Breaking The Ice With a Christian T-Shirt March 25, 2015 14:36

The Cambridge Idioms Dictionary defines the term "Break the Ice" as:  To make people who have not met before feel more relaxed with each other. Icebreakers are a valuable tool for the Christian who takes the Great Commission seriously.  I have used (and currently still do) gospel tracts as icebreakers from "Living Waters" and "One Million Tracts" for several years.

The T-Shirt pictured above has sparked (as of today) nearly 800 posts in one week on our Tumblr blog.  The interaction on that picture gives proof that T-Shirts are a good choice to help break the ice for a conversation about the personhood of children forming in the wombs of pregnant women. While some would be upset with the negative comments, threats, and name calling, we are elated that God would use this simple T-Shirt to create the opportunity to share God's truth regarding the lives of the unborn.

One of Paraclete Tees goals is to create unique designs to help it's customers communicate a Christian worldview.  Let us help you bring awareness to the bloodshed of over 57 MILLION innocent children in the wombs of their mother.  Get your Pro Life t-shirt at our online store and pray that the opportunity arises for you to discuss this matter with someone every time you wear it.  

We pray that the time will come that this Pro Life T-Shirt will not be needed.  But until that time comes, Paraclete Tees is committed to come alongside you by providing Christian T-Shirts that are Bold, Unique, and Doctrinally sound.

Run the Race! March 13, 2015 11:35

New Christian T-Shirt Design "Duty is Mine; Results are God's" March 6, 2015 07:44

We are excited to release our newest Christian T-Shirt design.  The T-Shirt features the statement spoken by the sixth President of the United States, John Quincy Adams.  An interesting fact about Adams is that he is the only person to ever run for Congress after serving as President of the United States.  Why would he do this?  He did it simply because he felt an obligation to do what he could to bring an end to slavery in the United States.  His attitude puts me in the mind of Queen Esther.  Though she faced the very real possibility of death, she was willing to do what she could for the good of her people.  President Adams, similar to Queen Esther, made the decision to act, not knowing if his action would bring the sought after result.

Marking Time

In the military, "Marking Time" is when individuals move their legs without making progress.  While "Mark Time" is an actual marching command, it is at time used as slang to describe someone who looks like they are working, but really isn't doing much.  Might you be "Marking Time" in life?  What are the things God has charged you to do but you aren't making progress because of fear of failure?  Who have you hesitated to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with because of the fear of rejection?  What business have you been given gifts and abilities to start but you hesitate to move forward?  What ministry ideas have you been sitting on?  I believe fear of failure is a major reason for why progress is lacking.

Faithfulness to God

Consider the ministry of Jeremiah.  Jeremiah's message (repent or perish) to the people did not change during his 40 year ministry.  He was persecuted, thrown in jail, opposed by the very people he served, and never saw the results he would have liked to have seen.  The people were hard hearted and did not repent.  40 years is quite a long time, especially when Jeremiah didn't see the results he had hoped for.  Why didn't he quit?  I would say that Jeremiah didn't quit because he knew his purpose.  His purpose is clearly stated in Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Was Jeremiah a failure?  Absolutely not!  The people not repenting and eventually being taken into captivity was the result of their sinfulness, not Jeremiah's lack of ability to create success.  Jeremiah's purpose was to be a messenger, the people had the personal responsibility to respond to the message with repentance.

Scriptures for Encouragement

• Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17)
• I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
• So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (1 Cor 3:7)

Do Something! February 14, 2015 16:12

I had the opportunity to attend the men's fellowship at my local church Calvary Revival Church Chesapeake this morning.  The topic of discussion was the Sanctity of Life.  The Executive Pastor very simply shared scriptures with the men to show the stance of the True and Living God on this subject.  God's word is crystal clear on this subject.

#1: What is found developing in the wombs of pregnant women is indeed a person.  While pro-choice legislators and supporters trivialize this point, we can trust the words found in the Bible that proclaim this fact. (Genesis 25:22, Judges 13:7, Jeremiah 1:5, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:15)

#2:  This is not simply a "Women's" issue.  Many men shy away from this subject and this MUST change.  I don't have all the answers why... Maybe there is fear of retribution from feminists.? Maybe it's because of ignorance of the issue? Men... Especially Christian men must open their mouths to be a voice for the voiceless.  By God's design, men are charged to be protectors (Genesis 2).

#3:  The Church must do SOMETHING!  When I say church, I'm not referring solely to the "institution".  I'm referring to the individual members of the body of Christ.  Some will stand in front of abortion clinics to plead for the lives of the unborn.  Some will stand in front of these clinics and pray.  Some will stand in front of these clinics and hand out gospel tracts.  Some will use their social media accounts to bring awareness.  Some will wear the #AllLivesMatter T-Shirt from Paraclete Tees.  Some will volunteer or donate to a Christ centered pregnancy center like Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater or the Morning Center of Memphis. Some will make themselves available to adopt a child or children.  Some churches will participate in Sanctity of Life Sunday.  Some churches will host designated times of prayer.  This is not at all an exhaustive list of practical things that can be done.  The spirit of the list is to encourage the church to do something.  God may have burdened your heart to serve in a particular way.  Be obedient!

May God awaken His church in the United States.  May God stir the hearts of men to take the lead and protect the most innocent of us.  May fear not be found among us.  

Encouragement January 26, 2015 09:09

I was encouraged by a testimony that I read this morning and wanted to encourage you to share your Christian testimony with others.  Fellow brothers and sisters in the faith can be strengthened and encouraged when hearing your testimony.  As for me, when hearing how God is working in the lives of others, I glean strength and my joy is increased.  Testimonies scream to others that the true and living God remains faithful and can be trusted.  Here are some tips when testifying.

1. Be honest (Avoid the temptation to add to your testimony to make it sound more radical).  God doesn't need lies to make Him greater.  Tell the story as it is/was.
2. Glorify God, not sin.  Some testimonies exalt a former lifestyle/behavior more than the God who saved them.  The purpose of our testimony is to point others to God, not ourselves or former selves.  Christ should be the shining star of our testimony.
3. Remember the gospel.  No testimony is complete without the gospel (Death, Burial, & Resurrection) of Christ.  The gospel alone is the power of God for salvation.

I pray that God will use your words of testimony to glorify Himself, encourage saints, and convict sinners.