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Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
πΆπ΅πΆπ΅πΆπ΅πΆπ΅
We know that we are not saved by works. (Ephesians 2:8) But we also know that we were saved in order to do go…
~By BJ Hall~
Fellowship should be an integral and essential part of our Christian experience.
Acts 2:42 (NASB) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
By definition it means: Expressions of genuine Christianit…
~ By John BJ Hall ~
In 2010 a book made headlines with the claim that “Heaven is for Real.” It is the story of a little boy, Colton Burpo, who died and went to Heaven. The book was then turned into a movie in 2014. There have been many anecdotal stories of people who say they have died, seen …
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
1Cor.16:7-9
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
A new employee stood in front of the paper shredder, looking a little confused. "Need some help?" a secretary, walking by, asked. "Yes," the employee replied, "h…
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
This is the only picture in existence of my great-grandma Jett, grandma Stanfill, my mother Marylee Faye Hall and me.
I don’t know a lot about Great-grandma Jett, other than the fact that she reared a daughter who became the best grandmother I can imagine. Grandma S…
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
The church was in turmoil. There was animosity between the older members and the younger members. You could feel the tension in the air. They wouldn’t sit on the same side of the auditorium. They wouldn’t even walk across the aisle to shake hands during the time of …
βBy Evangelist John BJ Hall
Not long ago I was involved in a discussion about miracles. Some of those involved believed in miracles, and some did not. One went so far as to say, “Miracles require the rearrangement of molecules.” He said, “There are no medical miracles. ALL so-called medical mi…
By Evangelist John BJ Hall
He awoke from an unexpected sleep. Not even imagining why it had come so quickly. He did not want to open his eyes, just yet. But now he felt something different, very different. There was a presence he had never felt before. Maybe this was some creature he had not yet …
Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
πΆπ΅πΆπ΅πΆπ΅πΆπ΅
We know that we are not saved by works. (Ephesians 2:8) But we also know that we were saved in order to do go…
~By BJ Hall~
Fellowship should be an integral and essential part of our Christian experience.
Acts 2:42 (NASB) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
By definition it means: Expressions of genuine Christianit…
~ By John BJ Hall ~
In 2010 a book made headlines with the claim that “Heaven is for Real.” It is the story of a little boy, Colton Burpo, who died and went to Heaven. The book was then turned into a movie in 2014. There have been many anecdotal stories of people who say they have died, seen …
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
1Cor.16:7-9
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
A new employee stood in front of the paper shredder, looking a little confused. "Need some help?" a secretary, walking by, asked. "Yes," the employee replied, "h…
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
This is the only picture in existence of my great-grandma Jett, grandma Stanfill, my mother Marylee Faye Hall and me.
I don’t know a lot about Great-grandma Jett, other than the fact that she reared a daughter who became the best grandmother I can imagine. Grandma S…
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
The church was in turmoil. There was animosity between the older members and the younger members. You could feel the tension in the air. They wouldn’t sit on the same side of the auditorium. They wouldn’t even walk across the aisle to shake hands during the time of …
βBy Evangelist John BJ Hall
Not long ago I was involved in a discussion about miracles. Some of those involved believed in miracles, and some did not. One went so far as to say, “Miracles require the rearrangement of molecules.” He said, “There are no medical miracles. ALL so-called medical mi…
By Evangelist John BJ Hall
He awoke from an unexpected sleep. Not even imagining why it had come so quickly. He did not want to open his eyes, just yet. But now he felt something different, very different. There was a presence he had never felt before. Maybe this was some creature he had not yet …
Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
πΆπ΅πΆπ΅πΆπ΅πΆπ΅
We know that we are not saved by works. (Ephesians 2:8) But we also know that we were saved in order to do go…
~By BJ Hall~
Fellowship should be an integral and essential part of our Christian experience.
Acts 2:42 (NASB) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
By definition it means: Expressions of genuine Christianit…
~ By John BJ Hall ~
In 2010 a book made headlines with the claim that “Heaven is for Real.” It is the story of a little boy, Colton Burpo, who died and went to Heaven. The book was then turned into a movie in 2014. There have been many anecdotal stories of people who say they have died, seen …
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
1Cor.16:7-9
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
A new employee stood in front of the paper shredder, looking a little confused. "Need some help?" a secretary, walking by, asked. "Yes," the employee replied, "h…
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
This is the only picture in existence of my great-grandma Jett, grandma Stanfill, my mother Marylee Faye Hall and me.
I don’t know a lot about Great-grandma Jett, other than the fact that she reared a daughter who became the best grandmother I can imagine. Grandma S…
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
The church was in turmoil. There was animosity between the older members and the younger members. You could feel the tension in the air. They wouldn’t sit on the same side of the auditorium. They wouldn’t even walk across the aisle to shake hands during the time of …
βBy Evangelist John BJ Hall
Not long ago I was involved in a discussion about miracles. Some of those involved believed in miracles, and some did not. One went so far as to say, “Miracles require the rearrangement of molecules.” He said, “There are no medical miracles. ALL so-called medical mi…
By Evangelist John BJ Hall
He awoke from an unexpected sleep. Not even imagining why it had come so quickly. He did not want to open his eyes, just yet. But now he felt something different, very different. There was a presence he had never felt before. Maybe this was some creature he had not yet …
Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
πΆπ΅πΆπ΅πΆπ΅πΆπ΅
We know that we are not saved by works. (Ephesians 2:8) But we also know that we were saved in order to do go…
~By BJ Hall~
Fellowship should be an integral and essential part of our Christian experience.
Acts 2:42 (NASB) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
By definition it means: Expressions of genuine Christianit…
~ By John BJ Hall ~
In 2010 a book made headlines with the claim that “Heaven is for Real.” It is the story of a little boy, Colton Burpo, who died and went to Heaven. The book was then turned into a movie in 2014. There have been many anecdotal stories of people who say they have died, seen …
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
1Cor.16:7-9
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
A new employee stood in front of the paper shredder, looking a little confused. "Need some help?" a secretary, walking by, asked. "Yes," the employee replied, "h…
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
This is the only picture in existence of my great-grandma Jett, grandma Stanfill, my mother Marylee Faye Hall and me.
I don’t know a lot about Great-grandma Jett, other than the fact that she reared a daughter who became the best grandmother I can imagine. Grandma S…
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
The church was in turmoil. There was animosity between the older members and the younger members. You could feel the tension in the air. They wouldn’t sit on the same side of the auditorium. They wouldn’t even walk across the aisle to shake hands during the time of …
βBy Evangelist John BJ Hall
Not long ago I was involved in a discussion about miracles. Some of those involved believed in miracles, and some did not. One went so far as to say, “Miracles require the rearrangement of molecules.” He said, “There are no medical miracles. ALL so-called medical mi…
By Evangelist John BJ Hall
He awoke from an unexpected sleep. Not even imagining why it had come so quickly. He did not want to open his eyes, just yet. But now he felt something different, very different. There was a presence he had never felt before. Maybe this was some creature he had not yet …
Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
πΆπ΅πΆπ΅πΆπ΅πΆπ΅
We know that we are not saved by works. (Ephesians 2:8) But we also know that we were saved in order to do go…
~By BJ Hall~
Fellowship should be an integral and essential part of our Christian experience.
Acts 2:42 (NASB) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
By definition it means: Expressions of genuine Christianit…
~ By John BJ Hall ~
In 2010 a book made headlines with the claim that “Heaven is for Real.” It is the story of a little boy, Colton Burpo, who died and went to Heaven. The book was then turned into a movie in 2014. There have been many anecdotal stories of people who say they have died, seen …
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
1Cor.16:7-9
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
A new employee stood in front of the paper shredder, looking a little confused. "Need some help?" a secretary, walking by, asked. "Yes," the employee replied, "h…
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
This is the only picture in existence of my great-grandma Jett, grandma Stanfill, my mother Marylee Faye Hall and me.
I don’t know a lot about Great-grandma Jett, other than the fact that she reared a daughter who became the best grandmother I can imagine. Grandma S…
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
The church was in turmoil. There was animosity between the older members and the younger members. You could feel the tension in the air. They wouldn’t sit on the same side of the auditorium. They wouldn’t even walk across the aisle to shake hands during the time of …
βBy Evangelist John BJ Hall
Not long ago I was involved in a discussion about miracles. Some of those involved believed in miracles, and some did not. One went so far as to say, “Miracles require the rearrangement of molecules.” He said, “There are no medical miracles. ALL so-called medical mi…
By Evangelist John BJ Hall
He awoke from an unexpected sleep. Not even imagining why it had come so quickly. He did not want to open his eyes, just yet. But now he felt something different, very different. There was a presence he had never felt before. Maybe this was some creature he had not yet …
Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵
We know that we are not saved by works. (Ephesians 2:8) But we also know that we were saved in order to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10) James, the brother of our Lord, wrote, “But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. (James 2:18–19)
Our Lord did not save us so that we could rest on our laurels. He clearly wants us to be about His business. Matthew 28:18-20 is His final command to all who would follow Him. Our task is to carry the Gospel to the whole world.
In John 9:4, Jesus said to His disciples, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.”
🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵
Father, You have called me to serve You. You have also promised that You would enable me to do the work of the Kingdom. Lord, give me the strength and wisdom I need to tell the world about Your great love and sacrifice. Show me where You want me to go and give me the words that I need to do Your work. Amen.
This post is an excerpt from the book "Hymns of Praise Vol 3: A Devotional Guide to the Hymns of Our Faith" by John BJ Hall.
© Copyright 2024 by Passages Ministries. All rights reserved.
~By BJ Hall~
Fellowship should be an integral and essential part of our Christian experience.
Acts 2:42 (NASB) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
By definition it means: Expressions of genuine Christianity freely shared among the members of God’s family.
At the heart of fellowship, there must be love and acceptance Jesus said in John 13:34-35 (NASB) "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Romans 12:9-10 (NASB) Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
We are now considering what the Scriptures teach about love and acceptance, using the first seven verses of 1 Corinthians 13 as our guide.
I. THE PRIORITY OF LOVE (v. 1-3)
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NASB) 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
If . . . if . . . if . . . if . . . if . . . but do not have love . . . nothing.
II. THE MEANING OF LOVE (v. 4-7)
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NASB) 4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Here we see what Love is . . . is not . . . What it does . . . does not do . . . . .
Love is defined as: Seeking the highest good for someone else.
Paul Amplifies the definition beginning with the first seven of fifteen characteristics of agape love.
So, I ask… Where are you in the Fellowship of Love? Are you standing on the outside looking in? Or are you spreading Love around to those you meet?
~ By John BJ Hall ~
In 2010 a book made headlines with the claim that “Heaven is for Real.” It is the story of a little boy, Colton Burpo, who died and went to Heaven. The book was then turned into a movie in 2014. There have been many anecdotal stories of people who say they have died, seen a bright light and come back from the dead. Are the stories true? That is yet to be decided.
The Bible has some information for us. Paul wrote of what most scholars believe to be his own personal testimony. He said, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven.” 2 Corinthians 12:2 (NASB) We also have the testimony of the Apostle John chronicled in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
But what about Hell. Is it real? Is it really a place of eternal torture? Is it a place to be avoided at all cost? Jesus had something to say about that. In Luke chapter sixteen He told of the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus was a poor beggar, who had nothing. I’m sure that the people around town were familiar with Lazarus. His name means “assistance of God.” God was his only benefactor.
The rich man, on the other hand, had everything a man could want in this world. But he was bereft of the most basic human compassion. He did nothing about the poor beggar at his door. What he desperately needed was peace with God.
The day came when both men died. Lazarus was in Abraham’s Bosom. The Jews believed that the righteous went to the Bosom of Abraham when they died. This was a euphemism for paradise, a place of peace and rest. It is the place to which the poor man, Lazarus, was carried by the angels when he died. At meals to recline in the bosom of the host was considered the highest honor. The poor man was comforted after death by being given the place of closest fellowship with the father of the whole Hebrew nation.
The rich man, “in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments…” Luke 16:23a (KJV) He further describes it as a place with flames, “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” Luke 16:24 (KJV)
Now the most important thing that you should know. God does not want anyone to die and go to Hell. In fact, He gave himself as propitiation, sacrifice to pay our penalty, so that we would not have to spend even one minute in Hell. The Apostle Peter wrote, in 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
In short, Hell Is for Real. But so is Heaven. And God want’s you to be with Him there. As Joshua of old said, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
1Cor.16:7-9
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
A new employee stood in front of the paper shredder, looking a little confused. "Need some help?" a secretary, walking by, asked. "Yes," the employee replied, "how does this thing work?" "Oh it's simple," she said, taking the large report from his hand and feeding it into the shredder. "Thanks," the new guy said, "now can you tell me where all the copies come out?"
Technologies and office machines do baffle some people. Fax machines, cellular telephones, pagers, computers, and modems: all have burst on the scene virtually revolutionizing the way we communicate and do business. It's what we would call a breakthrough!
As we are still in the first week of a new year I'm convinced that more than ever we need a breakthrough in the church - I don't mean that we need new gadgets or programs — no what we need is a Spiritual Breakthrough - we need Revival, Renewing, Re-awakening, and Re-commitment.
In our text for this evening — the apostle Paul was winding up his first epistle to the Corinthians with some practical advice — he tells them in 15:58 to stand fast in the Lord, in the first part of chapter 16 he mentions an offering to be taken for the relief of the poor, and then he tells them of his plans for the immediate future: (READ 1Cor.16:7-9)
What I want to focus on in this study is the last verse - Paul saw an opportunity - an open door - and for us - that is exactly what the new year offers - an opportunity - an open door- a fresh start - a new beginning. Paul described his door as a GREAT door and an EFFECTUAL door. By that, he saw it as an opportunity for achieving Great things for God - making a difference - being Effective.
I'm convinced that we too want to be effective for God - we want to make a difference in our world - we have a deep longing for Christ to be glorified and lifted up in our lives and in our church. I believe that God will bless and do "exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or think" IF we are willing to be filled with His Spirit and bold enough to go through the OPEN DOOR that He places before us. (But remember — it won't be easy — Paul said that there were "many adversaries." And there will be for us too.)
I. What Open Door is before us? What is this Breakthrough? COMMITMENT
Many people talk about New Years Resolutions - which usually fizzle out & fade. What I want to suggest is a New Years Re-soul-ution —a New Year Re-dedication — Re-commitment.
I have found that there are — seven things came to mind — seven pillars of our faith — that, if we Re-commit ourselves firmly to them — will guarantee Victory, Fruitfulness, and happiness in this new year.
By the way — before I talk about commitment — let me make sure there's no misunderstanding — Commitment is not just talking about religion. The story is told of an entertainer many years ago who would string up a tight-rope from one end of Niagara Falls to the other. Hundreds of spectators would come and watch him perform — he'd walk the tightrope — do tricks, and even ride a unicycle from one end to the other.
One day a man witnessed this display and was totally impressed. He clapped and cheered and even shouted, "You're the greatest!" The artist replied — "you believe I'm pretty good, huh?" Oh yes, the man said. "Then please, come let me ride you on my back as I cycle across to the other side!" TALK about commitment is one thing - ACTION is better.
1. Make a fresh Commitment to the BIBLE - the word of God.
Read it daily, study it faithfully, hear it preached often, talk about it with your friends and family, memorize portions of it, Read it through in a year - but most importantly - HEED it and OBEY it.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. - Joshua 1:8
2. Make a fresh Commitment to PRAYER!
"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." - Psalm 145:18
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." - Romans 8:26
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." - Colossians 4:2
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." - Matthew 26:41
O what precious promises are made to us if we will just pray - why then do we neglect it? Why do we sell ourselves short & rob ourselves of victory by neglecting this most important gift? "O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer." God grant us to be Committed to prayer!
3. Make a fresh Commitment to the CHURCH.
The church is the body & bride of Christ. She is His most precious, beloved and prized possession. To forsake the church and be a "lone ranger Christian" is to shoot yourself in the foot and severely hinder your effectiveness. WE NEED the Church!
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." - 1Peter 1:22
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another." John 13:35
4. Make a fresh Commitment to the GREAT COMMISSION.
We must evangelize or fossilize. The love of Christ must constrain us to love the lost - both around the corner and around the world. Jesus's last words plainly tell us what we're to be all about:
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Mt.28:18-20
5. Make a fresh Commitment to CLEAN LIVING - PURITY.
A devotion from "Our Daily Bread" suggested that we can't make New Year's Resolutions without first Resolving the sins of our past. Thank God there are grace and forgiveness available to all. Let us humble ourselves & confess to God our trespasses and He will forgive. (1Jn.1:9; Ps.51:1-3; 17)
If we regard iniquity in our hearts - we will not be blessed; we will not have victory; instead, we will be miserable. The new year will be a dud. Let's start right. God's word plainly says: "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." - 1 Jn.3:3
We're thankful, Lord, that when we fall:
6. Make a fresh Commitment to your FAMILY.
This is every bit as important as the other commitments I've mentioned. Your family is a blessing from the Lord. Treat one another right! If not - I guarantee the new year will not be happy at all.
IF you make time for your family - quality time - love and cherish one another - worship as a family - I guarantee the coming year will be a super year.
7. Make a fresh Commitment to God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit)
This, of course, is most important - what is the chief end of man? To glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God..." "Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind & strength..." "whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord..."
II. Remember, Paul said that there were many adversaries - enemies.
We too have adversaries that would keep us from going through these doors. Obstacles, pitfalls, enemies - call them what you will - they are real, nonetheless.
Are you ready to make the most of the doors that the Lord opens to you? Are you ready to go through it as a GREAT and EFFECTUAL door - or will you let it come and go just as another day - like all the others before? Let's go through the Door - press on in spite of the adversaries. You'll be glad you did!
Your future doesn’t begin tomorrow. It begins RIGHT NOW. What will you make of it this year?
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
This is the only picture in existence of my great-grandma Jett, grandma Stanfill, my mother Marylee Faye Hall and me.
I don’t know a lot about Great-grandma Jett, other than the fact that she reared a daughter who became the best grandmother I can imagine. Grandma Stanfill was the most marvelous lady that ever lived. She loved God with all her heart. She displayed that love in her life, day after day. She showed that love to the children of Enid, Oklahoma as she directed the work of the Child Evangelism Fellowship in that city. I would stay with her during the summer and watched her interact with the children that came into her life.
She lived about two blocks from an elementary school and held Bible club classes in her home. But this was not good enough for her or the children. She sold her home, which she had lived in for as long as I can remember. She used the money to buy a home across the street from the school. She remodeled the home into the perfect place for children to come and learn about the Lord. Her front room saw many children come to faith in Christ.
I remember the “flannel graphs” that she used while she told the Bible stories. I especially loved it when she would ask me to tell one of the stories to the children.
I can still hear her playing the old upright piano and singing praises to Jesus. Across the top of the piano were the pictures of missionaries and their families that she was praying for. When she wasn’t teaching children about Jesus and His great love, she was working at the church library at the Washington Avenue Bible Church.
There was a little wood cabinet tube type radio, which I have in my possession, which sat on a shelf in the kitchen. It was always tuned into a station where good ole Gospel preaching was done. One of her favorites was Dr. Theodore Epp’s “Back to the Bible” broadcast. She would cook and clean and wash dishes to the sound of Gospel preaching.
I remember the milk box that sat on her front porch. She would put empty milk bottles in it and the next morning there would be fresh milk. As a child, I thought it was magic. The milk would be used in many ways. I loved Grandma’s “French tea.” She would boil some water on the stove; pour some in a teacup, two sugar cubes and just the right amount of milk. What a treat. I thought that this must be how the fancy folks spent their afternoon.
These precious memories are part of what made me who I am today. My love for the Gospel, support of missions, prayer, and ministering to the children came from her.
Grandma Stanfill was not the only godly woman in my life. My mother was an amazing servant of the Most High God as well. Remind me to tell you about her someday.
Is there someone in your life who impacted who you are today? Is there someone in your life that you could influence and encourage in the ways of the Lord?
Paul wrote to Timothy his, "son" in the ministry, about the influence of his mother and grandmother. "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." 2 Timothy 1:5-6 (KJV)
He then called on Timothy to "pay it forward" when he said, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV)
Make a commitment today to make a difference in the lives of those around you.
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
The church was in turmoil. There was animosity between the older members and the younger members. You could feel the tension in the air. They wouldn’t sit on the same side of the auditorium. They wouldn’t even walk across the aisle to shake hands during the time of greeting in the worship service.
Why was this so? The older congregants felt their authority was threatened by a growing number of younger adults. At the same time, the younger adults believed that they were not appreciated for the things they could offer to the church.
My task as their pastor was to teach them to love one another. If they could learn that one thing they could then see each other’s strengths and could work together to glorify the Lord and His work in the church. In other words, they needed a revival, a renewal of a right spirit within.
In order for that revival to take place, there were some things that both groups needed to do. First, they needed to CLAIM A PURE HEART BEFORE GOD 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Claiming a pure heart, therefore, requires us to ask God to convict us of our sins. I recommend that you write them down. As you do, confess them to God. Each one He reveals to you should be confessed to Him, acknowledging your guilt. Then claim 1 John 1:9 by writing the verse over the sins — tear it up, and throw it away — symbolically purging you from them.
We then need to CLAIM THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” This is not a hocus-pocus/mumbo-jumbo experience. It is also NOT a “second blessing” as some teach. It is to be a daily reality. Fill means control. We must allow the Holy Spirit to fill or control our lives, not only daily but moment by moment.
If we are going to allow the Holy Spirit to fill and control our lives we must find out what He wants to do in our lives. We do that by READING AND STUDYING GOD’S WORD. Throughout scripture, we find instructions on how to do this. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
The Apostle Paul wrote to his son in the ministry he instructed him to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) God’s Word, itself, gives us the tools we need to understand God’s Word. That sounds redundant, but we must recognize that the best commentary on the Bible, is the Bible.
Once we have discovered the rich truths in His Word we need to communicate with its author. In other words, we need to SPEND MUCH TIME ALONE WITH GOD IN PRAYER.
A few years ago US NEWS & WORLD REPORT published the results of their survey on religion in America. They say that 76% of Americans see God as a heavenly father who can be reached by prayers. Yet another survey said that the average Southern Baptist pastor spends only 7 minutes in prayer each day. Now before you judge those pastors too harshly, how much time do YOU spend in prayer each and every day?
The question for us is not whether or not we believe in prayer. Or whether we think others should pray more. The question is “Do I spend MUCH time alone with God in prayer?” Failure to spend time with God increases the separation between God and yourself. The same is true of every relationship in our lives.
One of the first things we did in the aforementioned church was work to establish an active prayer ministry. Our goal was to get each of the disparate factions to pray for each other. I intentionally assigned groups as prayer teams that included every age group in the church. It is true that you cannot pray for and with someone for an extended period and remain separated spiritually.
The result of these actions in our lives is renewal. If we are to have revival it must begin in our individual hearts.
When the Lord called us to a different church, one of the older ladies in the church came to me and said, “God brought you to us to teach us how to love.” This is the beginning of revival. We MUST see a purity of heart, control of the Holy Spirit, growth in the Word, and commitment to prayer. These are the steps to revival.
βBy Evangelist John BJ Hall
Not long ago I was involved in a discussion about miracles. Some of those involved believed in miracles, and some did not. One went so far as to say, “Miracles require the rearrangement of molecules.” He said, “There are no medical miracles. ALL so-called medical miracles are merely the result of medical science.” He concluded his thoughts with these words, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen, therefore anyone who claims to have seen a miracle is no longer a person of faith.”
What was my response to that statement? That is the most ridiculous argument against miracles that I have ever heard in my life. Let’s unpack his statement one issue at a time. First, he said, “Miracles require the rearrangement of molecules.” Where do you find that in the Bible? A more accurate statement about what constitutes a miracle would be: God would have to intervene in this world and suspend the laws of nature for there to be a miracle. I don’t see anywhere in scripture that says that He can’t do that.
Was it a miracle or not when Sarah conceived in her old age and bore a son God had promised? Let’s bring it a little closer to our time. Was it a miracle when Elizabeth conceived in her old age, having been barren for her entire life? Or do we say these women were not people of faith because they saw these miracles?
I’ve got one even closer to home. July 4, 1976, was a day that defined miracles for our family. It was on a Sunday. My wife’s parents were coming to our house for dinner. We didn’t have a lot of pots and pans, so she used a Presto Cooker to cook some corn on the cob. She had removed the weighted valve so pressure would not build up. But when she reached to take it off the stove, it blew up, spewing superheated water, steam, and food on her. She had 3rd-degree burns over 30% of her body. Her polyester clothes were melting into her flesh.
She was taken by ambulance from Craig General Hospital, Vinita, Oklahoma to Hillcrest Burn Center in Tulsa. This burn center was at the time acclaimed to be one of the top four burn units in the nation. These doctors and nurses were not novices, but the best and most experienced money could buy. In the triage room, the doctors examined her, taking pictures for documentation.
The doctor came out to speak with me. He said, “Connie is going to be in the Critical Room for three weeks and in the burn center for three months. She will have to have extensive grafting. Time: 2:00 pm July 4th.
At 3:00 pm the deacons from Adair First Baptist Church, where I had just resigned as their pastor, were standing in that same waiting room praying for God’s will to be done in her life.
At 4:00 pm the Webbers Falls First Baptist Church deacons, were standing in the waiting room praying for us in the same way.
Tuesday, July 6th at 8:00 am the doctor came out and seemed puzzled. He said, “We don’t know what is going on here. We have gone back over our initial findings and they were correct. But your wife ready to come out of the Critical Room this morning. However, she will still be in the Burn Center for three months so we can do the grafting that will be necessary.”
Thursday, July 8th at 8:00 am he returned to the waiting room. He said, “Mr. Hall, We can’t explain this. We have reviewed our initial findings. They were correct. We have gone back over the review that was done on Tuesday. It was also correct.” He stopped, took a breath and said, “This is not possible, but your wife is ready to go home today.” I said, “Thank you Doc.” He said, “She will need to come into my office in one week so that we can schedule grafting that will be needed. But we can do that on an outpatient basis.”
We went to the doctor’s office on the following Thursday. After examining her he came out to the waiting room. In front of about twenty-five or thirty witnesses, he said, “Reverend Hall. There is no explanation for what I am about to say.” He then went over the whole litany and timeline for what had taken place. To which he added, “What I am telling you is not conceivable but your wife is not going to have to have grafting after all. We THINK she may have some scaring.”
I am telling you today, there is absolutely no scaring. She even got her freckles back.
Does that make me less a man of faith? No, I say it has increased my faith. I have seen with my own eyes what God can do. I don’t have to believe anyone else’s story of healing. I believe because I have seen.
The statement that if someone “claims to have seen a miracle they are no longer a person of faith” has no basis in scripture.
I suppose then that none of the Apostles were men of faith since they claimed to have seen miracles. Some of them had even been involved in miracles happening in their ministries. How about the people who saw the lame man walk or the mute speak or the blind see? What about their faith. Were they no longer men and women of faith? Peter walked on water, I would classify that as a miracle. Was he no longer a man of faith?
On the contrary. Several times in the Gospels Jesus said, “Thy faith hath made the whole,” or “Thy faith hath saved thee.”
Why would my wife have to endure the excruciating pain of 3rd-degree burns over 30% of her body? What would glorify God in this experience? During her time in the Burn Center, I had the opportunity to witness to a man whose son was scalded when he pulled a large banquet type coffee pot over on himself. This man, who had lost his larynx to cancer, accepted Christ as his personal Savior and Lord. Why? He had seen and heard all the things that were said in the Burn Center waiting room.
I am not in any way saying that God sent that burn into her life. What I am saying is that God used the healing of her burns to be a witness to the hurting family of a little boy. He used it to teach the doctor that he was not in charge. That God still is in control. He used it to witness to the patients and their families at the doctor’s office that God is faithful.
He used it to bolster the faith of both the church at Adair and the one at Webbers Falls. To show them that God is in control when we think things are helpless.
He can use this event to bolster your faith and encourage you if you are in need.
By Evangelist John BJ Hall
He awoke from an unexpected sleep. Not even imagining why it had come so quickly. He did not want to open his eyes, just yet. But now he felt something different, very different. There was a presence he had never felt before. Maybe this was some creature he had not yet seen. It didn't seem possible that such could be. He had examined every species in existence. He had even given each one a unique name.
He didn't want to startle whatever it was. It seemed so near. He could almost reach out his hand like so . . . What was that? It was so soft. It felt like hair, long flowing hair.
He reached out again. Now the sensation was different. That was skin, like his own, yet somehow different; softer, warmer, tenderer.
He decided to peek. He just MUST know what this new sensation meant. Slowly he opened his eyes. There it was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. This creature was like him, yet somehow different. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the difference, but he somehow knew that this had to be the most wonderful thing that had ever happened to him.
None of the other creatures in the garden made him feel this way. When he looked into her eyes it was as though he was looking into a beautiful shining pool glistening with the sparkle of golden sunshine. How could this be?
For so long he had felt an emptiness in his soul. Surely, there were plenty of other creatures in the garden, but he had always felt so alone. He could not remember a time when he was not alone. But now, here was this wonderful creature to whom he felt such a marvelous attraction, sitting there beside him gazing at him as though HE were something special. Somehow, he knew that he would never be alone again.
He knew what he must do. He must go to his Father in the cool of the evening and tell Him of this wonderful find. He could hardly wait.
Then it dawned on him. He did not have to tell the Father of this find. The Father had made every creature in the garden. Why, He had made the garden itself. This beautiful creature must be a special gift from the Father, just for him.
Now he heard the Father walking in the Garden in the cool of the day. He must hurry and thank Him for this wonderful gift. No, he and his new found companion must hurry to meet the Father together.
As he approached the place where he and the Father met every day his heart fairly burst with excitement. How he wanted to introduce her to the Father.
There He was, in the usual place patiently waiting. As they approached the Father lifted His hand and said, "Her name is Eve, for she was taken out of the man. What God hath joined together let no man put asunder."
Together they fell prostrate before the Father and worshiped Him.
~~~~~
Genesis 2:18-25 (KJV) “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
This is an excerpt from the poetry and prose found in BJ's book, "WHOLLY THINE: A Look at Depression From the Inside"
© Copyright 1995 by Passages Ministries. All rights reserved.
For permission to use this short story contact Passages Ministries.
Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
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We know that we are not saved by works. (Ephesians 2:8) But we also know that we were saved in order to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10) James, the brother of our Lord, wrote, “But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. (James 2:18–19)
Our Lord did not save us so that we could rest on our laurels. He clearly wants us to be about His business. Matthew 28:18-20 is His final command to all who would follow Him. Our task is to carry the Gospel to the whole world.
In John 9:4, Jesus said to His disciples, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.”
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Father, You have called me to serve You. You have also promised that You would enable me to do the work of the Kingdom. Lord, give me the strength and wisdom I need to tell the world about Your great love and sacrifice. Show me where You want me to go and give me the words that I need to do Your work. Amen.
This post is an excerpt from the book "Hymns of Praise Vol 3: A Devotional Guide to the Hymns of Our Faith" by John BJ Hall.
© Copyright 2024 by Passages Ministries. All rights reserved.
~By BJ Hall~
Fellowship should be an integral and essential part of our Christian experience.
Acts 2:42 (NASB) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
By definition it means: Expressions of genuine Christianity freely shared among the members of God’s family.
At the heart of fellowship, there must be love and acceptance Jesus said in John 13:34-35 (NASB) "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Romans 12:9-10 (NASB) Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
We are now considering what the Scriptures teach about love and acceptance, using the first seven verses of 1 Corinthians 13 as our guide.
I. THE PRIORITY OF LOVE (v. 1-3)
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NASB) 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
If . . . if . . . if . . . if . . . if . . . but do not have love . . . nothing.
II. THE MEANING OF LOVE (v. 4-7)
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NASB) 4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Here we see what Love is . . . is not . . . What it does . . . does not do . . . . .
Love is defined as: Seeking the highest good for someone else.
Paul Amplifies the definition beginning with the first seven of fifteen characteristics of agape love.
So, I ask… Where are you in the Fellowship of Love? Are you standing on the outside looking in? Or are you spreading Love around to those you meet?
~ By John BJ Hall ~
In 2010 a book made headlines with the claim that “Heaven is for Real.” It is the story of a little boy, Colton Burpo, who died and went to Heaven. The book was then turned into a movie in 2014. There have been many anecdotal stories of people who say they have died, seen a bright light and come back from the dead. Are the stories true? That is yet to be decided.
The Bible has some information for us. Paul wrote of what most scholars believe to be his own personal testimony. He said, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven.” 2 Corinthians 12:2 (NASB) We also have the testimony of the Apostle John chronicled in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
But what about Hell. Is it real? Is it really a place of eternal torture? Is it a place to be avoided at all cost? Jesus had something to say about that. In Luke chapter sixteen He told of the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus was a poor beggar, who had nothing. I’m sure that the people around town were familiar with Lazarus. His name means “assistance of God.” God was his only benefactor.
The rich man, on the other hand, had everything a man could want in this world. But he was bereft of the most basic human compassion. He did nothing about the poor beggar at his door. What he desperately needed was peace with God.
The day came when both men died. Lazarus was in Abraham’s Bosom. The Jews believed that the righteous went to the Bosom of Abraham when they died. This was a euphemism for paradise, a place of peace and rest. It is the place to which the poor man, Lazarus, was carried by the angels when he died. At meals to recline in the bosom of the host was considered the highest honor. The poor man was comforted after death by being given the place of closest fellowship with the father of the whole Hebrew nation.
The rich man, “in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments…” Luke 16:23a (KJV) He further describes it as a place with flames, “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” Luke 16:24 (KJV)
Now the most important thing that you should know. God does not want anyone to die and go to Hell. In fact, He gave himself as propitiation, sacrifice to pay our penalty, so that we would not have to spend even one minute in Hell. The Apostle Peter wrote, in 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
In short, Hell Is for Real. But so is Heaven. And God want’s you to be with Him there. As Joshua of old said, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
1Cor.16:7-9
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
A new employee stood in front of the paper shredder, looking a little confused. "Need some help?" a secretary, walking by, asked. "Yes," the employee replied, "how does this thing work?" "Oh it's simple," she said, taking the large report from his hand and feeding it into the shredder. "Thanks," the new guy said, "now can you tell me where all the copies come out?"
Technologies and office machines do baffle some people. Fax machines, cellular telephones, pagers, computers, and modems: all have burst on the scene virtually revolutionizing the way we communicate and do business. It's what we would call a breakthrough!
As we are still in the first week of a new year I'm convinced that more than ever we need a breakthrough in the church - I don't mean that we need new gadgets or programs — no what we need is a Spiritual Breakthrough - we need Revival, Renewing, Re-awakening, and Re-commitment.
In our text for this evening — the apostle Paul was winding up his first epistle to the Corinthians with some practical advice — he tells them in 15:58 to stand fast in the Lord, in the first part of chapter 16 he mentions an offering to be taken for the relief of the poor, and then he tells them of his plans for the immediate future: (READ 1Cor.16:7-9)
What I want to focus on in this study is the last verse - Paul saw an opportunity - an open door - and for us - that is exactly what the new year offers - an opportunity - an open door- a fresh start - a new beginning. Paul described his door as a GREAT door and an EFFECTUAL door. By that, he saw it as an opportunity for achieving Great things for God - making a difference - being Effective.
I'm convinced that we too want to be effective for God - we want to make a difference in our world - we have a deep longing for Christ to be glorified and lifted up in our lives and in our church. I believe that God will bless and do "exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or think" IF we are willing to be filled with His Spirit and bold enough to go through the OPEN DOOR that He places before us. (But remember — it won't be easy — Paul said that there were "many adversaries." And there will be for us too.)
I. What Open Door is before us? What is this Breakthrough? COMMITMENT
Many people talk about New Years Resolutions - which usually fizzle out & fade. What I want to suggest is a New Years Re-soul-ution —a New Year Re-dedication — Re-commitment.
I have found that there are — seven things came to mind — seven pillars of our faith — that, if we Re-commit ourselves firmly to them — will guarantee Victory, Fruitfulness, and happiness in this new year.
By the way — before I talk about commitment — let me make sure there's no misunderstanding — Commitment is not just talking about religion. The story is told of an entertainer many years ago who would string up a tight-rope from one end of Niagara Falls to the other. Hundreds of spectators would come and watch him perform — he'd walk the tightrope — do tricks, and even ride a unicycle from one end to the other.
One day a man witnessed this display and was totally impressed. He clapped and cheered and even shouted, "You're the greatest!" The artist replied — "you believe I'm pretty good, huh?" Oh yes, the man said. "Then please, come let me ride you on my back as I cycle across to the other side!" TALK about commitment is one thing - ACTION is better.
1. Make a fresh Commitment to the BIBLE - the word of God.
Read it daily, study it faithfully, hear it preached often, talk about it with your friends and family, memorize portions of it, Read it through in a year - but most importantly - HEED it and OBEY it.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. - Joshua 1:8
2. Make a fresh Commitment to PRAYER!
"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." - Psalm 145:18
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." - Romans 8:26
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." - Colossians 4:2
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." - Matthew 26:41
O what precious promises are made to us if we will just pray - why then do we neglect it? Why do we sell ourselves short & rob ourselves of victory by neglecting this most important gift? "O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer." God grant us to be Committed to prayer!
3. Make a fresh Commitment to the CHURCH.
The church is the body & bride of Christ. She is His most precious, beloved and prized possession. To forsake the church and be a "lone ranger Christian" is to shoot yourself in the foot and severely hinder your effectiveness. WE NEED the Church!
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." - 1Peter 1:22
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another." John 13:35
4. Make a fresh Commitment to the GREAT COMMISSION.
We must evangelize or fossilize. The love of Christ must constrain us to love the lost - both around the corner and around the world. Jesus's last words plainly tell us what we're to be all about:
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Mt.28:18-20
5. Make a fresh Commitment to CLEAN LIVING - PURITY.
A devotion from "Our Daily Bread" suggested that we can't make New Year's Resolutions without first Resolving the sins of our past. Thank God there are grace and forgiveness available to all. Let us humble ourselves & confess to God our trespasses and He will forgive. (1Jn.1:9; Ps.51:1-3; 17)
If we regard iniquity in our hearts - we will not be blessed; we will not have victory; instead, we will be miserable. The new year will be a dud. Let's start right. God's word plainly says: "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." - 1 Jn.3:3
We're thankful, Lord, that when we fall:
6. Make a fresh Commitment to your FAMILY.
This is every bit as important as the other commitments I've mentioned. Your family is a blessing from the Lord. Treat one another right! If not - I guarantee the new year will not be happy at all.
IF you make time for your family - quality time - love and cherish one another - worship as a family - I guarantee the coming year will be a super year.
7. Make a fresh Commitment to God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit)
This, of course, is most important - what is the chief end of man? To glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God..." "Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind & strength..." "whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord..."
II. Remember, Paul said that there were many adversaries - enemies.
We too have adversaries that would keep us from going through these doors. Obstacles, pitfalls, enemies - call them what you will - they are real, nonetheless.
Are you ready to make the most of the doors that the Lord opens to you? Are you ready to go through it as a GREAT and EFFECTUAL door - or will you let it come and go just as another day - like all the others before? Let's go through the Door - press on in spite of the adversaries. You'll be glad you did!
Your future doesn’t begin tomorrow. It begins RIGHT NOW. What will you make of it this year?
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
This is the only picture in existence of my great-grandma Jett, grandma Stanfill, my mother Marylee Faye Hall and me.
I don’t know a lot about Great-grandma Jett, other than the fact that she reared a daughter who became the best grandmother I can imagine. Grandma Stanfill was the most marvelous lady that ever lived. She loved God with all her heart. She displayed that love in her life, day after day. She showed that love to the children of Enid, Oklahoma as she directed the work of the Child Evangelism Fellowship in that city. I would stay with her during the summer and watched her interact with the children that came into her life.
She lived about two blocks from an elementary school and held Bible club classes in her home. But this was not good enough for her or the children. She sold her home, which she had lived in for as long as I can remember. She used the money to buy a home across the street from the school. She remodeled the home into the perfect place for children to come and learn about the Lord. Her front room saw many children come to faith in Christ.
I remember the “flannel graphs” that she used while she told the Bible stories. I especially loved it when she would ask me to tell one of the stories to the children.
I can still hear her playing the old upright piano and singing praises to Jesus. Across the top of the piano were the pictures of missionaries and their families that she was praying for. When she wasn’t teaching children about Jesus and His great love, she was working at the church library at the Washington Avenue Bible Church.
There was a little wood cabinet tube type radio, which I have in my possession, which sat on a shelf in the kitchen. It was always tuned into a station where good ole Gospel preaching was done. One of her favorites was Dr. Theodore Epp’s “Back to the Bible” broadcast. She would cook and clean and wash dishes to the sound of Gospel preaching.
I remember the milk box that sat on her front porch. She would put empty milk bottles in it and the next morning there would be fresh milk. As a child, I thought it was magic. The milk would be used in many ways. I loved Grandma’s “French tea.” She would boil some water on the stove; pour some in a teacup, two sugar cubes and just the right amount of milk. What a treat. I thought that this must be how the fancy folks spent their afternoon.
These precious memories are part of what made me who I am today. My love for the Gospel, support of missions, prayer, and ministering to the children came from her.
Grandma Stanfill was not the only godly woman in my life. My mother was an amazing servant of the Most High God as well. Remind me to tell you about her someday.
Is there someone in your life who impacted who you are today? Is there someone in your life that you could influence and encourage in the ways of the Lord?
Paul wrote to Timothy his, "son" in the ministry, about the influence of his mother and grandmother. "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." 2 Timothy 1:5-6 (KJV)
He then called on Timothy to "pay it forward" when he said, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV)
Make a commitment today to make a difference in the lives of those around you.
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
The church was in turmoil. There was animosity between the older members and the younger members. You could feel the tension in the air. They wouldn’t sit on the same side of the auditorium. They wouldn’t even walk across the aisle to shake hands during the time of greeting in the worship service.
Why was this so? The older congregants felt their authority was threatened by a growing number of younger adults. At the same time, the younger adults believed that they were not appreciated for the things they could offer to the church.
My task as their pastor was to teach them to love one another. If they could learn that one thing they could then see each other’s strengths and could work together to glorify the Lord and His work in the church. In other words, they needed a revival, a renewal of a right spirit within.
In order for that revival to take place, there were some things that both groups needed to do. First, they needed to CLAIM A PURE HEART BEFORE GOD 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Claiming a pure heart, therefore, requires us to ask God to convict us of our sins. I recommend that you write them down. As you do, confess them to God. Each one He reveals to you should be confessed to Him, acknowledging your guilt. Then claim 1 John 1:9 by writing the verse over the sins — tear it up, and throw it away — symbolically purging you from them.
We then need to CLAIM THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” This is not a hocus-pocus/mumbo-jumbo experience. It is also NOT a “second blessing” as some teach. It is to be a daily reality. Fill means control. We must allow the Holy Spirit to fill or control our lives, not only daily but moment by moment.
If we are going to allow the Holy Spirit to fill and control our lives we must find out what He wants to do in our lives. We do that by READING AND STUDYING GOD’S WORD. Throughout scripture, we find instructions on how to do this. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
The Apostle Paul wrote to his son in the ministry he instructed him to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) God’s Word, itself, gives us the tools we need to understand God’s Word. That sounds redundant, but we must recognize that the best commentary on the Bible, is the Bible.
Once we have discovered the rich truths in His Word we need to communicate with its author. In other words, we need to SPEND MUCH TIME ALONE WITH GOD IN PRAYER.
A few years ago US NEWS & WORLD REPORT published the results of their survey on religion in America. They say that 76% of Americans see God as a heavenly father who can be reached by prayers. Yet another survey said that the average Southern Baptist pastor spends only 7 minutes in prayer each day. Now before you judge those pastors too harshly, how much time do YOU spend in prayer each and every day?
The question for us is not whether or not we believe in prayer. Or whether we think others should pray more. The question is “Do I spend MUCH time alone with God in prayer?” Failure to spend time with God increases the separation between God and yourself. The same is true of every relationship in our lives.
One of the first things we did in the aforementioned church was work to establish an active prayer ministry. Our goal was to get each of the disparate factions to pray for each other. I intentionally assigned groups as prayer teams that included every age group in the church. It is true that you cannot pray for and with someone for an extended period and remain separated spiritually.
The result of these actions in our lives is renewal. If we are to have revival it must begin in our individual hearts.
When the Lord called us to a different church, one of the older ladies in the church came to me and said, “God brought you to us to teach us how to love.” This is the beginning of revival. We MUST see a purity of heart, control of the Holy Spirit, growth in the Word, and commitment to prayer. These are the steps to revival.
βBy Evangelist John BJ Hall
Not long ago I was involved in a discussion about miracles. Some of those involved believed in miracles, and some did not. One went so far as to say, “Miracles require the rearrangement of molecules.” He said, “There are no medical miracles. ALL so-called medical miracles are merely the result of medical science.” He concluded his thoughts with these words, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen, therefore anyone who claims to have seen a miracle is no longer a person of faith.”
What was my response to that statement? That is the most ridiculous argument against miracles that I have ever heard in my life. Let’s unpack his statement one issue at a time. First, he said, “Miracles require the rearrangement of molecules.” Where do you find that in the Bible? A more accurate statement about what constitutes a miracle would be: God would have to intervene in this world and suspend the laws of nature for there to be a miracle. I don’t see anywhere in scripture that says that He can’t do that.
Was it a miracle or not when Sarah conceived in her old age and bore a son God had promised? Let’s bring it a little closer to our time. Was it a miracle when Elizabeth conceived in her old age, having been barren for her entire life? Or do we say these women were not people of faith because they saw these miracles?
I’ve got one even closer to home. July 4, 1976, was a day that defined miracles for our family. It was on a Sunday. My wife’s parents were coming to our house for dinner. We didn’t have a lot of pots and pans, so she used a Presto Cooker to cook some corn on the cob. She had removed the weighted valve so pressure would not build up. But when she reached to take it off the stove, it blew up, spewing superheated water, steam, and food on her. She had 3rd-degree burns over 30% of her body. Her polyester clothes were melting into her flesh.
She was taken by ambulance from Craig General Hospital, Vinita, Oklahoma to Hillcrest Burn Center in Tulsa. This burn center was at the time acclaimed to be one of the top four burn units in the nation. These doctors and nurses were not novices, but the best and most experienced money could buy. In the triage room, the doctors examined her, taking pictures for documentation.
The doctor came out to speak with me. He said, “Connie is going to be in the Critical Room for three weeks and in the burn center for three months. She will have to have extensive grafting. Time: 2:00 pm July 4th.
At 3:00 pm the deacons from Adair First Baptist Church, where I had just resigned as their pastor, were standing in that same waiting room praying for God’s will to be done in her life.
At 4:00 pm the Webbers Falls First Baptist Church deacons, were standing in the waiting room praying for us in the same way.
Tuesday, July 6th at 8:00 am the doctor came out and seemed puzzled. He said, “We don’t know what is going on here. We have gone back over our initial findings and they were correct. But your wife ready to come out of the Critical Room this morning. However, she will still be in the Burn Center for three months so we can do the grafting that will be necessary.”
Thursday, July 8th at 8:00 am he returned to the waiting room. He said, “Mr. Hall, We can’t explain this. We have reviewed our initial findings. They were correct. We have gone back over the review that was done on Tuesday. It was also correct.” He stopped, took a breath and said, “This is not possible, but your wife is ready to go home today.” I said, “Thank you Doc.” He said, “She will need to come into my office in one week so that we can schedule grafting that will be needed. But we can do that on an outpatient basis.”
We went to the doctor’s office on the following Thursday. After examining her he came out to the waiting room. In front of about twenty-five or thirty witnesses, he said, “Reverend Hall. There is no explanation for what I am about to say.” He then went over the whole litany and timeline for what had taken place. To which he added, “What I am telling you is not conceivable but your wife is not going to have to have grafting after all. We THINK she may have some scaring.”
I am telling you today, there is absolutely no scaring. She even got her freckles back.
Does that make me less a man of faith? No, I say it has increased my faith. I have seen with my own eyes what God can do. I don’t have to believe anyone else’s story of healing. I believe because I have seen.
The statement that if someone “claims to have seen a miracle they are no longer a person of faith” has no basis in scripture.
I suppose then that none of the Apostles were men of faith since they claimed to have seen miracles. Some of them had even been involved in miracles happening in their ministries. How about the people who saw the lame man walk or the mute speak or the blind see? What about their faith. Were they no longer men and women of faith? Peter walked on water, I would classify that as a miracle. Was he no longer a man of faith?
On the contrary. Several times in the Gospels Jesus said, “Thy faith hath made the whole,” or “Thy faith hath saved thee.”
Why would my wife have to endure the excruciating pain of 3rd-degree burns over 30% of her body? What would glorify God in this experience? During her time in the Burn Center, I had the opportunity to witness to a man whose son was scalded when he pulled a large banquet type coffee pot over on himself. This man, who had lost his larynx to cancer, accepted Christ as his personal Savior and Lord. Why? He had seen and heard all the things that were said in the Burn Center waiting room.
I am not in any way saying that God sent that burn into her life. What I am saying is that God used the healing of her burns to be a witness to the hurting family of a little boy. He used it to teach the doctor that he was not in charge. That God still is in control. He used it to witness to the patients and their families at the doctor’s office that God is faithful.
He used it to bolster the faith of both the church at Adair and the one at Webbers Falls. To show them that God is in control when we think things are helpless.
He can use this event to bolster your faith and encourage you if you are in need.
By Evangelist John BJ Hall
He awoke from an unexpected sleep. Not even imagining why it had come so quickly. He did not want to open his eyes, just yet. But now he felt something different, very different. There was a presence he had never felt before. Maybe this was some creature he had not yet seen. It didn't seem possible that such could be. He had examined every species in existence. He had even given each one a unique name.
He didn't want to startle whatever it was. It seemed so near. He could almost reach out his hand like so . . . What was that? It was so soft. It felt like hair, long flowing hair.
He reached out again. Now the sensation was different. That was skin, like his own, yet somehow different; softer, warmer, tenderer.
He decided to peek. He just MUST know what this new sensation meant. Slowly he opened his eyes. There it was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. This creature was like him, yet somehow different. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the difference, but he somehow knew that this had to be the most wonderful thing that had ever happened to him.
None of the other creatures in the garden made him feel this way. When he looked into her eyes it was as though he was looking into a beautiful shining pool glistening with the sparkle of golden sunshine. How could this be?
For so long he had felt an emptiness in his soul. Surely, there were plenty of other creatures in the garden, but he had always felt so alone. He could not remember a time when he was not alone. But now, here was this wonderful creature to whom he felt such a marvelous attraction, sitting there beside him gazing at him as though HE were something special. Somehow, he knew that he would never be alone again.
He knew what he must do. He must go to his Father in the cool of the evening and tell Him of this wonderful find. He could hardly wait.
Then it dawned on him. He did not have to tell the Father of this find. The Father had made every creature in the garden. Why, He had made the garden itself. This beautiful creature must be a special gift from the Father, just for him.
Now he heard the Father walking in the Garden in the cool of the day. He must hurry and thank Him for this wonderful gift. No, he and his new found companion must hurry to meet the Father together.
As he approached the place where he and the Father met every day his heart fairly burst with excitement. How he wanted to introduce her to the Father.
There He was, in the usual place patiently waiting. As they approached the Father lifted His hand and said, "Her name is Eve, for she was taken out of the man. What God hath joined together let no man put asunder."
Together they fell prostrate before the Father and worshiped Him.
~~~~~
Genesis 2:18-25 (KJV) “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
This is an excerpt from the poetry and prose found in BJ's book, "WHOLLY THINE: A Look at Depression From the Inside"
© Copyright 1995 by Passages Ministries. All rights reserved.
For permission to use this short story contact Passages Ministries.
Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11
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We know that we are not saved by works. (Ephesians 2:8) But we also know that we were saved in order to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10) James, the brother of our Lord, wrote, “But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. (James 2:18–19)
Our Lord did not save us so that we could rest on our laurels. He clearly wants us to be about His business. Matthew 28:18-20 is His final command to all who would follow Him. Our task is to carry the Gospel to the whole world.
In John 9:4, Jesus said to His disciples, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.”
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Father, You have called me to serve You. You have also promised that You would enable me to do the work of the Kingdom. Lord, give me the strength and wisdom I need to tell the world about Your great love and sacrifice. Show me where You want me to go and give me the words that I need to do Your work. Amen.
This post is an excerpt from the book "Hymns of Praise Vol 3: A Devotional Guide to the Hymns of Our Faith" by John BJ Hall.
© Copyright 2024 by Passages Ministries. All rights reserved.
~By BJ Hall~
Fellowship should be an integral and essential part of our Christian experience.
Acts 2:42 (NASB) They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
By definition it means: Expressions of genuine Christianity freely shared among the members of God’s family.
At the heart of fellowship, there must be love and acceptance Jesus said in John 13:34-35 (NASB) "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Romans 12:9-10 (NASB) Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
We are now considering what the Scriptures teach about love and acceptance, using the first seven verses of 1 Corinthians 13 as our guide.
I. THE PRIORITY OF LOVE (v. 1-3)
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NASB) 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
If . . . if . . . if . . . if . . . if . . . but do not have love . . . nothing.
II. THE MEANING OF LOVE (v. 4-7)
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NASB) 4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Here we see what Love is . . . is not . . . What it does . . . does not do . . . . .
Love is defined as: Seeking the highest good for someone else.
Paul Amplifies the definition beginning with the first seven of fifteen characteristics of agape love.
So, I ask… Where are you in the Fellowship of Love? Are you standing on the outside looking in? Or are you spreading Love around to those you meet?
~ By John BJ Hall ~
In 2010 a book made headlines with the claim that “Heaven is for Real.” It is the story of a little boy, Colton Burpo, who died and went to Heaven. The book was then turned into a movie in 2014. There have been many anecdotal stories of people who say they have died, seen a bright light and come back from the dead. Are the stories true? That is yet to be decided.
The Bible has some information for us. Paul wrote of what most scholars believe to be his own personal testimony. He said, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven.” 2 Corinthians 12:2 (NASB) We also have the testimony of the Apostle John chronicled in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
But what about Hell. Is it real? Is it really a place of eternal torture? Is it a place to be avoided at all cost? Jesus had something to say about that. In Luke chapter sixteen He told of the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus was a poor beggar, who had nothing. I’m sure that the people around town were familiar with Lazarus. His name means “assistance of God.” God was his only benefactor.
The rich man, on the other hand, had everything a man could want in this world. But he was bereft of the most basic human compassion. He did nothing about the poor beggar at his door. What he desperately needed was peace with God.
The day came when both men died. Lazarus was in Abraham’s Bosom. The Jews believed that the righteous went to the Bosom of Abraham when they died. This was a euphemism for paradise, a place of peace and rest. It is the place to which the poor man, Lazarus, was carried by the angels when he died. At meals to recline in the bosom of the host was considered the highest honor. The poor man was comforted after death by being given the place of closest fellowship with the father of the whole Hebrew nation.
The rich man, “in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments…” Luke 16:23a (KJV) He further describes it as a place with flames, “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” Luke 16:24 (KJV)
Now the most important thing that you should know. God does not want anyone to die and go to Hell. In fact, He gave himself as propitiation, sacrifice to pay our penalty, so that we would not have to spend even one minute in Hell. The Apostle Peter wrote, in 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
In short, Hell Is for Real. But so is Heaven. And God want’s you to be with Him there. As Joshua of old said, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
1Cor.16:7-9
“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
A new employee stood in front of the paper shredder, looking a little confused. "Need some help?" a secretary, walking by, asked. "Yes," the employee replied, "how does this thing work?" "Oh it's simple," she said, taking the large report from his hand and feeding it into the shredder. "Thanks," the new guy said, "now can you tell me where all the copies come out?"
Technologies and office machines do baffle some people. Fax machines, cellular telephones, pagers, computers, and modems: all have burst on the scene virtually revolutionizing the way we communicate and do business. It's what we would call a breakthrough!
As we are still in the first week of a new year I'm convinced that more than ever we need a breakthrough in the church - I don't mean that we need new gadgets or programs — no what we need is a Spiritual Breakthrough - we need Revival, Renewing, Re-awakening, and Re-commitment.
In our text for this evening — the apostle Paul was winding up his first epistle to the Corinthians with some practical advice — he tells them in 15:58 to stand fast in the Lord, in the first part of chapter 16 he mentions an offering to be taken for the relief of the poor, and then he tells them of his plans for the immediate future: (READ 1Cor.16:7-9)
What I want to focus on in this study is the last verse - Paul saw an opportunity - an open door - and for us - that is exactly what the new year offers - an opportunity - an open door- a fresh start - a new beginning. Paul described his door as a GREAT door and an EFFECTUAL door. By that, he saw it as an opportunity for achieving Great things for God - making a difference - being Effective.
I'm convinced that we too want to be effective for God - we want to make a difference in our world - we have a deep longing for Christ to be glorified and lifted up in our lives and in our church. I believe that God will bless and do "exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or think" IF we are willing to be filled with His Spirit and bold enough to go through the OPEN DOOR that He places before us. (But remember — it won't be easy — Paul said that there were "many adversaries." And there will be for us too.)
I. What Open Door is before us? What is this Breakthrough? COMMITMENT
Many people talk about New Years Resolutions - which usually fizzle out & fade. What I want to suggest is a New Years Re-soul-ution —a New Year Re-dedication — Re-commitment.
I have found that there are — seven things came to mind — seven pillars of our faith — that, if we Re-commit ourselves firmly to them — will guarantee Victory, Fruitfulness, and happiness in this new year.
By the way — before I talk about commitment — let me make sure there's no misunderstanding — Commitment is not just talking about religion. The story is told of an entertainer many years ago who would string up a tight-rope from one end of Niagara Falls to the other. Hundreds of spectators would come and watch him perform — he'd walk the tightrope — do tricks, and even ride a unicycle from one end to the other.
One day a man witnessed this display and was totally impressed. He clapped and cheered and even shouted, "You're the greatest!" The artist replied — "you believe I'm pretty good, huh?" Oh yes, the man said. "Then please, come let me ride you on my back as I cycle across to the other side!" TALK about commitment is one thing - ACTION is better.
1. Make a fresh Commitment to the BIBLE - the word of God.
Read it daily, study it faithfully, hear it preached often, talk about it with your friends and family, memorize portions of it, Read it through in a year - but most importantly - HEED it and OBEY it.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. - Joshua 1:8
2. Make a fresh Commitment to PRAYER!
"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." - Psalm 145:18
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." - Romans 8:26
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." - Colossians 4:2
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." - Matthew 26:41
O what precious promises are made to us if we will just pray - why then do we neglect it? Why do we sell ourselves short & rob ourselves of victory by neglecting this most important gift? "O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer." God grant us to be Committed to prayer!
3. Make a fresh Commitment to the CHURCH.
The church is the body & bride of Christ. She is His most precious, beloved and prized possession. To forsake the church and be a "lone ranger Christian" is to shoot yourself in the foot and severely hinder your effectiveness. WE NEED the Church!
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." - 1Peter 1:22
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another." John 13:35
4. Make a fresh Commitment to the GREAT COMMISSION.
We must evangelize or fossilize. The love of Christ must constrain us to love the lost - both around the corner and around the world. Jesus's last words plainly tell us what we're to be all about:
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Mt.28:18-20
5. Make a fresh Commitment to CLEAN LIVING - PURITY.
A devotion from "Our Daily Bread" suggested that we can't make New Year's Resolutions without first Resolving the sins of our past. Thank God there are grace and forgiveness available to all. Let us humble ourselves & confess to God our trespasses and He will forgive. (1Jn.1:9; Ps.51:1-3; 17)
If we regard iniquity in our hearts - we will not be blessed; we will not have victory; instead, we will be miserable. The new year will be a dud. Let's start right. God's word plainly says: "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." - 1 Jn.3:3
We're thankful, Lord, that when we fall:
6. Make a fresh Commitment to your FAMILY.
This is every bit as important as the other commitments I've mentioned. Your family is a blessing from the Lord. Treat one another right! If not - I guarantee the new year will not be happy at all.
IF you make time for your family - quality time - love and cherish one another - worship as a family - I guarantee the coming year will be a super year.
7. Make a fresh Commitment to God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit)
This, of course, is most important - what is the chief end of man? To glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God..." "Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind & strength..." "whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord..."
II. Remember, Paul said that there were many adversaries - enemies.
We too have adversaries that would keep us from going through these doors. Obstacles, pitfalls, enemies - call them what you will - they are real, nonetheless.
Are you ready to make the most of the doors that the Lord opens to you? Are you ready to go through it as a GREAT and EFFECTUAL door - or will you let it come and go just as another day - like all the others before? Let's go through the Door - press on in spite of the adversaries. You'll be glad you did!
Your future doesn’t begin tomorrow. It begins RIGHT NOW. What will you make of it this year?
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
This is the only picture in existence of my great-grandma Jett, grandma Stanfill, my mother Marylee Faye Hall and me.
I don’t know a lot about Great-grandma Jett, other than the fact that she reared a daughter who became the best grandmother I can imagine. Grandma Stanfill was the most marvelous lady that ever lived. She loved God with all her heart. She displayed that love in her life, day after day. She showed that love to the children of Enid, Oklahoma as she directed the work of the Child Evangelism Fellowship in that city. I would stay with her during the summer and watched her interact with the children that came into her life.
She lived about two blocks from an elementary school and held Bible club classes in her home. But this was not good enough for her or the children. She sold her home, which she had lived in for as long as I can remember. She used the money to buy a home across the street from the school. She remodeled the home into the perfect place for children to come and learn about the Lord. Her front room saw many children come to faith in Christ.
I remember the “flannel graphs” that she used while she told the Bible stories. I especially loved it when she would ask me to tell one of the stories to the children.
I can still hear her playing the old upright piano and singing praises to Jesus. Across the top of the piano were the pictures of missionaries and their families that she was praying for. When she wasn’t teaching children about Jesus and His great love, she was working at the church library at the Washington Avenue Bible Church.
There was a little wood cabinet tube type radio, which I have in my possession, which sat on a shelf in the kitchen. It was always tuned into a station where good ole Gospel preaching was done. One of her favorites was Dr. Theodore Epp’s “Back to the Bible” broadcast. She would cook and clean and wash dishes to the sound of Gospel preaching.
I remember the milk box that sat on her front porch. She would put empty milk bottles in it and the next morning there would be fresh milk. As a child, I thought it was magic. The milk would be used in many ways. I loved Grandma’s “French tea.” She would boil some water on the stove; pour some in a teacup, two sugar cubes and just the right amount of milk. What a treat. I thought that this must be how the fancy folks spent their afternoon.
These precious memories are part of what made me who I am today. My love for the Gospel, support of missions, prayer, and ministering to the children came from her.
Grandma Stanfill was not the only godly woman in my life. My mother was an amazing servant of the Most High God as well. Remind me to tell you about her someday.
Is there someone in your life who impacted who you are today? Is there someone in your life that you could influence and encourage in the ways of the Lord?
Paul wrote to Timothy his, "son" in the ministry, about the influence of his mother and grandmother. "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." 2 Timothy 1:5-6 (KJV)
He then called on Timothy to "pay it forward" when he said, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV)
Make a commitment today to make a difference in the lives of those around you.
~ By Evangelist John BJ Hall ~
The church was in turmoil. There was animosity between the older members and the younger members. You could feel the tension in the air. They wouldn’t sit on the same side of the auditorium. They wouldn’t even walk across the aisle to shake hands during the time of greeting in the worship service.
Why was this so? The older congregants felt their authority was threatened by a growing number of younger adults. At the same time, the younger adults believed that they were not appreciated for the things they could offer to the church.
My task as their pastor was to teach them to love one another. If they could learn that one thing they could then see each other’s strengths and could work together to glorify the Lord and His work in the church. In other words, they needed a revival, a renewal of a right spirit within.
In order for that revival to take place, there were some things that both groups needed to do. First, they needed to CLAIM A PURE HEART BEFORE GOD 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Claiming a pure heart, therefore, requires us to ask God to convict us of our sins. I recommend that you write them down. As you do, confess them to God. Each one He reveals to you should be confessed to Him, acknowledging your guilt. Then claim 1 John 1:9 by writing the verse over the sins — tear it up, and throw it away — symbolically purging you from them.
We then need to CLAIM THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” This is not a hocus-pocus/mumbo-jumbo experience. It is also NOT a “second blessing” as some teach. It is to be a daily reality. Fill means control. We must allow the Holy Spirit to fill or control our lives, not only daily but moment by moment.
If we are going to allow the Holy Spirit to fill and control our lives we must find out what He wants to do in our lives. We do that by READING AND STUDYING GOD’S WORD. Throughout scripture, we find instructions on how to do this. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
The Apostle Paul wrote to his son in the ministry he instructed him to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) God’s Word, itself, gives us the tools we need to understand God’s Word. That sounds redundant, but we must recognize that the best commentary on the Bible, is the Bible.
Once we have discovered the rich truths in His Word we need to communicate with its author. In other words, we need to SPEND MUCH TIME ALONE WITH GOD IN PRAYER.
A few years ago US NEWS & WORLD REPORT published the results of their survey on religion in America. They say that 76% of Americans see God as a heavenly father who can be reached by prayers. Yet another survey said that the average Southern Baptist pastor spends only 7 minutes in prayer each day. Now before you judge those pastors too harshly, how much time do YOU spend in prayer each and every day?
The question for us is not whether or not we believe in prayer. Or whether we think others should pray more. The question is “Do I spend MUCH time alone with God in prayer?” Failure to spend time with God increases the separation between God and yourself. The same is true of every relationship in our lives.
One of the first things we did in the aforementioned church was work to establish an active prayer ministry. Our goal was to get each of the disparate factions to pray for each other. I intentionally assigned groups as prayer teams that included every age group in the church. It is true that you cannot pray for and with someone for an extended period and remain separated spiritually.
The result of these actions in our lives is renewal. If we are to have revival it must begin in our individual hearts.
When the Lord called us to a different church, one of the older ladies in the church came to me and said, “God brought you to us to teach us how to love.” This is the beginning of revival. We MUST see a purity of heart, control of the Holy Spirit, growth in the Word, and commitment to prayer. These are the steps to revival.
βBy Evangelist John BJ Hall
Not long ago I was involved in a discussion about miracles. Some of those involved believed in miracles, and some did not. One went so far as to say, “Miracles require the rearrangement of molecules.” He said, “There are no medical miracles. ALL so-called medical miracles are merely the result of medical science.” He concluded his thoughts with these words, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen, therefore anyone who claims to have seen a miracle is no longer a person of faith.”
What was my response to that statement? That is the most ridiculous argument against miracles that I have ever heard in my life. Let’s unpack his statement one issue at a time. First, he said, “Miracles require the rearrangement of molecules.” Where do you find that in the Bible? A more accurate statement about what constitutes a miracle would be: God would have to intervene in this world and suspend the laws of nature for there to be a miracle. I don’t see anywhere in scripture that says that He can’t do that.
Was it a miracle or not when Sarah conceived in her old age and bore a son God had promised? Let’s bring it a little closer to our time. Was it a miracle when Elizabeth conceived in her old age, having been barren for her entire life? Or do we say these women were not people of faith because they saw these miracles?
I’ve got one even closer to home. July 4, 1976, was a day that defined miracles for our family. It was on a Sunday. My wife’s parents were coming to our house for dinner. We didn’t have a lot of pots and pans, so she used a Presto Cooker to cook some corn on the cob. She had removed the weighted valve so pressure would not build up. But when she reached to take it off the stove, it blew up, spewing superheated water, steam, and food on her. She had 3rd-degree burns over 30% of her body. Her polyester clothes were melting into her flesh.
She was taken by ambulance from Craig General Hospital, Vinita, Oklahoma to Hillcrest Burn Center in Tulsa. This burn center was at the time acclaimed to be one of the top four burn units in the nation. These doctors and nurses were not novices, but the best and most experienced money could buy. In the triage room, the doctors examined her, taking pictures for documentation.
The doctor came out to speak with me. He said, “Connie is going to be in the Critical Room for three weeks and in the burn center for three months. She will have to have extensive grafting. Time: 2:00 pm July 4th.
At 3:00 pm the deacons from Adair First Baptist Church, where I had just resigned as their pastor, were standing in that same waiting room praying for God’s will to be done in her life.
At 4:00 pm the Webbers Falls First Baptist Church deacons, were standing in the waiting room praying for us in the same way.
Tuesday, July 6th at 8:00 am the doctor came out and seemed puzzled. He said, “We don’t know what is going on here. We have gone back over our initial findings and they were correct. But your wife ready to come out of the Critical Room this morning. However, she will still be in the Burn Center for three months so we can do the grafting that will be necessary.”
Thursday, July 8th at 8:00 am he returned to the waiting room. He said, “Mr. Hall, We can’t explain this. We have reviewed our initial findings. They were correct. We have gone back over the review that was done on Tuesday. It was also correct.” He stopped, took a breath and said, “This is not possible, but your wife is ready to go home today.” I said, “Thank you Doc.” He said, “She will need to come into my office in one week so that we can schedule grafting that will be needed. But we can do that on an outpatient basis.”
We went to the doctor’s office on the following Thursday. After examining her he came out to the waiting room. In front of about twenty-five or thirty witnesses, he said, “Reverend Hall. There is no explanation for what I am about to say.” He then went over the whole litany and timeline for what had taken place. To which he added, “What I am telling you is not conceivable but your wife is not going to have to have grafting after all. We THINK she may have some scaring.”
I am telling you today, there is absolutely no scaring. She even got her freckles back.
Does that make me less a man of faith? No, I say it has increased my faith. I have seen with my own eyes what God can do. I don’t have to believe anyone else’s story of healing. I believe because I have seen.
The statement that if someone “claims to have seen a miracle they are no longer a person of faith” has no basis in scripture.
I suppose then that none of the Apostles were men of faith since they claimed to have seen miracles. Some of them had even been involved in miracles happening in their ministries. How about the people who saw the lame man walk or the mute speak or the blind see? What about their faith. Were they no longer men and women of faith? Peter walked on water, I would classify that as a miracle. Was he no longer a man of faith?
On the contrary. Several times in the Gospels Jesus said, “Thy faith hath made the whole,” or “Thy faith hath saved thee.”
Why would my wife have to endure the excruciating pain of 3rd-degree burns over 30% of her body? What would glorify God in this experience? During her time in the Burn Center, I had the opportunity to witness to a man whose son was scalded when he pulled a large banquet type coffee pot over on himself. This man, who had lost his larynx to cancer, accepted Christ as his personal Savior and Lord. Why? He had seen and heard all the things that were said in the Burn Center waiting room.
I am not in any way saying that God sent that burn into her life. What I am saying is that God used the healing of her burns to be a witness to the hurting family of a little boy. He used it to teach the doctor that he was not in charge. That God still is in control. He used it to witness to the patients and their families at the doctor’s office that God is faithful.
He used it to bolster the faith of both the church at Adair and the one at Webbers Falls. To show them that God is in control when we think things are helpless.
He can use this event to bolster your faith and encourage you if you are in need.
By Evangelist John BJ Hall
He awoke from an unexpected sleep. Not even imagining why it had come so quickly. He did not want to open his eyes, just yet. But now he felt something different, very different. There was a presence he had never felt before. Maybe this was some creature he had not yet seen. It didn't seem possible that such could be. He had examined every species in existence. He had even given each one a unique name.
He didn't want to startle whatever it was. It seemed so near. He could almost reach out his hand like so . . . What was that? It was so soft. It felt like hair, long flowing hair.
He reached out again. Now the sensation was different. That was skin, like his own, yet somehow different; softer, warmer, tenderer.
He decided to peek. He just MUST know what this new sensation meant. Slowly he opened his eyes. There it was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. This creature was like him, yet somehow different. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the difference, but he somehow knew that this had to be the most wonderful thing that had ever happened to him.
None of the other creatures in the garden made him feel this way. When he looked into her eyes it was as though he was looking into a beautiful shining pool glistening with the sparkle of golden sunshine. How could this be?
For so long he had felt an emptiness in his soul. Surely, there were plenty of other creatures in the garden, but he had always felt so alone. He could not remember a time when he was not alone. But now, here was this wonderful creature to whom he felt such a marvelous attraction, sitting there beside him gazing at him as though HE were something special. Somehow, he knew that he would never be alone again.
He knew what he must do. He must go to his Father in the cool of the evening and tell Him of this wonderful find. He could hardly wait.
Then it dawned on him. He did not have to tell the Father of this find. The Father had made every creature in the garden. Why, He had made the garden itself. This beautiful creature must be a special gift from the Father, just for him.
Now he heard the Father walking in the Garden in the cool of the day. He must hurry and thank Him for this wonderful gift. No, he and his new found companion must hurry to meet the Father together.
As he approached the place where he and the Father met every day his heart fairly burst with excitement. How he wanted to introduce her to the Father.
There He was, in the usual place patiently waiting. As they approached the Father lifted His hand and said, "Her name is Eve, for she was taken out of the man. What God hath joined together let no man put asunder."
Together they fell prostrate before the Father and worshiped Him.
~~~~~
Genesis 2:18-25 (KJV) “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
This is an excerpt from the poetry and prose found in BJ's book, "WHOLLY THINE: A Look at Depression From the Inside"
© Copyright 1995 by Passages Ministries. All rights reserved.
For permission to use this short story contact Passages Ministries.