Happy New Year at God Inspires!

The year 2015 has been a year of change and heartbreak, love and rejoicing, healing, hope and bittersweet losses. It was a bad year in some ways. In other ways, it was a very blessed year.

We learned who our friends truly were, and that God is present, even in the storms. We were made strong in our weakness and learned to praise through our tears! We became closer in our churches and our families, as we supported each other through trials, loss and woes. We learned that it's okay to lean on people who care, and that we don't have to go through the storms alone.

As a church, we learned that our value is not in the numbers of people that attend, but in the love we show -- and are shown -- by those who do. We learned that if we continue to praise God as we walk through the valley of death, His grace is sufficient to pull us through, and His blessings are abundant.

In our church, we had to knock out walls in order to be able to hold all of them.

Each day is a new day, bringing new problems, new friendships, new things to be aware of, to work toward, and to praise and rejoice over, as well as to shed tears for. But, the gift is that we got to do it. The greater gift as that we did it together. And, the greatest gift is, at the end of the year, God is still God: He is still Great; and, He is still all-powerful, and He is still with us.

I call that something to rejoice over! "

As we bring in the New Year, may we resolve to make the coming year truly "The Year of Our Lord" as we give praise and thanksgiving for each new day we are gifted with!

Happy New Year from God Inspires!

Ecclesiastes 3:
11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

Featured Ministry: In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley

It all began in 1972, when a half-hour program called "The Chapel Hour" was launched on Atlanta-area television stations. Today, "In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley" can be heard around the world via radio and television broadcasts, podcasts, the handheld In Touch Ministries Messenger, In Touch Apps, and right here on the Web.

Our programs are seen and heard around the world on more than 2,600 radio and television outlets in more than 50 languages. In addition to broadcasting, the ministry continues to produce books, studies, discipleship resources, and the award-winning In Touch magazine to more than 1.5 million households every month.

At In Touch Ministries, our mission is to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church. We remain committed to advancing the gospel from person to person and place to place as quickly, clearly, and irresistibly as possible.

Check out In Touch on the internet by clicking HERE!

Jesus Offers Shelter from the Rain

I had arrived at my place of employment about 45 minutes early; so, I opted to eat my taco salad that I had just bought in my car in the parking lot. It was a good 3-minute walk from my car to the door I would enter to go to work.

In the seat beside me was a Bible that I always keep in the car for emergencies. You never know when you will be called to witness. As today would prove, sometimes it's just the presence of the Word that does the witnessing.

My radio was playing Christian contemporary music from the K-Love music station. I was enjoying my food when the light drops of rain began coming.

As I sat there eating, waiting for the time to pass, I saw a young woman who had just approached my car and was walking past. She must have glanced inside and saw my Bible -- or, maybe she heard the music, or both. I heard her mumble, "Jesus Freak."

As I watched her walk on past the parking lot, I realized she was a pedestrian. It had started to rain. I started the car and drove up beside her and asked her, "Do you need a ride somewhere?"

She said, "No, thank you."

I couldn't help myself. I said, "Do you really want to tell Jesus you don't need Him?"

She looked at me like I was crazy and said, "I suppose you think you are Jesus?"

I explained to her that 1 Corinthians 12:27 says that we, as Christians are "the body of Christ", and that would make us available to Him as His hands and feet. When we do for people in need, we not only are doing what Jesus would do, but we are doing it FOR Him, quoting Matthew 25:40. I told her that if she needed a ride, I'm willing.

She curtly said, "No," and continued to walk away.

This Jesus Freak had offered her a way out of the rain. It's sad that when the answer to her problem was right in front of her, she refused to accept it.

Isn't this how many in the world today are? You can lead them to the answer to everything, and yet they want to remain immersed in their problems.

Jesus said it best like this:

Matthew 13:15
“For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”

I can think of a million other things I'd rather do than walk in the rain when a covered ride is offered.

Won't YOU come in out of the rain?

Jesus Knocked at My Door Today...

Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

LOL...Jesus just knocked on my door. Don't laugh. It's true.

I heard the knock, then I went and answered it. A neighbor handed me a sack with a dozen eggs, 5 cans of vegetables, and some peanut brittle. He said, "A lady is handing out groceries. She's over there (pointing) in the red car. She said to give these to everyone who needs it. I don't know if you need it, but you answered your door." LOL

Isn't that just like Jesus? ("...but you answered your door.")

I told him, "Thank you! What I can't use I'll definitely give to someone who can!" I never turn down free food, especially if it's random.

Matthew 25:40
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

This just goes to prove that when you are willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus, Jesus provides!

Approximately five minutes after I posted this, I received another knock at my door. This time it was an older lady. She handed me a gigantic frozen turkey! I exclaimed, "OMG! Thank you SO MUCH!" Then, I called my mom.

Merry Christmas to All of You Truck Drivers Out There...

To all you OTR Long-haul (and otherwise) Truck Drivers out there:

Words cannot express the appreciation I have for what you do. Without you, our Christmases wouldn't be so bright. I just want you to know that I know that.

You have sacrificed time away from your own families so mine can enjoy the gift of giving this year. I thank you for your sacrifice.

Please stay safe, and as warm as you can. You are in my prayers.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

For Unto Us a Child Is Given

From: The American Life League (ALL)

It is most appropriate on this, December 22, to recall the words written in Isaiah chapter 9, ushering in the newborn King. They remind us of the wonder that occurs not only on Christmas morning, but every day and at every second when a child is conceived.

These words symbolize the true meaning of living life to the fullest by being a builder of the culture of life: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

These words remind us that Christmas is that world-changing event when one solitary life—a life that would change the entire world for once and forever—first physically entered the world.

So how can we extend the warmth and love of Christmas to every day of our lives and to those around us, especially those who feel tempted by the alluring taunts of abortion and euthanasia advocates? What gift is there that we can give, every day of the year, to help persuade others that choosing not to affirm life is never an act of compassion but rather an act of supreme selfishness?

We offer a few thoughts on the subject by giving real world examples of the beauty and wonder of life.

There is the story of reporter Kelley Benham and her miracle daughter born at just 23 weeks gestational age. In the news report about this amazing baby, whose parents named her Juniper, we read, “The story of Juniper was not meant to be a political one. The word abortion is not mentioned. But for anyone still on the fence about whether a fetus in its second trimester is in fact a baby, on whether it’s right that New York allows abortion until 24 weeks, stories like Kelley and Tom’s are hard to forget.”

Indeed, for those who favor aborting a child, words like baby, child, and miracle are swords to the heart of their evil practices. Of course this means they are words we should use often as we go about building a culture of life.

In addition, think about this story of a father who was in a car accident that put him in a coma for seven years and woke up because he was given a sleeping pill! When he awoke five days after the first pill was given to him, Ayanda Nqinana recognized family members, including his son, and remembered events that happened before his accident.

For those who favor euthanasia under one of its many forms, words like “hope,” “the power of God” and “miracle” are anathema. This means they are words we should use often as we go about building a culture of life.

But perhaps the word that most agitates the promoters of death is Truth—a word that should be capitalized as we speak Truth in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and King. We extend the warmth and love of Christmas to every day of our lives by never forgetting that Truth is the cornerstone of every effort we pursue. Without it, we are nothing but empty, clanging cymbals. We are little more than political puppets.

In other words, we will fail if we do not remember the reason for our work as builders of a culture of life.

So let us resolve to bring that Truth, that Love, that overwhelming Power of Christ the Lord everywhere we go as our gift to our fellow human beings today, tomorrow, and every day. By doing this, we will, through Christ, bring many to become builders of a culture of life! We promise always to remember that we are people who comprehend the awesomeness of the gift we were given in the form of a tiny child on that very first Christmas Day. If we remember those words: “For unto us a Child is . . . given,” the beauty and the awesomeness of their meaning will fill us with joy—a joy we can share with others each and every day.

May the 12 days of Christmas bring very special blessings for you and yours.

American Life League has a mission of building a culture of life. Our national scope, our positive and effective efforts to develop a young generation of pro-life evangelists, and our number-one status as a threat to Planned Parenthood deserve your support.

Ask yourself: “How can I build the culture of life today?” Browse our website at ALL.org. We provide articles and inspiration that will equip you for the mission.

In addition, you can make an immense difference by generously donating to American Life League. Partner with us today and make a true impact toward a culture of life! Click here to donate. You can help save a life.

Featured Ministry: Christians in Recovery

Christians in Recovery® is a group of men and women who are dedicated to personal one-on-one sharing of faith, strength and hope as we live each day in recovery. We work to regain and maintain balance and order in our lives through active discussion of the 12 Steps, the Bible, and experiences in our own recovery from abuse, family dysfunction, depression, anxiety, grief, relationships and/or addictions of alcohol, drugs, food, pornography, sexual addiction, etc.

To learn more about this ministry, click HERE to visit their web site!

Featured Ministry: Christian Business Men's Connection

We’re a group of men in the marketplace living out our faith in authentic relationships.

For men who have no understanding of the promises of Jesus, we simply spend time interacting with them, at their pace, on such topics as:

What’s the real purpose of life?
Are Christianity and the Bible still credible after all these years?
How can I be a better professional?
How can I make my marriage work?
Where is God?
Who is Jesus?
Can I honestly be accepted and forgiven?

We welcome every businessman no matter what your background is or how much you know. We’re more interested in how much passion you possess for learning.

To read more about this ministry, visit them on the web by clicking HERE!

Dealing with people who judge you

1 Corinthians 13
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

The word "charity" in the Greek language (in the language these verses were originally written) is "agape". Agape can be translated to also mean "love". This is why many translations of the Bible use the word "love" rather than "charity" here. Our definition of charity, on the other hand, tends to mean "giving" or "to give". In a way, this fits, too. When you give love, these verses tell you how to give. Therefore, if you really want to minister to new-born Christians, these verses tell you what it is that they will respond to the most; or, rather, how to be the example of Christ you are called to be.

Many of those who abide in the world are turned off of Christianity because of Christians who have not learned how to be the example that Christ has called them to be. These are those in the church that are critical of what you wear, where you work, who you are seen with, or even how you talk. They are the ones you will see giggling with their faces hid behind a home-made fan, or excusing themselves to run and tell another what they just heard about you. They, who have unknowingly chosen to live in the Old Testament, have not learned what the word "charity" means, and have forgotten what the first commandment about busybodies and those who gossip is:

Leviticus 19
14 Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I [am] the LORD.
15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: [but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
16 Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I [am] the LORD.
17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.

This is the first time in the Bible that you see the phrase "love thy neighbor as thyself", in case you were wondering where Jesus got that.

So, when you find yourself as a victim of meddlers, just smile at them. If you want to, you might even go and put your arm around them and say something like, "I am so sorry you are having difficulty with conquering the sin of judgment. I will pray for you, that God will give you wisdom in such matters, and that He will forgive you for your mistake. I do." Furthermore, don't lose heart. Just remember:

Romans 5
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Leaning on Jesus

One of the things I like about my church is that we are real people. We have real lives,, real problems, real sins to deal with. We are, in fact, so busy with our own sins, we just don't have time to point someone else's out.

Jesus said:

Matthew 11
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

We have learned that the only solution to our problems is Jesus, and His teachings. And, in following in His footsteps, we love one another genuinely, and without condition. This does not mean that we condone the sins of others, or ourselves. Rather, we try to lovingly guide others to the feet of Jesus, where they can find the solution to their problems.

If your church isn't preaching Jesus, or pointing to the one who is the true way, truth and life, then it is lacking, and I urge you to find one that does

Charged, but not Convicted

I picked up a job application from a reputable employer.

Nineteen years ago I was charged with a class A misdemeanor. I spent 20 hours in jail. I got out on a PR bond. (failure to ID an 18 year old who bought a 6 pack of beer in a convenient store where I worked in a sting operation on the DAY the 21 law went into effect in Austin, Texas). I paid my lawyer $800. She told me to plead "no contest". The folder in front of the judge had writing on it in big red letters: NO DEFERRALS.

The judge asked me for my plea. I did as my lawyer advised. The judge looked at my record. I had no priors. I was clean. The judge said, "This folder says no deferrals, but this is MY court. I can do what I want to."

I was sentenced to a $400 fine, 24 hours of community service, a misdemeanor 1 class (where I was placed with violent offenders because they had no category for my crime yet) that cost me $50. AND, I had a year's probation ($40/month at that time) ALL with deferred adjudication, and a warning not to make the same mistake twice.

I was mad at the lawyer.

Today, I am thankful for her.

I read my job application. It says, "If you have ever been convicted of a class A or B misdemeanor you are not qualified.

Deferred Adjudication means charged, but not convicted.

I jumped through all the hoops. So, I can honestly say I was not convicted when asked.

Got to thinking about this.

I am charged with crimes that are punishable by death in God's Eyes. But, HE has offered deferred adjudication if I jump through some hoops.

In HIS court, He only asks that I jump through one: accepting Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Claiming HIS redemption by the blood of HIS sacrifice, and to go and sin no more.

I did that. So now, though I have been charged, I am not convicted to death!

My lawyer in the eternal court is none other than the Son of God Himself, Lord Jesus! Though I can't see the ultimate reward right now, I know that when the day comes that the Father does a background check on me, He will find my crimes are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.

Jeremiah 31:34
“And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Winning the 'War on Christmas'

Chicago, IL - December 10, 2015 (God Inspires) -- This Christmas season, the Thomas More Society continues to fight for freedom of religious speech and the free exercise of religious faith in the public square. As legal counsel for the American Nativity Scene Committee and local private groups around the country, the national nonprofit public interest law firm defends these rights and equips Americans to display Christmas manger scenes in their state capitols and other venues that qualify as traditional or designated public forums. The Thomas More Society provides legal counsel for privately-funded groups placing nativity scenes in public places in twenty-one states. This year, the Thomas More Society is sponsoring nativity displays in Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nebraska, Rhode Island and Texas, and in front of the Oklahoma Governor's mansion, in partnership with the American Nativity Scene Committee. These crèches have been donated by an anonymous benefactor. Efforts continue to secure permits for such displays elsewhere around the nation.

These nativity displays represent classic free speech and the free exercise of religious faith by private citizens in the public square. The Biblical scenes have not gone up without controversy.

"Atheist groups may mock our message, but we will not be silent. It is critical that Christians proclaim the Gospel message to their fellow citizens," said Tom Brejcha, Thomas More Society President and Chief Counsel. "Anti-Christian, anti-Christmas rhetoric and Satanic expositions merely serve to provide sharp emphasis by means of their stark contrast with the positive, uplifting, hopeful and joyous message of Christmas," he added, "A message that bears secular as well as religious significance, as it highlights the hope and miracle of birth and new life, the inherent dignity of each and every human being, focusing our attention on the humble and lowly infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger amidst straw and animals, honored by shepherds and kings alike and heralded by choirs of angels. That message of the essential equality and dignity of all human beings, no matter how rich or poor, humble or high-stationed, resonates deeply with the values that Americans cherish."

Last Christmas, the Freedom from Religion Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union tried to force officials in Franklin County, Indiana to dismantle the privately funded and privately sponsored nativity scene that has been displayed on its courthouse lawn every Christmas for over fifty years. The Christian crèche was one of several private displays set up at the county complex throughout the year. The Thomas More Society defeated both organizations in the Indianapolis federal court. The atheist groups' claim that the private manger scene was an "establishment of religion by the government" was rebuffed as legally baseless. The court ruled that Christian citizens have a right to display a nativity scene on their local courthouse lawn, which qualifies as a "designated public forum."

This controversy is not new. Almost thirty years ago, a lawsuit had to be filed to protect Chicago's Daley Plaza nativity scene and prevent physical destruction of the Holy Family statues. City and county officials tried to suppress the right of Christians to express their religious faith in that traditional public forum, where political rallies, ethnic celebrations and other cultural events had been regularly staged. Private attorney Jennifer Neubauer persuaded the late Chief United States District Judge James B. Parsons to enter a permanent injunction, enjoining the authorities from this "discrimination" against religious expression in Chicago's "public square."

"The nativity displays represent a constitutionally protected expression by private citizens in traditional or designated public forums, where the sole role of the government is that of a viewpoint-neutral gatekeeper assuring open access for all citizens to have their say," explained Brejcha. "If the First Amendment entitles you to get up on your soapbox and plead for a candidate or advocate a political point of view in a public forum, then equally you may get on the soapbox and proclaim the joyous, hopeful message of the Christ child!"

About the Thomas More Society
Thomas More Society is a not-for-profit, national public interest law firm dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, and religious liberty. Headquartered in Chicago, the Thomas More Society defends and fosters support for these causes by providing high quality pro bono legal services from local trial courts all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

About the American Nativity Scene Committee
The American Nativity Scene Committee is dedicated to the display of nativity scenes in every state capitol in America during the Christmas season. The committee ships nativity scenes, which have been donated by an anonymous benefactor, to citizens throughout the United States who wish to give witness to the true meaning of Christmas by setting up a privately funded crèche in a public forum. The Thomas More Society provides the committee with legal help in securing permits and defending challenges as needed.

The Potter and The Clay

I was listening to Pastor David Jeremiah today as he quoted scripture:

Jeremiah 18:
4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make [it].
5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay [is] in the potter's hand, so [are] ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. e

It got me thinking of how God deals with us in a whole new light. It made the concept of "FREE WILL" come alive to me, from God's perspective.

You see, God is the potter. WE are the clay.

When the potter molds the clay, and it doesn't turn out the way he wanted it to, he re-molds it until it becomes something else that pleases him.

That's how it is with us. God creates us. Maybe He has a plan for us, but we are rebellious and unfaithful. We are "marred in the hand of the potter". When we repent and turn back to Him, He remolds us into something else. He gives us a purpose that is suitable to Him based on our own experiences. ("so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter")

We are born with a purpose, but the purpose we are intended to have may not be the purpose we end up living out. Regardless, God has a use for us, and He continues to mold us into something useful for Himself, based on our own free will, as long as we let Him.

Should we mar ourselves in the hand of the potter and not turn back to him, He will set us down until such a time as we do. He lets us harden in our iniquity, and if we do not let Him make something useful out of us (the clay), He will eventually destroy us, once He has all He needs for His use. (Judgment Day).

Featured Ministry: ChristianAnswers.net

CHRISTIAN ANSWERS is a worldwide evangelism, education and discipleship ministry of Films for Christ. Our primary goal is to provide accurate, biblical answers on a wide variety of questions asked by Christians and non-Christians. Questions can be submitted on-line. We also provide a great deal of other valuable information and resources related to Christianity, Christian education, discipleship, media, and more...

Click HERE to visit the web site!

Gerald Crabb to visit 1st Bikers Church in Texarkana!

Thank Jesus

This is one of our favorite songs at 1st Bikers Church in Texarkana sung by our pastor, Matthew C. Butler at the end of a service that featured Broken Vessels as guests that day.

Looking Good for God

1 Corinthians 7
17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Tonight, my pastor preached on these verses. At 1st Bikers Church, we are privileged to not have to dress in suits and ties in order to praise God and be accepted as part of the congregation. We have members who have beards, many have tattoos, and many of the women don't even own a dress. Some men are homeless, living out of their back packs. Some have homes, but choose to dress conservatively. And, some do own dresses that they wear occasionally. At 1st Bikers Church, we don't care what you wear. What we care about is that you are there, and that your God is OUR God.

Using these verses, Pastor Matthew C. Butler made the point that "if you are a biker, you probably wouldn't fit in with the cowboy church" for various reasons. So, therefore, if God called you to be a Christian while you were a biker, then it is bikers that you should be witnessing to, and if you were a cowboy, then it's cowboys you should be witnessing to. God made a place for us all, and in calling the whole world, someone has to be able to reach them where they are.

Having heard the sermon tonight, it made me think of myself, and where I currently am in my walk with Jesus.

For the past couple of years, I have not worn new clothes. I've been comfortable attending church in sweats and jeans and t-shirts, and whatever else makes me comfortable that covers me up. God knows what's inside me and that is what counts, right?

But, lately, I've been paying more attention to my looks. Not because I think I should look better as a Christian, but because I think God is calling me into places that He wants me to go where my appearance my be an obstacle in doing what it is HE calls me to do.

For instance: If I were to attempt to walk into a rich man's bar in order to speak to a rich patron there about leaving the bar life to follow Jesus, do you think that rich patron would listen to me if I walked in there with shabby clothes on?

God meets us where we are. He accepts us for WHO we are. He loves us even though we are filthy in sin. But, when the blood of Jesus cleanses our hearts and makes us new, God requires us to be ready and willing to go where ever He sends us to spread the gospel. We should, therefore, be willing and ready to meet others where THEY are.

Our motto at 1st Bikers Church has always been:

1 Corinthians 9:
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

This means that when we see a homeless man on the street, we sit with him. We are not ashamed to be seen with him. We are not uncomfortable with his smell. We treat him as one of us. We treat him with respect and dignity in hopes of sharing the gospel to him and being the hands and feet that God asks us to be in order to lead him to Christ!

So, in my own life, I have transitioned from the old sweats and comfortable attire I love so much, to wearing pant suits and make-up and fixing my hair and painting my nails. Not because I believe I have to dress that way as a Christian, but because I feel that there is someone out there who will not take me seriously who needs to hear my story, unless I dress like them.

I go to work every day at a hospital. I have to wear a uniform that I do not like to wear. Wearing that uniform does not make me any more or any less a child of the Most High God than not wearing it; but, if I don't wear it, it will make me less of an employee and put an obstacle in the path between me and my paycheck.

It's the same when doing Kingdom work for God. Sometimes, though you don't have to dress out to be a Christian, it is required that you change your uniform in order to fit the job God wants you to be able to do.

1 Peter 3:
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Christian Song Funds Bible Translations

The Christian song "Your Word" that reaffirms the truth and hope found in the Bible will be released in the top 10 languages of Bible readers from November 20, 2015 and the following week onwards. Written and produced by a multi-award winning production team led by Billy Dorsey, the worship song will be commercially released to iTunes and other digital music retailers around the world. The English version of the song will feature Billy Dorsey, together with Lakewood Church Senior Worship Leader and international recording artist Cindy Cruse Ratcliff. Other language versions will feature vocals by award-winning Christian music veterans from around the world including:

· Pastor Marcos Witt, 27 million album selling, five-time Latin Grammy Award winner (Spanish)
· Sefora Nelson, four-time German Billboard #1 album charting (German)
· André Valadão, 15 million album selling member of Diante do Trono (Brazil)
· Thierry Ostrini (France)
· Lidia Genta (Italy)
· Darina Kochanzhi (Ukraine)
· Israel Roytman (Israel)
· Stream of Praise (China)

The project was born in partnership with United Bible Societies, which believes the Bible is for everyone and is working towards the day when everyone can access the Bible in the language and medium of their choice. Net proceeds from each song will go to the Bible Societies in the countries of the featured musicians to support Bible work in their local languages. In a small way each person purchasing the song, and each radio station playing it, will support new Bible translations and provide Bibles to those who still do not have their own personal copy of the Scriptures.

Geological Discovery Finds Source of Earth's Water Amazingly Similar to Biblical Account of Creation

“Then God said, ‘Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ God made the expanse, and separated the waters which were below the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. God called the expanse heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.” (Genesis 1:6-8)

Scientists have struggled for years trying to understand the source of Earth’s oceans and the planet’s water. Until recently, the prevailing scientific theory held that icy comets hit the Earth while it was still forming. A discovery last year by geologists seems to prove that the real source of the earth’s water is from deep underground, amazingly similar to the Bible’s account of creation, which described waters below and waters above (Genesis 1:7).

The first clue came in the form of a battered diamond found in Brazil. Graham Pearson, lead study author and a geochemist at the University of Alberta in Canada, discovered the diamond quite by accident while searching for a means of dating the diamonds. Diamonds that have come up from so deep from the earth are usually discarded by diamond miners since they are scarred and discolored, having little commercial value. This diamond contained a rare mineral called ringwoodite, which has never been found on the planet’s surface before. It only forms under extreme pressure and is only found in meteor fragments or is artificially made in laboratories.

The diamond was brought up from the earth’s mantle region, which stretches from 254 to 410 miles deep, by volcanic activity. The mantle, the hot rock layer between the crust and the core, makes up most of the earth’s volume. It has never been explored since it is incredibly deep and inaccessible, and the geothermal energy at that depth would melt any drill bit.

The ringwoodite found embedded in the diamond was 1.5 percent water, contained not as a liquid but as hydroxide ions (oxygen and hydrogen molecules bound together). This suggests there could be a vast store of water in the mantle transition zone.

Read more...

Featured Ministry: Christian Prayer Center

Our mission is to provide the strongest network of group prayer to Christians around the world. The Bible tells us that through agreement in prayer, the Lord shall grant us all that we desire:

"Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven." Matthew 18:19

Local churches and small group prayer lists have been a wonderful way to share the blessings of prayer, but these methods are limited in their ability to rally the true power of thousands of voices all praying in agreement. The Internet has enabled us to build a massive congregation to lift your prayer requests to a whole new level.

Visit the web site by clicking HERE!

Featured Video at God Inspires: Thank You

Featured Photo at God Inspires: Thanksgiving

Featured Ministry: Gospel Tabernacle (New Boston, TX)

At The Gospel Tabernacle, our worship service is a meeting with Christ & His bride, the Church. If we become emotional when we know He is there, if we break into tears of joy or of sorrow for sin, if we get too physical, if we act differently in the awareness of the moving of the Holy Spirit than we do anywhere else, if we shout "Hallelujah!", or speak in other tongues ... it is because we are not acting out some old tradition but responding sincerely and spontaneously to the very real and personal presence of our Lord.

To visit them online, click HERE

I am thankful...

I am Thankful every day for everything God has given me. I am Thankful that every goal I have set, God has blessed my goings in and my goings out and made it possible for me to meet them. And, I am thankful that He continues to work in my life and prove Himself to be the Giving God He is.

He provides, sustains, and rewards. He fights my battles and opens doors. He teaches me and disciplines me. He speaks to me, and gives me the desire to listen.

I love my God. He is my refuge, my friend, my father, my husband, my physician and my provider.

One day a year is not enough to thank Him in!

1 Chronicles 16:
8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.
9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.
10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Babe in Christ: Chapter 2

Continued from Chapter 1

You could have been a prostitute on the street who wondered into the church doors and decided to give God a chance to clean up your act. You could have been a drug addict who was strung out to the point of abusing your spouse and stealing to get that next "fix"; or, maybe you were a sex-offender. Maybe you were Muslim, until you came to know who Jesus really is.

There are a lot of faces that make up Christianity. All of them are worthy of salvation. None of them are sinless.

Romans 3:

8 And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 9 What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

This sort of puts us on equal footing with each other. How is it, then, that some people who go to church, think that they have the right to decide who is and who is not a Christian, if the victimized party has been washed in the Blood of Christ?

It is not our job to tell a person they are wrong. It is our job to be the example that Christ set before us.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

What does this mean? First, let's look at the definition of "edify": to teach (someone) in a way that improves the mind or character.

Does embarrassing someone in church by pointing out their sins edify them? Would it edify YOU?

Matthew 7:12
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

Now, lets go back to Ephesians 4:29. We should not speak to others in such a way that it makes them feel condemned if they have been saved. Being saved means that they have been forgiven by God. The fact that they are still sinning not only makes them human, but also makes their need for instruction and guidance obvious.

"that it may minister grace unto the hearers"

Grace is defined as getting what you do not deserve. (Mercy is not getting what you do deserve).

Grace is also defined as a "disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency".

Have you ever heard the old saying, "You can catch more flies with honey"? This is what this verse is saying.

For example: Let's say a church member went to a local bar and got drunk sometime during the week before Sunday came. You happened to see him leaving the bar as you went to the local restaurant across the street. He was stumbling, and cursing. At church Sunday morning, you could tell him, "You are a filthy sinner! a DRUNK! a GLUTTON. Get off my pew until you straighten your act up!" in front of all your friends; but, would this be edification? Would that be administering grace in any way?

OR, you could make it a point to quietly approach him, give him a hug, and tell him, "I just want you to know that I saw you leaving that bar this week. You didn't look good. THAT didn't look good. Would you mind if I prayed with you? I think you need some help with your problem. If it's something I can help you with, I'm here!"

Which way sounds more "edifying?" Which way is more graceful?

Stay tuned for chapter 3

Featured Ministry: Life House Ministries

Life House is a church for all people regardless of their race, economic or educational status. It’s our desire to reach people with the love of Jesus. We want to feed, hug, love, share and touch people right where they are. We are REAL. No “put on’s” , no “religiosity” – just real people who have been touched by God’s grace loving others with Jesus love. We believe that the church should be living out the Matthew 25 principle – loving, clothing, feeding, visiting and caring. When you visit our church you will find people of all ages, colors and income brackets. We are not concerned with WHAT you have but rather WHO you have in your heart. Come visit with us and see for yourself a church that is REAL and full of LOVE for all people.

To visit Life House on the web, click HERE

Detouring...

I know you have been waiting on the "Babe in Christ" continuance from last week. Unfortunately, God is leading me to put that on hold for the time being. There are issues that have popped up in the last couple of weeks that require much prayer and thought on my part, and needs to be addressed ASAP. I'm just waiting for the right words...the right time...and praying for God's guidance in this so I don't lose my head and make mistakes that my old self is prone to make.

I really am not comfortable with the responsibility of bringing these issues to light, but someone has to do it soon before more damage is done. So, please pray for me to be able to be bold, clear and loving, and that the "problem" gets settled and fixed without too much attention that causes others to get involved and become misguided in the process.

Thank you all for your patience. I don't know how long this is going to take, or even if it is "fixable", but I am called to try. I pray that it gets fixed before I even have the chance to step up...

Featured Website: The Museum of the Bible

A museum dedicated solely to the Bible and its history is currently being built in Washington, D.C.. Below is the description of the Museum as posted on their website:

"We exist to invite all people to engage with the Bible through our four pillars: research, traveling exhibits, education, and a museum currently under construction in Washington, D.C. In 2017, Museum of the Bible will open its 430,000-square-foot nonprofit museum in Washington, D.C., located just two blocks from the National Mall and three blocks from the Capitol. As of 2015, our traveling exhibits have visited six U.S. cities and four other countries, with new exhibits and locations continually being planned. We support scholarship and academic research through the Green Scholars Initiative and through development of a high school Bible curriculum for domestic and international use."

Visit them online by clicking here. (Then, make sure you go by to see the exhibit when it's finally opened!)

Babe in Christ: Chapter 1

How tolerant should we be toward Babes, and how do we know the difference?

Hebrews 5:12-14
12For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Yesterday, I turned 47 years old. As I look back on my life, I note with amusement that it has taken me 47 years to get to the place I am today in my relationship with Jesus. For 47 years I have stumbled around, tripped, fallen down, rolled in the mud, and made countless mistakes--some of them destructive to the church, and many destructive to myself.

I never gave up, though.

Surely, God is the God of Grace and Mercy -- or is He?

I am not so arrogant to believe that I am at the end of my journey. My granddaddy once said, "If you ain't learning, you ain't living." I still have faults I need to work on. I still stumble and fall at times. I still need Jesus to pick me back up, set me on my feet and point me in the right direction.

I only pray that in the process of my journey, I don't influence someone down the wrong path.

I am, however, privileged to have traveled long enough, far enough, in my walk with Christ, that He has blessed me with others on my way who are just starting their journeys. They don't know which rocks to go around, and which ones to go over -- much less which ones to avoid altogether. This is when my experiences on the road of life are influential in the success of others who are getting a rocky start. While I know that, in the end, I will not be the cause of their success, I rest comfortably, at this point, in knowing that I have pointed them in the direction of the One Who Is.

Having said all this, I would like to draw on my experience, coupled with the Word, to try to answer the questions posted at the beginning of this page.

How tolerant should we, as Christians, be toward babes in Christ?

Let's pretend that you are a middle-aged man. You were not raised in church. You did not have a believing family. You did not live a godly life up to now. You really didn't know what that meant. Yet, somehow, you were drawn in by that church around the corner from your home. After visiting a few times, you decided that THAT is something you really want. You fell in love with the friendly faces when you walked in the door. Their close-knit sense of community lured you into their fold. They hugged you, they listened to your problems, they told you about Jesus, and, ultimately they brought you face to face with a Creator that you never gave a second thought to -- until then. You caught the hunger. You wanted to know more.

But, those people in church, they don't know you. They don't know what is in your past. They don't know where you came from -- that you have been to prison, are poor, are still struggling with addiction of some kind, your children won't even talk to you because you weren't there for them when they needed you. All you know is that the preacher preached last Sunday about how Jesus is your friend, no matter what.

John 15
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Jesus called you "friend", and you are on cloud nine.

You continue to go to church, because you want to know more. You want that feeling you get when you walk through those doors. You want to keep that sense of purpose you feel when it's over. Eventually, you find yourself walking down the aisle to "get saved"...not really understanding what that entails.

And, even then, you haven't learned how to carry it outside the doors of the church yet.

You are just a babe in Christ, who needs the milk of the Word to help you grow.

Click HERE to read Chapter 2

New Christian Connection: New Beginnings Praise and Worship Center (Texarkana)

What we believe

ABOUT GOD: God is the creator and the ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are on God Genesi1:1,26,27;3:22; Psalm 90:2;Matthew 28:19;1 Peter 1:2;2;Corinthians 13:14
ABOUT MAN: Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like him in character. He is the supreme object of God's creation. Although man has a tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called"sin".This attitude separates man of God Genesis 1:27;Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a;Romans 3:23;Isaiah 59:1,2

ABOUT ETERNITY: Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell.To be eternally in union with him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence. John 3:16'John 2:25;John 5:11-13;Romans 6:23;Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11-12' Matthew 25:31-46

ABOUT JESUS CHRIST: Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven's glory and will return again to the earth to reign as Kings of Kings and the Lords of Lords.

Check out more about New Beginnings Praise and Worship Center by clicking HERE

New Christian Connection: South Texarkana Baptist Church

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and the profession of our faith; having been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, back biting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

Visit South Texarkana Baptist Church by clicking HERE

New Christian Connection: Pinson Park Baptist Church (Texarkana)

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... Matthew 28:20

The mission of Pinson Park Baptist Church is simply to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to preach the gospel to all the world.

The world begins here...

Click HERE to go to Pinson Park Baptist Church on the web!

Forbes and Lankford Send Letter in Support of High School Coach’s Freedom to Pray with Students

Washington, D.C. - October 28, 2015 (God Inspires) -- Rep. J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) and Senator James Lankford (OK), Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, have sent a letter to the Superintendent of Bremerton School District and Principal of Bremerton High School.Since 2008, the assistant High School football coach has a tradition of praying at the fifty yard line after the conclusion of school football games. At times, students have chosen to pray with him. After seven years, however, the Bremerton School District ordered him to stop these prayers.

Following the team’s homecoming game on October 16, Coach Kennedy knelt by himself to pray after the game.He was voluntarily joined by a crowd of others, including coaches and members of the opposing team. On October 23, the District told him if he repeated his tradition of praying, his actions would be “grounds for discipline, up to and including discharge from District employment.”

Congressman Forbes and Senator Lankford led 47 Members of Congress in sending a letter to the District, arguing that the District’s high school football coach’s non-coercive tradition of personally praying after the conclusion of games is not a violation of the Establishment Clause.

The Member letter contends that Coach Kennedy’s prayers do not pose an Establishment Clause concern because the prayers occur after the conclusion of the game and are optional: “[T]he mere act of a single individual kneeling alone after the conclusion of a game to quietly pray coerces no one, even when that individual is a school employee.That others may choose to join him of their own free will is irrelevant, and an exercise of their own constitutional freedoms.”

A PDF of the letter is available here, and the full text is below:


October 27, 2015

Aaron LeavellJohn Polm
Superintendent, Bremerton School District Principal, Bremerton High School
134 Marion Avenue N.1500 13th St.
Bremerton, WA 98312Bremerton, WA 98337

Dear Superintendent Leavell and Principal Polm,

We write to express our concern over reports that the Bremerton School District views Coach Joseph Kennedy’s tradition of quietly praying at the fifty yard line after the conclusion of school football games as unlawful under the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution.

Among the most basic rights that Americans enjoy are the free exercise of religion, free speech, and the freedom of association. The Establishment Clause exists to ensure that the government cannot affirmatively impose or elevate one religion over another. However, it does not prohibit the government from referencing religion altogether, nor does it require that government officials proactively scrub all references of religion from the public square. Rather, the Establishment Clause ensures both that the government does not show preference to a certain religion, and that the government does not take away an individual’s ability to exercise religion.

The Supreme Court recently stated, “It is an elemental First Amendment principle that government may not coerce its citizens to support or participate in any religion or its exercise.” Town of Greece v. Galloway, 134 S. Ct. 1811 (2014). The Court went on to state that “an Establishment Clause violation is not made out any time a person experiences a sense of affront from the expression of contrary views . . . .” Id.

These guiding principles from the Court were written in the context of a challenge to a small town’s practice of opening legislative sessions with prayer.The challengers did not like that most of the prayers offered were Christian in nature, even though participation was voluntary and anyone was welcome to offer a prayer. However, the Court rejected the feeble argument that a reasonable observer would believe that the government was favoring Christianity over other religions. The content of what was volunteered was irrelevant, so long as all were welcome.

These crucial principles are no less applicable here. The Supreme Court has made clear that the voluntary observance of a brief prayer at the beginning of a legislative session—a tradition that is also embraced by both the United States Senate and House of Representatives—does not in and of itself present an Establishment Clause problem. Likewise, the mere act of a single individual kneeling alone after the conclusion of a game to quietly pray coerces no one, even when that individual is a school employee. That others may choose to join him of their own free will is irrelevant, and an exercise of their own constitutional freedoms.

The District acknowledged in its letter to Coach Kennedy’s legal counsel that he “is free to engage in religious activity, including prayer, even while on duty, so long as doing so does not interfere with performance of his job duties, and does not constitute District endorsement of religion.” We would urge you to also consider the fact that Coach Kennedy’s personal actions are not only non-coercive, but also admirable and respectable as they represent his commitment to the welfare of the young men on his team.

The Establishment Clause does not require quarantining private, non-coercive religious expression to private quarters or off-duty hours. Thank you for your service to the students and families of Bremerton.

Sincerely,

J. Randy Forbes
Member of Congress

James Lankford
United States Senator

Church Pew Bar Stool...and Miracles

I hopped bars for 3 years after I turned 21. I owned a bar for about a year. I have been promiscuous, homeless, an unwed mother, a divorced woman, jobless, hopeless, and hurting. I have seen others just like me.

I became a charter member of 1st Bikers Church in 2006 or 7...and my whole life has changed. I look around me each time I attend, and I see people just like me. People who once were where I came from. Some who came from much worse places. At 1st Bikers Church, we love them all. We accept who they are when they walk through the door. We pray them into being what God has called them to be.

I have seen people I never thought would step through the doors in that church come in and feel the touch of Jesus on them, and I have watched the miracle of seeing their lives change...because they can't help it...they gotta have more.

THAT's the miracle. THOSE are the GREATEST miracles. Even greater than the Tami Morgans who were healed from breast cancers and the MeeMaws who had heart defects and weren't supposed to live past the age of five.

If you want to see a miracle...come join us! You will only need to look at the person who sits in pew beside you in order to see it.

Jesus invited the poor in spirit, the hurting, the heavy laden. It's obvious that He is there when we worship at 1st Bikers Church! And, there, we learn how to carry Him with us as we go out the doors of the church into the world that THOUGHT it had us!

Inviting someone to church...

(Originally written on Friday, October 16)

Last night I went to the new Walmart in Wake Village to get something to eat and some tea and sugar (gotta have my tea a sugar!)

When I got to the checkout, a young black lady greeted me with the most beautiful smile! She asked me, "How are you doing?"

I smiled back and said, "I am totally blessed!" and she said, "Me, TOO!"

I said, "I can tell. It's the only reason you would be smiling behind a cashier counter at 11:30 at night in Wal Mart." LOL

She just smiled again.

I felt a nudge from God.

I said, "Do you go to church?"

Her expression changed for a split second, then she said, "I haven't found one I felt at home at."

I said, "Oh, PLEASE come visit US!"

She asked me where I went to church. (hehe) I told her, "1st Bikers Church...and we welcome EVERYONE! Come in t-shirts, blue jeans, as you are. As long as you are covered."

She asked me where it was located.

She said, "THAT sounds like a church who would welcome everyone. LOL"

I said, "We are all sinners, in need of a Savior..." then I paused and said, "Even AFTER we are saved."

She smiled even broader and said, "THAT is SO TRUE! AMEN!"

I think we might have a visitor coming...

What is good for God is always good for His children

One of the things I have learned in my walk as a Christian is that God provides what we need, when we need it. When our church was being built...when we purchased the building, and found out all that had to be done to fix it, God put in our midst everyone who had the talent to make it happen, from remodeling to air conditioning, plumbing, etc. Our church fixed it at the most minimal cost to us because of it.

Recently we had need of an air conditioner. After voting to have it fixed or replaced and allowing the money to do that in our budget, a donor GAVE us a new airconditioning system to replace the broken one. We were out of pocket NO money!

God puts people in our lives that we need at the very moment we need them in the same way.

This is why it is important to have faith that things will work out JUST as HE plans -- and what is BEST for us is to always stay in HIS WILL.

What is good for God is always good for HIS children!

Matthew 10:29-31

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

October is Church Safety and Security Month

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Is your church safe?

Acts 20:28-31 “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard!”

In a world of increasing violence against peoples of faith, it is imperative in today's day and age to try to thwart any distractions from the fellowship of believers as they learn and grow in God's Word.

October is Church Safety and Security Month. Below are some resources and ideas you can use as you consider starting a "Security Ministry" at your church!

The Church Security Alliance seeks to make people aware of the danger and to offer solutions that work. Click HERE to check them out!

Lighthouse Baptist Church has a security ministry we could model after. Click HERE to check it out!

Visit the National Organization of Church Security and Safety Management, Inc

October is National Church Library Month!

Does your church have a library? This month would be a great time to begin one if you don't. A library would help facilitate the learning and growing of your members as they seek to understand God's Word and grow in discipleship.

When you get a library started, here are 17 Promotion Ideas for the Church Library

Get the latest New Releases from Family Christian Stores by clicking HERE to start your new library! (all profit goes to charity if you shop here)

Islam Chrislam

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The God of Islam is NOT the God of Christianity. If this were so, Islam would not be persecuting Christianity. Furthermore, it is counter-productive to try to combine the two religions.

Ishmael was an angry child, and for good reason. But anger does not excuse bad behavior. Satan will say, "It's all right to be angry. If you feel like striking out, do it". (If you don't believe me, read the Satanic Bible yourself!)

We all fall prey to Satan's whispers now and then, but Praise God, those who are washed in the Blood of the Lamb have the strength and fortitude to attempt to right their wrongs, and not wallow in it! And, God forgives them.

Those who choose to wallow in their self-pity and lash out on well-meaning and law-abiding people are controlled by Satan. Islam is the biggest tool Satan has enacted yet to take control of the World -- and just like the counterfeit he is, he has used Abraham's seed to do it! (Read about Ishmael in Wikipedia)

In Genesis 17:20 God said, And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

The true covenant was established with Isaac. We know this because, in the making of the covenant, God told Abraham in Genesis Chapter 15: 13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.

18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

19 The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites,

20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,

21 And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.


I don't think there is any reference in the Q'uran of Ishmael's descendents spending 400 years as a servant in a strange land.

Muslims like Saeed Abedini were descended from Ishmael. But, when Saeed Abedini forsook the god of his ancestor Ishmael in favor of the God of Isaac, Isaac's seed took him in and made him one of their own. God "adopted" him into the family of Christ and made him an heir with us! In so doing, he is now being persecuted by the very family that claims to have a "merciful god", yet their god shows no mercy toward him as he sits in an iranian prison, refusing to denounce his "adopted" family. (Please keep him in your prayers. God is using him to bring many to Christ through this whole ordeal!)

The difference between Islam and Christianity is this: If you don't worship the god of Islam, they will kill you. They will torture you, persecute you, harm you, beat you, burn you, chop your head off and ostracize you. But, if you don't worship the God of Christianity, Christians will still love you, pray for you, give you a hand up, hug you when you need it, and let God make the final judgment when the time comes. Islam does not give you a choice. It's do or die NOW. There is no second chance to profess your faith once asked. Christianity gives you every chance in the world to profess your faith in Christ. Even til your last God-given breath on this earth.

Why would anyone "choose" the god of Islam over Christ's forgiveness?

To try to merge the two religions is like straddling the fence--or, as the Bible says it, being "luke warm". God says in the Book of Revelation that He would spew such out of his mouth.

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Yet, some web sites suggest that the Pope is trying to do just that. (Click HERE to read Prophecy Newswatch's take on this)

Though I am not one to try to pull the alarm where there is no fire, I do wish to urge everyone reading this to keep your eyes open, and remain diligent in your faith.

Forgiven

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I've spent last night watching a movie called "Forgiven". If you haven't seen it, I recommend it. It isn't the best quality movie, but the message is the best there is! And, it is set right here in my home town of Texarkana, Texas and the surrounding area!

I know I am forgiven, and I know I'm going to be with Jesus in the end. But, in my heart, I still feel so unworthy. I thank God for His Grace and Mercy, and for His son, who made a way for me to be with Him when my time comes. I Praise God that He's not going to see my sins when I get there, because the Blood of Jesus has covered my soul and made me righteous in His eyes!

You don't have to be perfect. You only have to be forgiven through Jesus!

I am not the judge of any man or woman when I say that if you have not received Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you WILL go to Hell. I didn't make that law. God did. And, it is not my job to condemn you for eternity. That is YOUR choice. Won't you make the right choice today?

Many of you who are reading this should be thankful that I am not the judge, jury or executioner. Left up to me, in my human mind and heart, the gavel would have already come down. But, Praise God, it is not I who am to make that call. And, truth be known, I think I'd rather see you raising your arms in Praise, standing right there beside me when we all get there, rather than be thrown into the hopelessness of Hell for eternity. If that ain't Jesus taking control of my spirit, I don't know what is!

I am praying for you all, and I love you -- because Jesus loves me that much.

John 3:
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Be a Good Neighbor, and Spend Time with Your Family on September 28!

On Monday, September 28, it is National Family Day. We, at God Inspires, encourage each of you to spend time with your families today.

Have dinner together around the supper table. Talk about what concerns you as a family and how you can grow closer to one another through-out the year.

Or, plan an outing together. Take the family to a movie, (The War Room is playing!) or a picnic in the park...just you and your family. Just because. Build good and lasting memories.

And, don't forget: make sure you pray together! After all, the family that prays together, STAYS TOGETHER! Make sure you include God in your plans. After all, without HIM, you would not be blessed with the family you have!

And, while you are celebrating, make sure you do something nice for your neighbors! Mow his yard for him without asking. Take them a rose bush to plant by their porch (better yet, plant it for them!) Paint their fence. Bake them a cake. Do something to show them that you appreciate having them in your lives. National Family Day is also National Good Neighbor Day!

Be a Good Neighbor. Jesus Christ is there!

What is the Good News?

In order to know what the good news is, you have to know the bad news. The bad news is that we are all sinners. We are all headed to hell. We have sinned against God and our fellow men, if not by action, then by thought -- and both are just as punishable by death.
What could be worse than dying every day with no hope of recovery? The pain never going away? The thirst for righteousness and justice never quenched?

The bad news is that it is going to get much worse. There is nothing man can do to save himself from...himself. All of the sacrifices in the world, all of the good works that we could ever do will not be enough to make up for what we have done in our lives, or in our hearts. We are doomed.

The GOOD NEWS is this:

God understood this. That is why He sent his only begotten son to us, so that HE could be the ultimate, once and for all sacrifice for the cleansing of our sins. He HAD to die in order to take on the sins of the world and pay the price for us. He was the sacrificial lamb for all the world. WITHOUT BLEMISH. SINLESS. Yet, HE was punished for you and me.

And, all you have to do is acknowledge that you, yourself, are a sinner in need of a saviour, and BELIEVE that He died for you, and ACCEPT Him into your heart to live through you.

Jesus said that it is appointed unto man once to die -- but after that is the judgment. If you die in your sins without the covering of the Cross, and HIS blood that was sacrificed for you, you will suffer an eternal damnation. If you die with HIM in your heart, and HIS BLOOD covering your sins, God will not see your sins, only the righteousness of His Son that was made manifest in YOU!

Jesus said that He was the way, the truth, and the life and NO MAN cometh to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH HIM.

The Good News is that there IS hope. Jesus is ALIVE. Jesus conquered death, hell and the grave so that WE could be FREE and have an eternity of JOY.

Won't you accept Him into your heart today?

Become a Sinner Saved by Grace! CLICK HERE

Is God Calling You?

Is God calling you? Have you felt the urge to "get involved" with a local ministry? If you have, then NOW is the time. Don't let the Spirit pass you by for someone else who will do what He has called YOU to do.

Remember, God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the Called. He will give you all you need in order to effectively minister to others.

In the desert, when He called Moses, Moses argued with him, "I can't do what you are asking me to do. I've been cast out, I can't speak in front of others because I stutter and stammer...please call someone else!"

God told him, "Who created your mouth? I will BE WITH your mouth. Now GO!"

I remember reading that for the first time when I was 8 years old. I couldn't help but laugh at Moses. After all, God WAS God. Who was HE to say no to GOD?

And, who are YOU to say no to GOD?

Go. God will be your hands, your feet, your mouth, and anything else you need.

Exodus Chapter 4:

11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Featured Ministry: Williams United Methodist Church (Texarkana)

The people of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church glorify God, inspire others to follow Christ, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Through inspiring worship, Christian education for all ages, local and global mission opportunities, and relational outreach, we share our faith in action.

Williams Memorial United Methodist Church offers three worship services every Sunday. Traditional worship services are in the sanctuary at 8:15 and 10:30am. The Xperience service is in Wesley Hall at 10:30am. Whether you've been in church all your life or are new to church experiences, our services are designed for you. We hope they help you experience the love and grace of God each week.

William’s Senior Pastor Brad Morgan and Executive Pastor Tori Butler are our preaching pastors. Faithfully and passionately they share messages that bring the word of God to life.

To visit them online, click HERE

God, Please Change My "Want to"

If you are or ever have been married, then you can relate to what I am about to bring you in this message:

There are times when you do things with your spouse that you just don't want to do. Inside you are fussing as you put on your attire and prepare yourself to do what it is they have asked you to do with them. "MAN, I just wanted to sit at home today and relax. Now he/she's got me up and dragging me here, there and yonder to do who knows what. Why can't I just have ONE day of peace by myself? I don't feel like being married today. Can I just take a break?"

But, you don't. And, the reason you don't is because you know, deep inside, that you love your spouse, even though you aren't "feeling the love right now." And, you also know that there is going to come a time when you need your spouse to go and do and be with you, and they are not going to feel like doing it -- but they will; for the same reason.

Truth be known, as you are out tonight, actually enjoying whatever it is that you did not feel like doing with your spouse in the beginning, when you get home, you find yourself thankful for your spouse, and the experience you just had. Your relationship gets stronger.

Ephesians Chapter 5 has this to say:

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband.

One of the reasons God created marriage is for those that needed to experience the message of how it is to have a relationship with Him.

Everyone knows I am single; but, I like to tell everyone that I am married to God. What they don't get, is that my marriage to God is just like if I were married to a man.

For the past week, I have been experiencing a lot of frustration and anger in my life. It has caused friction with my family. Some of the things I said to my sister during one of our "frictional episodes" caused her to say, "Now, that was not very godly of you." To which I replied, "I don't feel like being godly today. He understands."

What happens when you tell your wife/husband, "No. I don't feel like doing what you asked me to do today." Yep, more friction is created. Then, after putting your foot down, you get your way and your wife/husband, goes away and leaves you alone. Later, if you value your relationship at all, you seek him/her out and apologize for being the south-end of a north-bound donkey and pray that he/she has more sense than you had and, even though he/she doesn't feel like it, forgives you.

Both of you know it's going to happen again. It's a matter of time. The next time it might be you doing the forgiving. You also know that you value your relationship enough to keep it, in spite of the ups and downs.

As I said, I didn't feel like being godly. But, I realized after a couple of days that even though I didn't feel like being godly, I needed to go through the motions until the feeling passes. I still needed to be who HE needed me to be. If someone needed me to be the hands and feet of God, I needed to be able to do that, regardless of how I felt.

Today, I was supposed to take someone who was struggling financially to help show them around in order to know what resources they could depend on until they got back on their feet. It is always a blessing to be able to bless someone else with knowledge on how they can survive as they wait on God to act in order to better their lives. She called and cancelled, and I was, honestly, relieved. I didn't have to do what I didn't feel like doing, but was going to do because I knew it was the right thing to do, and God needed me to do it.

So, as I am sitting there, relaxing, thinking, relieved, I get a knock at my door. Another lady who needed my help was asking for me to assist her by taking her to a local feeding ministry that gave out groceries. Now, when I usually take her, the routine is that we get a number, then we hear the message, eat, get the groceries, then go home. When we got there today, they had given out all their numbers, but said that we could still stay and eat if we like. As an incentive, they promised the lady that after all the numbers were called, if they had any extra groceries left over, they would help her.

Needless to say, we stayed. Even though I did not want to stay. On top of that, I had to stay until after everyone left. Yes, inside I was fussing.

Just before the meal, the preacher-lady gets up and gives a message on 2nd Corinthians, chapter 4:

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.


She then began to preach about how God has not abandoned us, no matter HOW we feel.

When she was done, I thought about this. Did I feel abandoned? No. However, truth be told, I DID feel as if I had walked away. How could I reconcile that with the message.

She went and sat down and began calling the numbers.

I got up from my table and went to introduce myself to her and I told her of my struggle this week, "I am going through a situation right now that has me feeling angry and frustrated, and I just don't feel like being godly. I don't feel like God has abandoned me, I feel like I am the one walking away and I don't want to. I mean, I know I shouldn't feel that way or do that, and I don't want to, but it's just there. I just feel like...I need space."

She smiled and explained to me, "Your relationship with God is just that: a RELATIONSHIP. You are going to have ups and downs, just like in any other relationship. Usually when there are down times in a relationship, it is because of the falling away of one or the other member of the relationship. Since you are dealing with GOD, then the problem is YOU, because God NEVER falls away. It's up to you to ask Him to forgive you and take you back."

I said, "But, that's just it. I don't wanna. I mean, I WANT to, but that's not how I feel."

Again she smiled and said, "Sometimes we need to get on our knees and ask God to change our want to. Do you believe that He can do all things?"

BOOM.

I thanked her. She asked me, "Did I tell you what you wanted to hear?"

"No," I said. Then added, "But, you told me what I needed to hear, and you did your job. Thank you."

I am privileged and honored right now to tell you that I am married to the best person I could ever dream of being married to: The person of God through Jesus Christ. I am not ever going to seek a divorce. I can't imagine my life without Him.

Tonight, as I get down on my knees, I am thankful for His Grace, as well as His Mercy. I am thanking Him that He is always with-in reach, no matter how far away I aim to walk. And, I am asking Him to keep my "want to" in check.

Featured Ministry: Stagecoach Cowboy Church (Waxahachie, TX)

Stagecoach Cowboy Church is a loving and growing body of believers in Jesus Christ.

We are a diverse group of brothers and sisters that are seeking to know God's one and only begotten Son in a real and intimate way.

Our goal at Stagecoach Cowboy Church is to help guide the wanderers into becoming followers and to help guide the followers into becoming leaders.

To visit the Stagecoach Cowboy church, Click HERE

A Message from the Editor about God Inspires

Those of you who are members for awhile and who know me know that I do not shirk on teaching and pointing you toward the fact that Jesus is coming soon. But I will not support anything here on God Inspires that is going to promote hatred or divisiveness, or shut the door on those who wish to get to know Jesus because of where they are right now in their faith maturity.

I posted the Kim Davis stuff because it was an issue we should all be united in: Standing up for each other as Christians. After all, what is going to happen when it happens to you? And, if you say "It won't happen to me" then you need to ask yourself where you stand as a Christian. Either you are for God or you are Against God. If you do not stand up for His WORD and HIS LAWS then you are not doing your job as a Christian. Period. When they tell you that you cannot pray at work on your lunch break before you eat, don't you hope WE will be there to stand with you when you stand up for God?

But, posting something saying that Obama or the Pope is the Anti-christ is speculative, and could cause those who need to hear about the love of Christ and Him crucified to shy away from us AND what we believe if they are Pope or Obama supporters. Posting truth is not the same as posting viewpoints. It doesn't matter what I believe to be truth. What matters is what GOD says is truth. And THAT is what we should be teaching.

Nothing in the Bible says it will be the Pope or it will be Obama, or even that it will be Donald Trump. What the Bible does say is "these are the signs of my coming." If they are, then we need to each, as individuals be diligent in heeding the signs. None of these have claimed to be "the Christ". If we just do what the Bible says, then WHOEVER is the anti-christ won't matter in the end where we are concerned. What matters is where WE will be and who WE will be praising and standing next to.

That is all. Thank you.

Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.