“Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers” Ephesians 1:15-16


E.M. Bounds wrote, “Our praying, however, needs to be pressed and pursued with energy that never tires, a persistency which will not be denied, and a courage which never fails.”

The Apostle Paul is a great example of a man of God who was a man of prayer.  We are given many examples in scripture of Paul exhorting believers to pray. We are also given many examples of Paul the prayer warrior. Paul had a bull dog determination when it came to prayer and we should have the same mindset. Our hearts should be burdened and broken with a desire to pray. O to have a burning flame within that awakens us in the middle of the night to come boldly to the throne on the behalf of many!

Dear Friend Let's Pray!

I. Capital Baptist College- Let’s continue to ask God to provide all that is needed for this wonderful and powerful work to be continually moving forward as they look towards the fall of 2014.  Capital Baptist College is a Ministry of Woodlawn Baptist Church-Bowie, Maryland-Pastor William Tyson.

II. Military Families- It is tough on the soldiers and it is tough on their families back home. Let’s pray that the families will stay strong as their loved ones are away protecting our freedom. Pray for a hedge of protection around the soldiers and their families. We need to remember to thank the soldiers when we see them (active or those whose time in the armed forces is up) for their service and sacrifice for our country.  Look for hats they often tell which branch they served in.

III. Church Plant in Starkville, Mississippi- Shining Light Baptist Church- This request should get us fired up to pray! Let’s lift up Pastor Jimmy Banks and Lighthouse Baptist Church as well as bro. John Harvey as the date grows closer for the first service. Bro. John has shared many good reports on twitter of how God has been working already. The first service (Lord willing) will be February 16, 2014. Let’s Pray for God’s hedge of protection and that God will provide all that is needed for this exciting new work. Let's pray for many souls to be saved and lives changed!

IV. Salvation- A dear friend of mine has been praying for the salvation of his daughter Michelle.  I am going to give you some names, but remember there is a soul attached to each name and without the Lord Jesus as their Saviour they are condemned already according to John 3:18. Pray for Rich, Dave, Lawrence, Janet and Jane to be saved!

V.  Cancer-

A.  A dear friend of mine has requested prayer for a bro. in Christ Muck Brown. They were in the military together. Bro. Brown had his bladder removed a year ago, now the cancer has moved to the brain. Bro. Brown has had some tough days as of late.

B. My good friend Virgil Bland has cancer in his lungs and the Dr. has given him less than a year to live.  Bro. Virgil loves the Lord and is a true prayer warrior. Please pray for him and his wife Mrs. Bonnie.

C. Missionary Sam Wards brother, Greg, is going through radiation treatments and it is important that he keeps his weight up. Let's pray that his appetite increases. Let's pray while believing and believe while we are praying!

VI. Radio Ministry- Pastor Jimmy Banks has asked for prayer as he will be preaching on the radio starting next week on Thursdays in North Carolina. Let’s pray for God to be glorified; for Holy Ghost power; the saints edified and many lost souls saved.

VII. Will you pray for the USA? - The Bible says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs14:12.)  This verse tells the story of many Americans at this very moment; in small towns, rural areas and big cities. Because we as a nation have turned from God, we have subsequently turned from His Word. The slope is slippery and the slide has been in motion year after year.

A. Nurture a burden- For the salvation of the people!

B. Nurture a brokenness- For the seriousness of our sin!

C. Nurture a boldness- For the sharing of the Gospel!

Now is the time to pray!

After I was saved God brought into my life a dear friend who had an incredible collection of books.  He invited me over to his home and specifically pointed me into the direction of his biography section.  You must remember I had never heard of the men and women whose stories filled those shelves.  I left there with an arm full of books.  I will always remember that summer and the wonderful stories I read of how God used those saints from the past to do a mighty work through Him.  It set a fire in my bones and kindled a spark in my heart.  As I read the true accounts throughout the Bible of how God moved in mighty way and as I read the biographies that my friend had loaned me a question began to well up in my heart, “Why not me?”  And “What was it that God wanted to do through the life he had given me in Christ Jesus?” Remember, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10.)

David Brainerd was one of those men whose story intrigued me.  David Brainerd first and foremost had a heart for God.  There was a desire for more and more of God that reminded me of the David from the Bible.  I pray that you will be challenged by the above quote.  No, it is not scripture, and I would never put the words of a mere man before the Word of God, yet I do believe we can be encouraged by those from past days who had a love for and a commitment to, the Lord.

Let's give are all to the One who gave His all for us.

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word."
 Psalm 119:114
 

We live in a world where often time there seems to be no hope.  We watch the news and read the paper and it seems to be one thing after another.  We can become engulfed with all that is taking place and as Christians, we begin to buy into the thought that there is no hope. Put down the paper for a moment. Shut off the television for a day or two. I am not saying that we should live uninformed lives when it comes to the things which are going on within our nation or even globally, but we cannot allow ourselves to become hopeless.  If we allow ourselves to be moved by all that is going on around us, darkness will slip in and the devil will be fast to work us over.  The accuser looks for any entrance or advantage that he can find to discourage and disrupt the life of the born again. Listen- We do have hope. Just as sure as there is a God in the glory, we have hope.  We can be triumphant in perilous times.

I have three truths I want to lay on your heart.

I. "Thou art my hiding place"- Speaks of a place of peace when the waves of the world come crashing. There is no worldly plan or pleasure that provides peace like Almighty God in the midst of the storm. Please take note, it is in the middle of a trial or trouble that we can know and have peace.

II. "My shield"- Speaks of the protection that God promises throughout Scripture. I believe many of you could testify over and over how almighty God has showed His self powerfully as your shield. Revisit those days and praise the Lord for His care and protection. Encourage yourself with those precious and powerful memories.

III. "I hope in thy word"- Speaks of the power that God provides for His children to live day to day in the here and now. My friend the hope we find in God’s Word ignites our faith and strengthens us when our faith is feeble and the day is long. Our time here is short so let’s move forward by faith as we trust in the infallible Word of God.

 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

  Psalm 91:1-2

I once had a dear lady share with me that when her son was away in the Vietnam War she wrote him a letter and within that letter she wrote out Psalm ninety-one to comfort and strengthen him .  I wonder how many others down thru the ages have found comfort and strength from this Psalm in whatever it was they were going thru.  How many of you might be going thru a trial, a storm, or a season of suffering as you are reading this devotion?  I want to remind you it is not about the power of positive thinking and in no way is it mind over matter.  It is not that we turn inwardly to construct a strength of our own.  But, when we choose inwardly and outwardly to say,” In Him will I trust”  and when we communicate to ourselves, “He is my refuge and my fortress,” we will learn not to flinch no matter what the situation might be. Don't be afraid to remind yourself of these powerful truths again and again.

Webster’s defines flinch: to wince or pull back, as from pain; to draw back.  Verse one says, “He that dwelleth,” which means to tarry or remain and where is it that one is to dwell, in the secret place of the most High. A place of solitude that includes just you and God and when you come to that place you will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. The word abide has the meaning to lodge.  What a beautiful portrait of God the Father caring for His children. We need to learn not to flinch (or draw back) but to dwell and abide in Almighty God. God is worthy of our trust.

Our days seem to grow more and more darker with each passing moment. We look around and as Christians we don't recognize our own country. Our leaders and their philosophies and policies leave us heartbroken as they lead us down a path that takes us further and further away from God. Don't grow bitter- God is still on the throne and His Word is as true and powerful as ever. Stand strong upon the Word of the Living God.

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture and preached unto him Jesus.

Acts 8:35






Three important steps that Philip the evangelist took:

I. He opened his mouth.

II. He began at the scripture.

III. He preached Jesus.

My friend, it is Jesus that saves! To my preacher friends, never take for granted the fact that you preach the gospel.  I know that this will not be breaking news to anyone, but there are churches that meet week after week and month after month and the folks in the pews are as lambs being led to the slaughter, who never hear the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I had a friend share with with me that a family member of his went to their church service, and the preacher announced that he couldn't come up with anything to say, so he would be speaking on the subject of acupuncture. That is sad and sorry beyond words. I pray that the gospel message continues to burn like a wild fire in your heart and bones. I have found that a straight up gospel message never, and I mean never, grows old.  How could it when Jesus is the heart and soul of the message.

Whether you are a pastor or an evangelist or a sold out soul winner remember that those who attend church every Sunday don't always and sometimes never hear the gospel. We need to bring the gospel! It is time to act.

Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

Proverbs 8:4

It was a year ago on this date that I stared a twitter account.  It has been a true blessing.  I have met many new friends.  I believe that social media can be used in a way that will bring glory to God while sharing the Gospel and being an encouragement to many.  The devil wants to use the internet for his dirty deeds but, it does not have to be that way.

God has used the twitter account to introduce A Call to the World Ministries to many and I praise Him for that.  The website is not mine, it is the Lords.  I have heard from people, literally from all around the world.  Glory to God!  I am a nobody trusting the Lord with the totality of my life.  I want nothing more than for the lost to be saved and the saints to be edified, encouraged, comforted and, at times, confronted and convicted.

For any pastor who may have visited this blog, I have open dates to come and preach in 2014. I can provide pulpit supply or meetings. If you would like more information, you can click on the about us page or our doctrinal statement. They can both be found under the more tab. You can contact me by using the contact info at the bottom of the about us page.

Thanks for visiting and thanks for praying!

Bro. Tracy

Joy is proof that what we have is real and that it satisfies.  Whether we take in God’s Word in our own time of reading and meditation or when we hear God’s Word preached joy will be the fruit of those times. The Prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart” (Jeremiah 15:16.) If we would come with such an attitude towards God’s Word I believe we would be living empowered lives, equipped lives and lives that would be fueled with a glow that would speak powerfully to the redeemed as well as the lost. Joy will be lived out in the life of the Christian who carves out time in their schedule for God’s Word. I can still remember a short time after I was saved, racing home after work from the factory and anticipating that when I got home I was going to read my Bible. I never want that anticipation to be in the rear-view mirror or a thing of the past. I want the well-worn path that runs from me to my Bible to be just that, a well-worn path. I don't want the weeds and thorns of this world to find a home on my path. One look at our nation and one can easily surmise that the reason we are swimming in an ocean of filth and sin is that there is not a path to the Bible -That path has been replaced by the well worn path to sin. We as a nation have decided that we don't need God or His Word.

Get a hold of this- The Bible is-THE WORD OF GOD! You may be saying to yourself, "Bro. tell me something I don't know!" I know that I have said this time and again, but I have no intention of apologizing for repeating myself, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" (II Timothy 3:16a.) That my friends should cause you not to walk, but to run to your Bible! That should light a fire within you that the devil and all the trappings of this world could never put out. I want to invite you to come today with anticipation, with a desire and with an excitement to God's Word. If you have gotten off the path; reach back to that time when God's word was the joy and rejoicing of your heart. If you are still on the path- Praise the Lord and continue.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye Holy; for I am Holy.

I Peter 1:13-16

Consider this thought-Our life is a sermon and our days are the pulpit. Every day is an opportunity to first and foremost bring glory to God; Glory to the one who saved us; glory to the one who redeemed, reconciled and regenerated us! Every day is an opportunity; secondly, to be a light in a dark and sin filled world.  Our testimony is of great importance when it comes to reaching the lost.  We need to be a clean instrument.  You would not want to go into surgery and see dirt on the instruments in the operating room.  We need to be clean instrument in the hands of God.

Dear believer, if we want to have a life that counts for Christ and has an impact in the lives of the saints and the sinners we need to take serious our scripture.  People need to see a difference in us.  What do people see and hear when you walk into the room? Will you allow God to search your heart?

I find it interesting that many born again stay silent when it comes to discouragement.  They take on the tough persona that says, “I can handle this and I don’t need any help from anyone.”  Their lips might be silent, but their countenance gives them away.  Perhaps they are good actors and actresses and can hide what they are going through.  What kind of a life is it when one lives silently in their discouragement?  I think of pastors and preachers who carry discouragement and would not dare share with a close brother in Christ, fearing that they would be perceived to be weak and not a spiritual giant.  I wonder about the godly everyday believer who goes through a season of discouragement.  The man or woman who wants to bring glory to God in the raising of their family and with the work God has given them to do, whether it is with their hands or their heads.  Consider the single man or woman who thinks that others surely don’t endure down times.

 I am afraid that many put up a false front and a false face that paints the picture that they never deal with anything and that it would be below them if they ever did.  Something that hit me early on with the word of God was the transparency I found in the true accounts of so many of the saint’s lives.  The Apostle Paul stands out to me in all that he encountered and endured for the cause of Christ.  Paul was a man who worked with his hands and lived on his knees.  He was a tent maker, prayer warrior, preacher, missionary and soul winner whose heart burnt like a flame thrower in his love for the Lord. This man, which God used in a mighty way- five times received forty stripes save one, Three times he was beaten with rods, ship wrecked, bitten by a deadly viper, stoned and left for dead and thrown into prison.  He spent a night and a day in the deep and was forsaken by his friend Demas and gave testimony of standing alone, “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge” (II Timothy 4:16.) Paul does go on to say in verse seventeen that the Lord stood with him and strengthened him.  My point is that Paul knew hardship and the discouragement of being forsaken and lonely.

God, indeed, supplies us with strength.  The first truth I want to plant in your heart is in the form of an invitation that should solidify our steps and strengthen our souls, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22.) Listen my friend -you can be strengthened and not shaken. Why carry when you can cast the burden upon the Lord?  We don’t act as if there are no burdens; we deal with it by bringing it to our Lord.  God also supplies us with strength and encouragement through friends.  The second truth I want to plant in your heart is in the form of an example.  Paul was an encouragement to young Timothy and Paul had those who blessed him as well, “Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision.  These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me” (Colossians 4:10-11.)  We need one another.  The lone ranger mentality will not work.  If you choose to go that route, there will be one who will be waiting and lurking in the underbrush.  I believe the devil likes nothing better than to see a believer who takes the lone ranger route- he sees it as an opportunity to inflict much damage.

We need to cast the burden upon the Lord and we need to call upon those brothers and sisters in Christ, who God has brought into our lives.  Bring encouragement and comfort today to those who are discouraged.  You never know when you might find yourself in the same spot.

I want to thank all of you who prayed for my preaching today.  My ministry is interesting in that the preaching has three facets to it.

I.  I preach revival meetings- What a blessing it is to go in and bring God’s word and see how God uses it in a mighty way.

2. I provide pulpit supply for pastors – Pastors need time off with their families.  I am grateful to be able to supply this need for my pastor friends and God’s people.

3. I provide pulpit supply for churches that are searching for a pastor- It has been a blessing to fill the gap while God’s people are seeking God’s face for the man that God would have for them.

Today’s preaching would be in category three.  This one is tough for my wife.  I am not at a church every Sunday when I am filling the gap.  I work it in as the schedule allows.  My wife gets attached to the folks.  Eventually God provides His man and then we see the pattern that God opens another door and I fill the gap in the next church.

Thank you for praying!  Folks came to the altar today in both services and God met with us!  Thank you for your prayers for the website!  I want God to be glorified in all that is said and in all that is written for, A Call to the World Ministries!  I am blessed to be able to serve!

In Christ,

Bro. Tracy