Due to the sinfulness of my heart (though redeemed), I am grateful yea rejoice in this truth, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

http://bible.com/59/lam.3.22-23.esv

Quote of the day

"But Scripture is clear: There is no legitimate conquering of sin without a pursuit of Christ in its place (2 Timothy 2:22; Romans 13:14; John 6:35). Jesus is a good meal for our soul. The battle for purity is really a battle to delight in God." Jimmy Needham

What a reminder that repentance is not merely "turning away" from sin, but married to "turning toward" Christ. 

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”

Acts 4:13 ESV

http://bible.com/59/act.4.13.esv

Mere lip service to Jesus compares nothing to experiencing an intimate walk with Jesus. Those not in the family can distinguish the imposter from the genuine. Many are educated; however, few resonate with His beauty & glory. I desire to be the latter. 

“And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.”

Acts 4:1-4 ESV

http://bible.com/59/act.4.1-4.esv

I find a few details interesting & encouraging in this text:

1) the reason for the arrest - they were preaching Jesus. The proclamation of Jesus as the good news to mankind is annoying to those who delight in their own fancies or pursue high places of ruler ship & authority. 

2) the fruit of gospel preaching - many believe the Word thus, by implication, were birthed into the family of God. Followers of Jesus who experience persecution due to preaching need be reminded of the fruit that such bears. 

 

Just received the following message from a sincere, humble brother in Christ. If you are longing & praying for a place to invest your resources, I would ask u consider this opportunity to meet a dire need. Gifts for to YFC Roxboro 80 Danwin Ln Roxboro, NC 27573

Thanks!

A bold appeal from a humble heart

Timothy Bowes

to 
10 minutes ago

Details

Friends of the Gospel,

As the Lord leads you, share this need with others.

 

I know I have called on you many times when we have been experiencing need, and I humbly come to you now, doing that again. The ministry here at Youth For Christ is woefully short of funding at this time. It happens every year around this time, and though I do not have an explanation, I have been here long enough to say it’s consistently true that we run short in May / June or June / July.

 

Our fiscal year ends June 30, and we are currently $38,718.86 behind budget to close out May and June at $0.00. In addition, we will have three weeks of summer camp by the end of June / into the first week of July, and we will not turn students away on the basis of money. We are pressing on in full faith, trusting God to supply all our needs.

 

As is our custom, we are fasting and praying, seeking God’s face and appealing to God’s people. 

The clubs and other ministries that run concurrent with the school year are all closing, and we are gearing up for our summer ministries and we do not plan to cancel one single camp, retreat, or any ministry! Praise the Lord, we are pressing on!

 

Please, consider a gift to the Gospel through Youth For Christ. Consider asking others to join you in the joy of giving. I know these numbers are big, and I say this often, but it’s much like eating an elephant… we simply do it one bite at a time! Do not disdain a small gift, but rejoice in a free-hearted one! I love the words of 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, which say, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” See that? As you decide I your heart, give; not under human compulsion or from human guilt. Rather, make giving a responsible act of stewardship, a humble act of worship, a free will offering of love, and a conscious investment in the gospel.  

I would love to hear from you all! Respond; encourage my heart by praying and letting me know you are praying. I appreciate the community of God's people and trust you all to make petitions with the Father on our behalf. 

 

Whether to tell me you are praying, or to field your questions, I look forward to hearing from you. Till then…

 

Grace and peace to you from God the Father and Jesus the Son,

Tim Bowes

Executive Director, Youth For Christ Roxboro

Roman 12:1-2

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Assembly International Ministries (AIM)

Saturday

Casey, me (6)

Not yet - we have been slammed but I will try Monday as I will be home all day - Lord willing On Sat,

Why Homeschool

Though I am not an apologist for homeschooling, I am a homeschooler & an advocate of such for many reasons. Sam Sorbo, wife of actor Kevin Sorbo, says it well here: https://vimeo.com/166567924?outro=1

Participating in the War on Cancer

I am a product of 2 mothers :). Mother 1, Linda Bradsher, gave birth to me, nurtured me in the admonition of the Lord and to this day models for me how to follow Jesus. Mother 2, Becky Lynn Black, spiritually adopted my wife and me for the purpose of investing in us. She strongly exhorted us, encouraged us, and edified us in the faith while gently urging us on to good works. These two mothers have invested in me so faithfully that I can truly say that I am blessed man beyond measure. Both have their strengths and weaknesses that they shared with me to make me the man I am today. Where are these dear l aides now? Linda lives approx. 900 ft. in front of me on the same farm and continues to this day exhorting me in the faith. Becky Lynn Black, affectionately known as Mama B, is worshipping at the feet of Jesus in His physical presence. She graciously and tenaciously battled Endometrial Cancer until her last breath upon this earth was drawn. I remember the days that she was in pain yet wore a genuine smile due to the joy that she was experiencing founded in Jesus. I remember her tenaciously utilizing every breath, every ounce of energy until her dying day to reach the nations with the gospel. She graciously, joyfully, and tenaciously battled this dreaded disease. Though the cancer won her earthly, temporary physical battle, she is victorious for through Christ she is alive & well with Him and one day will experience the physical resurrection in which her body will rise free of cancer! Praise the King for the gospel! Such being said, we remain behind to fight for life and to overcome the ills afforded by a fallen world. In an effort to battle Endometrial Cancer, a fund has been set up that I ask for you to consider providing a donation as you feel led. Though this is not the answer to all of life's ailments or struggles, only the gospel is, such will serve to battle a dreaded disease that may extend the life of someone else. Follow the link below to learn more and to give as you are lead. Thanks in advance for considering this matter.

http://beckyblack.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1161125