CAMPFIRE MESSAGES from Pastors & Ministers of ICCAN

Comment

Comment by Dr. Bob Rawson, FCH Director on December 19, 2011 at 7:09pm

A Christmas Antiphon:

           Like the sun in the morning sky, the Savior of the world will dawn; like

           rain on the meadows he will descend to rest in the womb of the Virgin.

           Alleluia.

 

Grant, Lord, our God, that we may await with eager hearts the coming of Christ, your Son,

so that when he knocks he will find us watching and praying and singing his praises.  Amen. 

         

 

Comment by Dr. Bob Rawson, FCH Director on December 19, 2011 at 6:53pm

For those who need hope for the new year:

          May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that

          you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

                          St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans.  

 

Comment by Dr. Bob Rawson, FCH Director on December 19, 2011 at 6:14pm

For those who need healing:

         In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, I ask for

         you the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ: that all pain and sickness of body

         being put to flight, the blessing of health be with you.  Amen

            

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 19, 2011 at 12:57pm

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JUST FOR TODAY: There is no amount of wealth worth damaging one minute of your relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "What good is it to gain the whole world but lose your own soul". At one time, I was a work-aholic; I worked at least 300 hours of overtime every year at the factory plus sometimes a part-time job. I don't have a whole lot to show for all that work and it's all because I had no time for God and very little for my family; it certainly cost me dearly. Take some good advice from someone who has been there and done that; ALWAYS take time to Love God and your family. If you will provide THAT, God will surely provide all the rest. ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 19, 2011 at 3:43am

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JUST FOR TODAY: Sometimes Jesus is not very poplular. Why is that? It is because of what he said in Matthew 10:34~"I did not come to bring peace but a sword". If you cannot come to god, it is because you have some secret sin that you have no intention of giving up. You will admit your sin, but will you give it up for Jesus?? If you will not give up your sin, Jesus will painfully pierce it with his sword and cut it out!! We all want the blessings of God, but we don't like the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to cut right through to the heart of the matter. People all over the world profess to be happy without God. If this could be true, why did Jesus come? He came with His sword to cut through all the sinful nonsense that separates us from God and anything that hinders our personal relationship with Him. Be very thankful if Jesus is whittling away on you! ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 17, 2011 at 8:37am

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JUST FOR TODAY: We know that all things work together for good to those who love God....~Romans 8:28. Are you a Faithful person who truly believes that God sovereinly controls your circumstances? "To be faithful in every circumstance means that we have only one loyalty, or object of our Faith- the Lord Jesus Christ. The goal of Faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, but that He will be free to do HIS work through us!! God calls us to His service and places tremendous responsibilties on us. He expects no complaining on our part and offers no explanation on His part."~Oswald Chambers. That's pretty hard to do sometimes isn't it?? But if we will just learn to choose to Worship God, even when our hearts are breaking, He will heal our broken hearts and change our circumstances in his perfect timing. ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 16, 2011 at 10:04pm

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Don't you just Love wrestling?  I'm not talking about the theatrical stuff you see on TV or even the real deal bad boys on UFC.  I'm talking about real warfare against very real and dangerous opponents.  I'm talking about wrestling against principalities of Satan himself, against his Powers, against the old ruler of darkness in this Word, against Spiritual Wickedness in high places!  Spiritual Warfare and wrestling with the Devil is accomplished through PRAYER, and it is not for Sissies.  You better have more than boxing gloves on, too!!  You better have Truth, righteousness, and be prefared with the Gospel of Peace; Above all you must have Faith, Salvation, and the Word of God.  This is the complete armor of God, and it will make YOU complete.  You better have it strapped on and know how to use it if you want your prayers to be effective. If you are complete in Christ, your prayers will bring Victory ALL the time!!! (Ephesians 6:13-18) ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 16, 2011 at 3:46pm

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I was driving into town this morning'; running late as usual.  I was almost into Verden when I looked at my watch and it was twenty minutes until 9:00.  I knew I had a student waiting on me for a 9:00 lesson.  For some reason I thought, "where will I be in ten minutes?  Maybe about the Country Store on HWY 62; I think I can make it to the Church by 9:00 ok".  Then I realized when the Holy Spirit s...poke to me that there is no guarantee that I will be anywhere on this earth in ten minutes, twenty minutes, or tomorrow.  Then I smiled and thought how funny it was that I didn't know for sure where I'd be in ten minutes, but I do know for sure where I'll be ten thousand years from now.  Every person reading this today will be in one of two places ten thousand years from now; it all depends on whether you accept or reject the free gift of Salvation from the Lord, Jesus.  I wrote about "Hope" yesterday; today I believe the Lord has shown me what it really means.  Something to think about......  ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 16, 2011 at 8:27am

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"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him"~1 Corinthians 2:14 God cannot give until a man asks.  It is not that he wants to withhold something from us, but that is the plan He has establisned for the way fo redemption.  As redemption creates the life of God in us, it also creates the things which belong to that life.  The only thing that can possibly satisfy the need is what created the need.  This is the meaning of redemption- it creates and it satisfies.~Oswald Chambers

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 16, 2011 at 8:23am

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JUST FOR TODAY: Living close to God requires making Him your "First Love". That means making Him your highest priority; not your family, not your job, not the TV, or your favorite sport. Is God really that important?? Well, that depends on how full of Peace and Joy you really want to be doesn't it? Peace and Joy; you only get the full measure of them when you seek God's Presence in your life above all else. Remember this; If you travel through this life in the Presence of God, His Glory will brighten the whole World around you. I pray that the light of God will shine brightly in your World today. ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 15, 2011 at 9:29am

FROM THE PASTOR'S PORCH: Faith, Hope, and Charity

   Last night I was watching a movie that brought back a lot of memories to me.  The scene was one of a grown man having a flashback to when he was a little boy and he was crawling around, playing at his mother's feet while she was playing the piano.  I thought, “wow!!! how many times have I done that!!!” 

   My mother, Elma Walker, was a great gospel piano player and she spent many hours playing on our little old Wurlitzer spinet piano and singing so passionately all the old gospel hymns, and I spent many hours as a young child playing around her feet and aggravating her by pushing on the piano pedals with my little hands.  Those were such sweet times in my life. Mom started encouraging and teaching me to sing and play the piano about this time as well.  I couldn't play much yet, but I could sure belt out those old songs. 

   One of the first songs I remember learning to sing besides the old hymns was a song written by Dale Evans titled “Have Faith, Hope, and Charity”.  I just Loved that song and I just about drove everybody crazy singing it over and over again.  When I got big enough to help my Daddy at the station, I used to stand on a five gallon bucket to wash windshields and I would sing that song to the top of my lungs with a great big smile on my face.  “HAVE FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY...THAT'S THE WAY TO LIVE SUCCESSFULLY.. HOW DO I KNOW?.....THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO”.   Sometimes customers would give me a nickle for one of my little concerts.  I'm not sure they liked my singing or just wanted to shut me up!!

    The song goes on to say, “don't worry about tomorrow, just be real good today; the Lord is right beside you, He'll lead you all the way.” I will never forget that song and I still Love it.  Still pretty good advice I'd say. 

  Faith in an almighty living God, Hope for the future in all of His promises, and Charity (Love) for the Lord Jesus and all of mankind is truly successful living at it's best!! Of the three, do not misunderstand HOPE. Hope does not mean "wishful thinking". Nothing could be further from the truth. The "Hope of Heaven" is reality; it becomes truth the moment you receive Christ as your Savior and Heaven becomes your ultimate destination!! 

  The Hope of Heaven is meant to strengthen and encourage us, filling us with wonderful Joy!!  Hope is what keeps us Spiritually alive during times of stress and darkness.  It is Hope that brightens our path and makes us aware of the Presence of our All Mighty God!!  Thank God for HOPE!!

   My prayer for you today is that you will overflow with Faith, Hope, and Charity (Love).  “Now the God of Hope fill you with all Joy and Peace in believing, that you may abound in Hope, through the Power of the Holy Spirit.”  (Romans 15:13)  And I Hope you have a big smile on YOUR face today, too!! ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 15, 2011 at 7:40am

Please visit us at COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH

JUST FOR TODAY: "Have Faith, Hope, and Charity.....That's the way to live successfully....How do I know? The Bible tells me so....". Great song lyrics from a great Lady, Dale Evans. I used to sing this song with a big smile on my face when I was just a little boy; standin' on a five gallon bucket washin' windshields at my Daddy's station. Faith in an almighty living God, Hope for the future in...all of His promises, and Charity (Love) for the Lord Jesus and all of mankind is truly successful living at it's best!! Of the three, do not misunderstand HOPE. Hope does not mean "wishful thinking". Nothing could be further from the truth. The "Hope of Heaven" is reality; it became true the moment you recieved Christ as your Saviour and Heaven became your ultimate destination!! I Hope you have a big smile on YOUR face today!! ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 14, 2011 at 8:36am

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JUST FOR TODAY: Do you need an attitude adjustment? As long as you try to serve two ends, yourself and God, your life will be filled with confusion and perplexity. That wonderful Peace that Jesus left for you will be gone. To get it back you must adjust your attitude to be one of complete reliance on God. Once you get to that point, there is nothing easier than living a Christian life. Difficulty comes in when you want to go over the authority of the Holy Spirit with your own plans. When you Obey and Trust God, you can live in Peace because you know that He is aware of all your problems and you can watch and see how He makes everything work out. ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 14, 2011 at 7:47am

JUST FOR TODAY: It is not what a man does that is of final importance, but what he is in what he does. The atmosphere produced by a man, much more than his activities, has the lasting influence.~Oswald Chambers What kind of atmosphere are you producing...at home, on the job, in your church?? Any man or woman who produces an atmosphere of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, meekness, and moderation will always be remembered as a great person. All others will be forgotten or remembered for their Evil doings. ~Pastor Lynn (Galations 5:22-23)

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 13, 2011 at 12:26pm

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JUST FOR TODAY: I know that you are busy; it's a busy time of year, but for goodness sake please take time to be Holy. And you say, "HOLY....ME???" Most of us don't really think we are capable of being Holy, but we can be and we should be. The word Holy does not mean to be "goody-goody", pious, or "Holier than thou"; it means "set apart for sacred use". Simply put, set apart some of your time to spend with God; "sacred use" is using your time to Thank God, Praise Him, Read some scripture, and Pray!! When you take time to focus your heart and mind on Jesus, you are being transformed and re-created to be what He designed you to be in the first place. Some things can be left undone when life gets hectic, but communion with the Lord ain't one of 'em. ~Pastor Lynn CPT

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 12, 2011 at 8:56am

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JUST FOR TODAY: Don't be dancin' around with Satan's two old ugly sisters; Worry and Fear!!  It's a whole lot more fun holdin' on to the two beautiful ladies by the name of Peace and Joy.  Them two old ugly sisters will NEVER help you accomplish anything; they will ALWAYS weigh you down and make you sick; they will ALWAYS cause you to miss out on God's promises; they will ALWAYS display to God how little Faith and Trust you have in Him.  Life is too short to dance with these ugly old biddies!!  Send them packin' with some good Prayer time and stay focused on Jesus.  Peace and Joy will be tappin' you on the shoulder before you know it sayin', "Let's Dance"!!!  ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 10, 2011 at 11:38pm

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THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT

Christmas time is drawin' near, Thanksgiving has come and gone.

It's funny how time just slips away like Willie said in his song.

I'm thinkin' about my grandkids, they grow up oh so fast.

I think I've got about a dozen or so, that's when I counted last.

My wife is puttin' the tree up, and it's decorated all just right.

Bandana bows with a star on top, Cowboy ornaments and lights.

She's makin' that Christmas candy, and puttin' presents underneath the tree.

Those kids sure Love their Nana, and that goes double for me.

 

ON CHRISTMAS DAY THERE'LL BE SUCH JOY,

OF THAT THERE AIN'T NO DOUBT

AFTER ALL THE GIFTS ARE OPENED UP,

I'LL GET MY OLD BIBLE OUT....

Then everybody gets real quiet, cause they know just what I'm gonna do.

I'm gonna read 'em about the birth of Christ, Luke wrote about in chapter two.

Cause the GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT, ain't found under any tree.

It's the birth of baby Jesus, born a Savior....for you and for me.

MY PRAYER FOR YOU THIS CHRISTMAS

IS THAT YOU AND YOURS WILL FIND,

THE GREATEST GIFT IS JESUS CHRIST

IN YOUR HEART, YOUR SOUL, AND YOUR MIND.

Cause the GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT ain't found under any tree.

Thank God for baby Jesus, born a Saviour.....for you and for me.

NOTE: This song is Copyrighted, but feel free to share it if you like

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 10, 2011 at 10:41am

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JUST FOR TODAY: Give up the idea of a risk free life. You have to be willing to step out in Faith where ever God leads you; even if it's out on a limb. Being in a risky position is the safest place to be if you are in the center of God's will. In other words, did God lead you to where you are at? Then that will be a safe place. Let the Holy Spirit lead you step by step through every day. Stay focused on Jesus and you can ride the dangerous trails without being afraid. His Presence will protect you no matter where you go. ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on December 9, 2011 at 11:18am

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JUST FOR TODAY: If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.  Someone wrote this good advise that I'm sure was intended to be about human adulterous relationships, but your Relationship with the Lord Jesus should not be kept secret either.  Don't ever try to get out of it, just shout it from the rooftops!  If other folks have to wonder about your Relationship with Jesus it's because you are neglecting it or maybe you don't even have one.  Either way, you need to to fix that today!!  ~Pastor Lynn 

Comment by Pastor Lynn Kirkland on December 8, 2011 at 9:27pm

THE GREATEST GIFT

By Ann Kirkland

1 Peter 4:1-10 (NLT) So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things godless people enjoy - their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.

Of course, your former friends are surprised when you know longer plunge into the wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead - so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit.

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

I know each of you in some way this year has already suffered more than you thought you should have. I hope you have not already turned your mind and heart off. These words are hard to listen to. This is not your typical “Christmas Gift Message”.

Our economy, so the world says, is down. We have had more people torn from jobs, homes, families, and churches. Each of us has given up something that we thought we needed. But I can assure you if you put the words to this scripture into action, no matter what it takes, you will experience not only the most wonderful Christmas but it will fuel a fire that will burn in your heart until God decides to bring you into that city He has prepared for you.

As each of you has gone about buying gifts for that special someone (and some of you bought gifts for people you don’t even like - just out of obligation) you need to stop and re-think your intent. God works with great intent to accomplish His will. We are just a character in His play.

We all know the “Christmas Story”. We have heard it all of our lives. It has been written, read, and acted out for generations. But do you know it all began with suffering? This is a word we don’t like. We spend hours of our time asking God so we won’t experience suffering. I say this because for the past week I can speak with experience.

I had a test and it revealed that I had colon cancer - the big “C”. This has destroyed many lives. But reading these scriptures I have counted it a blessing because it has given my God a platform, a stage, for His glory to shine. I have experienced the warmth of a fire that has kept me that the Almighty God we serve could only provide.

As you have already read, His Word says if you have suffered physically for Christ you have finished sin. You will be anxious to do His will and not yours. I am sure you have already said verse 3 has nothing to do with you. You are a Christian. It is those other people God is talking about. It is not God’s (or my) intent to make you angry at these words. It is taking us to the very core of our being.

Maybe we need to take a second look in the reflection of our Christmas Tree and get honest with ourselves. If you think you or I are without sin we are mistaken. What do we have in our life that needs to be re-written or, as in play, edited out forever? Each one of us will stand before our God and be judged, not on someone else’s choices, but on our own choices and what we have done.

The Good News is never too late. You can become all God wants you to be. And, yes we do have to suffer.

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