Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! What a great year our Lord gave to each of us in 2008.
While many are hurting economically I cannot remember a time when I have seen the New Prospect family do more for others than this Christmas season. So many have been blessed and helped. Thank you for being a giving people.

Renee Ashley and I want to wish each of you a Merry Christmas. Thanks for reading my blogs this year. Please continue to pray for me as I seek to lead our Church family into the New Year.

Bro. Ron

A Living Testimony on The Field and Off...

The college football regular season is over. As an Alabama fan, I have enjoyed this year. I am also a Tim Tebow fan. He had a great game in the SEC title game against the Tide. He was the difference in the fourth quarter. Now the Gators turn their attention to Oklahoma.
In the South we certainly know about Tim Tebow’s faith walk and some go as far as to say that it makes the difference for the Gators. I think being 6’3” and 230 lbs helps a lot! When Florida lines up against Oklahoma they will be looking at a record setting offense led by quarterback Sam Bradford. In the December 2008 Sharing the Victory FCA magazine, guess who was on the cover? It is Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. There is a tear-out poster in the magazine that has Sam pictured and 1 Corinthians 16:13 printed on it. This young Christian athlete is certainly a leader in FCA at OU.
So the BCS game has a Christian quarterback on both sides of the line. Who will win? They both will be prayed up. It is going to be fun to watch.
I am thrilled to see athletes stand for Jesus on and off the field of competition. So many others are looking up to these young leaders. Kids everywhere wear jerseys with #14 or #15 on them. It would be a good thing for us to pray for these young men to have testimonies that exalt the Lord – win or lose.

Bro. Ron

Have A Happy Thanksgiving!

I was thinking about Thanksgiving the other day and I read something that stopped me. It was this: “The pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts … nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” Boy, doesn’t that say a lot! Think about it. Our forefathers, the courageous men and women who came to this country on the Mayflower, had a pretty tough go of things. And in spite of a huge loss of life and incredible hardship they kept their faith and thanked God, when all they had was a place to live and the hope that they would grow or kill enough food to eat. Others had been wiped out before them and they might be next, but they gave thanks anyway.

Just think about that for a moment and then think about your life. We’ve all had pain in our lives, and you may have experienced hurt and suffering that is beyond what we think anyone should have to go through; yet we are called to pause and give thanks to God for His incredible blessings no matter what our circumstances. The apostle, Paul, wrote: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

(I Thessalonians 5:16)

Bro. Ron

Sowing The Seed in a Fertile World

I am reminded today of the parable of the sower. Jesus said some seed falls on good ground and brings forth fruit. Others are choked out by weeds. Our Lord described the thorns and weeds as the worry of this world and the deceitfulness of riches. If we are not careful these things can choke the fruitfulness of Word of God out of our lives.

We are living in days of worry and deceitfulness over money. Retirement accounts are on everyone’s mind. The stock market goes up and down like a yoyo. Big money bailouts and fraud dominate the news. Be careful not to get caught up in this world’s way of thinking. Sow the seed of faithfulness. It will grow and it will last.

Bro. Ron

A Challenge To Pray

America changed Tuesday evening at 10 p.m. when President-Elect Barack Obama received the concession remarks from Senator John McCain. In just over 70 days the new President will be sworn in. There is an excellent article by Dr. Al Mohler posted the day after the election. I hope you will take time to read it.
Make no mistake. America has taken a strong step to the left. Liberals poured millions of dollars into the Obama campaign and placed thousands of workers on the ground. Larger government is on the way. And when Supreme Court justices are put forth they will not be conservative. Family issues like marriage and abortion will need strong voices on a grass roots level. The Freedom of Choice Act will be pushed forward. And the new President has stated he will work to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.

This Sunday we will have a prayer time for the President-elect and his family. He will be my President. I pledge to pray for him. These days will demand a strong and wise leader.

Bro. Ron

A Teachable Moment?

The first grade class at Creative Arts Charter School in San Francisco recently took a field trip. Many classes do this. However, this one was a little different. Their teacher, Erin Carder, was getting married to her partner, Kerri McCoy. The city mayor, Gavin Newsom, was officiating. School officials approved the trip to the lesbian wedding by calling it a teachable moment. This is what happens in a state where gay marriage is sanctioned by Supreme Court judges. It has happened in California and also just recently Connecticut.

Teachable moments are important for first graders. The pro gay agenda is to teach children early that gay marriage is acceptable.

Florida and California will be voting on November 4, to define marriage as being only between a man and a woman. This is a needed wall of protection from Supreme Court judges who may try to legislate from the bench.

Pray for these two states as they vote the Bible convictions on November 4.

Bro. Ron

The Blessings of Missions in Romania

It's good to be back home after a couple of weeks sharing the gospel in Romania. Our team of 28 from 3 states, were a blessing to be part of. We shared Christ in several churches and villages, a prison, did VBS in a couple of churches and saw 270 people accept Christ as Savior. I want to thank New Prospect Baptist Church for their prayers and financial support. Each year they have gone the 2nd mile in allowing me to minister in Romania. I appreciate the staff and deacons for ministering to our people while I was away. I am already looking forward to 2009!

Bro. Ron

Romania Here We Come!

We have our team ready and prepared to travel to Romania to share the gospel and minister in the churches. Bro. Mike Goforth, our fearless leader has put together a fantastic team of 28 people from across Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. I want to thank our church family at New Prospect for their support and prayers. Each year they have gone the "2nd" mile in supporting me financially as well as through prayers. I think it is very commendable for churches to support their pastors as well as laymen in mission efforts. Sure, all God's people can pray but sometimes He moves us to do more than pray, he moves many of us to participate. Thank God for all our missionaries and churches that not only support missions at home but abroad.

Bro. Ron

Humor In School

School is in full swing. Teachers and students are up early getting the rooms ready, catching the bus and preparing lessons. Be much in prayer for the people involved in this school year.
A few days ago I ran across the account of the plight of a teacher. Enjoy…

After being interviewed by the school administration, the teaching prospect said,
“Let me see if I’ve got this right: You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning. You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.
You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job. You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial be behavior, and make sure that they all pass the state exams.
You want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.
You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.
You want me to do all this, and then you tell me……….I CAN’T PRAY?”

Bro. Ron

A Tribute To Johnny Stallings

If you want to be touched / inspired by how God uses disability, read the following article about Johnny Stallings and his father, Coach Gene Stallings. Johnny passed away last Saturday.

All I ever really needed to know, I learned from Johnny Stallings. You can go to the finest schools and get any advanced degree they offer. Or you can read all of the business and self

improvement books you want. But for a Ph.D in true wisdom, take a look at the life of Johnny Stallings. You may have never heard of Johnny. He had Down Syndrome. When he was born, 46 years ago in Alabama, the doctors said he wouldn’t live even a year or two because of a severe heart defect. Other well-meaning doctors advised his parents to put him in an institution. “In a year,” they said, “you’ll forget you ever had him.”But fortunately for all of us, Gene and Ruth Ann Stallings didn’t take their advice. They chose to treat Johnny as a vital part of their family. And we are all the better for it. As his father advanced his football coaching career — first at Alabama, then to Texas A&M, the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals and finally to a National Championship in 1992 at Alabama — Johnny was an integral part of the team. To Johnny, the most important person was the trainer. Trainers take care of the players,” he once said. “You can’t win without trainers.” To the day he died, Johnny Stallings wore a massive, diamond-encrusted National Championship ring on his frail fingers, which were tinged a grayish blue from the lack of oxygen caused by his heart condition. Johnny was front and center in that National Championship team photo. In fact, he was a part of every team his father coached, including the storied Dallas Cowboys. The players drew inspiration from him. When Johnny turned 40 years old, for example, his birthday party was attended by a Who’s Who of former NFL stars.

Johnny had some accomplishments of his own. He was featured with his father on a popular national United Way TV commercial, has a playground named for him at the RISE center in Tuscaloosa, had the athletic training facility at Alabama named for him, and won a “Change the World” award from Abilene Christian University. But perhaps the most important thing that Johnny Stallings accomplished is this: he taught us that it doesn’t matter what awards you win, or what worldly accomplishments you achieve, it is how you live your life that matters most. So what can we learn from Johnny Stallings?

• Every life matters. The life of Johnny Stallings teaches us that God can use anyone, no matter how insignificant in society’s eyes, to make an impact on others. Johnny had none of the things that you and I take for granted, but Johnny touched countless lives in ways none of us can even begin to imagine. Our materialistic, success-driven culture doesn’t really know what to do with people like Johnny. Society certainly didn’t know what to do with Johnny when he was born 46 years ago. But God did.

• See the good in everyone. “Be my friend.” When Johnny got to know you, you became his “friend.” And he never forgot you. Despite being mentally disabled, Johnny never forgot a name or a face. Johnny literally saw no evil in people. Johnny had more friends in his short lifetime than any of us will ever enjoy.

• Walk openly, simply and humbly with God. The Bible tells us, “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” That describes the way Johnny lived. He could barely read or write, but Johnny Stallings prayed the sweetest prayers you ever heard. He didn’t necessarily know the fine points of theology, but you could tell that he knew God. He walked with God, openly, simply and humbly. And everybody knew it, whether they acknowledged that God or not.

• Love unconditionally. In Johnny’s world, you didn’t keep score or attach strings to love. He loved unconditionally, all of the time.

• Smile. Laugh. Hug. The last time I saw Johnny, we brought him a T-shirt from Dreamland Barbecue in Tuscaloosa, one of his favorite places to eat. Johnny hugged us. He patted us. He smiled all of the time. Johnny was one of these people who always made everyone feel better just for having been around him. Who among us can say that about ourselves?

• Treasure every moment. Johnny, of course, was supposed to be put away in an institution. Doctors told them Johnny wouldn’t make it to age 4, and when he did, they then said he wouldn’t live past 11 because of heart and lung issues common to people with Down Syndrome. Then we always heard that Johnny wouldn’t live past 16. And on and on. So with Johnny, you treasured every moment.

• Little victories are the ones that matter the most. Everyone focuses on the championships, but with Johnny, you celebrated all of the little victories. Then, after a while, you realized that those are the ones that really matter the most.

•Trust God because He really does know best. Despite being frail and disabled, Johnny Stallings wore a National Championship ring. Every member of that 1992 Alabama team will tell you of Johnny’s impact on that team. Johnny Stallings literally changed the world and made everybody he met a better person — if only for that moment. Gene Stallings, a star football player, championship coach and tough enough to be one of Bear Bryant’s legendary Junction Boys, probably used to dream of a son who would be an impact player, who would change the world, make a difference and someday maybe — just maybe — wear a National Championship ring.

“ I prayed to God that He would change Johnny, but He changed me,”Coach Stallings once said in a speech. He added that if God offered him the choice of going back and having a “perfect” son without a disability or having Johnny, “I’d take Johnny every time.”

*Gregg Thompson is a 1972 graduate of Paris High School, former sports writer for The Paris News and currently director of corporate communications for Chick-Fil-A in Atlanta, Ga.

A great life story of Johnny Stallings,

Ron

Revival Blessings!

The Lord gave us a wonderful Revival this past week. We had great attendance and the Lord blessed in each service. I think our people enjoyed each service as was evident with our attendance each night. Our speakers brought God's Word and our music was inspiring. We had 6 precious souls saved and the altar was full each service. I had the priviledge of baptizing 5 of these on Sunday morning and evening. Pray for them as they begin their new walk with the Lord and start the process of discipleship. I want to thank our members for their prayers and faithfulness in this year's 13th revival celebration. I am already working on 2009! Continue to be faithful by inviting unchurched friends, co-workers and family to our services.

Revival Services Begins Sunday!

I am looking forward to our 13th Annual Revival Celebration beginning this Sunday, July 27-30. We have some of God's choice servants coming to share with us. Let me encourage all our members to invite your friends, co-workers to the services. God will bless and you can have part in these blessings. Bro. Tom Whitsett, of Hixson TN will start us off on Sunday morning at 11:00 AM and also in our evening services at 6:00 PM. Evangelist Jackie Kay of Millington TN, will be with us on Monday night, 7:00 PM. Jeff Steele and the Faith Baptist Choir of Vinemont AL will be with us on Tuesday night, 7:00 PM. Closing out our meeting will be evangelist Junior Hill of Hartselle AL. Shannon Knight, Guin AL will be leading our music. Let me encourage you to continue praying for real revival this coming week!

Ron

Tony Snow and Joy in Sickness

Tony Snow, Fox newscaster and former White House Press Secretary, died of colon cancer a few days ago. He was 53. He was a popular man in an arena where few men were.
Cal Thomas said of Snow, "Tony was transformed into a serious Christian, not only by reading the Bible and devotional books, but also applying the example of Jesus in his relationship with others."There was something about his manner, his demeanor that drew people to him.

President Bush called him "a man of character."
A committed Christian, his perspective on sickness and death is clearly biblical. At a Washington dinner last year he talked about his struggle with cancer. He said, "You have to learn something that is very hard in the modern era, and that is you have to give yourself to God, to surrender."
As to death he said, "When you die, you graduate. I don't worry about death. Sickness teaches there is joy in everything. Take joy in your sickness because a lot of times God is telling you: You may not know it, but you're more blessed than you realized." (Cal Thomas, Townhall.com, July 15)

His perspective sounds pretty biblical to me. James says, "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations."(1:2)

Ron

Revival Begins With Me!

Revival is a verb. Revival is not a noun. It is not a series of meetings, however long or short. Revival is a renewal of zeal in the people of God to love Him fully, to live for Him completely and to lead others to meet Him.
Some of the results of renewed zeal are deeper commitments to the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, worship, missions and evangelism. When revival occurs, unbelievers are saved and a spirit of anticipation of the movement of God is prevalent in worship. You expect God to move. You long for God to move. You open yourself to be moved.

It is sad when the norm is nothing. To twist horribly William Carey's words, some people believe that we should "Expect nothing from God. Attempt nothing for God." What is worse is when no one is broken over the fact that no one is being saved or transformed. Why is no one weeping over Jerusalem?

The story is told that a student pastor came to British pastor Charles Spurgeon one day and was burdened that no one was being saved when the student pastor preached.
Spurgeon replied, "You don't really expect someone to be saved every time you preach, do you?" The pastor replied, "No, not every time." Spurgeon then said, "That is exactly the problem."

We can lament statistics, we can produce reasoned causes for spiritual decline but we cannot deny there is a great need for revival.
I was in a meeting recently when the discussion of low baptisms and a lack of lasting spiritual renewal became the subject. Several ideas of why were voiced. Some stated a prevalence of apathy in the church body toward spiritual matters. Others said the problem was a result of cultural shifts in America.
It's one thing to identify a problem, it's another thing to find a solution. There are two obvious solutions: One is a corporate and the other is individual.

The corporate solution is that bodies of believers must recognize and repent of the sin of failure to be salt and light in the community where God has planted them. This statement is not directed at the church that is attempting to be salt and light and the community is not responding. After all, William Carey spent seven years in India before one person became convinced of the claims of Christ. It is a statement against complacency.
The Bible says, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). Christians quote the verse often, but seldom heed it.

The individual solution is in that Old Testament verse. A collective response is made up of individuals who respond. One New Testament complement of this Old Testament message is found in Romans 12:1-2, "Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Paul deals with the individual so that in subsequent verses he can deal with the collective body of believers. When you surrender your life to the Lord, collectively the church can function as a healthy body of believers, using individual gifts to influence the world for Christ.
I truly believe the answer to the problem is not in "them." The answer to the problem is in "me." I can only control what I do. I can't control my wife, my daughter, my neighbor or anyone else. But, I have complete control of me.

If I humble myself, pray and seek God's face, and turn from my evil ways, then God will hear from heaven, forgive my sins and heal my land. If I present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is my spiritual worship. If I will not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind, then I may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Nothing will happen in my church collectively, if it doesn't begin in me individually.

Revival is a verb. It is a verb that needs a subject; me.

*Above Picture includes: Ron Horton, Sammy Gilbreath, Price Harris. Men who long to see real Revival in our churches...

Ron

Thirty Day's To Live?

Today is July 2. 2008 is half gone. We are now in the second half of the year. What is it you need to do before 2009 arrives? It is time to get started.

Pastor Kerry Shook and his wife Chris wrote a book entitled, "Thirty Day's To Live." What a challenge! A very strong word to the reader as one takes inventory of their life for thirty days. The opening question in chapter one asks, “If you had thirty days to live what five things would you change about your life?” I have made my list. Now I have work to do.

Bro. Ron

Vacation Bible School Blessings

We finished up our Vacation Bible school this past Friday night. What a week it was! We praise the Lord for His blessings upon us each night. We ended up with these numbers for the week: We enrolled 193 and had an average attendance of 188 each night. We had 13 professions of faith and 2 public rededications. Praise the Lord! I had the opportunity to baptize 2 of those this past Sunday morning. I want to thank all of our workers for a wonderful week and giving of themselves. I mentioned in the family night service on Friday night, that Bear Bryant once said about not having a hesiman trophy winner at the University of Alabama, "We are more interested in championships!" Team effort! That's what it takes to serve our Lord. We are all in this thing together. There are no super stars in serving Jesus. I thank all of our workers for a job well done! "To Him be glory in the church!"

Ron

Outrigger Island Here We Come!

This coming Saturday morning we will begin our kick-off for our VBS this year. We begin at 10:00 AM and will conclude at 12:00 noon. Let me encourage you to invite and bring guests to the kick-off and and VBS this coming week. Our VBS begins this Sunday (June 15-20) from 6:00 - 8:30 PM nightly. We have so many workers that have spent many hours in preparation for this years Bible School. I want to thank each and every one for their time well spent in preparation. I know the Lord will bless our labor and prayers for this years VBS. Thank you for investing in kingdom work!

Ron

A Wife's Final Tribute

The night before the burial of her husband’s body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of “Cat,” and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. “I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,” she said. “I think that’s what he would have wanted.”

As many families deal with the loss of loved ones, let us never forget the sacrifice that has been made for our freedom.

Ron

Preach The Word

"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2)

I heard of one graduate of a theological school who determined to follow his professor's advice and preach the Word only. His crowds were average. Then one day a cyclone hit the little town and he yielded to the temptation to preach on the topic "Why God Sent the Cyclone to Centerville." The church was packed. This shook the young preacher and he went back to ask his professor for further advice in the light of what had happened. Should he continue to preach the Word to smaller crowds or try to fill his church by preaching sermons a bit more sensational? The old man did not change his mind. "If you preach the Word," he told the inquirer, "you will always have a text. But if you wait for cyclones you will not have enough to go around."

Lord, help us to remain faithful in preaching your Word!

Ron

Golf Tournament A Great Success

We had our first of two missions golf tournaments this past Saturday at Deer Run course in Moulton. We had a great number of teams playing and we raised several thousand dollars for our mission trip to Romania this fall. We have around 32 people making the trip this year and I am excited about what the Lord will do in our lives as well as the Romanian people.

I want to thank all of our people at New Prospect for their support and prayers in preparation of the golf tournament. Many of them have supported this mission effort for the past seven years through giving, serving and praying. Paul tells us in his second epistle to the Corinthians, "We are laborers together with God." That is exactly what He has called each of us to do; to labor together with each other. Some plants, some waters, but God gives the increase!

Ron

Graduation And Mother's day

Friday was a big day for our family. Ashley graduated from Wallace State College. We sat a long way from the stage. As over 500 graduates walked in everyone was looking for theirs. I looked for her as the graduates entered the building. Finally, I did see her in the long line. Funny how we know our own. Jesus says He knows His sheep and they hear His voice. In that same manner I recognized our daughter Ashley. Renee and I are proud of her. Now it is on to the next phase for her. I ask you to pray for Ashley as she makes this transition. Paying for your own gas is a shock to grads that have been using Dad’s card!

Sunday was also Mother’s Day. It was delightful to be with our mother's. Renee and I both are blessed to have our mother's and we thank God for them. My mom will be 82 years old on June 22. As I preached this past Sunday, I know it was a very difficult day for some because their mother is no longer with them. She has gone home to be with the Lord and her presence is no longer around. I know they must miss their mother's and I pray for each person that is minus theirs. Abraham Lincoln once said, "No man is poor that has a godly mother..." So true!

Ron

Vacation Bible School 2008

Our Vacation Bible school this year will held on June 15-20. We will meet each night from 6:00 - 8:30 PM. There are classes for everyone including a nursery for the little ones. This years theme, "Outrigger Island" will be an exciting Bible school for everyone in our church. I know our workers and children are looking forward with anticipation to the Bible studies, crafts, missions, recreation and snacks. Our kick-off will be held on Saturday June 14 at our church. Make your plans now to invite someone and enjoy a week of "outrigger Island."

Ron

HOW MUCH IS A MOTHER WORTH?

This afternoon at 6:00 PM, we had our "Mother/Daughter Banquet," at New Prospect. There were over 100 present and everyone had a wonderful time. Emily Head shared about her experiences with her late mother, Janice Wakefield and the ideas behind her book, "Heaven: And How to Get there." I know the ladies were blessed and I thank God for Sharon Alexander and the countless hours preparing for the conference.

Mother's Day is just one week away, May 11th. There are many things that I could say about "Mother's, Stay-at- home moms, etc. But for the most part, "their price is far above rubies."

What would the typical stay-at-home mother make if she were paid for her work should as a housekeeper, cook or psychologist.
Salary.com compiled the information and judged it to be $138,000 yearly. Their research said the typical mother puts in a 92-hour work week, thus giving her 40 hours base pay and 52 hours overtime.
Here are some of the jobs comprising a mother's work: housekeeper, cook, day care center teacher, laundry machine operator, van driver, facilities manager, janitor, computer operator, chief executive officer and psychologist! (Reuters, 5-2)As we approach Mother's Day Sunday after next, all of us know there is really no way to calculate the worth of a good, godly mother. The monetary figure barely scratches the surface. Thank God for mothers!

*Picture above is a young mother from Romania, taken at the Esther Foundation...(6-10-07)

Ron

"Yet you do not have because you do not ask." (James 4:2)

There was a saying of George Mueller that faith grows with use. If we would have great faith we must begin to use the little faith we already have. Put it to work by reverent and faithful praying, and it will grow and become stronger day by day. Dare to trust God for something small and ordinary and next week or next year you may be able to trust Him for answers bordering on the miraculous.

Everyone has some faith, said Mueller; the difference among us is one of degree only, and the man of small faith may be simply the one who has not dared to exercise the little faith he has.
According to the Bible, we have because we ask, or we have not because we ask not. It does not take much wisdom to discover our next move. Is it not to pray, and pray again and again till the answer comes? God waits to be invited to display His power in behalf of His people. The world situation is such that nothing less than God can straighten it out. Let us not fail the world and disappoint God by failing to pray.

Ron

Compel People To Come In

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."
(Mark 16:15)

People need the Lord. But they will never know the Lord unless you and I are willing to share Jesus with our world. It's what God has called every one of us to do.

In Luke 14, beginning in verse 15, Jesus tells a story, or parable, of a beautiful banquet that has been prepared. But when the master of the house says, "Invite the guests," all the guests begin to make excuses. They all reject the master's invitation. So the master says, "Fine, go tell the blind, the lame, the maimed; go into the highways and hedges, go into the streets, the lanes, the back alleys and invite all of those folks to come in."

This parable gives us important insight into our responsibility to share the gospel. First, verse 21 shows who is to go and extend the invitation to the banquet, the servants. If we are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, it's our job to share Christ to issue the invitation to his "banquet" of salvation.

Next, it shows how we are to go. Verse 22 says, "And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in.'" We're to go and share the gospel in every form and every fashion with every kind of method that we can use that honors God!

Third, we are shown who are we to go to. Verse 21 again shows us that we're to go and reach the poor: the physically poor, materially poor, spiritually poor. All are poor without the Lord Jesus Christ.
And when are we to go? Again, verse 21 says we're to go quickly. There's never been an opportunity better than right now.

Finally, we are told in verse 23, why are we to go. "That my house may be filled." Jesus is talking about His heavenly house, and He is looking for us to reach more and more people who need to hear the invitation of the Lord Jesus Christ to spend eternity with Him.
God has prepared the banquet of salvation. Are you willing to be His servant, going to a spiritually hungry world and extending His invitation to come and dine with Him for eternity? I hope your answer is YES!

Above is a picture of Evangelist Junior Hill and myself at New Prospect Baptist church. Bro. Junior has preached in over 1300 revivals and multitudes have come to faith in Christ from his faithfulness to the gospel. Like the passage of scriputure above, he has been faithful inviting people to Jesus for over 50 years. "Well done, thy good and faithful servant!"

Ron

Overcoming Distractions

"But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Matthew 6:6)

Among the enemies to devotion none is so harmful as distractions.
Whatever excites the curiosity, scatters the thoughts, disquiets the heart, absorbs the interests or shifts our life focus from the kingdom of God within us to the world around us, that is a distraction; and the world is full of them. Our science based civilization has given us many benefits but it has multiplied our distractions and so taken away far more than it has given....
The remedy for distractions is the same now as it was in earlier and simpler times: prayer, meditation and the cultivation of the inner life. The psalmist said "Be still, and know," and Christ told us to enter into our closet, shut the door and pray unto the Father.
It still works....

Distractions must be conquered or they will conquer us. So let us cultivate simplicity; let us want fewer things; let us walk in the Spirit; let us fill our minds with the Word of God and our hearts with praise. In that way we can live in peace even in such a distraught world as this. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you."

Ron

Soul Winning Messages

This Sunday I will begin a two part series of messages on "Soul Winning." Our text will be Romans 9:1-5. We will study the desire of the apostle Paul to see his people, the Jews, come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I look forward seeing you with open Bible, receptive heart and a burden for souls.

Our 6th Annual Romania Mission Golf Tournament is just a few weeks away, May 17. This is a 4 Man Scramble tournament and the only cost is $50 per man or $200 per team. I still need Hole Sponsors and if your business, Sunday school class, civic group, etc; would like to be a sponsor, just contact me by phone or email ronhorton@centurytel.net You can also register online at http://www.newprospectweb.org/ We will begin the tournament with lunch at 11:30 AM and have a "putting contest" and start the tournament around 1:00 PM. Pray for "dry weather!"

This tournament is all about "soul winning" overseas in Romania. The picture above is me presenting Pastor Irinel Cazacu of Ploesti Romania, partnership support for their mission churches.
The money raised in our golf tournament will go toward helping churches in Romania reach their neighbors, friends and family with the gospel. There is "no business like Soul Business!"

Bro. Ron

Welcome to Ron's Blog!

Well,
I finally joined the world of the bloggers. I hope this new means of communication will be a source of inspiration as well as information.
As I write these words, I am reminded once again of the brevity of life. I have had so many friends pass through the "valley of the shadow of death" in these past few months. For those who have received the Lord as their Savior, it is but a glorious journey. He has gone before them to "prepare a place" far better than any place I have ever been or seen. I know that many of their loved ones miss them deeply. I miss them as well. But those who knew Jesus would never want to come back to this land but rather stay in the "land that is fairer than day." We may not have much longer ourselves. We need to be sharing our faith with those that are not prepared to make the appointment, but will one day (Heb. 9:27). I have been blessed to serve as a pastor for 18 years in two different churches. I have conducted many funeral services but never preached a single persons funeral. They did that while they were alive on planet earth. Today, Lord help all of us to preach it well.

Ron