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.

Taking a short Break

I am taking a short break from the Blog and will start writing devotions again on January 1st I hope everyone is having a great time during the Holidays and that you are all looking forward to a great 2010 and all that God has planned for you and for Anchor Baptist Church

God Bless You All

Jeff

Merry Christmas

You Are Invited

Luke 2:4-8
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Joseph and Mary were invited, the shepherds were invited, the wise men were invited, to witness the story of God becoming flesh. Becoming one of us so that He could show us how much He loved us. Not by just being born but by giving His life so that we could have life.

You Are Invited

to Anchor Baptist Church

Tonight Thursday December 24th

at 6:00pm

to celebrate the Birth of Christ

We will have a candle light service that includes Christmas songs, The Christmas Story, and The Lord's Supper.

300 Futch Creek Rd in the

Porters Neck area off Highway 17

( The service will last about 35 minutes. For Information call 547-0404)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA

12 Days of Christmas

Check this out turn up the speakers and enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kYEK-pxs_A&feature=channel

Smart Young Man

Matthew 6:19-21
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
20"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
21for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

One day , the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad." "Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked. "Oh yeah, " said the son. "So , tell me , what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them." The boy's father was speechless..

Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74CNUExD4I8&feature=fvw

Thanks to J.R. Hatcher for sharing this article with me

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Oh I know Christmas is not about Santa it's all about Jesus but I love the picture and it reminds me that we all need to be careful during the Holidays. People, including Santa, are driving recklessly and not using very good judgement. So have a great Christmas and let's make sure we are all here in 2010 to see what God is going to do in our lives.

Judges 13:4 "Now therefore, be careful not to drink wine or strong drink...

In 2008 over 37,000 people died on our highways 37% of those were from drunk drivers. North Carolina ranks 5th in the nation in drunk driving fatalities. So even though this is a funny picture this is no laughing matter. It is not enough that we take care of ourselves this Christmas Season but if you see someone who has had too much to drink at a party DO NOT LET THEM DRIVE. Oh they might be a little mad but at least they will be alive. Please be very careful. Click the link below and watch and then share it with every teenager you know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZsla5HGoFE

Do You Know What I Know?

Luke 2:15

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."

God has made this story known to us just as the angels made it known to the Shepherds. He has made it known through His Word and also through our personal experience with Christ. Now we, like the Shepherds, must make it known to the world. This is the best time of the year to share the story of Christ. People are thinking about it and if they do not attend Church any other time they will go at Christmas. Invite everyone you know and share this life changing and Eternity altering truth with someone Today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYGAd4pd2vg

Don't Let Them be Alone

Matthew 25:35-40 (New American Standard Bible)
35'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;
36naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?
38'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?
39'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'
40"The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

I believe that says it all. During the Christmas season take time to visit someone who is sick or lonely. If you don't know someone call the local nursing home and ask if they have someone with no family to visit them. You will be surprised to find how many are alone on Christmas day. It will be your greatest Christmas blessing to visit them. This video takes 39 seconds to watch but will bless your heart for days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkKRypB6me0

Don't be Fooled

John 1:14

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

A lady thought this would be a great gag. She used this as her Christmas decorations. A staged scene of a man hanging from a house with the fallen ladder. Well, it backfired and there were so many 911 calls that the police made her take it down. People even drove up in her yard to try and rescue the poor guy. One man hurt himself trying to put the ladder back up. Just remember Christmas is about Christ. All the other stuff is fun and it is great to get together with family, open presents, drink hot chocolate, sing Christmas songs. Nothing is wrong with any of that as long as we keep our priorities in order. We invite you to our Christmas Eve service at 6:00pm at Anchor Baptist Church, 300 Futch Creek Rd. in the Porters Neck area off of Highway 17. We will have a Candle light service and observe the Lord's Supper. I hope you and your family can come and join us for this very special Christmas tradition that reminds us of the real reason to celebrate Christmas. Click on the link and enjoy a great Christmas Classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFirYXLoP5Q&feature=related

Talk About Hard to Buy For.

Matthew 2:11

After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

We all struggle trying to find that perfect gift. It is so hard but what do you get for the Lamb of God, Redeemer of mankind, Creator of the Universe, Savior and Lord, after all it is His birthday. I know what not to get...gold, frankincense, and myrrh. He already has those. Oh I know they are great gifts and you can give some frankincense to others on your Christmas list but not to Jesus. You know what He wants, He wants YOU. He wants more of your time. He wants to spend more time with you this year. He wants to share his plan for your life, to give you direction and peace for 2010. He wants you to allow Him to make your life more of what it was intended to be. To help you with your relationships, job, finances. To start good habits and put aside bad ones. Why not give Him what He wants, after all He did give His life for you.

If this video does not bring a tear to your eyes you are a much stronger person than me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fKI50MhzVM

Christmas Wish for You

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

This a picture of the State Room at the White House decorated for Christmas. Amazing what a few million dollars can do for a room. Many are making out a wish list for Christmas. Folks are decorating and shopping. It is hard to buy something for everyone especially in this economy. But here is my Christmas wish and prayer for you. Where you ask? I checked the mail no card, no packages have arrived. Well, you are looking in the wrong place. Look at the passage again. I am praying that each one of you will have Peace in your hearts this Christmas and that we are all thankful for the blessings of God. The only way to find this peace is to find Christ. If you already have Him then share Him with others this Christmas season.

Carol and I always have trouble deciding how to decorate our house for Christmas so this year we have done something a little different. Click on the link and see our Christmas lights It was a lot of work but worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCmNJJ49sxU&feature=rec-LGOUT-exp_fresh+div-1r-1-HM