Pure and Faultless Religion

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

I received a newsy e-mail from Barbara Shoner, who leads a Tomoka ministry to foster children, Rock Fashions. In partnership with another ministry, Rock Fashions won a storefront lease for a year and will use it as a free clothing outlet for foster families. Here is Barbara's message:

“Hi everyone!! I have a praise report — the Volusia Parent Magazine did an article on on our ministry. And, someone just donated $5,000! This is so exciting because we were struggling with some initial operating expenses and now we can move forward to get the store opened. We are tentatively planning an October 23rd work day (possibly the weekend after, we are still working out logistics). We are going to rent a UHaul to pick up all the items at the storage units and then pick up the display racks, etc. from Bealls. Bealls has donated 20 rounders which hold 100-125 pieces of clothing each, so we have enough for over 2,000 items of clothing!! We are also getting jewelry cases, mannequins, etc. Oh, and 2,000 hangers also, so the store will look uniform. We have someone that is going to paint a "Fruits of the Spirit" theme on the walls, but he's in the midst of another project so we may need to open before that's done. All we want to do right now is get the utilities on and the clothes on the racks so we can start servicing clients. We've still been meeting needs, but it's been tough working out of storage units. This store is going to be wonderful. Please let me know if you are interested in helping out on our work day. Thanks!! Please continue to pray that the Lord will continue to pour out His favor on this ministry.”

Contact Barbara Shoner for more information about Rock Fashions.

Fill 'Er Up!

There is no substitute for memorizing God’s Word. In the words of Ron Phillips, “Satan tries tirelessly to steal the Word.” So here are a few key verses to start your week.

1. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” — Psalm 119:105

2. “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:6

3. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ ” — Romans 1:16-17

4. “For nothing is impossible with God.” — Luke 1:37

5. “ ‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’ ” — Isaiah 1:18

6. “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” — Psalm 119:11

7. "...so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." — Isaiah 55:11

God’s Word never comes back empty.

"Three Lies We Often Use To Excuse Disobedience"

I read a great blog from Perry Noble that I wanted to share. Take some time today to evaluate yourself in your obedience to God.

Below is part of his blog. Click on the link at the bottom to read it in it's entirety:

First…read I John 2:17…now…

#1 – “Someday”

One of the biggest lies we can tell ourselves when God clearly speaks to our hearts is “someday!”

• “Someday” is easy because we can say it and, in our hearts know that we never actually are going to do what He’s called us to do.
• “Someday I will get help in my marriage.”
• “Someday I will plant a church.”
• “Someday I will invite him/her to church.”
• “Someday I will begin reading my Bible.”
• “Someday I will get serious about my physical health.”

But “someday” usually ends badly for most of us…because “someday” hardly ever turns into “done-day!”

What is it that He’s called you to do? Life is WAY TOO SHORT for us to get at the end of it and have regrets…”someday” needs to be TODAY!!!

Click here to read the full article.

Great To Be Back

The last four months of sabbatical have been a great time of rest and renewal for me. It was a time to refocus our family, renew our spiritual lives, and rest my body. I was blessed to be with my parents in Missouri this summer as they turned 78 and 69 respectively. Thanks to all of you for your faithful prayers. It's great to be back!

Joe

Psalm 27:13-14