Posts Tagged ‘HTC Men’s Ministry’Expect The Great With What You Have! – March 2K11 WOTM
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
Expecting The Great With What You Have! Numbers 13:33 – And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. It amazes me how low self-esteem greatly affects Christian men and women of all shapes, shades and creeds. Yes, circumstances of this world are constantly beating on us. Yes, our faith is constantly being put to the test. Yes, our walk and talk are constantly under the microscope as the world looks for chinks in our spiritual armor.
We are who God says that we are . . . and you are who you say you are! Encourage yourself like David did (1 Samuel 30:6) and speak those things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17). If you are a grasshopper, be the best grasshopper that there is. We can’t belittle ourselves and expect great things to happen through or for us. Throughout the Bible, God used ordinary people to do great things. He used a shepard boy named David to defeat Goliath, the giant, with a sling shot and five stones. God used Gideon’s 300 men, instead of 32,000, to defeat the Syrians. He used a little boy with two fish and five loaves of bread to feed 5,000 men, not including women and children. God can use YOU just the way you are, He just wants you to allow Him to use what you have. YOU have enough to make a difference and do great things as long as you are willing AND available. Little becomes much when you place it in the Master’s hand! Stop looking at yourself in the flesh, but look at yourself through God’s spiritual glasses. Then you’ll see what God sees and you can Expect The Great With What You Have! Humbly submitted, Do You Really Believe? – November 2K10 WOTM
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010
By Min. Vernon Miles But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
The time of greater works in Christ Jesus is now, but if you are not receiving now then check your believing; only if you truly believe can you actually receive. To receive is faith working and not to receive is faith dead. Be alive in Christ all ye saints each and every day by not only being a good Christian, but more so a bold believer! Because greater is He that lives within you, than he that is in the world. So do not sin anymore, have faith in God and believe! God Bless you! A Word of Encouragement – Sept 2K10 WOTM
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
A Word of Encouragement Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1
Faith is the key to releasing the blessing that He has for me. When we go through trials in our lives, it is to make us worthy to receive God’s blessings that are to come out of these trials, while providing a testimony to encourage others. Our trials bring us closer to God because, through it all, we are walking and talking with God and we are able to hear His voice a lot clearly. I believe that our trials are spiritual exercises meant to grow our faith. It makes us stronger and wiser children of God and makes us more effective teachers of the Word of God through Jesus Christ. We were taught that to keep or get the body healthy we must do physical exercises, but to keep in touch with God we must have spiritual exercises. God keeps revealing more and more to me daily; I can feel my spirit getting stronger and stronger in the Lord. I can stand on solid ground and proclaim that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life. He is the Master of everything I do. God is touching my life and my family’s lives. My son recently came to church with me, God heard my prayer and He answered me. The seed was planted in his heart and now God will do the rest. He will draw him at the appointed time. May the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ guard, guide and keep you till we meet again. Amen. Serendipity – April 2K10 WOTM
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
By Bro. Paxton
I chose this word because to me it is a good description of the lives of those that follow Jesus. Our lives are full of serendipity. There have been many times I have prayed to God before making a big decision in my life and He has told me which way to go. When I went another way, I suffered more than I had to, but when I went the way He told me I found out that in the end I was better off than I could have possibly dreamed. One such occasion happened when I left the Marine Corps and was faced with a decision about what I was going to do next. I had several choices: I could take a lucrative job in Iraq doing what I was trained to do in the military, I could take a not so lucrative job doing something similar in a nice part of the current state I lived in, or I could go to the university in my hometown and finish my Bachelor’s Degree in computer science. This was a hard decision for me because, although I eventually wanted to finish school, it wasn’t number one on my priority list. I wanted to make more money as soon as possible. When I asked God to guide my footsteps and to place me on the right path, His answer was for me to go and finish school. At first this was an extremely hard decision. I had bills to pay and for about six months I didn’t have a job. Times were hard and even though I did believe in what God told me, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had heard God correctly. Now, I know this wondering delayed my process. A friend told me to put in for a scholarship, but I was reluctant because it wasn’t exactly in my field of study. During this time I continued to pray and ask God to deliver me from this storm. I knew it was Him that put me on this path and that He would bring me out. One day He told me to apply for the scholarship even though it wasn’t in my field. To make a long story short, not only did I get the scholarship, but the principle investigator of the scholarship also gave me a job that sustained me until I graduated and set the stage for me to obtain more scholarships once I went to graduate school. If I had not wondered about what God told me and applied for the scholarship earlier I would not have had to suffer for those six months without a job or steady cash flow – but thank God for second chances! When I repented and asked Him to help me, He reminded me of the scholarship and I believed I was going to get it! Everyone has the choice to live a life of Serendipity. All we have to do is believe in Jesus, ask God to order our steps, and have FAITH that He IS going to give you a good outcome! We have to understand that our way is not always God’s way, and that God’s way is always the right way! I am sure I’m not the only one that can look back on decisions that were tough and say, "only God could have predicted this outcome!" And if you are still in your storm, hold on to what God has told you and remember Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." The Mysterious and Mighty Wind – March 2K10 WOTM
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
The wind has a very active role in the word of God. Two words in the Bible, the Hebrew rauch and the Greek pnema, bear the basic meaning of wind but are often translated as "Spirit." Manifestations of God were often associated with the wind. When Job was at his breaking-point of suffering, and everyone had turned against him; God spoke to him out of the midst of a whirlwind. His response to Job consoled him reminding him that He has control over creation and everything that happens in it (Job 38:1-40:2). The Lord used a raging wind to catapult Prophet Elijah into heaven (2 Kings 2:1, 11). When Jesus witnessed to Nicodemus, telling him he must be born again of the Spirit, he told him in John 3:8,”The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” On the day of Pentecost, we find God’s pnema in action. As the saints gathered together with one accord in the upper room, the Spirit of God came as a mighty rushing wind and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance (Acts 2:1-4). Allow God's wind to be prevalent in your life. He will calm you during times of trials and suffering, which is unavoidable for Christians, as he did with Job. Allow God’s wind to overtake you and fill you with his Spirit for ministering to those who are lost. As for the unbeliever, God’s Spirit will come over you like the invisible wind, once sins are sincerely repented of and Jesus is allowed to come into your life to be your personal Lord and Savior. Like Prophet Elijah, I'm looking forward to that day to be caught-up to meet the Lord in air with the mighty power of God’s invisible wind – His Spirit. Deacon Jeff Howard How To Be Led By The Holy Spirit – February 2K10 WOTM
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
Submitted by John Mabry How would you like to be correct 100% of the time? Or always be assured that everything you attempted to do was going to turn alright regardless of how things appeared? It’s quite possible to always be correct and to have the assurance that the outcome of your pursuits will be successful. Numbers 9:15-23 relates a beautiful account of one of my favorite passages in the Old Testament about how the Holy Spirit revealed Himself to the children of Israel through a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. It reads, as follows: And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning. So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents. (Numbers 9:15-17) Here we see a beautiful picture of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit as God assures the children of Israel that He had not forsaken them. Of course, they did meet difficulties frequently, but always they were directed by God, and their needs were supplied. They were led by the pillar of cloud and fire. They were given manna and quail for their food. In their battles with hostile tribes, they were led to victory. Miracles were very frequently employed to provide the necessities for their experiences in the wilderness. Time after time, God kept His promises and led them in the way. They didn’t have AAA to rely on; they didn’t have a GPS; they didn’t have MapQuest. There was no Safeway, Blooms, or Giant anywhere in sight. Yet they never got lost nor did they run out of food and water. Their existence was so simple. All they had to do was follow the cloud. The cloud was the evidence and seal of the Lord’s presence. If the cloud did not move, then they rested. For in next verses we read: At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents. And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and journeyed not. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know exactly what you were going to do from one day to the next? The children of Israel did—as long as they obeyed God. They simply looked out of their tents to observe the cloud. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know exactly what God wants us to do with our lives? All we need to do then is simply follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will actually keep us on a pathway that is God ordained. Our challenge is to continually “step aside” and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us so that we might have the mind of Christ. Notice that throughout Israel’s journey in the wilderness, they experienced one victory after another as long as they were obedient to God. Our ability, then, to always make a perfect score or be on target 100% of the time must mean that we be obedient to the commandments of God . . .“for obedience is better than sacrifice.” What’s Behind a Gift? – Dec09 WOTM
Friday, December 4th, 2009
The beauty of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season is that it brings along with it a spirit of thankfulness and giving. During this time of year, many who celebrate this season will take a special moment to reflect on God’s blessings throughout the year, and will be inspired to give gifts to others or help those who are less fortunate during their time of need. I believe it is safe to say that God smiles on us during this season as well, whether an individual be a Christian or not, because we are applying a promise of God from the book of Acts 20:35(b): “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” However, after Christmas Day has passed the truth behind the gifts become exposed. For example, for some who have received Christmas gifts may be overjoyed with thankfulness and appreciation. Other recipients may truly be thankful for the thought behind the gift, even though the gift may not be what was desired or needed. Then there may be some, who outwardly show displeasure with the gift and are unthankful—and here we must be aware of the deception and trick of the enemy to cause discord between the gift and the giver. The motive behind the gift giver is exposed as well. Was there joy in presenting the gift? Are there any regrets for giving the gift because of incurred financial debt? Was the gift given to belittle someone else or to exalt self? The fact of the matter is Jesus Christ is the real meaning for the season of Christmas giving. A scripture often quoted from the Bible during this time of year is John 3:16,”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.” God gave his best gift, His one and only Son Jesus. It doesn’t matter what price we paid for a gift to present to someone, or how much joy and thankfulness it made them feel; the gift of Jesus Christ will never be surpassed!—the gift of salvation. And yes, there was also great price behind the gift of Jesus. He had to be separated from his Father because of the world’s sin and sacrifice His life in order for us to receive the gift of salvation. Hebrews 12:2 tells us about God’s motive behind His gift to us, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” God’s gift to us is free—but not cheap. Jesus willingly gave his life for us and loved so much that we may have eternal life…if we accept Him as our personal Savior. He was rewarded with the joy of being united on the throne of God with His Heavenly Father. So, as you make haste to those busy shopping centers or search on-line on line for those special gifts to your love ones; turn on the Christmas lights; decorate the Christmas tree; place the gifts under the tree; and cook that special Christmas dinner for family and friends, I pray you won’t forget the best gift of all: Jesus Christ our Lord and our Savior. Merry Christmas to all!!! Deac Jeff Howard Don’t Compromise, Just Capitalize – October 09 WOTM
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
Don’t Compromise Just Capitalize As Christians today, we’re in a battle. The Bible says in Job 14:1, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” If we’re honest with ourselves, we have to admit that the world is full of trouble. We’re in a spiritual battle for our lives, our children’s lives, our friends’ lives, and the lives of those that are lost. The enemy is pulling out all the stops to deceive as many as he can. As we know, babies are having babies. Children are killing children. Mothers AND fathers are killing their children. The African American male is on his way to extinction as there are more African American males in prison than there are in college. Men are marrying men. Women are marrying women. The financial institutions of America have severely failed. But even in the midst of all this trouble, be encouraged and DON’T COMPROMISE, JUST CAPITALIZE. One may ask, “How do I not compromise when the odds are so stacked against me?” Well 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 tell us that “We are troubled on every side, yet not in distress; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” If we believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then we have the victory over everything that comes up against us. In the first book of Corinthians, Paul spends a lot of his time encouraging them to hold on to their faith. The church at Corinth was a church with many gifts, but they were also full of issues. They were in trouble and began to lose focus on the task at hand, similar to many of our churches today. So he encourages them in 1 Corinthians 15:58 to be “steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.” To be steadfast is to be 1) fixed in a direction; 2) firm in purpose and faith; and 3) unwavering. Don’t lose focus on the mission. Philippians 3:14 states “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” The prize is Jesus, so we can’t get caught up in trivial fleshly things that don’t give us a reward! There is no middle ground. It’s heaven or bust. You can only serve one master. You can only have one goal and our goal must be heaven! To be unmoveable is to be 1) reliable; 2) loyal; 3) persevering; and 4) unflinching. 2 Timothy 2:19 tells us “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Isaiah 28:16 tells us “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” And Matthew 16:18 tells us “And 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.” Knowing that Jesus is our sure foundation, we can be unmoveable and don’t have to waiver with every wind and unsound doctrine that blows our way. To abound is to be 1) be alive; 2) be thick with; and 3) flourish. To “always abound in the work of the Lord” simply means to be up to your necks in the work of the Lord. Why? The end of 1 Corinthians 15:58 states “forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” In St. John 9:4, Christ tells us to “work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” And Ephesians 4:11-13 explains that God has given us all special gifts that can be use “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” When life doesn’t seem fair and things are not going your way and you’re ready to lash out at the world, I’m here to tell you to be steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. When your money is funny and your change has become strange and cutting corners is the best way to make ends meet, I’m here to tell you to be steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. When your boss is acting up and it looks like your permanent job may soon become temporary and you’re ready to curse out your boss, I’m here to encourage you to be steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord! There’s no time for compromises. We have to capitalize on the promises of God!
What are some of God’s promises? 2 Corinthians 1:20 tells us that the “promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” Romans 8:37 tells us that “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Philippians 4:13 tell us that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” John 16:33 tell us that “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” And Romans 8:28 tells us that “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” The Bible also says that God is not like man that he should lie. So if He doesn’t lie, then we don’t have to doubt his word. He said that His word will stand forever, and it’s standing today. And since we are expected to do “greater works than Jesus performed,” we must be steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord . . . then we don’t have to compromise, but we can capitalize on the promises of God! Minister Eugene C. McCown, Jr. Little Becomes Much – July 09 WOTM
Friday, July 10th, 2009
Little Becomes Much . . . We live in a very superficial world. We judge books, and people, by their cover. Oftentimes we believe the saying “What you see is what you get,” but it’s really not that simple. The world believes in BIG things and if you’re not doing it big, you’re not doing it at all! But doing it BIG is based on what THEY can do, instead of what God can do. On the other hand, “little” has become a derogatory word today and is used to limit someone or one’s self. We often overlook the impact “little” things have in our lives. If you have a “little” money, the world says that you’re insignificant . . . It’s All About The Benjamin’s! If you’re small in stature, the world says that you’re insignificant . . . Little People, Big World. If you’re low man on the totem pole at work, you’re generally considered to be insignificant. “Bigger is Better,” the world says, and “The more I get, the better off I’ll be.” Even in the church, “little” barely gets noticed. The people of God have become driven by quantity over quality, titles over integrity, compromise over holiness. If you don’t have a title, you’re service is often taken for granted. If you have a small congregation, your ministry is often overlooked. If you’re from a small town/city, you’re often disregarded. The love of numbers has caused many to go astray. But Psalm 37:16 states “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” The world believes that “little” just doesn’t amount to anything because it bases its opinion on what we can do for ourselves, but to God, your “little” can become much when placed in God’s hand! In Judges 7, Gideon started with 32,000 men to fight against the Midianites and God felt that there were too many. After doing some pruning, God led 300 men to victory over the Midianites. In 1 Samuel 17, the giant Goliath mocked God and the children of Israel for forty days and struck fear into the hearts of the entire army. David, the youngest of 8 sons and a “little” shepherd boy, grew angry when he heard Goliath mocking God. With five smooth stones, God helped David slay Goliath and bring victory to the Children of Israel. In John 6, after ministering to 5000 men, not including women and children, Jesus wanted to feed the people because they were faint. No one had money to feed that amount of people, but a little boy had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. After the lad was willing to give his lunch to help the cause, Jesus took the lunch, fed all of the people, and had enough left over to fill twelve baskets. “Little” can become MUCH when you place it in God’s hands. As Christians, we must remember that it’s not about what YOU have, but about what He can do with what you have! Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, but three things generally hinder God from doing great things on your behalf: 1) Sin and self-doubt, 2) junk you carry from other people, and 3) limited outlook. Our “little” can become much if we 1) repent of our sins and hope in God (1 Peter 1:21), 2) Stop allowing others to place limits on our “little” knowing that God is the one that formed us (Jer. 1:5), and 3) broaden your thoughts and dream big because God knows the plans that He has for you (Jer. 29:11). Let God turn your “little” into MUCH! God Bless! Min. Eugene C. McCown, Jr. Is There Any Bread in Your House? – June 09 WOTM
Monday, June 8th, 2009
Is There Any Bread in Your House? Luke 11:5-8 Bread is a very common but important item in the lives of man. Depending on the conversation / point of reference it has different meanings. To some it means a type of food. To others it is a slang word for money or currency. Still to someone else it means substance. The actual word bread is specifically mentioned more than 400 times in the Scriptures. In the first text, Jesus is telling a parable to the disciples. He describes a man whose neighbor has a late night visitor who was hungry. The neighbor doesn’t have any food in his house so he knocks on the door of the man’s house and requests food. The man’s response isn’t real neighborly; he tells his neighbor that he and his whole family are in bed and he didn’t want to be bothered. However, the neighbor is persistent and refuses to leave until finally, the man succumbs. As I read this passage the Spirit revealed a few things to me. First of all the neighbor in need knew there was bread in the man’s house. Secondly, it was late so the neighbor didn’t have a lot of choices. Third, the neighbor was bold because he was seeking help for his guest. We’ll revisit this story later. In the second text, Jesus is teaching a multitude of people. The Bible indicates there are 5,000 men, excluding the women and children (imagine if we were to compare the percentages of men in today’s church to this account. There may have been as many as 20,000 women and children). Jesus asks the disciples what they should do, but the account in John says Jesus knew what they were going to say. Depending on which gospel account you read there were different responses by the disciples. Some stated there wasn’t enough money to purchase food; some said send the people back home, etc. However Jesus stated the people would never make it back home – they would perish. He had compassion on them! Christ is informed there is a little boy who was willing to share his lunch – two fish and five pieces of bread. That was all Jesus needed. The disciples are ordered to sit and eat first; then the people are grouped for feeding as well. After Jesus blessed and broke the bread everyone was fed and there were 12 baskets of leftovers. My dear friend (s); the world is in desperate need. When a friend or stranger comes to you with a need, what are you going to do? Do you have the Spirit of God working in your life such that you can meet that neighbor’s need? Or do you decide you don’t want to be bothered. Do you minister to peoples’ needs or do you tell them to make it the best way that they can? We are called by God to meet the needs of people (“…Peter do you love me? Feed my sheep”). The Lord is not going to take on human form and come down from heaven and minister to people – that is what we are called to do. We have no excuse. We cannot say what we have isn’t adequate – if we give it to Christ, He will bless it, break it and multiply it to make sure it meets the need (s). We should not take the easy way out and send people away hungry; we should not tell anyone seeking deliverance we don’t want to be bothered. We should be ready and willing to give them the spiritual bread they need. Our responsibility is to make sure there is bread in our house. Be Blessed in the Lord HTC Men’s Department |
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If we as Christians are living this holy life with our own might, then I would agree that our lives would be hopeless; that our circumstances should overwhelm us; that there was no way possible to live a holy and separated life! But Acts 17:28 tells us, For in Him we live, and move, and have our very being. It is ONLY through God that you can Expect The Great With What You Have! It is through Him that we:
Have you heard the saying you are what you eat? Indeed, this is a spiritually true statement. If a man does not believe in what he feeds on from the living Word of God, then how can he receive from that which he claims to believe in and is fed from? Not possible! We are living in a time when our appetite in Christ Jesus must be truly fulfilled because of our true faith in Him. Simply spoken, if Jesus said it, we must believe it! And if Jesus did it, we must know that we have been chosen to do it and even the more. In John 14:12 (NIV) the Lord Jesus says,“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
I say this safe and secure in the knowledge that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will sustain me and He will guard, guide and keep me from all harm and danger. He will strengthen me in all things. Nothing is impossible for my God. He favors me; all I have to do is ask for it.
My word of the month is Serendipity. Dictionary.com defines serendipity as an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident. In other words, serendipity can be described as having good things happen to you as an OUTCOME without you knowing it from the BEGINNING. The origin of the word came around 1754 from the English author, Horace Walpol. He formed it from a Persian fairy tale called "The Three Princes of Serendip" (Serendip was an old name for Ceylon, which is now called Sri Lanka). In this story, the heroes were always making discoveries by accident when they were not looking for them.
As we enter the month of March, many people throughout the United States are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season of spring. Some of us have endured the hardship of a long, cold, and snowy winter. Along with the excitement of melting snow, budding trees, green grass, and picturesque flowers, comes one of God’s mysterious phenomenon forces of nature – the invisible wind, often associated with spring. God’s awesome wind may come as a calm, soothing, and refreshing breeze or as a mighty force of power. |
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