John Croyle, the Executive Director of the Big Oak Ranch, sent in a verse for this issue. John, who played football at the University of Alabama under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, gave up a promising career in the NFL to do the Lord’s work at the Ranch. There is no telling how many young people, who came to the Ranch to live, had their lives turned around and went on to lead productive lives. John says that Big Oak Ranch exists for the development of young men and women. While at the Ranch, the youngsters experience a daily walk with Christ. Providing a solid Christian home for children needing a chance is a very good thing. This is a tremendous ministry and one that is badly needed.

But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.”

Luke 18:16

Allen Newton, the new Senior Pastor at St. James United Methodist Church in Montgomery, furnished a verse for this issue. Allen and his family moved from Panama City, Fla., to Montgomery to serve at the church. He is off to a good start at St. James. Allen is doing a very good job keeping all of us there involved in the various ministries at the church.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

John 15:5 & 8

Jami B. Herrington, a registered nurse who receives the Report, sent in two verses for this issue.

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Ephesians 4:28

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

Colossians 3:23

My very good friend, Bill Wynn, sent in one of his favorite verses for this issue. Bill, who is from Baldwin County, serves on the Alabama Pardon and Parole Board and is a good man.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Matthew 24:35

Kym Klass, a very good reporter with The Montgomery Advertiser, spoke at the Women of Hope luncheon in Montgomery recently. Kym’s mother died with breast cancer at an early age, and Kym learned how to take a tragedy and turn it into a blessing for women in the fight against breast cancer. My wife Sara attended the luncheon and said Kym’s message was both encouraging and uplifting. Kym sent us a verse for this issue.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Psalms 46:10

Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Dr. Billy Graham, furnished a verse for this issue. Anne has a tremendous ministry, continuing the evangelistic efforts started by her father years ago.

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

Matt 18:10

Marilyn Hollis Maddox, a very good lawyer from Birmingham, who also is a distinguished and gifted author, says the verse below should be read by all of us.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Mat 6:19-21

My good friend, Joe Pate, who currently serves as Associate Athletic Director at North Carolina State, sent in his favorite verse. Joe, who is a native of Ashford, Ala., is an avid turkey hunter and a good man. He also was a very good coach and recruiter. Joe recruited Phillip Rivers from Athens, Ala., and brought him to North Carolina State. That young man is now a star quarterback in the NFL.

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

Psalm 19:1

Dot Robinson from the MCBA, who always sends a verse in for the report before Christmas, sent in this verse:

Don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them.

Proverbs 3:27 NLT