January 9, 2008
Personal:
A time for reflection
How thankful I am for the grace of God that I'm capable of being refreshed
- spiritually refreshed. In times like these in Michigan with the economy
the way it is and the winter hammering relentlessly down upon us - especially
in recent weeks - snow upon snow, gray upon gray and a cold front moving in
that promises to be very hard! This, of course, with the issues of every day
life beating down.
Yet, renewal is here - day by day.
It starts in the morning for me. Call it old fashioned but then I would suggest
to you that you are missing something very basic - to the Christian! The Psalms
are replete with prayers and praises to the Lord, our Creator, Redeemer and
Friend.
I see those much younger than myself going out into the work force or going
off to institutions of higher learning with so much freshness and zeal.
One day each of them - each of our young people - will be confronted with
heartaches, heartbreaks, shattered plans and dreams, obstacles and roadblocks,
sickness and loss even the death of loved ones. The day by day grind of life
is difficult and ongoing.
To discover that Jesus Christ is there and that by His Spirit they can be
comforted, helped, healed, encouraged, renewed, strengthened, is so vital.
That's what I hope and long for for my children and grandchildren - for everyone's
child.
To discover that there is power beyond their own weaknesses, that there is
hope beyond the chaos and brokenness of this world, that there is power in
the blood and that the Comforter has come and is here for His children.
Consider this poem by one who came long before you and me.
"The Servant in the Battle"
Oh LORD,
bless thee that the issue of the battle between thyself and Satan has never
been uncertain,
and will end in victory.
Calvary broke the dragon's head,
and I contend with a vanquished foe, who with all his subtlety and strength
has already been overcome.
When I feel the serpent at my heel
may I remember him whose heel was bruised, but who, when bruised, broke the
devil's head.
My soul with inward joy extols the mighty conqueror.
Heal me of any wounds received in the great conflict;
if I have gathered defilement,
if my faith has suffered damage, if my hope is less than bright, if my
love is not fervent,
if some creature-comfort occupies my heart, if my soul sinks under pressure
of the fight.
Oh thou whose every promise is balm, every touch life,
draw near to thy weary warrior, refresh me, that I may rise again to wage
the strife,
and never tire until my enemy is trodden down.
Give me such fellowship with thee that I may defy Satan,
unbelief, the flesh, the world,
with delight that comes not from a creature, and which a creature cannot mar.
Give me a draught of the eternal fountain that lieth in thy immutable,
everlasting love and decree.
Then shall my hand never weaken, my feet never stumble,
my sword never rest,
my shield never rust,
my helmet never shatter, my breastplate never fall,
as my strength rests in the power of thy might.
[Taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions
by Arthur Bennett, Banner of Truth]
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On the home front -
I believe this will be used to encourage and bring hope to many - no matter
their age.
We are having a matinee today primarily for our senior friends - a number
of Christian saints who have stood with us as volunteers since 1987.
We are showing them "Fireproof" at 2:00 pm this afternoon! All
are invited.
====================
And looking ahead:
By popular demand, we are showing "Fireproof" at least one more
time.
See below for a few more details.
Friday, January 16, 2008
At 7:00 pm at 203 E. Main Street, Fremont, Michigan
"Fireproof"
(at the first showing on New Year's Eve, we had 125 in attendance)
(at the second showing on New Year's Eve there were 50 in attendance)
Personal note in closing:
First, regarding "Fireproof." This movie is a must see if there
ever was one. Some are indicating they would like to see it again.
Others are saying they would like to come and bring a friend(s).
It isn't available for release in DVD until January 27.
There is really something very special about seeing this kind of powerful
Christian movie in community!
That's why we have decided to show it at least one more time!
In closing, after the movie on New Year's Eve, we asked you to indicate whether
you were interested in receiving this kind of
update or invitation. We told you how important it was for us to spread the
word by word of mouth!
Please join us in praying that this will be another evening where God is glorified
and His people are encouraged to live for
Him!
Begin to tell others today! If you want to respond back to us telling us of
your intentions, that helps us too!!
Thanks and may God bless you!
Yours in Christ's service,
Bill Johnson, president
American Decency Association
The movie is free.
Refreshments will be available.
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To donate online:
http://americandecency.org/folder.php?f=donate
=============================
American Decency Association
Bill Johnson, President
P.O. Box 202
Fremont, MI 49412
ph: 231-924-4050
http://www.americandecency.org
