CAMPFIRE MESSAGES from Pastors & Ministers of ICCAN

Comment

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 28, 2011 at 6:55am

JUST FOR TODAY: I have talked a lot about the Joy and Peace that comes to you when you draw close to the Lord.  I can tell many of you have discovered how true this is by your responses.  This has been a great blessing to your life, but have you stopped to think about how it has affected the lives of those around you?  God has not only blessed your life, but also the lives of your friends and Loved ones, too!!  You are a joy to be with when Jesus is with you!!   ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Tom Borror on May 27, 2011 at 11:31pm

to seek God is  the greatest adventure; To him the greatest human achievement To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances

2Cor.6

1. [2] (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

---

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 27, 2011 at 8:24am

 

JUST FOR TODAY: Don't let the cares of this world take over your mind. This will give you a headache, knots in your stomach, shove Jesus to the back of your mind, and cause your thoughts to darken. Turn from your problems to the Presence of Jesus. The burden may remain, but it will be a lot lighter with the mighty hand of Jesus to help carry the load. With Jesus, all things are possible and together, you can handle whatever this day may bring. ~Pastor Lynn

 

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 26, 2011 at 11:59pm

 

FROM THE PASTOR'S PORCH: Life is certainly uncertain!

Whewwww....... What a week this has been for everybody here in Grady County; the whole state for that matter. Just in our church family alone I have visited folks in four different hospitals in OKC, had one soldier killed in Afghanistan, and one family with four homes damaged b...y a tornado(two homes completely destroyed). Loss of life, loss of health, and loss of all our worldly possessions are experiences that can happen to any of us in the blink of an eye!!
As I visited with a young man yesterday and his five year old son, all he could do was shake his head in unbelief that all they had left were the clothes on their back. Everything was gone; home, clothes, food, pictures, toys, EVERYTHING......gone in a manner of seconds. How in the world do you cope with this type of devastation?
Well, the first thing we have to do when we find ourselves in this "lost everything" situation is to realize that if all we have left is God, HE is enough. Try sayin' that outloud just one time. "God, You are enough." You have not only said a mouthful, but you have made one of the Truest statements you will ever make. All you have to do now is believe it, and that's not very hard to do when you have lost everything else!! When we come face to face with really BIG problems that's when we will come to know that our God is BIGGER than any problem.
The next thing we need to know is that we face unrelenting changes in this world. But there is one thing that NEVER changes and that is the Lord Jesus. He is the beginning and He is the end; alpha and omega. He will never leave us or forsake us and nothing....NOTHING can ever separate us from Him and his awesome Love. Many people have had their world literally turned upside down lately. Thank God that through it all, we can draw close to Him and still find Peace in all the uncertainty of Life.
Finally, you may lose all your worldly possessions in the blink of an eye, but you didn't get them overnight and you won't replace them overnight. It's going to take time. We must be patient and remember that recovery from this kind of devastation is like eatin' an elephant. You can only do it one bite at a time. Just remember that God is bigger than any problem, He will always be there to Love you and give you peace, He is willing and able to meet all of your needs, and He always works through His people.
Aren't you glad that God gave us the commandment to Love one another. I am so thankful when I see this community coming together to help one another. As always, we will get through these hard times. Why? Because God Loves us, we Love one another, and we are telling the world about Jesus with our actions. Thank you for reading "FROM THE PASTOR'S PORCH". May God bless you richly with Faith, Grace, and Peace, ~Pastor Lyn

Comment by Shane and Denise Jeter on May 26, 2011 at 10:11pm

“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”

When the Lord opens your door of opportunity
Many foes may lay at your feet
But the Lord will make a way for you
When the adversary you meet

For greater is He that is in me
Than he that is in the world
And God will give us the victory
If our cares on Him, we have hurled

Comment by Don Adkisson on May 26, 2011 at 5:22pm

     But what is passion? Perhaps many of my colleagues are weary and are thinking I no longer have the passion to teach--a dangerous sign. Too many, way too many, believe that passion is emotion. They think that if they can get the emotions into a state of frenzy they are now passionate and success will come because of that. They do not want passive emotion, it must be demonstrative, uncontrolled emotion.

     Observe true passion in the story on Mt. Carmel. The worshipers of Baal were passionate. They yelled and screamed from morning till noon for their god to hear them. Then they leaped around their altar. The screaming and yelling did not work so they cried louder and then began to mutilate themselves in self-sacrifice. But is this really passion? It was more like using emotion to work up a frenzy. They were without understanding, but nevertheless very emotional.

     Passion has an object and a purpose. Passion has knowledge and understanding. Passion must also be under control. Elijah laid out a plan to prove his passion for God. Then he simply "said".... The worshipers of Baal's passion was in themselves and misguided, while the passion of Elijah was on the person of God. John Maxwell said, "Elijah met the enemy with passion. His eyes drank in the greatness of God, not the number of his enemies. This heavenly vision provided the fire that fueled his courage." Elijah's passion came from his innermost being and it rested on the person of God. It was not demonstrative, but with deep understanding of his God.

     We should never confuse passion with lust, with desire, with emotion. Passion is something that directs your life. Something that gives meaning to life; a purpose that puts the drive in living. It is not an emotional outburst, though emotions will certainly be involved if a person is passionate. It is not losing control, but just the opposite it is controlling. In passion possibly the most important part played is that of the will. I worship God with my will. I willfully direct my life in service, in obedience, in striving to reach what God has for me. Passion does not control you, but it does drive you. In fact, passion must be controlled or you will get off track. Power is good only if it is directed and controlled.

"...Elijah the prophet came near and said, 'LORD God of Abraham, Issac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word."

--1 Kings 18:36 (NKJV)

Comment by Shane and Denise Jeter on May 26, 2011 at 10:13am

Enemy Plans



Who is our foe

How does he look

His strategies are written

In only one book



He comes in subtly

He comes in the night

He comes when you least

Expect a fight



Sometimes he’s an angel

Sometimes he’s a man

Who can discern him

The Holy Ghost can



He sends to you anger

He sends to you lust

He sends to you doubts

In the one whom you trust



He always secludes you

Wants to get you alone

Must steal you away

From the one on the throne



Compromise he whispers

No one will know

It’s such a small thing

You’ll not reap what you sow



There’s one way to fight him

One place to go

Only on your knees

Can you defeat this foe



So fall on your face

Repent of your sins

Run to the one

Who can cause you to win



Or you could choose to stay

In the enemy’s plan

But he has only one goal

For the end of man



By Denise Jeter

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 26, 2011 at 7:05am

 

JUST FOR TODAY: We face unrelenting changes in this world. But there is one thing that NEVER changes and that is the Lord Jesus. He is the beginning and He is the end; alpha and omega. Many people have had their world literally turned upside down lately. Thank God that through it all, we can draw close to Him and still find Peace in all the uncertainty of Life. ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 23, 2011 at 3:51pm

JUST FOR TODAY: How's your day been so far?? Some good; some bad? You do realize that God has already worked out today's path for you, right? The Trials are put there to develop your character. The blessings are put there to reveal His Presence. Don't ever think that God is not present in your life. Search for Him in todays journey through life and you will find him all along the way! ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Don Adkisson on May 22, 2011 at 6:12pm

     "But he welcomed any physical ordeal.  He saw how a great strife with the elements, a strain to the uttermost of his strength and his passion to fight, would save his faith, his hope, perhaps his mind."  (Zane Grey)

 

     Many times when God seems the furtherest away is when He is actually the closest.  Ever felt like you couldn't get the job done?  That there was no way you could do it alone?  God doesn't expect us to do everythng by ourselves.  He gives some things for us to do because He has given us the ability to do them.  Other times He expects us to call on others to help, and He expects us to help others when they are in need.  There are also those times when we can't turn to anyone, but must turn to Him for help.

     I have heard people say that everything we do is in God's power.  Well, in one sense that is true since He created us, sustains us with life, but there are many people in the world doing "things" without the power of God.  There are those cases in which we are boxed in, totally shut up with no where to go.  Ever heard of the term, "up against a brinck wall"?  Have you ever found yourself in one of those places?

     I have seen people over and over run at that brick wall and guess what?  You got it, smack!  I stand back and watch.  They get up, move a couple of feet further back and run again.  Splat!  Maybe it is time to survey the situation.  Any feasible way around?  Possibly there is a way to go over.

     There is a story about a father and his son.  The son was trying to lift up a heavy rock.  There was not much progress being made and he was becoming very frustrated.  The father spoke to the boy, "use all your strength."  Already being frustrated the boy became a little more than agitated at his father, but tried his father's advice and attempted to lift the rock.  Still nothing and the boy yelled to to his father, "I am using everything I've got!"  There was a deep "hmmmmphf" from the throat of his father who then replied, "No you're not; you haven't asked me."

     There are many resources out there that God has given us.  Sometimes we need to step back and look for them.  Then there are times we must ask our heavenly Father for help.  He's been there waiting for us to ask, and He has strength that abounds.  I came across this little prayer by Kenneth E. Boldosser:

          "O God, we get walled in, and there seems to be no open way before us.  Help us to see all our   

          strength to find the way, not forgetting your strength and help which we know you will give us if we

          call upon you."

                                                                            DA

 

"With You I can attack a barrier, and with my God I can leap over a wall."  (Psalm 18:29, HCSB)

Comment by Pastor Lynn Kirkland on May 21, 2011 at 12:00pm

“Whosoever”
By Pastor Lynn Kirkland

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.

John 3:16 is a very, very familiar verse to all of us. If you are a church goer or not, if you profess to be a believer or not you can probably quote most, if not all, of this verse.
Recently I picked up the challenge of another pastor to preach four separate sermons on this verse. At first I thought it would be hard to do. But after just a little study I found that many messages could come from extensive study of this verse.
In Cowboy Church we have covered the subjects of “God: Who He Is – The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit”. We covered “So loved – How much is So?” We have covered “Only” and all the cultural implications and political incorrectness of that.
This week we will cover the subject of “Whosoever”. In the King James Version New Testament whosoever is used 93 times that I could find (or in 93 verses, actually a little over 100 times). In most cases it is used in regard to our Salvation. Many times it is used in regard to obedience to God’s Word.
You see, there is a big debate going on in several denominations right now over the meaning of “whosoever”. In some cases the debate is between denominations. We have to make it sound theological so we call it Calvinism and Arminianism. But, strangely enough, if you go back to the writings of John Calvin and Joseph Arminius there was not that much debate. On most points they agree thoroughly.
But, then, there is “whosoever”. We can’t just make it that simple. Can we? We have to talk about predestination, election, and foreknowledge, and such. Since “whosoever” is the word used in John3:16 I will stick to that.
As I said earlier “whosoever is used in 93 verses in the King James Version New Testament. “Whosoever” replaces several Greek words – according to Strong’s Concordance. If they were interpreted or defined words that could be used are “every one”, “those who that”, or “any that” depending on their particular usage.
In Luke 12:8, John 3:15-16, Acts 2:21, Acts 10:43, and Romans 10:13 (These references are for YOUR study) “whosoever” is interpreted “every one”.
Hebrews 2:9a But we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, so that through God's grace he should die for everyone.

2Co 5:15 He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but only for him who died and was raised to life for their sake.

These two verses are plain. Jesus Christ died for everyone (Hebrews 2:9). Christ died for all
(2 Corinthians 5:15). And this takes us right back to John3:16. Everyone that believes on Jesus Christ
will be saved – everyone, all, any that, whoever that. Every.

Matthew Henry tells us, “Assuredly none will escape the condemnation of the great day, except those who call upon the name of the Lord, in and through his Son Jesus Christ, as the Saviour of sinners, and the Judge of all mankind.”

Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven but He died for EVERYONE. Some things are not intolerance, just fact.
We all have a debt that we owe and cannot pay (Romans 3:23) and, in fact, don’t deserve to have paid
for us. (Romans 6:23) Now we must believe Christ died for us . (Romans 5:5-6) Then, believe in Jesus
(Acts 16:30-31). And, then, Praise God, 1 John 5:10-13 tells us we can know that we are saved
because His Word says so!

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 …how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures

This is the “Gospel” – The Good News that saves us from our sins and into eternity with God in Heaven.
I’m not intolerant. I didn’t make up the rules. God did call me to proclaim the truth found in His Holy
Word.

Comment by Songs of Faith Ministries on May 21, 2011 at 11:34am

Deliver the Message

by Mike Burns, Ph.D.

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3).”

George Sweeting, in his book The No-Guilt Guide for Witnessing, tells of a man by the name of John Currier who in 1949 was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Later he was transferred and paroled to work on a farm near Nashville, Tennessee. In 1968, Currier’s sentence was terminated and a letter bearing the good news was sent to him. But John never saw the letter, nor was he told anything about it. Ten years went by. Then a state parole officer learned about Currier’s plight, found him, and told him that his sentence had been terminated. He had been a free man all those years.

How would you feel if, like John Currier, someone sent you an important message and year after year is was never delivered? For those of us who have heard the good news and experienced freedom through Christ, the story of John Currier is a reminder of our responsibility to share the love and forgiveness Jesus has given us with those who have never received Him as their Savior and Lord. Romans 10:13-14 says, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Lost men, women and children are waiting for someone to tell them the most important message they will ever hear in their life and the message is never delivered.

Are we doing all we can to make sure that people get the message? Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” As you remember what life was like for you without Christ, the love of Jesus Christ for you, and your love for Him, should compel you to share Him with others. Ask yourself, “If everybody did as much as I am doing to reach the lost, how many people would be coming to know Christ?” This is a hard question, but each of us must evaluate what we are doing to reach the world for Christ. If you really believe that unless a person has a born again, personal relationship with Christ, they are on the way to hell, there is an urgency about delivering the message.

We have heard the joyful sound; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Spread the tidings all around; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Bear the news to every land, Climb the steeps and cross the waves;

Onward! – ‘tis our Lord’s command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!  ---Owens

 

 

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 19, 2011 at 9:57pm

You may be young. You may be healthy. You may be strong emotionally and physically. You may have a very promising future ahead of you. BUT, do you have any guarantee for tomorrow????..... I didn't think so.... So, are you ready if tomorrow never comes?? Please don't face an uncertain tomorrow without Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 19, 2011 at 4:07pm

 

JUST FOR TODAY: Got Trouble? Trouble is never welcomed, but no matter what kind of trouble you are facing-it can never "separate us from the the Love of Christ"!! Never, ever allow trouble or the "cares of this world" to separate you from remembering that no matter what......God Loves YOU. (Matthew 13:22) ~Pastor Lynn

 

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 19, 2011 at 12:21pm

 

FROM THE PASTOR'S PORCH: Add to your Faith Virtue

 

Last week Cowboy Bruce and I had one of our “little talks” on the way to school one morning. I asked Bruce if he had any good habits. He looked over at me and replied, “I don't know if I do or not; what's a habit?” Good question. I was ready for that one because I had already looked it up in Mr. Webster's book. I have learned not to ask Cowboy Bruce questions unless I'm prepared to answer some, too. So I explained to Bruce that a habit is something formed when you start doing something, and you do it so much that it almost becomes automatic; you do it without even thinking.
So I asked him again, “Do you have any good habits?” He thought about that for a minute and then replied, “Well, I go to school everyday, and I learn something everyday, and I feed the dogs everyday, and I sing at Church, and......and..... I get a snack everyday after school!!” Gosh..... I Love that boy!!

My question for you today is the same one. Do you have any good habits?? You should have. 2 Peter 1:5 tells us to add to our Faith virtue... The word add means that you actually have to do something; you must take the initiative. That's how any habit starts, good or bad, is you start doing something and you continue to it until it becomes what? A habit. The word Virtue means goodness. So this scripture means we need to be forming “Good Habits”.

Why do we need to form good habits?? Well for one thing, if you're like me you probably already have enough bad ones. But mainly, we are in danger of forgetting that we can't do what God does, and HE is not going to do what we can do. We can't Save, Heal, or Sanctify ourselves-God does that. But God will not give us good habits or character. We must do that for ourselves!! God's will is for you to obey him and walk in His ways, but He is not going to force you to do anything. We must learn to do that for ourselves. That's what Philippians 2:12 means when it says we must “work out” our “own salvation” which God has worked in us!!

What good habits should you be forming?? Beware of the tendency to ask questions that you already know the answers to. Quit hesitating- Take the first step. You know habits never become habits unless you START doing something, and you continue doing it until you do it without having to remind yourself to do it. That's a HABIT. And you know full well that you should be praying, you should be reading God's Word, you should be going to Church, you should be Loving God and other people, you should be telling everybody you know about Jesus.

The most important habit you can form is listening carefully to God about everything. Form the habit of finding out what God says about everything in your life and then OBEY Him. You will know when you have formed this habit when you automatically turn to God when the storms of life hit. Who ya gonna call?? Oprah........ Dr. Phil......Dear Abby...... Momma....???

My prayer for you today is that you will “instruct yourself on the way you must go”,

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 18, 2011 at 5:42am

GREAT WORD PASTOR MIKE!!  THANK YOU FOR SOWING THE WORD!!  GIVE HIM PRAISE!!

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 18, 2011 at 5:13am

 

JUST FOR TODAY: Pray for all those that are less fortunate than yourself. Trust me, there are many. Jesus is still King of kings, Lord of Lords, and the name above all names and yes, it still makes a difference in the lives of others when YOU get on your knees and go boldly to the throne of God. He is Provider and Healer for the poor and the sick just waiting for your prayers. ~Pastor Lynn

 

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 17, 2011 at 9:00am

The Cross of Jesus is the door by which all of us can enter into the life of God. By His resurrection, He has the right to give eternal life to anyone, and by His ascention, our Lord entered Heaven, keeping the door open for humanity. ~OSWALT CHAMBERS

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 17, 2011 at 5:48am

 

JUST FOR TODAY: Are you facing danger today? If so, it is not a time for fear but for believing. Daniel spent the night in a den full of hungry lions but when he was taken out "no manner of hurt was found upon him". Why?? "Because he believed in his God." God has not changed. Your belief and Faith will lift you out of your dangerous circumstances today just as well. ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 16, 2011 at 8:48pm

 

UST FOR TONIGHT: I'm not much interested in religion. Religion is what got Jesus Killed along with Economics and Politics. All three are man made institutions and ideas. Being a Christian is not determined by what church you attend. It is determined by whether or not you know JESUS!!! ~Pastor Lynn

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 88
• 89
• 90
• 91
• 92
• 93
• Next ›
• Page