Posts Tagged ‘Word of the Month’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.” 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. Change – September 09 WOTM
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
Change The month of September brings about a new change on the horizon. For many parts of the world, the sweltering summer heat will give way to a refreshing, cool, and comfortable season of early autumn. The green leaves on the trees will soon change to God’s handy work: a beautiful array of assorted colors. Many students are filled with the excitement of going back to school and will meet new friends, teachers, and confront the challenges of a higher academic curriculum. Even in American sports, the baseball, “boys of summer” will soon give way to the football athletes on the, “grid iron.” However, with all the changes that the autumn season brings, God will never change. In Malachi 3-6a, God tells the people of Israel, “For I am the Lord, I change not.” Hebrews 13:8 informs us, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” While the children of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years because of their disobedience to God, His unconditional love for them never changed. No matter what we’ve done in the past, good or bad, it’s comforting to know that God’s love for us will never change. Instead, God want us to continually change and do his will! As the clay on the potter’s wheel, Jeremiah 18: 1-6, God wants to shape us and mold us to be like Him. All souls belong to God and it’s His desire that every soul will be delivered from sin and live an everlasting life, II Peter 3:9. Additionally, God does not change and pardon godless laws in this world’s system. Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:2. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. If we all allow God to continually change us into doing his will, we can live fruitful and joyful lives in this world’s age…no matter how much the world changes. Deacon Jeff Howard Why We Need To Pray – August 09 WOTM
Friday, August 7th, 2009
Why We Need To Pray John Mabry 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. 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 absolute reality of God’s power in the minds of those who heard Elijah pray upon Mt. Carmel when they saw the living fire fall from heaven to blaze upon the altar. God tell us “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 Chron. 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 baffled by one crisis after another: millions of Americans seeking work, skyrocketing medical costs, run-away inflation, crime in the streets, the demise of the family unit. Our political leaders have tried numerous legislative programs to correct these problems but to no avail. At no time have our leaders suggested getting back to basics: family prayer and the necessity of attending church regularly. 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”? ### 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 Jesus. . .the Main Ingredient – May 09 WOTM
Friday, June 5th, 2009
Jesus the Main Ingredient Luke 2:42 – 52 I do not claim to be a master chef or a man that has mastered the art of cooking, but I do know there are certain ingredients you cannot do without when it comes to certain dishes. For example, can you really bake bread without yeast? Can you honestly tell me you can bake a homemade pie with rolling dough? Every one who has fried chicken without flour, stop right now and repent!! Comedy aside, we understand there are certain things that can be categorized as complimentary, but others are essential. The text today begins with Mary, Joseph and a twelve year old Jesus traveling to Jerusalem to observe the Passover. After completing their religious duties, the mother and father begin their journey back home. They traveled an entire day before they realized their oldest son was not with them. At first glance, one may think what kind of parents were they to go off and leave their son (who just happened to be the Messiah). Upon closer review we understand in that day and time because of the danger of thieves who ambushed travelers (see Luke 10:30-34), people traveled in large groups for protection. Notice the Scriptures say “…supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.” Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was with them – what a message. Consider this:
My dear friends, we must be careful as we minister and serve in the church. We can become so involved with projects, deadlines, programs, rallies, ministries, and anything else that falls under the banner of “church work” We must never loose focus on the fact that Jesus is the reason why we do what we do! If He is not in the middle of whatever we’re involved in we are wasting our time. Remember the old hymn, “Only What You Do for Christ Will Last”? You may build great cathedrals large or small, you can build skyscrapers grand and tall, you may conquer all the failures of the past, but only what you do for Christ will last. It is good to know Mary and Joseph didn’t go too long without recognizing Jesus was absent. I want to encourage you today, stop right now and take a look at what you’re doing. No matter what your assignment is in the Kingdom. If you are an usher, make sure Jesus is in your ushering; if you are a Sunday School teacher, make sure Jesus is in your teaching; if you are singing in the choir, make sure Jesus is in your singing; if you are a preacher, make sure Jesus is in your preaching. I even go to this extreme, if you are a parent, make sure Jesus is in your parenting; if you are married, make sure Jesus is in your marriage; if you are a bus driver, make sure Jesus is in your driving. If you want guaranteed success, do not leave out the main ingredient, JESUS! He is not in your family; He is not in your friends. He is not among your stuff. You’ll find Him in the Church. Jesus, the Main Ingredient!! Be Blessed in the Lord Pastor E. B. Pruitte, Jr. |
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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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