Operation Christmas Child - James

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Collection has wrapped up for another year and we've had another fantastic response. Here at KGCR we collected more than 1,000 shoe boxes for needy kids around the world. That included boxes from drop off sites in McDonald, Hoxie and Oakley which, in turn, brought their boxes here to Tri-State Praise KGCR. But the news gets even better. Although they didn't bring their boxes to KGCR, the drop off sites in eastern Colorado and southwest Nebraska also had a good response. With their collections added in, the tri-state area collected 1,922 boxes. Those boxes are now headed to the processing sites and I know that a number of our listeners area also headed there to help get the boxes ready for shipment all around the world. If you'd like information on taking a group out you can go to the OCC page on our web site: www.kgcr.org. Just click on the link to Samaritan's Purse for more information. And thanks to everyone who participated in this years Shoe Box Collection, helping to provide a Christmas gift to needy kids worldwide while also introducing them to Christ.

Why does God allow difficult times? - James

I've been going through a low point in my own life recently. Nothing like some of you in the KGCR listening audience are experiencing but still some things that have caused me to stop and ask God why I didn't see him "fixing" these struggles. God reminded me, through His word, that we wouldn't have much of New Testament if it hadn't been for Paul's struggles. If he hadn't been in jail he would have traveled to the churches and told them what he had to say in person. Instead he was stuck in jail and spent his time writing to those churches. Those letters comprise much of the New Testament that we have today. I'm sure Paul didn't want to be in jail. But God allowed him to go through a difficult time so that he would be able to reach a huge number of people, thousands of years after his death, through his writing. Who knows how God will be able to use the struggles we're going through right now for His glory down the road. That may not make the current struggle any easier but hopefully it will encourage you as you make your way through the valleys in your life. Follow Paul's example and serve God wherever you are.

Cultivate a Thankful Heart This Thanksgiving - Becca

For several months now, it seems that there has been a heightened level of stress and anxiety due to political, social and economic events. When listening to the news, it seems that we are not often given much of a chance to breathe a sigh of relief. In fact, if our hope is influenced greatly by what we hear, then it may be that many people's hope has been steadily decreasing like a tire infected with a nail.

The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17) and I don't think that it's talking about just "hearing" something like the hum of a fan in the background. Romans 10 :17 specifically says ,"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." Most of the time, when the Bible talks about "hearing", it is talking about believing, or putting stock into what you are listening to. What are you taking to heart? Are you putting your faith in what the media is saying? Are you believing everything you are hearing on Fox, CNN or even SRN news? Are you putting too much stock in what your good, reliable, knowledgeable friend in the local cafe has to say?

If you are finding yourself anxious more than peaceful, maybe a careful consideration of the following verses is in order. Are you working on living this instruction in your life? (Don't worry, this is for me, too!) The way I understand it, there is a promise in there for us if only we follow the instruction...

Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (emphasis mine)

Who is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, and who gives these kinds of things to us? - Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.

With that short introduction, here's a few ideas that I thought I'd share with you to help you think on the goodness of the Lord this Thanksgiving. I hope it's one of the best Thanksgivings you've had, as far as filling your heart with gratitude and appreciation, and not just filling the tummy with turkey and cranberry sauce. :)

Because we often don't know what we have until we don't have it, in preparation of your family meal, or sometime after: choose at least 5 of the following and take time to consider what life would be like if you didn't have those things. Next, spend time as a family or individually thanking the Lord for the blessings that He has given AND pray for those who don't have what you have.
- family
- friends
- a place to live
- the ability to worship freely with other believers without fear of persecution
- food
- clean water to drink and bathe in
- the ability to read
- the ability to see, hear, touch, talk, smell, walk, etc.
- a job
- children to nurture
- parents to be encouraged by
- a car to drive
- the freedom to be alive
- anything else that is significant to you

Put every family member's name in a bowl. Have each person draw a name and hand everyone a piece of paper and pen, then write down 10 things that they appreciate about that person.

Start looking for ways to give to others who won't have much for Christmas.
- Check out the various gift catalogs available through organizations like World Vision, Gospel For Asia and Samaritan's Purse
- Put together a "care" package for a local family that needs a little extra help and encouragement, filled with food, gift certificates, clothing, etc.
- Think of an elderly person who needs a little help around the house and commit your family to help them
- Start a routine of visiting a local nursing home to share some encouragement with elderly
- Seek ways to help orphans in your hometown or abroad (cryoftheorphan.org)
- Be creative and seek the Lord about how He would have you and your family be a blessing to others

FireProof-Extension of the Extension-James

It is always exciting to see the Christian community rally behind something positive. That's why I'm so happy about the response to the movie FireProof. The local theatre manager worked really hard to get the movie into Colby. Due to limited number of reels available, it's release was mainly focused on large metropolitan areas and there was some question whether a small town in Northwest Kansas could pull in the numbers to make it's showing worthwhile. But residents of the tri-state area have given a resounding response to the naysayers. Not only was the showing extended for an extra week due to the great response, officials now say they're being allowed to keep the movie for an additional weekend. That means FireProof will continue to be shown at the Colby Cinema through Sunday, November 16. You can see it each evening at 7:00pm through Saturday and then at 4:00pm on Sunday. Thanks to everyone for your great response. Please also thank the folks at the Colby Cinema for their hard work to make seeing this movie possible right here in the tri-state area.

The Day After... - Becca

Wow, where does one begin?!?! A lot of hearts were elated today, a lot of hearts were heavy. Regardless of which category you find yourself in today, it's quite possibly because you are looking to the future - with hope, or with fear. Maybe you've found yourself teetering on the line that keeps you somewhere in between, generally full of hope, yet not without a nagging little bit of uncertainty clinging to your socks, keeping you from drifting off into blissful earthly peace, suckered by a feeling that life as you know it for you, and for everyone else, will no longer be the same. And it's a annoying feeling that it won't necessarily be for the better, well, as far as your flesh is concerned. (And before any conclusions are allowed to be drawn, I want to assure you that I don't say that because America just elected it's first African-American president - I am very glad that racial lines are continuing to be blurred in many hearts. I'm talking about uncertainty of the future.)

The economy has been like a yo-yo lately, it seems like unrighteousness, disillusionment and deception continue rising, the U.S. is losing favor with nations in the world, God seems to be pushed further and further away from our nation and many others, and it seems that no matter how much His children fast, pray and beg, it doesn't seem to help. It really, overall, just doesn't seem like roses and daisies. But maybe that's because we are looking with our natural eyes, and not with our spiritual eyes.

I admit, I didn't sleep the best last night. In fact, there have been several nights that I've awakened in the middle of the night with an unsettling feeling, and the only thing that would help would be a glass of milk and spending time talking to the Lord. Growing up, I didn't think that there could be so much change in our country. I may not have known what my life would have been like, but I think somewhere in the back of my mind, I always planned I would be able to get married and raise my 2.5 children, have a dog and a happy little family going through typical life struggles.

Now I'm married, getting ready to welcome our first child in several months, and just not sure how much of a "happy American dream" we will have. At the same time, I spoke with a friend today who is 70, and she said that her parents thought the end of the world was coming when they were in World War II, and she's still here 70 years later. I've talked with Godly people who really believe we don't have much more time, but then I've talked with/heard from others who really believe we still have a little more of a chance. I really don't have the answers, and I don't know a lot of things, except that we must set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts.

I want to share something, because I KNOW many of you are feeling similarly - I've talked with some of you. Yesterday I got a letter from a ministry that I've received letters from for many years. It was a timely message. And I thought I'd like to share some of the things that I was encouraged with today. The Holy Spirit used the letter, a couple of conversations I had with dear friends, and His flat out Truth to help me. May He also encourage you, today as well.

One friend and I were both experiencing the same heavy heart today about the future. She shared with me something that the Lord revealed to her. This morning, she heard many birds outside singing their little birdie hearts out. It was while listening to them that she felt the Lord remind her of how He cares for even the sparrows (Luke 12:6-8) and how much more is He concerned with us? If they can freely sing, then why can't she/we sing Him praises...no matter how things are going?

Here is an excerpt from that ministry letter (from World Challenge Inc.) that I got. "Simply put, Satan wants to rob you of all hope by consuming you with foreboding thoughts. But you cannot figure out the future through being totally preoccupied with this. In reality, it can get you bogged down in fear and obsessing about frightful events."** (You can check out the full letter at the link provided below.) This encouraged me as it was a confirmation to what the Lord has reminded me of on a few occasions whenever my mind would start wondering into that uncertain territory.

It goes along with Matthew 6:33-34 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." We DON'T KNOW what the future holds, so why waste time and energy on worrying about it? Instead, let's use that time and energy on counseling our hearts to trust that no matter what, God's grace is sufficient for each day, each hour, each season! Mothers taking care of their family each day, doing the same mundane things day in and day out rely on the same God who gives grace to those who are dying for their faith in other countries.

I was speaking with another friend who recently, after decades of walking with the Lord, started to find peace in simply thanking and trusting the Lord each day that He is faithful to give the grace for what she needs for that very day. She has been through a lot of tough stuff in life, yet she remains determined to be faithful to and trusting of her loving Father. She could be another one who is disheartened right now, but she did a couple of things.

One, she's been counseling her heart in the Lord, and two, she's been staying away from too much political media the last couple of weeks as she noticed it was fogging up her prayer life. Have you noticed, especially in this election, how excessively "passionate", or maybe I should say "harsh", "rude" and even "hateful" - INCLUDING CHRISTIANS - have been? I'm wondering, if we are supposed to be walking in the Spirit (Who's characteristics are displayed in Galatians 5) have we really been trusting God? Yes, I am ALL FOR speaking the Truth and telling people about important issues concerning the candidates that concern you, but to do so in love! Something that I can't say that even I did all of the time.

I noticed it was particularly easy for me to get "fleshy" and eventually worried after absorbing myself too much in what the media was saying. Maybe if we relied on God and what He said more than what others were saying, we'd be better off? I know it worked out better for Caleb and Joshua. (Numbers 13:30-31, Numbers 32:11-13)

So, I've had a lot to say, some may be used as an encouragement for you if you ponder on it with the Lord. I hope it's at least a launching point for you to seek Him more. We don't know what the future holds, especially in a society that increasingly seems to cry out "tolerance" for everyone but Christians. But I want to share two more things that are on my heart (which very easily can go together in this time), one of which I may blog about more in depth later.

Hebrews 12:14-15 "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

Please, if you are a follower of Christ, guard your heart and do not allow bitterness to remain in you. It truly will defile you, and many others.

Romans 13:1 says, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (emphasis mine)

Jesus is still the King of kings (Presidents of presidents), all authority is under Him (Psalm 72:11) and He directs a king's heart (Proverbs 21:1). We may not trust how things are going in the nation or world, but we can trust the One who is not caught off guard by any good or bad in the world.

Blessings and His peace be with you,

Becca

Any comments, please send to beccatsp@kgcr.org.

** Posted with permission from World Challenge, Inc. http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/newsletter/resting_in_jesus_in_perilous_times

*** Scripture from NIV

FireProof-James

Have you seen it yet? If not, I have good news. We just received word that FireProof, from the makers of Facing the Giants, will be back at the Colby Cinema for another week. If you haven't seen the movie yet that means you have another weekend to check out what I personally feel is the best movie of this decade. If you've already seen it this means you have the opportunity to see it again and, this time, to take some neighbors or friends to see it with you. Now I know that "Christian" movies sometimes have a reputation for a lack of quality and can be a little embarrassing. But I can honestly say that the twists and turns of FireProof kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire show. This movie not only presents the gospel in a compelling and clear manner and emphasizes a view of marriage rarely seen in our modern world, but it does it all in a package that is extremely well put together and very interesting to watch.

One extra cool tidbit. This is the first movie I know of where a stunt double is used for a kissing scene. The directors say they didn't feel it was right to have the main couple to kiss in the movie since they're not married in real life. So lead actor Kirk Cameron's wife stands in for that scene. How cool is that!

Election Day-James

It's election day. And if you listen to any news at all that probably means a time of tension for you. Will the person I support get elected? Will the person elected lead us in the direction I think we should go in or in another direction? Will the candidates do what they've promised? There are enough questions to leave us curled up in a corner in a fetal position. That's why I'm taking a new tack this year. I'm voting - that's my part. But this year I'm taking God at His word. His Word says He's in control, He's soverign and He is working out His perfect plan. He already knows the results of the election. He's not going to be surprised. So instead of worrying, this year I'm going to take Him at His Word. It may not be the outcome I'd like to see. It may not be the outcome I think would be best for our country, our state, or even for our community. But I can't see the future so what I think would be best probably isn't even close to God's best. As Woodrow Kroll says, there is a God and I'm not him. So this year I'm going to praise God that we have the right to vote, I'm going to cast my vote, and then I'm going to get back to doing what God has called me to do in my little corner of the world and trust Him to take care of all the issues I really have no control over anyway. Happy Election Day!