camps.
• In multi-day meetings, James makes himself available for ministry in community settings, by addressing civic groups, nursing homes, and schools, should you desire this.
• James does preach in supply as his calendar allows.

For more information about the ministries of the James Croft Evangelistic Association visit our website.

LAST CALL: JOY Box Donations

Alexx St. John prepares shoebox gifts.

Our collection time for JOY Boxes and donations for this year's event will be concluding tomorrow, Tuesday, January 4, 2011.  However, there is still time to participate; in fact, if you are preparing boxes and need a couple of extra days, give us a call (386.867.3199) and we'll accommodate you.  Financial donations are still welcome by following the appropriate links below.  We'll prepare as many boxes as possible from your donation.

As of this writing we have received 100 JOY Boxes for nursing home residents in Macclenny and Lake City, Florida.  This number is down considerably from last year's 314, but I know the Lord will still bless each recipient and each donor.  Distribution of JOY Boxes will begin this weekend.

For more information about the JOY Box ministry visit these links:

• JOY Box Ministry
• What If It Were You?
• JOY Box on Facebook
• Box Contents
• Drop-off Locations
• JOY Box Photos

 JOY Box Donation

Click this button to make a donation to the JCEA Christmas JOY Box Ministry.  Donations will be used to cover expenses in providing shoe box gifts to nursing home residents. 

 To make a contribution by check or money order follow this link.

 The James Croft Evangelistic Association is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) corporation and all donations to the JCEA are tax deductible.

Eat Fast, Pay Less

Our Daily Bread

Read: Psalm 63:1-8

 

My soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You. —Psalm 63:1

 

A hotel in Singapore introduced an express buffet—eat all you can in 30 minutes and pay just half the price! After that experience, one diner reported: “I lost my decorum, stuffing my mouth with yet more food. I lost my civility, . . . and I lost my appetite for the rest of the day, so severe was my heartburn.”

Sometimes I think in our devotional reading we treat God’s Word like an express buffet. We wolf it down as fast as we can and wonder why we haven’t learned very much. Like physical food, spiritual food needs chewing! For those of us who have been Christians for a long time, we may have a tendency to speed-read through the passages we’ve read many times before. But in doing so, we miss what God is meaning to show us. One sure sign of this is when we learn nothing new from that passage.

David’s desire was right when he wrote in Psalm 119:15, “I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.” That’s the way to treat God’s Word—to take time to mull it over.

Let’s not come to the Bible as if we were going to an express buffet. Only by meditating on God’s Word will we get the most value for our spiritual well-being.

Spending time in meditation,
Hiding Scripture in our heart,
Works in us a transformation
So from sin we can depart. —Sper

Reading the Bible without reflecting is like eating without chewing.

 

Well Intentioned Resolution

The Back Pew