In Times of Need - Return to the Cross

Many time God just wants us to LISTEN. Yes, prayer is the foundation of our Christian lives. But to many prayer is speaking to God. Crying out to Him, pleading our case, or asking for strength. For many years I have experienced times when God will tell me "Get Up...Wake up because there are things that you need to here and I do not want you distracted." Most of the time it falls when I have had very little sleep and it is always around the time frame of 3:00am. Why? Only God knows but I wake up clear minded and I know my Father wants to speak to me. Maybe, I hope, you have experienced times like these. If you have I would love to hear from you. This morning was one of those times. I had troubles on my mind regarding a particular course I am taking at Liberty University. called, "History of Life". It is more of a science class than it is a biblical  case. But in short it compares science to the Bible's account to creation. Creation vs. Evolution. With it comes many theories and scientific terms which my old mind has a hard time grasping. But nonetheless, it is a required course and the first two weeks have not been easy or successful for me.

As I sought God's voice this morning and meditated on the scriptures Romans 5:8 jumped off the page. "God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." As I meditated (Still listening) I found my answer for my struggles, "Return to the Cross". God assured me that during this time of struggle I must "Return to the Cross". Some inquired of me once, "Why are you going to school at such an old age?" My reply, "God told me to."

This verse confirms that even when I was a sinner lost and dying God loved me. I began to reflect on the profound love of my Savior's love and the terrible struggles, pain that he endured to may the ultimate sacrifice of the entire world. His arms on the cross were stretched out as to say universality, "Whosoever may come." So just as His grace extended to me for salvation. His strength extends to me during this time that I struggle with this course. When He told me to return to school for His ministry He never promised that there would not be struggles and stress. He assured me that he would be with me during these times but I had to return to the cross, Pray and have faith.

So I would stay to you this morning at 5:11am. If you are struggling with sin, work, family or many of the problems that can come about in our society. "Return to the Cross". God has a wonderful plan for our live but we cannot rely on ourselves. He gave Paul struggles, as he carried God's word he had suffering, pain, hunger and hardship but each time He "Returned to the Cross." But is we read Paul gives us the answer for his struggles and pain, "But it was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God, who raised the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:9)

Yes, I have seen the posting on Facebook, "If God Gets You To It, He will get you through it." For this statement to give us strength we must, "Return to the Cross" and not rely upon ourselves and be thankful to God for His presence in all things so that we do not have to rely on "ourselves".

So, this was my Father's advice this morning regarding a simple issue of a difficult academic challenge. BIG to me but nothing to God if I rely totally on Him. Got issues "Return to the Cross."

 

Answering The Call of Christ

              I know many residents and visitors to Palestine enjoy our downtown area, the array of different types of shops, antique stores, specialty stores and the historic architecture. Walking the sidewalks takes me back to days past. The “Boutique Tree” located at 202 W. Oak (across the street from L&L Shoe Store) is one of those businesses. It specializes in carrying an array of handmade items furniture, collectibles with all proceeds going to a non-profit organization called “Refuge of Light”. Barbara Pettit, Manager of the “Boutique Tree” shared “We want to get the word out to the surrounding area, that we are here, our purpose and what the customer will be supporting when they shop with us. We offer gift items, crafts and women’s accessories; necklaces, scarfs, handbags all donated and handcrafted by local artist. The purpose for the “Boutique Tree” is a special one. “Refuge of Light is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a long term safe home that provides physical, mental, and spiritual healing in an effort to overcome the brutalization of modern day slavery, called ‘sex trafficking’ in the lives of victimized girls under the age of 18 years within the United States.” Jay Abernathy, pastor of First Baptist Church in Palestine serves on the Board of Directors for Refuge of Light and encourages our community to shop there, “The Boutique Tree and the Grounds for Justice coffee shop in Tyler are wonderful, well-operated business that provide a way for many to directly support the ministry while finding a quality deal. Each time I go into the store I am amazed at the handcrafts, fair trade and quality items they have available.”
             Many would say or think, “This couldn’t go on in our area.” But the reality is it does. Human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing criminal activity in the world. Human trafficking or slavery generates $32 billion annually, worldwide (The International Labor Office). Statistics show that within the United States there is anywhere from 100,000 to 300,000 individuals sexually trafficked, yearly (U.S. Department of Justice). Tragically, there are only a handful of shelters with less than 300 total beds in the entire United States for domestic minor victims.
The majority of these victims are young girls that have fallen prey to the commercial sex industry at the hands of perpetrators known as pimps and johns.
             Jay continued, “Refuge of Light is the result of several people obediently listening to the call of Christ to set free the oppressed. It has been one of those ministries that we know without a doubt we are doing a work Jesus would do. As others, my involvement began with a broken heart for victims of human trafficking.”
            Barbara Pettit explained briefly how the process works, “Once the girls have been safely placed in the care of the ROL. Their new lives begin. The shelters work with each child to develop a plan based on their specific circumstances. Jay stated, “We couldn’t be where we are today without the cooperative efforts of many churches, businesses, and believers in our area. From the organization of our board, volunteers and donors we represent a large cross-section of our area of the state and congregations.”
            As Christians we are called to help the sick, the poor and those who are in need. We can help by shopping at affiliated business, hosting fund raising events, becoming a volunteer or making a donation. You can learn more at, http://refugeoflight.org, or Facebook pages- Refuge of Light and Boutique Tree-benefiting Refuge of Light.