New Beginnings

The B-I-B-L-E

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 20:46:00 +0000

By Paula Snow

The BIBLE yes that's the book for me. I stand upon the word of God the BIBLE. As a Christian this book is our guide, our way to live according to our Lord and Savior. We can't alter it or ignore it. We can't pick or chose what suits us. We can and must, however change from our old ways to our new life in Christ. Of course we are not perfect and we have to strive to be like Christ, that is why the BIBLE is so important. It all applies and that is the hard part, but if I don't try to live according to each verse each commandment then I am failing my Lord and Savior. HE never fails me. We must strive to please HIM and not self. We invite you to join us Sunday at 9:45am for Sunday School and 10:30am for Worship Service. We are located at 261 Yvonne Ave. (TAD Center). For more info go to http://www.newbeginnings-crossville.org/

Announcing Discipleship Classes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:22:00 +0000

Discipleship is vital! In an effort to continue our growth together, and in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are pleased to announce that New Beginnings will be offering Discipleship Classes (Sunday School) for Adults, Youth (High School), Pre School, and Middle Elementary ages on Sunday mornings beginning June 3. We will begin at 9:45 a.m. with 45 minutes of study, then come together for worship. We are excited about what God is doing at New Beginnings.

Victory In Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:27:00 +0000

"My heart says of You, "Seek His face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek!" (Psalm 27:8)

Our struggle is not for the truth, nor it is because of the truth. Our struggle is with the knowledge of the truth and that struggle is often rooted in our "will!" We struggle when our heart is divided—wanting to please God, but at the same time seeking our own will.

“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3 KJV).

As we seek the Lord and commit our works [action, activity, conduct] to Him (cf. Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12), He will establish our thoughts [plan, intention, purpose].

In this world, we will have trouble (cf. John 16:33), it is how we view the trouble that determines the outcome. Jesus said, “be of good cheer.”

Our victory is inextricably wrapped up in our relationship with God. When we are living and walking in Him, our thoughts, plans, intentions, and purposes become less and less significant or important, and His thoughts, plans, intentions, and purposes become our highest priority! (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17).

"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock” (Psalms 27:4-5 KJV).

Be VICTORIOUS! Seek the Lord and walk and live in Christ!

Special Guest Speaker

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:32:00 +0000

We are very pleased and honored to announce that Dr. H. E. “Bubba” Cardin will be ministering at New Beginnings Family Outreach Ministries next Sunday, April 22. You will definitely be blessed by his ministry!

Dr. H. E. Cardin is the director of the Tomlinson Center.

History
Dr. Cardin was born on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas Islands. Being from a diverse religious background. Completing high school at the age of 16, he moved out during the family being divided over divorce.

Ministry History
The new life on his own led him to a local church where he became involved and began the ministry at the age of 17. At the age of 22, Dr. Cardin accepted the responsibility of coordinating state youth and camping ministry for the Church of God of Prophecy in the State of Georgia.
While serving as an itinerant minister he began a family by marrying his best friend, Kim and had two children, a son, Drew and a daughter, Aleighsa (A-Lee-Sa).
Dr. Cardin moved into an international ministry when he began working in International Youth Camp. Then led a team of 13 into the country of Thailand to conduct its first youth camp for the Church of God of Prophecy and had crusades in many cities. Later he served on the Asian International Youth Camp Staff and participated in the International Leadership Conference in Singapore, Malaysia.
In 1988 he entered into the pastoral ministry serving in Trion then in Macon, GA. After six years with a pastoral focus he then returned to the state level to coordinate local church ministries for the Churches of God of Prophecy in Georgia.
In 1994, Dr. Cardin was appointed the International Director of Youth, Children and Sunday School Ministries. July 1996, the appointment was International Director of Specialized Ministries (Local Church Ministries) which focused on Youth, Children's and Women's Ministries. Later, Men's Ministries was added.
Responsibilities while serving in Cleveland included serving as editor of Victory2,(a youth magazine), coordinating and directing youth conferences, youth camps, and training sessions.
Under this appointment he has conducted training sessions across the US and in the C.I.S. (formerly known as Russia), Greece, Cyprus, Germany, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Bulgaria, Montserrat and Africa. He has taught in the M.A.C.E.A. (Mid-Atlantic Christian Education Association), served as an Executive Board Member of the D.E.C.E (Denominational Executives for Christian Education). Dr. Cardin has served as secretary to the International Presbyter and various International Office committees.

Dr. Cardin has directed LDI (Leadership Development Institute). A non-terminal leadership training for various level of church-life using top leadership and scholars.
Education
Dr. Cardin received his Master's of Divinity (M.Div.), in 1993 at the Church of God School of Theology in Cleveland, TN. He had spent four years in an internship program at Charter Lake Psychiatric Hospital in Macon, GA, and Riverwoods Psychiatric Hospital, Riverdale, GA, as a chaplain. He completed his Doctor of Ministry degree (D.Min.) with the Church of God Theology Seminary, June 2005.

Teaching
Dr. Cardin teaches for Lee University (CAPS) in partnership with the Tomlinson Center. Teaching in the Spring (Bible) Introduction to the New Testament ( BIBL 102) and The Gospel of John ( BIBL 204). A Pastoral course, Introduction to Preaching 1 - (PASM 261). In the Fall, (Bible) The Synoptic Gospels ( BIBL 312), (Pastoral) The Ministry of Preaching 2 ( PASM 262). Non-accredited version of these and other courses are also taught throughout the globe on a regular basis.

Recent Appointments
At the 1998 General Assembly, he was appointed Overseer of Washington & Alaska and has moved to the State of Washington. In October of 2000, he was appointed as Overseer of Georgia. He has served as secretary in the North American Leadership Counsel as well as the Church College Board. In 2006, he was appointed Tomlinson Center Director and CBL (Center For Biblical Leadership) Faculty and just after the General Assembly was added to the BDP (Bible, Doctrine and Polity) Committee. In 2008, Dr. Cardin was appointed as the full time Tomlinson Center Director.
Other Interests
Music (banjo and guitar), photography, computers, racquetball, fishing
and spending time with the family.

The REAL Life Changer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:49:00 +0000

By Paula Snow

If I tell you that Bible study won’t change your life, would you think I was confused? Well I think that just because you know the Bible doesn't mean the word will bear fruit in your life. I think it is possible to read the Scriptures and study them and miss the point entirely. In John 5:39-40 Jesus talks about this
very thing.

"You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me, but you refuse to come to me for eternal life"(John 5:39-40 CEV)

Jesus doesn't condemn us for knowledge of his word, but mourns that we may have missed the point. Even today it’s possible to get so wrapped up in searching the Scriptures that we miss what God is trying to teach us. Bible study alone is not what transforms your life. Jesus transforms your life.

Of course, He does this through His written Word to us. So we must affirm that life change doesn’t happen apart from God’s Word. The reason God’s Word changes our lives is not because of our personal study but because in the Scriptures we are introduced to Jesus, the Author. We invite you to join us Sunday at 10am for Worship Service. We are located at 261 Yvonne Ave. (TAD Center) for more info go to www.newbeginnings-crossville.org

No More Excuses

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:56:00 +0000

Luke 14:16-24—“(16) Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: (17) And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. (18) And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. (19) And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. (20) And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. (21) So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. (22) And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. (23) And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (24) For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.”

Do you find yourself making excuses for your lack of performance? It’s time to shed the excuses and face reality. Our trust (or lack of trust) in God is revealed, at least in part, by how we view circumstances and how we respond to His call.

God has called us to be light in a dark world. He has called us to win the lost and to disciple them according to His Word. Of course there will be obstacles, and the enemy will seek to sabotage our efforts at every turn.

An excuse is an explanation offered as a reason for being excused; a plea offered to justify a fault or for release from an obligation; a pretext for subterfuge.

We may have little, but when we refuse to make excuses, God turns little into much!

We may be opposed, but when we refuse to make excuses, we are victorious through Jesus Christ.

We may have other needs, but when we seek Him first, he supplies all our needs…and then some!

Let’s stop making excuses and trust the Lord!

------------------------------------------

Some quotes on Excuses

“He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else” ~Benjamin Franklin

“He who excuses himself, accuses himself” ~ Gabriel Meurier

“If you don't want to do something, one excuse is as good as another”~ Yiddish Proverb

“Nothing is impossible; there are ways that lead to everything, and if we had sufficient will we should always have sufficient means. It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible”~ Francois de la Rochefoucauld

This is my favorite: “We are not in a position in which we have nothing to work with. We already have capacities, talents, direction, missions, and callings” ~ Abraham H. Maslow

We Can Do It!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:23:00 +0000

“… the LORD is with us: fear them not” (Numbers 14:9 KJV).

When the Israelites were in Kadesh Barnea (Numbers 13), Moses sent 12 spies into the land to check it out. The majority (10) came back with a discouraging and negative report: “We can’t do it. We checked it out, and we are like grasshoppers in front of the giants of the land.” But Joshua and Caleb went to the same land, saw the same giants, and probably experienced the same initial fear, but their report and recommendation was different: “We’re no match for them, but they are no match for God. We can do it!” Joshua and Caleb were honored for their faith. That’s why they got to enter into the Promised Land while the other spies didn’t.

When we begin to worship God, when we praise Him, when we honor Him, when we hallow His name, our vision will be expanded. We will be come more visionary—in business, in family, and in the church. We will see life not in the little narrow, limited areas, but we will begin to see that part of our lives expand into what God wants to do through us.

Yes, there will be challenges and it will not always be easy, but our God is bigger. Let’s Go Forward Together—We can do it!

(Adapted from Sanctuary: Finding Moments of Refuge in the Presence of God by Dr. David Jeremiah)

Basics of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:09:00 +0000

Baptismal Service

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:50:00 +0000

On Sunday, October 23, we will have a baptismal service at the Bread of Life Rescue Mission immediately following our morning worship service at the TAD Center.

Water baptism is a necessary act of obedience to Jesus Christ for those who have repented of their sin and confessed Jesus Christ as Lord of their life. Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19 KJV).

Water baptism has no power to wash away sins, but is the answer of a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21) and represents for the believer an identity with the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord (Romans 6:3-5).

Water baptism is the outward evidence of our submission to Christ in salvation and our public declaration that we are His followers. It identifies us with His people in His kingdom. (See also Acts 2:41; 10:47, 48; and 16:30-33).

An Awesome Church

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:20:00 +0000

New Beginnings Family Outreach Ministries is truly a diverse group of people. We have people from various “church backgrounds”: Baptist, Methodist, Church of God of Prophecy, Church of Christ, and many who don’t have a “church” background at all. How is it that people from such varied backgrounds can come together? The answer is quite simple! We don’t spend our time focusing on non-essential things. We come together simply to worship our Lord and seek to know Him better. HE is the reason we can come together in unity. If you don’t have a church home, we invite you to join us next week. Feel free to check out our website at www.newbeginnings-crossville.org for more information.

Fellow Workers for Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:54:00 +0000

(The following was taken from “Sanctuary: Devotions for Every Day of the Year” by Dr. David Jeremiah).

“I think I ought to send my dear friend Epaphroditus back to you. He is a follower and a worker and a soldier of the Lord, just as I am. You sent him to look after me” (Philippians 2:25 CEV).

Epaphroditus was a fellow worker in the body of Christ, which is another reason why Paul was so fond of him. Paul was without question a worker, and he was attracted to others who gave their all to the advancement of the gospel.

In the spirit of love, I must ask you the same thing I ask myself and those whom I pastor in my church: Are you a worker? If you are a Christian, I know you are a brother or sister. But I want to know if you’ve moved beyond that point and become a worker for Christ. Unfortunately, many in the body of Christ today are looking for the church that offers them the most services. Who do they think provides all those services if not workers just like themselves? If they do find a church offering what they are seeking, then they conclude, “This church is large and has everything all together. They don’t need me to do anything.” That perspective reflects a definite lack of knowledge about the church of Jesus Christ and it’s needs.

Every church needs its members to be workers.

Homesteads Apple Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:49:00 +0000

New Beginnings will be participating in the Homesteads Apple Festival this year. We will be selling Old Fashioned, Homemade Apple Butter. The Apple Festival is September 24 and 25. We hope you’ll stop by and say hello….and take home a jar of apple butter.

Onward!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:25:00 +0000

Ok, it is abundantly clear to me that the enemy is very angry at what God is doing at New Beginnings. That doesn’t surprise me, though, and it doesn’t bother me either. I am confident in the God I serve! He has proven Himself over and over again in my life, and I trust Him.

The enemy is simply using some of the same old weapons he’s used against the people of God in every age: Fear, discouragement, shame. He used these tactics against the children of Israel through Goliath, and it worked…to a point. King Saul wouldn’t go out against him, he was afraid. The mighty men of war could be found hiding in fear, disheartened and discouraged by the taunts and stature of this giant-of-a man. Undoubtedly they were ashamed that they felt so powerless.

When David arrived on the scene he simply couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Here is this giant berating and challenging the armies of God and all the warriors were hiding. David went before the King and began to recall how God had used him in the past as he was taking care of his fathers sheep—a lion and a bear had each dared to take his sheep, but he boldly went out and faced those enemies and killed them. This giant would be no different.

I absolutely refuse to just lay down in fear and allow the enemy to intimidate me. Greater is He that is in me… I will not fear… I am not discouraged… I am not ashamed… There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.
Today, I’d like to encourage you to stand up with me in the power of the risen Christ and let us PRESS FORWARD…TOGETHER.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never ’gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:47:00 +0000

Just a reminder that New Beginnings will be meeting at the Crossville Housing Authority Center tomorrow at 10 a.m.

http://mapfling.com/qn7am2t

God's Comma's

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:58:00 +0000

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

Someone has said, “We often put periods were God often puts a comma.” What a true statement! Many times we experience devastating situations and circumstances (be it in our families, home, church, state, nation or in the world); that may appear to be the end, and we become discouraged and disheartened. In the midst of such situations, we must learn to trust God and know He has the final word, and what looks like a period, an end, is an opportunity for God to come on the scene.

In grammar, periods and commas both perform very important functions. While the period serves to tell us to stop, or that we are at the end of a thought, commas perform a variety of functions. One of these is “to keep ‘time’ in the musical score of a sentence. To pause or not to pause? That is the question.” Commas serve to remind us that there is more to come, that the thought is not finished.

Throughout the course of human history God has moved in the lives of people in the midst of situations where it seemed a period had been placed. Joseph the son of Jacob had such a life. He ran into periods that seemed would be the end of it all, but God turned those periods into commas. Placed in a pit to die by his own brother, while on a mission for his father, sold as slave, imprisoned falsely for rape, forgotten by fellow prisoners and friends, it seems, until God’s perfect time for him to come forth. When facing his brothers after his father’s death Joseph revealed God’s purpose of all the commas of his life.

“And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:19-20 KJV).

All that Joseph faced through his life was bringing him to the place where he could be used to save his family and ultimately bring salvation to the world as an heir of Abraham and ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Job is another example of the commas of God. His wife and friends encourage him time and time again give up. They saw periods. They thought all was over when his children, home and possessions all destroyed.

As with Joseph’s life God had the last word, and turned Job’s periods into commas.
God promises to take life’s periods, and change them to commas if we will trust Him in the midst of our trials and storms. As we look at examples of those who have gone before us, who placed their trust in God, we can see how God brought them through, and we can know that He will do the same for us, too.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. {12} Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. {13} You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. {14} I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile" (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV).

This text reminds us of God’s love and care for us. In the midst of all of life’s periods—dead ends, detours and diversions—God’s plans for our lives will be fulfilled as we trust Him and walk according to His Word.

Dr. Tom Renfro's Miraculous Healing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:13:00 +0000

The following video is a powerful testimony of God's healing power. I hope it will encourage and strengthen the faith of all those who are trusting God for your healing.

WHAT IF…

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:45:00 +0000

What if every Christian…

…Stopped thinking and speaking negative words about others and started speaking positive words of hope and promise?

…Stopped having unreasonably high expectations of others and started doing something themselves?

…Stopped living their lives based on fear and started living their lives based on faith in Jesus Christ?

…Stopped talking so much about God and started talking more to Him?

…Stopped focusing on religion and started focusing on their relationship with Christ?

The world is experiencing tremendous political unrest. Economies are declining. People are struggling. Families are crumbling. Millions of people are fearful, hurting and lonely. They are searching for peace….for something on which to hang their hope.

What would happen if every Christian were to truly model the New Testament lifestyle? How would the world (and our own families) be affected by such an attitude adjustment?

What if…we gave it a try?

Fill My Way With Love

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:12:00 +0000

George W. Sebren

Let me walk, blessed Lord, in the way Thou hast gone,
Leading straight to the land above;
Giving cheer everywhere to the sad and the lone,
Fill my way every day with love.

REFRAIN:
Fill my way every day with love,
As I walk with the heav'nly Dove;
Let me go all the while with a song and a smile,
Fill my way every day with love.

Keep me close to the side of my Saviour and guide,
Let me never in darkness rove;
Keep my path free from wrath and my soul satisfied,
Fill my way every day with love.

Soon this race will be o'er and I'll travel no more,
But abide in my home above;
Let me sing, blessed King, all the way to that shore,
Fill my way every day with love.

Daylight Saving Time

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:23:00 +0000

New Beginnings Website

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 01:23:00 +0000

We have a new online presence! Yes, New Beginnings Family Outreach Ministries can now be found on the world-wide web. You can check it out at www.newbeginnings-crossville.org .

While the site is not complete at this time, our goal is for people who may be looking for a good church to attend, to be able to visit this site for information such as:

· Who we are
· Where we meet
· What to expect on your first visit
· What ministries we offer,
· And much more

I invite you to check it out and offer any feed-back you might have.

Special Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:14:00 +0000

Due to a scheduling conflict with the TAD Center, New Beginnings Family Outreach Ministries will be meeting at the Crossville Housing Authority Center (67 Irwin Avenue, Crossville, TN) on Sunday morning, March 6, 2011. Fellowship with coffee and donuts will begin at 9:30, and the morning worship will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Don’t Quit

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:38:00 +0000

I was filing some things today and came across a poem I used in a sermon last year. Just thought I’d share it here.

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown

We Are Not Defeated!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:43:00 +0000

“What is going on?” This is a question I’ve been asked several times in the last few days as we have seen a number of accidents as well as sickness in our small-but-growing church. In recent weeks three ladies from our church have fallen and been temporarily incapacitated in some way. There has been sickness in several families. If it were just one or two, we might be able to dismiss it as simply being “part of life,” but the fact that it seems so pervasive in this church, I believe, is indicative of something else.

New Beginnings has been experiencing tremendous growth in the past few months—spiritually and numerically. This growth is the work of the Holy Spirit. He is birthing in our hearts a passion for Christ. As a result, this is a congregation that is willing and eager to do the work of ministry, and we are seeking other opportunities to reach out to people in need. Of course, the enemy is going to fight back.

Someone sent me a text the other day saying, “…the devil must really be mad at our church, he is trying to put us all out of commission.” And that certainly appears to be the case. What, then, will we do? Will we allow him to gain the upper-hand? No, no, no—a thousand times no! Here are a few passages of Scripture that have come to mind:

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7 KJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world (1 Peter 5:8-9 KJV)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV)

In spite of the adverse circumstances we face on a regular basis, we will trust in the Lord, submit to His will and go…Forward Together!

A Kind Word

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:04:00 +0000

The other day as I was leaving the hospital, a lady commented on my “cheerful attitude.” We talked for a moment, and then I wished her a good day. Her final comment to me was, “thank you for cheering me up.” I must confess, that made my day, too!

Too often we focus more on ourselves than on the people the Lord sent us to minister to. (I’m not always “cheerful chipper” either). In our selfishness, though, we miss countless opportunities to touch the lives of others in a positive way.

If we could just stop focusing on our own needs and desires so much we might see that people are struggling—emotionally, physically, spiritually. They are everywhere! They are the ones behind the counter/cash register in the department store, in the gas station and grocery store, in waiting rooms and gift shops. Almost everywhere you go you’ll see them. Sometimes it is very obvious, and sometimes it is not so obvious. These people may not always come right out and say, “I’m struggling,” but if you listen, the tenor of their conversation will give it away.

Let me encourage you today to pay attention to others as you go to work, school, shopping, etc. Keep a cheerful attitude and speak a kind word. You never know what impact you might have in doing so.

He Shall Direct Thy Paths

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:02:00 +0000

We live in a very hectic and chaotic world. Often one can feel overwhelmed by all the “gloom and doom” and be drawn into an attitude of discouragement, frustration, and even fear. One may begin to rationalize and try to figure things out and attempt to set a better course for ones own life.

But for the child of God, this ought not to be! Our God has proven that He cares. Throughout the Scripture we see evidence of His strength and power in coming to the rescue of those whose hearts were turned toward Him. Even in our own lives we can surely recall times in which it was clearly the “strong hand” of the Lord that brought us through.

God has promised overcoming power to His children, but He cannot give it to us when we are trying to do things our own way.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).