Turn or Burn

Turn or Burn

"This is the message we have heard from Him and declare unto you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin." I John 1:5-7

I have a great fear that we have given people the wrong message concerning salvation. We have propounded the idea that you are able to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and go on living a godless lifestyle. That is totally wrong. I find none of that thinking in Scripture. In fact it is just the opposite. This passage is just one of many that indicate our walk must match our talk.

Jesus consistently told those who had been set free from sin and disease to turn away from it and begin to walk a different walk. Now if Jesus said that to people in His day, it still applies today. It seems that somewhere along the line, we have adopted the notion that we can live like the devil and still be a child of the King. BEEP! WRONG!!

It is inventory time. We need to answer a set of questions that may well determine our eternal destiny. That means we cannot take them lightly. Ready?

1. Can you recall when you prayed to ask the Lord to forgive your sins and come into your life?

2. Were you sincere in praying that prayer?

3. Do you have the assurance that Christ is your Savior and Lord at this very moment?

4. In what manner has your way of life changed since you received Christ into your life? Have you turned away from the sins of your past?

5. Are you disciplining yourself daily to read God's Word?

6. Do you have a meaningful prayer time each day? (Not just before meals or "Now I lay me down to sleep")

7. Do other people know you are a Christian by your spiritual walk with the Lord?

8. When you sin, does your conscience convict you and lead you to confess the sin?

9. If you were to appear before God right now, would He be pleased with the way you are living?

These are just a few questions that will hopefully reveal what your walk is like. It may be a wakeup call to reestablish your relationship with God. It is so easy to get caught up with the things of the world and ignore the Lord who has promised us eternal life. We never know when something very sudden and unexpected could end our life on this earth. The few questions above will be nothing compared to the questions we will give about every deed done in the flesh. Are you ready? I urge you to do it now while there is still time.

Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

Now I See

Now I See

I was blind but now I see! John 9:25

Due to complications of an illness, without warning I'd been struck blind. As I lay awake in the lonely darkness, I prayed harder than I'd ever prayed before. I was living a nightmare. I felt alone and afraid.

The searing pain stabbed at my eyes as if fire were consuming them. But it wasn't pain that caused my sleeplessness. It was the terrifying darkness and the agonizing over the "what if's."

What if I would never regain my sight? What if I would never enjoy reading a book, driving my car, watching a sunset, or gazing into the eyes of my beautiful grandbaby?

During the long, sleepless nights, I cried in despair, questioning God.

Because of the torturous pain, I'd become very protective of my eyes and skittish about anything coming near them. I trembled with fear at the thought of the doctor examining them; so when the surgeon announced that he must cut my cornea, lift it, and clean under it, my reaction was, "I'd rather have my legs amputated!"

Christians in my church, across the country, and even around the globe were praying for me. I too prayed fervently. I begged God, not only for healing of my eyes, but for strength to endure whatever happened. I learned that courage truly is fear that has said its prayers.

While lying awake each night, I listened to an all-night radio station play gentle music as a man read soothing Bible passages.

The Scriptures and serene music comforted and calmed me. Like a fountain of fresh water, God's Word rinsed away my anxieties, replacing them with peace. I remembered the words of Jesus: "My peace I give to you . . . Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) At last, I was able to give up fear and say, "Do whatever you want, God."

I determined to believe in His goodness and love, no matter what happened. I knew He wouldn't forsake me and He wanted only what was best, so why should I fear? If He chose not to restore my sight, I would trust that He had a reason. No matter what, with His help, I could go on with my life and use it for Him.

The surgery went well; in time my eyes healed and the darkness became brighter. It was a long road to recovery, but I defied all odds. Eventually, my doctor confided that he hadn't believed I would ever see again. "Your healing is a miracle," he said; but I already knew that.

Actually, God gave me two miracles. He restored my sight when it was hopeless. And, like a plant bursting forth from a dead seed, hope and trust had blossomed from my fear. Perhaps that was an even greater miracle.

Marsha Jordan

Something is missing

Something is missing

You walk into a church and most people don't have a bible and there are no bibles in the pews. You listen to preachers speak and there is little, if any Scripture taught.

You ask pastors and parishioners alike and more often than not they have never read the Scriptures through even once from cover to cover. I'm not just speaking of new Christians who haven't had the opportunity, I mean lifers, people who have been in church their entire life.

There is something very seriously wrong with that picture. Most of us, myself included could use at least a little more time in the scriptures on a daily basis. For the majority of people it will be a brand new experience. For some it will be a daily tune up.

The lack of biblical teaching in congregational settings is even more serious. Our reading of the Scriptures goes back into Jewish history. At the meetings in synagogues the Law and the Prophets were read in depth and with reverence.

The early Christian church continued the practice and added what would come to be called the "New Testament" as it became available. Reading God's word was a central focus of gathering together and worshipping. The singing of the Psalms was also encouraged.

Since many in the days of the early church had no access to a private copy of the Scripture, the meeting was the only place they could hear them. Ironically now that the scriptures are readily available to most people, we neither read them at home nor in our meetings.

There is something powerful about hearing the Scriptures proclaimed out loud. That is even truer when we can follow along in our own Bibles.

We're called to the public reading of the Scriptures.

1 Timothy 4:13 NIV
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

We're called to the Psalms.

Ephesians 5:18-20 NIV
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:16 NIV
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Those verses don't mean we only do the Psalms. They do make a point though that the Scriptures should be part of our worship time together.

We can't afford the luxury though of waiting to hear the whole Bible in church. There are sixty-six books in the Bible (more if you are of the Roman Catholic or Orthodox faiths). That means if the preacher read an entire book of the Bible every Sunday it would take more than a year to read the Scriptures through. Not too many congregations would sit through a reading of Jeremiah, or the Psalms in a single setting. Some congregations would have a hard time sitting through 3 John at a go.

By one count there are 1189 chapters in the Bible. That means it would take almost 23 years of Sundays if the preacher did a chapter a week. Exposition of a chapter a week is a long sermon and perhaps not realistic, but if we assumed that a preacher could do it, how many of us can claim to have attended the same church for 23 years and never missed a Sunday? I'm certain there are some but only a relative few.

So what if the preacher read a verse a week? That sounds more manageable. The count I mentioned earlier says there are 31,103 verses in the Bible. That would be 598 years if a single verse was done every week. None of us will live that long.

To get to know God's Word more fully, we need to read and preach it more from the pulpit, but we also need to take ownership and begin to read it ourselves. There are many Bible reading plans that will easily take you from cover to cover in the Scriptures in about 15 minutes a day for a year. That means if the preacher did a chapter a week and you did your daily reading you would have read/heard the Scriptures 24 times in the time it takes to rush through them once from the pulpit. How much better would you know your Bible if that were the case?

It doesn't take much to read your Bible. It is God's special revelation to you. It was written in three languages over 1500 years by 40 people inspired by God. It has been preserved by the blood of countless martyrs. Don't you think you should devote a little time to it yourself?

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed,
Pastor Kevin Corbin

The Gift of Beauty

The Gift of Beauty

Have you ever heard this one? Pretty is as pretty does, or beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes to the bone? Well, we all have, and it used to make me want to scream! When you are a young girl, and all the world is judging you by the way you look, you tend to hide a bit from the scrutiny.

I thought that was grossly unfair, for all this talk of beauty within, I just wanted it without.

Looking in the mirror, I would judge every flaw and try to cover all the imperfections. The day I found makeup, was a pivotal day for me.

And so became my obsession with the canvas of my face. I did have an artistic bent, and this was my way of expressing myself. On to the day with Cover Girl! The irony of that name fully noticed by me.

Never would I leave the house without my "face" on. I envied Jane Jetson for her space age, go through the machine, daily routine. So quickly was she ready to make an appearance. I would agonize for an hour or so. Checking mirrors and downtown plate glass windows, to make sure I was presentable. Nothing out of place to make me stand out and reap a rejection. What was going on in my head that made me so acutely aware of me? Conscious of myself, self consciousness, shyness. All terms that speak of the outward residing so completely on the inside. How many years did it take for you to be comfortable in your own skin? The freedom I imagined it to bring was heady.

In my 20's I met an older woman who became a "mother" to me. She was such a beauty! Even with all the lines of life and the crinkles around her eyes. I loved that dear woman. She had this youthful giggle and always a smile playing at the edge of her lips. She had lived and suffered and loved and now became my mentor. When I confided my obsession with having to look perfect all the time, including the hating of my picture taken, or a glance of my reflection, which always made me think, is that really me? She responded with this.

"Sandy, when you look in the mirror, from now on, I want you to say out loud to yourself, 'Thank you God, for the gift of beauty'".

Oooookay I said, thinking to myself, where did she come up with this stuff? But, wonder of wonders I listened to her. She always gave such good advice, and she had a good track record with me, so why not? Even though I felt so foolish talking to myself in the mirror!

Over the course of time, a transformation occurred. It was so slight, it was not noticed till the work was done. One day while getting ready, I just looked at myself and thought, you know, I accept you! I cannot pick you apart anymore! My skin became my home, not just a house. It was the nicest feeling I have ever had. To be comfortable with me.

A wonderful freedom came to me that day, one I have had to keep up with, since I am a "home" owner now. The within became the without and it was good! As I became less aware of my imperfections, less conscious of myself, I became more fully me. Now those phrases I always heard and hated became the truth. I believe I was lit from within during this transformation time. People even came up to me and said, "There's something different about you". Now there was the proof of the pudding!

I like the me I am now, granted, I have my days. But I accept who God made me to be. In loving myself, I can truly and openly love others in my life better. This was no selfish act, it was the most loving thing I could do. God doesn't make junk.

Thank you "mom" for helping me to look like my Father!

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12, 13

Sandy Cates

Will it make a Difference? Nairobi Here I come!

Will it make a Difference? Nairobi Here I come!

1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Does a simple smile really impact someone who is feeling down? Does it really make a difference when you encourage someone who is depressed?

While in the air en route to Kenya, some of the mission team members began to wonder if spending big bucks for plane tickets to go and build a kitchen and a cistern for a desperate orphanage was really the right way to spend their money. Wouldn't it have been better spent by hiring local contractors to do the building? Would flying all this way really make a difference?

But once they met the local people of Nairobi, all of these doubts were erased. They were greeted with cheers and hugs. They were considered heroes of the faith!

The local people of Nairobi were astonished at how hard every member of the mission team worked. Most of what they know about North Americans comes from movies, and these don't always depict a very nice picture!

Most of the locals believed that North Americans are spoiled brats with lots of stress who work very little for lots of money. Though some of this may be quite true, the mission team revealed to them not only that they were not afraid of work, but also that they cared enough for the people in Kenya to take time off their busy schedule and fly half-way around the world to be with them. As a result, the team established many life-long friendships.

The people in the streets of Nairobi were also delighted to talk with members of the team. They seemed eager to share what they were going through, and they demanded to have their picture taken.

To all these people, that expensive trip to Kenya sure made a difference!

There was one person that the team met who was touched more than anyone by their visit. He was from the slums of Nairobi, and he had always dreamed of leaving the slums to earn an education. He had worked hard and had made it to his final year of university, but then the money ran out. It seemed that there was no way he could finish school. He was desperate, and he confided in the Lord. While in prayer, he received a phone call announcing that he had been chosen by our local church for a special scholarship, one that would permit him to finish his final year of university.

When this young man realized that the mission team had been sent from this same church, he became so emotional that he had to leave the room for several minutes. "It can't be!" He repeated over and over again. "You are really here! You really do care! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

This young man is now working on his Masters degree, and he is currently working as an associate pastor for a large church in the Nairobi slums. His personal goal in life? To bring hope into the lives of those in the slums.

We may not always realize it, but the tiniest action on our part can have huge repercussions in the lives of the people around us. We WILL impact those we interact with, either for the good, or for evil. We can either be a blessing or a curse. It's our choice!

"Should I fly to Iraq or would it be better that I just send them money?"

That my friend is for you to decide.

Rob Chaffart

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

[A message every adult should read, because children are watching and doing as you do, not as you say.]

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favourite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

I AM SENDING THIS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS AND THINK NO ONE EVER SEES.

LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT!

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher or friend) influences the life of a child. How will you touch the life of someone today?

Just by sending this to someone else, you will probably make them at least think about their influence on others.

'Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles.'

A former child,
Helen Keller

[Shared by Bro. Dinesh Pandian]

The Seeds

The Seeds

A successful Christian business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.

Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. "The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story.

She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure. Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick at his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said The CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!" All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives,

"Behold your next Chief Executive!

His name is Jim!"

Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new CEO the others said?

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today.

But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.

When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive!"

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.

If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.

If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.

If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment.

If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective.

If you plant hard work, you will reap success.

If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.

If you plant faith in Christ, you will reap a harvest.

So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.

[Shared by Bro. Dinesh Pandian]