Archives for the ‘PastorsDesk’ CategoryI’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. I Love Jesus!!
Friday, April 1st, 2011
I John 2:15 - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. John 15:18-19 -If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
People say I am “old fashioned, old school, etc.” because I am cautious about embracing some new ideas and practices. I am not against technology, or new “things,” I just don’t want those things to take away any of my devotion and allegiance to Jesus Christ. Remember when the rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked, “Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18). Jesus instructed him to obey the commandments. The young man’s response was quick and decisive, he was already doing this. Then Jesus told him to go and sell all he had and give to the poor. At this request the young man was “sorrowful.” In other words, his wealth was more important than eternal life. How does this apply to us? I am glad you asked. How many of us waste away countless minutes or hours on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or blogging(or for that matter in front of the television) in lieu of spending time in prayer, reading the Word of the Lord, attending church, spending time with our families, witnessing, etc.? Please don’t misunderstand; I am not against these things, unless we love them more than we love God. It’s amazing how many children do not know the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, or other basic Christian doctrines, but they know all the rap artists and the lyrics to the latest rap songs. And the artists have figured out how to help us justify their actions. After “singing” a song that degrades women, glorifies violence and encourages civil disobedience, when they walk on stage to receive an award, they greet us by saying, “Giving honor to God, who is the head of my life…” To make matters worse, “accepted” Christian artists will ask known secular artists to collaborate with them on a song and we flock to the stores to purchase the CD. The Bible says if you love me you will keep my commandments (John 14:15). How many of the saints (or should we call them “church folks”) cannot give God proper praise because they are sending text messages during service? Or as I recently heard a preacher say, “Do you really need a blue tooth device in your ear while you’re directing the choir, leading praise and worship, testifying and preaching?” Is that telephone call, text message or blog really more important than giving our Savior praise? For everyone who believes I am being too extreme, I am not anti-technology. I have many of today’s modern technologies. However, I have learned to control the devices and not allow them to control me. I agree with Paul when he declared nothing will separate me from the love of God (Rom 8:39)! Why did Lot’s wife look back? Because she loved Sodom and Gomorrah. Aren’t we warned in the scripture, in the last days men would become lovers of them own selves and pleasure more than lovers of God (I Tim 3:2-4)? Our parents and grandparents were really the “Greatest Generation.” Not only did they fight world wars, build a great nation, but more importantly, they built strong families and raised us to love and serve God. They built great churches and denominations – and they had fewer resources (money, political clout, access to media) than we do today. Why is this so? Because our ancestors learned an important biblical truth; it is so basic and simple that we overlook it. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matt 6:33). They prioritized – they put God first. They gave sacrificially – they didn’t need two or three new cars. They didn’t need to have the biggest house on the block. They didn’t need a closet full of fur coats or several pairs of snake skin shoes. They didn’t stand around and boast about their tailor made suits. They set their affections on things above (Col 3:2). They believed their salvation or self worth was not measured by their bank accounts or what people said about them. I want to encourage you, do not lay up your treasure on earth where moths and worms will eat them away. Don’t be so caught up with attaining material things that you lose focus on what is really important. Be careful of things and people that distract you and take you away from your love for Jesus and desire to serve Him. It’s really okay to go to lunch alone (especially on your fast day). It’s really okay to ignore an email from someone who deposits a spirit of gossip or disobedience in you. It’s really alright if you turn your cell phone off or leave it in the car during worship service. In conclusion, many times in the scriptures our relationship with the Lord is likened to the husband/wife relationship (God is a jealous God, no man can serve two masters, man should love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave His life). I have been blessed with a wife whom I love dearly. Many years ago when I proposed to her, not only did I declare my love for her, not only did I commit to supporting her and caring for her; I also promised that I would always be faithful to her and would never do anything that would cause her to question my love and commitment to her. It’s been twenty-five years and I have not failed in those promises! I want to have that same testimony for my Lord!! I hear the lyrics of that hymn of praise: I love Jesus, He’s my Savior, I Bless You in the Name of the Lord, There’s A Story Behind My Praise
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. 16 And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. 20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! 21 And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. 22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honor. Good day my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I shared this Word with the saints here at HTC and it blessed us – maybe it will help someone else.
So we have created or added things to our services to “help” us praise the Lord: praise and worship teams, praise dancers, flag wavers, masters of ceremonies and expeditors who spend an inordinate amount of time telling us they’re not there to “pump and prime us,” but that’s what they’re doing! Even I am guilty of instructing the people, “…tell your neighbor” or “…get somebody by the hand.” In our text we see that David danced before the Lord with all his might. In fact, he danced and worshipped so that his clothes fell off and his wife, Michal, despised him. Even in his exalted and honored position as king, David certainly didn’t need anyone to help or tell him to praise God. Why? Well let’s look at the Ark of the Covenant and why having it in his possession would bring David so much joy and reason to praise God. The Ark was symbolic of God’s presence. You may be familiar with accounts of the army of Israel winning battles because the Ark was with them, or of the Philistines returning the Ark to Abinadad because their god, Dagon, had lost his head and hands. Upon ascending to the throne, David sets out to retrieve the Ark from Abinadad (isn’t strange that King Saul never attempted to get the Ark) – but doesn’t follow God’s instructions on how to transport the Ark. Because of David’s poor leadership, Uzzah dies when he tries to keep the Ark from falling from the Ox cart. An angry David decides to send the Ark to Obed-Edom’s house. After three months of hearing of the blessings flowing from Obed-Edom’s house, David decides to retrieve the Ark and this time he follows the instructions God gave Moses on how to carry the Ark. He is so happy, he worships God in dance and praise. But why did his wife despise him? Once upon a time Michal loved David. Although her father gave her to entrap David, she saved David’s life. Then for spite, Saul gave Michal to another man – Lacish. From there it appears as though David and Michal’s lives take two very different paths. Michal is living with Lacish who obviously lacked certain husband qualities (remember when David returns to claim Michal and Lacish walks behind crying for her not to go?). David on the other hand spends his days on the run from King Saul; first Ahimilech, then Acish. He was almost stoned by his men at Ziklag and he was chided by Abal. David seemed to have obstacle after obstacle. However, God had brought him to this point where he was now king over all of Israel. Can you see David now? He probably remembered:
Is there any wonder why David praised God so mightily? My dear friend, only you know where the Lord brought you from. Like me, you have probably been delivered from things that might be a little embarrassing to share. Perhaps you have overcome something that is a little private. Maybe your story is so awesome and improbable that no one would believe you – it doesn’t matter. Don’t let anyone measure or dictate you worship to God!! If they believe you are too emphatic, so what? If they feel you are too loud, who cares? If they feel you are too demonstrative, oh well. Remember the old song, “You don’t know like I know…” What they fail to understand (as Michal did), there’s a story behind your praise!! I bless you in the name of the Lord!! Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. One final thought: could it be that David dancing with all his might until his clothes came off is symbolic of us dancing and rejoicing until “things” fall off of us – depression, fear, low self esteem, bitterness, strife, etc.? Something to think about – and then start to praise Him! God is up to something BIG!!!
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. –John 14:1-3 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:… Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. – I Corinthians 2:5-6, 8-9
What was particularly gratifying was the planning and plotting that took place in order to bring it about – it started a month before Christmas. I left home as any other day and told my wife I would be tied up for most of the day. Unbeknownst to her, I met with an automobile dealer and we went out of state to purchase her vehicle. I called her (via mobile telephone) and told her I had been busy and I would be home a little late. To make a long story short, I drove the car to the dealer’s home and left it there for a month. I shared with my daughters the surprise, but they were sworn to secrecy. The day before Christmas I went to retrieve the car from the dealer’s home, and parked the car around the corner from our house. That Christmas Eve we went caroling as usual and I started an argument with my wife. The following Christmas Day we went to church service – my wife was still angry with me. I instructed my oldest daughter to come later – after she had pulled the new car into the driveway and placed a red bow on the hood. During church service my wife wasn’t very friendly – I on the other hand had a great time!! My oldest daughter left church early and arrived home to prepare the video camera. When we turned onto our street my wife noticed a vehicle in the driveway, but didn’t realize it was hers until she saw the bow and the video camera rolling. Needless to say she almost fainted. She cried and hugged me so that I thought the very breath would leave me. What does this story have to do with the people of God you may ask? This is what He does for us. This year I have noticed a change in the spiritual atmosphere. Our Church just experienced a great consecration. We went on a 21 day fast and the Lord blessed us tremendously. Just as we were settling, we attended our Jurisdiction’s One Day Gospel Feast. Not only did our Bishop (Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr.) preach about practically the same things we have been ministering here at Holiness Tabernacle, he put the entire jurisdiction on another 40 day fast!! I just finished speaking with one of the members who has family in the Greater New Orleans area. They informed me that someone in their church was ministering and they began to repeat the theme God has given us this year – “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!” Why is the Lord sending us the same message over and over? He is planning something BIG and He wants us to get prepared!! Those of you who know God, know He doesn’t do anything in a small way. Just as I went through a great deal of planning to surprise my wife, God is planning something great for His people. Just as I enjoyed plotting and orchestrating with the dealership, the dealer, my daughters and yes even my wife (because I knew what the outcome would be), God enjoys orchestrating our lives because for us there is an expected end. The problem is many of us don’t like surprises – we want to peek. It may be that waiting and trusting requires us to have patience and release control over our lives. God on the other hand, enjoys surprising us with good and perfect things. Just as I enjoyed hiding the gift from my wife – and to think that last day it was right around the corner – God has hidden some things from us. Although we do not see it, the blessing is right around the corner. Anyone who knows my wife knows she is an incredible woman of God; I love her dearly and would do anything for her. How do you think God feels about us? The scriptures tell us if we that are evil know how to give our children good gifts, how much more will God in heaven bless us (Matt 7:11 or Luke 11:13). Child of God – be encouraged, hold on and believe and trust God for great things this year. When God told Abram (Abraham) to leave his father’s house and go to a land that He would show him, Abram had no idea what God was up to; when God told Samuel to visit Jesse and anoint one of his sons, neither Jesse nor any of his sons (including David) had any idea what God was planning; when Jesus told the disciples to return to Jerusalem and tarry (wait) for the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit), they had no idea what was in store for them. The psalmist wrote “…many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow; and I know who holds my hand.” Saints – God is up to something Big and I cannot wait to see what it is!! I bless you in the name of the Lord, Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. 2011 Theme: You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet
Wednesday, January 5th, 2011
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. I Corinthians 2:9 Happy New Year to the most precious people in the world – the Saints of the Most High God! What a blessing to be allowed to speak a word to encourage you in the Lord. It is a task I do not take lightly. Here at Holiness Tabernacle, 2010 was a tremendous year. We witnessed God blessing us in so many ways. We saw church growth, saints were promoted, some were blessed with new homes and automobiles, others received salvation, some were filled with the Holy Ghost, we saw miraculous healings – it was awesome!
As much as the Lord has blessed me, there is still so much more He wants to do. Unfortunately, I sometimes limit Him. I do not always mean to, but my lack of faith, low self esteem, fear and doubt all have a tendency to influence my commitment to God and what He has destined for me. You must admit, the world has worked quite a number on us. Like Adam and Eve we have allowed doubt in God’s Word and His promises to cloud our vision and decision making. The truth be told, God desires to blow our minds with blessings, but we limit Him! Luke 5 records a classic example. Peter, a professional fisherman, had just finished a night of fruitless fishing. According to the text, they had drawn in, washed and folded their nets (this required a great deal of work as these were large nets). When Jesus told him to let down their nets for a large catch, Peter was reluctant. Listen to his response, “Lord we have toiled all night, nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net” (not plural, just one net). You know how the story ends – they catch so many fish the net breaks and they have to call for help! When the second ship arrives, the number of fish is so great it almost sinks both ships. Imagine if Peter had not limited the number of nets he let down. But in his mind, he knew more about fishing than Jesus did. Sound familiar? Our vision is limited. When Elisha and his servant were cornered by the Syrian army, the young man was frightened. Elisha, however, had a different perspective – he saw angels on chariots hiding in the mountains. Elisha, sensing the young man’s fear, simply prayed, “Lord, open his eyes that he might see” (II Kings 6:17). Child of God, what the Lord wants to perform in us and through us is mind blowing, but our minds and our limited vision hinders Him. Stop worrying about what you cannot see; you’re not supposed to see it until He reveals it to you. Even as I write this message, the Spirit is convicting me. I confess, some things have been prophesied concerning our Church that are awesome, but if I do not let go and let God we will never experience those promises. Jeremiah penned these words, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show you great and mighty things that thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3). The apostle Paul puts the icing on the cake – “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them” (I Corinthians 2:9). We may think we’re doing good, but when we learn to trust God more, when we learn to stop limiting Him with our limited eyesight and understanding, when we learn to believe what He says in His Word, we’ll truly see signs and wonders!! We’ll actually do as He said we would do, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greaterworks than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12). Join me and the saints here at Holiness Tabernacle – let’s raise our level of expectation and let’s believe God for the impossible in 2011! Our Presiding Bishop, Charles E. Blake, coined the phrase, “I see you in the future, and you look much better than you look right now!” Well, kudos to Bishop Blake! Here at Holiness Tabernacle, we are seeing a mighty move of God – and we know WE AIN’I SEEN NOTHING YET!! Chosen to be a Gift
Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010
I am sent by the great I Am, While shopping with my youngest daughter the other day, we both became frustrated with the gift purchasing process. She wanted to grab the first thing she saw because she was tired of walking. I on the other hand wanted to be frugal (although she was the gift shopper – we were shopping with my money), but thoughtful; practical, but remembering the gifts were from her. My mind began to think about the One who initiated gift giving – our Lord. You are familiar with the different types of gift givers. There are those who give gifts out of obligation (“…Mrs. Glass bought me a gift last year so I have to give her one this year.”). There are those who give a gift to show off – they leave the price tag on the gift, or make sure they present the gift in an expensive store’s bag / box. There are those who see gift giving as an opportunity to get rid of things they don’t want (a.k.a. re-gifting). There are even those who are more concerned with wrapping the gift, than the gift itself As I considered what the Lord did for us, I thought about the wise men. The Scriptures record they traveled several months bearing gifts for the savior: gold, frankincense and myrrh. By now you have heard each of these gifts was symbolic: the gold represented Christ as a king, the frankincense represented His priesthood, and the myrrh foretold of His suffering as our Savior. These gifts were well thought out and, while perhaps at first glance did not make sense, as time passed proved to be the perfect gifts for Jesus. The Lord reminded me, even Jesus himself was hand-picked to be a gift to us. He further revealed to me that we, like Christ, have been chosen to be a gift to others. How might you be a gift? First of all, the Lord purchased you with the blood of Jesus (I Cor. 6:20). He was not concerned with the price tag, nor was He concerned with the wrapping (Jesus wasn’t always pretty to look at – Isaiah 53:2). The only thing the Lord had in mind was His plan for our lives, and how He would use us to be a blessing to others. Think about the number of ways God has used you to help and benefit others: as children we were a blessing to our parents (performing chores); as parents we were a blessing to our children (teaching, training and providing for them); as siblings we were a blessing to one another; the blessings continue as friends, neighbors, church members and co-workers. The list of ways God has ordained us to be a gift to others is endless. However, I want to caution you that everyone may not always see you as a gift. Perhaps you have had a few rough experiences in life; perhaps you did not always do things in a godly way; perhaps you did some things you are not so proud of; perhaps you don’t feel very special or as if you can bless or help anyone. I want to encourage you, you did not choose yourself, the Lord chose you (John 15:16). Furthermore, as a gift you have no say in whom you are given to (see the book of Jonah). You have no say in how you were packaged or wrapped – for “we are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). The people to whom you are a gift may not recognize or appreciate you (Mark 6:3 and Luke 17:12-18). They may even wish to exchange you for something else (Matthew 27:16-22). There may be days that you don’t feel as if you are doing anything special or noteworthy at all. Child of God let me encourage you! Continue to do what is right in the eyes of God. He knows what the people you have been gifted to need. He chose who to give you to. He took the time to put in you everything needed for the persons He gave you to. Remember, the gift doesn’t decide where to go, who to be given to – that decision is left up to the gift giver. The Lord knows what He is doing: trust Him. Let the Lord use you today to be a gift to someone else during this most special of holidays – Christmas. Jesus Christ was a gift to us: lying there in that manger, wrapped in rags amongst those animals, born of a virgin and young man with limited means. This was perhaps the most unlikely place to find a savior and king. That’s why Herod could not destroy Him. Well just maybe that’s why the Lord made you the way you are. The gifts He has hidden in you may not be obvious to the casual observer, but continue to live holy – trust the Lord. One of these days when He really “unwraps” you, the entire world will see that you truly are a gift from God!! I bless you in the name of the Lord!!
Merry Christmas 103rd Holy Convocation Recap
Thursday, December 9th, 2010
By Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. More than 100 years ago the Lord birthed a burden and desire for holiness in a young Baptist minister – Elder Charles Harrison. Little did he know that his submission to that directive from God is still having its impact on millions of people today, and I am included in that number. Bishop Mason launched the concept of the Holy Convocation as a result of combining two events he had experienced – the “Camp Meeting” which was a revival / spiritual experience, and the Baptist Convention which was intended to address the business needs of the church. The Holy Convocation was intended to not only merge those two, but do more. Based upon the Holy Scriptures (Lev. 23; Numbers 28, 29), it was to be a gathering of the saints. I witnessed this last week in Saint Louis, Missouri at the 103rd Annual Holy Convocation of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. The Holy Convocation was also designed to gather the saints to sit at the feet of our founder, Bishop Mason, to learn the doctrine of holiness and to be encouraged to return to their different homes and execute the vision God had laid upon him. Bishop Mason left us nearly 50 years ago, however, had he been alive today and been in attendance at this year’s Holy Convocation, I believe he would be proud.
I arrived Monday evening (November 8th) and found my flight, retrieval of my rental car and hotel accommodations to be less expensive, smoother and much nicer than anything I had ever experienced in Memphis (after landing and picking up the rental car, I arrived at my hotel within 45 minutes). Still, the jury was out, I had come for worship service – I was not disappointed. The following morning I received a telephone call from a former high-school classmate whom I had not seen in thirty years. We spent several minutes catching up on our lives (families, careers, etc.). As a native of the Saint Louis area, he told me how excited the city was to hear that the saints were coming. He informed me that he and another friend of mine would be returning to attend church service with me (they are of different reformations). It was then time for another blessing. I drove a couple of hours south to meet my brother who had driven north from Memphis with my father. My dad returned with me to Saint Louis to attend the Convocation. What a treat that was, to worship God with my dad next to me. It got even better. The following morning my father and I attended the Bishop G. E. Patterson Morning Manna – the first ever outside of Memphis, Tennessee. After engaging in a soul stirring prayer session with Mother Francis Kelly and the prayer warriors, we heard a stirring message from Bishop Jack Whitehead. His subject was Recapturing What the Thief had Taken from Us – with the help of “Officer Jesus.” The power of God moved and we had a glorious time. It got even better! Wednesday I returned to the airport to pick up my daughter Sis Delia Pruitte, who after serving two terms on the International Youth Advisory Council (the last term she served as President), was on program at the Thursday evening service – at the Holy Convocation! Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better – it did. Thursday morning my father, daughter, and I again attended Morning Manna – Evangelist Tommie Marie Brown brought the message – How Do You See. What an anointed word the Lord has placed in her. I then left for the airport again to pick up my wife and my youngest daughter. What a blessing, here I was at the Holy Convocation with my wife, two daughters and my father. Imagine three generations of Pruittes worshipping God together. Thursday evening we sat among thousands and listened as worship and praise went forth and the power of God poured out on us. However, we had a little more invested interest – my daughter was on program and presented a “Thematic Moment.” Imagine the pride that welled up inside as I saw my daughter on program at the Holy Convocation! She was fantastic as she explained the vision of missions that began with our Founding Father – Bishop Mason, and was being continued today through Bishop Blake. Perhaps the most stirring message I heard was from Pastor Edwin Walker of Illinois at Saturday morning’s Morning Manna – I Need the Anointing I witnessed hundreds of people literally running to the altar for prayer, encouragement, healing, strength, you name it. I was even told of a lady whose path was blocked, but she leaped over a chair to get to the altar! I was reminded of the followers of Christ who said, “did not our hearts burn?”
Unquestionably Sunday was the highlight of the week for me. It began by heading out for service with my family – to the Edward Jones Dome, a stadium that seats more than 66,000 people. It was literally amazing. Bishop Blake’s message was preceded by an address from none other than our Commander and Chief – President Barak Obama. President Obama congratulated Bishop Blake and the Church for their accomplishments via a televised message. As I looked around the stadium I thought about the promise God made Bishop Mason. “If you use this name, there will never be a place large enough to hold the saints.” In addition to the thousands in attendance, there were countless millions watching via the internet. Bishop Blake preached another stirring message – Great God, Great Vision, Great Accomplishments. As the Word went forth, I found myself on my feet praising God and encouraging our leader. Monday morning came all too quickly. It was time to take my wife and daughters back to the airport. My father left late Monday evening. I found myself alone with my thoughts, memories and emotions of the 103rd Annual Holy Convocation. Yes, it was in a different city and yes it was in a different building – but the Lord was there because the saints were worshipping and praising Him. Like in times past, the Convocation proved to be just what the founding father had intended: a time for the saints to gather. I found myself once again seeing friends I had not seen in a long time and making new friends; I found myself worshipping with my family, encouraging and supporting my leader and falling in love with and blessing my Savior for allowing me to be a part of the greatest church on the earth – the Church Of God In Christ! The Snare
Thursday, October 7th, 2010
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. The other day I was evaluating a new Bible software application. The individual showing me the product just happened to have the referenced scripture open and I began to read. As I reviewed the Word, I noticed a few pictures in the right margin of the page – they were pictures of different snares. One snare had captured an elephant; another had captured a lion. It was then that the Holy Spirit began to minister to me. Have you ever set or seen a mouse trap? If so, I am sure you baited the trap with cheese and put it behind the stove or couch. Then you confidently walked away and waited for the device to do its work. Sure enough, the next day you returned to find a mouse (not a rat, dog, fly or small child) captured – and this is how the enemy works. The trap we discussed was designed for a mouse – not a lion or housefly. The enemy has designed a trap just for you, and you cannot see it! When you set the mouse trap, did you fear it might catch you? Did you leave it in the middle of the floor and accidentally step on it? No, you put the trap where you knew the mouse would visit. In fact, even if you had forgotten where the trap was and set it off, though it may hurt you for a few minutes, it would not affect you like it did the mouse! How would you have reacted if you came back and found a pit bull in the trap? Or what if you caught a leopard? Of course, you know that you couldn’t because: (1) those animals are too large for that trap and (2) those animals are not walking through your house. In fact, a flea or gnat could have a feast on the bait and never set the trap off because they’re too small. No, that trap was designed specifically for a mouse. Child of God, the enemy has a trap designed specifically for you!! He knows where you hang out and he knows the areas where you are weak. Those persons caught in scandals where merely caught in the snare that was designed for them. Their offense seems foolish to you because the snare was not designed for you. And again I caution you, there is a snare designed especially for you. By now you may be asking, “is there no hope for me? Am I destined to getting caught in a snare?” I am glad you asked. The Psalmist tells us how to stay out of the snare – dwell with the Lord. In another Psalm we are reminded, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and are safe” (Psalm 18:10). If that poor little mouse was accompanied by a human being, what do you think your chances would be of capturing the mouse? The answer is zero; as long as the mouse listens to the human. To that end, if we stay in communion with God, He will not only show us where the snares are, but also free us if we are caught. The Lord also showed me another truth – if you are caught in a snare, another individual cannot free you; only God can free you. Can another mouse free his friend who has been entrapped? For that matter, can one animal free another one? The answer is no! As the Scripture says, only the Lord can. We can pray for them, we can hurt for them, but only God will be able to free them. My friends, the next time we hear of someone being overcome or overtaken in sin, let’s not be so quick to castigate them or declare their lack of wisdom or self control. Instead let’s: (1) thank God we were not caught and (2) seek the Lord for an opportunity to restore them in meekness (Galatians 6:1) or introduce them to Christ. In conclusion, please do not use this as a license to sin. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Shall we continue in sin; that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we who are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Many years ago the Winans sang a popular song with these lyrics. “…it is good to know He’ll be there whenever we fall. It’s better to know we don’t have to fall at all.” Beware of your snare! |
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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.
It’s no secret to anyone that knows me; I love to worship and praise the Lord! I love to sing the Lord’s praise, rejoicing and magnifying His name. Often, visitors and guest at our services comment that they are not accustomed to seeing pastors worship as I do. My response usually is, “I just love the Lord.” However, I have discovered that too many people who proclaim salvation, or attend church, say they love the Lord, but are still in love with the world.
It never ceases to amaze me how the people of the Lord are constantly seeking ways to assist us in worshipping and praising God. We quote songs like, “When I think of the goodness of Jesus…” or “I can dance, dance, dance all night,” or we say things like, “God is good, all the time…” Yet we still need props or aid to help us in worship.
A few days ago I was speaking with one of the young college students in our church and she informed me that there are times she wishes she could peek into the future and know what was going to happen. She went on to explain that she doesn’t like surprises. As we conversed, I began to encourage her to wait patiently on the Lord. I also tried to encourage her about the fact that God intentionally holds the future from us because He doesn’t want us to ruin it, and He enjoys surprising us with great things. As we continued our conversation I was reminded of one of my most memorable Christmases: I surprised my wife with a new car – a Mercedes E320! 
On Christmas morning, while having devotions with my family, the Holy Spirit began dealing with me. He brought back to my remembrance several of the blessings I just mentioned. Then He told me if we continued in what we were doing, we would experience blessings we never thought possible. In other words, I could hear the Spirit saying – You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!!
Matthew 2:1-11
When I heard the news of the move of the Holy Convocation from Memphis, Tennessee to Saint Louis, Missouri, I began making plans. I telephoned family members, friends and other church members encouraging them to attend the Convocation. I wasn’t so sure about the move, but I was sure I had to be there because I knew what the Convocation symbolized – a gathering of the saints. I also remembered what Bishop Mason desired for the Convocation – that the saints would not only come together and worship the Lord, but that we would also hear from the leader God had chosen to lead His people – the Presiding Bishop, Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr. My experience was a memorable one from the first day.
History and the media can provide us with a list of individuals that have been caught or entangled in a scandal. Depending on their popularity, it can really throw us and challenge our confidence. We have seen presidents, royalty, ministers, athletes, school officials and teachers, law enforcement, entertainers… the list goes on of those caught in ungodly activity. The list of offences can often be so despicable it can anger or disgust us. I am sure you (like me) have said or thought “…what were they thinking?” I have sometimes been incredulous and very critical. But before you cast judgment on me, have you not said to yourself, “If I lived during Jesus’ time, I would not have acted like the disciples”? Here is what the Lord showed me. |
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