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Praising The Lord For His Mercy!

10/31/2014

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“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

I am re-posting my testimony. I pray that God will be glorified and that my Saviour will be exalted. Twelve years has passed and the night I was saved still burns in my heart and mind. Glory to God forever and ever!

When I was saved twelve years ago 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 temperature has been bone chilling cold, 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!
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Making A Difference

10/31/2014

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Dear believer, you have an opportunity today to be difference maker in the lives of those around you. Sit aside the things of the world that your flesh can become enamored with and hunger and thirst after that which is of the Lord. I am praying that you walk in victory today while being filled with the Holy Spirit.

 
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A Time In Proverbs

10/30/2014

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In our study, we are going to bundle together six verses.  Quantity does not always ensure quality but, in this instance I believe that it will. One stick of dynamite is sure to get the job done but, six sticks tied together will go above and beyond the desired effect.  We are going to soak and saturate our heart, mind and eyes in and upon six powerful verses that I hope will breathe new life into our understanding as it pertains to true wealth and riches.  Monetary riches can be a wonderful thing as long as the money doesn’t own the man or woman.  Spiritual wealth and riches does not bring with it the baggage that far too often accompanies monetary gain.  When ones spiritual wealth is based and built upon the foundation of God’s Word, your heavenly portfolio will paint a picture of Christ likeness.  The riches will be pleasing to God and a blessing to those around you.

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay ahold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.”

Proverbs 3:13-18

I. The Happy Man 

Verse 13

Happy (blessed) will be the person who first finds wisdom.  Many look and search for days and years on end for a way to live a blessed life.  I am quite certain that wisdom has been shown to many and they turn their head and run in the other direction to get away from the very thing they are searching for.   Those who heed wisdom’s call, they will be blessed.  It sounds so simple, yet I myself ran for years from that which would have led me to happiness.  Why is there happiness in such wisdom?  It comes from God.  Man’s deductions and philosophies are marred in the miry clay of his sin.  They are formed on the potter’s wheel of iniquity.  That which doesn’t have its origin from God will lead one further from the truth and nowhere near the blessed life.  Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth and sale it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”  There is not one investment that can give such a rich return as when one invests in God’s Word.  That person will be happy. After wisdom is found, we need to grab ahold of it and let it take ahold of us. We must not just simply and lazily look upon it, but we should drill deep into it and plumb its bountiful depths and gain understanding.  From wisdom we gain understanding and when understanding is married to application, we grow in the Word of God and live out the way and will of God; all this is worked out through God the Holy Spirit, but we must come to the Word of God.

II.The Rich Man

Verses 14-16

I know many people who are rich in possessions and position.  They are well known, they are highly thought of.  Recognized by many, but known by few.  Their possessions help define their position.  Nothing is out of their reach.  They seem restless and relentless in their pursuit of joy and happiness.  They seem to have it all, yet the pursuit never seems to end in their quest to find some kind of meaning in their lives. The inward storm of their souls is outwardly played out in the constant revolving door of new possessions and the unquenchable desire for another new position.  These people in God’s economy are paupers.  No amount of silver and no amount of fine gold compares to the riches one gains from the wisdom and understanding that is gleaned from God’s Word.  I believe that the Christian will find true contentment in the wealth of knowing that their sins are forgiven and that they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have peace with God (Romans 5:1.) With this truth as an unshakeable foundation, the born again will see their heavenly portfolio expand as they spend more and more time in the Word of God.  They will come to understand and embrace that what they have is more precious than rubies and anything (I mean anything!) that they could ever desire.

The benefits of wisdom and understanding are pictured as one who holds out blessings in both hands. The right hand holds, ‘Length of days.’  I Timothy 4:8 says, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”  The left hand holds, ‘Riches and honor.’  Remember the riches of rubies and gold are not to be compared to the gain that is found in wisdom and understanding.  Many Christians will never find their names on list of the top wealthy people in the world, but God will provide for them in the here and now in a powerful way, monetarily as well as materially.  Not only are riches found in the left hand but honour as well; a double portion of goodness and blessing.  Proverbs 8:18 plainly states, “Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.”  The main thrust of Proverbs eight speaks of God’s wisdom, understanding, instruction and knowledge.  It is amazing how God’s Word from one verse to another will bear witness to the truths of God’s Word.  I would much rather have honour that comes from God than the honour that has its origin in one’s self and man alone. 

III. The Peaceful Man

Verses 17-18

The Bible says, “Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard” (Proverbs 13:15.) I have often alluded to the fact that God’s Word often times gives us examples and illustrations of two different roads or two different paths, and teaches us what we can expect to find on those roads and paths we choose to take.  The ways of the transgressors is hard, but the ways of those who find wisdom and get understanding, and don’t miss this, and retains them, there is happiness. What are the attributes of such a person, pleasantness and peace.  The quality of life will be far greater and meaningful for the one who travels the way that God’s Word leads.  Let’s allow God’s Word to solidify our understanding when it comes to the pleasantness and peace that awaits us as we travel God’s way.

Light- “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:28.)

Life- “For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord” (Proverbs 8:35.)

Health- “For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all flesh” (Proverbs 4:22.)

I never knew or was acquainted with peace or pleasantness that had any lasting power to it before I was saved.  The path that one takes as they allow God’s precepts and instruction to be their guide is full of peace and is satisfying in its pleasantness for those who choose to tread down the way of the Lord.  It is not free of trials and tribulations, but one is strengthened and sustained as they go about their way.  Let this sink in, “She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her.”  Life, true life, sustaining life, an empowered life, awaits those who take hold of the wisdom and understanding that is available in the Word of God.
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The Secret Place

10/30/2014

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Choose to dwell and abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
“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 through.  How many of you might be going through 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. Repetition is a wonderful discipline for the child of God to put into motion. We need to revisit time and again the fertile field of God's word.

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 while abiding under the shadow of the Almighty God of the universe.

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Let's Continue In Christ Jesus!

10/29/2014

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I find it interesting that almost anything goes when it comes to the world and it's so called philosophies, standards and freedom of choice. Many will stand for what they believe and are not afraid to let their voice and their choices heard and known.  The list can go on and on including abortion, adultery, fornication and same sex marriage.  Throw in foul mouthed language and the complete disregard for even a shred of a moral standard either in print or on the television.  One can have any thought, feeling or desire and wear it loudly and proudly.

Anything goes- except, when it comes to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Bible. Many become irritated, aggravated and agitated at the mere mention of the God of the Bible.  The line is drawn in the sand of intolerance.  Don't be surprised, darkness cannot stand light and salt irritates. The world is not a Baptist fellowship hour that we enjoy so much- it is a battle ground where souls are in the balance and the Devil has staked his claim. We need to put on the whole armour of God and arm ourselves with the love of God and the word of God and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

I remember my own feelings and thoughts before I was saved when Christ would be mentioned and His Word spoken.  The conviction was deep and uncomfortable.  Thank God!  Remember, “The word of God is quick, and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
 
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth: to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 1:16

I want to encourage you:


Continue in Christ Jesus to go!
Continue in Christ Jesus to pray!

Continue in Christ Jesus to stand!
Continue in Christ Jesus to preach!
Continue in Christ Jesus to
love!
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Let's Be An Encourager Today

10/29/2014

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Let's help someone carry their heavy load.
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.
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Wanted: Christians on Fire for the Lord!

10/28/2014

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“I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.  I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way.  O when wilt thou come unto me?  I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.  I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.  A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.”

   Psalm 101:1-4

It’s been said, “The men who move the world are the ones who do not let the world move them.”  What we need are men, women, teens and young Christians who do not allow the world to dictate their choices and decisions.  We don't have to be consumers of the sin and ungodliness that the world and the devil is peddling and continually trying to sell and shove down our throats.  We need more Christians who have a love for the Lord and a desire to follow His word no matter what the world, the flesh and the devil throws at them. We need Holy Ghost filled believers whose gratitude for their salvation is fueled by the fact that they were once one breathe and one heartbeat away from hell, but are now heaven born and heaven bound- O the life, power, strength and the joy and glorious peace that is ours in Christ Jesus. I believe that if we took the time to look back to where we once stood and then came full circle to where we stand in Christ Jesus that the many cold and indifferent hearts towards God would be replaced by hearts on fire for the Lord, and those hearts would burn like a three alarm blaze. I believe that if we would set aside the time to meditate upon the mercy and grace of God that our love for God would as spiritual t-n-t within our very being. We would be engulfed with a revival fire that was neither man made nor derived from mere emotion. As cliched as it sounds we need and should have more Christians on fire for the Lord.

The 101st Psalm has been called a, “Royal code of ethics.”  It proclaims the guiding principles that a ruler chooses to lead by and that ruler is king David- a man after Gods own heart.  I believe we also can apply the principles that have been given in these first four verses and they will bring glory to God and guidance to our lives.  These principles will shape our behavior, they will govern our homes, they will dictate what we set before our eyes and they will deal with our hearts and give us guidance in our relationships.  Let’s purpose to continue in our commitment to Christ and in doing so we will be a light in a dark world.
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Thoughts on the Complaining Christian

10/27/2014

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“And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.”

Numbers 11:1

The story is told of a little old lady who entered a department store and was startled when a band began to play and an executive from the store pinned a beautiful flower on her and gave her a hundred dollar bill.  She was the store’s millionth customer.  The local news channel was there with cameras and a reporter asked her, “just what did you come here for today?”  The dear lady hesitated for a moment and said, “I’m on my way to the Complaint Department.”

Too many Christians live the biggest part of their days in the complaint department.  They never seem to be satisfied with anything and are sure to let anyone and everyone around them know about it.  When one complains, they taint their testimony and paint a terrible picture to a lost world of the redeemed in Christ. There is no good that comes from such a testimony.

We should learn from the children of Israel that complaining does not impress God whatsoever.  It is a sobering thought that the Lord heard their complaining.  My friend, the God of heaven still hears us today when we complain.  This should be a wake up call to any who majors in the not so fine art of complaining.

How does one combat a complaining spirit, by being thankful, I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  God’s Word is sure to guide us and lead us in the right direction and down the right path every time if we will be doers and not hearers only.  Stamp out the complaining with a big dose of praise and thanksgiving. You will be a light in a dark world to the lost and you will be a blessing to the body of Christ. The impact you make will bring glory to God and good to those around you.
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Indian Prairie Baptist Church 

10/26/2014

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Thank you for your prayers! The Lord met with us today at Indian Prairie Baptist Church. After the morning service we drove out to the new building and took a tour of the grounds as well as the inside of their new building. Needless to say it is beautiful both inside and out.

A coal company bought their current building and property. They are moving to a new location that is just off of highway 41 in western Indiana. As they say, "Location, location, location!" It is a great spot. Please continue to pray for Pastor Tim Ferree, his wife Lisa and the folks of IPBC as they continue to work towards the end of their new building project.
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God's Guiding Word

10/26/2014

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Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Psalm 119:35
 Before I was saved I fed off of the table of the world's philosophies. The table was filled with authors and musicians, as well as Hollywood actors, directors and producers. I bought albums, tickets, books, magazines, videos and into the words, thoughts and philosophies of the worldly fare. I took in movies, sitcoms and concerts. Since being saved I look back now and realize that all of these things was the celebration of sadness, sin, sensuality, a false sense of hope and too much violence. What stands out to me now is that the belief and philosophy of all of these teaches a life where there is no God. I was so deep into all of these that after I was saved and began hearing God's Word preached and taught I was completely floored at how wrong I had been about so much.

I often write about how grateful I am for God's mercy and grace. When I look back and remember just how dead I was in my trespasses and sins and how deep I was into the world and it's thinking my heart nearly explodes with joy and thanksgiving. I Praise God For His Word leading me, teaching me, shaping me and guiding me like a compass on a long hike in unknown territory. With each passing day my gratitude seems to pick up more and more momentum as I consider my salvation and the price that the Lord Jesus paid in the saving of my soul.

Romans 5:6-11 blesses my heart more and more with each passing day!

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:6-11
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