Archives for the ‘PastorsDesk’ CategoryThe Great Perception
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
Acts 10:34-36 – 34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Stop and think about the stop light, gas mask, open heart surgery, iron, vacuum cleaner, helicopter and so many more inventions that would not be here today if those of that ethnicity had not been allowed to contribute to mankind. The doctrine or practice of exclusion did not begin here in the United States. At one time the Bible tells us the early church (which consisted of Jews) was under the assumption that to be adopted into the family of God via Jesus Christ also required a conversion into Judaism. Yes – that’s right; not only adult males had to be circumcised, but they only had limited access to the temple. In our text today the Lord revealed to Peter that He was not a respecter of persons. If you take the time to read the Scriptures, you’ll find that the Lord gave Peter the vision of the various types of meat three times!! In other words, God wanted to make sure Peter got the message before he was sent to Cornelius.
In the early days of the Church Of God In Christ, there was a debate over our form of worship. There were those who advocated a more reserved style of worship. The music should not be too loud. Only a piano was allowed. Hand clapping and spontaneous praise was taboo and rejoicing in the spirit (some folks call it “shouting”) was out of the question. Bishop Mason protested and held firm that God was receptive to other types of praise and worship – as long as the vessels were holy and sincere. History records in the early days of our Church, there were as many Caucasian members as there was Negro. However, because of southern segregation laws, many of the Caucasian brothers left in 1914 and started the Assemblies of God.
Later this year we will have other multi-cultural events to celebrate the many ethnicities God has sent to our church – Caucasians, Jamaicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Trinidadians, Mauritians and even people from Illinois! Aren’t you thankful you did not have to change your look, dress, language or neighborhood to be received by Jesus? The only change God requires is the one that occurs in our hearts! I pray as you meet new people from different backgrounds and ethnic groups, you don’t make the mistake Peter made. God has room and makes room for everyone. He is not bound by race, gender or social economic status. He does not care who your parents are or where you came from. He’s not concerned about your political party affiliation or if you are liberal or conservative. All He wants is an opportunity to clean and change your heart, and then He’ll make room for you. He will adopt you into His family. I perceive He’s adding to His family even now – I cannot wait to meet some more of my family members! I bless you in the name of the Lord! Elder Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. Preparing For The Overflow
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012
Ephesians 3:20 – 20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. II Kings 4:1-7 – 1Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. 2And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. 3Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. 4And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. 6And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. 7Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. Preparing For The Overflow
The Lord reminded me that Holiness Tabernacle experienced a record setting year in 2011. Despite the never ending reports of the effects of the ongoing recession, we experienced growth. We witnessed membership growth, financial growth and ministry growth. The saints testified of new jobs, advances in their careers, graduation with advanced degrees, increases in their pay and the purchase of new homes. We even had a member testify she was given a brand new car by her daughter without even asking. I testified that the Lord healed my mother from dementia! Yes He is awesome. Through these and other examples, the Lord impressed upon me the importance of getting and keeping our minds focused on what His Word declares and not what people say around us. Stop and consider how much negativity is spoken into us each day of our lives – with little effort, it creeps into our sub-conscious and we accept it as the gospel. For example, late each autumn we begin to hear it is cold and flu season. Pretty soon we begin to expect to catch a cold. We even go to the pharmacy and purchase cold and flu medicines to “prepare” for an oncoming sickness because we were told to expect a sickness. The media or marketers tell us this person is good or this style is what everyone should have – and we believe it. However, God ordained us to live at a different level than the world. That’s why He called and ordained for us to be: peculiar people, of a royal priesthood, a chosen generation (I Peter 2:9). God never intended for His people to experience what the world does. Do you recall when the children of Israel were enslaved by the Egyptians? The Bible records that the first nine plagues sent by God impacted Egypt. However, where the Israelites lived in Goshen, the plagues never touched them. Have you forgotten how God sustained Elijah and the widow during the time of famine? Did not God bless and prosper Egypt (who opened their borders to Israel via Joseph) and keep them during famine? Did not God bless Daniel and the three Hebrew boys because they refused to eat the king’s meat? I could cite other examples, but I believe you get the point. So why do we submit ourselves to accept what the world dictates to us? Because we are continually bombarded with a message from the world that goes directly against what God says, and we buy into what the world says. Have you ever wondered why young men sag their pants and show their underwear? It’s because they have been told this is a cool style; and they believed it. Have you ever wondered why young women allow young men to call them out of their names and refer to them in a derogatory way? Because someone told them this was how they were supposed to be treated. God is not bound by our circumstances. He is not controlled by time, distance, weather or an economy. Before you think I have gone mad – I am fully aware that the world economy is in a bad state. I understand that the real estate market, the issues with our automobile manufacturers and our airline industry are all suffering. I understand that the cost of fighting two wars in the Middle East has had a tremendous drain on our nation’s coffers. However, these circumstances do not take precedence over what the Lord said about me. The only thing that can hinder the Lord working for my behalf is me! My pastor – Bishop Thomas – spoke a word in my life last year. “Brother Pruitte, as I was sitting in your pulpit and looked out the window, the Lord showed me that He was going to give you all of that property around you. He showed you building a larger church and other buildings. The Lord also told me that the only persons that can stop you are you and your wife”. I cannot tell you the number of times those words came back to my mind last year. It seemed as though every time a major project surfaced, the Lord would open doors and make ways. However, I had to keep my mind in a position to receive. In the II Kings text referenced above, the widow was in tremendous debt. It was a fact; she was behind in her bills. It was a fact; the creditors were going to take her sons as collateral. It was a fact; if her sons were taken away, she would lose her status in society. Please note, God never told you to ignore facts – but it is also a fact, God’s Word supersedes facts! Elisha asked her what she needed and she explained her situation. He then told her to go and gather all the pots she could find. Note, she had something to begin with. It’s amazing how we want God to do everything for us, and we offer Him nothing. Can’t we even offer Him praise? Or a holy life? Or a consistent prayer life? Next she instructed her sons to go to the neighbors and borrow all of the pots they would offer. Again, notice how she involved her family in their deliverance. It grieves me to see parents who never involve their children in their salvation. The children are not introduced to Christ at an early age. Even as they get older, our children that live in our homes tell us what they will and won’t do in church. Next, the Bible says when they had collected all of the pots they could (sounds as if they were aggressive in their quest for deliverance), the widow gathered her sons and the pots in their house and shut the door! What a statement! She decided to keep stuff out of her home that might jeopardize their deliverance. How much further along would we be if we shut some people, activity, thoughts, memories, music and whatever else you could think of out of our lives. Think about how many sources speak negativity and failure into our lives, and the influence it has on us. It affects our faith, our focus on God and our walk with Jesus. We need to shut it out! By now you know how the story ends. The Lord miraculously fills every empty pot with oil. Soon, she has enough oil to not only pay her creditors, but also enough for her and her sons to live. Did I tell you what the Lord showed me the empty pots represented? An open heart free of junk people deposit in us! The widow prepared for an overflow at the words of the man of God. My friends, for me this is going to be an even greater year! I am expecting to accomplish even more. You can go ahead and continue to live at the level people told you to. But as for me and my house (the Pruitte household and Holiness Tabernacle), we are preparing for an overflow from God. I pray that you will shut your mind, heart and ears to what those ungodly sources are directing your way, and prepare to receive from a God that delights in blessing His people regardless of the conditions! I pray you will have a Happy and Blessed 2012 – and I bless you in the name of the Lord! Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.
I Wish You A Merry Christmas
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
As I look at our calendar, it is obvious the Lord had His hand in it. How can you explain the day we set aside to express our gratitude to God for His goodness (Thanksgiving)? I understand some of you are turned off by the commercialism of Christmas, but it doesn’t bother me at all. Maybe it’s because I enjoy seeing millions and billions of people talking about my Savior’s day! Stop and think about it, what other person (living or past), what other deity commands this amount of discussion? Who else generates as much excitement and income as our Savior? That’s right – Nobody. As I reflect on the goodness of God, I am continually thankful for the numerous blessings He has showered upon me; it puts me in the mind to bless and give to someone else. Stop and ask yourself, when was the last time you really considered the gift the Father bestowed upon us. Consider what the Father gave up – His only begotten Son. He did not have another to replace Jesus. Unlike Abraham, He did not have a ram in the bush. When He sent Jesus to the earth, the Father was without His pride and joy in heaven. Consider what Jesus sacrificed for us. He left the glory of heaven; He left the comfort of His Father and the company of the angels. He left His rightful place – the right hand of the Father; the place of honor, the place of favor, the place of power and prestige. All to come to earth – in human form and be subjected to the ridicule, criticism, denial, betrayal and eventual torture by the very ones He was sent to save – man kind. My friends, as we enter into this Christmas season, do all you can to embrace the wonder of our Savior. Try to spend some time listening to the lyrics Christmas songs such as, “O Holy Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing” or “Joy to the World”. When you drive down the street and see decorations and lights, try to envision the Wise Men travelling from the east and following the star that marked the Christ Child’s birth place. Perhaps the songwriters did not have Jesus in mind when they wrote songs like: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” or, “Tis the Season to be Jolly”. But because I know the real meaning of Christmas – those songs have a different meaning for me. When we consider the generosity of God – who else would allow people who don’t even honor Him to crash His day; when we remember how blessed we are to have a Savior who looked beyond our faults and saw our needs, when we evaluate where we would be without Jesus Christ, I believe Christmas will again be a day we all celebrate. I am putting my shopping list together right now. I am planning on giving something pretty and elegant to my wife. I am trying to figure out what gift I can purchase for my daughters, son, parents and friends that will make their day brighter. However, in all my planning, I will never come up with a gift; I could never afford a present; I could never be as generous and thoughtful as our Lord was. Yes, I plan on having another merry Christmas!! How about you? I bless you in the name of the Lord Elder Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. Thank You Lord
Friday, November 18th, 2011
Autumn has been my favorite season for quite a while – especially since my family and I relocated to the east coast. I am not sure if it’s the brilliant colors, or the cooler temperatures in the morning and evening verses the moderate sunshine in the day that attracts me the most. You may or may not know that the United States and Canada are the only two nations that observe Thanksgiving. And to that I say, “what a shame.” I won’t take the time to go into the history of this holiday. However, let me be one of the first to tell God, “Thank you,” and suggest you do the same. As I reflect on what God has done in my life, I can’t help but to say, “Thank you Lord!” I have been blessed with an awesome family – a loving, loyal, sanctified, spirit-filled, wise and intelligent, and beautiful wife; four beautiful, obedient, saved, supportive and faithful daughters; a handsome, intelligent and spirit-filled son-in-law that has quickly become a real son to me; and an energetic, witty and bright grandson. If that isn’t enough, I was recently informed I am soon to have a granddaughter! I have been blessed to serve with an anointed, loving, supportive, vibrant and loyal church family. Day by day I marvel at the way God has and is molding us into a spirit-filled and powerful body of believers. The Lord has blessed me with saved, Holy-Ghost filled parents – one of whom has been delivered and healed from dementia! I have an awesome pastor in Bishop Ted Thomas. I serve in the greatest Church in the world – the Church Of God In Christ! I live in the best country of the world – the United States of America. I could go on, but time and space would fail me. However this year, as the seasons change and a spirit of gratitude sweeps over me, I sense a special desire to thank God for favor. There isn’t a day that goes by that I do not walk out of my office, look around the sanctuary and pause to first ask God why He selected me. I then proceed to thank Him, because I cannot figure out why. Several songs come to mind as I write this article – Kirk Franklin’s, It Could Have Been Me (with no shoes, no clothes and no food to eat). Or Walter Hawkins’, Thank You Lord for all You’ve Done For Me. This year I cannot help but to keep singing the lyrics of Andrae Crouch’s classic, My Tribute: How can I say thanks, for the things You have done for me; Things, so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love to me. The voices of a million angels, could not express my gratitude All that I am, and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee. To God be the Glory, for the things He has done! We have so much to be thankful for. I trust you will take a second, minute, hour, day or season and reflect on the Lord’s goodness and tell Him THANK YOU!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I bless you in the name of the Lord, Elder Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.
Positioned To Receive
Sunday, October 2nd, 2011
We just experienced one of the greatest revivals in the 13 year history of our local Church, conducted by Elder Robert Chambers of St. George Beth-el COGIC in Flint, Michigan. The Lord poured out on us richly. We saw a soul baptized with the Holy Ghost, souls saved and people healed – it was awesome!! On the last night of the revival, as the evangelist preached, I heard him say a word that sparked a message in my heart – and that word was "Position." For the next couple of days my mind was filled with Words from the Lord on the need for the people of God to get back into position to receive from God.
Do you remember Satan’s conversation with the Lord concerning Job? God expressed His pleasure of Job’s exemplary life. Satan challenged Job’s sincerity and claimed if God allowed him to first take Job’s wealth, and later Job’s health, Job would turn from God. God set limits on how much Satan could afflict Job. My point is, Satan could only go so far without God’s permission – and the same rule applies to us today. Remember, no weapon formed against us shall prosper. . . (Isaiah 54:17). Didn’t Jesus say the gates of hell shall not prevail against His Church? (Matt. 16:18). Saints of God – the fact is no one can stop you from receiving from God but you. Over and over again the Bible records God’s desire to bless us: (Deut 28; Psalm 66:12; Prov 13:22; Mark 10:30); and the enemy knows he cannot stop it except we help him – and unfortunately, we do. The Lord showed me how we assist the enemy in limiting our potential by getting out of position to receive from God. I was reminded of a couple of personalities in the scriptures: Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-36). Both were seniors who had been promised by God that they would not die until they saw the Messiah. They went to the Temple daily until they finally met the Christ child! How about Zacchaeus who climbed a sycamore tree (he was horizontally challenged) in order to see Jesus. Because of his effort he not only met Jesus, but his entire family was saved. Surely you have read about Elisha. The Scriptures record that despite being discouraged by those persons of the school of prophets (that means they were "church folks"), he continued to follow Elijah until he was there when the chariot of fire took him up and Elisha received a double portion of his leader’s spirit. So, you might ask – how do I get out of position? I would like to suggest a few tools the enemy uses:
My dear brother and sister in Christ – recognize who you are in God. Take control of your lives and get back into your rightful place in God! Remember the parable of the prodigal son? After making a huge mistake and leaving his father – he made it worse by blowing all of his inheritance. He made an even greater mistake when he took a job feeding and living with pigs. But thank God he came to himself. He decided his present state was so despicable that he would return to the place where he belonged. As soon as he decided to return to his rightful position – he was received with open arms by his father and restored!! Don’t let anyone mislead you. Don’t let anyone discourage you. You haven’t fallen too far. You haven’t sinned too much. You just need to get back into position!! I bless you in the name of the Lord! The Spirit of Disrespect
Thursday, September 1st, 2011
Matthew 13:58; Mark 6:5; Numbers 12:1-3
People say I am old-fashioned, but I was taught not to address saints by their first name; it was, Brother Smith or Sister Green. Today, we say that is not necessary. We’ve seen the effects that disrespect has in our classroom – students threaten the teachers and as a result, our kids do not learn. Among our national leaders, congressmen don’t have a problem with yelling out (during the President’s State of the Union Address), “You liar,” then have the audacity to defend their actions. At one time, the office of the pastor was a highly respected and honored position. Now, members talk back to the pastor (in his presence and behind his back to others). Did we forget what David said when the servant lied about slaying King Saul: Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm (I Chronicles 16:22)? We are hemorrhaging from a spirit of disrespect! I was speaking with a pastor friend of mine; we came to the conclusion that people with a spirit of disrespect limit their access to God’s power and blessings. Notice in the scripture text (Matthew 13:58 and Mark 6:5) Jesus’ miracle performing ministry was limited because of the people’s disrespect. In Mark’s account, the first few verses record the conversations of Nazareth. Isn’t this the carpenter, son of Mary and brother f James and Joses, Juda and Simon? Don’t we know his sisters? Then it says they were offended by him (v3). In other words they did not believe in him, thus they disrespected him. Jesus (who could read their minds) explains the problem; a prophet is without honor in his own country. Therefore, other than healing a few people, His ministry was limited. In our other text, Aaron and Miriam had a problem excepting Moses leadership – most notably; his choice of a spouse. Notice how the Bible records as they murmured against Moses and the Lord heard it (Numbers 12:2). What was the result? Miriam was stricken with leprosy and Moses had to pray for her healing. However, she was isolated from the group during her sickness. Aaron was later stripped of his office before the people (Numbers 20:28). Let me encourage you today – rebuke the spirit of disrespect out of yourself and everywhere you see it rear its ugly head!! God wants to pour out and use us in an awesome way, but if we are disrespectful, we will limit our level of growth in God. Even if the leader is wrong, don’t disrespect them. You don’t have to follow them into sin, but we do not have a license to dishonor them – just ask David. My friend, we can begin to turn this epidemic around. Let’s make it our business to respect our leaders and one another. Let’s see what the Lord will do in us. We can play our part by teaching our children to honor their parents, teachers and police officers. We can encourage our co-workers to respect the supervisor. We can encourage our friends to honor their spouses and neighbors. And yes, we can honor and respect everyone! Yes Ma’am, Yes Sir! Everybody Ought to Know, Who Jesus Is!
Monday, August 1st, 2011
No doubt you have asked yourself these and other questions and it does not cease after we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior. This is because a part of our three part being, (man is a three part being: body, soul and spirit – I Thessalonians 5:23) the mind or spirit, has to be convinced who God is. The Scriptures are full of accounts of people who battled in their minds with the true identity and character of God. Eve in the Garden of Eden; Abraham who lied about his wife’s identity; Moses asked who should say sent him to Pharaoh; even the apostle Paul commented about the altar on Mars Hill built for THE UNKNOWN GOD (Acts 17). In fact, you no doubt have at times questioned God, your salvation, your calling – it happens to all of us. This is a result of the battle being waged in our minds on the identity and character of God and how He relates to us in our lives: does God really love me? Are my sins really forgiven? Did God really call me? Now the devil has no doubt who Jesus is. Remember the man who had so many evil spirits in him he was known as legion? When Jesus approached him, the demons cried out and acknowledged Jesus. They even went so far as to ask permission to go into the swine. In the text, Jesus is again battling with the Pharisees, Sadducees and the disciples’ lack of faith and understanding. The chapter begins with Jesus reprimanding the Pharisees and Sadducees for their ability to predict the weather by observing the clouds and position of the sun, however they could not (or would not) accept the signs that He was the son of God! When He warns the disciples about eating the bread of the Pharisees and Sadducees, they (the disciples) think Jesus is concerned about them forgetting to bring their lunch! Jesus incredulously asked how they had been so long with Him, yet still did not understand Him. He then asked them who the people said He was – apparently the general public did not have a full understanding who Jesus was. According to the disciples, some said He was John the Baptist, some said He was Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. He then asked who they thought He was. We don’t know what the other disciples thought because they did not speak up. Peter, however, had a divine revelation. He said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus immediately responded and made another declaration. Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. Jesus bestowed upon Peter an individual blessing because he received a divine revelation. Yes, the Lord revealed a truth to his spirit / mind and this is why Peter was blessed. My friends, when we really receive in our minds who Jesus really is, we will see things a whole lot differently. When we know who He is, we will understand we can do all things; when we know who He is, we really will be more than conquerors. When our minds receive who Jesus is, no one will have to tell us to witness, we’ll want to. When we know who Jesus is, we won’t have to be convinced about the importance of faithful church attendance and true worship. We will understand those things we do in the dark are seen by God; those words we say in private aren’t that private at all. Those secret thoughts we have are not secret at all. Let me encourage you; seek to know who Jesus is. Your friends, family or loved ones cannot reveal it to you – God Himself must reveal it to your mind. And when your know who He is, the remainder of the verse becomes a reality – 18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. When you know who He is, nothing, no one nor any circumstance will stop you. When you know who He is, you’ll have keys (authority) to speak things into existence; bind or stop things. You can take back things the enemy has stolen. Then you’ll want others to have the same experience! Yes, everybody ought to know who Jesus is!! I’m Going Higher (Make My Feet Like Hinds Feet)
Friday, July 1st, 2011
Greetings my brothers and sisters in Christ: The Lord put this Word in my heart last week and I shared it with the Great Northern District during our 44th Annual District Meeting. The Lord truly blessed us (two young men received the gift of the Holy Ghost) and I thought it might benefit our many followers.
Habakkuk ministered during Judah’s final days before they were conquered by the Babylonians. For generations, Judah ignored God’s numerous warnings and served other gods. It was one thing for the general public to sin, but Judah’s idolatry was led by its kings and leadership. How many times have you read in the Scriptures, …did evil in the sight of the Lord…? Habakkuk poured out his complaints to God, and as He always does, God answered. The Lord told Habakkuk He was going to deal with Judah’s sin. He was going to rise up the Babylonians and they were going to capture Judah (Hab 1:6). As Habakkuk heard the Lord’s response, he became concerned. He asked God if He would allow the wicked nation of Babylon to wipe out all of Judah (Hab 1:13-17) and then he went.to his watchtower and wait for the Lord’s response. The Lord tells Habakkuk to get pen and paper and to write His response and write it plain so everyone could understand. God then tells Habakkuk that His actions may seem slow in coming, but it was definitely going to happen!! God began to list the sins that were being committed: pride, idolatry, murder, extortion, corruption and idolatry. He was going to judge each and every sin. Habakkuk then had what I call an epiphany; he began to worship God and His awesomeness. Here is another benefit of praise; it helps us re-focus on who God really is and what He can do. As Habakkuk worshiped God, his complaints turned to a new prayer request –…make my feet like hinds feet… In other words, he was not going to sit here and waste time complaining about sin and wrong doing. He was going to seek God for strength and courage to rise above sin and hypocrisy and live a life acceptable to God. The hind is another word for a deer-like animal. Often times in order for them to survive (whether it be to escape from a predator or gain access to better feeding) they would climb to higher ground. Their hoofs were designed to climb to higher elevations. We must be the same way. My brother and sister in Christ – be not dismayed; God is going to deal with sin and corruption. It may seem as though things are spinning out of control. It may appear as though wrong is getting the upper hand – but this is not so. Let me encourage you to worship and exalt God wherever you are. I guarantee, this will put things in proper perspective. God is still on the throne and He will have the final say. As we worship the Lord, we are actually ascending to higher levels in Him. We can escape from those predators that will pull us away from God: pride, self-righteousness, gossip, unfaithfulness, unforgiveness, grudges, complaining, rebellion, disobedience, lack of self-control, etc. Yes, there is a higher place in God we need to get to and complaining about wickedness in those other “high places” is not the way to get there. God has not called us to serve in mediocrity; we should be the examples of holiness to the people today. We are called to be the righteousness of God; we are called to be chosen, peculiar and God’s workmanship. Let’s be examples of God. The next time you see persons in leadership fall; the next time we become frustrated by hypocrisy or sin; the next time you feel as though you can no longer witness the eroding away of God’s holy standards, do slip into a state of complaining or throw up your hands in disgust. Begin to worship God – this will allow you to re-focus. Begin to decree as Habakkuk did; Lord, make my feet like hinds feet so I can raise my standard of living. I want to raise my level of service I want to raise my level of anointing. I want to raise my level of praise. I WANT TO GO HIGHER!! No More “Lame” Excuses
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
I was speaking with my brother a few days ago and he brought this scripture to my attention. As we were discussing the text, we questioned what sickness the man (who Christ would later heal) suffered from? We say he was lame, but the Bible does not say this. The scriptures describe him as “impotent.” While we describe him as being lame, the word impotent simply means: lacking power or ability; ineffective or weak.
Before we denounce the man by the pool too much, did not Moses do the same thing? When the Lord spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, do you remember his response? First he said the people would not hear him. Then he questioned who God was and then he complained about his speaking ability. However, every excuse Moses came up with, the Lord had a response. How many of us are guilty of making excuses? How many of us had ideas, but never followed through? How many of us are guilty of not responding to the call of God? How many of us blame someone else? How many of us delay or put it off until tomorrow? The man in John 5 was lying on a bed. What does the bed symbolize to you? When I visualize the bed I see:
Jesus merely told the man to get up and walk. My friend, I want to encourage you – the time is out for excuses. Everyone has suffered an injustice. We all can point to someone who we feel has wronged us. We can all point to a weakness or issue we have that is unfavorable or an experience we’re not too proud of. However, the call of God yet remains. The assignment you have been called unto has not been cancelled. Yes, we may be frightened or feel inadequate, but that’s when the Lord does His best work. The Bible says, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (II Corinthians 12:9). My brother and sister, the work is already done in us. Whatever you are running from, holding back or putting off, believe in the Lord. Get up from where you are and take your rightful place in God. There are no more excuses; you are accountable for you. It’s time we stop making lame excuses – the work of the Lord requires haste. Please do not wait any longer, get up from where you are, start right now, and the Lord will perform the work in you!! I bless you in the name of the Lord, Elder Eddie B Pruitte, Jr., Founder & Pastor The Lord Has Need of You
Friday, May 6th, 2011
Mark 11:1-11
Jesus instructed His disciples to go to a specific house and look for a specific animal. He left nothing to the discretion of the disciples. This is the first lesson to all of us. God gives us specific instructions; we get into trouble when we “lean to our own understanding.” The disciples are further informed that they will find the donkey tied up and that he belonged to someone else. Wow – how many of us, like the donkey, have people in our lives who like to control us? Or do you know individuals who get a “kick” out of commanding, manipulating or dominating others? This is not the way of God – He wants to be Lord of our lives. The Scriptures spoke even more to me about this animal. Donkeys have a reputation for being stubborn and hard to control. Add to this, this animal had never been rode upon – talk about wild!! But there’s even more. The donkey was tied up and belonged to someone else. How many of us are, or have been, under the control of something that had us bound? We’re quick to name those vices: drugs, alcohol, nicotine, etc. But how about those other things that bind us: disobedience, gossip, bitterness, complaining, fear, doubt, unfaithfulness, anger, etc.? Those feelings and emotions can have us tied up and limit our freedom in God! The disciples did as Jesus told them. They untied the animal and merely led him to Jesus. As a minister of the Gospel, I take comfort and I am encouraged in this. I am only assigned to lead people to Christ. I don’t have to “break” them, I am not called to ride them, and I am not anointed fight or struggle with them – just lead them to Jesus. The next time we see the donkey, he is carrying the Lord – what an honor! My dear friend, it does not matter what your reputation is, who or what has controlled you; the Lord has need of you. Take courage and break loose from what has you bound. The Lord has an assignment that only you can fill! Yes, the Lord Himself HAS NEED OF YOU!! I bless you in the name of the Lord, Elder Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. |
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Despite its cold weather, the month of February is one that I enjoy because of Black History Month. Here at Holiness Tabernacle we celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions people of African descent have made to our society. Throughout the month we’ll have different programs and events to celebrate different individuals both past and present. I always marvel at the things God can do through people – despite the seemingly insurmountable odds and circumstances that are against them.
Even after witnessing the entire house of Cornelius being filled with the Holy Ghost and speaking in unknown tongues, Peter still struggled with the acceptance of gentiles. Even though Peter made the great observation that God was not a respecter of persons, the apostle Paul tells us later that he withstood Peter face to face about his behavior towards gentile Christians (Galatians 2:11). Have you ever wondered how our lives would be if salvation would have been limited to Jews? There would be no Catholic Church. Great men of God such as Martin Luther, John and Charles Wesley, John Calvin and yes, the founding father of the Church Of God In Christ – Bishop Charles Harrison Mason – would not have had an opportunity to come to Christ and spread the gospel.
I am so glad Bishop Mason held firm; if not artist such as The Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, Edwin, Walter and Tramaine Hawkins, Andrea Crouch, The Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Dr. Judith McAllister may not have been able to exercise their gifts. We would not be blessed with what God had birthed in them.
Let me begin by wishing all of you a Happy New Year!! In some ways I hate to see 2011 go – for my family and I it was a great year. In fact, for the Holiness Tabernacle family it was a tremendous year. We saw God keep His promise and He performed some pretty awesome feats through our Church. From our expanded Food Distribution ministry, to our record setting Turkey Give Away, to our contributions to the Jurisdictional Missions Department and our support for National Lay Member Rally, God tremendously blessed us. However, during Early Morning Prayer last week, the Lord seized my attention and pointed me in the direction of the theme He wants us to focus on this year.
The next major holiday on our calendar is Christmas!! This is the day we set aside to recognize and celebrate the birth of our Savior – Jesus Christ. I know you Bible scholars are already saying December 25th isn’t His real birthday – but for me and my house (and most of the civilized world) this date works just fine for us.
Perhaps it’s the excitement of the children returning back to school or the seemingly slower pace of life as the hustle and bustle of the summer months conclude. For my wife it is the opportunity to wear one her many pairs of fashionable boots and expensive coats. For most Americans, this time of year means football or soccer games every weekend. While some or all of these things have some appeal to you or I, there is definitely one thing this time of year brings that gets my attention – that is the season to say THANK YOU!
Think about it. God has always made ways and provided for His people. He doesn’t want us to just exist, but He wants us to prosper (III John 1:2). Did He not proclaim that He came that we might have life and life more abundantly (John 10:10)? Doesn’t Jeremiah record that He has great thoughts and an expected end for us (Jer 29:11)? I’ll go even further – the enemy cannot prevent us from receiving from God! Yes, that’s right. I’ve got Bible for it! 
Raise your hands if you’ve noticed how the simple art of respect has plummeted in our society. Remember when it was a given that people would address you with Sir or Ma’am? For a youth, it was automatic. Now, we get the yea or what when we address them. Remember when you were taught as a child not to interrupt adults? Those rules have for the most part vanished from our society.
Since the beginning of time people have asked these questions:
The prophet Habakkuk was like many of us today. We see ungodliness and unrighteousness around us and we are disappointed and sometimes even disgusted. We witness corruption in our government, and unfortunately in the Church, and we have a tendency to question God’s sovereignty (“God why are you allowing this to happen?”). Sometimes we even complain and want to hasten the Lord’s judgment. It seems as the days pass, we see more and more ungodliness and debauchery. What makes things more bleak is we see a great deal of wrong in the holiness church. We should be the standard bearer, but too often we are the worst offenders. Habakkuk lived through the same experience.
Unlike the account of Peter and John (Acts 3), where the Bible clearly says this man was lame from his mother’s womb, the man’s condition in this text is unknown. Later in the scriptures John says the man had an infirmity (vv 5) – but never does it say he was lame. This is something we add. To further cloud this man’s condition, when Jesus asked him if he wanted to be made whole, the man complained that he had no one to help him get into the pool when the angel came to trouble the water. Imagine your response after lying in a state of immobility for 38 years and someone asked you if you want to be made whole. I suspect I would have said, “YES!” yet this brother just complained! Jesus tells the man to, “…pick up your bed and walk.” Christ did not lay hands on the man; He did not pray for him. Jesus just encouraged him.
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