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firstIMPRESSIONS
David must have been feeling that way when he wrote Psalm 6. He felt weak and sickly (v.2), troubled (v.3), forsaken (v.4), weary (v.6), and grief-stricken (v.7). But he knew what to do when he was down. He looked up and trusted God to take care of him and to see him through. When we look up and focus on God, something good happens. We get our eyes off ourselves and gain a new appreciation of Him. Next time you’re down, try looking up to God. He is sovereign (Psalm 47:8); He loves you (1 John 4:9-10); He considers you special (Matthew 6:26); He has a purpose for your trials (James 1:2-4). Yes, life can seem unbearable at times. But don’t let it keep you down. Meditate on God’s goodness, talk to Him, and know that He hears you (Psalm 6:9). That will give you strength to get up when you’re down. Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 6.08. Live for God, on purpose, as you look up to Him, keeping your eyes on Jesus, the author and the finisher of your faith! |
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Some of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had in the Lord are the times when God’s presence has been so deep, so wonderful, and so powerful, that you just don’t ever want to leave the place! I recall many retreat weekends where God poured out His Spirit in a dynamic way. I remember weeks at district youth camp where the Spirit fell in such a way that the young people lingered around the altar nearly all night long. There have been weeks of revival services that we have had where God moved in such a dynamic way that we simply could not end the service. Most every believer I know can tell you about a time in their life that God touched them in a profound and special way. And they will quickly let you know that they long to experience that once again. If we truly desire God to move in a special way in our midst, then why is it that we don’t experience it more often? In Exodus 40:34, the Bible says that “the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” The very next verse tells us that the presence of the Lord was so great that Moses could not even enter into the Tent of Meeting. Why is it that these Old Testament saints experienced such a powerful presence of God in their midst? What is the key to experiencing this kind of “more than enough” presence of God in our midst? We know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. We know that He is no respecter of persons. And we know that He has promised to supply all our need according to His riches in glory. So, what does it take to experience “more than enough” of the glory of God? The answer isn’t in God’s lack, but rather in our own obedience to His word! To discover why God’s people in Exodus 40 witnessed more than enough of God’s blessing, we need to look a few chapters back learn about the actions of God’s people. You want “more than enough” of God? Then there are some “more than enough” things that you need to do! Join us this Sunday morning as we look at Exodus 35, 36 and 40, and learn how we too can have “More Than Enough!” (top)  Is Anybody Being Saved?
by H.B. London It’s a really big world, isn’t it? I mean, when you think of the more than six billion people who populate our planet and all of the issues those people deal with on a daily basis, the whole thing really gives you pause. I’m in Los Angeles for a couple of days, meeting with some leaders in the American Chinese church. They are delightful men and women who have a great burden, not only for the people from their own heritage who live in the United States and Canada, but also for the more than one billion Chinese who live on the mainland. The task of finding the right method and the right “evangelist” to do that job is daunting.
I can’t say for sure, but I heard recently that, in North America, one-half of our churches did not receive one new member into their fellowship by a “profession of faith.” Could that be true? What is it like in your fellowship? “Is anyone getting saved?” Do we still ask that question? Do we preach for conversion? Do we give people an opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior? Have we become so contemporary that the “altar” is too much of a threat to people? Does it make our church crowd uncomfortable? I heard a beautiful arrangement of “Just as I Am” the other day. As I listened, I could visualize thousands of people coming forward to accept Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade. Do we ever sing that song anymore? Oh, I know times have changed, but have words like conviction... repentance... surrender... and confession lost their significance? It is at the foot of the cross that salvation is granted. “Is anybody getting saved?” As I left my Chinese colleagues last evening, I was encouraged by their resolve to see their “world” evangelized. They were honestly burdened. Jesus said, “Marvel not that I say unto you – you must be born again” (John 3:3). Is anybody being saved in your world? I pray so! as seen in the February 24, 2006 edition of Focus on the Family’s “Pastor’s Weekly Briefing.” H.B. London is Vice President of Focus on the Family, overseeing their Pastoral Ministries. Pastors may subscribe for free to their weekly newsletter at www.family.org/pastor/pwbeform.cfm. (top) 
The Romans Road is a collection of verses in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans that offers a clear and structured path to Jesus Christ. Although many people believe they will go to heaven because they have lived a good life, done charity work, been baptized as a child, attended church, or treated others fairly, the Bible declares that none of us can live up to God’s standards of righteousness. Therefore, we need a road to God that doesn’t rely on anything we do, but rather, relies on the gift of His grace alone. The Romans Road provides a detailed map for our salvation and eternal fellowship with God. Just follow these steps: 1. We must acknowledge God as the Creator of everything, accepting our humble position in God’s created order and purpose. Romans 1:20-21 – “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” 2. We must realize that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness. None of us are worthy under God’s standards. Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” 3. God gave us the way to be forgiven of our sins. He showed us His love by giving us the potential for life through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 4. If we remain sinners, we will die. However, if we repent of our sins, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will have eternal life. Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 5. Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you are saved. Romans 10:9-10 – “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” 6. There are no other religious formulas or rituals. Just call upon the name of the Lord and you will be saved! Romans 10:13 – “For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” 7. Determine in your heart to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life today. Romans 11:36 – “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” The Romans Road shows you the path – are you ready to accept God’s gift of Salvation now? If so, believe in what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross, repent of your sins, and commit the rest of your life to Him. This is not a ritual, just a prayerful guideline for your sincere step of faith: “Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.” “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) If you decided to receive Jesus today, welcome to God’s family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment. • Get baptized as commanded by Christ. • Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ. • Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. • Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible. • Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you. • Find a local church where you can worship God. (top)  Never Discouraged
Imagine that I dump 10,000 plastic eggs in your back yard. I assure you that inside one of those hollow eggs is a check for $1 Million dollars with your name on it. Would you get discouraged if you opened the first 100 eggs without finding the check? How about the first 1000 eggs? Of course not! You’d just keep opening those eggs, just waiting for the moment when you’d find the check. Paul knew the meaning of the word “suffering.” He had been beaten, stoned, imprisoned, shipwrecked, starved, and rejected. And yet Paul said that his sufferings were nothing compared to the glory that would come. In other words, Paul had opened a lot of empty eggs, but he never gave up or got discouraged. He believed that something great was in his future – God’s glory revealed in him. Perhaps it feels to you as if your life has been nothing but empty eggs. You’ve already opened 99000 of them and you’re not sure you’ve got the will to go on. Let me encourage you today. Don’t give up. I don’t want to trivialize the challenges you are facing, but I do want to help you put them into perspective. They are only temporary, and God has something much greater in store for you. Compared to the glory that will be revealed in us one day, our suffering doesn’t merit discouragement. Hang on. Don’t give up. Keep going. One day God will replace your discouragement with incomparable glory! “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18 (top)  What are You Willing to Commit?
by Alan Smith The story is told of a man in a fancy restaurant who started to choke on a bone. A doctor rushed over, identified himself as a doctor, and reassured the man that he was going to be all right. He performed the Heimlich Maneuver and the bone popped out. As the man’s breath and voice returned he said, “I’m ever so grateful, doctor, how can I ever repay you?” The doctor smiled and said, “I’ll settle for one-tenth of what you were willing to pay while you were choking.” It’s true, isn’t it, that when you’re facing a crisis (especially a life-threatening crisis), you would give everything you have to get through it. Money is no object! We do the same thing on a spiritual level. How many times have you faced hardship and prayed, “Lord, if you’ll just see me through this, I’ll serve you faithfully the rest of my life!” or something similar? But what happens when the crisis passes? Those feelings of urgency about serving God pass as well. If we could commit ourselves to doing one-tenth of what we’re willing to do in those moments, most of us would ascend to a new level of commitment. Paul wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Father, there are moments in my life when I am reminded of how much I need you and how urgent it is that I commit my life to you. All too often, though, those feelings disappear, and I quickly revert back to a less-than-satisfactory level of commitment. Please forgive me and strengthen me in my resolve to reach the point where I can say with the apostle Paul, “To me, to live is Christ.” In Jesus’ name, amen. Alan Smith is the pastor of the White House Church of Christ, White House, Tennessee. You can visit his site at http://www.TFTD-online.com (top)  Is the Traditional American Family an Endangered Species?
She’s a 26-year-old single woman who is expecting her first baby. Her 42-year-old boyfriend, the father of her unborn child, has been divorced twice and has two children from his most recent marriage. It may sound like a dysfunctional tale from poverty row, but it’s just recent celebrity buzz surrounding Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Whether these entertainers are following cultural trends or leading the way in a move to cast nontraditional households as hip and stylish, experts agree that today’s American family is being challenged and redefined like never before. “The Ozzie and Harriet family of the 1950s is now the exception rather than the norm,” says Dr. Tim W. Smith, director of the University of Chicago’s General Social Survey and author of the report “The Emerging 21st-Century American Family.” Smith says today’s young adults, many of whom grew up in split families, are much more accepting than their grandparents would have been of unorthodox lifestyles. “In the 1950s, the majority of families were couples in intact marriages who were going to have kids, had kids or were empty nesters whose children had grown up,” Smith says. “Those households are no longer a majority. We now have mixed and blended families, people cohabitating without marriage and even a small number of gay couples living together.” The traditional family unit of a mother and father with one or more children now accounts for less than 25 percent of American households, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In today’s culture, the word family is used to describe any number of living arrangements. In 2003, the National Adoption Center selected a single homosexual man and his three adopted sons as their Family of the Year. A new HBO television series features a polygamist and his three wives. “It’s everything that every family faces, just times three,” the show’s co-creator Mark Olsen told “Newsweek.” And in the state of Massachusetts, homosexual couples can obtain legal marriages. But many Christian leaders are speaking out against such broad definitions of family. “Those who support alternative lifestyles are against traditional families,” says Tim Wildmon, president of the American Family Association, based in Tupelo, Mississippi. “They want the lines to be blurred so that anything can be defined as a family. We need to reject that and stand for the traditional family.” Since 1970, America’s marriage rate has dropped by nearly 50 percent. At the same time, cohabitation – unmarried couples living together – has skyrocketed. Census Bureau statistics reveal there are more than 4 million cohabitating couples in the U.S., compared to 500,000 in 1970. “Cohabitation has become more socially acceptable,” says David Popenoe, co-director of the National Marriage Project, a research group at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. “People are able to live together and have sex outside of marriage without the commitment.” Many businesses now offer health insurance coverage for domestic partners of employees, both homosexual and heterosexual. Last October, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed an executive order requiring city vendors to report whether they extend health care coverage to domestic partners. In spite of such public support, cohabitation is seldom a long-term arrangement. Nor is it a healthy one. Statistics show that most cohabitating couples either marry or go their separate ways within five years. Those who do marry after living together have a significantly higher likelihood of divorce. Spiritually committed couples are less likely to live together outside of marriage and more likely to be successful in marriage, according to Popenoe. “Those people who not only say they’re religious, but actually are active in their religion, tend to have stronger and more lasting marriages,” Popenoe says. Dennis Franck, director of Single Adult Ministries for the Assemblies of God, notes that the Bible requires sexual abstinence until marriage. “To the Christian, there should only be one reason needed to refrain from cohabitation: the Lord’s disapproval,” Franck says. “The Scriptures are clear on this issue. The church, however, needs to go a step further and explain the spiritual, emotional and relational reasons why God asks us to wait for this union.” Six decades ago, fewer than one in six births occurred outside marriage. Today, more than 30 percent of all births fall into that category. Add to that the fact that half of all marriages are projected to end in divorce, and it’s apparent that many children are growing up without an intact family. “The losers in this social trend, of course, are children,” says ‘Rutgers’ 2005 National Marriage Project report,’ co-authored by Popenoe. “We can only speculate about the extent of psychological damage that future generations will suffer owing to today’s family trends.” Multiple studies have shown that children from fragmented families are more likely to face serious life problems, from dropping out of school to suffering mental illness. “There’s a recognition that children are better raised with a father and a mother,” Wildmon says. “The best way to raise kids is in a stable home.” The good news is that the traditional family ideal is still valued by many Americans. In a recent survey by the National Fatherhood Initiative, 88 percent of respondents said marriage should be a lifelong commitment, and 89 percent agreed that “all things being equal, it is better for children to be raised in a household that has a married mother and father.” Even among teens, marriage is seen as a worthwhile goal. Most high school seniors recently polled by University of Michigan researchers said they planned to marry. However, the majority of those students also approved of cohabitation and conceiving children outside of marriage. Wildmon says the breakdown of the family has created a culture that is often skeptical or even hostile toward traditional values. Yet he is optimistic that the traditional family will make a comeback. “There is a sense among a majority of Americans that we’ve lost our way with respect to the importance of the family unit,” Wildmon says. “There’s a longing to get back to a simpler time when families were more intact.” Wildmon says one of the best ways for Christians to reclaim the family is by nurturing their own marriages and children while lending support to the families around them. “The Christian church can focus more on keeping families together and reducing the divorce rate,” Wildmon says. “We can support single-parent homes by helping them with child care and trying to make life a little easier. And we can instill the right values in our kids so they will have healthy ideas about the family.” article by Christina Quick, from “Today’s Pentecostal Evangel,” the weekly magazine of the Assemblies of God. (top)  Your Valuable Find
by Mike Benson Teri Horton stopped in Dot’s Thrift Shop to browse around. During her junket she stumbled across a bright abstract painting and decided that it might make a good gag gift for a disheartened friend. Teri shelled out $5.00 for the 66-inch by 48-inch canvas and then lugged it home. Teri’s friend, Theresa, got a big laugh out of the hideous present, but turned it down because it barely fit through her front door. Teri took it home again, but after a year decided it was taking up too much space and so she offered it to yet another friend who was an art-instructor. The work turned out to be an authentic Jackson Pollock worth millions! Pollock (1912 – 1957) was a leader in the American expressionist movement of the 1940’s. He employed large canvases and then “painted” by pouring liquid pigment out of a can and dripping color with a brush. No one knows for sure how the masterpiece ended up at the thrift store. Some think it may have been purchased at an estate sale in Southern California; others believe it may have simply been given away by Pollock’s brother following his untimely death. In either case, “Untitled 1948” found its way to the little store near San Bernardino where it sat for years until Teri Horton happened along. Imagine. A multi-million dollar painting sold for only five bucks. The store owner had no idea what she possessed. Maybe you’ve never thought about it before, but like Teri Horton, you have an incredible treasure in your home too. It is bound in genuine calf skin, printed on thin rice paper, and written in black Indian ink. It is the holy (Jeremiah 23:9), inspired (2 Timothy 3:16,17) and infallible (Psalm 19:7) Word of God (Psalm 33:4). Splashed across its pages are the thoughts of the greatest author in the universe. Dear friend, where is your Bible? Is it lodged in some dusty crevasse of your home? When was the last time you sat down and really dug into Scripture (Acts 17:11)? The Word of God is a valuable find (cf. 2 Kings 23:24)! The Psalmist wrote, “I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure!” (Psalm 119:162). (top)  The Last Impression...
Two men were fishing on a lake, feeling guilty that it was a Sunday morning, that they were not attending church, and the fish were not biting. The first guy eventually says: “I should have stayed home and gone to church.” To which the other angler replied: “I couldn’t have gone to church, anyhow. My wife is sick in bed.” You won’t want to stay home this Sunday! This is going to be a great day as we worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ together! There’s no better way to start the week than praising the Lord, fellowshipping with the saints, and studying His Word! |
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Yours for HIM, |
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Sometimes it doesn’t take much to get us down, does it? An unkind remark from a friend, bad news from the auto mechanic, a financial setback, or a misbehaving child can put a cloud of gloom over everything, even on the sunniest day. You know you should be joyful, but everything seems to be against you, making simple tasks a struggle.
I know it is not my problem – because, like you, I can only do so much – but I am often reminded of the fact that probably two-thirds of the world’s population do not know Jesus, and the prospect of that figure changing is a real step of faith. How do we make a difference?... One soul at a time.