 I want to thank all of the visitors who have come to the website in 2014. Thank you for your prayers and the many kind comments. Glory to God! I am looking forward to all that God has planned (Lord willing) for 2015!
God is good and His Word endures! Thanks for visiting and thanks for praying, Bro. Tracy
0 Comments
 Let's Continue the Race in 2015! Let's get stirred up for the Lord in 2015! God wants to do mighty things through His children (Ephesians 2:10). The question is will we allow Him to do that which He has planned for us to do? Will we play church? Will we settle for seconds when God has the best plan and purpose for our lives? Do we want a rich, deep and abiding relationship with the God of the universe? The Bible speaks of the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ. It could happen at any moment. That is exciting and sobering at the same time. You see, each day is a choice and with that choice there is a consequence. The consequence of our choice will either reveal that we are closer to the Lord Jesus Christ or deeper in the world and its way. A stirring is needed!
I. Questions that will stir: What is it that is stopping you from committing completely your life to the Lord Jesus Christ? What is it that stops you dead in your tracks when you are well on your way to consecrating yourself, your life and all that is in you to Almighty God? Again, I ask, what is it? Who is it? Is it you and you alone, or is it the fear of what others might be saying or thinking about you. A life of any substance or meaning will never come to existence while one is living under the shadow of the fear of man. Please understand me; I am speaking to the born again. When it comes to the sorry state of the fervency and commitment for and to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word in a church, country, county, city, town or family, too many Christians often want to point the finger at anyone and everyone within the body of Christ but not themselves. Spiritually speaking, we often live on the outskirts but we don’t dare come up close. Think of the impact and example you would be in and through Christ Jesus in your local church if you sold out completely to the Lord Jesus. Think of the blessing you would be to your pastor and the people of your home church. Obedience to the word of God leads one to closeness to God and within obedience there is purpose and power. True living is never found in emulating the world. True living is living for and serving the One True God. II. Suffering will come Since I have been saved, I have run into those who I have irritated because of my desire to live a life consecrated to God. I am not whining, crying or complaining, I am simply stating a fact. I have been told that, “I needed to lighten up.” After sharing my testimony with a man in my drive way he told me, “You are taking this serious.” I have been lampooned to my face and in my home for the things I choose not to watch or listen to (I use Philippians 4:8 as my guide). I have been called ‘old fashion’ and have friends who have inquired to other friends on whether or not I had joined a cult. I have not joined a cult, I have been born again! What they are seeing is the new creature I am in Christ Jesus. I don’t consider myself old fashion because God and His Word have never gone out of style. Friends have scattered and disappeared and many, I am quite certain, have mocked and laughed. We need to remember the words that the aged man of God, Paul, told Timothy, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (II Timothy 3:12.) Don’t let the foolishness of another or your own fear dictate whether or not you give yourself completely to the One who gave His all for the saving of your soul. Remember David’s words, “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek” (Psalm 27:8.) III. A plan to consider: A. Define- What it is that is keeping you from giving yourself completely to the Lord. Ask God to search you and to put His finger on whatever it may be. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24.) God never leaves us hanging when we come to Him with such a request. B. Develop- Ask God to develop in you a heart for Him. The key is that we must come. Allow the Holy Spirit free reign as you spend time in prayer and soak and saturate yourself in God’s Word. The Bible says, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6.) C. Determine- The devil will fight you tooth and nail and your own flesh will come against you. Be determined while desiring to walk in the Spirit. Shear self-determination will not win the day but we must do our part. Make a commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ while being a clean vessel and you will see the fruit that is available as one abides in Christ. Soon your words will echo David’s, “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord will I seek” (Psalm 27:8.) D. Declare- Each morning declare to stoke the fire that God has set in your heart for Him. Draw a line and say, today I am giving myself completely into the hands of the living God and allowing Him to have all of me. David wrote, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is” (Psalm 63:1.) Scripture will lay a path that will lead us to a depth and a desire for God. IV. What will we choose? In his book, The Pursuit of God, author and preacher, A.W. Tozer, wrote in reference to those who truly seek a depth in their relationship with God, “I shall simply say that they had spiritual awareness and that they went on to cultivate it until it became the biggest thing in their lives.” The key word is cultivated. If we are not cultivating a deep relationship with God then we must ask ourselves what is it that we are cultivating in our lives and why? This is a Call and a Challenge to stir ourselves and to seek the Lord's face in a mighty way in 2015!  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:13 If the Lord calls me home before the trump sounds, my desire is that people will say of me the same words they used to describe Peter and John from our verse, "...They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." What will my legacy be? What will your legacy be? What will we give today and what will we one day leave behind? Will it be something of substance or will it be wood, hay and stubble? I feel a certain intensity, a certain fervency, a certain pressing, a certain quickening in my steps and desire within me to set down a spiritual legacy of stepping stones right now at this very moment, with the time and breathe that God continues to give me. I must and you must; we must be considering those who are coming up behind us. Lord willing, the next generation will be used in a mighty way for the glory and cause of Christ Jesus. I am grateful and thankful for those who God used in the past to kindle a heavenly flame in the next generation in their certain time in history, but God didn't pull up stakes and leave after the 1800's were over. The Holy Spirit is just as powerful today as He was in past days and God's word has not changed, it is still quick and powerful and sharper than any twoedged sword! God still has the power readily available to do a powerful work today. My friend, our time here is short; we live one day at a time as we move forward by faith. Be a spark! Be a fire! Be a godly example! Live a Holy Spirit filled life! Be a man of God, Be a woman of God. Dear believer, give your all to the One who gave His all on Calvary’s victorious Hill for you. O the price that Jesus paid for the redemption of our souls. That wonderful and powerful truth should light a fire in us that the devil and all his angels can't snuff out. It should ignite and give birth to a desire to live our lives in Christ Jesus to the edifying and the encouragement to those who the Lord brings into our lives. A life that one day, when it is remembered, will bring glory to God and God alone. After filling Jerusalem with the good doctrine Peter and the apostles were asked, “Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?” Peter and the apostle’s response? “we ought to obey God rather than men” (see Acts 5.) This should be our battle cry. This should burn in us incessantly and lived out continually before those who are coming up behind us in 2015.  Will you choose to bring discouragement or encouragement in 2015? “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised ;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25
A few years ago my wife and I planned a short trip to get away for a couple of days. As we were driving, we passed through many small towns. There was one town that stood out from all the others. Along the road there was a business with an interesting sign- Actually, there were two signs; one read, “Everyone welcome” the sign below it read, “Beware of dog.” As Christians, it should not be this way as we gather together. There should be sweetness to our fellowship. Not only should there be sweetness, there should be a purpose. Speaking within the context of our verses, each of us as we continue to be faithful and gather with other believers we should each look to be a blessing to others. We should not take the “me” approach. How is it we can be a blessing to in our time together? I. Hold Fast- We must hold fast to our faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. Our security and stability is in Christ and we will not waver when our hope is steadfast in Christ Jesus. This will have a powerfully positive influence upon those around us. II. Consider one another- We need to care for those around us and their spiritual well-being. Too many are guilty of tearing down another instead of building them up. It is well past time to set self aside and consider our brothers and sisters in Christ. III. Provoke- Think of this as stimulating or stirring those around us to love and good works. IV. Exhorting one another- I once read these words, “Have you ever met a discourager? They are like a drink of water to a drowning man.” The world and the devil throws enough discouragement upon us we don’t need to add to it. Each time we gather together, we have an opportunity to be a blessing in a powerful way to those in the pews, the hallways, the parking lots and those upon the platform and behind the pulpit in our home church. God will in turn bless us, as we see the day approaching and what sweet fellowship it will be. We need to grow up and quit acting like an immature toddler. We will either bring glory to God or we will be quick to bring shame to God and ourselves. What will it be when come to the house of God- Discouragement or encouragement? 
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
Proverbs 16:24 Words are many times used in such a destructive and harmful way. They are used to tear down instead of building another up. Often times, it’s not only the words that we choose, but how we say the words that we choose. Many times, I have been taught a wonderful lesson, that wasn’t always easy to hear, but the one who was teaching spoke with a Christ likeness that was firm and wisdom filled. It is easy to tear another down, but the benefit of using pleasant words to build and teach another, will bring glory to God and speak powerfully to the one who is in need. I remember after my first time of preaching (we had a popcorn preaching night on New Years eve at my home church for the preacher boys- I was forty-one years old and so I was the oldest boy!) A man came down and put his arms on my shoulders and encouraged me with such pleasant words. They truly were sweet to my soul and health to my bones. I went home that night knowing I had done what the Lord had called me to do and will ever be grateful to that brother who took time to speak to me. Our words say a lot about us. Remember- words are not like a fishing lure that once you cast it out you can reel it back in. Once we let go of our words there is no getting them back. Consider your words this week and how you can bring glory to God and be a blessing to those the Lord brings into your life.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 Will you pray for these Pastors, Evangelist and Missionaries I have listed? They represent churches and ministries all across our dear nation as well as other nations. With a fervency in your heart and a fire in your spiritual belly-Will you cry out and call out to The Living God on the behalf of these men and those whom they will stand before as they preach the word of God? With a brokenness and a burning that is of the Holy Ghost will you pray for souls to be saved? Hell is real and our time is short. The Bible says,"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). As Jesus Christ is preached from the lips of these preachers let's pray that those words will open eyes and penetrate cold and hardened hearts. Let's Pray! Pastor Darren McDonald- Providence Baptist Pastor Jimmy Banks- Lighthouse Baptist Pastor John Harvey- Shining Light Baptist Pastor James Raseberry-Lighthouse Baptist Pastor Jim Lamb- Garth Road Baptist Pastor Justin McCreary- Pauls Creek Baptist Pastor Chad Farber- Central Baptist Pastor Jason Stoeber-Victory Baptist Pastor Wally Beam- Mt. Olivet Baptist Pastor James Mullis-Highland Baptist Pastor Judson Douglas- Indian River Baptist Pastor Bobby Thomas- Fellowship Baptist Pastor Shake Smith- Auburn Baptist Pastor Steve Von Bokern- Lifeway Baptist Pastor Marty Medford- Freedom Baptist Assistant Pastor Jason Poppa- Valley Baptist Pastor James Murphy- Open Door Baptist Pastor Todd Bell- Calvary Baptist Evangelist Cody Williams Evangelist Sam Robinson Pastor Matthew Hall- Grace Baptist Chapel Preacher Duey Whitfield- Spanish Ministries Youth Director Rob Deveral- Friendship Baptist Pastor Chris Mcginnis- Bible Truth Baptist Pastor Randy Barton- Anchor Baptist Pastor Harry McDonald- Berean Baptist Pastor Charles Clark III- Solid Rock Baptist Pastor William Tyson- Woodlawn Baptist Pastor Kenny Fryman- Grand River Baptist Pastor Josh Fryman- Community Baptist Pastor Tim Ferree- Indian Prairie Baptist Pastor Tommy Morrow- Rosman Baptist Tabernacle Pastor Dave Vorhees- Millgrove Bible Baptist Pastor Tony Shirley- New Manna Baptist Missionary Shane Rice- Italy Missionary John McKinney- USA Missionaries Robert Murray & Family- Bolivia, SA Missionary Tony Ledbetter- Haiti Evangelist Caleb Garraway Missionaries The Woons Missionary Johnny Leslie- Croatia Missionary Sam Ward- Croatia Missionaries- Doug & Robin Baker Western Baptist Missions Evangelist Harlan Barnett Preacher Crosby Nicholson Youth Pastor Stephen Cox- Trinity Baptist Pastor Larry Eaton- Tabernacle Baptist Church Pastor Steve Spurlock- Faith Missionary Baptist Pastor Mike Kleitz- Calvary Road Baptist  Jesus brings true satisfaction! "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:8-9
Sin brought with it spiritual death and a great chasm between God and man. Along with these came a hunger that all of the delicacies of this world cannot still, subdue or satisfy. But God has made a way to, “satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul." The Lord Jesus said, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). I know that many must laugh and mock at such truth while reaching for another cup of the world in hopes to quench their thirst. The devil literally whispers sweet nothings in their ears while they fall deeper and deeper in the trash bin of degradation and into the depths of sin. The outcome of such a life is filled with terrible consequences that accompany such a life of emptiness and shallowness that the world promotes and pushes. The path is well worn and the story has been told time and again. Those of us who are saved should not cease thanking God for the new life that we have in Christ Jesus, while praying with a fire and fervency for the lost. God sent His Son the Lord Jesus Christ and God's word teaches us such a wonderful and satisfying truth, "For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life to the world" (John 6:33). Not being saved until I was thirty-six years old I lived a big chunk of my life trying to fill that which only God can fill. One will never know true satisfaction until they are born again! The saved have true meaning and fulfillment in their life. Glory to God!! Let's praise the Lord for His goodness and His wonderful works and why is that? “Because, "He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul." That is true satisfaction.  "Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart." Psalm 119:111 Our present time that we live in is no different than the past days of man’s existence. There has always been truth and yes there have always been lies and error. We are blessed to have the entire sixty-six books of the Bible. The Bible is a reservoir, an ocean, an endless supply of truth. What an opportunity that we have each and every day to take in God Almighty’s truth. It is not the mere words of man; it is not pop psychology or the advice of a TV talk show host. We have the pure, powerful and living Word of Truth of the living God. It is God breathed and not man-made (II Timothy 3:16). A.W. Tozer wrote, "A new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach our Bible with the idea that it is...a book which is now speaking." Our thoughts and words should echo those of the psalmist in that God’s Word should be the rejoicing of our hearts. Take a moment today and thank the Lord for His Powerful and preserved Word! Your heart will soon be rejoicing.  "At this special time of year, we all renew our sense of wonder in recalling the story of the first Christmas in Bethlehem, nearly 2,000 years ago. Some celebrate Christmas as the birthday of a great and good philosopher and teacher. Others of us believe in the divinity of the child born in Bethlehem, that he was and is the promised Prince of Peace. ... Like the shepherds and wise men of that first Christmas, we Americans have always tried to follow a higher light, a star, if you will. At lonely campfire vigils along the frontier, in the darkest days of the Great Depression, through war and peace, the twin beacons of faith and freedom have brightened the American sky. At times, our footsteps may have faltered, but trusting in God's help, we've never lost our way. ... So let this holiday season be for us a time of re-dedication. ... Tonight, in millions of American homes, the glow of the Christmas tree is a reflection of the love (of) Jesus. ... Christmas means so much because of one special child."
Taken from President Ronald Reagan's 1981 Christmas address, televised and broadcasted on the radio from the Oval Office for the entire nation and world to hear.  “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
John 14:1-3 Our foundation and our focus will be firm when we fix our eyes upon the Lord Jesus Christ. I want you to consider and concentrate on three truths that I want to sit before you. I want you to consume these powerful verses and allow the Holy Spirit to be your teacher, your comforter and your guide. I. Reassuring Words (verses1-2)- “Let not your heart be troubled,” I know that you just read these Words from God, but what will you do with them? Where will you put them? Now- The Lord Jesus says, “I go to prepare a place for you.” Your heavenly place is under the watchful eye and caring hand of Jesus. Those are reassuring words in uncertain times. II. Revealing Words (verses 3-4)- The Lord Jesus is coming again! This is not fiction and this is not some man-made fable. I Corinthians 4:16-18 says, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” Comfort yourself and others in Christ Jesus with these revealing words. Reverberating Words (verses 5-6)- These precious Words have echoed down through time and have led many straight to the Saviour. Fix your heart, soul and mind on the fact that if you are saved these Words not only blessed you when you got save, but they should still be reverberating deep inside you at this very moment. Let not your heart be troubled, but let it be stirred and set ablaze with the powerful Word of God. We will trust the one we love and we will love the one we trust. Trust the Lord today. |
Translate this page into another language using Google Translator.
Archives
December 2018
Categories |
RSS Feed