Therefore if any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

II Corinthians 5:17







In Christ Jesus I am no longer dead in my trespasses and sins.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer a lost soul.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer bound for hell.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer under condemnation.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer in darkness.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer separated from my Heavenly Father.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer on the outside looking in.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer at home in this world.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer walking to the course of this world.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer a pawn of Satan.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer a hopeless case.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer a servant of sin.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer alone in this world.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer moved by the opinion of man.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer moved by the winds of circumstance.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer moved by the riches of this world.
In Christ Jesus I am Heaven born and Heaven bound.
In Christ Jesus the Father sees the blood and not my sin.
In Christ Jesus the Father sees a robe of righteousness that covers me.
In Christ Jesus the Father sees a child saved by His grace.
In Christ Jesus no man can pluck me from the Father's hand.
In Christ Jesus I am no longer who I once was, I am a new man in Christ- Glory to God!

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved, the many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to God that made us It behooves us, then to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

April 30, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation for a National Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer.

Don't Give up! Don't Give In- But pray for America! Pray for our leaders-Local, State and Federal! Pray for the people! Ask God to have mercy on this nation! We need the mercy of Almighty God!

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man”

  Ecclesiastes 12:13

King Solomon was the wisest, wealthiest and most influential king in Israel’s history.  Within the pages of Ecclesiastes the king set his heart on a journey to seek after wisdom, pleasure and accomplishment as well as hard labor.  At the end of the day he declared that all of these things of themselves could be described as vanity or futile.  With every accomplishment or experience, there was emptiness in that apart from God there is nothing in and of its self that could bring contentment, peace or any sense of fulfillment.  Down through time many have looked to these things to fulfill that which only a relationship with God can satisfy.  This scenario has played out over and over as man has continued as if they were trying something new to bring meaning to their life.  In Ecclesiastes 1:9 Solomon writes, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be: and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.”

The Bible teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) and what great counsel this is.  When we put God first the other things of life will be found in their proper place and we will have a godly perspective that will not lead us astray.  When we fear God and keep His commandments, we will live under Gods guidance and that will be a life with true meaning.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities: who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 103:1-5

 
When I was saved at the age of thirty-six I was working at a factory.  Almighty God did a glorious and wondrous work in my heart and soul at my home one night through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.  I relate to the publican in the parable found in Luke 18:13, “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying , God be merciful to me a sinner.” I cried out and God did not tarry, He saved me! I was born again!  I left that factory one man and returned through the door a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17.)  Glory to God forever and ever! 

My co-workers saw a new man. The Holy Spirit was doing a mighty work in me. I took in God’s Word like a famished man who had gone far too long without nourishment. My friends scattered and some asked if I had joined a cult. I was growing from the inside out and everyone was beginning to notice. The devil at times was relentless in his attacks, but Almighty God was, and still is faithful. I am grateful that the armour of God does not wear thin or wear out.  I was told; I needed to, “lighten up.” I was told, “You are taking this serious.”  I had one man tell me, “Don’t get too deep in the scriptures.”  I plowed forward with the Word of God lighting my way and the Holy Spirit empowering and enabling me to live in victory. God was stirring a fire that the devil and his angels couldn’t extinguish. The day came when God called me out of that factory.  It was a huge step of faith.  I was still a somewhat new believer and common sense and many others told me I was making a mistake.  It was not easy, but I followed the Lord’s direction; To God be the Glory!

God put on my heart to start a lawn care business. I look back nine years later and I am still amazed at the goodness and faithfulness of Almighty God!  I desire that whoever may read this to be encouraged and strengthened by the testimony of God’s Power, Might and Grace. I have wanted nothing more than for God to be glorified and myself minimized. I have wanted nothing more than to be a tool in the hands of God Almighty so that His will would be done through me. I want to finish my course and run my race until the end. I am not concerned about fitting into some click or being accepted by this person or that person. I want Christ Jesus to be exalted and lifted up high above all!!  I want to preach the word and give my self completely to Him who saved my ungodly, wretched and hell bound soul. Listen- I have seen hot and humid days when my clothes have been drenched in sweat and covered in dirt, but God was faithful.  I have shoveled snow and worked out in the winter when the temperatures were in the teens, but God was faithful. I have sold fire wood. My back has been sore and my hands have felt stiff, but God has been faithful. I have felt weary, worn and a little beaten down, but God is faithful!

 With all that said it is not about cutting grass, splitting wood or shoveling snow it is about planting seed.  It is about sharing the glorious Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. I remember leading a woman to Christ in a busy office building with grass on my pants and sweat upon my brow; To God be the glory!  I think of all the people who I have asked, “If you were to draw your last breathe do you have assurance that you would be going to heaven?” and then sharing the good news; To God be the glory!  I think of all the Gospel tracts that have been given out; To God be the Glory! I think of being covered in sweat after trimming a yard full of shrubs and bushes and praying with a man who had been dealing with the unimaginable pain of his son’s death. I think of being called to preach and God opening door after door to preach His Word in His Power and Strength! I think of this ministry, “A Call to the World” that God has brought to pass and how He has provided all that is needed to do what He wants to do; To God be the Glory! Most did not get or understand the thought of a website. I am sure many scoffed and doubted at such a thought, I am seeing God do a work through the preaching ministry and through the website.  Souls saved and lives changed! To God be the Glory!  I am a nobody who is trusting God with the totality of his life!

Dear believer, what is it that God has put on your heart? What burden has He placed in you? You certainly want to test to see if it is God’s will.  If you have the assurance that it is God’s plan and will for your life what is it that is stopping you?  Only you can answer the question.

I was a factory worker who deserved hell.  I did not deserve God’s Grace or Mercy. I am a nobody who is trusting God with the totality of his life.  I am a child of the Most High King…To God be the Glory!

Please pray for the Dunn family from my home church. I had asked for prayer recently for Michelle who was battling cancer- The battle is over-she has gone home to be with the Lord. Please pray for her husband Roger. Roger has blessed my heart as I have watched him care for and love Michelle in such a powerful way.

Thanks for visiting and thanks for praying,

Bro. Tracy

Let's pray that the God of Heaven will move in a powerful way this coming Sunday at Woodlawn Baptist Church.  This Sunday has been designated as a, "Special Offering Sunday." As the ministry has expanded they are looking to add class rooms and a gymnasium.

Folks, you be may asking yourself, "Why would we pray for a Baptist church in Bowie, Maryland?" I say, "Why would we not pray?" It is an opportunity to come down on our knees and pray on the behalf of a church that is growing. People are being saved and God's word is being preached and taught-God is expanding, growing and adding to His work at WBC. Let's pray that God provides all that is needed to do that which He is wanting to do. Let's pray that God gives Pastor William Tyson and those in leadership roles wisdom and discernment from start to finish.

I am anticipating God doing a big work! Let's pray while believing and believe while praying!

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus

  Acts 4:13

From time to time I will repost a blog.  It can be a reminder to those of you who have read it and it can be a new truth to share with our new visitors.  I pray that all will be challenged to live whole heartily for the Lord Jesus Christ.   Listen- Don’t sale yourself short when it comes to what God can do and what He wants to do through you!

What a wonderful thing for others to recognize about us, “That we’ve been with Jesus.”  We often become more like that which we expose ourselves to.   The more time we spend with the Lord Jesus the more our lives will reflect His life.  The benefits will be many and it will be to His glory and it will in turn benefit those around us.  The most ordinary man, woman, boy and girl will accomplish extraordinary things in and through Christ.  We should have a white hot desire as we grow each day in Christ Jesus to make an impact on those around us.  A Holy Ghost filled life will make the impact that God wants to work out in the lives of those He brings across our paths.

Peter and John were ordinary in the sense of how many measure the worth of those in society.  They would not have come from the finest stock, neither would they have attended the finest school nor set at the feet of the greatest minds of their time.  They were fisher men who worked with their hands, men whose brows would have been well acquainted with sweat and whose backs would have known the pangs of a long hard day.  Yet there was boldness on display.  There was spiritual weight to their words and these things were brought about by the fact that they had been with Jesus.  I want us to give thought to what such a relationship with Christ gave to these men and what it will give us even today.

I. Boldness to stand your ground- (Acts 4:1-4) “And they spake unto the people, the priest, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.  Howbeit many of them which heard believed; and the number of men was about five thousand.”  One will stand even in the face of opposition.

II. Boldness to speak the truth- (Acts 3:13-15) “The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy one and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.”  These words from Peter would have rained down upon the Jews like molten lava. Some would have felt conviction others would have been contentious. One will speak even in the face of opposition.

III. Boldness to share the gospel- (Acts 4:12) “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” One will share even in the face of opposition.

I want to ask you to go over these scriptures and read how God worked in a powerful way through these ordinary men. God gave Peter the boldness to stand his ground and in doing so Peter spoke the truth and in speaking the truth he shared the Gospel. Don’t look to replicate the life of any other saint, desire to do those things God has for you to do and be who God has created you to be. Never let fear or doubt take away that which God wants to do through you. Dear believer, your life is not an ordinary life, it is not an accident.  Each day is an opportunity to do that which God has called you to do.  Seek His face, desire to do His will, be filled with the Holy Spirit and your desires will be God’s desires making it the best life that you could ever imagine.

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”

I John 5:12

 

I am amazed at how people will clamor and become completely crazy when the amount of money in the lottery rises and rises, to a greater amount.  I have worked various jobs up to this point in my life.  I have worked in a factory, where it was mentally strenuous and the overtime was draining.  I have worked outside in the blazing sun with humidity so high that each breath felt like a blast furnace and was as thick as molasses.  Often time, I have sweated through my clothes yet at the end of the day, I felt something had been accomplished.  I believe most people work far too hard for their money to just throw it down the drain by buying a ticket on the hopes of winning a large amount of money.  Far too often, people waste what the Lord has provided. You do not need such a ticket.

 Dear Christian if you participate in such foolishness I would like for the Word of God to remind you that, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17a).  Why would we ever want to participate in a lottery with the money that has been earned through the job the Lord provided, as well as the abilities He has gifted you with? Why do you gamble with the good things God has provided? Do you believe that God cannot provide that which is needed?  We are not good stewards when we participate in such t

Everyone speaks of wanting a better life.  The best life is when one is born again (John 3:3-5).  I lived for the biggest part of my life in the second half of our verse, “And he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”  I have found there is no comparison between the two.  If you are saved, you have the best life in Christ Jesus and you don’t need to pin your hopes on wasting your money on some lottery.  Too many believers go on a wild goose chase that leads eventually down the road of destruction.  The real life is in a close relationship with the Lord and His Word.  Our words will match the Psalmist and not the worlds, “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104).

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

 John 3:16-17  

 
We have three places and three moments recorded in the Bible that forever changed history. Meditate on them as you start your day and remember them as you go about your day. You will not be able stop yourself from praising the Lord for His love and provision. You will not be able to stop yourself from giving God glory for His grace and mercy.

 
Bethlehem- Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”  It began in Bethlehem that God in the form of man born of a virgin had left the perfection and pureness of heaven and journeyed to earth to make known the good news of the Saviour and His glorious salvation.  A Saviour was sent.

Gethsemane- Jesus would have a time of prayer before a season of suffering.  Matthew 26:36 describes the scene, “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.”  Three times in Matthews account the Lord Jesus went off by Himself in the garden to pray.  The Lord Jesus knew He would have to suffer, bleed and die on the cross.  The heaviness of such a time could never be known by any of us.  How thankful we all should be for the obedience of Jesus in such a time.
A season of suffering.

Calvary- The greatest victory of all time was won on the cross on that bloody hill.  From tragedy came triumph- From violence came victory. The death of Christ was sufficient in paying the debt of mankind for the price we all owe for our sins.  The sacrifice was sufficient and the words of Christ from the cross should ring in our hearts each and every day as a glorious reminder of what He has done for us, “It is finished.”   A sufficient sacrifice.