from the heart

    Jon Moore will be preaching in our services this Sunday in my absence. The first thing that comes to my mind when describing Jon is to say, “I wish I’d known he and his wife sooner.” Jon has been a tremendous encouragement to me and is a great preacher who challenges us to walk by faith – trusting God. You can be sure he’ll have a word from the Lord today. Jon traveled for several years with Manley Beasley and God has used Jon because of a number of reasons. I’m thrilled you get to hear him this Sunday. I’ll be preaching in Phoenix, Arizona (at my father’s church) and then be back next Sunday.
    Again, you’ve amazed me as a church. The “Helping Our Troops” people who were with us last Sunday were amazed at how generous and how willing you were to support the troops by sending Bibles, cards and agreeing to pray for them. You’ll never know what it means to the troops to get something in the mail from you – but you’ve done a great thing in the name of Christ. Keep praying for our troops and keep praying for America!
    As the summer continues to unfold, I’m excited about how First Euless is wrapping her arms around our city. Through ministry, reaching out, Euless Revitalization and the New Hope Center – along with Apartment Life and Beach Clubs, we are working together to touch the whole community for Christ. That’s really what we need to be doing – and what few churches do to make a difference in their city. I’m so grateful God is giving us a chance to do just that.

Desperation

“Desperation” is the name of our final series in the book of James. In light of all the trials, temptations and troubling behavior that James says is taking place in the church of that day, what is the best response? Prayer! “Desperation” is a series that calls us to pray with tenacity, intensity and certainty.  While those may not be words that characterize your prayer life, they should be! This passage will point the way in praying with desperation while promising the results that come from that kind of praying. Get desperate about God!
    Next week is Father’s Day! I’ve got a special challenge to all families for next Sunday. Why don’t you (in addition to all the other things you do for Dad on that day) bring trunk loads of groceries so that we can feed the many hurting families in our area? You’d be amazed at how many families are in need because of the economy and some of them are fatherless families. On March 8, we filled Campus West storehouse with food. We need to do it again. Hundreds of families are now finding that our church’s 6Stones Mission Network is able to provide food and clothing – and God is blessing. Over the last ten days prior to this writing, we saw more than 15 people accept Christ through this ministry. It is time to re-stock and Dad would love nothing better than to see those groceries go to families in need.
    Vacation Bible School begins this Monday!  This is a vital time of reaching families, friends, and acquaintances for Christ. Let’s not miss the opportunities before us in the days ahead!

This week is a special week, due to the emphasis in our services with Dr. Bailey Smith. One of the greatest events of our church history, some would say, was a crusade meeting with Dr. Smith over 20 years ago where more than 200 people came to faith and were baptized. God used Dr. Smith greatly through his preaching and heart for the lost. My prayer is that we can experience a fresh touch in many ways. It is important to be reminded how precious and valuable our salvation is – and that it is a true gift of grace, not of our goodness. It is a powerful thing to be reminded of the lost and the hopelessness of those without Christ, and the great and ever-pressing need to reach people for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God. If we aren’t concerned about the mission of winning our city for Christ, we cannot truly have a vision for reaching the world!
    Our meeting continues in the daytime on Monday and Tuesday, ending Wednesday evening. Dr. Bill Anderson and Dr. Jimmy Draper will be preaching during those times. Can you find any men more faithful than these? I love each of them and have the greatest respect for them and their preaching ministries. I’m getting refreshed just thinking about their ministry! You just don’t want to miss next week.
     Vacation Bible School and Student Ministry Camps are quickly approaching.  These are vital times of reaching families, friends, and acquaintances for Christ. Let’s not miss the opportunities before us in the days ahead!    I believe, more than ever, that we are in the last days and the groundwork is being laid daily for “the end.” How can we not see those signs? It may not be tomorrow, but it won’t be long – and I want to make sure we’re doing all we can to reach people for Christ. Be sure you ask God for “miracle moments” and share Christ with all who will listen. 
     Next week I begin a new message series from James 5. The last part of James deals with prayer – but not just any prayer. James demonstrates passionate, fervent, God-believing prayer that radically affects people and even nature! I’m calling this series, “Desperation: A Call to Prayer.” May we be desperate people, a church desperate for God to work in our lives.

We continue our message series in James this Sunday after taking a break on Mother’s Day. If you take the Bible seriously, this book will challenge you to the core to examine your own life and relationships. We’ve looked at the untamed tongue, selfish ambition, selfish desire, and this Sunday we address the issue of submitting to God and resisting the devil. The purpose of the book of James is that we might be changed from who we used to be to who God wants us to be. He wants us to learn submission to His ways, and to learn to resist the devil’s ways. It is the absence of that which causes so much strife and conflict in the church of Jesus Christ. God wants so much more for us than that!

    Think of life, family, church and work that has been deprived of selfish motives and has been acquainted with God’s ways!  It is quite a picture for a lost world to comprehend. It would be supernatural! It would be God – and that’s exactly why James writes. Let your life be lived out in God’s power!

Mother's Day

Mother’s Day – and so much to say for moms! We can start with “thank you!” Wow, when a woman becomes a mother, she buys into a life-long commitment that like no other! I don’t know that my mother could envision all the challenges of having the two boys that she had, but whenever those challenges arose – she was there! I’d imagine I stretched my mom’s faith in God because without that she would have lost her sanity. Many were the times when I thoughtlessly took advantage of her gentle spirit and servant heart. I can think of conversation after conversation where I failed to say “thanks for all you do.” And yet, she kept on giving. My mom gave of herself to her sons and her husband until the day she went to be with the Lord. She is one of the greatest examples I know of a mother and wife.
    I’m blessed to be married to another great example! More than any person I know, my wife is a consistent example of one who spends time with God and in the Word. Her influence on our family is powerful – and it is a great influence because she is influenced by the Lord! To honor those who answer by the name “mother” is a great thing to do today. There is, without doubt, no greater personal influence. “…a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”  Proverbs 31:30  
    God continues to bless the Six Stones Mission Network. Scott Sheppard reports that the offices are complete and the website is updated – there are many breaking stories and projects that we could never be able share on the stage – and that you need to read about on the website.  Let me tell you, through missions and through the compassion ministry that has begun here, your Miracle money is at work impacting people’s lives. See the website and watch for the upcoming events that allow you to be even more personally involved in ministry to the community in Jesus’ Name!

Be Encouraged!

The Encourager Conference is upon us! We’ve moved the date away from summer in order to better fit your schedules, we’ve shortened the conference, and we’ve added a children’s element we think you’ll be blessed by! Kicking off with a great concert on Friday night, May 1 with Natalie Grant, our conference will take place on Sunday morning and evening, May 3, then again on Monday evening, May 4. There will be various seminars through Monday and Tuesday mornings, and the noon sessions on Monday and Tuesday as well. We’re focusing this year on “Overcoming Conflict” in your life, relationships, work and family. God speaks so powerfully about conflict and how He wants us to respond in that conflict – you’ll be blessed to grow over this extended weekend conference.
    Remember, the Encourager Conference is for YOU to be encouraged in life! You’ll come away with a fresh perspective on how best to handle the “stuff” in your life. Don’t miss it – and don’t forget to get your reservations in for the tickets, child-care and meals. Be encouraged!
    The office of the compassion ministry we’ve begun here, called 6 Stones Mission Network, is now open. Scott Sheppard has done a great job getting those offices together and laying the groundwork for this amazing and high-impact ministry. The website, 6stones.org, is available for you to get more information and the networks between our city and the churches in the area are increasing almost daily. One of the most exciting elements of this venture is how closely we can work with other entities, both kingdom and governmental, to meet needs. Keep praying – keep giving to the miracle, and keep volunteering to make a difference!

10,000 Blessings,
John Meador

Day 21 - He Rose

“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!”  Luke 24:5-6a

The astounding thing about it all is this: This sort of thing just doesn’t happen! In spite of Jesus’ words to the disciples that He would rise from the dead, they just didn’t get it. Even when they looked at the empty tomb, they didn’t understand. It took the angels, asking a pointed question, to wake them up. “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”

We’re slow to pick it all up because it transcends anything in our human experience. For the most part, dead people stay dead. Now, if these disciples had thought back just a bit, they would remember that Jesus raised their friend Lazarus from the dead. They would remember that Jesus raised a young girl from the dead. They would remember Jesus had healing power, power to restore sight and restore the strength to the limbs of the lame. They’d recall that He cast out demons from people who were hopelessly possessed by the devil.

But all they could remember at the moment was the disappointment of Jesus’ death – the crushing memory of His scourging, beating and crucifixion.

But now – and don’t miss this – Jesus HIMSELF has been raised from the dead after dying on the cross for our sins. Does this mean…can this possibly mean…is it likely – or even remotely possible this means that Jesus has now conquered sin and death?!

Yes, that is exactly what it means! Paul said it well when he said, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 (NKJV)
The resurrection changes everything!

1. It means that Christ has died in our place to make us pleasing to God.

2. It means that He conquered death, hell and sin by dying and rising again.

3. It means that He is alive today to walk with us and live in us.

4. It means that when we die to our old way of life, He swaps our life for His!

5. It means that we worship a God who is alive, not one who is dead.

6. It means we have eternal life when we have HIS life.

Today we celebrate that – and more! Let your worship of the resurrected and living Christ today be exuberant, joyful and passionate. Let unbridled praise come out of your mouth because Jesus Christ is ALONE worthy to be praised.

And know this; when we lead people to know about Jesus Christ, we lead them to the One and Only God who can see them, love them, and give them eternal life.

Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, because you are alive, I can live. I can have confidence of eternity! I can boldly tell others about you because you’ve proven that you alone are God. As I tell them, help me lovingly fulfill the purpose to seek and save that which was lost.”

Questions:
What is the Holy Spirit saying to me today?

What am I being asked to do?

How do I need to begin obeying Him today?

Day 20 - He Descended

“…He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth. He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.”  Ephesians 4:9b-10

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “What is THAT about?” Why did Jesus descend into the lower parts of the earth? Is this what took place while He was buried? What does it all mean?

It means, in a word, “victory!” It means that Jesus, before His ascension into heaven, went down into the prison the Bible calls “hell” and proclaimed His victory over death, hell, the demons and everything else that would prevent Him (and us) from having life. After He descended, He ASCENDED to the heavens victoriously!

In 1 Peter 3, the apostle tells us, “…He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient…” 1 Peter 3:19

So what was He preaching? The word for “preached” in 1 Peter 3 is a not a word that means to preach the gospel, but rather describes the declaration of victory – to declare that something has been done. This would be the moment that Jesus served notice on satan and hell that Jesus’ kingdom (and His future followers) had been secured by the blood shed on the cross, and were to be led by a resurrected Christ. He was serving notice on them that all their attempts at evil and imprisonment were in vain from that moment on. He was letting them know that one day they, too, would bow in submission at His might and power.

To me, this is kind of like going into the visitors’ locker room after the game and letting them know that even though they did their best, it wasn’t enough and that they were officially beaten. It is not a taunt, but a reminder that Jesus is the reigning champion.

All this was unseen to Jesus’ followers at the moment. All they could see was Jesus’ body nailed dead to the tree. They could see Him being taken down and placed in a tomb. It was what they could not see that was significant! Isn’t that the way it is so often? It is when we do not see God working that He often works in the greatest ways. Because of what Jesus did that day – you and I are liberated from satan, sin and death!

He has, by His death, reconciled us to Himself. He has completed the task to “…seek and save that which was lost.” And this is very, very important information for people to hear.

As you’ve prayed these past few weeks for the people God has put in your life, and as you’ve invested in their lives, now is the time to make sure they hear the life-changing truths of the gospel. What do you need to do today in order to make a difference in their lives for eternity?

Prayer:
Lord, it is incredible to read about what You’ve gone through for us. I am both humbled and thankful that you descended into “the lower parts” to establish victory over satan. Help me to be bold and courageous in inviting those you’ve put in my life to hear this same truth. Today, let me be a soldier and a follower in your army.

Questions:
What is the Holy Spirit saying to me today?

What am I being asked to do?

How do I need to begin obeying Him today?

Day 19 - He Died

“Jesus, when He had cried out again with a loud voice, yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.” Matthew 27:50-53

He was no ordinary man, and He died no ordinary death. Far from normal, His death was sensational! Who could have possibly arranged a more incredible death than God Himself – calling attention to the importance of this one Man on the cross? This was a Friday to remember. We call it “Good Friday.”

This account by Matthew demonstrates that Jesus’ death opened the doorway to God’s very presence. “…the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” The Old Testament tells us that the veil was about 18’ wide and 15’ tall – higher than a man could possibly reach. Tradition tells us that this durable, woven veil was so strong that two horses, hitched to either side of the veil, could not have torn it apart. And it was torn in two!

Hebrews 10:19-20 reads, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated us, though the veil, that is, His flesh…” The explanation of the veil being torn is that we can now draw near to God because our sins were paid for on the cross! God is opening the door to His Presence and to heaven through the cross.

The miracle of the veil was followed by the miracle of an earthquake and the resurrecting of dead people who later came out of their graves! What could explain such events apart from the undeniable stamp of approval by God upon the death of Jesus as the one, true way to forgiveness of sin, acceptance of the sinner, and new life that is eternal?

The cross, and the death Jesus died there, is far more significant than a brief devotional can describe. It is, in a phrase, “A death for life.” He died so that I can live. His life for mine. And God accepted that death as sufficient sacrifice.

Isaiah 53:10 says, “It pleased the Lord to bruise Him.” The prophet also tells us, “He shall see the travail of His soul, and be satisfied.” (v. 11a) The incredible truth is, Jesus paid for my sin, all the things I have done that bring shame and embarrassment, all my evil intents and thoughts and failures, and God was satisfied with that payment – and accepted me!

To see the cross is to see the most significant act of sacrifice ever given. His life for ours. Tonight, on Good Friday, come to see the “Message of the Cross.” As that cross is carved, know that His death was for your life.

What an important time to bring those you are praying for with you in order that they may see why the cross is so important for life!

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, how can I thank you enough? Not only did you seek me and save me, but you did all that was necessary in giving Yourself for me so that I might live justly before Holy God. I thank you today by serving you with this new life you’ve given.

Questions:
What is the Holy Spirit saying to me today?

What am I being asked to do?

How do I need to begin obeying Him today?

Day 18 - He Finished

“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!”  John 19:30

Since Jesus was on a mission, He had his eye on the finish line. Much like the ultimate marathoner who runs for dozens of miles and for hours at a time, eventually and after much endurance, the finish line comes into sight. At this point in the last week of Jesus’ earthly life, His eye was on that finish line. He was staring at death.

Did He know He was going to die? Oh, yes. He knew when, how and for what purpose. He’d said that no one was going to take His life from Him, but that He was going to lay it down Himself. Jesus wasn’t a martyr. He wasn’t murdered. He voluntarily died in our place and for our sins. He finished. Paid for sin in full.

In fact, the word Jesus used here for “It is finished” is the word “tetelestai,” which is actually a business term that means “paid in full.” It carries the same idea that we have when we get a receipt for something we’ve paid for over many years and through much effort. It is like the “PAID” stamped on the title deed of your home the day you pay it off. Like the new title for your car, once you own it completely. It is like a zero balance on your credit card! But it is even better than that! It is an eternal paid in full.

On the day Jesus died, and actually before His death, He knew the sacrifice for sin was being paid in full. For thousands of years, the blood sacrificial system of the Jewish people was a reminder that innocent blood had to be shed for the guilty to satisfy a Holy God. For those many years, it was the innocent blood of a lamb or a bull, but on this day is was the “once for all” sacrifice of the Lamb of God – Jesus Christ.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Do you see what the finish line represented to Jesus? It represented the fact that He did all that was necessary to make us over into His righteousness, and did all that was necessary to wash away our deserved guilt, condemnation and separation. He, by His sacrifice on the cross, carried out the mission to “seek and save that which was lost.”

His part is finished. Our part is simply to place our trust in what He has done. Who helped you do that? Who explained this remarkable “finish” to you? What friend or family member helped you understand that Jesus did this for us?

As you remember, remind yourself of who God has placed in your life – someone who is waiting and desperately needs to hear about how Jesus said, “It is finished.”

Prayer:
Oh, God, thank you for providing all the sacrifice necessary for me to be brought to the place of being clean and forgiven before You. Thank you for all Jesus went through and thank you for the ones who were faithful to tell me about it. Now, help me to be a faithful follower to share with those whom You have given me to share with.

Questions:
What is the Holy Spirit saying to me today?

What am I being asked to do?

How do I need to begin obeying Him today?