THOUGHTS BECCOME THINGS

We are amazing creature, we human beings. Born with the ability to stare truth in the face and not see a blessed thing. Our presence has graced the presence of earth for more than 10,000 years, and if you calculate Adam’s time (un-time) then it may well be millions. And yet, just 500 short years ago we thought the world was flat. And just a little more than 100 years ago we didn’t think we could get off the grown and fly. This begs to question, just what timeless truths are we still missing? Please allow me to suggest that I think I know what at least one of them is. In fact, we’ve all poked fun at it. Let me ask, have year heard the statement; “Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it?” Please indulge me; do you believe it’s true? How many of us have spent some real time to figure out exactly why this could be true?

LESSONS ABOUT GIVING

Just when I think I have learned all there is to learn concerning money, about giving tithes and offerings- bam, I discover volumes of Scriptures about money I never knew before. It’s amazing how controlling “money” is in the lives of so many. I put in words of a poem:
“Dug from the mountainside, washed from the glen. Servant am I or master of men.
Steal me I curse you, earn me I bless you. Grasp me or hoard me, Others shall possess you.
Live for me, die for me. Covet me, take me. Angel or Devil I am what you make me.”
Someone wrote: “Money will buy: A bed but not sleep. Books but not brains. Food but not appetite. Finery but not beauty. A house but not a home, Luxuries but not culture. Medicine but not health. Amusements but not happiness. A crucifix but not a Savior. A church but not a heaven.”
It was Jesus who sat over on the side and observed how people gave in the offering. While he was doing so, he called the attention of his disciples to watch and learn as well (Mark 12:41-33). It was the widow’s mite, the smallest coin, compared to the rich man’s bag of gold that Jesus used to teach his disciples a lesson. The amount that people gave wasn’t what captured my attention. It was that Jesus sat over in the corner and observed what people gave. And what is more unique was that Jesus took time to teach his disciples about the giving process. It mattered so much to Jesus of how and what proportion did people give that he sat aside and observed.
A person has departed from God if they are not giving tithes and offerings (Mal. 3:7). God revealed how one is robbing God if he fails to pay his tithes & offerings. Think of this. What should it matter, you might ask? According to Lev 1:4, God told Moses to tell the people that when they gave of their offerings, God would account their giving as of giving of themselves. Meaning, that when we give our tithes or an offering, God records it as if we gave our very person. Why is that? Because God knew that we exchange our time, talent and life’s blood to work in exchange for money. Therefore, when we give our money, we in essence are giving our very life. No wonder Jesus watched people give.
Tithes and offering giving is an institution God created. All that have is a gift from God and belongs to God in the first place. God said, “Return to me and I will return to you. We asked, how shall we return to you? And God said, you shall return to me in your giving of your tithes and offerings” (Mal 3:7). Wow, giving was the act of our spiritual reconnection to God. Tithing is an act of love and thanksgiving for material things received from God's Creation. Tithing is an act of confession of obligations to God who has been your helper in time of need.
Tithing is the key to divine blessings. Jacob left Canaan empty and returned with much cattle and many servants after he started tithing. If God gets His part, He said he would bless the rest. Truth is, when we give the tithe, the remaining 90% will go further under the blessing of God, than 100% being cursed (Mal. 3:10, Lu. 6:38, 2 Cor. 9:6). When people follow God’s method of tithes and offerings, church ministries are freed to fulfill their purpose. When tithes and offerings are practiced, it is a blessing to the church and unchurched alike.
One who does not tithe does not consider any of the above things mentioned, they are not grateful, don't feel obligated to God, cares nothing for His cause, recognizes no higher authority than himself, doesn’t count God's blessing significant. Those who fail to tithe not only robs God but hinders the spread of the gospel. God's work requires money, tithes and offerings are God's way of financing the gospel. How much money would a public school system receive if it depended on the passing of a hat at a local PTA meeting to pay the bills? How would our county government make out if it depended on our taking up a collection at Memorial and Independence Day parades?
C.S. Lewis said of the early church, "I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more that we can spare, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc, is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small."
A certain family had gone to church and on the way home the father criticized the sermon, the mother found fault with the organist, and the eldest daughter talked about the singing. But the subject was suddenly dropped when the small boy of the family said, "Daddy, I think it was mighty good program for a nickel."
“God, break to the needy sweet charity's bread, for giving is living, the angel said.
And must I be giving again and again? My peevish and pitiless answer ran.
oh, no said the angel, piercing me through, Just give till the Lord stops giving to you.”
By Dr. Tim McClure

Boy writes letter to God for $100
A little boy wanted $100.00 very badly and prayed for weeks, but nothing happened. Then he decided to write God a letter requesting the $100.00. When the postal authorities received the letter to God , they decided to send it to the President. The president was so amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy a $5.00 bill. The letter went out with the $5 from the White House letterhead. The little boy was delighted with the $5.00 bill and sat down to write a thank-you note to God, which read: Dear God: Thank you very much for sending the money. However, the next time, do not use or send it through Government, those crooks deducted $95.00 in taxes.

You know you’re a Mother when: Happy Mother’s Day
You automatically tie everything in a double-knot.
You actually start to like the smell of strained carrots mixed with applesauce.
You weep through the scene in Dumbo when his mom is taken away.
You spend a half hour searching for your sunglasses that are on your head.
You find yourself humming the Barney song as you do the dishes.
You are out for a nice romantic meal with your husband, enjoying some real adult conversation, when suddenly you realize that you've reached over and started to cut up his steak!

COMING EVENTS
May 2010 – Financial Breakthrough – Theme for May, 10:30 AM Sunday’s
May 5, 12, 19, 26 – APEX classes for all leaders & ministry involved @ 7 PM
May 2, 9, 16, 23 – Antshillvania Children’s Musical practice every Sun. mornings
May 9 – Mother’s Tribute – Women’s Sunday @ Promiseland 10:30 AM
May 14, 16, 30 – Fusion groups – @ a place near you – call 321-216-8030
June 4 – Couple’s Social – Mark Gungor @ Promiseland Café – 6 PM

Promiseland Church
1855 Lansing St. Melbourne, FL 32935
www.promiseland.org
http://drtimmcclure.blogspot.com/
http://www.drtimmcclure.maxous.com/sp2/
http://www.thehomebusinessacademy.biz

A FAMILY AFFAIR

The typical family would spend time together in their back yard, playing games and eating fresh grilled hamburgers. The most famous place families spend time together is at the neighborhood park. However, the most desired place for our family to spend together is at the mall, or shopping center. Browsing through stores is a family affair for the McClure's. The three most prominent stores our family spends the most time in are clothing, book, and toy stores.
The first store my wife, Jenny, heads for is the clothing department store. My three children and I follow close behind my wife as if we were on a guided tour, exploring the variety of sales and special deals. It doesn't take long till each family member is engulfed in his or her own particular world of clothing My wife heads right for the little girl section with Aleena, our seven year old, hand in hand, scouting out the latest. Timmy, my sixteen year old "man", explores the latest power looks of hats, shirts, and gym gear. Chanda, our nineteen year fashion model, smothers herself in an array of cool frills, and the latest up-beat conservative fashions. We eventually came together and compared our findings. After a couple of hours and two hundred dollars, we're ready to move on. At least I am.
The next prominent store the family heads for is the book store. It's a good thing that the whole family loves books, or it could a division of a great relationship. I could easily spend all day looking through books, titles, topics, ideas, and yes, pictures. The family can just walk past a book store and my seven year old, will grab my arm, and say, "No daddy, no, not the book store." Our family experiences some of the greatest fun together, sharing jokes from joke books and the latest from the comics. The funniest of all is the subliminal new age section. We'll roll in laughter, as I read a line or two from one of the far out philosophies of the latest new age advocates.
The family's fun day can not conclude until we visit the toy store. Some may think that toy stores are for kids only, but there not. My wife usually sights the famous proverb to me: "The only difference between men and boys, is the price of their toys." I must admit, the toy store is the greatest cure for the problem with the generation gap. Our family never fails to hit it off at the toy store. The games and toys we take with us, provide months of entertainment at home.
Thank God for clothes, book, and toy stores. For our family, spending time at the mall, or shopping center is a great family affair.

CURSE OF ADDICTION

It felt as if the walls were caving in on me as I walked down the long, narrow hall leading to the psychiatric ward extension of Wuesthoff Hospital. I was there to visit George Robinson, who was court ordered to receive psychiatric treatment. A creepy feeling overcame me when the security guard locked the door behind me. Shock overwhelmed me as I stared into the faces of what looked like three hundred neurotic deranged human beings. Even though I had only spoken to George a few times prior to this visit, I was there at his request. I came to help him overcome his sixteen years of alcohol addiction. As I walked through the crowd, looking for George, I saw people engaging in elaborate conversations with the walls, while others stared silently into space. Paranoia eased from me when a few "normal" people nodded and said hello. I remember thinking as I looked across the Ward, "this is the curse of addiction." If nothing else gave me reason to thank God I was not a drug addict, that experience did. As I gazed at the crowd of men and women, young and old, it became evident to me that drug addiction destroys the mind, separates families, and leaves the addict functionally helpless.
One of the first things alcohol and other drugs do to a person's mind is destroy virtually millions of irreplaceable brain cells. (According to the Center for Drug and Alcohol Treatment of America). From my experience at Wuesthoff Psychiatric Ward, I did not need many facts or statistics to prove to me that drug addiction destroys the mind. Drug addiction is a slow death, according to Dr. John B. James of Johns Hopkens Alcohol Research Center in Baltimore, Maryland. It was clear to me, after talking with George Robinson, that sixteen years of alcoholism had almost stripped him of his self worth and esteem. Even his conversation seemed to jump from one subject to another. I found it hard to make sense of what he was trying to say. It was evident that drug addiction was a psychological curse.
Another way that I saw drug addiction as a curse was the way it separated families. As I talked to George that day, he revealed to me that his addiction had driven a deep wedge between him and his father. George confessed that he lost every friend that he ever had. Drugs had destroyed almost every promising relationship George ever had. At thirty years of age, George Robinson had no real friends, no plans of marriage, no children, and no loving relationship with his mother or father. I was a preacher he had only met four or five times, and he said that I was the only one he could call for help. This brought new meaning to the latest government reports that found drug addiction to be one of the leading causes for divorce in America.
Finally, not only does drug addiction destroy the mind and relationships, it also renders the addict virtually helpless in securing a meaningful future. George Robinson had a bachelor's degree in agriculture. He was a skilled carpenter, a wind surfing champion, and a very skillful surfboard designer. George, at one time, owned a very successful surfboard manufacturing business, and alcohol addiction had taken it all away. I didn't need all the facts and figure that day to convince me that drug addiction would destroy a man's future success. If George was ever to enjoy a successful future, alcohol would have to go. Clearly, drug addiction was a curse to him.
It took George eight months of hard work to overcome his addiction. After nine years of drug free living, George Robinson has his right mind, is happily married and is a successful businessman in Melbourne, Florida. My experience with helping George overcome his addiction has revealed to me, the unforgettable curse of addiction.

12 Ingredients of a Perfect Day

Time is the most valuable commodity in your life. Time is more valuable than money, things, stuff, goods or prestige. If you lose your house, you can always get another one. If you lose your friends, you can make new ones. If you lose your time, you can never replace it. Cherish your time above everything that is given to you.
Energy is powerful substance you have been given with regard to your assignment. If you learn your purpose, educate yourself to accomplish it and network all the friends and family to assist you, but you run out of the energy to follow through, all your resources’ become in vain. You must always be conscious of your energy level – measured by passion, health, excitement, ambition and activity.

1. PURPOSE – what is that single most definite purpose in life that you were place on earth to accomplish? Why were you born? If you cannot articulate that in detail, then list the Single most important thing that you MUST do this year. What is it that you want to DO, ACCOMPLISH, HAVE, REACH this year? What is that one thing that you and you alone can and must do? Start with this. Every day of your life must be centered on your PURPOSE. If you don’t, you’ll spend a lifetime of doing stuff that matters NOTHING to you or yours. “To this end was I born and for this purpose I came (John 18:37).
2. PRAYER – converse with God daily about what it is that HE wants of you and for you. Never start a day without first “checking in with God.” It is a major mistake to go to God after you messed up something, asking his help to FIX it, than it is to go to God before you DO for direction on what and how to live. Prayer is getting the mind of Christ before your thoughts so you can KNOW what and how to do. “Everything by prayer (Phil 4:6).
3. PRESCRIPTION – To lay down as a guide or rule of action, to direct the use of something as a remedy. A written direction: (medical term = plan of cure). A LIST of what you want to accomplish towards your ultimate goal. Prescription is meant as preparation. Put all the stuff you want to accomplish on paper and sift through it before you plan. “Steps of a good man are order by God (Ps 37:23).
4. PLAN – written down outline or steps you must take to get you to your desired goal. This “plan” should only be two or three things per day that you MUST accomplish. Never write out more than three things. If you were able to accomplish just one a day, in one year, you would have accomplished 365 powerful plans – steps that took you towards your ultimate purpose in life. “Failing to Plan is a sure Plan to Fail.” “Set your house in order (Isa 38:1).
a. WRITE down your plan of action: “Success Schedule, To Do List, Action Plan, etc. but whatever you call it, you must write it down:
5. PRIORITIZE - Every plan must have some order to it of priority or you will simply move with your plan in mind – thinking you are getting things done. Obviously, you must put the first and most important thing you HAVE to do this day or else – if you are going to be successful with your time and energy. Place the first things first. If you have 10 things down on your list and stayed busy all day and all you did was drive, drycleaner, grocery, gas, mop, etc., but failed to DO your purpose, you will have wasted your day. “Seek first the Kingdom (Matt 6:33
6. ORGANIZE – Put your plan down in an order, such as 1, 2, 3, or by Hours, or Morning, Afternoon, Evening, or Action, Phone calls, Paper, etc. There is no way that your purpose, plan or priority will become a reality unless you organize it. You must put your purpose down in an ORDERLY fashion. What to do first?
7. NETWORK – Above communication, you need to network. Networking means touch bases with all those in your life you NEED in order to accomplish your single most definite purpose in life. Communicate with everyone you need to, connect with your mentor (person or paper), recap what your superiors have put in your IN box, ask, ask, ask what it is that you need, they demand, etc. = success.
8. EDUCATE – Every day should always have in it a book, audio or some source of tool that ADDS value to your Spirit, Soul and Body. If you are not GROWING daily, you are SHRINKING. Always keep a book, audio lesson, article, memory, etc. on your person, car, bathroom, work, etc. so you can access it when you have the time. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). “You shall know the truth, make you free (John 8:32). Use your activities, failures, short falls and successes to educate you also. Recap your day and learn from it.
9. EXERCISE – Your brain will only last as long as your body. Your health is the key to your endurance. Physical health is paramount to your emotional health. If your body is sluggish, so will be your brain. 8 minutes a day of some form of exercise can and will keep you on the top 10% of the world. Stretch, Move & use your daily routine to exercise: Squats, Pick-up, Posture, Leg movements, etc.
10. FELLOWSHIP – unlike networking, fellowship is for human development. While networking is meant for your purpose success, fellowship is for your personal success. Fellowship is with your spouse, children and friends. Fellowship is used to recap priorities, assist you with keeping things in perspective. Fellowship forces you to accomplish your purpose with others in mind, not a selfish motive.
11. ENTERTAIN – We all need to Replenish our mind from the daily depletion. Entertainment is a time to laugh, reprise, refuel, and refresh your soul and mind. Some can use exercise as entertainment while others use reading a book. Some use a hobby while others use sports or show. Mix it up if you can.
12. REST – Proper sleep will add up to 8 years to your life. Babies need 10-12 hours, youth need 8-10 hours and adults 6-8 hours of sleep. Each hour before midnight is worth more than 2 hours after midnight. If you sleep 10-12 hours and wake up, you will be sluggish all day. Why? Unhealthy. “Come aside and rest (Mark 6:31). I will give you rest (Matt 11:28).
By Dr Tim McClure

Promiseland Newsletter 4-10

THE SCIENCE OF BREAKTHROUGH
If anyone dares step into a Spirit filled church or listen to a dynamic speaker, be he a preacher or motivational speaker, one will hear something along the line of pressing through where ever they are right now and into where they wish to be. “Press toward the mark of the high calling of God” Paul admonishes. “Forgetting those thing which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before” Paul again challenges. Jesus even proclaimed, “No one who has put his hand to the plow and looked back is fit for the Kingdom.”
Webster attempt to define Breakthrough as “an offensive thrust that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive line in warfare, an act of breaking through an obstacle, a sudden advance especially in knowledge or technique.” I must admit that after 18 years of growing up in a Baptist preacher’s home and the next 36 years in Pentecost, I have heard 200-300 sermons on “Breakthrough.” However, far too little was given to me of a “step by step” practical system or explained principle of exactly HOW to experience a genuine “Breakthrough.” I’ve heard cheesy gimmicks like, “Turn around three times and shout Jesus.” Or, “tonight if you will just stand on your feet and dance for Jesus, you will dance you way out.” Sorry, but the most common on Christian Television would be something like; “You can give your way into your breakthrough.”
Please, the last thing I wish to do is to offend anyone who holds dear to some of those moments of spiritual euphoria. Maybe it just comes from my years of practical experience and decades of Biblical knowledge, but no one can read very far into the Bible and not acknowledge that God is not some hap-hazard, off the cuff weirdo. God has designed a planet, solar system and universe that has more laws of nature and universe than it seems we can discover. If I have found anything about God in my past 54 years of life circumference about God is He works according to principle.
I have found that if one is going to actually experience a “Breakthrough” in anything of their life, spiritual, relational, emotional, physical or financial, one MUST learn the absolute fundamental principles of HOW to experience such a breakthrough. I call it the “Science of Breakthrough.” If one is going to break through the obstacle of health that is holding one back from health, proper weight, free from disease, then one will be forced to activate the Biblical principles that guarantee such a break through. Such as the Law of Faith (Rom 3:27). The Law of your Mind (Rom 7:23). Such principles as Jesus explained, “I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Mark 11:23).
Please, can we grow up? Stop this foolishness of spin around three times, jump up and down and shout NO at the devil and you will get your breakthrough. I’m not against your shouting or jumping. I do that and love it. But to suggest that our human antics or aerobics will break through the obstacle of sin, Satan or stupid is absurd. It will take nothing less than the absolute laws of God to retrieve the particular “breakthrough” that we need. Let us learn, love and leverage the divine Science of Breakthrough and live the life God intended us to on the other side of whatever it is that’s holding you back.
By Dr. Tim McClure

A Quick Recipe for A Church Split
Take two good rumors, add a little spice, beat in several old accusations, pour in several dissatisfied church members, season to taste and then beat until firm. Spread out the mixture as far as possible throughout the church (the fact that it is thin is okay). Bake at a high temperature until you think it’s done. Serve when ready. This is a meal that should never be found upon our plate.

Proverbs to live by:
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks
Life is not so much a matter of position as of disposition.
The best vitamin for making friends: B-1.
Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image.
Seek joy in what you give not what you get.

COMING EVENTS
April 2010 – Breakthrough – Theme for April, 10:30 AM Sunday’s
April 4 – Easter Play - In the Shadow of the Cross – 10:30 am – Promiseland
April 7, 14, 21, 28 – APEX classes for all leaders & ministry involved @ 7 PM
April 11 – Couple’s Social – Mark Gungor @ Promiseland Café – 6 PM
April 16-18 – Fellowship groups – @ a place near you – call 321-216-8030
April 24 – Take a Stand @ Lipscomb St Park – call Kent 321- 750-9925
April 25 – Generation Changers Youth Sunday @ Promiseland 10:30 AM
May 9 – Mother’s Tribute – Women’s Sunday @ Promiseland 10:30 AM

Promiseland Church
1855 Lansing St. Melbourne, FL 32935
www.promiseland.org
http://drtimmcclure.blogspot.com/
http://www.drtimmcclure.maxous.com/sp2/
http://www.thehomebusinessacademy.biz

In the Shadow of the Cross

In the Shadow of the Cross Easter Passion play / drama this year is going to be a dramatic presentation of a step by step of the High Priest sacrifice in the Tabernacle of the Wilderness on Passover. Once a year, Moses would go through the ceremony of offering a lamb sacrifice to God for the sins of the whole nation of Israel for Atonement.

Each step had a significant meaning then and also a prophetic meaning to the times of Christ. And the ultimate application to you and I here today is still affecting us and will for all eternity. The first step was the sacrifice on the Altar. The significance of this is found in Jesus' death for us as a substitute. The second step was to wash at the Laver. This was significant of when Jesus died and when they pierced his side and out came water and blood. A type of water baptism when the blood of Jesus Christ washes our sins away. The third step was in the Holy Place where the Table for the Candle stick, and the table of the Bread then the Altar of Incense. Each held a significance of Jesus being the Light of the World, the Bread of life and praying for us as our intercessor. The the final and most important was past the Vail into the Holy of Hollies where the Ark of the Covenant was. This was where Moses stepped into and sprinkled blood on the four horns of the Mercy seat for the offering of the sacrifice to God in heaven. Upon this, God would accept the sin offering and pour out his glory in the tabernacle and the whole nation would see the glory of God shining down upon the Tabernacle. This signified that God accepted their offering and forgave them of their sins.

Join us this Easter Sunday for one of the most powerful presentations of the significance of the Cross of Jesus Christ and the true meaning of Easter. You will learn some of the most powerful biblical principles ever. You will get an Associate Degree in Theology in one illustrated sermon. The visual effects and power point will leave you awe struck. We promise you will be glad you took time this Easter to come experience one of the most powerful presentations on Easter you will ever witness.