SB Faith & Family March by SB Faith & Family

LifeWay

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The Rarity of the Cross

This Race Called Life

2 Faith and Family

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contents

o� th� cover 5 11 12

column� 6

LifeWay Coupon

This Race Called Life

What a Difference Resurrection Makes!

Marriage Matters

Health & Wellness

Faith Under Fire The Rarity of the Cross

Shepherd’s Staff

i� ever� issu� the

What’s Missing in Your Marriage? Christ Fit Gym

Little Bits

The Real Stuff

Chic Chat

Thoughts in Christ

Food for Thought

From the Publisher

Quips & Quotes

Ad Directory

Gardening & Godly Lessons Empowering Creativity in our Sons

I Would do Anything for you-but I Won’t do that, or that or that How can Truth Bring us Freedom? Greek Easter Bread Sale

Beautiful Feet

Calendar

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Mission Memories

March 2013

from the publisher

Glow from Within

To stay on track and focused spirituality, I need to be reading something. If not, I find myself relying on me. Things are not quite in order when this happens. Just recently, I was reading a book to help me maintain some sense of sanity (things are bit hectic when soccer season begins) and I came across the following: “When the bark of a log has almost burned off, the strangest thing happens. It looks as if the fire has gone out. There’s no light from the log itself. It looks black and charred, oozing water and sizzling. The fire is there, but it has penetrated into the interior of the log and can’t be seen on the outside. So, too, the fire of God’s love seems to fade on the outside and we wonder whether God love us. All we see is our own sinful habits, problems...our drought, which is the water oozing out of the log. So I learned that love is composed of both pleasure and pain, that God’s love can be experienced as darkness, negative thing, similar to the painful measures a doctor must take to remove a cancerous growth. I knew that there would be time, in the future, where the log would begin to change and glow from within, where it would turn into a red glowing ember.” This month we bring you some great articles that identify the hard times and the rewards of our ‘burned out log.’ Candace gives us some suggestion on how to have the victory in running this race we call life. Our featured product this month is from a local veteran, friend and children’s author, Randy Dill. He served in Viet Nam and, due to an injury, has trouble writing. His dream is to publish Christian Books for children. You can help Randy out by purchasing a set of his books this month. Your family will be blessed by reading them together. Whether you are on fire or feel your flame is dying out, I hope you take time to journey through the pages of Faith & Family and, by doing so, find inspiration to run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Publisher SBFaithandFamily@gmail.com

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March 2013

What a Difference the Resurrection Makes!

ob and Pastor Tom were In the resurrection, genuine talking one day before the righteousness is obtained and lived church services. Bob asked out. The Pharisee Saul, a man Pastor Tom, “Do you know why many would have considered righteous by Jewish standards, met I asked Jesus to save me?” Pastor Tom replied, “No, sir, but the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul (later Paul the I’d like to.” apostle) calls upon the Lord Jesus So Bob told his story, “I’m a to save him. He learned that his reasonable man. Things need to make own righteousness would not gain sense for me. While reading the New favor with God. Paul testifies to this Testament, something stood out. Men righteousness and hope – “But when who walked with Jesus and deserted the kindness and the love of God him at his arrest were preaching that our Savior toward man appeared, Jesus was alive. They endangered not by works of righteousness which their lives to preach that. If it were we have done, but according to not true, why would they do that? I His mercy He saved us, through thought about it and realized that the the washing of regeneration and Gospel is true. That’s why I believe in renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly Jesus – he’s alive.” through Jesus Christ our Savior, that Resurrection Sunday is about having been justified by His grace Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus said, we should become heirs according “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NKJV). His death paid the penalty for my sin and your sin. But the disciples were downcast after Jesus’ death. It was in his resurrection that restoration, righteousness, and hope blossomed in the lives of the disciples. In the resurrection, Peter was restored and recommissioned by the resurrected Jesus. Peter was sought out. The angel at Jesus’ tomb told the women who were there, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter— that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you” (Mark 16:6-7 NKJV). Who is it that preaches so boldly on Pentecost? Peter. Why? Because he met the resurrected Jesus.

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to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to afﬁrm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and proﬁtable to men” (Titus 3:4-8 NKJV). Have you met the resurrected Jesus? Have you been restored by Jesus? Do you live righteously because you’ve met Jesus? Do you have hope beyond this life because of Jesus? If not, I beg you to ask him to save you today. If you have, press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. In Christ alone our hope is found,

Calvin Hubbard

Pastor, Barksdale Baptist Church

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What’s Every marriage hits walls.... So what does that mean to you? Deb and I have been married 34 years and in our 12th year of marriage, Debbie walked in and said “If this is what marriage is all about, I don’t think I want it any more.” Wow.... that was a “Two by Four” to my forehead. The great thing about this was divorce was not an op�on because I was on staﬀ at a church. So we went on a search to ﬁnd out where we lost each other. Here is what we discovered... 1. We had to simplify our life and slow down our schedule, even with kids. We lost each other in the process of raising kids and doing ministry together. We were doing ministry really well, but our marriage was falling apart. Something had to change. The key was Psalms 46:10, “Be s�ll and know that I am God.” 2. Debbie needed us to communicate every day beyond

arriage

in your just small talk. Each day we would inten�onally sit down and talk about our heart, fears and dreams. At ﬁrst it was awkward but the more we did it, the more we realized it bonded us and ﬁlled a large void that was missing in our rela�onship.

Matters

Marriage?

3. We realized that our marriage was not a priority. We constantly gave each other our le�overs and that was never going to sustain our rela�onship. We became inten�onal in pu�ng our rela�onship directly under God. I had to begin to live Ephesians 5 out, where it says a husband should love his wife the way Christ loved the church. The worst day of my life was the day when Debbie came in and said she was done. However, that night was the beginning of the best thing that ever happened to our marriage and me. In James 1:2-4, James says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many

kinds, because you know that the tes�ng of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance ﬁnish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I didn’t ﬁnd joy in my worst day, but �me has allowed Debbie and I to become more mature and complete in our marriage and it allowed the emo�onal connec�on to happen. What is missing in your marriage? Most likely, it is that emo�onal bond that every marriage longs for. Will you put in the extra work and eﬀort to have an extraordinary marriage?

Steve Wilson

www.marriagemattersnow.com

March 2013

Health and Wellness Billy Weatherall has been operating his gym, Christ Fit Gym, out of his garage for the last six years and has had more than 100 men come through his program. About six months ago, he decided to expand his Christian-based gym and opened a facility located at 1658 Benton Road, in Bossier City. Weatherall said his gym is for people who want to work out in a Christian environment. The road to Christianity was a long one for Weatherall, according to his testimony on his website. “ ... Growing up I had an awesome Christian family that made me attend church regularly. ... I learned young in life that it pleased my folks to attend church, so I attended worship with a smile on my face without actually having a relationship with Jesus Christ. The day after I graduated high school I joined the Army. I started basic training and did some advanced schools in 2000. When I arrived to the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, N.Y., my life changed drastically. The attacks on the World Trade Center sent my unit to Afghanistan for Operation Anaconda for a yearlong mission. Once back in the states for a short period of time, my unit was sent to the Horn of Africa for Operation Enduring Freedom for another yearlong mission. Days from fulﬁlling my contract of four years, I was stop lossed for a year and a half mission to Bagdad, Iraq, for Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Weatherall goes on to say that after six years as an infantryman, he was

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ready to be back with his family and put the nightmares of war behind him. But that was easier said than done, for his life began to spin out of control with drugs and alcohol, among other addictions. “One night I was about to take my life as I stared at a loaded 9mm. ... As I began to drink one last beer before ending it all, I looked over at a Bible a chaplain gave me when I was overseas that was also sitting on the coffee table along with my pistol. Having a Bible on hand always made me comfortable because I believed that if I had a Bible, which I never read, that God would allow me into heaven. Moments before I was about to put the 9mm to my temple, I decided to pick up my Bible. As I picked up the Bible I began to weep and for the ﬁrst time in my life I cried out to Jesus. I asked Christ to pick me up because I was completely broken, everything in my life was completely out of control. I prayed myself to sleep that night, clutching my Bible, and I had made a decision to accept, believe and to give everything to Jesus Christ for the ﬁrst time ever in my life. Early the next morning a buddy called me and invited me to Promise Keepers the next day. God always has perfect timing. While at the Promise Keeper’s seminar I made a public profession of faith, and the next Sunday I was baptized at Airline Baptist Church.” Weatherall says he never went

back to the life he used to live and is now married to a “beautiful Christian wife” and has a “precious little girl.” Weatherall, a certified International Sports Sciences Association trainer and a drill sergeant for the Army Reserves, said membership to his gym is free and there are no monthly contracts to sign. “But we do ask for donations if the person is able to make them,” he said. Christ Fit Gym offers a variety of services, including boot camp classes specifically for men and women, Pilates, Zumba, dance classes, and an after-school program. Weatherall also offers health and fitness supplements. Christ Fit Gym’s mission is based on 1 Timothy 4:8, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” There is Christian music and scriptures on the wall. Every day they start off every workout with a prayer and do daily Bible devotions. What do you have to LOSE? Christ Fit Gym will strengthen you physically but more importantly will help strengthen you spiritually. Christ Fit Gym is opened Monday – Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-11am. Christ Fit only offers group classes. You can see the class schedule online at www.ChristFitGym.org.

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March 2013

Little Bits

Gardening & Godly Lessons By the beginning of March in Shreveport, we start seeing signs of spring popping up all around us. This is a great time of year to teach your kids about God’s ability to transform small things into kingdom impacting treasures. A great activity that you can easily do to demonstrate this teaching is creating a family garden. Gardening with your kids can be adapted to most any space. If you live in an apartment you can create a container garden or become part of a community garden co-op. If you have a yard, you can create a garden of any size to ﬁt the space. Since most kids love digging in the dirt, getting them involved from the start can be an easy task. Begin by visiting a local garden center with your kids to select various plants or seed packets. Since kids have a shorter attention span than most adults, you should select vegetables, fruits, and ﬂowers that grow rapidly. Children can plant and notice growth within a few days of planting vegetables such as green beans, radishes, lettuce, and tomatoes. Flowering plants that are easy to grow from seeds include bachelor’s

buttons, zinnias and sunflowers. (If you are gardening with young children, keep in mind that some plants, vegetables, fruits, and flowers may be harmful if eaten before they are ripe. You also want to avoid using certain chemicals that could make your children ill if ingested.) Using kid-size tools, teach your children to work the soil and plant the seeds and plants. While working, take the opportunity to talk about various topics such as the Creation, the parable of the sower, and the Fruits of the Spirit. The soil, seeds, plants, and fruits can all be used to teach many principles about God and his love and care for us. The spring garden also provides opportunity to talk about the discipline of taking responsibility for routine tasks and reaping the benefits of the work. Allowing children to take responsibility for the garden also gives them a sense of accomplishment when they harvest the fruits of their work. They can also help prepare the fruits and vegetables for family meals. Jesus often taught life lessons and godly principles by using common objects found in nature. Now that March is here and most of the cold weather has left us for another year, let’s get outside and see what God has to teach our kids and us.

ALIVE ��

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The Rarity of the Cross Four-leaf clovers have always fascinated me. Maybe there’s a connection to my childhood, or my Irish roots, or maybe I just enjoy looking A rare, natural 4-leaf clover for them. There’s something calming about sitting in a clover patch ruffling my fingers through the green leaves and the furry white flowers. Several special occasions come to mind. On the banks of the Cane River Lake in Natchitoches one Spring afternoon. On a break during a Precept training conference at a Pineville church (I found three in about 20 minutes!). And, twice in the last year as I was walking Louis, I happened to look down and there they were looking back at me. According to Irish legend, each clover leaf represents a virtue or quality. “The first is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck.” (Wikipedia.org) According to many sources, St. Patrick used the three leaves of the abundant shamrock to

explain the Trinity and convert pagan Druids of the Emerald Isle to Christianity. Today we know that the fourth leaf probably results from the presence of a recessive gene. In fact, there are four-leaf-clover farms that genetically engineer these “good luck charms” by the thousands. Yet the natural version is still a 1-in-10,000 rarity. Finding the Kingdom of Heaven in a human heart is also rare. In Matthew 13:44-50, Jesus presents three short parables to His disciples. The treasure hidden in a field. The pearl of great value sought by the merchant. The good fish culled from the bad after a large catch drawn from the sea. It’s tempting to view these parables as pictures of our quest for the Kingdom, but I rather think it’s the other way around. They are illustrations of what God is looking for in us. (See Ps. 33:18; 2 Chron. 16:9a; I Peter 3:12; Prov. 15:3; Ezek 1:18, 10:12) He searches in the field of the world for His treasures, believers who bear the name of His Son. He looks for the finest pearls among the many, having offered all that He had – His Only Begotten Son – to purchase them. (Mal. 3:17) As the Righteous Judge and the only One who

knows the depths of each heart, He separates His Own from the masses teaming in earth’s net. This kind of persistence and this kind of love are not found on every street corner. The Father’s unending pursuit of mankind, collectively and individually, and His creation of a plan that covered every aspect of our frailty, are uncommon to the nth degree. Dr. John L. Sullivan, who was pastor of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport from 1975-1989, once said in a sermon that he would not give up his only son for any one of us in the congregation. The young man was too precious to him. In contrast, Dr. Sullivan said, God was willing to sacriﬁce the best that He had in order to secure our freedom. I’ve never forgotten those words. In the end, there’s absolutely no luck involved in becoming a Christian. And we don’t have to search far to ﬁnd salvation. All we have to do is choose the Rarity of the Cross.

Dianne B. Howell Shreveport, LA

Every Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am-2:00pm

Barksdale Baptist Church

March 2013 11

This Race Called Life

ometimes things seem to be on some sort of cosmic collision course. Lately, S the thoughts, emotions and situations of

life seem to be ﬂowing into some sort of streaming meaning- teaching me what it means to truly endure, truly wait, and to truly gain patient hope in the Lord.

and he’s tried and he’s tested, but he endures with great dignity. He tries his best and musters a smile even when it’s hard. And I know it’s because he’s lived a life of love. He has consistently trained in spiritual disciplines that has given him strength for times getting tough... as they inevitably will for all of us this side of Jesus’ return. I hardly know this man, but I can see fruit that only comes from a life of consistent training. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

2. In anticipation of an upcoming 4 person team relay marathon, I’ve been running more. And in the meantime, I’ve been treating a patient at the hospital who is teaching me about endurance. In the midst of a really diﬃcult diagnosis, he’s been quietly teaching me (and probably lots of other people, too) about what it means to run this race called life. What I’m learning:

Consistent training with intentionality is essential.

I’ve printed out a training schedule that will help me make sure I’m ready in March to run my 7.8 mile leg of the race. In being intentional about my mileage, I’ll be ready. How much more should I intentionally order my life around prayer and seeking out the things of God? As I wheel my patient to the mat, he knows how diﬃcult it’s going to be. He’s stretched

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Fellowship with those who encourage you on to the ﬁnish line is extremely helpful.

Being able to talk with my team members (go team Graney!) about our plans and our training is so encouraging. Reporting to my running friend at work on Monday about my awesome Saturday morning run propels me to do more, to go farther, to run faster. When I see others joining in and triumphing and moving forward despite great odds or great disappointment, it moves my heart to join in the race. I need friends who run and I need friends who surround me and encourage me to press on to victory in Jesus. My friend Lydia recently reminded me that the fellowship of believers showcases the heart of the One who loves us and created us. It moves us. My patient has surrounded himself with these people who reveal the Father’s heart. They are standing in line to help in any way possible and encourage him on. His family adores him. His wife has not left his side. His friends are many. The prayers are many.

Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Your focus must remain ahead of you.

It’s easy to get caught up in what happened in the past. Reliving past victories or rehashing defeats- neither exercise is helpful, but rather takes your eyes of the truth of the moment. My patient patiently waits as I get everything together. I wrap his ankle in ace wrap to assist in clearing his foot when he walks as his left side has experienced a signiﬁcant degree of weakness. I bring a walker over to his wheelchair and instruct him on the best way to stand. I give him pointers on how to walk while his wife walks behind us, pushing the chair. All the while, he stands, putting one foot in front of the other, working in the strength that he has for today. He doesn’t get caught up on what he did yesterday or how much farther he has to go, but he sits and rests after a labored walk and speaks about the blessings of God. Philippians 3:13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead... Hebrews 12:2-3 Let us ﬁx our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

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In not giving up, you win.

The key to running a race is that you know that there is an end. That there will be rest. What I love about running 5K and 10K and especially marathon-type races is that there is total victory in just ﬁnishing. It’s going to be especially fun in Little Rock for our team relay because every one of us will get a medal- and the Little Rock Marathon prides itself in the unusually large size of their prized medals.

on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Death will not always have a stronghold over this world. There is an end. Cancer will not always ravage the lives of even those who love God. There is a clear call to the saints in Revelation to leg of the race with her sister, Faith. patient endurance (Rev 3:10, 13:10, 14:12). “Prophetic?” I thought to myself. That great Day has not yet come, but when it does, we have to know and have lived the Running the race with Faith... Hmm... patient endurance that the strength of God affords. I had to say goodbye to my patient today. He’ll probably discharge home by the time The goal, or the prize, is I’m back at inpatient rehab next Wednesday. paramount. But on his way out, I told him how much it There is nothing like crossing the finish line has moved my heart to see him respond to the situation with such faith. I told him of a race. It is glorious. how, in Hebrews 11:21, it talks about Jacob The point is, finishing is winning. In April of 2000, I finished the Country leaning on his staff and worshipping God. Music Marathon in a whopping five hours That’s what Jacob was commended for. My patient is finishing well, sharing his life with those around him, and imparting and twelve minutes. It was really hard, but I’ll Leaning on his staff and worshipping, just knowledge of God even to his physical never forget the moment I saw the finish line. like my patient had to lean on the aluminum therapist in the midst of great pain. It’s I’ll never forget the tears in Jack’s eyes and the frame of his wheeled walker, but all the same, praised God. great endurance, but I know it is not all self- exhilaration of such an accomplishment. generating. When we lean into Jesus, we find Thank you, friend, for giving me a taste of How much more thrilling will it be to run to great strength. what it’s like to have victory in running this the arms of Jesus? race called life. And thank you, God, for the Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal strength to run it well. not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, to win the prize for which God has called me the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not Song of Solomon 1:4 Take me with you. grow tired or weary, and his understanding no heavenward in Christ Jesus. Come, let’s run! (NLT) one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary I have some other friends who are running and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men in the team marathon in March. Rendi, who Candace Chaney stumble and fall; but those who hope in the is running with her sisters and her sister’s Shreveport, LA LORD will renew their strength. They will soar friend, informed me that I’ll be running my

March 2013 13

Empowering In Our Sons Creativity uninhibited (if unaware) appreciation of the beauty of Christ. Everywhere they look is a new mystery, a thing to be uncovered and understood. This is a representation of God’s nature in His creation: Always a new mystery; always a new understanding.

love watching my son create- seeing him scribble all over a piece of paper and promptly declare that the Jackson Pollock-worthy piece is “Daddy.” Or watching him form pieces of play dough into balls, or seeing him build towers out of Duplo pieces. Most of all, I love when he ﬁnds my percussion lying randomly around the house, and starts to sing to his own accompaniment. And I am reminded that this boy is, every day, a creator. Whether he knows it at this stage or not, the little man is demonstrating the very nature of God. You see, we are created. Made, formed, shaped- however you like to say it, God created us. And when He did, He left the imprint of Himself on our nature. In short, God made us to relate to, and to mirror, Himself. Part of Himself that He implanted in us is the ability to create- just like He Children have an innate grasp of creativity, perhaps partly because they are learning so much every day. They live in an undisguised sense of wonder, in an

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But it goes further still. The beauty of God is in Christ. I rarely think in these terms, to be honest. When I think of who Christ is, I’m not sure my first thought has ever been, “Beautiful.” Think with me, though: God created the world, and declared it good. He filled everything He made with beauty. He created us; thus, in us, there is beauty. But we are broken, sinful, and dead because of our sins. Yet 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Our beauty is restored because Christ has recreated us. Creation brings beauty. The Creator gives His beauty to us. And we, in turn, can give that beauty to our creations. We learn so much of the nature of God in creativity. We see His wisdom; we see His imagination. We come to understand that God pours Himself into us- His love, His heart, His passion- just as we pour into our creations. And it gives to us such a sense of security, of resting in the Hands that formed you, formed you not impassively or coldly, but with the greatest care and the most sincere desire for your good. When I create, I discover what it means to be loved by the Creator. I want my sons to find these treasures, to find safety and security in knowing Who made them and the care He

took in making them. And I want them to experience for themselves- to ﬁnd a passion for creativity, in whatever manifestations, that will allow them to explore and make and feel the nature that comes from God Himself. It would be so easy to impose my understanding of creativity on my sons. Music, literature, and story strike deep, resonant notes in me that lead me to pursue God’s beauty. But it may not be so for them. Their passions may lie more analytically, more physically, than mine do. “The Arts” as we know them don’t monopolize creativity. And it is my job, as their father, to steer them not toward my sense of creativity, but toward their own- wherever that may lie. To steer them toward that passion in their lives that will cause them to pursue the beauty in this world, and- more importantly- the Beauty that put it here. May I never be guilty of imposing my understanding of God’s beauty on my sons. May I never so force them into my own mold that they give up the pursuit of becoming beautiful as He is. May our sons ever be in pursuit of the Divine Beauty, creatively exploring how the Beauty has imprinted Himself in this natural world, and seeking an everdeepening knowledge of Him through His perfect creative acts.

- Boy Dad is a community blog for dads of boys. Visit the blog at www.boydads.com.

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March 2013 15

I Woul� D� Anythin� For Yo� –

But I Won’t Do That, Or That, Or That

Can you identify with that Super Bowl commercial with the m&m’s? I love that commercial because it is a good picture of the modern day walk of the modern day Christian. So many times in our walk with Christ – we say ‘I would do anything for you’ – but it sometimes turns out that we won’t do that, or that, or that! Many times we resolve that we will follow Christ and we will be obedient but then that ‘thing’ happens...you know that ‘THING’...family issues, problems, grieving situations, money problems, dryness in your heart, addictions and even church related issues – and suddenly we turn from following Christ and follow that ‘thing’ and become defeated in our walk. When that ‘thing’ happens is the VERY reason we must stay diligent in our walk for Christ because that obedience to Christ will be what is standing on the other side of that ‘thing’.

LOVE is the way that God reaches down into our lives – through the Promise of His Holy Word to help us overcome things that happen in our lives! Let’s talk about God’s love for a moment: In John 3:16 – God’s love is eternal for the person that turns toward Him in Salvation. In Isaiah 25:1 – We find that God is faithful to the believer! In Jeremiah 31:3 – We see that God is everlasting and ever drawing us near Him with loving-kindness. And then in Jeremiah 29:11-13 – we find God inspiring us to believe He has a plan and will not harm us if we follow Him in obedience! God has such a way of helping us see the Truth and fall in LOVE with Him and thereby making us into what He wants us to be – but we can’t be saying – ‘I won’t do that, or that, or that!’ Can you look at your own life and see that God has been at work in your life? Are you strengthened by the things that have happened to you or are you in a dry place

with God because of them? God’s goal for us is Him – ALL of Him! We SHOULD be saying – I WILL DO ANYTHING FOR YOU GOD! ...and live like it! Psalms 119:32 says this – “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” Let that soak into you! Write it on a note card and post it somewhere where you can readily see it and begin to let it work in your mind! It is when we realize that God has set us free from ourselves that we want to RUN after Him! Let that be your cry going forward in obedience! Learn to turn your mind around and say ‘I will do anything for God’ and remove the negative thoughts! God loves you and wants you to walk in that knowledge!

JoAnne Timothy

joanne@heartsﬁreministry.com

Randy Dill, Local Children’s Author has been writing children books for years. With a wonderful book out “God, Daddies, Little Boys and Baseball,” reminding us that God comes ﬁrst and conversations with grandpa. Randy wants to partner with other people and, by God’s grace, maybe one day even an animation studio. If you are presently interested in developing a publishing company or in doing graphic art work, please contact him via his cell number listed below. Randy has other books as well. With an on going series, “Mary Melissa.” Randy needs your help & prayers to continue writing children books. For $20.00 you can purchase a set of 2 books, postage included. Payable to: Randy B. Dill 3201 Knight St. Box 2308 Shreveport, LA 71105 Randy can also be contacted at 318-990-8021

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How Can Truth Bring Us Freedom? Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

hat is the truth and what does it mean to be free? What holds us in bondage? Frankly it seems to me that we have much freedom in our country. We have a Bill of Rights that even protects it. But is this truly freedom? Don’t we still worry about sickness, grieve over the loss of a loved one, and avoid thinking about our own death. Or even more commonly, don’t we fret over the burdens of daily life, our daily work routine, our demands our children and parent make of us, our obligations to various organizations including our Church? Don’t we look forward to vacation to be free from daily routines? Freedom from an oppressive Government is only as small step towards true freedom. What kind of freedom does Jesus offer? To be truly free is to be free from fear of death, sickness and the troubles of daily life. But how is this possible? Jesus says this comes “If you continue in My word... then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” So the freedom we need comes from our faith in Jesus and the truth of His Incarnation, Cruciﬁxion, Resurrection, Ascension, His sending of the Holy Spirit, and our participation in His Church. To become truly free requires our ongoing effort as our condition is not one that is free of anxiety. Saint John Chrysostom says, “Our condition needs much endurance; and endurance is produced when doctrines are deeply rooted.” This freedom does not come easily and

will not be given to us. These teachings we are given thorough His word must be deeply rooted in our hearts and permeate all our actions. Quoting Psalm 119 Saint John says, “do Thou so ﬁx and join in me, as by a nail riveted into me.” This is the idea of Theosis, our union with him, like being nailed to Him. This is the work we must be willing to undertake and is the whole aim of the Orthodox way of life. Saint John also says that this bondage is do to our sins. Our sinfulness is the result of our fears and anxiety. Because of our condition, we tend towards self-serving actions and are unable to love others or God. But do we really recognize this as a bondage? Do we see our sins as the chains that restrain our freedom? Do we not seek pleasures thinking that this is the beneﬁt of our personal free will to act for our pleasure? See how we are trapped by our way of life? It’s not common to think that the way we are living is sinful and without true freedom. Once we have the true notion of freedom spoken of by Jesus, and see our true sinfulness which St John sees as our bondage, we will not have the motivation or the endurance to gain true freedom available to us though our union with Christ.

This is a freedom that involves eternal life, one that transcends our mortality, one based on love where we hold God as our lover and He embraces with His love forever. In His embrace we can endure all things of this life. So let us reﬂect on what is “truth.” Let us lift our notion of the truth above things of this world. Let us root the doctrines of our faith deep within us and seek ways to nurture these roots so they are ever increasing. Once we ﬁnd the link between the “truth” that Jesus showed us and our “freedom” He promises, we will be fast approaching our Union with Him.

Pastor Charles Joiner

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Mission Memories Seems like yesterday that I was traveling in Guatemala and Costa Rica with twentynine families and Christian Broadcasting Network staff participating in an outreach trip. In June 2012, we visited these two countries on a ten-day trip to share God’s love as we ministered to orphans, built homes for needy families, helped with a dental clinic and more. Having been an educator for many years, I was prepared to have my heart touched but the emotional tug was overwhelming. I will highlight several of the places visited. Agua Viva (Living Water) Orphanage in the community Labor de Falla of Guatemala is home to seventy children and another two hundred students have scholarships to attend the on- site school. The Guatemalan government provides education for grades one through six but private funding must be secured for any additional schooling. This lack of education is one of the causes for wide-spread poverty. CBN’s Operation Blessing partners with existing programs to care for abandoned children, bring medical treatment, and share the gospel. At the orphanage we presented several computers for the school, gave gifts, participated in games and activities, and conducted a dental clinic. A dentist and his wife traveling with us examined the children’s teeth in the equipped van which they donated to CBN to be

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used to accommodate dental needs in other communities. In contrast to most American boys and girls, these children were eager to be seen by the dentist. The outpouring of love and affection we received from the children and staff of Agua Viva was replicated as we visited a small, remote village in Escuinta where extreme poverty was evident. We constructed ﬁve two-room houses and painted them with a special treatment to prevent termites and deterioration from the rain-forest climate. Next to the house I was painting was an Lshaped dwelling which had no ﬂoor; walls had cracks covered with plastic table cloths to keep out rain; and all cooking was done outside. Nine people had been living in this home; two of the children watched attentively at their new home being prepared. Vo l u n t e e r s also erected and painted a daycare center, conducted a medical clinic, and provided a counseling /prayer session. Children, like all children everywhere, enjoyed games and activities. Before leaving, everyone gathered as CBN staff and partners presented the new homeowners keys to their homes and surprised them with new mattresses. This ceremony ended with the local teacher, mayor, and president

expressing thanks and praying for us. In San Jose, Costa Rica, our group visited Rehab Center, a home for women who were formerly trapped in prostitution. This facility, located in a crime area, provides counseling training for women wanting to leave the sex trade. A daycare is also provided for the children of the mothers participating in the restoration program. Fifteen years ago Rehab’s founder watching Pat Robertson on the 700 Club television program prayed with him thus beginning her quest to help herself and others leave prostitution. I met a four yearold girl there who told me of her fear for herself, her mother, and sister. My heart ached hearing her tell about praying every night to Jesus to protect them. I returned home with a deepened sense of mission and compassion for the Latin American families and others like them around the world. It was a privilege to serve the Lord this way. I encourage everyone to share in the work of missions ﬁrsthand or through your giving to ministry

Bonita Bandaries

Shreveport, LA

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March 3

March 2013

March 28

Join Central Assembly of God for The Mark your calendar! The Ladies Philoptochos Collingsworth Family in concert Sunday, Society of St. George will hold it’s Greek March 3 at 6:00. Admission is Free. Easter Bread sale on Thursday, March 28. Advance orders are highly recommended. Orders can be picked up at St. George, 542 Wichita St., Shreveport. For more WINTER JAM Winter Jam at Century Link. Cost is $10 information visit www.gosaintgeorge.org. at the door. Pre-show begins at 6:05, Start time is 7:00. Come hear your favorite Christian artist: TobyMac, Matthew West, SECRET KEEPER GIRL RED, Jamie Grace, NewSong, and many more. Word of God Ministries 6:30 p.m.

March 8

April 20

March 2 On Saturday, March 2, SWAT Teams all over Louisiana will gather for either a One Mile Run/Walk or 5K Run/Walk to help stomp out malaria as part of the 2nd Annual Louisiana Skeeter Run. One Mile begins at 8am. For more information contact Scott Luginbill at scott@gracehappens.org

March 18

SHREVEPORT REASONS TO BELIEVE

What is a Secret Keeper Girl? Well, she is lots of things! A Secret Keeper Girl values modesty, she surrounds herself with wise friends and she embraces Godly beauty. So, she keeps the deepest secrets of her beauty for just one man. But she also knows that she can share all of her heart secrets with her mom at any time. The coolest thing for you to know is that a Secret Keeper Girl is a masterpiece created by God.

Brookwood Baptist Church, room 219 The monthly meeting of the Shreveport Chapter of Reasons to Believe is held the third monday of every month. The next meeting will be on Monday March 18th at 6:30pm. All are welcome. We will be continuing the series on “Why the Universe is The Way It Is”. The meeting will be in room 219 at Brookwood Baptist Church, 9014 Brookwood Church Way (NW corner of I-49 St. James Episcopal Church Easter Services and 526 outer loop). Phone: 861-8911. We will have the following: Snacks and refreshments will be served. March 24, 2013 Palm Sunday 8:30am & 11am There is no charge, and all are welcome. March 28, 2013 Maundy Thursday 6pm

March 25-29

March 29, 2013 Good Friday 6pm March 30, 2013 Easter Vigil 6pm Enjoy a day (or the whole week!) at Sci-Port’s March 31, 2013 Easter Day 10am-Spring Break Camps followed by an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn

w w w. s c i po r t . o rg / s p r i n g b re a kca m p s

Wise Words

From Nikitas Stithatos “Living together in one place is safer than living alone. The sacred words of Jesus our God bear witness to the necessity of living together; for He says, ‘Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am in their midst’ (Mt. 18:20). Likewise Solomon speaks about the danger of living alone when he says, ‘Alas for him who is alone when he falls; for he has no one to help him up’ (Eccles. 4:10). And David calls those who praise God in love and concord blessed when he says, ‘Blessed is the people who sing aloud together’ (Ps. 89:15); and he commands life in community, saying: ‘Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together’ (Ps. 133:1). And among the disciples of our Lord there was but a single soul and a single heart (cf. Acts 4:32); and even God’s incarnation did not take place in the wilderness, but in inhabited areas and among sinful men. Thus we have need of the concord of communal life. Isolation is treacherous and full of danger.”

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Quips and Quotes “When we have nothing left but God, We discover that God is enough.” From St. John of Kronstadt “He has shown you, O mortal what is good; “If God has given us Himself, if He abides in us and what does the LORD require of you? and we in Him, according to His own true words, but to do justice, to live kindness, and to then what will He not give me, what will He spare for me, of what will He deprive me, how walk humbly with your God.” —Micah 6:8 can He forsake me? ‘The Lord is my shepherd: therefore I lack nothing’ (Ps. 23:1).” From St. Maximos the Confessor “Let us be satisfied simply with what sustains our present life, not with what pampers it. Let us pray to God for this, as we have been taught, so that we may keep our souls unenslaved and absolutely free from domination by any of the visible things loved for the sake of the body. Let us show that we eat for the sake of living, and not be guilty of living for the sake of eating. The first is a sign of intelligence, the second proof of its absence.” “As I was driving my 4 year old (at the time) son to preschool, we had to detour around a construction site. He seemed a little perturbed by the change, so I said, “George, construction doesn’t last forever.” He replied, “I think it will last until the last day.” I was puzzled, so I asked him to clarify: “The last day of what, George?” So he said, “The last day until no one is left except God, because God lives forever!”

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He ﬁrst loved us. —1 John 4:12-19...

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