Posts Tagged ‘Word of the Month’Only One Lamb – February 2K12 WOTM
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
I can see Him coming in the clouds so bright and shining. Only one lamb counts. It's written all about Him in the greatest book ever written. Which was inspired by the Alpha and Omega, if u take a look… When our pastor preaches about Him, we can't help but clap our hands and move our feet. I can see Him coming in the air so bright and shining. Only one lamb counts. With verbal praises, clapping hands, and stomping feet. I can't stop reading this incredible book. From Luke to Matthew to Peter and John, I flip the pages to Revelation. I can see Him coming between the Cloud and Sun so bright and shining. His mouth speaks the truth and wisdom in perfect form, clean and sharp as a double edge sword. Only one lamb standing, Only one lamb counts. by Bro. Tafari Manrique Forgiveness – January 2K12 WOTM
Sunday, January 1st, 2012
by Brother Alexander Powell The dictionary defines forgive: to regard without ill will despite an offense. What it is saying to us is regardless of the attack; how he/she hurt you or whoever has done you wrong we should forgive them of their wrong doing. I know many of us say “it is hard to forgive those that have hurt us or are still doing wrong towards us. Some of us even feel, if we forgive them that is supposed to benefit them and they’ll just keep doing us wrong which might be the case according to their actions. Well I am here to tell you, you reap the benefits when you forgive those who have mistreated you, have done bad things to hurt you or your family.
I know from experience how some others feel inside when they’re hurt and it’s hard to trust anyone; we want to seclude ourselves because the hurt. Sometimes we feel like nobody knows or cares anything about what we’re going through. God knows all and everything about us from our goings and comings, our down-sitting and uprising. Without Jesus Christ there is no afterlife. If we don’t believe in him and trust that he will help us and forgive us of our wrongs; don’t forgive those who hurt us or our family our spirit will never be free. We will not be cleansed to receive the inheritance and bountiful blessings God has in store for us on earth and in His kingdom. So I say to you forgive everyone no matter how you feel or what they have done. It will make your life better. You will have a more perfect peace, joy unspeakable and happiness within yourself. You can also feel the love of God that is promised to you. Believe in him and know you don’t have to be lost. To God Be the Glory.
Reflections – November 2K11 WOTM
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
by Elder John Mabry
As time passed during the year, the pastor of that church, along with several members—including my brother—went to Memphis, Tennessee, where they attended the Holy Convocation. I recall how many saints took on extra work and saved money for months in order to afford the trip. No job was too menial or too hard. If it was honest work, they did it. They had a drive and a zeal that is seldom seen in the church today. Bishop C. H. Mason was chief overseer of the Church of God in Christ in those days. Although he was up in age and had begun limiting his speaking engagements, he always managed to make a few key appearances in the Convocation. Upon his return home, my brother told me about the miracles he saw, prayer services he was in, and sermons he heard. He said that Bishop Mason was an amazing man; he was the same all the time. As anointed as he was, he never felt that he had "arrived." He told me recently, "You would see him in the worship service, clapping his hands, singing, and dancing in the spirit with the rest of us." "I can’t wait," I often thought, "until I grow up so I can go to the Memphis meeting, too." That was a long time ago. Since then Bishop Mason has died. Other presiding Bishops have come and gone, and the YPWW leaders at that little church back in Texas have closed their eyes as well. The Holy Convocation has not been held in Memphis in two years and probably will not be held there again until sometime in the future. In the meantime, this new generation of Church of God in Christ worshippers must lead the church into the 21st Century as we confront a multitude of issues, including spiraling inflation, a downward economy, unheralded crime, and a great apostate church in the earth today.
Anchors In The Storm – September 2K11 WOTM
Tuesday, September 6th, 2011
by Elder George Green Pilots flying in storm or in darkness quickly become disoriented and deceived by their senses. Pilots say that when they are flying without visibility, they can be flying in a tight circle while their senses assure them that they are flying straight ahead. When a pilot becomes disoriented in this way, his body is telling him one thing and his instruments are telling him something completely different. To keep flying safely, he must rely on the instruments in his plane. Those instruments will tell him what is actually and absolutely true.
Part of the process of working through pain is learning to hang on to what we have from the neck up. When our hearts are broken and hurt, there doesn’t seem to be a pipeline from our brain to our emotions. But, that’s okay. Just don’t let go of what you know. That’s the key to making it in the midst of difficulty. That’s exactly when God’s word says, consider it pure joy… because you know that… (Jas. 1:2-3). What can we know in the midst of trials? What are the reliable instruments that track us successfully in the midst of difficulty? In James 1:3-4, the stabilizing truth is that we know the testing of [our] faith produces endurance and that we should let endurance have its perfect result, so that [we] may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (NASB). James is saying that we can know that pain is a process with a purpose. That specific piece of knowledge will enable us to implement the joy of response. Living by Faith – August 2K11 WOTM
Monday, August 15th, 2011
by Deacon David Moses
Romans 1:17 tell us that "the just shall live by faith." FAITH is not just a get what you want plan, because God rewards those who diligently seek him. In addition, when one makes his request known to God, he must believe that He is going to get it. For Jesus said to ask the Father for anything in His name and it will be given to him. Psalm 138:2 states, "for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." When we ask, we must ask with the belief that is is already done. If we ask with our mind wavering, we defeat our faith. We sometimes lose faith in God by becoming impatient and forgetting that we are working in God's time. Our time and His time are not the same, so our patience works to get us in line with God's time. While getting in line with His time, we should use this time to remain busy and work for the Kingdom of God. We cannot remain stagnant. The Word of God tells us to "seek ye first the Kingdom of God." We must always be available to minister to someone. Our testimonies can save a soul and they can bring someone to Jesus. There is a scripture that states when you have overcome your trial, turn back and help your brethren. I recently went on vacation to Jamaica and while there, I found myself reading and praying a lot more than I normally do. I was reading my Bible for 5 to 6 hours a day. The climate there was so stifling and hot, I would go back into the room and read my Bible while cooling off. Since God does not take time off for vacation, we must continue to work for Him. One evening I was ministering to a young relative and another young man joined us. In total, there were approximately five of us. While I was ministering, the relative whom we were staying with remarked that I should call her husband so he could listen, but the Spirit was in the midst of us. I could not stop, and she could not find him. When I finished, I was not amazed for I knew that God always has a plan in everything that is done in His name. The message was for the young relative and he received it, but it was also received by the relative whose husband could not be found. He was in the room directly behind where I happen to be ministering to my other relative. Though nobody could find him, the Word of God found him. There is more, but I will save it for the next time. For now, may the Lord and Savior continue to guard, guide and protect you from all harm and danger and may the grace of God rest and abide with you in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen!!! GO WIN A SOUL!!! You’re NEVER Too Old to Get a Whippin! – July 2K11 WOTM
Friday, July 1st, 2011
By Min Andre Powell Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12 Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; Ephesians 6:2 The dictionary defines honor as: to hold in honor or high respect; revere: to honor one's parents. God gives this instruction to honor our parents as a commandment, which means it better be obeyed! This is something that is near and dear to the Lord, otherwise the added promise wouldn't be necessary. The promise is…that thy days may be long up the land. And for many of us that promise is a great thing (more time to live is definitely a plus in my book!).
Because I honored my mother, I was obedient to what she said and asked (most of the time without any lip). When we revere our parents, we get blessing and there is no simpler way to say it. Don’t disrespect them and don't take them for granted. You only have one mom and one dad. That is all. Yes others my adopt you into their families, (the Metz-Gecowets, Coles and Hawkins families have adopted me and, while I know that I am not blood kin to them, they treat me like one of them and I honor them just the same), but there is still only one mother and father that are your blood. It really annoys me how much society has made it okay to be disrespectful to our elders. There is such a lack of respect for each other and it is worse between kids and grown ups. When I was growing up, spankings were okay. If a child was out of line, you spanked them and sent them home to their parents. There was less time out and more switches (if you have every picked your own you know exactly what I'm talking about). If society would go back to when it was okay to correct our children properly, maybe there would be less unruly youth. Maybe kids would receive better grades. Maybe there would be fewer smarty pants and bad attitudes. One of my favorite lines from a parent is: "I'm disciplining you because I love you…" But I will never forget what my grandma said to my mom, "You're never too old to get a whippin!" (I hadn't laughed that hard in a long time. I love you Grandma Henderson!). Out of honor and reverence to your parents, be obedient, listen to what they have to say and do as they ask you even if you don't want to. They are looking out for your best interest even when you get to be my age. Just remember, "You're NEVER too old to get a whippin!" 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, 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. 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! 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.” |
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Forgiving them is a spiritual blessing for you. Your spirit is able to make peace with them and the hurt go away with them. Even though our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was badly beaten, fleshed torn off by a cat of nine tails, a thorn crown forced on his head, nailed to the cross, and pierced in his sides, He pleaded to God the Father saying “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. (Luke 23:34b) In order for us to get our lives right with God, we must repent of our sins, including ones others; ask God for forgiveness. In Acts 26:18 God is speaking to Saul also known as Paul saying, “open their eyes, in order to turn them from the darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” God also says but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”(Mark 3:29-30) Acts 5:31 reads Him God has exalted to his right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and Forgiveness of sins. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:38-39) So what these verses say to me is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Prince who sits at God’s right hand, will forgive me of all my sins if I just believe in Him and ask for it. I cleansed through him.
Although I grew up in the Baptist denomination, I became acquainted with the Church of God in Christ at an early age. One of my brothers eventually "left" our local Baptist church when he was a teenager and began fellowshipping with the "saints" at the local "holiness church." This is the church where one could find most of the young people in our community on a Sunday afternoon. This is where we attended Young Peoples Willing Workers (YPWW) Bible classes, classes that were taught differently from out Baptist Training Union classes (BTU). YPWW classes were taught by Spirit-filled missionaries and ministers who were young at heart; they loved and appreciated young people. They always ended YPWW classes by bringing all the children together for Bible scripture competition. Our teachers would call out a verse, and we had to quickly thumb through our Bibles to find the scripture, stand up, and read it. There were never any prizes given out for the winner—just the satisfaction of knowing that one knew where to locate the scriptures. This little game helped us to learn the books of the Bible and recite verses.
What we know to be true when we’re in trouble is that the instrument panel provides certainty regardless of how we feel. People who are hurting have often told me, “I know what’s true from the neck up, but somehow it doesn’t make sense in my heart.” We assume that if it only makes sense in our heads, it’s not helpful, but it is.
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Growing up I was taught to have manners. It was yes ma'am and no ma'am, yes sir and no sir to my elders. Please and thank you to everyone. I didn’t do this because my peers said so, but because my mom said so, which meant it was law. I may have forgotten it at times, but then my mom would look at me with her "Don't make me grab you, answering me with WHAT!" stare. As I got older, things became a little more relaxed with me, but I never lost that habit of being respectful. Today, some people even tell me that I make them feel so old when I say yes ma’am and no sir – but it was just how I was raised. I know that if it were not for my mother and grandmother I would be a very poor speaker and pretty rude. They instilled in me that politeness and chivalry are important, no matter when or where. And even when I may have dismissed things they taught, I knew better.
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:
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.
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.” |
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