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.

Moviegoers nationwide to participate in "Captive: Night of Purpose" on September 17

Hollywood, CA - September 14, 2014 (God Inspires) -- One day prior to the theatrical release of the upcoming film "CAPTIVE," moviegoers will gather in theaters for "Captive: Night of Purpose" to witness the life-changing story of Ashley Smith and Brian Nichols in the Paramount Pictures thriller. The event will take place on September 17 at 7:00 p.m. in more than 50 markets around the U.S.

Attendees at the "Captive: Night of Purpose" event will enjoy a private showing of the film and view an exclusive panel discussion hosted by Gayle King with cast members David Oyelowo ("SELMA") and Kate Mara ("House of Cards"), along with producer Terry Botwick, Ashley Smith and Brian Nichols' mother Claritha.

"CAPTIVE," based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is the dramatic, thrilling, and spiritual journey of Smith and Nichols. After being taken hostage by Nichols in her apartment, Smith turns to Rick Warren's inspirational book, "The Purpose Driven Life," for guidance. In reading from the book, Smith not only finds purpose in her life but also helps Nichols find a more peaceful resolution to a harrowing situation.

"'CAPTIVE' is more than just an entertaining film," stated Producer Terry Botwick. "It is an authentic experience of an incident that could have ended tragically. 'Captive: Night of Purpose' serves as a perfect opportunity for all of us to remember that no matter how dark a time we may be going through, there is a place to turn and find meaning. Ashley Smith's life was changed forever and she lives a powerful life today, which reminds us that every life has purpose."

As September is National Recovery Month, in which the prevention, treatment and recovery from mental and substance abuse disorders is lauded, "Captive: Night of Purpose" is a perfect catalyst for the many organizations, churches and communities planning to attend to discover their purpose and engage on topics of recovery, prevention, city transformation, faith and redemption.

Screen buyouts and theater takeovers for this exclusive event were made possible by private donors, churches, business leaders and the following sponsors: Beliefnet.com, Book Fun Magazine, Christian Broadcasting Network, ChristianCinema.com, The Christian Post, The Dove Foundation, Jesus Daily, New ReleaseToday, Outreach, Inc., The Washington Times and WingClips.

In addition to Oyelowo and Mara, "CAPTIVE" also stars Leonor Varela, Jessica Oyelowo, with Mimi Rogers and Michael K. Williams. Directed by veteran filmmaker Jerry Jameson, "CAPTIVE" is based on the book "Unlikely Angel" by Ashley Smith with Stacy Mattingly. The film's screenplay is by Brian Bird. Produced by Terry Botwick, Jerry Jameson, Lucas Akoskin, Alex Garcia, Katrina Wolfe, David Oyelowo and Ken Wales. The executive producers are Santiago Garcia Galván, Jonathan Gray, Brian Bird, Elliott Lester and Ralph Winter.

"CAPTIVE" opens in theaters on September 18, 2015.

For additional information about "Captive: Night of Purpose" or to find the film in participating markets, go to captivemovieresources.com/nightofpurpose. For more information on the film "CAPTIVE" and to view its official trailer, visit www.captivethemovie.com.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

Event: Truth for a New Generation apologetics conference (Spartanburg, South Carolina)

Spartanburg, S.C. - September 14, 2015 (God Inspires) -- An abortion industry exposed for evil. Attacks on religious liberties. Radical activists working to break down the millennia-old institutions of marriage and family.

These are the pressing social issues facing Christians every day, and it can be overwhelming. All of them, plus many more, will be addressed at the upcoming Truth for a New Generation apologetics conference, hosted by religion and culture expert Dr. Alex McFarland next Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19, at First Baptist Spartanburg, 250 East Main St., in Spartanburg, S.C.

"At perhaps no other time in our history has it been more crucial for believers to stand up and take a serious look at the issues before us," McFarland said. "These matters are impacting the lives of Christians every day, and it's time to take action to learn what we can do to defend our faith in a world that oftentimes does not want to hear about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. God's Word does indeed play a part in everything we do. There is STILL hope, and it's in Jesus Christ! We should tarry and not be discouraged! The Truth for a New Generation conference is a perfect place to start on this important journey."

Registration is open for the event that thousands have attended each year, over two decades, and a promo code for $20 off the ticket price of $69.95 is also available for a limited time. Additionally, those who register themselves and a guest (at least two tickets) will receive a copy of McFarland's newest book, "The God You Thought You Knew: Exposing 10 Myths about Christianity," not yet available in stores, and while supplies last.

The Truth for a New Generation speaker lineup is jam-packed with top names, such as Fox News commentator Todd Starnes, terrorism analyst Erick Stakelbeck, Cold Case Christianity's J. Warner Wallace, bestselling author Lee Strobel, evangelist Will Graham, author and talk show host Austin Hill, author and speaker Jason Jimenez, and pro-life activist Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Starnes and Stakelbeck will also be part of a special lunch panel discussing "The 3 Biggest Challenges Facing Christianity: The Rise of Radical Islam, Militant Atheism and Intolerant Homosexuality."

The annual TNG conference draws attendees from across the U.S. and internationally. This year, the event will focus on the theme of "Jesus: America's Hope."

For more information, visit www.alexmcfarland.com or www.truthforanewgeneration.com.

Dirty

by Shonda Ponder
(originally written in April, 2000)

I didn't want to feel dirty
As I came to God that day
For all I'd done to forsake Him
And go my merry way

I knew that I had been wrong
And that there was no hope
Except that He forgive me
And give me strength to cope

Every sin I'd sinned
Every law I'd broken
Out of selfish hypocrisy
I ignored the words He'd spoken

And now I felt alone
And now I felt betrayed
But who was I to blame?
By myself I knelt and prayed

O, Lord, can you forgive me?
Can you hold me once again?
And can you help those others
That I'd taken from your plan?

Can you bless and keep us,
and bring us all back home
And give us hope again
Where before this there was none?

Have I been so wrong
That you have let me fall
Will you grab my hand
And let me feel your call?

I am but human, Lord
I am weak and frail
But with you I have strength
Without you I have failed

Lord, I walked away
Knowing I was wrong
And now I beg forgiveness
I know where I belong

And as I sat there hoping
And wondering if I'd done right
I felt a warm familiar cover
A soft array of light

That said, "I have not left you
Nor have I let you down
It was you who chose
To give away your crown

I know that you are hurting
Lost and so afraid
And now I am here waiting
To hold the child I made

I did not forget you
Nor did I let you go
My love reached out to you
As I watched you grow

And now you ask forgiveness
You want to come back home
I have a feast here waiting
And we won't eat alone

I began to cry
As I ran into his arms
How can I make it up
To all those I have harmed?

He wiped away my tears
And broke my heart of stone
And then He said, "In time,
They too will come back home."

When God's Law Contradicts Man's Law

I had a conversation with a friend the other day through email. We were talking about the Kim Davis events, and how, in today's world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to be a Christian. Oh, there are those who call themselves "Christian", but fail to live up to the name, and chastise those who do because they fail to understand the Word in it's entirety.

He said, "The powers-that-be are seeing to it that you won't be able to work 'within-the-law', and you (we) will eventually become lawbreakers - just for being who we are."

This inspired me to look deeper into the word to see what it had to say on the matter. I also did a little research on the internet. One of the best pages I found on the internet is this one at The Prepared Christian: God's Law VS. Man's Law

I remember when my son was young and watched Jerry Springer one day (without my permission). When I caught him, I didn't say anything. I waited to see his reaction, because the episode was featuring homosexuals with personal drama. (Of course, anything on Jerry Springer was overly dramatic, usually featuring immature relationships who lived outside of the rule of God). When it was over, my son came to me and said, "Mom, what's WRONG with those people?" in a shocked tone of voice. I asked him what he meant. He said, "Well, they are men dressed up in women's clothes and acting like women and kissing each other like they are married...isn't that wrong? Didn't we read in the Bible that that was wrong?"

I spent about 3 hours that night talking to him about homosexuality, and how God's laws and man's laws differ. When he asked me, "But, mom, what do I do if a homosexual ever comes up to me and wants to kiss me?" He was too young to explain what he meant by that, but I gathered what he was asking.

I answered him with, "Be polite, but firm. Explain that you are not a homosexual and do not wish to be one. If they ask why, tell them you are a Christian and explain that the laws of God do not allow for that. Do not call them names or be mean to them in any way. Just stand firm in your conviction and your faith."

Stand firm. It's what Kim Davis did, and I was witness to how everything my friend said was true. I saw so many people who weren't Christians and didn't understand God and His Word, and didn't believe in it, calling Christians hypocrites for standing up for her. I saw those who SAY they are Christians chastising her because she was not following the law. I saw those who don't understand what the definition of a Christian is condemning her for her past. And yet, through it all, I saw God at work.

There are so many instances in the Bible where God's law and Man's law contradict. When it happened, God ALWAYS won in the end. This time is no different. God may not change the laws of man, but He will ensure that HIS people are blessed in spite of them if they follow HIS laws.

Finally, as a Christian, if I had to make a decision to choose between breaking man's law or God's law, I'd choose to put my faith in God over man any day. It is better to go to jail than to go to hell. As a matter of fact, it is better to be decapitated, burned at the stake, tortured in prison, beaten, stoned or even raped. This life is temporary. I will keep my faith and suffer this temporary pain.

As a member of 1st Bikers Church in Texarkana, I am privileged to see a great many "outlaws" come to Christ. I've seen the miracle of a life changed by the Power of the Blood of Christ. I was speaking to one of the members about the same-sex-marriage issue and he said, "Don't know what they are thinking passing a law like that. Our church is made up of outlaws. Ain't gonna hurt us to break one more. At least it'll be for the right reason this time."

It is better to suffer now than to endure an eternity of pain, torture and hopelessness because of it.

How will you stand?

Matthew 10

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Kim Davis FREED!

Praise God!!!

Kim Davis, the Kentucky Clerk, has been freed from jail with the stipulation that she not interfere with clerks in her office issuing marriage licenses to all legally eligible couples.

Just when things were about to get fun...

Fellow Brothers and Sisters, this is what happens when we stick together in prayer, and in ACTION as Christians. God did not create us to sit down and shut up. He created us to STAND and WAIT.

We STOOD. He showed up and showed out again!

Featured Ministry: Shining Light Ministries, Inc.

Shining Light Ministries is celebrating September in a big way.

The month is National Recovery Month and the non-profit organization wants people to know that it’s possible to leave addiction behind.

“We really want to focus on hope and spread the message that recovery can happen,” said Michelle Amarro, member of the SLM Board of Directors.

Read more about this by clicking HERE

Shining Light Ministries, Inc. is a 12-step Christian based Recovery home for Women. The Mission of Shining Light Ministries is to lead women from the bondage of drug, alcohol, and related addictions to a new life of freedom in Jesus Christ.

Click HERE to visit their web site and support them!

Featured Ministry: Movers and Shakers Furniture Ministry (Georgia)

Movers and Shakers Furniture Ministry is holding a fundraising event at TOPGOLF Alpharetta on Thursday, October 15th, 2015 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. TOPGOLF Alpharetta is located at 10900 Westside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

The event features an hour of TOPGOLF play for practice followed by a second hour of competitive tournament play for prizes, a buffet dinner available during play time, and concludes with an awards ceremony. All proceeds from this event will support Movers & Shakers Furniture Ministry operations.

Movers & Shakers is excited to partner with TOPGOLF to hold a golf event that is accessible and fun for everyone regardless of golf experience. This will be a highly social event where couples and families can participate together, and have more interaction with other ministry supporters, said Marshall Lynn, Director of Ministry Development.

Read more about this by clicking HERE

Mission: Living and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through the gift of furniture.

Values: Christ-centered. Efficiency. Stewardship. Customer Service. Relationships.

Strategy: We work with cooperating partner ministries in north metro Atlanta to identify those in need and with churches and schools to provide volunteers and furniture.

Visit the Movers & Shakers web site by clicking HERE

STAND WITH KIM RALLY IN KENTUCKY

Featured Ministry: Koinonia House

Founded by Chuck Missler, the Koinonia House mission statement is as follows:

To create, develop, and distribute materials to stimulate, encourage, and facilitate serious study of the Bible as the inerrant Word of God.

Check out the website to learn more!

(Koinonia House has been added to our Christian Connections!)

Responding to News about the Kentucky Clerk as a Christian

Recently, I posted a news article on Facebook about the Kentucky clerk who was ordered jail time for her refusal to grant a marriage license to a same-sex couple. Upon learning that that news was met with animosity toward the clerk, who claims her refusal stems from the fact that she is a Christian, I thought I should write this article in my blog, using scripture to back me up.

As I write this, I am praying that the point gets across in a loving and meaningful way to those who need to hear it. (Ephesians 4:15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.)

2 Corinthians 5:17 -- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

This means that when you become a Christian, everything you have ever done in your past is gone. God forgives you for your sins. Just like in Psalms 103:12, which says: "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." So, the fact that Mrs. Davis has not had a perfect past is moot. And, as Christians, it is our duty to support other Christians during their times of tribulation, in spite of who they once were. (Colossians 3:12, 13 - Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.)

When Mrs. Davis became a Christian, she gave her life to Christ. This means that no matter what she did in her past, or who she was, she is no longer that person. Everything she would to do from that day forward would be to try to better herself in order to be closer to her Lord and Savior, letting His light shine through her. And, while it was her duty as a Christian to love others into the Kingdom, it is ALSO her duty not to enable sin. I'm not going to buy your drugs for you. I'm going to tell you about Jesus, and why you don't need those drugs to get you high and destroy your life. In much the same way, Mrs. Davis was not going to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple who was intent on breaking God's law. (Leviticus 18:22 - Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.)

If anyone wants to bring up the fact that Mrs. Davis was married 4 times, then I would suggest they read the book of John, chapter 4, about the woman at the well. If Jesus can accept HER just like she is, then why can't He accept Mrs. Davis?

Is Mrs. Davis casting judgment on same-sex couples? I think not. They are free to go to someone who believes the way they do to do as they please. She has not hated them, nor refused them life-saving help. She has simply refused to enable their sin. And, for those who wish to cast judgment on her for her past, after her sins have already been forgiven by God, Jesus has a word to say about that:

Matthew 7:1-5 - Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

If you claim to be a Christian, you should be exalting her for her stance against the abomination of same-sex marriage, not tearing her down for making a stand in Jesus' Name because of who she once was. 1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another (as fellow Christians), love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. We all have a past. How would you like it if someone brought up YOUR past when they see you enter a church? After all, she took a Titus 2:11 and 12 stand (For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world).

If this has inspired you, please share it!

Why Having Fellowship with Other Believers is Important

Are you a quarter-tank Christian? Are you even a half-tank Christian? Or are you one of those Christians who are in church every Sunday, Wednesday or when the doors are open because you just can't seem to get enough, and as a result you are always energized and rarin' to go, walking in with a smile and a zeal? If you are one of those Christians who are just the Sunday morning kind, (You know, the kind who fills up on Sunday morning then by the next Sunday your spiritual engine is spittin' and putterin' as you drag yourself into the pew...) then maybe you need more Fellowship with the Lord.

As my pastor puts it: "You don't attend church to GET saved. You attend church because you ARE saved." If you go out on Friday night and get plastered, then come on Sunday, you have broken fellowship with The Lord. Don't you want that Fellowship all the time? If you are plastered, then you are NOT AVAILABLE to do God's work. This is what is meant by "not having fellowship". I don't think I could call on you to come help me if you are passed out drunk somewhere.

As Christians, we need each other. It's up to us to BE God's hands and feet on this earth, and when we do, we need to make sure we are IN the WILL of the FATHER. We need to stay rooted and knowledgeable in the Word, so that we can comfort each other and lift each other up according to the Word of God.

You need to find you a Bible teaching, Jesus Preaching, Washed in the Blood Spirit-filled church and go as often as you can. All that anxiety and depression you feel during the week will disappear! You will be more energized, and you will start LOOKING for what you can do to serve Him! And, believe me, when you start staying busy focusing on Him, you ain't focusing on yourself as much; it REALLY helps.

John 1:7 says: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." This means that when you are with fellow believers, they not only should uplift you spiritually, but also hold you accountable in love -- and THAT is a two way street. You also uplift them and hold THEM accountable, and as such, you appreciate one another. This is why it is important to have fellowship with other believers. And, while going to church isn't the only way to have fellowship with other believers, it IS the recommended way, in that the Word of God is preached and taught, and ministry opportunities outside of the church are introduced.

If this has inspired you, please share it!

District investigates mass baptism at Carroll County school (Georgia)

PRAISE GOD!

A school district in Georgia is investigating whether football players participated in a mass baptism on school grounds before practice, officials said.

WXIA-TV reports the Carroll County School District is probing the Aug. 17 incident.

Video posted online by First Baptist Villa Rica shows players being submerged in a tub of water in a baptism ceremony, a rite of initiation in many Christian churches.

"We had the privilege of baptizing a bunch of football players and a coach on the field of Villa Rica High School! We did this right before practice!" church officials wrote in a caption accompanying the video. "Take a look and see how God is STILL in our schools!"

Read more about this by clicking HERE!

If this has inspired you, please share it!