 Frank Page, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, in talking with leaders of the convention, related a story told by Billy Graham in which John F. Kennedy, before he was president, asked the evangelist if he believed in the Second Coming of Jesus. When Graham said he did, Kennedy asked him to tell him about it. So Billy Graham said he told him about why Jesus came to the earth the first time and what the Bible said about His coming the second time. Kennedy listened with such attention that as they pulled up to the house he asked, “Does my church teach that?” Billy Graham responded, “Well, they believe it in their creeds and in their confessions, but they don’t talk about it anymore.”
Sometime later, Graham attended a prayer breakfast with President Kennedy, and afterward as they were waiting for their cars, Kennedy asked Graham if the two could have a talk. But Graham had the flu and needed to decline the president’s request and talk another time. And with a hesitancy in his face, President Kennedy said, “Yeah, yeah, that’d be okay, Billy.” Billy Graham said he went sick back to his hotel room and the president left in his car. And just a few weeks later he read and heard of the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Billy Graham says it was an irrecoverable moment for him. How he wishes that he had talked to the President that day because it could have changed the course of events. Billy said that he will always remember that look on Kennedy’s face, that he wanted to talk about spiritual things. (Pulpit Helps; May 2007, p24) I believe that God is calling His people to a greater commitment of obedience and to have a more sensitive heart to help people spiritually. It’s obvious that the world is concerned with curing cancer, A.I.D.S., feeding the hungry, health insurance, education, crime, terrorism, and blaw, blaw, blaw. But shouldn’t we be more concerned about the eternal souls of men and life after death? Why is it such a non-issue? Shouldn’t we be having deeper studies about the consequences of life in the after-life? It is very apparent that natural things are temporary and there is a very strong possibility that our souls will continue on forever after physical death. I believe the Word of God to be the absolute truth. The Holy Bible speaks volumes to me. For example: Jesus said, “For what does it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:34-38). Being a child of God should make us aware of the spiritual needs of people, because we know that God is our source for life and eternal life. We must not let another opportunity pass. For more info you can visit us at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com  There’s an ancient Chinese philosophy that says, “To be dry and thirsty in a hot and dusty land then to feel great drops of rain on my bare skin—ah, is this not happiness? To have an itch in the private parts of my body and to finally escape from the public into a hiding place where I can scratch—ah, is this not happiness?” Pain and pleasure are inextricably linked. The pleasure would not exist, or at least be recognized, if it were not for pain.” (Philip Yancey; Where is God when it hurts?; Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 1978, p.46).
Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, and shouts in our pain. It is His megaphone to arouse us from sleep. Pain has a purpose. Dr. Paul Brand of Carville, Louisiana, one of the world’s foremost experts on leprosy, describes how “leprosy patients lose their fingers and toes, not because the disease can cause decay, but precisely because they lack pain sensations. Nothing warns them when water is too hot or a hammer handle is splintered. Accidental self-abuse destroys their bodies.” Nearly all addicts have some sort of pain in their lives that they have not dealt with properly. And instead of seeking a resolution from God they try to escape the pain by self-medicating. At first there is some pleasure or relief; however, the pleasure quickly turns into more pain and self-abuse which causes them to up the dosage. Now listen, the one and only genuine pain killer is the forgiving power of God’s love. His love is full of healing. His forgiveness is full of pain killer. And if we forgive those who hurt us we will be healed. For each person who is experiencing an addiction that was caused by pain, a spiritual awakening will bring healing and restoration. The bondage of drugs or alcohol can be broken with the touch of God’s grace and mercy. And on this note, so can the pain of depression and loneliness; it can be healed. I know there are many things that can cause pain, but there is One who can kiss the pain away permanently. Of course we have to do our part such as get rid of those things that cause pain. We must lay aside every sin and weight that so easily besets us or trips us up. If we flirt with a rattlesnake we can expect to get hurt and if we play with sins we can expect pain. It is so cool to see that people are experiencing freedom from pain and addictions the true way. They are coming to Christ and He is setting them free from so much pain. Just a few minutes ago a brother left my office rejoicing that he has been set free from pain, hate, and several addictions. He knows what pain is and what he had to do to be delivered. He is now living a full and exciting life in Christ. The pain of sin brought him to the realization that he needed a savior. He wanted a permanent fix. Of course, he was giving God glory for salvation and his pain free life. Now he is a strong believer, for he knows. For more info you can visit us at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com  Alan Stewart writes: A few weeks ago, a scene played out at the car wash that reminded me of the awesome responsibility I have as a father. My son Seth tagged along with me to the car wash and he watched intently as I placed a dollar bill into the change machine. No one was more surprised than I was when instead of getting four quarters back the machine gave me a five dollar bill! It is amazing what will go through one’s mind in such a moment. However, after a few minutes, a man drove up who appeared to be the owner of the car wash.
Having watched this entire scene, but never saying a word, my son then asked very subtly, “Dad, are you going to give that money back to him?” I could have played dumb or I could have lied. But, I knew my son was right. I went over to the man and explained the odd sequence of events and made it right. As I turned around I saw my son simply smiling at me with glowing eyes. I was reminded that not only were there little eyes watching every move I make, but I also have a choice in how I live before those eyes. If character is who we are when no one is watching, then integrity is living with open honor and honesty before all. There is a phrase that is often repeated in the Old Testament: “He walked in the ways of his father…” More often than not, these words were spoken in a negative connotation. However, David was a king who left such an impact on the world that others behind him were challenged to walk as he walked. Have you ever pondered the pathways and steps that your father walked? Deep inside that trail is found either the secret of life to sustain you or the disappointments of life that confuse and disillusion you. Perhaps your father has a stately stride, confident eyes like an eagle, or even physical prowess that would rival Samson. But in the final analysis of his life, what he leaves in his footsteps is the essence of who he was at heart. And this is what he is remembered by. Being a male is a matter of birth; being a man is a matter of choice. A man has true conviction. And real conviction is never a blind shot in the dark. It is the God-led assurance of doing what is best for others and what is absolutely right. A man who does not have the conviction to know where he is going in life is destined to lead others astray. He is like a blind man leading the blind. A real man will have steps that are both sure and steady. His integrity will always show itself in the choices he makes. Joshua is a good example. He said, “…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). In the face of opposition he had the courage to stand for God and the right. Notice, he said, “My house too! Everyone under my roof is going to serve God!” He wasn’t playing. Great men, like Joshua, are remembered for finishing a task no matter how challenging. They are known for their integrity and their unwavering faith. For more info you can visit us at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com |
Pastor J.C. Myers, III
Pastor J.C. founded Joy Christian Ministries in 1992. He was Sr. Pastor at Joy Christian Ministries in West Sacramento, California from 1992-2016. He was succeeded by his 2nd son, Pastor Brandon Myers who had been under his father's ministry and teaching for 39 years. Archives
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Joy Church is a Jesus loving, Spirit filled, Christian church in West Sacramento, California. We exist to 'Lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.' We are a church that honors the Holy Spirit, a church that wins souls, a church that makes no apologies and feels no guilt for believing the Bible, and a church that is a blessing to your family and to this nation.
Joy Church is a Jesus loving, Spirit filled, Christian church in West Sacramento, California. We exist to 'Lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.' We are a church that honors the Holy Spirit, a church that wins souls, a church that makes no apologies and feels no guilt for believing the Bible, and a church that is a blessing to your family and to this nation.
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825 Sunset Ave. West Sacramento, CA 95605
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