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This Race Called Life

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The Rarity of the Cross

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From the Publisher

Quips & Quotes

Ad Directory

LifeWay Coupon

Faith Under FireThe Rarity of the Cross


Shepherd’s StaffWhat a Difference the Resurrection Makes!

Marriage MattersWhat’s Missing in Your Marriage?

Health & WellnessChrist Fit Gym

Little BitsGardening & Godly Lessons

The Real StuffEmpowering Creativity in our Sons

Chic ChatI Would do Anything for you-but I Won’t do that, or that or that

Thoughts in ChristHow can Truth Bring us Freedom?

Food for ThoughtGreek Easter Bread Sale

Beautiful FeetMission Memories

Calendar

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Ad Directory22

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Beautiful FeetMission Memories

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21March 2013 3

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To stay on track and focused spirituality, I need to be reading something. If not, I fi nd myself relying on me. Things are not quite in order when this happens. Just recently, I was reading a book to help me maintain some sense of sanity (things are bit hectic when soccer season begins) and I came across the following:

“When the bark of a log has almost burned off , the strangest thing happens. It looks as if the fi re has gone out. There’s no light from the log itself. It looks black and charred, oozing water and sizzling. The fi re is there, but it has penetrated into the interior of the log and can’t be seen on the outside.

So, too, the fi re of God’s love seems to fade on the outside and we wonder whether God love us. All we see is our own sinful habits, problems...our drought, which is the water oozing out of the log. So I learned that love is composed of both pleasure and pain, that God’s love can be experienced as darkness, negative thing, similar to the painful measures a doctor must take to remove a cancerous growth. I knew that there would be time, in the future, where the log would begin to change and glow from within, where it would turn into a red glowing ember.”

This month we bring you some great articles that identify the hard times and the rewards of our ‘burned out log.’ Candace gives us some suggestion on how to have the victory in running this race we call life. Our featured product this month is from a local veteran, friend and children’s author, Randy Dill. He served in Viet Nam and, due to an injury, has trouble writing. His dream is to publish Christian Books for children. You can help Randy out by purchasing a set of his books this month. Your family will be blessed by reading them together.

Whether you are on fi re or feel your fl ame is dying out, I hope you take time to journey through the pages of Faith & Family and, by doing so, fi nd inspiration to run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Glow from Within

March 2013 5


Bob and Pastor Tom were talking one day before the

church services. Bob asked Pastor Tom, “Do you know why I asked Jesus to save me?”

Pastor Tom replied, “No, sir, but I’d like to.”

So Bob told his story, “I’m a reasonable man. Things need to make sense for me. While reading the New Testament, something stood out. Men who walked with Jesus and deserted him at his arrest were preaching that Jesus was alive. They endangered their lives to preach that. If it were not true, why would they do that? I thought about it and realized that the Gospel is true. That’s why I believe in Jesus – he’s alive.”

Resurrection Sunday is about Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NKJV). His death paid the penalty for my sin and your sin. But the disciples were downcast after Jesus’ death. It was in his resurrection that restoration, righteousness, and hope blossomed in the lives of the disciples.

In the resurrection, Peter was restored and recommissioned by the resurrected Jesus. Peter was sought out. The angel at Jesus’ tomb told the women who were there, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucifi ed. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you” (Mark 16:6-7 NKJV). Who is it that preaches so boldly on Pentecost? Peter. Why? Because he met the resurrected Jesus.

In the resurrection, genuine righteousness is obtained and lived out. The Pharisee Saul, a man many would have considered righteous by Jewish standards, met the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul (later Paul the apostle) calls upon the Lord Jesus to save him. He learned that his own righteousness would not gain favor with God. Paul testifi es to this righteousness and hope – “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justifi ed by His grace we should become heirs according

to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affi rm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profi table to men” (Titus 3:4-8 NKJV).

Have you met the resurrected Jesus? Have you been restored by Jesus? Do you live righteously because you’ve met Jesus? Do you have hope beyond this life because of Jesus? If not, I beg you to ask him to save you today. If you have, press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

In Christ alone our hope is found,

Calvin HubbardPastor, Barksdale Baptist Church

What a Differencethe Resurrection Makes!

MarriagearriageMatters

March 2013 7

Every marriage hits walls.... So what does that mean to you? Deb and I have been married 34 years and in our 12th year of marriage, Debbie walked in and said “If this is what marriage is all about, I don’t think I want it any more.” Wow.... that was a “Two by Four” to my forehead. The great thing about this was divorce was not an op� on because I was on staff at a church. So we went on a search to fi nd out where we lost each other.

Here is what we discovered...

1. We had to simplify our life and slow down our schedule, even with kids. We lost each other in the process of raising kids and doing ministry together. We were doing ministry really well, but our marriage was falling apart. Something had to change. The key was Psalms 46:10, “Be s� ll and know that I am God.”

2. Debbie needed us to communicate every day beyond

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

3. We realized that our marriage was not a priority. We constantly gave each other our le� overs and that was never going to sustain our rela� onship. We became inten� onal in pu� ng our rela� onship directly under God. I had to begin to live Ephesians 5 out, where it says a husband should love his wife the way Christ loved the church.

The worst day of my life was the day when Debbie came in and said she was done. However, that night was the beginning of the best thing that ever happened to our marriage and me. In James 1:2-4, James says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many

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

I didn’t fi nd joy in my worst day, but � me has allowed Debbie and I to become more mature and complete in our marriage and it allowed the emo� onal connec� on to happen.

What is missing in your marriage? Most likely, it is that emo� onal bond that every marriage longs for. Will you put in the extra work and eff ort to have an extraordinary marriage?

Steve Wilson

www.marriagemattersnow.com

What’s in your

kinds, because you know that the tes� ng

Marriage?

Health and Wellness


Billy Weatherall has been operating his gym, Christ Fit Gym, out of his garage for the last six years and has had more than 100 men come through his program. About six months ago, he decided to expand his Christian-based gym and opened a facility located at 1658 Benton Road, in Bossier City. Weatherall said his gym is for people who want to work out in a Christian environment.

The road to Christianity was a long one for Weatherall, according to his testimony on his website. “ ... Growing up I had an awesome Christian family that made me attend church regularly. ... I learned young in life that it pleased my folks to attend church, so I attended worship with a smile on my face without actually having a relationship with Jesus Christ. The day after I graduated high school I joined the Army. I started basic training and did some advanced schools in 2000. When I arrived to the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, N.Y., my life changed drastically. The attacks on the World Trade Center sent my unit to Afghanistan for Operation Anaconda for a yearlong mission. Once back in the states for a short period of time, my unit was sent to the Horn of Africa for Operation Enduring Freedom for another yearlong mission. Days from fulfi lling my contract of four years, I was stop lossed for a year and a half mission to Bagdad, Iraq, for Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

Weatherall goes on to say that after six years as an infantryman, he was

ready to be back with his family and put the nightmares of war behind him. But that was easier said than done, for his life began to spin out of control with drugs and alcohol, among other addictions.

“One night I was about to take my life as I stared at a loaded 9mm. ... As I began to drink one last beer before ending it all, I looked over at a Bible a chaplain gave me when I was overseas that was also sitting on the coffee table along with my pistol. Having a Bible on hand always made me comfortable because I believed

that if I had a Bible, which I never read, that God would allow me into heaven. Moments before I was about to put the 9mm to my temple, I decided to pick up my Bible. As I

picked up the Bible I began to weep and for the fi rst time in my life I cried out to Jesus. I asked Christ to pick me up because I was completely broken, everything in my life was completely out of control. I prayed myself to sleep that night, clutching my Bible, and I had made a decision to accept, believe and to give everything to Jesus Christ for the fi rst time ever in my life. Early the next morning a buddy called me and invited me to Promise Keepers the next day. God always has perfect timing. While at the Promise Keeper’s seminar I made a public profession of faith, and the next Sunday I was baptized at Airline Baptist Church.”

Weatherall says he never went

back to the life he used to live and is now married to a “beautiful Christian wife” and has a “precious little girl.”

Weatherall, a certifi ed International Sports Sciences Association trainer and a drill sergeant for the Army Reserves, said membership to his gym is free and there are no monthly contracts to sign. “But we do ask for donations if the person is able to make them,” he said.

Christ Fit Gym offers a variety of services, including boot camp classes specifi cally for men and women, Pilates, Zumba, dance classes, and an after-school program. Weatherall also offers health and fi tness supplements.

Christ Fit Gym’s mission is based on 1 Timothy 4:8, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” There is Christian music and

scriptures on the wall. Every day they start off every workout with a prayer and do daily Bible devotions.

What do you have to LOSE? Christ Fit Gym will strengthen you

physically but more importantly will help strengthen you spiritually. Christ Fit Gym is opened Monday – Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-11am. Christ Fit only offers group classes. You can see the class schedule online at www.ChristFitGym.org.

March 2013 9

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Little Bits


By the beginning of March in Shreveport, we start seeing signs of spring popping up all around us. This is a great time of year to teach your

kids about God’s ability to transform small things into kingdom impacting treasures. A great activity that you can easily do to demonstrate this teaching is creating a family garden.Gardening with your kids can be adapted to most any space. If you live in an apartment you can create a container garden or become part of a community garden co-op. If you have a yard, you can create a garden of any size to fi t the space. Since most kids love digging in the dirt, getting them involved from the start can be an easy task.Begin by visiting a local garden center with your kids to select various plants or seed packets. Since kids have a shorter attention span than most adults, you should select vegetables, fruits, and fl owers that grow rapidly. Children can plant and notice growth within a few days of planting vegetables such as green beans, radishes, lettuce, and tomatoes. Flowering plants that are easy to grow from seeds include bachelor’s

Little BitsLittle Bits

By the beginning of March in

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

Every Tuesday and Thursday9:00am-2:00pm

Barksdale Baptist Church

Four-leaf clovers have always fascinated me. Maybe there’s a connection to my childhood, or my Irish roots, or maybe I just enjoy looking for them. There’s

something calming about sitting in a clover patch ruffl ing my fi ngers through the green leaves and the furry white fl owers. Several special occasions come to mind. On the banks of the Cane River Lake in Natchitoches one Spring afternoon. On a break during a Precept training conference at a Pineville church (I found three in about 20 minutes!). And, twice in the last year as I was walking Louis, I happened to look down and there they were looking back at me.

According to Irish legend, each clover leaf represents a virtue or quality. “The fi rst is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck.” (Wikipedia.org) According to many sources, St. Patrick used the three leaves of the abundant shamrock to

March 2013 11

explain the Trinity and convert pagan Druids of the Emerald Isle to Christianity. Today we know that the fourth leaf probably results from the presence of a recessive gene. In fact, there are four-leaf-clover farms that genetically engineer these “good luck charms” by the thousands. Yet the natural version is still a 1-in-10,000 rarity.

Finding the Kingdom of Heaven in a human heart is also rare. In Matthew 13:44-50, Jesus presents three short parables to His disciples. The treasure hidden in a fi eld. The pearl of great value sought by the merchant. The good fi sh culled from the bad after a large catch drawn from the sea. It’s tempting to view these parables as pictures of our quest for the Kingdom, but I rather think it’s the other way around. They are illustrations of what God is looking for in us. (See Ps. 33:18; 2 Chron. 16:9a; I Peter 3:12; Prov. 15:3; Ezek 1:18, 10:12) He searches in the fi eld of the world for His treasures, believers who bear the name of His Son. He looks for the fi nest pearls among the many, having off ered all that He had – His Only Begotten Son – to purchase them. (Mal. 3:17) As the Righteous Judge and the only One who

knows the depths of each heart, He separates His Own from the masses teaming in earth’s net.

This kind of persistence and this kind of love are not found on every street corner. The Father’s unending pursuit of mankind, collectively and individually, and His creation of a plan that covered every aspect of our frailty, are uncommon to the nth degree. Dr. John L. Sullivan, who was pastor of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport from 1975-1989, once said in a sermon that he would not give up his only son for any one of us in the congregation. The young man was too precious to him. In contrast, Dr. Sullivan said, God was willing to sacrifi ce the best that He had in order to secure our freedom. I’ve never forgotten those words.

In the end, there’s absolutely no luck involved in becoming a Christian. And we don’t have to search far to fi nd salvation. All we have to do is choose the Rarity of the Cross.

Dianne B. HowellShreveport, LA

A rare, natural 4-leaf clover

The Rarity of the Cross


Sometimes things seem to be on some sort of cosmic collision course. Lately,

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

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

1. Consistent training with intentionality is essential.

I’ve printed out a training schedule that will help me make sure I’m ready in March to run my 7.8 mile leg of the race. In being intentional about my mileage, I’ll be ready. How much more should I intentionally order my life around prayer and seeking out the things of God?

As I wheel my patient to the mat, he knows how diffi cult it’s going to be. He’s stretched

and he’s tried and he’s tested, but he endures with great dignity. He tries his best and musters a smile even when it’s hard. And I know it’s because he’s lived a life of love. He has consistently trained in spiritual disciplines that has given him strength for times getting tough... as they inevitably will for all of us this side of Jesus’ return. I hardly know this man, but I can see fruit that only comes from a life of consistent training.

1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

2. Fellowship with those who encourage you on to the fi nish line is extremely helpful.

Being able to talk with my team members (go team Graney!) about our plans and our training is so encouraging. Reporting to my running friend at work on Monday about my awesome Saturday morning run propels me to do more, to go farther, to run faster. When I see others joining in and triumphing and moving forward despite great odds or great disappointment, it moves my heart to join in the race. I need friends who run and I need friends who surround me and encourage me to press on to victory in Jesus. My friend Lydia recently reminded me that the fellowship of believers showcases the heart of the One who loves us and created us. It moves us.

My patient has surrounded himself with these people who reveal the Father’s heart. They are standing in line to help in any way possible and encourage him on. His family adores him. His wife has not left his side. His friends are many. The prayers are many.

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

3. Your focus must remain ahead of you.

It’s easy to get caught up in what happened in the past. Reliving past victories or rehashing defeats- neither exercise is helpful, but rather takes your eyes of the truth of the moment.

My patient patiently waits as I get everything together. I wrap his ankle in ace wrap to assist in clearing his foot when he walks as his left side has experienced a signifi cant degree of weakness. I bring a walker over to his wheelchair and instruct him on the best way to stand. I give him pointers on how to walk while his wife walks behind us, pushing the chair. All the while, he stands, putting one foot in front of the other, working in the strength that he has for today. He doesn’t get caught up on what he did yesterday or how much farther he has to go, but he sits and rests after a labored walk and speaks about the blessings of God.

Philippians 3:13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead...

Hebrews 12:2-3 Let us fi x our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.


March 2013 13

4. In not giving up, you win.

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

The point is, fi nishing is winning.

My patient is fi nishing well, sharing his life with those around him, and imparting knowledge of God even to his physical therapist in the midst of great pain. It’s great endurance, but I know it is not all self-generating. When we lean into Jesus, we fi nd great strength.

Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar

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

Death will not always have a stronghold over this world. There is an end. Cancer will not always ravage the lives of even those who love God. There is a clear call to the saints in Revelation to patient endurance (Rev 3:10, 13:10, 14:12). That great Day has not yet come, but when it does, we have to know and have lived the patient endurance that the strength of God aff ords.

5. The goal, or the prize, is paramount.

There is nothing like crossing the fi nish line of a race. It is glorious.

In April of 2000, I fi nished the Country Music Marathon in a whopping fi ve hours and twelve minutes. It was really hard, but I’ll never forget the moment I saw the fi nish line. I’ll never forget the tears in Jack’s eyes and the exhilaration of such an accomplishment.

How much more thrilling will it be to run to the arms of Jesus?

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I have some other friends who are running in the team marathon in March. Rendi, who is running with her sisters and her sister’s friend, informed me that I’ll be running my

leg of the race with her sister, Faith.

“Prophetic?” I thought to myself.

Running the race with Faith... Hmm...

I had to say goodbye to my patient today. He’ll probably discharge home by the time I’m back at inpatient rehab next Wednesday. But on his way out, I told him how much it has moved my heart to see him respond to the situation with such faith. I told him how, in Hebrews 11:21, it talks about Jacob leaning on his staff and worshipping God. That’s what Jacob was commended for. Leaning on his staff and worshipping, just like my patient had to lean on the aluminum frame of his wheeled walker, but all the same, praised God.

Thank you, friend, for giving me a taste of what it’s like to have victory in running this race called life. And thank you, God, for the strength to run it well.

Song of Solomon 1:4 Take me with you. Come, let’s run! (NLT)

Candace ChaneyShreveport, LA

EmpoweringCreativity


I love watching my son create- seeing him scribble all over a piece of paper

and promptly declare that the Jackson Pollock-worthy piece is “Daddy.” Or watching him form pieces of play dough into balls, or seeing him build towers out of Duplo pieces. Most of all, I love when he fi nds my percussion lying randomly around the house, and starts to sing to his own accompaniment.

And I am reminded that this boy is, every day, a creator. Whether he knows it at this stage or not, the little man is demonstrating the very nature of God.

You see, we are created. Made, formed, shaped- however you like to say it, God created us. And when He did, He left the imprint of Himself on our nature. In short, God made us to relate to, and to mirror, Himself. Part of Himself that He implanted in us is the ability to create- just like He

Children have an innate grasp of creativity, perhaps partly because they are learning so much every day. They live in an undisguised sense of wonder, in an

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

But it goes further still. The beauty of God is in Christ. I rarely think in these terms, to be honest. When I think of who Christ is, I’m not sure my fi rst thought has ever been, “Beautiful.” Think with me, though: God created the world, and declared it good. He fi lled everything He made with beauty. He created us; thus, in us, there is beauty. But we are broken, sinful, and dead because of our sins. Yet 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Our beauty is restored because Christ has recreated us. Creation brings beauty. The Creator gives His beauty to us. And we, in turn, can give that beauty to our creations.

We learn so much of the nature of God in creativity. We see His wisdom; we see His imagination. We come to understand that God pours Himself into us- His love, His heart, His passion- just as we pour into our creations. And it gives to us such a sense of security, of resting in the Hands that formed you, formed you not impassively or coldly, but with the greatest care and the most sincere desire for your good. When I create, I discover what it means to be loved by the Creator.

I want my sons to fi nd these treasures, to fi nd safety and security in knowing Who made them and the care He

took in making them. And I want them to experience for themselves- to fi nd a passion for creativity, in whatever manifestations, that will allow them to explore and make and feel the nature that comes from God Himself.

It would be so easy to impose my understanding of creativity on my sons. Music, literature, and story strike deep, resonant notes in me that lead me to pursue God’s beauty. But it may not be so for them. Their passions may lie more analytically, more physically, than mine do. “The Arts” as we know them don’t monopolize creativity. And it is my job, as their father, to steer them not toward my sense of creativity, but toward their own- wherever that may lie. To steer them toward that passion in their lives that will cause them to pursue the beauty in this world, and- more importantly- the Beauty that put it here.

May I never be guilty of imposing my understanding of God’s beauty on my sons.

May I never so force them into my own mold that they give up the pursuit of becoming beautiful as He is.

May our sons ever be in pursuit of the Divine Beauty, creatively exploring how the Beauty has imprinted Himself in this natural world, and seeking an ever-deepening knowledge of Him through His perfect creative acts.

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

In Our Sons

March 2013 15


Can you identify with that Super Bowl commercial with the m&m’s? I love that commercial because it is a good picture of the modern day walk of the modern day Christian.

So many times in our walk with Christ – we say ‘I would do anything for you’ – but it sometimes turns out that we won’t do that, or that, or that!

Many times we resolve that we will follow Christ and we will be obedient but then that ‘thing’ happens...you know that ‘THING’...family issues, problems, grieving situations, money problems, dryness in your heart, addictions and even church related issues – and suddenly we turn from following Christ and follow that ‘thing’ and become defeated in our walk.

When that ‘thing’ happens is the VERY reason we must stay diligent in our walk for Christ because that obedience to Christ will be what is standing on the other side of that ‘thing’.

LOVE is the way that God reaches down into our lives – through the Promise of His Holy Word to help us overcome things that happen in our lives!

Let’s talk about God’s love for a moment: In John 3:16 – God’s love is eternal for the person that turns toward Him in Salvation. In Isaiah 25:1 – We find that God is faithful to the believer! In Jeremiah 31:3 – We see that God is everlasting and ever drawing us near Him with loving-kindness. And then in Jeremiah 29:11-13 – we find God inspiring us to believe He has a plan and will not harm us if we follow Him in obedience!

God has such a way of helping us see the Truth and fall in LOVE with Him and thereby making us into what He wants us to be – but we can’t be saying – ‘I won’t do that, or that, or that!’

Can you look at your own life and see that God has been at work in your life? Are you strengthened by the things that have happened to you or are you in a dry place

with God because of them?God’s goal for us is Him – ALL of Him! We SHOULD be saying – I WILL DO

ANYTHING FOR YOU GOD! ...and live like it!

Psalms 119:32 says this – “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”

Let that soak into you! Write it on a note card and post it somewhere where you can readily see it and begin to let it work in your mind!

It is when we realize that God has set us free from ourselves that we want to RUN after Him! Let that be your cry going forward in obedience!

Learn to turn your mind around and say ‘I will do anything for God’ and remove the negative thoughts! God loves you and wants you to walk in that knowledge!

JoAnne Timothyjoanne@heartsfi reministry.com

I Woul� D� Anythin� For Yo� – But I Won’t Do That, Or That, Or That I Woul� D� Anythin� For Yo� –But I Won’t Do That,

Randy Dill, Local Children’s Author has been writing children books for years. With a wonderful book out “God, Daddies, Little Boys and Baseball,” reminding us that God comes fi rst and conversations with grandpa. Randy wants to partner with other people and, by God’s grace, maybe one day even an animation studio. If you are presently interested in developing a publishing company or in doing graphic art work, please contact him via his cell number listed below. Randy has other books as well. With an on going series, “Mary Melissa.”

Randy B. Dill3201 Knight St. Box 2308

Shreveport, LA 71105

Randy needs your help & prayers to continue writing children books. For $20.00 you can purchase a set of 2 books, postage included.

Randy can also be contacted at 318-990-8021

Payable to:

March 2013 17

What is the truth and what does it mean to be free? What holds us in bondage?

Frankly it seems to me that we have much freedom in our country. We have a Bill of Rights that even protects it. But is this truly freedom? Don’t we still worry about sickness, grieve over the loss of a loved one, and avoid thinking about our own death. Or even more commonly, don’t we fret over the burdens of daily life, our daily work routine, our demands our children and parent make of us, our obligations to various organizations including our Church? Don’t we look forward to vacation to be free from daily routines? Freedom from an oppressive Government is only as small step towards true freedom. What kind of freedom does Jesus offer?

To be truly free is to be free from fear of death, sickness and the troubles of daily life. But how is this possible? Jesus says this comes “If you continue in My word...then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” So the freedom we need comes from our faith in Jesus and the truth of His Incarnation, Crucifi xion, Resurrection, Ascension, His sending of the Holy Spirit, and our participation in His Church.

To become truly free requires our ongoing effort as our condition is not one that is free of anxiety. Saint John Chrysostom says, “Our condition needs much endurance; and endurance is produced when doctrines are deeply rooted.”

This freedom does not come easily and

will not be given to us. These teachings we are given thorough His word must be deeply rooted in our hearts and permeate all our actions. Quoting Psalm 119 Saint John says, “do Thou so fi x and join in me, as by a nail riveted into me.” This is the idea of Theosis, our union with him, like being nailed to Him. This is the work we must be willing to undertake and is the whole aim of the Orthodox way of life.

Saint John also says that this bondage is do to our sins. Our sinfulness is the result of our fears and anxiety. Because of our condition, we tend towards self-serving actions and are unable to love others or God. But do we really recognize this as a bondage? Do we see our sins as the chains that restrain our freedom? Do we not seek pleasures thinking that this is the benefi t of our personal free will to act for our pleasure? See how we are trapped by our way of life? It’s not common to think that the way we are living is sinful and without true freedom. Once we have the true notion of freedom spoken of by Jesus, and see our true sinfulness which St John sees as our bondage, we will not have the motivation or the endurance to gain true freedom available to us though our union with Christ.

This is a freedom that involves eternal life, one that transcends our mortality, one based on love where we hold God as our lover and He embraces with His love forever. In His embrace we can endure all things of this life.

So let us refl ect on what is “truth.” Let us lift our notion of the truth above things of this world. Let us root the doctrines of our faith deep within us and seek ways to nurture these roots so they are ever increasing. Once we fi nd the link between the “truth” that Jesus showed us and our “freedom” He promises, we will be fast approaching our Union with Him.

Pastor Charles Joiner

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

How Can Truth Bring Us Freedom?

March 2013 19

Seems like yesterday that I was traveling in Guatemala and Costa Rica with twenty-nine families and Christian Broadcasting Network staff participating in an outreach trip. In June 2012, we visited these two countries on a ten-day trip to share God’s love as we ministered to orphans, built homes for needy families, helped with a dental clinic and more. Having been an educator for many years, I was prepared to have my heart touched but the emotional tug was overwhelming. I will highlight several of the places visited.

Agua Viva (Living Water) Orphanage in the community Labor de Falla of Guatemala is home to seventy children and another two hundred students have scholarships to attend the on- site school. The Guatemalan government provides education for grades one through six but private funding must be secured for any additional schooling. This lack of education is one of the causes for wide-spread poverty. CBN’s Operation Blessing partners with existing programs to care for abandoned children, bring medical treatment, and share the gospel. At the orphanage we presented several computers for the school, gave gifts, participated in games and activities, and conducted a dental clinic. A dentist and his wife traveling with us examined the children’s teeth in the equipped van which they donated to CBN to be

used to accommodate dental needs in other communities. In contrast to most American boys and girls, these children were eager to be seen by the dentist.

The outpouring of love and affection we received from the children and staff of Agua Viva was replicated as we visited a small, remote village in

Escuinta where extreme poverty was evident. We constructed fi ve two-room houses and painted them with a special treatment to prevent termites and deterioration from the rain-forest climate. Next to the house I was painting was an L-shaped dwelling which had no fl oor; walls had cracks covered with plastic table cloths to keep out rain; and all cooking was done outside. Nine people had been living in this home; two of the children watched attentively at their new home being prepared.

V o l u n t e e r s also erected and painted a daycare center, conducted a medical clinic, and provided a counseling /prayer session. Children, like all children everywhere, enjoyed games and activities. Before leaving, everyone gathered as CBN staff and partners presented the new homeowners keys to their homes and surprised them with new mattresses. This ceremony ended with the local teacher, mayor, and president

expressing thanks and praying for us.In San Jose, Costa Rica, our group visited

Rehab Center, a home for women who were formerly trapped in prostitution. This facility, located in a crime area, provides counseling training for women wanting to leave the sex trade. A daycare is also provided for the children of the mothers participating in the restoration program. Fifteen years ago Rehab’s founder watching Pat Robertson on the 700 Club television program prayed with him thus beginning her quest to help herself and others leave prostitution. I met a four year-old girl there who told me of her fear for herself, her mother, and sister. My heart ached hearing her tell about

praying every night to Jesus to protect them.

I returned home with a deepened sense of mission and compassion for the Latin American families and others like them around the world. It was a privilege to serve the Lord this way. I encourage everyone to share in the work of missions

fi rsthand or through your giving to ministry

Bonita BandariesShreveport, LA


Seems like yesterday that I was traveling used to accommodate dental needs in expressing thanks and praying for us.

Mission Memories

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

March 3Join Central Assembly of God for The Collingsworth Family in concert Sunday, March 3 at 6:00. Admission is Free.

March 8

WINTER JAMWinter Jam at Century Link. Cost is $10 at the door. Pre-show begins at 6:05, Start time is 7:00. Come hear your favorite Christian artist: TobyMac, Matt hew West, RED, Jamie Grace, NewSong, and many more.

March 18 SHREVEPORT REASONS TO BELIEVE

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

March 25-29 Enjoy a day (or the whole week!) at Sci-Port’s

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

March 28Mark your calendar! The Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. George will hold it’s Greek Easter Bread sale on Thursday, March 28. Advance orders are highly recommended. Orders can be picked up at St. George, 542 Wichita St., Shreveport. For more information visit www.gosaintgeorge.org.

April 20SECRET KEEPER GIRLWord of God Ministries

6:30 p.m.

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

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

March 2013 21

March 2013

St. James Episcopal Church Easter ServicesWe will have the following:

March 24, 2013 Palm Sunday 8:30am & 11amMarch 28, 2013 Maundy Thursday 6pmMarch 29, 2013 Good Friday 6pmMarch 30, 2013 Easter Vigil 6pmMarch 31, 2013 Easter Day 10am-- followed by an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn

Traditional ServicesCremation ServicesPre-Planning

Auld’s Funeral HomePersonal Service at Affordable Prices

[email protected]

7849 East Kings HwyShreveport, LA 71115

(318) 797-8124(866) 244-8230

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“ To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” -CS Lewis

From St. John of Kronstadt “If God has given us Himself, if He abides in us and we in Him, according to His own true words, then what will He not give me, what will He spare for me, of what will He deprive me, how can He forsake me? ‘The Lord is my shepherd: therefore I lack nothing’ (Ps. 23:1).”

“He has shown you, O mortal what is good; and what does the LORD require of you? but to do justice, to live kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

—Micah 6:8


“When we have nothing left but God, We discover that God is enough.”

From St. Maximos the Confessor “Let us be satisfied simply with what sustains

our present life, not with what pampers it. Let us pray to God for this, as we have been taught, so that we may keep our souls unenslaved and absolutely free from domination by any of the visible things loved for the sake of the body. Let us show that we eat for the sake of living, and not be guilty of living for the sake of eating. The first is a sign of intelligence, the second proof of its absence.”

“As I was driving my 4 year old (at the time) son to preschool, we had to detour around a construction site. He seemed a little perturbed by the change, so I said, “George, construction doesn’t last forever.” He replied, “I think it will last until the last day.” I was puzzled, so I asked him to clarify: “The last day of what, George?” So he said, “The last day until no one is left except God, because God lives forever!”

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

—1 John 4:12-19...

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March 2013 23

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