Posts Tagged ‘HTC Mens Department’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. 2011 Annual Men’s Day: A Historic Occasion!
Thursday, July 28th, 2011
It was another historic, memorable and anointed day for Holiness Tabernacle as we celebrated our Annual Men’s Day.
The day began with an anointed word from one of our associate elders – Elder Joseph Guilford delivered a soul stirring message; asking us if the Lord was truly our shepherd (Psalm 23). The power of God was prevalent and real as the saints received the Word and rejoiced. An even greater praise went up to the Lord as a visitor gave her life to Christ and her family joined the church. This set the stage for our second service. One could feel the excitement and buzz as the members, friends and many guests filled the church almost to capacity. Guest pastors, Superintendent Tony Campbell (and Yeshua COGIC), Pastor Wayne Cream (and Holy Mount Zion TOD) and Pastor Satterfield (and Save A Life COGIC), were in attendance to celebrate with and support our local Men’s Department as well. Worship and praise filled the air and when our Bishop, his wife and their guests arrived, a thunderous applause went up. As the program continued, our hearts were certainly made glad. The HTC Male Chorus, led by Brother Napoleon Paxton, soon to be ordained deacon, worshipped in song – Two Wings. Their second selection, He’s Able, led by one of HTC’s newest members, Brother Senghor Robinson, brought the congregants to their feet. Then it was time for the Word. Bishop Thomas’ ministered from Luke 5 – the account of the fishing drought: “If At First You Don’t Succeed, Don’t Give Up – God Will Make A Way.” Bishop Thomas, just back from our International AIM Convention in Houston and a three and a half hour drive, was in rare form. He explained how the enemy captures our minds and causes us to doubt God and His Word. He explained that the disciples’ failure was real, their discouragement was real, and their frustration was real. However, they had a nevertheless attitude. They gave Jesus and themselves another chance. The congregation again rejoiced and then it was time for the next memorable event – the ordination of three of the church brothers: David Moses, Napoleon Paxton and Morris Rowe to the office of deacon. Pastor Pruitte explained to the men and those in attendance the role and responsibilities of a deacon. He reminded them they were being ordained to assist the pastor in tending to the flock; they were being ordained in the Church Of God In Christ to defend the Church, and they were being ordained as deacons to be examples holiness to their families first, then their church family, then their neighbors. Bishop Thomas and Pastor Pruitte then anointed the men and prayed a prayer of blessing over them. Pastor Pruitte then gave each of the new deacons a beautifully framed ordination certificate.
The next historic event was the promotion of Deacon Jeffrey Howard to the office of Deacon Board Chairman. Pastor Pruitte continued to make the claim that Deacon Howard holds the title as the “World’s Greatest Deacon” – and no one disagreed with him on that day! Finally, in a surprising move, Pastor Pruitte officially licensed Minister Eugene McCown, Jr. and gave him his certificate beautifully framed and signed by Pastor Pruitte and Bishop Thomas. Minister McCown, who prides himself with being on top of things, was obviously surprised. Minister McCown, who serves our National Church as National Adjutant Brother, was recently appointed by Bishop Williams (National Adjutant General) as the Chairman of Operations for the National Adjutancy. During the 2011 Virginia First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Worker’s Meeting, he was appointed as the Assistant to the Jurisdictional Secretary. Locally, he is the President of our Pastor’s Aid Committee and several other duties – perhaps most notably maintaining and hosting our website as well as several others for the Church Of God In Christ. As the service concluded, I found myself lying in bed recounting the days’ events. I played each event over and over in my head and found it difficult to sleep. I remembered Elder Guilford’s message, the young lady giving her life to Christ; I remembered the many friends who came to share; I remembered Bishop Thomas’ message; I remembered the looks on those brothers faces as we laid hands and blessed them; I remembered the godly pride I felt as Deacon Howard received his license; I remembered the tears in Minister McCown (and his wife’s) eyes as he received his license. I counted myself blessed and highly favored of God to have witnessed such an anointed and historic day! 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!" 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. Car Wash & Dinners
Friday, May 6th, 2011
Forever Rejoice in the Lord Your God – May 2K11 WOTM
Sunday, May 1st, 2011
By Min. Vernon Miles
It is good to praise God! It is right to rejoice in Him. He is worthy to be praised and righteous to all who rejoice in Him. Lift up your voice all ye people and sing the Lord your God a new song each day that is given unto thee; for by doing so, that which is right and true from on high shall come down afresh upon thee and everything pertaining to your life shall be blessed! The Lord is faithful unto all; His majesty is in all the earth. It does not matter where you may be, know that God is there! His unfailing love is with you until the end! So shout for joy and rejoice with gladness in all that you are and do daily in your walk unto salvation – for the mighty God you serve is well on your side, and believe me, He is working all things out for your good! Hallelujah!!! The Gift of Love – February 2K11 WOTM
Tuesday, February 1st, 2011
In the gospel of John 3:16, Jesus tells us, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. In spite of a world, which had become inundated with sinful and hateful people, God loved us so much that He gave His very best gift, His only son, to sacrifice His life for us and redeem us back into a relationship with Him. Jesus makes mention of His love in John 15:13, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. It is impossible, then, for anyone on earth to equal or exceed the love Christ has for us. Apostle Paul goes on to give us another view of love in I Corinthians chapter 13, which is also known as the “love chapter.” Prior to this chapter, he talks about the blessings of spiritual gifts such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, discerning spirits, prophecy and divers kinds of tongues. But even if a Christian is blessed with one or more of these gifts, Paul shows us a more excellent way. He explains that although we as Christians may possess the manifestation of these gifts from God, if they are not exercised with love we are nothing. He was warning against gifts that are being used for self glory and not shared to edify the body of Christ. Paul goes on to define love as being kind, longsuffering, envieth not, not arrogant, not easily provoked and thinks no evil, just to name a few (I Corinthians 13:4-8). So as you remember that special person on that special day in February, and as you make plans to shower them with love and gifts, don’t forget about the One who created love. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Deacon Jeff Howard
Let Us Groan For The Manifestation of God’s Word Within Us – December 2K10 WOTM
Monday, December 6th, 2010
By Elder Joseph Guilford And not only they, But ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption wit, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:23
May God help us to groan for the coming of the Lord, and the resurrection which He will bring to us. HTC Men’s Dept. presents . . . Spaghetti Dinners
Monday, November 1st, 2010
What are you doing Wednesday night, November 3rd at 7pm? You said “NOTHING!” That’s GRAND The Men's Department of Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ, Inc. Presents FAMILY SPAGHETTI DINNER NIGHTWednesday, November 3, 2010 A $7 donation is all that is need for a plate INVITE ALL THAT WILL COME. We will have plenty to go around. Come out and support the Men’s Department. We Thank you in Advance. Open to Everyone. Why We Need to Pray – August 2K10 WOTM
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
By Minister John Mabry
The God of Elijah is the answer. Something happened when Elijah prayed that would not have happened had he not prayed. There was no doubt about the reality of God’s power in the minds of those who heard Elijah pray upon Carmel when they saw the living fire fall from heaven to blaze upon the altar. Listen to his words: “If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) This is a dateless promise; these are timeless words. They are for God’s people of every nation and for all time. If we will only pray, we need not fear even our mightiest foe. The world is in a state of utter chaos, and the United States is battled by one crisis after another: millions of Americans seeking work, skyrocketing medical costs, run-away inflation, crime in the streets, deception and greed on Wall Street, and the demise of the family unit. Our political leaders have tried numerous legislative programs to correct these problems, but to no avail. The key to solving these problems is simple: seek the wisdom of God through prayer. In her book What It Means To Pray Through, Mother Dabney wrote: Prayer is the key to the Lord’s heaven door. It encourages every leader, minister, and missionary when they observe the ingathering of the Lord’s spiritual harvest. I believe in asking for divine guidance in everything pertaining to business and human life. It is high time that we learn the futility of our human endeavor, the folly of fighting in our own strength, or in the armor of our own invention. We need the Spirit who came at Pentecost. We perish for the breath of God. Shall we not cry with Elisha, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” |
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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.
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.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love (Psalm 33:1-5, NIV).
A presentation of lovely fresh red roses; a gift of chocolate candies; a surprise mail delivery of a beautiful, colorful bouquet of flowers to a loved one; and a romantic candlelight dinner for two are all familiar sights and smells of this special day in the month of February. For many of us, Valentine’s Day sparks the emotion of love in our hearts as we perhaps become more inspired to show affection to a special person. However, though we may get caught up in the urgency to order flowers before the 14th, buy that special gift and make the dinner reservation from the elegant restaurant, the originator of love is often overlooked.
This groaning is universal among the saints: to a greater or less extent we all feel it. It’s not the groan of murmuring or complaining. It is the note of desire rather than of distress. Having received in earnest, we desire the whole of our portion; we are sighing that our entire being, in its trinity of spirit, soul and body, may be set free from the last vestige of the fall; we long to put off corruption, weakness and dishonor, and to wrap ourselves in incorruption, in immortality, in glory, in the spiritual body which the Lord Jesus will bestow upon His people. We long for the manifestation of our adoption as the children of God.
In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour” (I Timothy 2:1-3). The call of the hour is for men and women who are mighty in prayer, masters of supplication, and specialists in the holy art of intercession. |
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