Archives for the ‘Men’ CategoryOnly One Lamb – February 2K12 WOTM
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
I can see Him coming in the clouds so bright and shining. Only one lamb counts. It's written all about Him in the greatest book ever written. Which was inspired by the Alpha and Omega, if u take a look… When our pastor preaches about Him, we can't help but clap our hands and move our feet. I can see Him coming in the air so bright and shining. Only one lamb counts. With verbal praises, clapping hands, and stomping feet. I can't stop reading this incredible book. From Luke to Matthew to Peter and John, I flip the pages to Revelation. I can see Him coming between the Cloud and Sun so bright and shining. His mouth speaks the truth and wisdom in perfect form, clean and sharp as a double edge sword. Only one lamb standing, Only one lamb counts. by Bro. Tafari Manrique Forgiveness – January 2K12 WOTM
Sunday, January 1st, 2012
by Brother Alexander Powell The dictionary defines forgive: to regard without ill will despite an offense. What it is saying to us is regardless of the attack; how he/she hurt you or whoever has done you wrong we should forgive them of their wrong doing. I know many of us say “it is hard to forgive those that have hurt us or are still doing wrong towards us. Some of us even feel, if we forgive them that is supposed to benefit them and they’ll just keep doing us wrong which might be the case according to their actions. Well I am here to tell you, you reap the benefits when you forgive those who have mistreated you, have done bad things to hurt you or your family.
I know from experience how some others feel inside when they’re hurt and it’s hard to trust anyone; we want to seclude ourselves because the hurt. Sometimes we feel like nobody knows or cares anything about what we’re going through. God knows all and everything about us from our goings and comings, our down-sitting and uprising. Without Jesus Christ there is no afterlife. If we don’t believe in him and trust that he will help us and forgive us of our wrongs; don’t forgive those who hurt us or our family our spirit will never be free. We will not be cleansed to receive the inheritance and bountiful blessings God has in store for us on earth and in His kingdom. So I say to you forgive everyone no matter how you feel or what they have done. It will make your life better. You will have a more perfect peace, joy unspeakable and happiness within yourself. You can also feel the love of God that is promised to you. Believe in him and know you don’t have to be lost. To God Be the Glory.
How Do I Relate To Living Sanctified? – December 2K11 WOTM
Monday, December 12th, 2011
by Brother Matthew Abney
Every morning I choose to read one scripture that stands out to me so that I can make it a part of my heart. I then start my day ready to deal with whatever comes my way . . .who’s going to call looking for a hand-out; who’s going to invite me to eat during my fast day; or who’s going to invite me to the club for drinks. You must stand firm in what you believe because "you can do all things through Christ." I feel good knowing that my day is going to be great! What is living sanctified like on a day to day basis? When you see how you feel each day, there’s a peace of mind. You notice things happen out of the ordinary . . . great things! You start to expect good things to happen like food, discounts, passes, promotions, and money. When you pray, our relationship with the Lord will grow. You’ll be able to hear from God with direction on how to handle anything that comes up, like where to find money needed and how to spend it wisely. In the middle of the day you’ll find yourself praying and not just on fast days (Tuesday & Friday), but being thankful for the blessing of wisdom; just thanking God for the day knowing that your future is bright; asking for repentance; and staying focused. Fear helps me stay focused on staying faithful. I compare living sanctified to living with diabetes. Do you take care of yourself and protect yourself from things that may hurt you? Do you change your ways or continue to die? Do you eat less? Do you exercise or watch what you eat? To live sanctified, you must exercise your faith by reading, praying, attending Sunday School, learning more how to live, and watch what you take in (like nudity, cursing, gossip, and so much more). Like with diabetes, you realize it isn’t necessary to eat so much food. I don’t need to be in the club or drinking if I want to live sanctified. I don’t have to be a part of the world to live in it. To live sanctified, I need to take my medicine, read my word and learn the basic instructions to live by. I need to attend Sunday School where there is teaching on how to live. Are you willing to lose your toes, your legs or die because you’ve become comfortable not taking care of yourself? Living with no direction; doing things on your own; sad, lost and worrying about life; lost in the middle sinning and thinking it’s ok is like a diabetic coma. Do you really want to wait until they say we just need one toe so that you can live in a downward spiral of pain? Or would you rather live knowing that you can and are in good standing with the Lord once again? The fear of GOD will help you live sanctified! Get out of the middle before it’s too late. Reflections – November 2K11 WOTM
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
by Elder John Mabry
As time passed during the year, the pastor of that church, along with several members—including my brother—went to Memphis, Tennessee, where they attended the Holy Convocation. I recall how many saints took on extra work and saved money for months in order to afford the trip. No job was too menial or too hard. If it was honest work, they did it. They had a drive and a zeal that is seldom seen in the church today. Bishop C. H. Mason was chief overseer of the Church of God in Christ in those days. Although he was up in age and had begun limiting his speaking engagements, he always managed to make a few key appearances in the Convocation. Upon his return home, my brother told me about the miracles he saw, prayer services he was in, and sermons he heard. He said that Bishop Mason was an amazing man; he was the same all the time. As anointed as he was, he never felt that he had "arrived." He told me recently, "You would see him in the worship service, clapping his hands, singing, and dancing in the spirit with the rest of us." "I can’t wait," I often thought, "until I grow up so I can go to the Memphis meeting, too." That was a long time ago. Since then Bishop Mason has died. Other presiding Bishops have come and gone, and the YPWW leaders at that little church back in Texas have closed their eyes as well. The Holy Convocation has not been held in Memphis in two years and probably will not be held there again until sometime in the future. In the meantime, this new generation of Church of God in Christ worshippers must lead the church into the 21st Century as we confront a multitude of issues, including spiraling inflation, a downward economy, unheralded crime, and a great apostate church in the earth today.
Necessary Food – October 2K11 WOTM
Saturday, October 1st, 2011
10But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. When I came to Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ, I did not have a way. I started asking God to show me and lead me. I found myself asking God, “Why am I here?” Through cleaning the church and talking with Him, God showed me the way to be humble and obedient. I talk with my pastor often, and in return for my obedience and humble spirit, the Lord changed me to Brother Rowe. From Brother Rowe to Deacon Rowe. God test me; he is still polishing me. So if I keep on His path and don’t turn aside, study the word, I will grow and go further to become like GOLD. Deacon Rowe Anchors In The Storm – September 2K11 WOTM
Tuesday, September 6th, 2011
by Elder George Green Pilots flying in storm or in darkness quickly become disoriented and deceived by their senses. Pilots say that when they are flying without visibility, they can be flying in a tight circle while their senses assure them that they are flying straight ahead. When a pilot becomes disoriented in this way, his body is telling him one thing and his instruments are telling him something completely different. To keep flying safely, he must rely on the instruments in his plane. Those instruments will tell him what is actually and absolutely true.
Part of the process of working through pain is learning to hang on to what we have from the neck up. When our hearts are broken and hurt, there doesn’t seem to be a pipeline from our brain to our emotions. But, that’s okay. Just don’t let go of what you know. That’s the key to making it in the midst of difficulty. That’s exactly when God’s word says, consider it pure joy… because you know that… (Jas. 1:2-3). What can we know in the midst of trials? What are the reliable instruments that track us successfully in the midst of difficulty? In James 1:3-4, the stabilizing truth is that we know the testing of [our] faith produces endurance and that we should let endurance have its perfect result, so that [we] may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (NASB). James is saying that we can know that pain is a process with a purpose. That specific piece of knowledge will enable us to implement the joy of response. Living by Faith – August 2K11 WOTM
Monday, August 15th, 2011
by Deacon David Moses
Romans 1:17 tell us that "the just shall live by faith." FAITH is not just a get what you want plan, because God rewards those who diligently seek him. In addition, when one makes his request known to God, he must believe that He is going to get it. For Jesus said to ask the Father for anything in His name and it will be given to him. Psalm 138:2 states, "for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." When we ask, we must ask with the belief that is is already done. If we ask with our mind wavering, we defeat our faith. We sometimes lose faith in God by becoming impatient and forgetting that we are working in God's time. Our time and His time are not the same, so our patience works to get us in line with God's time. While getting in line with His time, we should use this time to remain busy and work for the Kingdom of God. We cannot remain stagnant. The Word of God tells us to "seek ye first the Kingdom of God." We must always be available to minister to someone. Our testimonies can save a soul and they can bring someone to Jesus. There is a scripture that states when you have overcome your trial, turn back and help your brethren. I recently went on vacation to Jamaica and while there, I found myself reading and praying a lot more than I normally do. I was reading my Bible for 5 to 6 hours a day. The climate there was so stifling and hot, I would go back into the room and read my Bible while cooling off. Since God does not take time off for vacation, we must continue to work for Him. One evening I was ministering to a young relative and another young man joined us. In total, there were approximately five of us. While I was ministering, the relative whom we were staying with remarked that I should call her husband so he could listen, but the Spirit was in the midst of us. I could not stop, and she could not find him. When I finished, I was not amazed for I knew that God always has a plan in everything that is done in His name. The message was for the young relative and he received it, but it was also received by the relative whose husband could not be found. He was in the room directly behind where I happen to be ministering to my other relative. Though nobody could find him, the Word of God found him. There is more, but I will save it for the next time. For now, may the Lord and Savior continue to guard, guide and protect you from all harm and danger and may the grace of God rest and abide with you in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen!!! GO WIN A SOUL!!! You’re NEVER Too Old to Get a Whippin! – July 2K11 WOTM
Friday, July 1st, 2011
By Min Andre Powell Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12 Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; Ephesians 6:2 The dictionary defines honor as: to hold in honor or high respect; revere: to honor one's parents. God gives this instruction to honor our parents as a commandment, which means it better be obeyed! This is something that is near and dear to the Lord, otherwise the added promise wouldn't be necessary. The promise is…that thy days may be long up the land. And for many of us that promise is a great thing (more time to live is definitely a plus in my book!).
Because I honored my mother, I was obedient to what she said and asked (most of the time without any lip). When we revere our parents, we get blessing and there is no simpler way to say it. Don’t disrespect them and don't take them for granted. You only have one mom and one dad. That is all. Yes others my adopt you into their families, (the Metz-Gecowets, Coles and Hawkins families have adopted me and, while I know that I am not blood kin to them, they treat me like one of them and I honor them just the same), but there is still only one mother and father that are your blood. It really annoys me how much society has made it okay to be disrespectful to our elders. There is such a lack of respect for each other and it is worse between kids and grown ups. When I was growing up, spankings were okay. If a child was out of line, you spanked them and sent them home to their parents. There was less time out and more switches (if you have every picked your own you know exactly what I'm talking about). If society would go back to when it was okay to correct our children properly, maybe there would be less unruly youth. Maybe kids would receive better grades. Maybe there would be fewer smarty pants and bad attitudes. One of my favorite lines from a parent is: "I'm disciplining you because I love you…" But I will never forget what my grandma said to my mom, "You're never too old to get a whippin!" (I hadn't laughed that hard in a long time. I love you Grandma Henderson!). Out of honor and reverence to your parents, be obedient, listen to what they have to say and do as they ask you even if you don't want to. They are looking out for your best interest even when you get to be my age. Just remember, "You're NEVER too old to get a whippin!" Annual Men’s Day Program: God Is Able!
Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
GOD IS ABLE!The Holiness Tabernacle COGIC Men's Department will be hosting their Annual Men's Day Program with special guest speaker Bishop Ted G. Thomas, Sr., Prelate of the Historic First Jurisdiction of Virginia and Pastor of New Community Temple COGIC and St. Stephen's COGIC on Sunday, July 10 at 5:00 p.m. Be prepared for a time of worship, songs of praise from our Men's chorus, and a dynamic Word from an anointed leader among leaders. The 2011 Men's Day Program promises to be an anointed time in the Lord, exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Come expecting God to do something special in your life. You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet! True or False – June 2K11 WOTM
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
By Brother Michael Benjamin But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king… Jeremiah 10:10a
In Genesis 1:1, the reader gets his or her introduction of God—the Creator. All we know is that in the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Notice at this point and time, there is no question of whether God is the true God, or if God is the living God….He is just God. Somewhere in between then and now, there has and always will be an ongoing debate of who the true God is. Which one is it? Jehovah…Allah…or Buddha? Sad, but true, the devil has been deceiving the hearts and minds of men since the Adamite ages. Questioning the validity of someone or something has not just ended at God. Brothers and sisters, it has gotten so bad where now I’ve heard people term saints as “true” Christians or “saved” Christians. Well, can there be a false Christian, or an unsaved Christian? Is the point getting across? Just as water and oil do not mix, neither can the truth and a lie. James 3:11 says, Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? It does not make logical sense in the natural for two opposites to correlate, so why in the spiritual? So, what is the point Brother Mike? The point is that we as Christians must build ourselves up on our most holy faith. Let there not be any room for question as to who the true and living God is. Let us weigh our actions and motives according to the Word of God. Last, but not least, always be “prepared”…never know when a question will pop up. |
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Forgiving them is a spiritual blessing for you. Your spirit is able to make peace with them and the hurt go away with them. Even though our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was badly beaten, fleshed torn off by a cat of nine tails, a thorn crown forced on his head, nailed to the cross, and pierced in his sides, He pleaded to God the Father saying “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. (Luke 23:34b) In order for us to get our lives right with God, we must repent of our sins, including ones others; ask God for forgiveness. In Acts 26:18 God is speaking to Saul also known as Paul saying, “open their eyes, in order to turn them from the darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” God also says but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”(Mark 3:29-30) Acts 5:31 reads Him God has exalted to his right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and Forgiveness of sins. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:38-39) So what these verses say to me is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Prince who sits at God’s right hand, will forgive me of all my sins if I just believe in Him and ask for it. I cleansed through him.
I relate to living sanctified on a day to day basis and what do I have to do to get through my day. The first thing I do before I get out of bed is thank GOD for the day and the weather. Whether it’s raining or sunny, it’s a great day for me. Next I run down the thoughts from my heart. From there I read the living word to add to my growth and then I sing a song from my heart. It’s never a song that I know, but words of how I feel. I pray for my family, friends and enemies (those who don’t have good intentions for me at work or wherever I see them) so that I can be a blessing to someone in need. Sometimes I call my dad to pray with him.
Although I grew up in the Baptist denomination, I became acquainted with the Church of God in Christ at an early age. One of my brothers eventually "left" our local Baptist church when he was a teenager and began fellowshipping with the "saints" at the local "holiness church." This is the church where one could find most of the young people in our community on a Sunday afternoon. This is where we attended Young Peoples Willing Workers (YPWW) Bible classes, classes that were taught differently from out Baptist Training Union classes (BTU). YPWW classes were taught by Spirit-filled missionaries and ministers who were young at heart; they loved and appreciated young people. They always ended YPWW classes by bringing all the children together for Bible scripture competition. Our teachers would call out a verse, and we had to quickly thumb through our Bibles to find the scripture, stand up, and read it. There were never any prizes given out for the winner—just the satisfaction of knowing that one knew where to locate the scriptures. This little game helped us to learn the books of the Bible and recite verses.
What we know to be true when we’re in trouble is that the instrument panel provides certainty regardless of how we feel. People who are hurting have often told me, “I know what’s true from the neck up, but somehow it doesn’t make sense in my heart.” We assume that if it only makes sense in our heads, it’s not helpful, but it is.
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Growing up I was taught to have manners. It was yes ma'am and no ma'am, yes sir and no sir to my elders. Please and thank you to everyone. I didn’t do this because my peers said so, but because my mom said so, which meant it was law. I may have forgotten it at times, but then my mom would look at me with her "Don't make me grab you, answering me with WHAT!" stare. As I got older, things became a little more relaxed with me, but I never lost that habit of being respectful. Today, some people even tell me that I make them feel so old when I say yes ma’am and no sir – but it was just how I was raised. I know that if it were not for my mother and grandmother I would be a very poor speaker and pretty rude. They instilled in me that politeness and chivalry are important, no matter when or where. And even when I may have dismissed things they taught, I knew better.
No, this is neither a 50/50 question nor is it a pop quiz (those “unprepared” do not need to ask others to borrow a pencil). In truth, this is more of an observation. But in order to get the point across, this observation requires a little background history. |
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