The Time is Now

John 7:6

So Jesus said to them, "My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune.

Carpe Diem means "Seize the day."

Take advantage of the opportunities God gives you today. There is a Chinese Proverb that says, " Opportunity comes with the handle on the front end, because when it passes it is impossible to grab." So, Take hold of it today. Do not let this day pass without accomplishing something. What is it you have been wanting to do? Call a friend, send a card, plan a vacation, read your Bible, check into going back to school, sharing Christ with someone, leaving a nice note for someone you love. In Ecclesiastes chapter 3 it tells us there is a time for everything. What is it time for today?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzRfB0oN6Wo

Be Real

Acts 1:8 (New International Version)
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

People are watching us all the time as Christians to see how we talk, act, and think. Our Children, families, Friends, Co-workers, neighbors etc This video today shows the importance of every word and action and how much it impacts those around us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSx98jbt37Y&feature=related

The Road Not Taken

Matthew 7:13-14 (New International Version)
The Narrow and Wide Gates 13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Read it While You Can

Amos 8:11
"The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.


Many times we take things for granted until we don't have them and we realize how much they meant to us. For example when storms come and we lose power and water we realize how we take them for granted. Do we read God's Word everyday? Or because it is so available to us we just take it for granted. I talked to a friend yesterday who had been suffering from migraines. He said the worst part was that he was not able to read his Bible when he had one of those headaches. Take the time each day to read some of God's Word and let it speak to your heart. Read it while you can.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNww8F6G9U8&feature=related

Jeff Nichols

Are You an Unfinished Work?

Philippians 1:6

God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.

The picture on the left represents many of our lives. God begins a work in us and then we walk away and do not allow Him to continue what He started. There is a plan for this building a blueprint but it remains a drawing and not a completed work. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us God has a plan for our lives but many times we do not allow Him to finish. We drop out of Church, stop reading the Bible, we don't pray, or fellowship with other Christians. What interrupts our Christian growth? Sometimes a new love interest that does not share our belief in God, a new job, moving to a new place, a great loss that makes us bitter towards God. Allow God to finish what He started in your life. Pray right now that today is the day that construction begins again.

Listen to this great song by Steve Green. Click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNjZlHARnEk

By Your Side

It's easy to search for love and acceptance in all of the wrong places. As a college student, I get discouraged over insignificant things. A low test grade can turn a good day into an awful one, simply because it makes me feel as if I failed at something important. School is an aspect of my life that defines me. An argument with a friend or family member has the same negative effect. The people in my life define me. The idea of being single and "lonely" can also get a 19 year old down in the dumps. Significant others and my relationship status define me. The things that define us give us praise, love, and joy, but they can also let us down. My faith in God is another aspect of my life that defines me. However, God NEVER lets me down. He is ENOUGH for all of our hopes, dreams, and desires. We do not have to "earn grace." It is given to us by the One who created us and saved us. God is beside us in all of those moments we are afraid, lost, confused, and in need of a friend. That should make every day a good day!:)

-Olivia Morgan Shipp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8eUjk0ECZY&feature=related

2 Corinthians 12:9
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Rules vs. Relationship

Galatians 2:16

know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

It is so sad that people long ago turned Christianity into a set of rules; do's and dont's It is even sadder that people today still practice that misguided Religion. Christianity is so much more that a list of Rules, Regulations and Rituals it is a RELATIONSHIP. It is an eye opening, life changing, purpose giving, exciting, loving, Relationship with Jesus Christ. Why reduce something like that to a list of rules. That my friends is the difference between Religion and Christianity. Religion is man's attempt to reach God, Christianity is God's attempt to reach man.

Jeff Nichols

Come Now is the Time to Worship

Move Your Clocks Forward this coming Saturday March 13 or you will miss your time to Worship

Click on the Link below and turn UP the speakers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPWq8eM4lu8

Seeing Eye to Eye

Romans 12:18

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Sometimes it appears as though Christians must put up with all sorts of ill treatment and simply turn the other cheek. We must forgive 70 times 7 as Jesus told Simon Peter. Does that mean we must let people run over us and abuse us and never say anything, NO. This passage in Romans makes it clear that we must try to get along and are expected to forgive, however some people make that impossible. They are just difficult. As far as it is possible with us we should live at peach with everyone but sometimes it is just not possible. We do not need to be ugly to the person simply avoid them. Maybe with time the situation will get better but maybe not We can not always see eye to eye on everything with everyone.

Where are You Going?

Proverbs 20:24

A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?

Well you know where you have been. The question now is, where are you going? Do you have a plan, a dream, a vision? Are you doing anything about it? For six years I was Dean of Students at a small Bible College in North Carolina. A lady came in to talk to me about returning to school. She always wanted to attend college and pursue a degree to learn more about the Bible. At the end of our talk she said, " But maybe this is silly. I am 52 years old and in four years I will be 56." Then I asked her how old she would be in four years if she did not return to school. I was standing on the platform when she received her degree, she hugged me and cried and then looked me in the eyes and said, Thank You. Where are you going?

Jeff Nichols

Anchor Baptist Church

Wilmington, N.C.

Fruit of the Vine

John 15:5

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Don't these grapes look delicious? But, once they are picked they begin to die because they are separated from their source of life. We are like that. Once we are grafted into Christ we receive what we need to bear much fruit but we can do nothing apart from Him. He is the source of abundant and Eternal life.

Now That is Good Sleeping

Ecclesiastes 5:12

People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep.

There is no pillow quite as soft as a clear conscience. I read that somewhere once and it is so true. The passage from Ecclesiastes reminds us that money is not everything. Many who have it worry about keeping it or making more. The writer of Ecclesiastes had more of it than anyone and yet Solomon had no peace. More is never enough for some people. The Apostle Paul said he had learned the secret of being content. What is that secret? I believe the secret is " To want what I have, and take what I'm given with Grace." Sweet Dreams

Thank You

What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to watch this short video and then think of something to Thank God for. If it is a person let them know and be sure to thank God from Whom all blessings flow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG9Pndqq13s

Looking More Like Him Every Day

Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

The More Time you spend with God the more we take on His nature. We begin to develop the mind of Christ so that we reflect Him in our actions and attitudes. We can spend time with Him in Prayer and Bible Study and listening to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in our lives. If we do these things we look and act a little more like Him every day. The song link below is something to think about for parents.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSx98jbt37Y

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

In life it is always good to have a friend you can count on. A friend is someone who is coming in when the rest of the world is going out. You always know that you can count on them no matter what. Why not call your friend this week and take them to lunch and tell them how much you appreciate them. Also we have no closer or more committed friend than Jesus. So ,we should also take the time to express our love and appreciation for Him today.

Olympic Advice

1 Timothy 4:7 (New Living Translation)
7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

Have you been watching the Olympics? The downhill skiers are traveling over 90mph and Ski Jumpers are jumping over 600 feet or two football fields. Now, what would happen if you or I strapped on a pair of skies and tried to run the downhill or go off the big jump? CRASH and BURN. Why, because we have not trained ourselves to do it. That is why so many people make such big mistakes and destroy their lives. They have not taken the time to train themselves, discipline themselves and so they are constantly crashing. We see it on the news all the time. People who are rich, educated, privileged, checking into rehab over and over. Moving from one unsuccessful relationship to another. Making huge amounts of money and finding themselves broke. No discipline, no training spells certain disaster on the slopes and in life.

Let's Be Friends

1 Peter 4:8-9

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
9Be hospitable to one another without complaint.

Today try to speak a kind word or words of encouragement to everyone you meet. Make it a point to compliment someone concerning their work or appearance. Your words might be the first kind words they have heard in days. They could have had a terrible weekend or just received bad news of some sort. Words are powerful and have the ability to Heal or Harm. Speak some Healing words into someones life today.

Jeff

"Signs" of the Times

Psalm 14:1

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God"

These signs, and more like them, are showing up on buses all across America. They are sponsored by Atheists and Secular-Humanist groups. I would like to make a brief comment concerning each one of the signs.

1. "Don't Believe in God? You are not alone." The sign in and of itself is true. You are not alone. There are millions of people who do not believe in God. The, "You are not alone", part is also very true. Truth is you will never will be alone. Not now or for all eternity. For the Bible says that the path that leads to destruction is a wide path are there are many who travel it. So, even though you will be surrounded by millions for all Eternity I really don't think it will be a great consolation or bring much comfort.

2. "Atheism, Celebrate Reason!" Is it really Reasonable to believe there is not a God? The laws of Physics say " Matter can neither be created nor destroyed." Really? Then how did it get here? Scientists have a hard time answering that question. I have a suggestion...Check out the first 5 words in Genesis.

3. "You can be good without God" This sign is also true but does not go far enough. You may be good without God but you can not go to heaven without God. So the sign should say "You can be good, and lost, without God."

These signs may appear to be clever by the people who design and pay for them but, Philippians 3:19 says "their end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

I am not happy about this fact and I pray that they will find Christ and Eternal Life in Him.

I encourage you to send this piece to everyone you can. Right click on the link below and then choose COPY then right click in your e-mail and click PASTE. I am leaving this up through the weekend and welcome your comments

http://anchorbaptistwilmington.blogspot.com/

This Way Out

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Having trouble? Struggling with a certain temptation or sin? A problem has overtaken your life? With every problem, temptation, failure, there is a WAY OUT. God has provided it. Just like the sign in this picture pointing people in the direction they must go to get out. The problem is not that we don't see the sign but that we don't follow the sign. We think we know a better way or that we can find an alternate route. Today whatever it is that is bothering you look for God's sign post to find the way out. As a matter of fact this devotion may be serving as that sign right now.

Let Us Pray

This morning at 7:30am Vickey Stallings will be wheeled into an operating room at Chapel Hill to remove a brain tumor that was detected last week. I would ask all of you to pray for her and those that operate on her today. Pay that she has a full and complete recovery. Also pray for Stan as he waits through this 5 hour proceedure that he will sense God's pressence and peace

Can You See Him?

Ezekiel 1:28

As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking.

In this vision Ezekiel was trying to describe the Glory of God. He used the example of a Rainbow. We see God's Glory in so many ways. Through answered prayers, the birth of a child, the majesty of Natures portraits, or in a quiet moment when we sense the presence of God in our life. Sometimes a song will make us aware of God's amazing grace, patience, love, forgiveness,mercy. He speaks to us in so many ways. Are you Listening are you looking for God today? If so, I am sure He will make Himself known to you. I encourage you to click on the link below and see if you do not feel the presence of God

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzqbNuZMURs

Want to get Baptized?

Romans 6:4

Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

There was a travelling evangelist going from city to city preaching the Gospel. A young man asked if he could travel with him and learn. The evangelist agreed and at the end of each revival he would baptize all the new converts in the local river or lake. Each time he had one of these baptismal services the young man asked to be baptized and the evangelist would tell him that he was not ready yet. One day he finally agreed to baptize the young man. The young man was so excited as he waded out into the water. The evangelist placed his hands on him and lowered him under the water. The young man started up but the evangelist held him down, Then he started to panic and was struggling to surface but the evangelist held him under. Finally he pulled him up coughing and spitting and gasping for air. "Why did you hold me under", he asked. The evangelist asked the young man, "when you were under the water what did you want more than anything else?" AIR was the young mans response. The old man looked at him and said, "When you want Christ that much it is time to get baptized."

Valentine Day

James 1:27

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

I remember one Valentines Day visiting a shut-in elderly lady. When I went in she had a deflated Valentine balloon proudly displayed on a chair. I mentioned it and asked who had brought the balloon to her for Valentines Day. She said, "Oh no this is from last year." She had taken the balloon folded and stored it and brought it back out to remember that someone loved her. We will be hurrying around to buy flowers and gifts for those we love. But, if you really want to make a difference in someones life this year go and visit someone who is a shut-in, or in a nursing home, or hospital. You will not only make their day but maybe their year. If you don't know someone contact me and I can help you. Happy Valentines Day.

"Valley Moments"

The 23rd Psalm goes on to say that I will fear no evil for You are with me. That You refers to the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ. He walks with us through the valleys. We all face difficult times and difficult situations. It brings me great comfort to know that during those moments that God is right beside me. I memorized the 23rd Psalm so that when I experienced a

"Valley Moment" I could recite the Psalm to myself and each time I have done that it has brought me great comfort. I would encourage you to do the same. Just print a copy of the 23rd Psalm and read it over and over, in waiting rooms, traffic, after lunch, on breaks, before you go to bed, and very soon you will have memorized this great passage. I promise it will make a very big difference in your life if you will do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI9eNCWrUN4&feature=related

Can You Feel It?

Growing up my father loved to fly kites and he always included my brother and I when he went. He also taught us how to make our own kites. So, when I had children I did the same thing with them. One day we were flying kites and the wind was blowing just right. I got another spool of kite string and sent the kite way out. Then I got fishing line and tied it on and the kite was so small in the distance that you could hardly see it at all, then suddenly it disappeared all together. A neighbor came out and asked me what I was doing. I said, "I am flying a kite." The neighbor looked and strained and finally said, "I can not see a kite." I explained that I had attached so much string that the kite was now out of sight completely. After a moment they asked, "How do you know it's still there?" I looked over and smiled and said,"I can still feel the pull." That is how it is with God. Many people want proof of God's existence. I have several good arguments but eventually it takes a step of faith. Personally I know He is there because, I can still feel the pull. God tries to lead me and guide my life. Give me direction and purpose. Like a Good Shepard He tries to pull me away from dangerous areas and back on to the right path. I hope you will always feel that pull in your life and thank God each time you do, and if you get a chance on a nice clear day soon why not try flying a kite with the kids. I will never forget those times with my dad.

Check out this beautiful song by clicking on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJt78dt7Tys&feature=related

Wouldn't That Be NIce

Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

Ever use this this button? I use it all the time. Make a mistake,delete. Don't like what you wrote, delete. Write something out of anger in an e-mail, delete. When you do it's just like you never did it, wrote it, said it. That is what David is asking God to do in this passage...Delete his sin, blot it out, forgive him for it. Well my friends I have good and bad news concerning this thought. God will Delete your sin as if it had never happened. It will not be held against you and that is good news. However, God does not blot out or delete the consequences of our sins. We still have to deal with those but, He will help us with that if we allow Him to. If you sin confess it and ask for forgiveness and for God to Blot Out your transgression and then, ask Him to help you deal with the consequences of your actions. If you don't like this Devotion you know which button to push.

What You Won't Hear

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

In case you have been living in a cave the Saints and Colts will play in the Super Bowl this coming Sunday

This week we will hear way more than we ever wanted to know about these two teams. They will be analyzed and talked about and interviewed for the next 7 days. But, here is what you will not hear about the two quarterbacks, Peyton and Brees. They are both Born Again Christians with a very strong testimony for Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. Given the opportunity I am sure they will mention that if interviewed . I have included an interview with Drew Brees on the link below. I hope both of these players will take advantage of their position and popularity to share what is really important in life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0buCfbFuHw

Change Will Come

Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 3Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.

Change is inevitable. We have had a very cold winter here in Wilmington but when I look at pictures from up North of houses covered in snow it is not so bad. Thursday here was a beautiful day but we are expecting very cold weather and possible snow this weekend. We are ready for a change of weather. We would like to be with these guys in the picture...Lucky Dogs. On a more serious note I expect that the people of Haiti would like a change from what they have been going through for the past several weeks. People here in the United States who have lost their homes, retirements, and jobs would also like a change. Change is such a powerful word that I believe that one word might have won the last Presidential election. Be assured of this ...things will change. If you don't think so pull out your high school yearbook and take a peak at You and then the mirror. The Bible tells us in this passage that when things happen, when changes come, put your trust and Faith in God for He never changes. He will be there for you in the good times and the bad, and in your final moments of life as the change comes from temporary to Eternal God will lead you home if you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior and Changed your status from Lost to Saved.

In God We Trust

Job 6:18

"The paths of their course wind along,They go up into nothing and perish.

We must allow God to chart our course. There is a way that seems right to man but it's end is destruction. Are we paying attention today to where we are going, if not we might end up just like this guy.

Enjoy this song, click on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiYgpPB1kwU

Get Involved

Nehemiah 4:6

So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.

Nehemiah had returned to Jerusalem from captivity and found that the walls of the city were destroyed. He enlisted the help of the people and in a very short time the people had erected the walls to half their original height

Nehemiah 6:15

So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.

In 52 days the walls were re-built. Why? Because, the people worked with all their heart. As Christians we must get involved. We have seen what has happened to our country because we were silent. Prayer has been removed from schools. Our Nation has turned away from God and in the name of Political Correctness has embraced every form of godless ideology that has come down the road leaving the influence of Christianity a mere shadow of what it once was. It is said that we are a silent Majority, I believe we should be come an active Minority. If one person can remove Prayer from schools what can Millions of people who call themselves Christians accomplish if the GET INVOLVED.

It's all About the Dog Gone Fellowship

Hebrews 10:25

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

The Church is all about fellowship and encouraging one another, because the Church is all about people. We are told to never neglect the assembling of ourselves but it goes so much deeper than just Sunday Morning Worship. Take the guys in this picture for example, they are just enjoying being together. Sharing good moments and bad, praying for one another, making great memories together. Get involved at your Church. If you are just attending on Sunday morning you are missing so much of what the Church is all about.

You Think This Is Dangerous

Psalm 53:1

The fool says in his heart,"There is no God."

First please click on this link and watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIjC7DjoVe8

This has to be one of the most dangerous occupations a person could have. If you are like me it made you nervous just watching him crawl on those power lines. But, if you think that is dangerous, how would you like to stand before God and all of Eternity and know that you never believed in Him or accepted Christ. You were also aware that there were only two eternal destinations and that you had just been told you were not going to Heaven. Only a Fool has said in his heart there is no God.

Do You Have an Answer?

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Do you know how many Muslims are in the world? Do you know the country with the largest Muslim population? Do you know how many Muslims live in the United States? Is Jesus mentioned in the Quran? Do you know the two major divisions of Muslims in the world? Do Muslims believe in the virgin birth of Christ? Do Muslims believe in Heaven and Hell and a Day of Judgement? Well, if you have been attending our Wednesday night Bible Study the last 4 weeks you know the answers to all these questions and many more. Are we just studying for the sake of knowledge, no we are not. We are trying to learn so that when we are given the opportunity we can witness to people of other faiths more effectively. In addition Christians must know what we believe and why. Many Christians do not know their Bibles, can not explain the Trinity, have no idea how to lead someone to Christ. It has been said that only 5% of Christians will ever lead another person to Christ. I would encourage everyone to get involved in a Bible Believing Church, where the Bible is preached in Truth and Love. A place where the life Changing truth of Jesus Christ is preached and demonstrated. A Church where you can discover your Spiritual Gifts and how to use them to Minister to others If someone were to ask you why you believe in Jesus Christ....Do You Have an Answer?

If you need answers to these questions or others please feel free to visit our website:

http://www.abcwilmington.com/

There are over 1 Billion Muslims in the World, the most populated Muslim country is Indonesia, and Jesus is mentioned in the Quran.... many times.

Nothing Lasts Forever...Right?

1 Peter 1:24-25e) 24
For,"ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, 25 BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER " And this is the word which was preached to you.

I read an article today about a Sun that is burning out. It is 550 light years away from earth and you can see pictures of it if you google Chi Cygni or go to the following link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34944132/ns/technology_and_science-space/?gt1=43001

This sort of gives you an idea of what will happen one day to our Sun. As they say Nothing Lasts Forever....Right? Well the Sun may not but the Son will, at least that is what the Bible says. Each day I get up and have faith that the Sun will rise but the Truth is one day it will not. Each day I get up and have Faith in the Son of God and that if I believe in Him and accept Him into my life then I will have eternal life. I have much more faith in the Son than I do the Sun. For we walk by faith and not by sight. So even if the Sun does not RISE tomorrow if you believe in Christ You will.

Who Said It?

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

Whatever it is that we are called to do we must do it to the best of our ability. If we rescue people, teach children, lay brick, sweep streets, work on an assembly line do it as if you were working for God because as Christians our work reflects God. People watch us to see how we work, live, laugh and love others. We are a witness for God each day that we live. So, today whatever you do, give it your all and we can make a difference In the world and in peoples lives.

First quote: Martin Luther King Jr.

Second Quote: King Solomon Ecclesiastes 9:10

Make Up Your Mind America

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing

There have been many rulings by our Supreme Court against Public Prayer. Our Government discourages prayer or references to God. There is an anti-Christian bias prevalent in today's society. No Bible, no prayer, no references to God. But, let something happen on a major scale and the liberal media and our Government and our Country goes running to God like a scared school child. Remember September 11,2001? All of a sudden everyone seemed to believe in prayer and everyone was calling on God for help. What a fickle group. Make up your mind America either you believe in God and Prayer or you don't. Take a stand one way or the other and that goes for Christians or people who call themselves Christians. God is not some kind of cosmic magician that we can call on when we are in a jam. I am not a prophet and I do not know what the future holds but I do know who holds the future. I believe it is time for each one of us who call ourselves Christians to declare as Joshua did :

15"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Joshua 24:15

Having a Bad Day?

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Alarm clock did not go off this morning, could not find your favorite tie, car would not start, kids giving you are hard time on the way to school, can't open your e-mail? I bet the people in these pictures would trade places with you. These are pictures from the earthquake that happened yesterday in Haiti. 3,000,000 people have been affected.

No way to know yet how many are dead, homeless, lives will never be the same. Massive relief efforts are being put together and I am checking how how we can help as a Church. I will let you know as soon as I find out. It is always so amazing to me that when a catastrophe happens like this everyone is talking about prayer and God. I will close with a quote from a Haitian Senator. Have a GOOD and THANKFUL day

Dr. Louis-Gerard Gilles, a former senator, said as he helped. "Haiti needs to pray. We all need to pray together."

Here is a video from this mornings today show be sure and click on it.



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34838276#34838276

Got Steroids?

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

The Greek word for confess is homologeo. This word means, "to agree, admit, or acknowledge." In short, when used in the Bible it generally means to admit or acknowledge something that God already knows anyway. When we do that then God is able to forgive us and cleanse us and we can move on with our lives. Mark McGwire recently confessed to using steroids, something we all knew anyway. He broke the single season Home Run record held by Roger Maris. In 1998 McGwire hit 70 Home Runs breaking the Maris record of 61 that was set in 1961. Barry Bonds now holds the single season record with 73 Home Runs. He has not confessed, as of yet, to what the rest of America already knows. Now this is not a baseball lesson or a judgement against any of these players. This is an attempt to help each one of us understand that God already knows everything about us. He not only is aware of our actions but also our thoughts and motives. Who do we think we are kidding? If there is anything we have done that needs to be confessed to God DO IT TODAY so that you can receive God's forgiveness, and move on with your life with a clear conscience. If God sets you free you are free indeed. Oh yes, and Hank Aaron you are still "The Man."

Here's Your Sign

Ecclesiastes 10:3
Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool.

I heard a story about a man who came upon a sign just like this one. He read it and then decided that he would go ahead anyway and find a way through even though the message is very clear on the sign. He came to a bridge that had been washed out and realized that he had to go back. When he got back he found these words written on the back of the sign:

"Welcome Back Stupid"

I wonder how many of us are like that? As we read God's Word it clearly tells us what to do and not to do. Yet, we think we know best and so we proceed down roads that we know God would not have us travel. Then when it does not work out we try to blame God or others. How many times do we have to travel these roads before we begin to trust God's Sign-Posts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X3bHLRU-2I

Something to Consider

The Bible tells us we should pray for our leaders. I would like to encourage you to do just that since it seems they have LOST THEIR MINDS. Or maybe simply do not care about the American public anymore. Our government is proposing stricter screening and increased security and new laws to protect us from terrorists. Here is an idea...why not simply enforce the laws on the books. I am attaching a video of Muslim extremists speaking on the streets of New York. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6dgGI-ZJY0 There are laws on the books that enable our government to expel anyone who is threatening harm against the United States or it's citizens in the form of violence and treason.

In addition I am against the use of taxpayer money to defend the terrorist that tried to blow up flight 253 over Detroit on Christmas Day. It appears his intent was to kill himself in order to support his beliefs; maybe we should honor his intentions.
New Jersey, and several other states, are about to pass legislation that would allow ILLEGAL Aliens to receive in-state tuition rates for College. What about legal citizens receiving the same courtesy since we are the taxpayers that support the educational institutions.

The CEOs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have just received
Multi-million dollar bonuses for the great job they did this last year in running those two businesses. Does this not bother anyone?

Now my job as a minister is to preach the Gospel and not get involved in politics, that is my responsibility as a U.S. Citizen and, I do not want to blur the lines. So I am simply asking that you PRAY hard for these very confused, isolated, insulated, over paid, arrogant self serving elected officials. I know that very few of them read the legislation they impose on us but maybe some of them should at least take the time to read the Constitution. They are elected to Represent us and Serve the people. Maybe the American People should vote on their next pay raises instead of leaving that to them. I wonder how they would do?

In Christ,

Jeff

Come Let Us Woship

Psalm 95:6
Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

As you know our Nation is in the midst of extremely cold weather conditions. Some have even lost their lives because of the frigid cold. The Mayor of Memphis ordered all the utilities turned back on for people who had been cut off due to non-payment. We are also in the midst of the football playoffs. Many of these games will be played in conditions similar to those in the picture above. Millions of people will stay home from Church this coming Sunday because it is too cold. We all Worship something. The guys in this picture worship football and a little weather is not going to keep them from their god. What are the things that keep us from Worship? Too cold, too hot, too far, sermon too long, don't really like the music. I suppose if we don't want to go any excuse will do. I wonder what conditions were like on the Cross?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzRfB0oN6Wo

Who's Number 1 ??????

Luke 10:41-42

But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things;
42but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Between now and Thursday night we will hear more than we ever needed to know about both of these schools in the National Championship. This game will take on a life of it's own. But before we get too carried away let me ask you this...Who won the College Football National Championship in 1943, 1952, 1965, 1977, 1984, 1991, 2002, 2008? Out of these 8 how many did you get right? Oh you could google them and find out but how many of us really remember from year to year? In the passage above Martha was concerned about preparing dinner for Jesus and His Disciples but Jesus pointed out that only a few things are important and in the end really only 1. Do we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? The answer to that question is not a Trivial Pursuit it will determine where we spend Eternity. The Tide may Role and the Horns may Hook'Em but in the end God is and always will be Number 1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkjEscy05Yc

How Are You Doing?

Proverbs 16:2

All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.

Usually a set of scales figures in with our New Years resolutions. Most of us would like to lose some weight. We may feel like we are doing OK with our diet plan but the only

weigh (ha ha) to really know is to step on a set of these. Then the truth is revealed. The way people are living their lives may seem right to them but the only way to know is to measure our actions and motives by God's Word. People can see our actions but only God really knows our motives. Why do we do the things we do? We can fool some of the people some of the time but we can't fool God at all. When we step on His scales the Truth will be revealed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nvMkEkW4xM&feature=related

And They're Off

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

January 4, 2010 We are off and running. Resolutions in mind, goals on paper, dreams and visions of what this year might hold. How are you doing so far? Having a daily quiet time, attend Church yesterday, reading your Bible Daily, ( I won't even mention the diet). All of us have plans for 2010 but I wonder what God would have us do. Before starting this race let us lay aside anything that would hinder us from running well. Do we need to forgive someone, settle a debt, start or stop a habit, confess some failure to God and ask for forgiveness so we can move forward. This is not a sprint we are in, it is an endurance race..pace yourself. Ask God for the strength and courage and vision to run this race well. If you see a fellow runner fall down help them up, somewhere down the road they might do the same for you.

What Are You Building?

Ephesians 2:19-22

19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household,
20having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,
21in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,
22in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

Welcome to 2010. It's here like it or not, ready or not. As you look back across 2009 are you satisfied with what you accomplished or do you feel you could have done better. There is nothing we can do about 2009 but 2010 well, that's a very different story. We are all given a certain amount of talent and time to build our lives and do something while we are here. That goes for individuals and Churches. God is doing a great work with us as Anchor Baptist Church. He is placing the building blocks in place to provide a Church where people can:

Hear the Gospel presented Clearly

Worship God in our services and through our lives

Minister Globally and locally

Love one another

Discover your spiritual gift and use it for God's Glory

God has blessed us with a very talented and loving group of people and this last year He added many new members to our Church Body and I believe you will see amazing things happen in 2010 as God uses us for His Glory. I hope next year, at this time, as we look back at 2010 we will experience a sense of awe and wonder knowing that God used us and that we used our time and our talent for HIS Glory. I can not wait to see you all Sunday and to see what God has in store for us. Pray daily for one another and for our Church.