John Fletcher on Checking Your Heart

John Fletcher's heart check questions

By Rev. Mark O. Wilson | Released: Feb. 24, 2012 | In: Feature Holiness

My hero, John Fletcher, the 18th century Vicar of Madeley, was a seeker after God. His heart's desire was to press in to love Him more fully.

When I visited his grave a few years ago, I prayed, "Lord, make me a John Fletcher."

He drew up this list of questions for personal reflection at the end of the day:

1. Did I awake spiritual, and was I watchful in keeping my mind from wandering this morning when I was rising?

2. Have I this day got nearer to God in times of prayer, or have I given way to a lazy, idle spirit?

3. Has my faith been weakened by unwatchfulness or quickened by diligence this day?

4. Have I this day walked by faith and eyed God in all things?

5. Have I denied myself in all unkind words and thoughts? Have I delighted in seeing others preferred before me?

6. Have I made the most of my precious time, as far as I had light, strength, and opportunity?

7. Have I kept the issues of my heart in the means of grace, so as to profit by them?

8. What have I done this day for the souls and bodies of God’s dear saints?

9. Have I laid out anything to please myself when I might have saved the money for the cause of God?

10. Have I governed well my tongue this day, remembering that “in a multitude of words there wanteth not sin”?

11. In how many instances have I denied myself this day?

12. Do my life and conversation adorn the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Rev. Mark O. Wilson is senior pastor at Hayward Wesleyan Church in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Simos Family Ministry Update

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Our Freedom team has been busy with a new Pre-school, English classes & Bible Studies. In January, our team started a Pre-School with 24 kids from Lima & PInones. We praise God for this opportunity! Every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, we have the privilege of teaching & discipling these 4 year olds for 2 hours. Every Tuesday & Thursday, we are teaching an adult bible study class, several english classes, and 4 bible study classes for the children. We would ask you to join us in prayer for wisdom & discernment. Our passion is to see God glorified in the lives of Dominicans and in our lives as well! We would love to have you come share this experience with us! There is still time to plan a short term missions trip. Please contact JasonHilgeman@itisforfreedom.com. Freedom housing for missions teams Every Tuesday and Thursday, Toni teaches the children of batey Lima and batey Piñones bible lessons in Spanish . Recently, Toni has started teaching English to some adults in batey Cabeza de Toro. Josh, Wander and Victor have started a project to build new benches/pews for the church in batey Lima. Our group has been blessed to use this church while ministering in Lima.

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There's a Miracle in the Making!

I know you have all heard the old saying, “Out with the old and in with the new.” Well, that is exactly what 2012 has brought to me and my family.

I am so honored to say that God has blessed me so abundantly with a wonderful family and also with such great Christian friends. It is in that darkest hour when you realize just how much your family and Christian brothers and sisters in Christ mean to you.

On February 5, 2012 I found just how faithful those family and friends were, but most of all, I know that no matter when or where, I can always depend on Jesus Christ.

My family was involved in a horrific car wreck in Clermont, FL at approximately 7:51 p.m. on February 5, 2012. After a wonderful service in Port Charlotte, FL, we were en route back to our hotel in Davenport, FL enjoying the evening, when we stopped at a red light. Suddenly, at a high rate of speed, a car hit us from behind, knocking us 35 yards. In the extreme of things, another car hit the same automobile that hit us. The next moments were so sudden, my wife Trish recalls our son Joseph hollering for her help, as he was bleeding and suddenly, I realize I cannot move my arms. They are completely numb and I too began to holler for help. Trish hurried to try to get to us both, not taking the time to notice her own injuries. What seemed like forever, was only moments before the Paramedics were on the scene and has ushered me away. As Trish began to unfold the events to me, I was even more amazed at how God had surrounded us by his protection. Joseph too was taken and Trish realized her own injuries. As we were all taken to the nearest hospital, Trish and Joseph were quickly treated and released, as their injuries were not life threatening. However, I had already been taken to the trauma hospital in Orlando, due to sustaining what they so commonly call, “A Broke Neck.” I suffered 3rd and 4th lumbar fractures to my neck, with my spinal cord pinched.

The most amazing starts to unfold here. Trish had enough power on her cell phone to contact our daughter, son, my dad and place a call to Chapel Valley and leave a message to please start a prayer chain on my behalf and then, all contact was lost with the outside world for the next 48 hours. However, people all across the United States were praying for me and the prayers of the righteous availed much. As the neuro surgeon recommended surgery immediately, the down side was explained. If I had the surgery, I would never sing again, as it would damage my vocal cords. I simply could not see this as an option, as God had given me the voice I have and it is my life and my being. Many may say you were foolish to not do it, but I know the man who can and did. I was admitted to the hospital for them to observe me. Naturally, they thought they would change my mind, but the great physician had already stepped into the room.

After three days, they released me. It was so wonderful to really see the power of God at work. People were contacting us at the hospital, even though we did not have means and ways to make contact with them. Not as much as to let anyone know where we were. God always has his ways to get his message out.

On Friday, after I was released, I was sitting on the edge of the bed, when all the feeling in my arms and hands returned. Trish shouted and cried and I could not do anything but cry and praise the lord. All the prayers that had been sent up had reached the throne room of heaven. My miracle had taken place. I have always loved the song, "There's A Miracle In The Making," tonight, I know that miracle and the miracle worker, as he worked one specifically for me.

I will forever praise him and forever proclaim what he has done for me. It changed me and my family and we have seen love among our brothers and sisters, friends and family that is immeasurable. Through it all, God has worked a significant change in our hearts, as we have always loved people and loved everyone, but the change is loving them through the eyes of Christ. It is definitely a new 2012, out with the old and in with the new.

The first of March, I will have a new release out to National Radio. It is entitled, "I Love You Son!" The song is a perfect description of God's love. Even though the song had already been planned for release before the accident, it definitely was in God's timing. Be sure to call your radio stations and request, I Love You Son on the Chapel Valley Comp Disc.

May God Bless each of you,

--
Ron Brewer

www.ronbrewermusic.com

706-508-5406

Mercy Road Records

Chapel Valley Studio

Spiritual Adoption-Its a Bible Thing!

“The Biblical Principle of Spiritual Adoption”

by Keith Kiper

A Message from Romans 8:18-28

Life sure goes by fast, doesn’t it? Our daughter Kristy is 22 years old and a college student. Those of you with children can relate I’m sure. Just seems like yesterday she was only a baby. I can still remember her first day of school, sweet sixteen birthday parties, and then High School graduation. But you see, December 15^th, 1989 was a very special day for Vicky and myself. Our daughter Kristy came into our lives that year. Although we will probably never meet her, Vicky and I thank God every day Kristy’s biological mother chose life. There were a couple of times the agency thought they had a child for us, but things just didn’t work out. At the time it was hard to understand why. We were even willing to take a child with medical problems. But you see, God always knows what is best for us, even when WE can’t see the big picture!

The Bible talks about adoption. When reading what Paul tells us in Romans chapter eight we quickly learn that Spiritual adoption is a very important Biblical principle. Our key verse 23 tells us, ”And it’s not only the Creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free.” (CEB) The NASB calls this being set free, ”the redemption of our body”

You see, the one who does yet not know Christ, or have God’s Holy Spirit dwelling within-groans from their innermost being until they are adopted into the family of God. The Greek word used in this passage to describe adoption is arraboon. We can also find it in 2 Corinthians 1:22 and Ephesians 1:14. In the common Greek usage it would mean the same as a pledge, much so as with an engagement ring. In the Roman world of that time, an adopted son could not be deprived of his father’s inheritance. The son was recognized legally in the same way as one born naturally. Paul was explaining God’s love to them in a way that they could understand. The English word for adoption is derived from the Latin word meaning to choose - option is derived from the same word). The translation simply means the acceptance of another person's child as one's own. Adoption is very ancient, and is commonly found everywhere in the world among many cultures. The Bible perspective on adoption expands the principle of natural adoption to include national and spiritual adoption. The last one, spiritual adoption, is "the point" of God's offer of eternal life, made available to everyone of all nations who will exercise their option to genuinely repent and truly obey Him

Paul used adoption to illustrate his point because Natural adoption was common during Bible History. Some Bible examples are:

"And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son; and she named him Moses, for she said, "Because I drew him out of the water." (Exodus 2:10 RSV)

"He had brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother; the maiden was beautiful and lovely, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai adopted her as his own daughter." (Esther 2:7 RSV)

Spiritual adoption is available to all who will repent and obey God:

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:3-4 RSV)

"But to all who received Him, who believed in His Name, He gave power to become children of God" (John 1:12 RSV)

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is the Spirit Himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him" (Romans 8:15-17 RSV)

Romans tells us the whole earth groaned in travail after sin entered God’s perfect Creation through Adam’s disobedience. Because of Adam’s sin our sin separates us from God. Death, disease, sin, and sickness are in the world because of our spiritual death through our biological parents, Adam and Eve. Adam did not die immediately after he sinned, he lived to be several hundred years old. And yes, when we correctly understand Genesis, we know that Adam really lived this many years. Spiritual death was immediate for Adam, physical death came later. Physical death will come for all of us here today save the return of Christ.

You can stop watering a plant, or cut it from its stem. It will eventually die. It is the same way with all humankind. Sin separates us from God. Without Christ in our life, through Spiritual Adoption, we are dead spiritually and then will die physically. Just as we can water the dying plant, the Bible tells us Jesus is the living water! Jesus restores our relationship with the Heavenly Father. We are then justified. Remember the old familiar bromide, “Just as if I never sinned?”

When our daughter Kristy first came into our life, she was 2 ½ months old. There is a reason for this. The state of Florida has some of the best adoption laws in the nation. I believe that is one of the reasons why God led us there in 1983. When a child’s biological mother contacts an adoption agency, the child is placed with foster parents for 2 ½ months. After 2 ½ months the agency places the child with the adoptive parents. The main reason is this allows the mother and/or father time in case there is a change of heart. After this passage of time and the judge drops his gavel, it’s a done deal as they say. Not even the president of the United States can reverse his or the parent’s decision. If every state did this, it would save a lot of heartache. Kristy was our daughter the same as if she was biologically ours…birth certificate and all. Can you see the Spiritual application here? It’s the same with God’s love through Jesus His Son. When we accept Christ’s forgiveness, we are born into God’s family. We become His son or daughter. Just as if we never sinned! There is then the heavenly birth certificate called the book of life. Our name is entered there. No one can remove it but we ourselves.

This doesn’t mean we will then be without trials and tribulatioins. They will come but they will pass. God provides the Comforter the Holy Spirit to live in and through us if we will allow and submit.

From now on, our sense of significance derives not from our performance but our position in Christ. Who we are, and indeed what we are, derives from the fact that we are adopted by grace. From this knowledge flows our sense of value. No longer are we preoccupied with the way others see us. We are wholly taken up with the way God sees us. We should also not judge others by their circumstances, only God knows the whole story. As that great philosopher Jack Handy said, "Never criticize someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Then you will be a mile away, and you will have their shoes."

Mark Stibbe the Vicar of St Andrew’s, Chorleywood. Mark was adopted as a child and has authored a book on the doctrine of adoption, From Orphans to Heirs. In closing, listen as I read his list of privileges from his book that we have when we are adopted into the family of God.

I have been given the right to be [called] a child of God (John 1:12).
I am no longer a slave but a friend of Christ (John 15:15).
I have been bought for adoption through Christ’s blood (I Corinthians 6:20).
I was predestined for adoption (Ephesians 1:5).
I am a child of Abba by adoption (Romans 8:15).
I am God’s work of art (Ephesians 2:10).
I am no longer under any condemnation (Romans 8:1).
I cannot be separated from the Father’s love (Romans 8:35).
I am loved by the Father himself (John 16:27).
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Colossians 1:14).
I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
I have not been given a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1: 7).
I am no longer a slave but a son (Galatians 4:7).
I am seated with the Son in heaven (Ephesians 2:6).
I am of the same family as Jesus (Hebrews 2:11).
I am a brother of the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 2:11).
I can approach the Father with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
I am a brand new person in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In Memorium-Rev. R.W. Schambach

In Loving Memory of RW Schambach

April 3, 1926 - January 17, 2012

Legendary father of faith, R.W. Schambach, was received by the Lord to his reward Tuesday, January 17, when his heart failed. His life and ministry were a divine military mission, which began on a destroyer of the coast of Japan in WWII. He and his wife Winn served in international crusades, inner-city tent meetings, bringing countless thousands to the saving knowledge of Jesus for over 6 decades. Thank you as you lift the family up in prayer!

Sister Donna Schambach has requested, in lieu of flowers, to please consider making a financial contribution to the ongoing work of Schambach Ministries. We thank you for your love, prayers, and support during this time.

Donate to the RW Schambach Memorial Fund here

Send a message of condolence or share a testimony with the Schambach family here.

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Memorial Service

Friday, February 3rd @ 7pm

Rose Heights Church of God
2120 Old Omen Road
Tyler, TX 75701-6299

View Map

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R.W. Schambach: Biography

He's declared it for over five decades, "YOU DON'T HAVE ANY TROUBLE...ALL YOU NEED IS FAITH IN GOD!" The classic gospel message of faith and power made a lasting impact wherever he traveled. Rev. R.W. Schambach devoted his life to preaching the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, believing that when Jesus Christ is presented as the living Savior of the world, signs and wonders will confirm the Truth. Through the years, Brother Schambach's ministry has been marked by mass conversions and New Testament miracles.

A commanding voice and the gift of faith distinguished Brother Schambach's ministry through multi-media outreaches, including the Voice of Power radio and television programs. In most nations of the world, the gospel of power has been preached in simple, direct fashion

Perhaps the greatest trademark of R.W. Schambach was the gospel tent. He traveled with large and small tents with capacities of 2000-8000 seats into every major city in the United States. Drug addicts, prostitutes, homeless people, alcoholics, backsliders and many broken people found deliverance through Jesus Christ under the tent.

Brother Schambach's ministry to the hurting was received in many nations of the world: throughout Europe, Russia, India, Asia, the Philippines, Africa, the West Indies, Central America, and South America.

Many have viewed R.W. Schambach as a senior statesman of the Pentecostal community, because of 65 years of fruitful ministry. He and his wife, Mary Schambach, dedicated their lives to helping multitudes come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and their ministry continues raising up a future generation of soul winners who operate in the full power of the Holy Ghost.

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YouTube Video

Preaching and Testimonies

www.schambach.org

Bits & Bytes for Bagley Backers-January 2011

Bits & Bytes for Bagley Backers January 2012

www.gpafrica.org

Visitors! Bob, Brenda, and Mary Beth at Adventure Golf One of the privileges of our position and location is that we have the honor of hosting many of our missionaries as they pass through Johannesburg to and from their places of service. This past month we have had more than the normal flow of visitors. They have included: Sue Allport, Australian volunteer missionary to Mozambique, along with her daughter and granddaughter stayed with us overnight before heading to Mozambique for the Christmas holidays. Our youngest daughter, Mary Beth Bagley, visited with us over her Christmas break from Southern Wesleyan University where she has one year to go before graduating with a degree in elementary education. Zach, Lyndy, and Isaac Szmara, new missionaries to Mozambique spent Christmas with us. They have had a rough adjustment to life and ministry in Nampula and will be returning to the U.S. soon for a period of recovery and recuperation. Zambian missionaries, Mike and Cindy Helvie, spent about a week with us while they worked on mission books with Jerry Manwaring and had additional time to recover from repeated infections of malaria. Orai and Linda Lehman, veteran missionaries from Mozambique dropped by for a couple of days for a visit and consultations. Dorcas and Matthias Croft had a brief overnight stay with us on their way back to Swaziland after a seven-month stint on home ministry. It was obvious they were both anxious to get "home". The Christmas season is often a lonely time for missionaries. But, thanks to the guests who passed through our home this past month, our lives were enriched as we celebrated the birth of Christ with members of our missionary family. A New District is Launched in Southern Africa Rev. Doctor Galela, Southern Africa Regional Superintendent at the recent Regional Youth Camp At the recent Regional Board of Administration meeting, the Wesleyan Church of Southern Africa launched a new Pioneer District, to be known as the Northern Free State and Lesotho District. This comes as an outgrowth and expansion from the Kimberly and Greater Mangaung District. Inclusion of Lesotho in the District is an expression of the vision of the church because we have not planted any churches there yet. However, the church has begun the process of laying the groundwoirk for a launch into western Lesotho. Panama Conferences Coming Right Up At the end of this month two conferences will take place in Panama City, Panama with major significance for the work of Global Partners in Africa. The International Conference of the Wesleyan Church meets January 27-29, for the first time outside of North America. Representatives from the Wesleyan Church all across the world will spend time in fellowship together and discussing matters of significance for the global church. African leaders in Panama for the ICWC will stay on for two additional days, January 30-31, for an African Leaders' Summit. The leaders will make presentations and be discussing issues of critical importance for the African church: "The Challenge of the Harvest"; "The Challenge of Financial Sustainability"; "The Challenge of NonBiblical Theologies"; and "The Challenge of Ministry Training". Praise Points 1. Mike & Cindy Helvie have returned to Zambia much improved in health and with their strength recovered. 2. The Southern Africa Regional Youth Camp saw an enrollment of over 300 campers and was marked by God's working in the lives of the young people. 3. With much travel over the Christmas period, God has again given our missionary family safety in their travels. 4. Dr. Alfred Kalembo, Zambian National Superintendent was the speaker at the Council of Churches retreat in Zambia. 5. Praise God for the new preaching point in Cold Water, Sierra Leone established through the Jesus Film Ministry. Prayer Requests 1. Ask for God to help Zach & Lyndy Szmara as they spend time at home to recoup. 2. Pray that God will help Rev. Doctor Galela as he visits Zimbabwe and tries to encourage the church there. 3. Pray that visas will be granted to the ICWC delegates who have not yet received them. 4. Ask for God to watch over all of the delegates as they travel to Panama from across the globe. 5. Ask God to give the conference members wisdom as they debate and make decisions for the future of the Wesleyan Church worldwide. 6. Ask God to help African leaders to clearly identify the positive steps forward they need to take as they face the challenges of seeing the work in Africa continue to advance. 7. Pray that God will reward the leaders in Southern Africa with an abundant harvest as they begin work in Lesotho. Support Report As we write this newsletter, our support for the month is down from usual - perhaps due to the holiday season. But, for the financial year our support is still positive thanks to the generous and faithful giving of those who stand behind us. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness. Online donations or monthly commitments can be made online by clicking here.

Printable Version An easy to print version can be accessed by clicking the following link: PRINT VERSION Thank you for sharing a print version with those who cannot receive the email. Forward to a Friend You can help us by forwarding "Bits & Bytes" to friends who will be interested in the work of Global Partners in Africa. Just click on the link below. Friends who receive the email will also be given an opportunity to sign up to receive it in the future. Forward this message to a friend

Bob & Brenda Bagley | RBagley112@gmail.com

Simos Family Special Update!

Freedom Vehicle - Now that we have our own Freedom housing for teams when they come, we are ready to buy a multi-passenger team van! The van that would best fit our needs costs about $20,000 and we just received a matching gift of $10,000! Every dollar raised towards the van will be matched until we hit the $20,000 needed! This will be our first Freedom vehicle and will be used to transport teams that we host and transport kids from Piñones to pre-school in Lima. To get your gift matched, go to the link provided here. Then, fill in the form and in the comment box write, “For the van…Match it!” Click here to give towards the Van! C'mon, help us knock this thing out! Missions Teams - As I mentioned above, we now have our own Freedom housing (only a 1/2 block from our homes) to host missions teams that come to help us here in the D.R. If you would like to bring a group this summer, we can make that happen! This can even be a group of friends who want to take a trip like this. You won’t regret it! Contact (jasonhilgeman@itisforfreedom.com) for more info. Pre-School - January 9 we will be starting a pre-school in Batey Lima! There are 22 little 4 year olds who will be a part of this, as well as 5 adults/young adults from Lima who will help us with the project. We’ll have class 3 days a week for 2 hours a day. Pamela and Katie Cline are going to be leading the charge. We would like to be able to include a few children from Piñones if the details work out (like transportation, can you say Freedom van? hint hint). Click here to view our December Newsletter

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Once Every Seven Years!

Guest Sermon Series
Rev Robert D. Shofner, Jr.
St. John's UCC Boonville

Merry Christmas! Now that is finally here, let’s look back over the past few weeks. Think about it ... did the thought of Christmas ... and all the parties, and shopping, and cooking, and wrapping up presents, and setting up the decorations ... and everything else that just had to get done ... did the thought of Christmas make us feel humbug-ish ... or humdrum-ish ... or humbled?

The way we answer that has a lot to do about we feel about the different gifts that are a part of Christmas. When we focus on the gifts we have to give, a lot of times we feel pretty humbug-ish. (All that time and money and the kids went through their presents in 12 seconds flat!) When we focus on the gifts we hoped to receive from other people, then maybe we're going to feel pretty humdrum-ish. (We opened them up and thought, "Is that all there is?") But when we focus on the gifts that God has given to us ... because there really is a reason to the season ... when we focus on God's great gifts to us, then we can truly feel humbled. There's a humbling awe that God could love us that much.

The good news is that no one gives us greater presents than God. In fact, it says in James 1:17, "Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows." God gives perfect gifts. Ever receive a gift and we open it up and say, "Wow! This is perfect!"? The Bible says all of God's gifts are like that. And He just keeps on giving. Romans 8:32, "He did not spare his own Son but gave him for us all. So with Jesus, God will surely give us all things." The sacrificial and generous giving that God has shown us when He gave His only Son for us ... the Bible says God wants to show us that same giving each and every day.

Now, should we have to sum up God's giving nature, His ability to give and give what no one else can ... we can sum that up with one word, "grace." In fact, the word "grace" and the word "gift" or "give" in the New Testament are the same words. God's gift to us is grace, and God's grace to us is His gift. And there's no better gift than God's grace. John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." This is what Christmas is all about! What a perfect gift. And when we open it up, some of the most awesome things happen in our life. So this morning we're going to look at God's great gift in our lives.

Number one - we are lavished with grace. That's one thing we really want to understand. The Bible says we are lavished with grace! And that means we can make the choice to live abundantly. To live abundantly. Ephesians 1:8, " ... the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." We probably don't experience that too often. The idea of something just being poured out on us, more than we can ever fully understand. It's a quintuple scoop cone of gourmet ice cream, okay? That's being lavished ... it's more than we can imagine, or eat. But with God's grace, we can never get too much of it. When something is lavished on us it means we're given something more than what we could ever dream of, but what we've always wanted. And God's says, "I want to give my grace, that gift of myself, to you." In abundance.

Now, oftentimes when somebody offers us a gift unbelievably large, we're unbelieving about it. The offer of a big gift can really make us doubt. Got a card for my birthday that said, "For your birthday I decided to get you a million dollars." I knew I wasn't going to open it up and find a check for a million dollars ... darn it all! But God has this lavish gift of grace ready to pour out on us, and we think, "Could that really be for me?" Yes, it is. Yes, it is! And when we finally accept God's gift, it changes the way we look at life. That's the real gift this year, a different way of looking at life, based on the grace that God has given us.

We can live life fearfully, we can live it selfishly, or we can live it abundantly. We can look at the world around us and what we don't have, and live our lives fearfully. Pulling in, living in fear of what we might lose. We can listen to the desires of our heart and mind and begin to live selfishly. Or we can focus on God's gift, and discover the joy of living abundantly. No longer pulling back because of our fear, or overreaching wildly to fulfill every desire, but abundant life. It's a new way of living!

John 10:10, Jesus said, "The thief's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." We don't want to live fearfully or selfishly. Jesus came so that we could live abundantly.

Now, let's look at how to turn this into more than just "positive thinking" rhetoric. Let's look at how to do this ... how to live abundantly. There's a principle we want to understand. There's no such thing as abundant living without abundant supply. Just won't work. For instance, should I say, "Go ahead and spend as much as you want at the mall today," ... you'd think I was crazy, or just got a new credit card! ... because you know there's not an inexhaustible supply behind all that spending. The ability to live an abundant life comes from the abundant grace of God. When we realize how abundantly He has supplied His grace to us, we can live an abundant life, because His grace supply never runs out! 2 Peter 1:2 (NIV), "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." It comes from knowing Him and who He is. We're lavished with grace ... so go ahead, live abundantly.

Number 2 - we're saved by grace, so live eternally. Live eternally. Ephesians 2:8, "I mean that you have been saved by grace through believing. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God." We've been saved by God's grace, so we can live eternally. What's that mean ... "saved"? It means three things ... it means to be forgiven, to be fulfilled, and to be set free. And God doesn't save us for a few moments or days or weeks. The salvation He gives to us is eternal. We were headed for certain death and separation from Him for eternity, and because of His great love for us, He came to us and forgave us, fulfilled us, and set us free ... for eternity. That's a great gift!

How do we begin to enjoy that gift? Notice this principle. For a gift to be enjoyed, it must be received. Pretty simple. For us to enjoy a gift, we want to first receive it. And for some of us, this Christmas will be the best ever, because we'll receive the best gift ever. God's gift of eternal life. Just ask Him for it.

When we do start enjoying His great gift? Many people think we only get to enjoy it after we die. That's just not true. 1 Timothy 6:12 says, "Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you ..." Notice the words "has given." Not "will give you someday," but "has given" you right now. It says to hold tightly to it ... enjoy it ... live it right now … celebrate our new life!

In my first church, working as a student pastor, there was this little guy who cornered me during Coffee Hour, and he said, "Bob, Bob, Bob! Are you coming to my birthday party?" I didn't have anything lined up for the afternoon, so I said, "Sure, I don't have any plans for today. What time is it?" He said, "No, no, no. It's not today. It's in 5 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days." "Okay, let me write that down. I'll be there. Thanks for telling me." The next Sunday, during Coffee Hour, "Bob, Bob, Bob! Are you coming to my birthday party?" "Yes, I am. In 5 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days. I'm going. Let me erase the pencil, and write it in pen. It's a for sure." The next Sunday, during Coffee Hour, "Bob, Bob, Bob! Are you coming to my birthday party?" Well, I knew this was going to happen. I brought a birthday hat and a party horn. I whipped them out of my briefcase and said, "Look! I'm ready! I can't wait!"

Then I asked his mom, "Hey, what's the deal? I've never seen anything like this. I've never seen anybody this excited over celebrating a birthday." And she told me something I'll never forget. She said, "Mark is a foster child. And Mark has never, ever had a birthday party."

And I think of Mark when I look around and see Christians who don't celebrate. Friends, we've got reasons to celebrate. We want to quit acting like spiritual foster children, and claim the heritage we have in God and celebrate our inheritance of eternal life.

Question. Can knowing what's in our future change the way we feel and act today? Of course it can! Let's suppose you haven't had a job in 6 months, and the unemployment insurance is running out. But just last week you sat down and signed a contract to start a new job the first of the year. Now, do you think you'd wait until January to celebrate the new job? No way! It's party time, right now! And the fact that we know we have an eternity secure in God changes the way we feel and act today. Or, at least it should! The fact that we have eternal life ... does that mean we have to wait to get there to celebrate it? No way! We want to celebrate it today, and every day, right now. It changes the way we look at life.

Here's something we can do to help reinforce this point. Take a 3x5 card, and on one side of it, write the word "today" and on the other side write the word "eternity." Put it in your purse or wallet or pocket ... and any time you face a worry or a problem, take out the card. First, look at the side that says "today." Think about that problem and how terrible it is in the light of today. Really make yourself miserable! Have fun with it, okay? Then after you've done that for five or ten minutes, turn the card over, and think about that problem you're facing in the light of eternity, and see how it changes your attitude. The truth is, when we look at a lot of our worries even in the light of next week it would change our attitude. And when we begin to look at them in the light of eternity ... what a difference it makes! Live eternally.

Number three, we are molded by grace ... and so live responsibly. Some of us may be thinking, "Great! Don't talk to me about responsibilities! I'm overwhelmed by responsibilities!" Maybe you're a single parent. Maybe you're struggling to hold down two jobs ... or keep a business going. Ever feel like ... "I'm just trying to do what's right!"

Reminds me of the story about the Kindergarten teacher who loved to help her little students get all bundled up to go out into the snow and cold at the end of the school day. One day she sat down in front of one of her students, pulled out a pair of boots ... the kind with laces all the way up! ... and started to diligently lace up the boots ... about a ten minute job, struggling with this squirmy little girl. She finally got them all laced up ... the little girl hopped to her feet and announced to the teacher, "These aren't my boots." So the teacher unlaced them and pulled them off and put them back in the closet. Then her little student looks up at her and says, "Those are my big sister's boots, but my Mommy makes me wear them!" Ever feel like that? Just trying to do the right thing?

Want some new energy for that worn-out life? Look at Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We are created, molded by God's grace in Christ Jesus, to do good works. But sometimes we just get so tired. That's because we're doing everything on our own. We want to learn to relax and let God's grace mold us to live responsibly. We want to learn to quit trying so hard and start trusting in God's grace.

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV), "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was within me." Paul found a new energy working within him. God's grace. And God's grace is meant to be the creating, energizing, directing influence of our lives. We don't want to be self-made men and women ... we want to be grace-molded persons.

How do we motivate ourselves to get things done? Well, we can use guilt ... or grace. Under guilt, responsibilities seem like terrible burdens. Yet under grace, responsibilities seem like wonderful opportunities. It's the difference between, "I have to do that to get God to love me." and "I want to do that because God loves me!" And grace is a much better motivator than guilt, because it won't wear us out!

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV), "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

God's grace abounds ... and that means we live in a new kind of way ... responsibly. There's a principle here that we want to notice. The key to living responsibly is living responsively. Got that? The key to living responsibly is living responsively. Hebrews 10:24 says, "In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good ..."

God will never love us any more or any less than He loves us right now. And so what we do in life isn't to get Him to love us, because He does love us, but what we do in life is simply in response for the love, the grace, He already has for us.

How important is this grace, this gift, from God? Our last verse this morning, which also happens to be the last verse in the Bible. Revelation 22:21 (NIV), "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen." It ends with grace. What a great gift!

Christmas reminds us that we are lavished with grace ... so we want to live abundantly. We are saved by grace, so we want to live eternally. And we are molded by grace, so we can live responsibly. God's grace. What a great gift!

Let's pray.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the greatest Christmas gift we could ever imagine, Your lavish grace. Help us to receive it, that we may live abundantly, eternally, and responsibly.

And the people said, “Amen.

Merry Christmas from Ron Brewer Ministries

It is really hard to believe this is the December Newsletter. My how the months have flown by. As I take time to look back, it has been such a thrill to see all that God has done. During 2011 so many people surrendered their lives to Christ. One that is such a joy to me and Trish is our twelve year old son, Joseph. While in Fresno, TX doing the singing in a revival service, he gave his life to Christ. What a thrill. God has blessed us so abundantly.

We just completed 9 days of Christmas In the Smokies and what an awesome time we had. Such tremendous blessings from all the artist, the great Christian Comedians, as well as the comedy skits. The chapel services were so great. Each service was so anointed. Every person who came out received a blessing and was a blessing. It was such a joyous time to see artist praying with others and sharing their testimonies with people. The spirit of the lord was there.

If you would like to attend in 2012, the dates are Nov. 26, 27 and 28 or Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1 or Dec. 3, 4 and 5. It will be held at the Main Stay Suites in Pigeon Forge, TN. The early bird gets the worm. Contact me soon for a great deal. We still have rooms available on the Caymen Island and Cozmuel, MX cruise, Mar. 5 - 10. sign up at www.sonshinepromotions.com

I am so excited to announce the release of my new project “Heart Collector.” This is an absolute wonderful project of songs from the Heart. Songs such as Man In The Mirror, I’ve Got My Foot On The Rock, JESUS, I Love You Son, Friends In High Places, Jesus Was A Country Man, One Drink and many more. The best writers, Shane Roark, James Elliott, Tom Burress, Becky Allen, Jason Todd Herod. You can get your copy in time for Christmas at www.ronbrewermusic.com

Thank you all for your love and support. Continue to call and request Tear Off the Roof. There are still a few dates available for 2012 so hurry and call. May we all continue to pray for lost souls and one another and for our nation.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours,

Ron, Trish and Joseph

Simos Family Ministry Update-December 2011

Help us with some feedback! Simply open email including pictures. Thank you! Family Update Our team has been ministering in batey Lima and batey Piñones for the past 6 months. We have completed the 50 lesson study "Creation to Christ," and now Toni has begun teaching "the Life of Christ" to the children in Spanish. Please pray that we both continue to make progress in our language learning and that we will be ready to take on more of the teaching this spring and summer. We continue to spend time in the bateyes each weekday as well as some weekends. We truly enjoy the relationships that we have and look forward to growing in Christ together for the years to come. Freedom Update Here are 3 ways that you can join the fight for Freedom in the Dominican Republic. Freedom Land Project We have a goal to be located closer to the bateyes in order to more effectively offer discipleship and Christian education. We are currently in the process to purchase 15 acres of land to accomplish this goal. Please visit our website for all the details about this phase of our ministry. Freedom Champions You can be a part of our team by becoming a Champion for Freedom! We have several Champions who are working hard and fighting the battle for Freedom. Need an idea? Perhaps you are a business owner who is willing to donate a portion of your profits to Freedom. Perhaps you could even start a new business with the purpose of funding Freedom. More than a Pretzel has done just that! Please visit our website or contact us for more Champion ideas. Freedom/Goodsearch: Freedom has a cool new toolbar! Once you add this to IE or Firefox, then each time you shop, a percentage of your purchase will be automatically donated to Freedom International Ministries, at no cost to you (and you may even save more money as the toolbar provides coupons and discounts as well!). The toolbar also has a search box and each time you simply search the Internet, a penny will be donated to Freedom! That might not sound like much, but if only 100 people searched twice a day, then we will earn $730/year! Culture in the Dominican Republic Got Mitt? What do you do when you want to play baseball but you don't have a mitt? You make one of course..out of a milk carton! We buy our milk in boxes off of the shelf instead of in plastic jugs from the cooler section. Until recently, we just "trashed" the boxes, but once the boys in the bateyes showed us how to make baseball mitts out to them, we started to keep the boxes. It's great to see their imaginations at work, whether making mitts or toy cars out of oil cans and bottle caps. While it's fun to make the mitts with boys and then play ball, it's also humbling when they fight over who gets "our trash". These kids truly have next to nothing and get excited about getting a ball, empty bottles or even empty milk cartons. Click here to view more harvest photos and video Sugarcane Harvest December is harvest time in the Dominican Republic. Unlike back home, they harvest sugarcane not corn. We're told by these men, Haitian and Dominican, they will work everyday for 6 months with the exception of 3 days off during the Easter weekend. As we drive past the fields on our way to the bateyes, it's like a scene from the past. Seeing the ox drawn carts and sugarcane cut by hand as the hardened men swing their machetes. It is hard, hot, back-breaking work, all day, everyday. In a good year, these men will make about $53 a week. I definitely have a different perspective now when I enjoy sugar in my coffee. Maybe you too can be reminded of what it takes to enjoy something as simple as a spoonful of sugar. Click here to view more harvest photos and video

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