Bro Ron's Blog

Our Steps are Ordered by the Lord

2009-09-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine was telling me the other day that runners now can have tracking devices implanted in their shoes. And with these little chips, race officials can track them wherever they are in the race.

That same chip will send a computerized message to a select group of friends so they can keep up with the runner’s progress. It’s amazing. A tiny chip tracking every step!

Now, if man can figure out something like that, don’t you think God knows where you and I are at all times, what we’re doing, and where we are going? Of course, he does, and he doesn’t need a chip! That’s because “The steps of a man are established by the lord, when he delights in his way.”

But you see, God is not just tracking your steps. He is orchestrating them as well. So when you veer off course, he gently helps you make adjustments, giving you opportunities to get back on track. God directs your steps… as well as your stops!

If your heart takes joy in pleasing God, seek his will daily. Then you can rest assured that your steps are ordered by the Lord.

You are right in his center of vision. God is literally keeping track of you because of his love for you. This is his promise!

Bro. Ron

Is It A Crime To Pray At School?

2009-08-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

America is the greatest nation on the planet. However, some things are changing. I am 50 years old and the nation is vastly different now than when I was a child. Illegal immigrants, secularization of public schools, and Muslims living here in numbers which make them a religious percentage of the population are just a few of the things that have changed. This list could be very long. I often hear people say, “This nation is in trouble.” And I must agree. We are in need of a revival of God’s people and a fresh boldness to stand.

I recently read an article about Pace High School principal Frank Lay. His case is now being handed over to the criminal court. Of what crime is he accused? He asked Athletic Director Robert Freeman to pray before a meal where a small group of boosters came together on campus to celebrate the completion of the new field house. Someone in attendance was offended and reported the “prayer crime.” The recent ACLU suit left the school district with a court order that prohibits any religious expression. So the principal and athletic director were in violation. Here we are in America. A 30+ year worker in the public school system is going to court in September for asking a blessing before a meal on school grounds. I am telling you this is not America. This is not what the forefathers risked all for. This is not what young men and women bled for defending this country. To quote the Commander in Chief on another issue: this is acting stupidly. But, this is the America we live in today. Socialism is next. Then comes communism. If we do not stand with Mr. Lay, they will come and take us away next.

Pray for these men as they stand for what is right and may their tribe increase!

Bro. Ron

2009-06-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful mission trip in Romania this year with 16 team members traveling to Bucharest and Cluj. Our Lord gave us a great harvest of 144 souls saved and encouraged the churches and saints of God. We are greatful for Bro. Mike Goforth for leading us for several years and making a difference there. The people of Romania are such a blessing to our team and we have made lasting friends. We are thankful to the churches we serve, families and individuals for their prayers and support. We are already making plans for 2010.

Here We Go Again!

2009-05-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to traveling back to Romania in a few weeks with our team from 4 states. The Lord has truly blessed our efforts the past several years as I have been part of the mission teams. I thank God for our church at New Prospect Baptist, that has allowed me to minister around the world. They have helped financially, prayed and supported wherever they could to be involved. What a blessing it is to be able to share the gospel and see people come to faith in Christ.

As our team prepares spiritually and mentally for the trip, may the Lord give us a safe and fruitful trip back to our brothers and sisters in Romania. May He lead us to be on mission each day of our lives as we prepare for His soon coming!

Bro. Ron

Does The Church Need To Repent?

2009-03-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

The Christian Science Monitor carried an interesting story last week. Michael Spencer wrote the article that was headlined, “The Coming Evangelical Collapse”. He says an anti-Christian chapter in Western history is about to begin. He writes of a coming apostasy and predicts millions of evangelicals will quit.
He bases the column on the recent study, the American Religious Identification Survey. Conducted by researchers at Trinity College of Hartford, Connecticut, he cites the findings that those calling themselves Christian is down 10% since 1990. The number is now 76%.

We cannot deny that the American church is in trouble. And the troubles are ours. The need of the hour is repentance within the body of Christ. We need to return to our first love and be open to the fresh leading of the Holy Spirit and to His manifestation of Bible faith in our culture.

Tuesday March 17 was St Patrick’s Day. Many know of the day as wearing green, having a parade, drinking beer and eating corn beef. However, if you go back and read of Patrick you will find him a Gospel preacher calling people to repentance in Ireland. He died March 17, 461 A.D. We would be wise to look at history and ask God to raise up others to call us to repentance.

Bro. Ron

Where Are The Encouragers?

2009-03-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well, the time change is officially here. We all set our clocks forward the other day and now we are in full "Spring Forward" motion. I usually get up, shower, shave, get dressed, have devotional time and study time, have my coffee and read the Birmingham News paper.

For the first fews days, I felt rather sluggish. I told Renee that I felt like I was "Jet-lagged" even. But now, I feel almost back to normal and things are about the same.

Mornings are important. Bible reading, prayer, coffee or tea and the morning paper seem to have a regular place for many people. Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.” As you settle in to the new time structure I encourage you to remember your time with Jesus each day. Then walk with Him every step of the daily journey.

In the coming weeks, let me encourage you to send cards, emails and share words of encouragement to others. The scripture says to encourage one another. Never underestimate what a note means. Take time and mail or email one today. Forget about sending the forwards that you think will be a blessing. Instead take time to write a personal note of encouragement and exhortation. It will work!

Bro. Ron

Parenting Our Children

2009-01-27T17:40:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed our "Baby Dedication" this past Sunday with Chris and Emily Mims. I shared this Scripture with you, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.” (Deuteronomy 6:6)

What are your children exposed to in their daily lives? Children mimic what they see. They become what they are taught face-to-face, heart-to-heart, and life-to-life.
According to Scripture, we should teach our children values, faith, and biblical truths personally. Unfortunately, many parents leave the teaching to television, music, peers, schools, or even church.

While Sunday school, and church activities are all great tools to help instill faith, none are meant to be a substitute for anyone.
So I want to encourage you today to live every day loving God, fearing God, and obeying God. There’s no “time out” for parenting. Every day, every hour, and every moment is important. Why? Because you can’t plan the best teaching moments.

Have you ever noticed that the best family moments are when you’re hanging out, talking, and just being together? You can’t put your children on hold while you fulfill your own life. You must be engaged. May the Lord help us to be the best parents possible.

Someone said, "Being a parent is an awesome responsibility. It's one of those jobs that when you learn how to do it, you lose it..." Lord, help us to do it well!

Bro. Ron

Stand Up For Jesus

2009-01-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

The order has come down in the case of two minors in Florida who were offended by prayers and other religious practices in Santa Rosa County schools. The ACLU paper "The Torch" tells of their Religious Freedom Project Director Glenn Katon bringing this suit. The school system has agreed to being silenced. No prayers are allowed to be planned for graduation and it seems religious baccalaureate services are to just form out of thin air if they happen at all. Or maybe the wording allows for a secular baccalaureate service.
If you are a teacher or student in a public school I want to encourage you to be courageous. This is no time to say we cannot talk about Jesus at school. Be creative in your proclamation of Christ.
As I Peter 3 :14-15 reminds us, "But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

There remains a strong voice in America led by the ACLU that wants no hint of religion outside of church property. They will say that is not so but their actions indicate a different thought. The wall of separation between church and state is leading us to a secularization of America. A nation that is not “under God” will be a nation that is soon gone under.

Bro. Ron

Purpose Driven Prayer

2009-01-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

Rick Warren has been asked to offer the invocation at Barak Obama’s inauguration on January 20, 2009. The Southern Baptist pastor has drawn fire for his stance against Proposition 8 in California. The people voted for it and defined marriage as being between a man and a woman. Now gay rights activists have said they are feeling betrayed that Warren was invited to pray.
However, very little ink has been given to the man asked to deliver the benediction. The Rev. Joseph Lowery is a retired United Methodist pastor. He is called the Dean of the Civil Rights movement. Ebony magazine calls him one of the 15 greatest black preachers. If you have ever heard him you will agree he is a powerful speaker. After marching with Dr. Martin Luther King he was a founder and later president and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference from 1977 until 1998. He led the Cascade Methodist Church to great things during his days of pastoral leadership in Atlanta.
Dr. Lowery believes marriage is a civil right and should not be denied to gays or lesbians. He has also called for the ordination of gay clergy in the Methodist church. Along with over 51% of voters in California and over 60% in Florida, I disagree with his stance. Both states voted for marriage to remain as defined being between a man and a woman. This is a moral issue. It is a Bible issue. While you can count on Dr. Lowery praying a soul moving prayer to close the inauguration, he is wrong on this marriage issue. Rick Warren has it correct. If a man can marry a man then the logical next step is toward polygamy and then allowing a man to marry a child. On and on the slippery slope falls. Without a doubt it is time for America to pray.

Remember to pray for Rick Warren as he gives the opening prayer on January 20. Pray he will be a bright light for Jesus and will be used of God for the Christian faith.

Bro. Ron

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T14:34:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-12-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-25T17:50:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-16T18:50:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-10-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

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