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As a child I accepted Jesus as my savior. As a youth I began to learn the importance, the reality, of that decision. The direction came from a Godly family that lived out biblical principles day-by-day. Principles from God’s word.
Actually I need to admit that the first verse I memorized because I wanted too was Philippians 4:4. It was not for a prize or a classroom assignment, but because I choose to memorize it. It is vivid in my memory. Perhaps I chose it because it because it is short.
But oh, is it good. “Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, rejoice!” What a great verse to tuck away in the corner of your mind. And grow in the verses that follow;
“Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The LORD is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Thru the years the importance of not only knowing about Jesus, but accepting Him as Savior became more of a reality for me. That is what I desire for each one of you. And these verses will help you to keep a cheerful spirit.
Actually I need to admit that the first verse I memorized because I wanted too was Philippians 4:4. It was not for a prize or a classroom assignment, but because I choose to memorize it. It is vivid in my memory. Perhaps I chose it because it because it is short.
But oh, is it good. “Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, rejoice!” What a great verse to tuck away in the corner of your mind. And grow in the verses that follow;
“Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The LORD is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Thru the years the importance of not only knowing about Jesus, but accepting Him as Savior became more of a reality for me. That is what I desire for each one of you. And these verses will help you to keep a cheerful spirit.
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Saint Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14 each year in many countries around the world. It began as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus.
The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). In Europe, Saint Valentine's Keys are given to lovers "as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver's heart. Valentine's Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
So, if it started as a Christian liturgical celebration, what does the Bible reveal about love? Well, a lot! The word Love in the New International Version is mentioned 319 times in the Old Testament and 232 times in the new testament.
The Apostle Paul reminds the believers at the early church in Rome, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 New International Version of the Bible.
Here are some of the times love is mentioned from the 13th chapter of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth from The Message version of the Bible;
“If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always ‘me first,’
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.”
Perhaps this helps us understand the source (God) and importance of love (how we are to live).
The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). In Europe, Saint Valentine's Keys are given to lovers "as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver's heart. Valentine's Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
So, if it started as a Christian liturgical celebration, what does the Bible reveal about love? Well, a lot! The word Love in the New International Version is mentioned 319 times in the Old Testament and 232 times in the new testament.
The Apostle Paul reminds the believers at the early church in Rome, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 New International Version of the Bible.
Here are some of the times love is mentioned from the 13th chapter of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth from The Message version of the Bible;
“If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always ‘me first,’
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.”
Perhaps this helps us understand the source (God) and importance of love (how we are to live).
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How can I support your ministry?
My last post asked why people give. This time we will cover how people give to support our partner ministries. Support for partner projects come in a variety of ways.
Most gifts arrive at the Post Office yet a growing number come via the ACH bank transfer on this site. It really is simple, just follow these steps; click on one of the "donate" buttons on the site and you will be asked to "choose which fund to give to:", use the pull down menu and select one of the designations.
Some supporters choose to make a One-time gift and others choose to set their giving as Recurring. Then choose or enter the amount of your gift and follow the onscreen instructions.
In 2014 we were able to provide funds for eight new fresh water wells in Ghana and one in Nepal.
In addition projects were funded for teaching and training in Ghana, Nepal, Indonesia and Afghanistan.
Join the number of supporters making a positive impact in the lives of people in far flung places as they hear about the love of God in practical ways.
Most gifts arrive at the Post Office yet a growing number come via the ACH bank transfer on this site. It really is simple, just follow these steps; click on one of the "donate" buttons on the site and you will be asked to "choose which fund to give to:", use the pull down menu and select one of the designations.
Some supporters choose to make a One-time gift and others choose to set their giving as Recurring. Then choose or enter the amount of your gift and follow the onscreen instructions.
In 2014 we were able to provide funds for eight new fresh water wells in Ghana and one in Nepal.
In addition projects were funded for teaching and training in Ghana, Nepal, Indonesia and Afghanistan.
Join the number of supporters making a positive impact in the lives of people in far flung places as they hear about the love of God in practical ways.
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Why do people give?
One reason might be based upon something Jesus said:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
A highlight this year was speaking at the dedication of a well at the Christian Life Mission Church in Nmai Dzorn, Ghana. The well provided water for their needs and is an outreach for the community. Most importantly they could start building their new sanctuary because they did not need to purchase water.
Rev. Theo Asare turns the water on followed by David's prayer of dedication while Sharon looks on.
Most gifts benefit ministry projects
In the past five years over 97% of all gifts to this ministry have gone to benefit partner ministries. 2014 was a significant year because your gifts made a difference as people learn more about God and His love.
With support of people just like you, this is what what we were able to do this year:
With support of people just like you, this is what what we were able to do this year:
- eight water wells placed at village Bible studies and churches in Ghana, West Africa.
- 700 digital listening devices with the New Testament in local languages for audio learners in Ghana.
- supported Bible study leaders in Ghana.
- a power generator for a building in Ghana.
- a water well at a church in rural Nepal.
- an after school program for children at churches in Nepal.
- radio broadcast costs for the Story of the Messiah in Nepal.
- a two-year micro enterprise that teaches sewing with trundle machines to women in Ghana.
- a multi-camera video system for a new conference center in Indonesia.
- helped fund leadership training in a restricted access country.
- started a micro enterprise well digging effort for Indonesia orphanages.
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December at our household is about Jesus because Christmas is about Jesus. It started with God’s love for mankind as stated in the Bible; “This is how much God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in Him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to Him”. John 3:16-18 (The Message)
To learn more about God’s love and enjoy a growing experience in His love follow the Devotionals on this site. Daily Living / Devotionals are provided by Bud McCord and Phil Wiegand called ABIDE and KingdomNomics respectively. Business investor Phil Wiegand in KingdomNomics points the way to how our life can echo into eternity. He demonstrates—through personal anecdotes and solid biblical guidance—how any ordinary life can become an extraordinary adventure. And Pastor / Missionary Bud McCord shares insights to becoming all God wants us to be in his ABIDE devotionals.
Here is a new one from Bud McCord:
Having Begun In The Spirit
Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Galatians 3:3
The old expression “You can’t get there from here” is true in the spiritual realm. You cannot get to God or what God wants of you if you start with your own effort or from what others religiously demand of you.
You cannot get to God and continue in His perfecting presence by beginning from human will and discipline. You can only get to God and enter into His process of perfecting your love by starting from God’s initiative in Jesus.
= = = = = = = = =
So think about this, as we grow in God’s love through Jesus, his only Son, we can better use our time, talents and treasure for eternal benefit. Think about it.
To learn more about God’s love and enjoy a growing experience in His love follow the Devotionals on this site. Daily Living / Devotionals are provided by Bud McCord and Phil Wiegand called ABIDE and KingdomNomics respectively. Business investor Phil Wiegand in KingdomNomics points the way to how our life can echo into eternity. He demonstrates—through personal anecdotes and solid biblical guidance—how any ordinary life can become an extraordinary adventure. And Pastor / Missionary Bud McCord shares insights to becoming all God wants us to be in his ABIDE devotionals.
Here is a new one from Bud McCord:
Having Begun In The Spirit
Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Galatians 3:3
The old expression “You can’t get there from here” is true in the spiritual realm. You cannot get to God or what God wants of you if you start with your own effort or from what others religiously demand of you.
You cannot get to God and continue in His perfecting presence by beginning from human will and discipline. You can only get to God and enter into His process of perfecting your love by starting from God’s initiative in Jesus.
= = = = = = = = =
So think about this, as we grow in God’s love through Jesus, his only Son, we can better use our time, talents and treasure for eternal benefit. Think about it.
- Published on
Is thanksgiving over for you for another year? Thanksgiving day stems from our freedom as a country, yet I feel thankful all year long. Especially as we approach the Christmas season. And I am thankful as we move closer to Christmas day when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Here is how the story we still see at Christmas time all around us is revealed in the book of Luke chapter 2 in the Message;
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
Yes, we see angels, sheepherders, a baby wrapped in a blanket in a manger and I believe the story as told in God's word the Bible. And thankful? You bet.
Here is how the story we still see at Christmas time all around us is revealed in the book of Luke chapter 2 in the Message;
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
Yes, we see angels, sheepherders, a baby wrapped in a blanket in a manger and I believe the story as told in God's word the Bible. And thankful? You bet.
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What would Jesus Do?
He taught and healed the sick!
Providing Fresh Water Wells is one way your support helps children at orphanages in Indonesia where the greatest need for water exists. Indonesia has over 6,000 inhabited islands and many are remote and need a reliable year-round fresh water supply. Especially at orphanages established and operated by Mercy Indonesia a partner of Reaching People Far from God.
Mercia Indonesia now operates 12 orphanages in Indonesia. HELP them as they help needy children at orphanages that emphasizes teaching leadership to children that comprise the future of Indonesia.
He taught and healed the sick!
Providing Fresh Water Wells is one way your support helps children at orphanages in Indonesia where the greatest need for water exists. Indonesia has over 6,000 inhabited islands and many are remote and need a reliable year-round fresh water supply. Especially at orphanages established and operated by Mercy Indonesia a partner of Reaching People Far from God.
Mercia Indonesia now operates 12 orphanages in Indonesia. HELP them as they help needy children at orphanages that emphasizes teaching leadership to children that comprise the future of Indonesia.
Typical hand dug well at Atambua Orphanage in West Timor, Indonesia
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Reaching People Far From God is committed to helping those globally who demonstrate measurable ability to tell of and show the love of God as exemplified by the voice and hands of Jesus Christ.
Strategic national partner ministries are supported by your donations to the IRS approved 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Strategic national partner ministries are supported by your donations to the IRS approved 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
