August 2, 2020
When we began this Sunday Message series, we were just beginning our adventure of church beyond walls. I knew that some would be challenged with the growing technology of church-at-home. So, I hoped that a texted Sunday Message would be helpful as we all figured out what we were going to do. Thank you so much to each minister who so willingly supported with their Sunday Message. Each Sunday, I have been so excited about the message the Lord sent. They were each so timely - and I am grateful.
However, this will be the last consistent Sunday Message. Like almost everyone else, I didn’t believe we would be away from our “normal” for this long and the intent for Sunday Message was to fill in a brief gap. It is my hope and prayer that these messages have filled that purpose.
Thank you so much for supporting this ministry with your prayers, comments, and the simple fact that you take the time to read and pray with me each week day. I am forever grateful because your comments are always on time and supportive.
We will continue each weekday’s Daily Prayer and every now and again, there may be a Sunday Message. But for now…. We will end where we began….
However, this will be the last consistent Sunday Message. Like almost everyone else, I didn’t believe we would be away from our “normal” for this long and the intent for Sunday Message was to fill in a brief gap. It is my hope and prayer that these messages have filled that purpose.
Thank you so much for supporting this ministry with your prayers, comments, and the simple fact that you take the time to read and pray with me each week day. I am forever grateful because your comments are always on time and supportive.
We will continue each weekday’s Daily Prayer and every now and again, there may be a Sunday Message. But for now…. We will end where we began….
Are Your Eyes Watching God?
Sis Tiffany Moore Adams
Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church
(originally posted March 22, 2020)
Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church
(originally posted March 22, 2020)
Consider "Their Eyes Were Watching God", a novel by Zora Neale Hurston. Not so much the story, but the title keeps playing in my mind during this time. We, as a society, have become SO busy with our jobs, our children, ourselves, in general. I had an opportunity to speak with some ladies last year regarding living as a virtuous woman. My title was "Put Your 'But' Behind You: Removing Hesitation to Reach Your Destination." Sometimes our ‘but’ is all of the things we have placed in front of God, causing us to lose sight of our priorities.
As Christians, we were created to glorify God in all that we do. Our mandate is to GO and spread the gospel. I’m reminded of when Jesus walked on water. In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus sent the disciples ahead of him while he took time to pray alone on the mountain. He later joined them by walking on the water towards them because their ship had drifted from the land. His closest friends and followers, the disciples, didn’t recognize him for who he was. They questioned him and they were even afraid. I have to wonder if that is where we are now. Is Jesus standing right in front of us and we are missing him? Jesus told the disciples not to be afraid and identified himself. Are we simply not listening, or are we seeking verification like Peter did? Peter heard him but needed proof. Jesus, in his true form, simply told Peter, ‘Come”. Peter initially walked on water towards Jesus, but when his focus was shifted to the wind, he began to sink, but yet and still, Jesus rescued him. Jesus not only rescued sinking Peter, but he joined the other disciples on the boat. His mere presence calmed the wind.
I know that, in this moment, we are like the disciples. Yes we are on the turbulent ship, uncertain of the outcome, but Christ sits on high and continues to look out for us, just like he prayed on the mountain while the disciples were out on the rough waters. He has extended himself during this shut down to give us peace and to remove distractions. We see all the closings, and limitations, and negative reports; those are our distractions as was the wind for Peter. It is left to us to focus and to ‘COME’. Jesus did not have to prove to anyone who he was, but he knows his people and what they have need of. He has whispered over and over again to us to make him our focus, and we continued to give him our little when he needs our first.
So in an effort to assist us in meeting his mandate he has removed many of the distractions/idols (school, work, church buildings and practices). Many of us have spent time with ourselves, and our families, as a result of removed distractions. What are you doing with this time? Are we focused on Him or all of the news reports, ‘the wind’.
This situation is by no means over, and when God is ready He will calm these winds. The question is, “What will we do in the midst?”. Will we regroup and refocus, give God the attention he desires and deserves? 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will heal their land.” If you continue to read verses 15-16, it speaks to the power of prayer and God’s attention to our prayers. So my challenge to all of us during this time is to keep our focus, not on our current circumstance, but on God, our provider.
Are your eyes watching God?
Amen.
Matthew 14:22-33 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/mat.14.22-33.kjv
2 Chronicles 7:14-16 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/2ch.7.14-16.kjv
https://www.bible.com/1/mat.14.22-33.kjv
2 Chronicles 7:14-16 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/2ch.7.14-16.kjv
Have a GREAT Sunday and see you tomorrow for Another Day's Journey
July 26, 2020
“I Shall Yet Praise God” (Part 2)
Rev. Freeman Ray
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Cleveland, TN
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Cleveland, TN
Last week, we began to look at the 42nd Psalm, which was writtenwith a theme of “thirsting (yearning) for God in time of trouble.”
“When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.”
Psalms 42:4-5 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/psa.42.4-5.nkjv
We pick up today in verse 4, where the psalmist writes, “I remember the processions to the temple for Holy Days…I used to lead them.” He infers that he did it with gladness and joy. We too remember what going to church used to be like. The psalmist tried to find comfort in memories, but it made it worse.
Some of us miss going to church, but when you did go, did you go with joy in your heart? If not, you don’t miss God…you miss church! You miss the social club you were a part of. Understandably however, that can cause depression. It is not unusual for people, even Christians, to be depressed. But what causes your depression? Loved ones? Friends? The church seemingly falling apart? Or, during these COVID-19 closures, is it absence from God?
In the “A” clause of verse 5, the psalmist decides he is going to Praise Him anyhow. The refrain of this 42nd psalm occurs in Psalm 42:5, 42:11, and 43:5. He is talking to himself and asking, “Why am I sad?” He questions why his soul (inner-self) is upset? His discovery challenges him to asses why he is longing. He realizes that even in the midst of exile, he can still worship God. So he then asks again, “So why am I sad now?”
For us (the New Testament church and current believers), God gave us an indwelling of The Holy Spirit. So why are we downcast now? We have access to God, and we have access to the church—at least virtually. We still hear singing, read scripture, have prayer, and have offering (for those who choose to do so). We can still talk on computers and/or phones, which is fellowship…it is different, but it is nonetheless fellowship. And most of all, we can still hear the sermon (AMEN!). We can even respond with smiley faces and hearts and thumbs up on many livestreams of worship at our different churches. So why are we downcast?
In the “B” clause of verse 5, the psalmist describes “hope”—we can’t see it, and it hasn’t happened yet, but it is what we want to happen. He talks about his hope in God, and he declares that (due to his hope) he will praise Him (in the Temple) again in the future (soon). The psalmist tries to balance his feelings. He balances feeling sad, angry, and rejected on one hand, versus keeping hope alive and praising God “now” on the other hand. He chose to praise God in the present, and stop concerning himself with a hope in future of which he had no control. As a church, we have to make the same determination. We must choose to praise God now, in spite of our circumstances of not being allowed into our respective houses of worship. While we miss going to church in this season, we can still worship God.
Tasha Cobbs sings that we ought to “Put a praise on it.” Marvin Sapp says in song that we should “Praise Him in advance.” Jekalyn Carr sings that “Greater is coming.” Maurette Brown Clark sings, “I just want to praise you.” Before his death, Walter Hawkins and the Love Alive Choir used to sing, “Don’t wait ‘til the battle is over to shout!” We must decide that we are going to offer our best praises to God today. Let’s not wait until next week to praise God, because we don’t want God to wait until next week for God to bless us.
If we are hoping for and expecting a blessing this week, then know that God is expecting a praise from you this week.
“When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.”
Psalms 42:4-5 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/psa.42.4-5.nkjv
We pick up today in verse 4, where the psalmist writes, “I remember the processions to the temple for Holy Days…I used to lead them.” He infers that he did it with gladness and joy. We too remember what going to church used to be like. The psalmist tried to find comfort in memories, but it made it worse.
Some of us miss going to church, but when you did go, did you go with joy in your heart? If not, you don’t miss God…you miss church! You miss the social club you were a part of. Understandably however, that can cause depression. It is not unusual for people, even Christians, to be depressed. But what causes your depression? Loved ones? Friends? The church seemingly falling apart? Or, during these COVID-19 closures, is it absence from God?
In the “A” clause of verse 5, the psalmist decides he is going to Praise Him anyhow. The refrain of this 42nd psalm occurs in Psalm 42:5, 42:11, and 43:5. He is talking to himself and asking, “Why am I sad?” He questions why his soul (inner-self) is upset? His discovery challenges him to asses why he is longing. He realizes that even in the midst of exile, he can still worship God. So he then asks again, “So why am I sad now?”
For us (the New Testament church and current believers), God gave us an indwelling of The Holy Spirit. So why are we downcast now? We have access to God, and we have access to the church—at least virtually. We still hear singing, read scripture, have prayer, and have offering (for those who choose to do so). We can still talk on computers and/or phones, which is fellowship…it is different, but it is nonetheless fellowship. And most of all, we can still hear the sermon (AMEN!). We can even respond with smiley faces and hearts and thumbs up on many livestreams of worship at our different churches. So why are we downcast?
In the “B” clause of verse 5, the psalmist describes “hope”—we can’t see it, and it hasn’t happened yet, but it is what we want to happen. He talks about his hope in God, and he declares that (due to his hope) he will praise Him (in the Temple) again in the future (soon). The psalmist tries to balance his feelings. He balances feeling sad, angry, and rejected on one hand, versus keeping hope alive and praising God “now” on the other hand. He chose to praise God in the present, and stop concerning himself with a hope in future of which he had no control. As a church, we have to make the same determination. We must choose to praise God now, in spite of our circumstances of not being allowed into our respective houses of worship. While we miss going to church in this season, we can still worship God.
Tasha Cobbs sings that we ought to “Put a praise on it.” Marvin Sapp says in song that we should “Praise Him in advance.” Jekalyn Carr sings that “Greater is coming.” Maurette Brown Clark sings, “I just want to praise you.” Before his death, Walter Hawkins and the Love Alive Choir used to sing, “Don’t wait ‘til the battle is over to shout!” We must decide that we are going to offer our best praises to God today. Let’s not wait until next week to praise God, because we don’t want God to wait until next week for God to bless us.
If we are hoping for and expecting a blessing this week, then know that God is expecting a praise from you this week.
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Anthony Brown and Group Therapy sum all of this up in their song, “This Week!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vad0iN03ask |
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“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.”
Psalms 42:5 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/psa.42.5.nkjv
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”
Psalms 42:11 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/psa.42.11.nkjv
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”
Psalms 43:5 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/psa.43.5.nkjv
Psalms 42:5 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/psa.42.5.nkjv
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”
Psalms 42:11 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/psa.42.11.nkjv
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”
Psalms 43:5 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/psa.43.5.nkjv
July 19, 2020
“I Shall Yet Praise God”
Rev. Freeman Ray
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Cleveland, TN
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Cleveland, TN
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.”
Psalms 42:1-5 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/psa.42.1-5.nkjv
Although the author is unnamed (possibly David) in this Psalm, scholars generally agree that Psalms 42 and 43 were initially intended to be read together. It was written for the Sons of Korah, who had a special role in temple singing. They were the praise leaders. This section in the Psalms (to include the 42nd and 43rd Psalms) lines up with the book Exodus (relating to a time where the Hebrew people were “separated” from God).
In today’s text, the Psalmist is literally longing for God. He is thirsting for God during a time of exile. This is during one of the times when the Hebrew nation was not able to worship God in Jerusalem. Just as we are out of church right now. Naturally, we long for God. We “Thirst” for God. Metaphorically (not only literally), Jesus said, “I Thirst!” He was longing for God, not just hydration. Twenty something years ago, I was running in the heat of the day in the middle of an Alabama summer, and of course, part of the way through, I needed water. I was thirsty. Thirsty needs attention. Water, or hydration, became my focal point. I lost track of my original goal. There was no place to get water in my time of need. I had no money and no phone (remember this was over twenty years ago). I did not want to go into a restaurant because I was heavily perspiring and I had taken my shirt off in the heat of the day. I knew I was not presentable enough to go ask for a “free” glass of water, all the while not being a customer. I contemplated ringing somebody’s doorbell to ask for water, or just going to somebody’s side yard to drink from their hose, but for safety reasons, I opted against that.
In my thirst, I had to re-evaluate my journey and my method. I walked the last two miles home. It took forever, but when I reached my apartment, I was able to replenish all that was lost during my run. In order to make it home, I had to shift my focus away from my thirst and realign my focus with the original plan—reaching home.
In our text today, our Psalmist has shifted his focus to his thirst for God and missing worship in the temple. It is not until he realigns his focus with the reason for wanting to be in the Temple (to be nearer to God during worship) that he understands “quenching” his thirst to worship God in the temple is not the priority, rather simply the priority is to worship God.
The theme of this 42 Psalm is “thirsting (yearning) for God in time of trouble.” Verse 6 mentions the psalmists location—North (far from Jerusalem). Some ancient Hebrew texts connect the last word of verse 5 with the first word of verse 6 (it just depends on what translation you are reading). Let’s look at the text. In verse 1, the psalmist analyzes how a panting (tired and longing for) deer desperately desires water. He is thirsty in a land that is dry all around. We don’t know why the deer is tired, but we know that water will replenish and refresh it. The psalmist equates himself to the deer, stating “My soul (inner being) desperately desires you,” acknowledging that he needs to be replenished and refreshed. The psalmist is panting for God, longing for His presence. He recognizes that God is nourishment. The English Standard Version (ESV) uses the term “flowing streams” in reference to what the deer desires, in order to insinuate a continuous flow of fresh water (fresh now), and not sitting or stagnant water such as a pond. He equates his thirst to that of the deer, desiring to be in the face of God (fresh now).
The Psalmist expresses a desire to worship God in person, in the Temple, making an assumed reference to Exodus 23:14 and 23:17, where Moses wrote that “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord God” (The Festival of Unleavened Bread, The Festival of First Fruits, and the Festival of the Final Harvest). As the writer was penning this psalm, he believed he was breaking a command of God, since he was missing these festivals, as this psalm was written in exile. How do you think he felt? I am sure worse than us. How many of us have penned a poem or song to commemorate our loss of the privilege to worship God in His house (presence)? Our psalmist is asking God, “When Can I worship you again in the Temple? He was thirsty. Just as Jesus said, “I thirst,” he had feelings of alienation from God. Notating his thirst, he acknowledged the only water he had was tears, (which are salty). Remember that run I was telling you about earlier? When you are desperate for water, any moisture looks good. The perspiration on your forearm appears to be thirst quenching…it is not. It is salty, and of no use—just like tears. The psalmist insists that instead of divine nourishment, he was left to fend for himself. How many of us feel left to fend for ourselves right now?
To make matters worse, our writer said those who opposed him (his enemies) were taunting him and asking “Where is your God now?” It seems as if our enemies are doing the same thing with us right now. The church is the representation of God. Therefore, we need to remain Godly—even when world “taunts” us. Look at what is happening all around us right now with social justice as a result of the death of George Floyd (and many others). The church has the opportunity to stand in the forefront of social change, even in the midst of our own despair.
We miss worshipping in the house of the Lord, but we can be examples to the world through our everyday worship. People will come against the church with hate, but we can respond with love…the love of God.
(We’ll post the conclusion to this next week. You will not want to miss it.)
Psalms 42:1-5 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/psa.42.1-5.nkjv
Although the author is unnamed (possibly David) in this Psalm, scholars generally agree that Psalms 42 and 43 were initially intended to be read together. It was written for the Sons of Korah, who had a special role in temple singing. They were the praise leaders. This section in the Psalms (to include the 42nd and 43rd Psalms) lines up with the book Exodus (relating to a time where the Hebrew people were “separated” from God).
In today’s text, the Psalmist is literally longing for God. He is thirsting for God during a time of exile. This is during one of the times when the Hebrew nation was not able to worship God in Jerusalem. Just as we are out of church right now. Naturally, we long for God. We “Thirst” for God. Metaphorically (not only literally), Jesus said, “I Thirst!” He was longing for God, not just hydration. Twenty something years ago, I was running in the heat of the day in the middle of an Alabama summer, and of course, part of the way through, I needed water. I was thirsty. Thirsty needs attention. Water, or hydration, became my focal point. I lost track of my original goal. There was no place to get water in my time of need. I had no money and no phone (remember this was over twenty years ago). I did not want to go into a restaurant because I was heavily perspiring and I had taken my shirt off in the heat of the day. I knew I was not presentable enough to go ask for a “free” glass of water, all the while not being a customer. I contemplated ringing somebody’s doorbell to ask for water, or just going to somebody’s side yard to drink from their hose, but for safety reasons, I opted against that.
In my thirst, I had to re-evaluate my journey and my method. I walked the last two miles home. It took forever, but when I reached my apartment, I was able to replenish all that was lost during my run. In order to make it home, I had to shift my focus away from my thirst and realign my focus with the original plan—reaching home.
In our text today, our Psalmist has shifted his focus to his thirst for God and missing worship in the temple. It is not until he realigns his focus with the reason for wanting to be in the Temple (to be nearer to God during worship) that he understands “quenching” his thirst to worship God in the temple is not the priority, rather simply the priority is to worship God.
The theme of this 42 Psalm is “thirsting (yearning) for God in time of trouble.” Verse 6 mentions the psalmists location—North (far from Jerusalem). Some ancient Hebrew texts connect the last word of verse 5 with the first word of verse 6 (it just depends on what translation you are reading). Let’s look at the text. In verse 1, the psalmist analyzes how a panting (tired and longing for) deer desperately desires water. He is thirsty in a land that is dry all around. We don’t know why the deer is tired, but we know that water will replenish and refresh it. The psalmist equates himself to the deer, stating “My soul (inner being) desperately desires you,” acknowledging that he needs to be replenished and refreshed. The psalmist is panting for God, longing for His presence. He recognizes that God is nourishment. The English Standard Version (ESV) uses the term “flowing streams” in reference to what the deer desires, in order to insinuate a continuous flow of fresh water (fresh now), and not sitting or stagnant water such as a pond. He equates his thirst to that of the deer, desiring to be in the face of God (fresh now).
The Psalmist expresses a desire to worship God in person, in the Temple, making an assumed reference to Exodus 23:14 and 23:17, where Moses wrote that “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord God” (The Festival of Unleavened Bread, The Festival of First Fruits, and the Festival of the Final Harvest). As the writer was penning this psalm, he believed he was breaking a command of God, since he was missing these festivals, as this psalm was written in exile. How do you think he felt? I am sure worse than us. How many of us have penned a poem or song to commemorate our loss of the privilege to worship God in His house (presence)? Our psalmist is asking God, “When Can I worship you again in the Temple? He was thirsty. Just as Jesus said, “I thirst,” he had feelings of alienation from God. Notating his thirst, he acknowledged the only water he had was tears, (which are salty). Remember that run I was telling you about earlier? When you are desperate for water, any moisture looks good. The perspiration on your forearm appears to be thirst quenching…it is not. It is salty, and of no use—just like tears. The psalmist insists that instead of divine nourishment, he was left to fend for himself. How many of us feel left to fend for ourselves right now?
To make matters worse, our writer said those who opposed him (his enemies) were taunting him and asking “Where is your God now?” It seems as if our enemies are doing the same thing with us right now. The church is the representation of God. Therefore, we need to remain Godly—even when world “taunts” us. Look at what is happening all around us right now with social justice as a result of the death of George Floyd (and many others). The church has the opportunity to stand in the forefront of social change, even in the midst of our own despair.
We miss worshipping in the house of the Lord, but we can be examples to the world through our everyday worship. People will come against the church with hate, but we can respond with love…the love of God.
(We’ll post the conclusion to this next week. You will not want to miss it.)
July 12, 2020
Good morning. The Sunday Message will be delayed as I am taking care of a family matter. Have a GREAT morning.
July 5, 2020
God sees the Good
James A. Weathersby M.Div., BCC
Chaplain II
Riverview Psychiatric Center, Augusta, Maine
Chaplain II
Riverview Psychiatric Center, Augusta, Maine
Zechariah 9:9-12 Psalm 145:8-15 Romans 7:15-25a Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
I was told lately that I am too much of an optimist. I root for America. I believe in the goodness of humanity and that people really are good at heart. I honk my car when I pass the Flag. I stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and sing, too loud for my wife, in church, during the National Anthem and the titled ‘Negro Anthem, ‘ Lift Every Voice and Sing. I stop for ducks walking the two-lane roads in Maine. I hold the door open for Seniors older than me. I say grace over my meals, and I know the verses to the Marine Corps Hymn. I see the good in the world and in people, because I believe that is what God does. I don’t believe that God ever gives up on people: if not for the darkness of Segregation, we would not have the piercing light of todays’ Protests. Love is stronger than hate. A smile is more alluring than a frown. God yet lives, despite evidence to the contrary. God sees the good, as that allows us to see it as well.
In the second half of the Holy Bible, we find recorded in the New Testament Gospel of the Jewish Tax Collector Matthew these words in chapter 11, “yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” (Vs.26). however, this is one instance I prefer the translation from the Greek into English, from the King James Version, “Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your Sight”. This section of the Gospel (good news) is Jesus speaking in public, first to his followers and then to the public. Whenever Jesus spoke, people paused to listen and pay heed. They listened for a different perspective on their Jewish faith and practice. The public listened for an expansion on the beliefs they held dear for generations without question. The disenfranchised heard liberation and inclusion. The Roman soldiers heard compassion for following their orders. The Religious leaders heard conviction for their sternness. The women, the poor and the forgotten homeless heard about the love of God. This Jesus was worth listening to, because everyone heard something for their situation and circumstance. These words of Jesus still draw a crowd.
Jesus talked about love more than condemnation of the human condition. Jesus spoke more about including others than excluding foreigners, the wealthy and the religious minority. Jesus had an understanding unique to his personality: He understood God and understood people. He understood Gods’ viewpoint, therefore His motivation was always for people. Jesus also understood peoples need to hide their sins, conceal their shortcomings and stay out of the light of Divine involvement. So, when Jesus tells about the eyesight of God, the public knew this was something truly amazing. The traditional view of God was harsh; God condemns disobedience and rewards the faithful and loyal. Here comes a young preacher who announces welcome for a prodigal son (Luke 15:11-35) the blessedness of people with few resources (Matthew chapters 5-7) and the greatest mystery of Eternity. That mystery is still debated in 2020: God loves people (John3:16). This love is so particular, we can place our names in place of the pronouns of John 3:16. God sees the good, because God knows the good in each person.
I agree with Gandhi; each person needs to be reminded that they are my brother and sister. When we recognize we are of the same human family, we have no need to harm or punish one another. I will not steal from my brother and I will not lie on my sister. I cannot murder my neighbor or act contrary to our relatedness before God. Jesus said in verse 26, “this seemed good in the sigh of God.” This not to extol brutality or discrimination, not to condone rioting or excuse the suspicions of the majority cultures around the world. What seems good to God is that we learn to live with one another. We learn this planet Earth is our only home and we cannot treat it with disdain or ignore its changes. We must wear masks against Novel Virus Covid19 for the protection of everyone. Poverty and unemployment may not be ours today- it could be ours tomorrow. We must respond to the needs of our fellow human beings; this seems good in the sight of God.
This must be how we see our new reality, under God…together! One Nation, Under God. Pax.
I was told lately that I am too much of an optimist. I root for America. I believe in the goodness of humanity and that people really are good at heart. I honk my car when I pass the Flag. I stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and sing, too loud for my wife, in church, during the National Anthem and the titled ‘Negro Anthem, ‘ Lift Every Voice and Sing. I stop for ducks walking the two-lane roads in Maine. I hold the door open for Seniors older than me. I say grace over my meals, and I know the verses to the Marine Corps Hymn. I see the good in the world and in people, because I believe that is what God does. I don’t believe that God ever gives up on people: if not for the darkness of Segregation, we would not have the piercing light of todays’ Protests. Love is stronger than hate. A smile is more alluring than a frown. God yet lives, despite evidence to the contrary. God sees the good, as that allows us to see it as well.
In the second half of the Holy Bible, we find recorded in the New Testament Gospel of the Jewish Tax Collector Matthew these words in chapter 11, “yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” (Vs.26). however, this is one instance I prefer the translation from the Greek into English, from the King James Version, “Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your Sight”. This section of the Gospel (good news) is Jesus speaking in public, first to his followers and then to the public. Whenever Jesus spoke, people paused to listen and pay heed. They listened for a different perspective on their Jewish faith and practice. The public listened for an expansion on the beliefs they held dear for generations without question. The disenfranchised heard liberation and inclusion. The Roman soldiers heard compassion for following their orders. The Religious leaders heard conviction for their sternness. The women, the poor and the forgotten homeless heard about the love of God. This Jesus was worth listening to, because everyone heard something for their situation and circumstance. These words of Jesus still draw a crowd.
Jesus talked about love more than condemnation of the human condition. Jesus spoke more about including others than excluding foreigners, the wealthy and the religious minority. Jesus had an understanding unique to his personality: He understood God and understood people. He understood Gods’ viewpoint, therefore His motivation was always for people. Jesus also understood peoples need to hide their sins, conceal their shortcomings and stay out of the light of Divine involvement. So, when Jesus tells about the eyesight of God, the public knew this was something truly amazing. The traditional view of God was harsh; God condemns disobedience and rewards the faithful and loyal. Here comes a young preacher who announces welcome for a prodigal son (Luke 15:11-35) the blessedness of people with few resources (Matthew chapters 5-7) and the greatest mystery of Eternity. That mystery is still debated in 2020: God loves people (John3:16). This love is so particular, we can place our names in place of the pronouns of John 3:16. God sees the good, because God knows the good in each person.
I agree with Gandhi; each person needs to be reminded that they are my brother and sister. When we recognize we are of the same human family, we have no need to harm or punish one another. I will not steal from my brother and I will not lie on my sister. I cannot murder my neighbor or act contrary to our relatedness before God. Jesus said in verse 26, “this seemed good in the sigh of God.” This not to extol brutality or discrimination, not to condone rioting or excuse the suspicions of the majority cultures around the world. What seems good to God is that we learn to live with one another. We learn this planet Earth is our only home and we cannot treat it with disdain or ignore its changes. We must wear masks against Novel Virus Covid19 for the protection of everyone. Poverty and unemployment may not be ours today- it could be ours tomorrow. We must respond to the needs of our fellow human beings; this seems good in the sight of God.
This must be how we see our new reality, under God…together! One Nation, Under God. Pax.
|
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/mat.11.16-19,25-30.kjv Romans 7:15-25 KJV https://www.bible.com/1/rom.7.15-25.kjv |
Zechariah 9:9-12 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/zec.9.9-12.kjv Psalms 145:8-15 KJV https://www.bible.com/1/psa.145.8-15.kjv |
June 28, 2020
He will not leave us Comfortless
Vernet Clemons Nettles
Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church
Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
John 14:18 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/jhn.14.18.kjv
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.””
Revelation 21:4 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/rev.21.4.nkjv
This has been an amazing year. Many things have taken place. We have had successes and challenges along the way. And on this 2020 path, God has called and is calling a number of people to his heavenly home. Some of these Godly Roses I know personally, some of them I know indirectly, and some I don’t know at all. But overall, there has been and is much grief.
In the Scripture, John 14:18, Jesus tells us that he will not leave us comfortless; He will not leave us alone and He has not. I have witnessed testimonies of the comfort of Christ during these times of bereavement. Our God lives in our daily walks of life - if we pay attention. A store owner gifts a young and pregnant widow clothing for the funeral services. God sends a new husband to a friend whose father passes soon after. Men stand in honor of their deceased mentor and promise to stand in support of the legacy with his son and to be mentors to his grandson. God sends a staff of football coaches to promise to stand in for sons whose father has passed suddenly. Someone sends pictures to a grieving granddaughter to remind her of the good times with her grandmother. God is in all things and sends us comfort, sometimes in the least expected places. Keep watch.
David says in his Psalm 34:18 that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. My best friend who has lost a son said in comfort to everyone else, “the family is brokenhearted but not broken. God has a plan and we must stand with God.” Glorious Father, thank you for your spirit that you pour into our spirits crushed by life.
In our grief, we sometimes become self-focused. We see only our loss. But when we look for signs of God in the midst, he sends them so that there is comfort. When we open our hearts to the words of our friends who seek to remind us that the life of our loved one touched them. There is comfort there, as well. The one memory I lean on when I think about my father’s passing happened during his wake services. I looked around and there were people in the balcony and all down the aisle outside the church. I was and still am overwhelmed by the people his life touched. In that crowd was God reminding me and my family that my dad’s legacy continues. And as long as there is legacy, there is comfort.
Even when expected, death is never easy. It is never easy to wait on it and never easy when it happens. But as God gives us comfort, and He gives us enough comfort to comfort others. Sometimes we want it all for ourselves, because we feel so broken. But God gives us enough. II Corinthians 1:3 - 4 says that God comforts us that we may comfort others. We must remember always, that this time it is somebody else, but the next time it could be us. Comfort each other. Love each other - in good times and in grief. This love is the love we lean on when we need it.
But most importantly in this time of grief, when we don’t understand and we ask “Why?”, we are charged to remember that this life may be over, but life is not over. It is so important that we are reminded that we will see our loved ones again - when we believe that God is our Father and Christ is our Salvation. Revelation 21:4 says that God will wipe our tears and death shall be no more. Thank you, Lord. While crying at the funeral, people told me not to cry. But I am so glad that God does not compel us not to cry. Go ahead and cry because He will wipe away our tears. Glory! And death doesn’t have a chance, because in Christ, death shall be no more. We will see our loved ones again. In the presence of Christ, we will see them again. Thank you, Lord and Amen and amen.
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things - for the strength that you pour into our spirits when we need it the most. Thank you for your Word, that reminds us that you are with us; you are our comforter; you are our healer; and that you are with us. Thank you for your love that assures us that we can be with our loved ones again. Father, welcome our loved ones Home, then watch over us as we continue this journey, as we rest in your comfort, and remember the love of the ones now with you. Father, in all things, we thank you, we love you and we bless your Holy Name. In Jesus’ name we pray and rest. Amen.
John 14:18 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/jhn.14.18.kjv
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.””
Revelation 21:4 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/rev.21.4.nkjv
This has been an amazing year. Many things have taken place. We have had successes and challenges along the way. And on this 2020 path, God has called and is calling a number of people to his heavenly home. Some of these Godly Roses I know personally, some of them I know indirectly, and some I don’t know at all. But overall, there has been and is much grief.
In the Scripture, John 14:18, Jesus tells us that he will not leave us comfortless; He will not leave us alone and He has not. I have witnessed testimonies of the comfort of Christ during these times of bereavement. Our God lives in our daily walks of life - if we pay attention. A store owner gifts a young and pregnant widow clothing for the funeral services. God sends a new husband to a friend whose father passes soon after. Men stand in honor of their deceased mentor and promise to stand in support of the legacy with his son and to be mentors to his grandson. God sends a staff of football coaches to promise to stand in for sons whose father has passed suddenly. Someone sends pictures to a grieving granddaughter to remind her of the good times with her grandmother. God is in all things and sends us comfort, sometimes in the least expected places. Keep watch.
David says in his Psalm 34:18 that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. My best friend who has lost a son said in comfort to everyone else, “the family is brokenhearted but not broken. God has a plan and we must stand with God.” Glorious Father, thank you for your spirit that you pour into our spirits crushed by life.
In our grief, we sometimes become self-focused. We see only our loss. But when we look for signs of God in the midst, he sends them so that there is comfort. When we open our hearts to the words of our friends who seek to remind us that the life of our loved one touched them. There is comfort there, as well. The one memory I lean on when I think about my father’s passing happened during his wake services. I looked around and there were people in the balcony and all down the aisle outside the church. I was and still am overwhelmed by the people his life touched. In that crowd was God reminding me and my family that my dad’s legacy continues. And as long as there is legacy, there is comfort.
Even when expected, death is never easy. It is never easy to wait on it and never easy when it happens. But as God gives us comfort, and He gives us enough comfort to comfort others. Sometimes we want it all for ourselves, because we feel so broken. But God gives us enough. II Corinthians 1:3 - 4 says that God comforts us that we may comfort others. We must remember always, that this time it is somebody else, but the next time it could be us. Comfort each other. Love each other - in good times and in grief. This love is the love we lean on when we need it.
But most importantly in this time of grief, when we don’t understand and we ask “Why?”, we are charged to remember that this life may be over, but life is not over. It is so important that we are reminded that we will see our loved ones again - when we believe that God is our Father and Christ is our Salvation. Revelation 21:4 says that God will wipe our tears and death shall be no more. Thank you, Lord. While crying at the funeral, people told me not to cry. But I am so glad that God does not compel us not to cry. Go ahead and cry because He will wipe away our tears. Glory! And death doesn’t have a chance, because in Christ, death shall be no more. We will see our loved ones again. In the presence of Christ, we will see them again. Thank you, Lord and Amen and amen.
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things - for the strength that you pour into our spirits when we need it the most. Thank you for your Word, that reminds us that you are with us; you are our comforter; you are our healer; and that you are with us. Thank you for your love that assures us that we can be with our loved ones again. Father, welcome our loved ones Home, then watch over us as we continue this journey, as we rest in your comfort, and remember the love of the ones now with you. Father, in all things, we thank you, we love you and we bless your Holy Name. In Jesus’ name we pray and rest. Amen.
Complete scriptures this week:
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
John 14:18 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/jhn.14.18.kjv
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalms 34:18 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/psa.34.18.niv
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
II Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/2co.1.3-4.nkjv
“Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/mat.5.4.nkjv
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.””
Revelation 21:4 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/rev.21.4.nkjv
“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”
John 16:22 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/jhn.16.22.nkjv
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
John 14:18 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/jhn.14.18.kjv
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalms 34:18 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/psa.34.18.niv
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
II Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/2co.1.3-4.nkjv
“Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/mat.5.4.nkjv
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.””
Revelation 21:4 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/rev.21.4.nkjv
“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”
John 16:22 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/jhn.16.22.nkjv
June 21, 2020
Seek the Legacy - Happy Father's Day
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.”
Proverbs 13:22 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/pro.13.22.nkjv
““Then I said to you, ‘Do not be terrified, or afraid of them. The LORD your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He did for you in Egypt before your eyes,”
Deuteronomy 1:29-30 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/deu.1.29-30.nkjv
Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers, brothers, uncles, godfathers, grandfathers, friend-brothers, etc - all of the men in our lives that stand for and stand in for our fathers.
We remain grateful to God for our fathers - especially in our days of emotional, physical, and civil pandemic. We very often get caught up with what our father’s have or have not done. But let us stop a minute - regardless of the have or have not - and focus on the “what is.”
Everyone is familiar with the scripture that the man should be the head of the household. But are we also just as familiar with Proverbs 13:22 - that a good man leaves an inheritance. Not necessarily a financial inheritance, but a legacy. What have we left our children, our family, and our friends with?
As a father or father-figure, what have we taught our children? Are they aware of their history, are they aware of their family legacy, are they aware of even their medical history? So often, our children do not know who they are because we have not poured into them a sense of comfort and true encouragement. Sometimes, just standing in the same room with my father was comforting. We must pour into our children a sense of self, self worth, and self confidence. WIth these, all other things are possible. It is our job as fathers.
But consider... We spend so much time looking for the obvious. But God calls us to look deeper. Sometimes, we must see the “other” things so that we also know what “not” to do. My father worked several jobs - each job served a different purpose to take care of his immediate and extended families. We learned a work ethic, but also learned to work too much. As we got older, we understood the purpose, but we also have begun to learn how to self-correct.
Have you taken the time to see the entirety of the legacy? Have you seen the highs and the lows and have you begun to self-correct? Although there are no hurt feelings about my father’s legacy of work and more work, there are many of us who have hurt feelings about their father’s legacy. However, it is so important to see beyond the hurt. It is more important to see how God wants us to grow beyond the pain, so that we continue to grow beyond the earthly visible so that we can tap into the true Spirit of fatherly love.
Scripture says a good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children - what legacy are we leaving? One of hurt and pain or of love and kindness? And as children, what are we sifting out of these lives - to repeat the cycle when there is neglect and hurt or to seek Godly wisdom so that the legacy evolves with strength and love?
Scripture also says, do not be afraid, because God goes before us. Thank you, God for going before us. Thank you for always being there for us. And we thank you for pouring into our fathers. Continue we pray, to pour into and strengthen our fathers, so that who they are and their legacies continue to grow, strengthen, and evolve.
And as we continue to celebrate this Father’s Day, let us apply these same principles in these days of civil unrest. We are so keenly, poignantly, and painfully aware of our broken history of racial inequality and injustice. But instead of reveling in and fighting over the truth and reality, let us begin to evolve and change from the brokenness of our forefathers. What is the legacy they are leaving us? That we cannot change? That this is all there is? Absolutely NOT. Scripture says children’s children - so how are we changing, evolving, and resolving for our children’s children. We shall, We must self-correct. People of God, continue to seek the legacy. It is not set by today’s events - it is everchanging. And we are grateful.
My Lord, My God, thank you for our fathers - those present, no longer with us, and those who are absentee. Remind us, Lord, to seek always for the lesson, so that we continue to evolve and grow. Remind us also, that you - our Heavenly Father - have gone before us and established the victory. Keep us grounded, keep us under your wing, keep us comforted. Thank you, Father. Amen.
********************
Please say prayers for my sister-friend whose oldest son has gone to be with the Lord. We are sad and heartbroken. But in her words, we are heart broken, but not broken. God, grant us peace. Amen.
Proverbs 13:22 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/pro.13.22.nkjv
““Then I said to you, ‘Do not be terrified, or afraid of them. The LORD your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He did for you in Egypt before your eyes,”
Deuteronomy 1:29-30 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/deu.1.29-30.nkjv
Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers, brothers, uncles, godfathers, grandfathers, friend-brothers, etc - all of the men in our lives that stand for and stand in for our fathers.
We remain grateful to God for our fathers - especially in our days of emotional, physical, and civil pandemic. We very often get caught up with what our father’s have or have not done. But let us stop a minute - regardless of the have or have not - and focus on the “what is.”
Everyone is familiar with the scripture that the man should be the head of the household. But are we also just as familiar with Proverbs 13:22 - that a good man leaves an inheritance. Not necessarily a financial inheritance, but a legacy. What have we left our children, our family, and our friends with?
As a father or father-figure, what have we taught our children? Are they aware of their history, are they aware of their family legacy, are they aware of even their medical history? So often, our children do not know who they are because we have not poured into them a sense of comfort and true encouragement. Sometimes, just standing in the same room with my father was comforting. We must pour into our children a sense of self, self worth, and self confidence. WIth these, all other things are possible. It is our job as fathers.
But consider... We spend so much time looking for the obvious. But God calls us to look deeper. Sometimes, we must see the “other” things so that we also know what “not” to do. My father worked several jobs - each job served a different purpose to take care of his immediate and extended families. We learned a work ethic, but also learned to work too much. As we got older, we understood the purpose, but we also have begun to learn how to self-correct.
Have you taken the time to see the entirety of the legacy? Have you seen the highs and the lows and have you begun to self-correct? Although there are no hurt feelings about my father’s legacy of work and more work, there are many of us who have hurt feelings about their father’s legacy. However, it is so important to see beyond the hurt. It is more important to see how God wants us to grow beyond the pain, so that we continue to grow beyond the earthly visible so that we can tap into the true Spirit of fatherly love.
Scripture says a good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children - what legacy are we leaving? One of hurt and pain or of love and kindness? And as children, what are we sifting out of these lives - to repeat the cycle when there is neglect and hurt or to seek Godly wisdom so that the legacy evolves with strength and love?
Scripture also says, do not be afraid, because God goes before us. Thank you, God for going before us. Thank you for always being there for us. And we thank you for pouring into our fathers. Continue we pray, to pour into and strengthen our fathers, so that who they are and their legacies continue to grow, strengthen, and evolve.
And as we continue to celebrate this Father’s Day, let us apply these same principles in these days of civil unrest. We are so keenly, poignantly, and painfully aware of our broken history of racial inequality and injustice. But instead of reveling in and fighting over the truth and reality, let us begin to evolve and change from the brokenness of our forefathers. What is the legacy they are leaving us? That we cannot change? That this is all there is? Absolutely NOT. Scripture says children’s children - so how are we changing, evolving, and resolving for our children’s children. We shall, We must self-correct. People of God, continue to seek the legacy. It is not set by today’s events - it is everchanging. And we are grateful.
My Lord, My God, thank you for our fathers - those present, no longer with us, and those who are absentee. Remind us, Lord, to seek always for the lesson, so that we continue to evolve and grow. Remind us also, that you - our Heavenly Father - have gone before us and established the victory. Keep us grounded, keep us under your wing, keep us comforted. Thank you, Father. Amen.
********************
Please say prayers for my sister-friend whose oldest son has gone to be with the Lord. We are sad and heartbroken. But in her words, we are heart broken, but not broken. God, grant us peace. Amen.
June 14, 2020
Each One Teach One
Vernet Clemons Nettles
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/pro.22.6.nkjv
When I began this Sunday Message, I thought today would be Father’s Day, but it’s not. It’s next Sunday. But, I was compelled to finish.
When I was growing up, I used to love Father’s Day. It was a day that we celebrated MyDaddy. There are phrases and teachings that Daddy used to say that I say even now. And when MyDaddy passed more than 20 years ago, I cried every day to work and every day to my home. My lack of understanding why a good man left us was profound. And honestly, some days it still is. But as I processed (and still process) my grief, I sometimes feel comforted. Comforted by the legacy he passed on to us - standing with family, caring for those who needed help, seeking out knowledge and an education, and loving God, our Father.
Proverbs 22:6, says Train up a child in the way he should go. What are we doing to prepare our children for their future? In these days of social, and frankly, civil unrest and lawlessness, what have we taught our youth? So many of this future generation are marching and protesting against racial injustice, making history - but do we know our history? That we are a proud race descended from true kings (Mansa Kankan Mussa 1312-1337) and queens (Hatshepsut 1479-1458). That we are educators (Frederick Douglass), and scientists (George Washington Carver) and inventors (Garrett Morgan).
Do we understand that what we are marching for is not a continuation of existing structures, but for an expansion, acceleration, reformation, and acknowledgement of our basic human rights and recognition of who we are - who we all are? Have we imparted to our youth the importance of knowledge and education? A degree is wonderful, but to also be knowledgeable of truth and facts bridges barriers in all communities.
Most importantly, have we taught our youth to know and trust God? With so much evil displayed for the world to see, many of us are wondering, “What kind of God would let this happen - over and over, again?” But, have we taught them John 16:33, that there will be trouble in this world - but in Christ there is peace? Or, have we taught them that God is always our comforter - II Corinthians 1:3-4? What have we taught our youth, so that those who are coming after us, can hold their ground and live up to and have all the fruit of the trees planted before us? Deuteronomy 6: 6 teaches us to diligently teach our children.
These scriptures do not excuse the past, present, or future troubles of this world. These scriptures do not excuse racial injustice, intolerance, or the evils of this world. And, most importantly, these scriptures do not tell us that we should not fight and bear witness to societal change. But what the scripture does is remind us of who we are and whose we are. Isaiah 1:16 - 18. God charges us to put away evil, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, and defend the fatherless, so that we can be restored unto Him. Amen.
My parents taught us and provided a way for us to be taught. MyDaddy taught us to share knowledge, he would ask us what good does it do in your head if you don’t share it with somebody. So, when we learn and grow, we are charged - by God (and MyDaddy) to “Each One, Teach One.” Believed to be an African proverb that roots from slavery, “Each One, Teach One,” is also displayed in scripture, in Ephesians 4: 11-12, when Paul’s letter reminds us that we are given different gifts - for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Changing our world is now our ministry. We must train, teach, and love our children, as charged by God - for such a time as this.
When I began this conversation, I spoke of missing my father, but through this journey today, I am also reminded that I still have a father - a Heavenly Father. Scripture tells us in Isaiah 64:8, “But now, O Lord, You are our Father…” Scripture tells us in Matther 6:9, “Our Father, which art in heaven.” And also in John 14:18, Scripture tells us that God will not leave us as orphans.
Thank you, Lord, for your comfort in all situations. For your comfort in grief, for your comfort during civil unrest, you comfort as we teach our children, and your comfort in knowing that we are your children.
I am still not sure how I got my holidays mixed up. But I am certain that for such a time as this, God wanted to remind us to teach our children, to remind us all that He is with us always, and to remind us that He will comfort us along the way. Amen.
****************************
Father God, we thank you. We come to you seeking understanding and wisdom. Guide us, Father, as we seek to teach our children and each other of your grace and mercy. Guide us to teach our children and each other of our proud history, our pride in who we are, and our desire to live equally in our present day. Father, continue to remind us that you have come for Gentiles and the Jews, that we are all your children, and that your salvation reaches each of us. Thank you, Lord, for your wisdom and your way. In Jesus’ name we pray, praise, and seek your guidance and your teaching - so that we may share it with each other - all of us. Amen.
Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/pro.22.6.nkjv
When I began this Sunday Message, I thought today would be Father’s Day, but it’s not. It’s next Sunday. But, I was compelled to finish.
When I was growing up, I used to love Father’s Day. It was a day that we celebrated MyDaddy. There are phrases and teachings that Daddy used to say that I say even now. And when MyDaddy passed more than 20 years ago, I cried every day to work and every day to my home. My lack of understanding why a good man left us was profound. And honestly, some days it still is. But as I processed (and still process) my grief, I sometimes feel comforted. Comforted by the legacy he passed on to us - standing with family, caring for those who needed help, seeking out knowledge and an education, and loving God, our Father.
Proverbs 22:6, says Train up a child in the way he should go. What are we doing to prepare our children for their future? In these days of social, and frankly, civil unrest and lawlessness, what have we taught our youth? So many of this future generation are marching and protesting against racial injustice, making history - but do we know our history? That we are a proud race descended from true kings (Mansa Kankan Mussa 1312-1337) and queens (Hatshepsut 1479-1458). That we are educators (Frederick Douglass), and scientists (George Washington Carver) and inventors (Garrett Morgan).
Do we understand that what we are marching for is not a continuation of existing structures, but for an expansion, acceleration, reformation, and acknowledgement of our basic human rights and recognition of who we are - who we all are? Have we imparted to our youth the importance of knowledge and education? A degree is wonderful, but to also be knowledgeable of truth and facts bridges barriers in all communities.
Most importantly, have we taught our youth to know and trust God? With so much evil displayed for the world to see, many of us are wondering, “What kind of God would let this happen - over and over, again?” But, have we taught them John 16:33, that there will be trouble in this world - but in Christ there is peace? Or, have we taught them that God is always our comforter - II Corinthians 1:3-4? What have we taught our youth, so that those who are coming after us, can hold their ground and live up to and have all the fruit of the trees planted before us? Deuteronomy 6: 6 teaches us to diligently teach our children.
These scriptures do not excuse the past, present, or future troubles of this world. These scriptures do not excuse racial injustice, intolerance, or the evils of this world. And, most importantly, these scriptures do not tell us that we should not fight and bear witness to societal change. But what the scripture does is remind us of who we are and whose we are. Isaiah 1:16 - 18. God charges us to put away evil, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, and defend the fatherless, so that we can be restored unto Him. Amen.
My parents taught us and provided a way for us to be taught. MyDaddy taught us to share knowledge, he would ask us what good does it do in your head if you don’t share it with somebody. So, when we learn and grow, we are charged - by God (and MyDaddy) to “Each One, Teach One.” Believed to be an African proverb that roots from slavery, “Each One, Teach One,” is also displayed in scripture, in Ephesians 4: 11-12, when Paul’s letter reminds us that we are given different gifts - for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Changing our world is now our ministry. We must train, teach, and love our children, as charged by God - for such a time as this.
When I began this conversation, I spoke of missing my father, but through this journey today, I am also reminded that I still have a father - a Heavenly Father. Scripture tells us in Isaiah 64:8, “But now, O Lord, You are our Father…” Scripture tells us in Matther 6:9, “Our Father, which art in heaven.” And also in John 14:18, Scripture tells us that God will not leave us as orphans.
Thank you, Lord, for your comfort in all situations. For your comfort in grief, for your comfort during civil unrest, you comfort as we teach our children, and your comfort in knowing that we are your children.
I am still not sure how I got my holidays mixed up. But I am certain that for such a time as this, God wanted to remind us to teach our children, to remind us all that He is with us always, and to remind us that He will comfort us along the way. Amen.
****************************
Father God, we thank you. We come to you seeking understanding and wisdom. Guide us, Father, as we seek to teach our children and each other of your grace and mercy. Guide us to teach our children and each other of our proud history, our pride in who we are, and our desire to live equally in our present day. Father, continue to remind us that you have come for Gentiles and the Jews, that we are all your children, and that your salvation reaches each of us. Thank you, Lord, for your wisdom and your way. In Jesus’ name we pray, praise, and seek your guidance and your teaching - so that we may share it with each other - all of us. Amen.
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Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/pro.22.6.nkjv John 16:33 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/jhn.16.33.nkjv II Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/2co.1.3-4.nkjv Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/deu.6.6-7.nkjv |
Isaiah 1:16-18 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/isa.1.16-18.nkjv Ephesians 4:11-13 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/eph.4.11-13.nkjv Isaiah 64:8 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/isa.64.8.nkjv Matthew 6:9 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/mat.6.9.nkjv John 14:18 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/jhn.14.18.nkjv |
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June 7, 2020
It's Okay to Get Some Help, Part II
Pastor Sharon Hunter
Tabernacle of Praise Christian Fellowship Church * Louisville KY
http://www.tabernacleofpraisecfc.org/
Tabernacle of Praise Christian Fellowship Church * Louisville KY
http://www.tabernacleofpraisecfc.org/
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/heb.4.16.nkjv
**********************************************
Let’s continue...
The first point was that we have to admit and receive is IT IS OK TO GET SOME HELP.
Our second point to commit to memory is WE NEED TO QUIT LOOKING FOR OUR VERSION OF PERFECTION.
Everyone has some sort of reason they don’t want to ASK for HELP, but it comes down to how ASKING FOR HELP WILL CRUSH OUR PERSONAL THOUGHTS AND IDEAS OF PERFECTION, OUR PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES OF WHAT PERFECTION LOOKS LIKE.
But The Spirit of the Lord spoke a Word in my life that LIFTED ME OUT OF DESPAIR AND HELPED me. He reminded me that THERE IS NO PERFECT ONE, BUT JESUS. And, the day He died at Calvary, the day He became the one TRUE OFFERING – HE PERFECTED FOR ALL TIME those who are being SANCTIFIED (set apart). So, our version of perfection is FLAWED. Our thoughts of a perfect life, a perfect ministry, a perfect marriage, a perfect family, a perfect job, a perfect moment waiting to serve God under perfect conditions, or a perfect whatever, HAS US LOCKED UP and LOCKED DOWN INSIDE WITHOUT A VOICE TO ASK FOR HELP!
Perfection is an illusion that the enemy uses to Distract and Detain our Destiny. We become distracted by other people, places, and things that paralyze us. We fail to do anything because our idea of perfection is according to our own standards. God’s version of PERFECTION had NOTHING TO DO WITH US BUT EVERYTHING TO DO WITH WHAT HE DID FOR US! We serve God out of Obedience, NOT our version of perfection that will, let me say it one more time , KEEP US LOCKED UP AND LOCKED DOWN INSIDE WITHOUT A VOICE TO ASK FOR HELP! God’s understanding of PERFECTION has nothing to do with us, but the ONE TRUE OFFERING-JESUS- who is perfect and unblemished!
Part of the reason we look for perfection is because we do not see the value of what God has already placed in our hand. So our Third point today is ask yourself the question, WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND?
Exodus 4:2-4 is a dynamic place in our Godly History. We have privy to a conversation with God and Moses. God is calling Moses to a GREATER WORK but MOSES is coming up with EXCUSES as to why he is not the dude for the job. BUT GOD says, “What’s that in your hand?” Moses gives God a simple explanation “a staff” God tells Moses to throw the staff on the ground. He does it, and the staff becomes a snake! Moses RUNS from the snake that he saw at one point was a staff.
This conversation sounds a lot like us when we are trying to get out of something God has called us to do. Moses was called to this GREATER WORK but he was busy making excuses in his conversation with God. But, don’t think for a second that Moses is this horrible guy. We do THE SAME THING. We fail to see what God has given us. Our thinking remains LOCKED OUT of all the possibilities that God has for us. Just like Moses, WE RUN from the work God has CALLED US to do! God wants us to STOP looking at the gifts and anointing’s that He has given us as something BASIC when He has given us something MAGNIFICENT that He IS willing to HELP US enjoy and discover!
And please receive this side note, Stop looking at everybody else’s gift and anointing and thinking it’s so much better than what you have. You and I have exactly what God wants us to have!
Which brings us to our final point - GOD KNOWS WE NEED HELP!
My parents had a contingency plan. It was the neighbor down the street that provided me and my sisters the key of entry to our home. They knew we would need some help! God knows that we would need help. God knew that we would need mercy and grace. God KNOWS that we have the propensity to be LOCKED UP AND LOCKED DOWN INSIDE WITHOUT A VOICE TO ASK FOR HELP. Therefore, He provided the help we needed through Jesus. All we have to do is ASK for the help!
We have to ASK Jesus to come into our lives! Receiving our Salvation is all the Grace we will ever need to GET UP out of the mess and receive MERCY. Receiving our Salvation FREES us! We are FREE from the Lock up and Lock down. We have a voice to ASK for HELP!
We are able through Jesus to come BOLDLY to the throne of Grace. What took place at Calvary and our acceptance of Jesus Christ, HELPS US find Grace - unmerited favor - that shows us and helps us in our time of need. God knew we would need Jesus because He knew we would need some help! So He sent His son down through 42 generations to DIE for you and me. And when He got up just like He said He would, He got up with all power. It is that POWER that loosens our tongue to ASK FOR HELP! This HELP IS provided through the blood of the crucified lamb of God, that allows us to come BOLDLY to the throne of Grace and receive Mercy! Amen
******************************************
Father, we pray today, we come boldly to your throne of Grace, asking for Help. These are trying times - our pandemic of Covid 19 and our pandemic of racial injustice. Father, we ask that you pour your Grace on these fires, that you pour Grace into our hearts, and that you pour Grace in our steps - so that we don't misstep. Father, we ask for your guidance and direction, so that when we move forward, we move forward with Your Help. Jesus, we also Ask for Help in our daily lives. You have poured much into us, we each have a purpose. Help us to UNLOCK our purpose and potential, so that we may become all that you have desired us to be. Father, we need you help, daily. In Jesus' name we pray, praise, and wait expectantly, for all there is to come. Amen and Amen.
Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/heb.4.16.nkjv
**********************************************
Let’s continue...
The first point was that we have to admit and receive is IT IS OK TO GET SOME HELP.
Our second point to commit to memory is WE NEED TO QUIT LOOKING FOR OUR VERSION OF PERFECTION.
Everyone has some sort of reason they don’t want to ASK for HELP, but it comes down to how ASKING FOR HELP WILL CRUSH OUR PERSONAL THOUGHTS AND IDEAS OF PERFECTION, OUR PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES OF WHAT PERFECTION LOOKS LIKE.
But The Spirit of the Lord spoke a Word in my life that LIFTED ME OUT OF DESPAIR AND HELPED me. He reminded me that THERE IS NO PERFECT ONE, BUT JESUS. And, the day He died at Calvary, the day He became the one TRUE OFFERING – HE PERFECTED FOR ALL TIME those who are being SANCTIFIED (set apart). So, our version of perfection is FLAWED. Our thoughts of a perfect life, a perfect ministry, a perfect marriage, a perfect family, a perfect job, a perfect moment waiting to serve God under perfect conditions, or a perfect whatever, HAS US LOCKED UP and LOCKED DOWN INSIDE WITHOUT A VOICE TO ASK FOR HELP!
Perfection is an illusion that the enemy uses to Distract and Detain our Destiny. We become distracted by other people, places, and things that paralyze us. We fail to do anything because our idea of perfection is according to our own standards. God’s version of PERFECTION had NOTHING TO DO WITH US BUT EVERYTHING TO DO WITH WHAT HE DID FOR US! We serve God out of Obedience, NOT our version of perfection that will, let me say it one more time , KEEP US LOCKED UP AND LOCKED DOWN INSIDE WITHOUT A VOICE TO ASK FOR HELP! God’s understanding of PERFECTION has nothing to do with us, but the ONE TRUE OFFERING-JESUS- who is perfect and unblemished!
Part of the reason we look for perfection is because we do not see the value of what God has already placed in our hand. So our Third point today is ask yourself the question, WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND?
Exodus 4:2-4 is a dynamic place in our Godly History. We have privy to a conversation with God and Moses. God is calling Moses to a GREATER WORK but MOSES is coming up with EXCUSES as to why he is not the dude for the job. BUT GOD says, “What’s that in your hand?” Moses gives God a simple explanation “a staff” God tells Moses to throw the staff on the ground. He does it, and the staff becomes a snake! Moses RUNS from the snake that he saw at one point was a staff.
This conversation sounds a lot like us when we are trying to get out of something God has called us to do. Moses was called to this GREATER WORK but he was busy making excuses in his conversation with God. But, don’t think for a second that Moses is this horrible guy. We do THE SAME THING. We fail to see what God has given us. Our thinking remains LOCKED OUT of all the possibilities that God has for us. Just like Moses, WE RUN from the work God has CALLED US to do! God wants us to STOP looking at the gifts and anointing’s that He has given us as something BASIC when He has given us something MAGNIFICENT that He IS willing to HELP US enjoy and discover!
And please receive this side note, Stop looking at everybody else’s gift and anointing and thinking it’s so much better than what you have. You and I have exactly what God wants us to have!
Which brings us to our final point - GOD KNOWS WE NEED HELP!
My parents had a contingency plan. It was the neighbor down the street that provided me and my sisters the key of entry to our home. They knew we would need some help! God knows that we would need help. God knew that we would need mercy and grace. God KNOWS that we have the propensity to be LOCKED UP AND LOCKED DOWN INSIDE WITHOUT A VOICE TO ASK FOR HELP. Therefore, He provided the help we needed through Jesus. All we have to do is ASK for the help!
We have to ASK Jesus to come into our lives! Receiving our Salvation is all the Grace we will ever need to GET UP out of the mess and receive MERCY. Receiving our Salvation FREES us! We are FREE from the Lock up and Lock down. We have a voice to ASK for HELP!
We are able through Jesus to come BOLDLY to the throne of Grace. What took place at Calvary and our acceptance of Jesus Christ, HELPS US find Grace - unmerited favor - that shows us and helps us in our time of need. God knew we would need Jesus because He knew we would need some help! So He sent His son down through 42 generations to DIE for you and me. And when He got up just like He said He would, He got up with all power. It is that POWER that loosens our tongue to ASK FOR HELP! This HELP IS provided through the blood of the crucified lamb of God, that allows us to come BOLDLY to the throne of Grace and receive Mercy! Amen
******************************************
Father, we pray today, we come boldly to your throne of Grace, asking for Help. These are trying times - our pandemic of Covid 19 and our pandemic of racial injustice. Father, we ask that you pour your Grace on these fires, that you pour Grace into our hearts, and that you pour Grace in our steps - so that we don't misstep. Father, we ask for your guidance and direction, so that when we move forward, we move forward with Your Help. Jesus, we also Ask for Help in our daily lives. You have poured much into us, we each have a purpose. Help us to UNLOCK our purpose and potential, so that we may become all that you have desired us to be. Father, we need you help, daily. In Jesus' name we pray, praise, and wait expectantly, for all there is to come. Amen and Amen.
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Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/heb.4.16.nkjv Hebrews 4:13-15 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/heb.4.13-15.nkjv |
Hebrews 4:16 AMP
https://www.bible.com/1588/heb.4.16.amp Exodus 4:2-4 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/exo.4.2-4.nkjv |
Sunday, May 31, 2020
It's Okay to Get Some Help, Part I
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/heb.4.16.nkjv
**********************************************
Growing up the eldest of four girls, I was expected to mature faster than my younger sisters. I was expected to clean, help my little sisters, and open the door when I got home from school. I was not good at that last one. I was forever getting locked out because I left the key in the house or lost it! At one point, my daddy bought a necklace for my key that was expected to stay around my neck. However the reality is, I still got locked out. My mama and my daddy knew that they were TEACHING ME how to mature, but they also knew that there needed to be a plan “B” so they gave a key to the neighbor down the street! As I matured, I got better about not getting locked out. But as I was maturing, there were many times I had to go down the street and get some help! And we must remember no matter how much we mature and improve, we cannot be afraid to “Get Some Help”
The first point is that we have to admit and receive is IT IS OK TO GET SOME HELP.
In an effort to be THE BEST WOG (Woman of God) or MOG (Man of God), we have to know that it is OK to GET SOME HELP! Hebrew 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. I just want to paraphrase verses 13-15 to help us understand WHY IT IS OK TO GET SOME HELP! Verse 13 says NO CREATURE visible or not visible can HIDE from God. Not only are we EXPOSED in the things that WE DO or FAIL TO DO, but we are HELPLESS before God’s eyes AND the Word of God says WE MUST give an account. The question may be, to whom will I have to give account? The answer is, GOD. We must give an account of the things we do and fail to do!
Verse 14 reminds us that HE IS our High Priest that we should put our ABSOLUTE TRUST in Him because HE IS NOT a High Priest that is UNABLE to sympathize with our weaknesses and temptations. Jesus KNOWS exactly what it feels like to be Human because He was FULLY HUMAN and He WAS, IS and FOREVER SHALL BE GOD!
The word THEREFORE means-FOR THAT REASON, so let’s read the Hebrews 4:16 in the AMPLIFIED-
Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment.
We All have some sort of issue that we NEED God’s help. And according to the Word of God, we can go BOLDLY to the throne of Grace and EXPECT Him-God to HELP US. IT IS OK TO ASK FOR HELP. IT IS OK TO GET SOME HELP because God KNOWS we NEED some help. And just like the old song says, He looks beyond our fault and saw our need. God knew that our need for help was inevitable! For that reason, He sent His son Jesus. He is the solution to every problem. We just need to be willing TO GO GET SOME HELP!
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Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/heb.4.16.nkjv Hebrews 4:13-15 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/heb.4.13-15.nkjv |
Sunday, May 24, 2020
You are God's Building
Vernet Clemons Nettles
“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.”
I Corinthians 3:9 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/1co.3.9.nkjv
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We are having what one of my English teachers would call “a conundrum” – a confusing and difficult problem or question. Our question – exacerbated by politics – is whether or not to return to the brick and mortar sanctuary. During this time of pandemic, churches have become quite creative and innovative, spreading and sharing the gospel through all forms of “modern” technology. Some pastors have learned more about technology than they even wanted to know. And the masses are quite grateful.
It is true that scripture calls us to assemble. Hebrews 10:24-25, tells us to consider one another to stir up love, and let us not forget to assemble together. We love to assemble together; we love to hug each other; smile, laugh, and cry – together. And we are grateful each day that we can. But let us not be misunderstood.
We have to be mindful of the sum total of the Bible. We are so caught up in what we want or what feels good to us – to go into the sanctuary building. But what feels good to us, may not always be good FOR us. From its truest scientific perspective, it is not practical for us to gather together in large mass groups during this Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, some scientists are saying it is not even a good idea for a mass choir to assemble.
Some of us are so focused on being able to go into the sanctuary building, we are forgetting other scripture in the Bible, which also tells us that the we are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in us (I Corinthians 3:16). Matthew 18:20 tells us that where two or three are gathered, Christ is in the midst. So, let’s consider. We are gathered together online. We are gathered together in our homes. And, we are gathered together in our hearts. Amen.
Our Lord, our God, is not confined to a building. Please let us not be confused. God resides in our hearts and in the connections and relationships we have with each other. At this time, God wants us to focus on our relationship with Him, not flock to a building. God wants us to focus on taking care of each other, not focus on running into a building. What good does going into a building do if we still treat each other with disdain? What good does going into a building serve, if we still only focus on seeing each other and not seeing Christ? What good does going into a building serve, if we have learned nothing about God, during our self-quarantine?
I must be honest and say, that it was not an automatic transition for me to listen to my church online. I am used to listening to televangelist on television, computer, and radio. But I could always go into my sanctuary. There is peace in my sanctuary. So, this was a transition for me, as well. But my pastor continues to remind us that we are to seek Christ in our hearts. He resides in our hearts, not just in the building. Besides, the church of Christ is not a building. The church of Christ is out in the field feeding His people – spiritually, mentally, and physically.
So, let us all stop and reflect for a few more moments. We do not have a conundrum, a difficult question to respond to. We won’t always be confined to our homes. We won’t always be asked to gather in small or smaller groups. We will be able to return to the sanctuary. But right now, use this time to re-connect daily with Christ. Use this time to donate to a food bank. Use this time to donate time and attention to family or neighbors. Sit outside and see Christ in nature. And, soon, we will be able to gather together. But won’t it be well if we bring the sanctuary of God in our hearts to the brick and mortar building.
The building is not our salvation; God, who resides in our hearts – no matter what building we are in – is our salvation. Seek ye Christ in all things and in all places, He is not inside those four walls. Amen.
Prayer
My Lord, My God, how we stand in awesome wonder of your grace and mercy. Father, forgive our selfishness and desire to run out to gather. Thank you for every reminder that you are with us in our hearts, all we have to do is seek you. Father, guide us to tap into the fellowship that you have with us moment by moment. Remind us of the joy you share with us each morning. And as we settle into the peace of your abiding presence, calm us and prepare us for the time when we will be able to gather. We pray that we are closer to you when that time comes. In Jesus’ name we pray and praise. Amen.
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I Corinthians 3:9 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/1co.3.9.nkjv I Corinthians 3:16 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/1co.3.16.nkjv |
Matthew 18:19-20 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/mat.18.19-20.nkjv Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/heb.10.24-25.nkjv |
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Standing with the Poor Laborers against the Rich Oppressors
Elder Harold Simpson
Mt. Zion AME Zion - Hayneville, AL
Mt. Zion AME Zion - Hayneville, AL
Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. 2 Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you, and it will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure[a] for the last days. 4 Listen! The wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. (NRSV)
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This scripture addressed the powerful, oppressive rich, their relationship to their wealth, and their behavior toward the poor mistreated laborers in which they come in contact. James begins this chapter speaking truth to power as he assumed this prophetic role. He spoke to the rich oppressors in a somewhat sarcastic tone. He enlisted them to understand that their material possessions would not sustain them during the last days. He wrote to the rich oppressors to inform them that they should weep and wail for the imminent misery coming upon them. He criticized their riches by stating that they have rotted. He continued his criticism affirming that their gold and silver had rusted. They have accumulated wealth yet they have done nothing with it. They have constructed larger barns and occupied them with greater riches. The faith they placed in their wealth would, literally, consume their flesh.
James continues this discourse on the life of the wealthy. He attacked them because of their relationship or treatment with their laborers. He specifically listed those who mowed the fields and how the rich defrauded them when it came to their wages. The employers would either hold back their wages until the entire job was completed or the agreed upon amount was not paid. Either option meant the workers or laborers received unfair treatment. This was, certainly, an inconvenience for the laborers who lived in poverty mostly. These wages were the basis of family structures. It was the driving force in their livelihood. While these persons faced great oppression, God desires justice for His people. Exodus 3:9 reads, “The cry of the Israelites has now come to me. I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them (NRSV).” Justice and righteousness are traditional themes that were impressed upon the children of Israel. Therefore, when these aspects of the covenant are breached, God responds.
In Old Testament narratives, God reminds the Israelites of the importance to care for the poor, widows, and orphans. This theme is certainly extended by Jesus in Luke 4, as He reads from the scroll of Isaiah. Jesus makes it his business, during his ministry, to associate with and minister to people that society had ostracized. Likewise, there were great repercussions for those that refused to care for their neighbor. In Isaiah, after the Israelites return from exile, God extends the covenant to anyone who would keep His commands. The same is, certainly, true for the rich audience that James is addressing. Sin, in any form, separates us from God. However, we have a blessed assurance in the form of an advocate who pleads on our behalf. This advocate is Jesus. It is His redemption love that provides salvation for the oppressed and the oppressors.
This pandemic has taught us a great deal about the impact of racial, social, and economic oppression. Many of us flooded grocery stores to pick up the “essentials.” Yet, there are families void of food and basic necessities. This is the time for us to stand up for justice and righteousness. We have all been guilty of some form of oppression. If you find yourself in a place where you desire change, simply ask God into your life. Pray that He would restore all that you have lost. Regardless of where you are spiritually, be encouraged that we are all recipients of God’s grace. All we have to do is accept it.
********************************
This scripture addressed the powerful, oppressive rich, their relationship to their wealth, and their behavior toward the poor mistreated laborers in which they come in contact. James begins this chapter speaking truth to power as he assumed this prophetic role. He spoke to the rich oppressors in a somewhat sarcastic tone. He enlisted them to understand that their material possessions would not sustain them during the last days. He wrote to the rich oppressors to inform them that they should weep and wail for the imminent misery coming upon them. He criticized their riches by stating that they have rotted. He continued his criticism affirming that their gold and silver had rusted. They have accumulated wealth yet they have done nothing with it. They have constructed larger barns and occupied them with greater riches. The faith they placed in their wealth would, literally, consume their flesh.
James continues this discourse on the life of the wealthy. He attacked them because of their relationship or treatment with their laborers. He specifically listed those who mowed the fields and how the rich defrauded them when it came to their wages. The employers would either hold back their wages until the entire job was completed or the agreed upon amount was not paid. Either option meant the workers or laborers received unfair treatment. This was, certainly, an inconvenience for the laborers who lived in poverty mostly. These wages were the basis of family structures. It was the driving force in their livelihood. While these persons faced great oppression, God desires justice for His people. Exodus 3:9 reads, “The cry of the Israelites has now come to me. I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them (NRSV).” Justice and righteousness are traditional themes that were impressed upon the children of Israel. Therefore, when these aspects of the covenant are breached, God responds.
In Old Testament narratives, God reminds the Israelites of the importance to care for the poor, widows, and orphans. This theme is certainly extended by Jesus in Luke 4, as He reads from the scroll of Isaiah. Jesus makes it his business, during his ministry, to associate with and minister to people that society had ostracized. Likewise, there were great repercussions for those that refused to care for their neighbor. In Isaiah, after the Israelites return from exile, God extends the covenant to anyone who would keep His commands. The same is, certainly, true for the rich audience that James is addressing. Sin, in any form, separates us from God. However, we have a blessed assurance in the form of an advocate who pleads on our behalf. This advocate is Jesus. It is His redemption love that provides salvation for the oppressed and the oppressors.
This pandemic has taught us a great deal about the impact of racial, social, and economic oppression. Many of us flooded grocery stores to pick up the “essentials.” Yet, there are families void of food and basic necessities. This is the time for us to stand up for justice and righteousness. We have all been guilty of some form of oppression. If you find yourself in a place where you desire change, simply ask God into your life. Pray that He would restore all that you have lost. Regardless of where you are spiritually, be encouraged that we are all recipients of God’s grace. All we have to do is accept it.
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Exodus 3:9 NRSV
https://www.bible.com/2016/exo.3.9.nrsv Luke 4:16-20 NRSV https://www.bible.com/2016/luk.4.16-20.nrsv |
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Happy Mother's Day
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
************************************
As we begin today thinking about our mom’s, mama’s, grandmother’s, gi-gi’s, aunts, auntie’s, and any other person who has served as a mother, we are grateful. So many of us have had someone at home to mother us. Someone to guide and give us a foundation for life and life’s challenges. For many others, there have been others who have stepped in and filled a gap, sometimes a gap we knew and sometimes a gap we didn’t even know we had. Mothers and mother-figures are amazing and we are truly better for having them in our lives.
On Mother’s Day, we always hear similar scripture passages, Proverbs 31: 10 - 31, which outlines the virtues of a virtuous wife. A woman who cares for her husband, who uplifts her husband, who takes care of the household, and who nurtures her children. We may hear of Genesis 17, when God promises Abraham that he will be the father of nations and Sarah will bear him a son, and we celebrate Sarah’s faithfulness. Or we may hear Exodus 20:12, reminding us to honor our mother and father that our days may be long. The scripture is truly full of reminders that we should celebrate and honor our mother’s.
But, today, I would like to challenge each of us to remember what our mother’s have poured into us. When I saw this scripture, I thought of my mother in three stages - as I was a child growing up, when I became a teen, and when I became an adult.
When we are children, we often experience love and kindness from our mothers. As babies and toddlers we were grabbed up and hugged on and loved on by our mothers. We were guided with goodness and peace. As we became pre-teens and teens trying to find our own way, our mother’s practiced much self-control and long-suffering. And when we became adults, we were and are grateful for the kindness and faithfulness of our mothers, who remind us that we can always come home, who remind us that they can always listen, and who remind us that we will make it through the storms of life.
When I saw this scripture, I realized that the essence of motherhood truly rests in the fruits of the spirit. Every fruit created has much nutritional value. The vitamins and minerals support good health and healthy living. And an added bonus is that most of them taste really good. The fruit of our mothers shows up as she cares for us, nurtures us, and provides for us to learn, to live, and to grow. And an added bonus, is that between the lessons and the love, is often a whole lot of fun!.
Every fruit has some sort of seed, some sort of way to reproduce itself. We are always looking for the seeds in the foods that we eat. The seeds are crucial to every plant - they hold the nutrients, the reproductive power, and its very essence. As our mother’s have nourished us and provided for us, she has also given us seeds. The seeds to produce more kindness, more love, more joy, more peace, more longsuffering, more…… for our lives, our relationships, and our children. The love and care of a mother is truly like a seed, it extends beyond her children. It travels through generations and touches the lives of the grandchildren, great grandchildren, and beyond.
It would be unfair and selfish of me to go on and on, and not recognize that everyone may not have had the same kind of mother that I had. Some have not experienced the same kindnesses. But life gives each of us opportunities daily. And now may be a chance to pour differently into relationships, different than what was poured. When I reflect on the fruits of the spirit, I am not only reminded of my previous relationships, I am reminded that this is also how to build relationships.
So as we are thinking about our mother’s, gi-gi’s and aunties, let us each remember the fruits of the spirit. Let us remember what has been poured into us. How we have been fed the loving kindness from a loving mother. Let us remember the fruits poured into us and nourish and feed the next generation. Thank you, Moms. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things - for mothers and mother-figures. Thank you for someone in our lives who chose to love and care for us. Thank you for the opportunity to be seeded - such that the love, care, and knowledge poured into us can extend into future generations. We love you, Lord and we thank you for our mothers. For those that are still with us, continue, we pray, to bless them and strengthen them. For those that are with you, hug them and let them know that we love them, still. In Jesus’ name we pray and praise. Amen.
Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
************************************
As we begin today thinking about our mom’s, mama’s, grandmother’s, gi-gi’s, aunts, auntie’s, and any other person who has served as a mother, we are grateful. So many of us have had someone at home to mother us. Someone to guide and give us a foundation for life and life’s challenges. For many others, there have been others who have stepped in and filled a gap, sometimes a gap we knew and sometimes a gap we didn’t even know we had. Mothers and mother-figures are amazing and we are truly better for having them in our lives.
On Mother’s Day, we always hear similar scripture passages, Proverbs 31: 10 - 31, which outlines the virtues of a virtuous wife. A woman who cares for her husband, who uplifts her husband, who takes care of the household, and who nurtures her children. We may hear of Genesis 17, when God promises Abraham that he will be the father of nations and Sarah will bear him a son, and we celebrate Sarah’s faithfulness. Or we may hear Exodus 20:12, reminding us to honor our mother and father that our days may be long. The scripture is truly full of reminders that we should celebrate and honor our mother’s.
But, today, I would like to challenge each of us to remember what our mother’s have poured into us. When I saw this scripture, I thought of my mother in three stages - as I was a child growing up, when I became a teen, and when I became an adult.
When we are children, we often experience love and kindness from our mothers. As babies and toddlers we were grabbed up and hugged on and loved on by our mothers. We were guided with goodness and peace. As we became pre-teens and teens trying to find our own way, our mother’s practiced much self-control and long-suffering. And when we became adults, we were and are grateful for the kindness and faithfulness of our mothers, who remind us that we can always come home, who remind us that they can always listen, and who remind us that we will make it through the storms of life.
When I saw this scripture, I realized that the essence of motherhood truly rests in the fruits of the spirit. Every fruit created has much nutritional value. The vitamins and minerals support good health and healthy living. And an added bonus is that most of them taste really good. The fruit of our mothers shows up as she cares for us, nurtures us, and provides for us to learn, to live, and to grow. And an added bonus, is that between the lessons and the love, is often a whole lot of fun!.
Every fruit has some sort of seed, some sort of way to reproduce itself. We are always looking for the seeds in the foods that we eat. The seeds are crucial to every plant - they hold the nutrients, the reproductive power, and its very essence. As our mother’s have nourished us and provided for us, she has also given us seeds. The seeds to produce more kindness, more love, more joy, more peace, more longsuffering, more…… for our lives, our relationships, and our children. The love and care of a mother is truly like a seed, it extends beyond her children. It travels through generations and touches the lives of the grandchildren, great grandchildren, and beyond.
It would be unfair and selfish of me to go on and on, and not recognize that everyone may not have had the same kind of mother that I had. Some have not experienced the same kindnesses. But life gives each of us opportunities daily. And now may be a chance to pour differently into relationships, different than what was poured. When I reflect on the fruits of the spirit, I am not only reminded of my previous relationships, I am reminded that this is also how to build relationships.
So as we are thinking about our mother’s, gi-gi’s and aunties, let us each remember the fruits of the spirit. Let us remember what has been poured into us. How we have been fed the loving kindness from a loving mother. Let us remember the fruits poured into us and nourish and feed the next generation. Thank you, Moms. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Heavenly Father, thank you for all things - for mothers and mother-figures. Thank you for someone in our lives who chose to love and care for us. Thank you for the opportunity to be seeded - such that the love, care, and knowledge poured into us can extend into future generations. We love you, Lord and we thank you for our mothers. For those that are still with us, continue, we pray, to bless them and strengthen them. For those that are with you, hug them and let them know that we love them, still. In Jesus’ name we pray and praise. Amen.
Sunday, May 3, 2020
The Response
Minister Julius Shanks, II
New Rising Church Star - Birmingham, AL
New Rising Church Star - Birmingham, AL
“The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.
8 A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised.
Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food. The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures. Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble. From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.
15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 12:6-18 NIV
*****************************
By the title of this message (The Response), I bet you are wondering why I would pick Proverbs 12 as a passage of scripture. Proverbs is listed in the dictionary as “a short saying that expresses a general truth for practical, Godly Living”. Our answers to every question are in the Bible, but more specifically our answers on how to be more like Christ are all right there. In Proverbs Chapter 12, it is clearly laid out for us what our response should be in certain situations. In this time of confusion, doubt, fear, stress, and so much more, we cannot control what happens to us or around us. Although what we can control is our response to what happens. I want to give you three practical ways of changing your response to situations.
Point 1: Listen - Proverbs 12:15 - The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
What are you putting into your system? What are you allowing to take away your focus? Better yet, what are you allowing to take away your joy? Everything said to you is not worthy of a response. We must all learn to listen but not be deceived by what we were listening to. Although we are in “isolation" that does not mean you are alone. Do not be deceived but gain wisdom. Watch a sermon; turn on your favorite worship song; engage with your family; listen to your children; listen to your spouse; and most importantly, in this time, listen to God! So, listen, allow yourself to be opened up to what God is trying to drop on you at this time. You never know what God is trying to say to you or who He's going to say it through.
Point 2: Learn - Proverbs 12:8 - A person is praised according to their prudence and one with a warped mind is despised.
Why is learning after listening? Well, you can't learn if you're not listening! The English Standard Version of Proverbs 12:8 says “A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised”. You can learn from someone else's wisdom, but no one likes a know-it-all. If God created us to already know everything, then there would be no reason for us to need him. The best information you can learn is from others, so turn off your mouth, open up your brain, and turn on your ears for a second. There is so much out there in the world to learn, for instance, we must learn how to be patient and wait for God's answer. What better time to practice than now.
Point 3: Love - Proverbs 12:18 - The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Love is something that we all search for, sometimes in all the wrong places. In this time, right now, we must learn to love one another. Proverbs 12:18 is one of my favorite scriptures because it is a perfect example of what happens when we act out of emotions. We have all said something that we didn't mean to say out of the feelings that we had at the moment. I know your parents are bugging you and you just want to get out of the house. I know your child is getting on your nerves. I know it seems that you and your spouse are getting into an argument every day. I know it seems like no one understands you right now. STOP, take a breath, and listen! Listen to what God is saying. Look around and look at what He is doing. Now take another breath. This time learn from this moment, learn from the frustration you felt or even feel. Next time you feel that same thing, instead of a heated response, just love.
Conclusion
Listen, learn, love! I know it's easier said than done. It takes no effort to focus on the bad that is going on, but it takes all the effort to focus on the good. I promise you it makes the world of a difference. There are so many examples in the Bible that we can look at that show us how the response changed the situation. From Job losing everything, to Daniel in the Lion's Den, or my favorite, David and Goliath. All of their responses had one thing in common, their response to the situation is to put their trust in God. With all of that being said, I challenge you to change who you are listening to, learn from what's happening around you, and start to grow in love.
Prayer
Father God, thank you for Just being You. In this time of confusion, frustration, and fear we ask that we grow in faith! We open up our ears to hear you; we open up our eyes to see you; we ask that you open up our mind so that you may grant us understanding. We pray that you change our response to the situations happening around us. We don't want to continue acting out of the same emotions. Fill us up Father. There is no one else that can do for us but only You at this time. In Jesus’ Mighty Name. AMEN!!
8 A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised.
Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food. The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures. Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble. From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.
15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 12:6-18 NIV
*****************************
By the title of this message (The Response), I bet you are wondering why I would pick Proverbs 12 as a passage of scripture. Proverbs is listed in the dictionary as “a short saying that expresses a general truth for practical, Godly Living”. Our answers to every question are in the Bible, but more specifically our answers on how to be more like Christ are all right there. In Proverbs Chapter 12, it is clearly laid out for us what our response should be in certain situations. In this time of confusion, doubt, fear, stress, and so much more, we cannot control what happens to us or around us. Although what we can control is our response to what happens. I want to give you three practical ways of changing your response to situations.
Point 1: Listen - Proverbs 12:15 - The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
What are you putting into your system? What are you allowing to take away your focus? Better yet, what are you allowing to take away your joy? Everything said to you is not worthy of a response. We must all learn to listen but not be deceived by what we were listening to. Although we are in “isolation" that does not mean you are alone. Do not be deceived but gain wisdom. Watch a sermon; turn on your favorite worship song; engage with your family; listen to your children; listen to your spouse; and most importantly, in this time, listen to God! So, listen, allow yourself to be opened up to what God is trying to drop on you at this time. You never know what God is trying to say to you or who He's going to say it through.
Point 2: Learn - Proverbs 12:8 - A person is praised according to their prudence and one with a warped mind is despised.
Why is learning after listening? Well, you can't learn if you're not listening! The English Standard Version of Proverbs 12:8 says “A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised”. You can learn from someone else's wisdom, but no one likes a know-it-all. If God created us to already know everything, then there would be no reason for us to need him. The best information you can learn is from others, so turn off your mouth, open up your brain, and turn on your ears for a second. There is so much out there in the world to learn, for instance, we must learn how to be patient and wait for God's answer. What better time to practice than now.
Point 3: Love - Proverbs 12:18 - The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Love is something that we all search for, sometimes in all the wrong places. In this time, right now, we must learn to love one another. Proverbs 12:18 is one of my favorite scriptures because it is a perfect example of what happens when we act out of emotions. We have all said something that we didn't mean to say out of the feelings that we had at the moment. I know your parents are bugging you and you just want to get out of the house. I know your child is getting on your nerves. I know it seems that you and your spouse are getting into an argument every day. I know it seems like no one understands you right now. STOP, take a breath, and listen! Listen to what God is saying. Look around and look at what He is doing. Now take another breath. This time learn from this moment, learn from the frustration you felt or even feel. Next time you feel that same thing, instead of a heated response, just love.
Conclusion
Listen, learn, love! I know it's easier said than done. It takes no effort to focus on the bad that is going on, but it takes all the effort to focus on the good. I promise you it makes the world of a difference. There are so many examples in the Bible that we can look at that show us how the response changed the situation. From Job losing everything, to Daniel in the Lion's Den, or my favorite, David and Goliath. All of their responses had one thing in common, their response to the situation is to put their trust in God. With all of that being said, I challenge you to change who you are listening to, learn from what's happening around you, and start to grow in love.
Prayer
Father God, thank you for Just being You. In this time of confusion, frustration, and fear we ask that we grow in faith! We open up our ears to hear you; we open up our eyes to see you; we ask that you open up our mind so that you may grant us understanding. We pray that you change our response to the situations happening around us. We don't want to continue acting out of the same emotions. Fill us up Father. There is no one else that can do for us but only You at this time. In Jesus’ Mighty Name. AMEN!!
Sunday, April 26, 2020
It's Just a Test
Minister Larry Robinson, Jr
Mt. Zion A.M.E.Zion Church - Notasulga, Alabama
Mt. Zion A.M.E.Zion Church - Notasulga, Alabama
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
James 1:2-8, 12, 16-17 NLT
**************************************
James, the brother of Jesus Christ, was one of the first leaders of the Christian Church in Jerusalem. During the time of his leadership, the Messianic Jews (Christians) were being heavily persecuted by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. Though times were difficult, James led the people with wisdom and courage he received from God. I believe that if we look at the book of James and apply his teachings to our lives, then we also will be able to endure and withstand our own personal trials and tribulations. There are three points from today’s scripture that I believe will help us to endure and be faithful during our own adversity and hardships.
Point 1: Remember, It's just a test.
James 1: 2-4 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
This is not the first time we have been tested or been in difficult situations. Everyone has been. But as fellow believers of Christ, all we have to do is look back at where God has already brought us from, and that will give us the faith to keep on going! Jesus said John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
1 Peter 5:10 says, And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Point 2: Ask faithfully.
James 1: 5-8 says, If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
We have to have faith. For it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. 1 John 3:22-24 says, and whatever we ask we receive from him because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. This is why Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-11, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Point 3: Keep your eye on the prize.
James 1:12 says, God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
We have to endure. We can’t give up. We are not the first nor the last person to run this race. Our teachers and ancestors before us faced the same trials and temptations. 1 Corinthians says, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence, draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. This is why we can’t give up. We have to share our testimonies of what God has done for us.
We have to let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven.
Prayer:
Most Gracious and Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that in all that we go through, that it is only a test. Allow us Most High God, to remain steadfast when we are under trials, for when we have stood the test we will receive the crown of life, which You have promised to us to us who love you. Thank you for reminding us No temptation has overtaken us that is not common to man. We know Lord that you are faithful, and you will not let us be tempted beyond our ability, but with the temptation you will also provide the way of escape, that we may be able to endure it. Thank you Father for the Good and the bad that happens to us, because we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. We ask of these things in Jesus name we pray,
Amen, Amen, Amen
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
James 1:2-8, 12, 16-17 NLT
**************************************
James, the brother of Jesus Christ, was one of the first leaders of the Christian Church in Jerusalem. During the time of his leadership, the Messianic Jews (Christians) were being heavily persecuted by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. Though times were difficult, James led the people with wisdom and courage he received from God. I believe that if we look at the book of James and apply his teachings to our lives, then we also will be able to endure and withstand our own personal trials and tribulations. There are three points from today’s scripture that I believe will help us to endure and be faithful during our own adversity and hardships.
Point 1: Remember, It's just a test.
James 1: 2-4 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
This is not the first time we have been tested or been in difficult situations. Everyone has been. But as fellow believers of Christ, all we have to do is look back at where God has already brought us from, and that will give us the faith to keep on going! Jesus said John 16:33, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
1 Peter 5:10 says, And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Point 2: Ask faithfully.
James 1: 5-8 says, If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
We have to have faith. For it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. 1 John 3:22-24 says, and whatever we ask we receive from him because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. This is why Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-11, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Point 3: Keep your eye on the prize.
James 1:12 says, God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
We have to endure. We can’t give up. We are not the first nor the last person to run this race. Our teachers and ancestors before us faced the same trials and temptations. 1 Corinthians says, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence, draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. This is why we can’t give up. We have to share our testimonies of what God has done for us.
We have to let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven.
Prayer:
Most Gracious and Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that in all that we go through, that it is only a test. Allow us Most High God, to remain steadfast when we are under trials, for when we have stood the test we will receive the crown of life, which You have promised to us to us who love you. Thank you for reminding us No temptation has overtaken us that is not common to man. We know Lord that you are faithful, and you will not let us be tempted beyond our ability, but with the temptation you will also provide the way of escape, that we may be able to endure it. Thank you Father for the Good and the bad that happens to us, because we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. We ask of these things in Jesus name we pray,
Amen, Amen, Amen
|
James 1:2-8, 12, 16-17 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jas.1.2-17.NLT 1 Peter 5:10 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/1pe.5.10.nlt John 16:33 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.16.33.nlt |
Matthew 7:7-11 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/mat.7.7-11.nlt 1 John 3:22-24 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/1jn.3.22-24.nlt 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/1co.10.13.nlt |
Sunday, April 18, 2020
A. A. O.
Yolanda M. Huntley
True Divine Baptist Church
True Divine Baptist Church
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”
Romans 12:1-2 MSG
*****************************************
One of my coworkers shared something with me one day at work. We found ourselves dealing with a situation that was unexpected, inconvenient, and bothersome to say the least. (Sounds like Covid 19, right?) As the group began to contend about not wanting to deal with the issue, and they started to splinter off, my colleague turned to me and said matter-of-factly, "We have got to A. A. O.!" Obviously confused, I said, "A.A.O?" She hastily responded, "Yep! We have got to Adapt, Adjust, and Overcome!" So true....
Think about all the situations that arise in our lives on any given day. Whether Christ follower or not, Saint or Ain't, no matter how long we choose to avoid dealing with the issues, a day finally comes when we all MUST A.A.O. - Adapt, Adjust, and Overcome.
Adapt is defined as making something suitable for a new use or purpose; modify. Focus on the words New Use in the definition. When we are born again, that is God's intention for us. He wants us to have new use and purpose. He intends to have us to place aside all that old stuff that once was....ideas, thoughts, plans, conversations, false teachings, wrong connections, etc.... and transform into a new creature in Christ who is fit and suitable for the Master's use. (Romans 12:1-2 MSG) One of our major problems today as believers is that we are not adapting to Him. We expect Him to adapt to us. It is our responsibility to yield to Him.
As Believers in Christ, it is our responsibility to become adaptable to Him - not the other way around. All too often in our world today, it appears that we Believers in Christ want Him and His ways and His Word to become adaptable to our wants, thoughts, ideas, and plans. Not so. Our daily prayer should be, "Lord, how do I make myself more adaptable and suitable to your will, Word, and plans for my life?"
Adjust is defined as to alter or move something slightly in order to achieve the desired fit, appearance or result. Based on the definition, a slight movement is required in order that we achieve the right fit, appearance or result. As Christ followers, we must make the necessary adjustments in our lives to come into alignment with God's ways. If we want to fit in with Christ's purpose (His will for our lives); If we want to have the appearance of Christ (The heart of Christ); and if we want to get Christ-like results (manifestation of God's Word in our lives), then we must adjust to mirror Him. Are we a reflection of Christ in every area of our lives? For the majority of us, we can truthfully say, probably not. Adjustments in our lives are necessary. Move toward Him and His presence; He will be there waiting.
Overcome means to succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty. By His divine grace, mercy, and kindness toward us, we are overcomers when we follow Christ Jesus. Being an overcomer doesn’t mean Christians don’t face challenges. But being an overcomer does mean we successfully deal with the problems, difficulties, issues, challenges, and uncertainties that arise in our lives with Christ’s help. The Word promises us that we win with Christ on our side. We are overcomers.
John 16:33 reminds us that in this world we will have trouble. But take heart! Jesus has overcome the world.
I John 5:4 is a reminder that everyone born of God overcomes the world.
Romans 8:37 reminds us that we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
I John 5:5 tells us that he who overcomes the world is the one that believes Jesus is Son of God.
All through the scriptures, God reminds us that we must not be of this world. We are set apart. We are different. We are peculiar. We are His chosen people. We are change agents. We shake up the world with our faith.
Romans 12:1-2 in the Message reminds us that we must take these everyday, ordinary lives - eating, sleeping, working, quarantined lives - and place them before God as an offering. That way, as we more readily adapt to His will and ways, we cease to fit into this culture of the world without even thinking about it. We actually begin to A.A.O. - Adapt to His Word; Adjust to His will, and Overcome the challenges in our lives through Christ.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to A.A.O. Help us to yield to your precious Holy Spirit so that we may adjust everything we need to adjust. Help us to Adapt only to you, and help us to Overcome the things of this world that so easily distract us. In Jesus’s Name we pray. So shall it be.
"Has your relationship with God changed the way you live your life?"
--Francis Chan
|
Romans 12:1-2 MSG
https://www.bible.com/97/rom.12.1-2.msg John 16:33 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/jhn.16.33.nkjv I John 5:4 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/1jn.5.4.nkjv |
Romans 8:37 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/rom.8.37.nkjv I John 5:5 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/1jn.5.5.nkjv |
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Intentional Sacrifice
Grace Harvest Ministry
Pastor T’Dera Jarman
Pastor T’Dera Jarman
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. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
John 3:16-17
***************************
One of my college classmates who is presently a women’s college basketball coach was discussing with me her conversation with her team. She was telling her team about making sacrifices for each other and that it’s not about the individual player but it’s all about the team and team effort. If you know anything about the sport of basketball there is a foul called a “charge”. A charge is basically where the defensive player has gained an area on the court and is in position before the offensive gets there and the offensive player runs over the defender. Many players do not like to take a charge because offensive players are moving fast and furious and taking blows to your body can be painful. Well on one night as I was watching the team play one of her players took a “charge” from an opposing team.
The young lady on the opposing team had a body weight advantage and as the bodies crashed and slid across the floor you could see the pain over the defenders face. As the official made the “charge” call against the opposing team, the young lady team mates ran to pick her up from the floor and were screaming good play. She raised her hand as a sign of surrender and asked them not to touch her but to just let her lay on the floor for a moment to get herself together. The team had to make a substitution for her because at that moment she could not continue the game because she was in pain, but she did later return. As she went to the bench the coach looked at her and said way to take one for the team.
The coach and I later discussed that play when we saw each other, because the significance of it was that her player knew when she took that charge that bad things would happen to her body but the team would advance.
God knew and Jesus knew that by the Son of God coming to earth to save mankind some bad things were going to happen to Jesus. But in order to save the world Jesus had to come and go through the things of this world in order that if we believed in in Him we would have eternal life.
What does “Intentional Sacrifice” mean?
(1) You do the thing you do on purpose and with purpose. Jesus knew what He was doing by coming to earth. He allowed Himself to leave a heavenly throne and come to earth to save the creation of mankind that His Father loved. In John 10:10 the Bible states that “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Jesus' purpose was to give us an opportunity to live the life that His Father had planned for us.
(2) Commitment - Proverbs 16:3 says “Commit thy works into the Lord and thy plans shall be established”. Jesus was committed to the work that God sent Him to accomplish. Commitment means you have foreknowledge of the trials and tribulations of what will occur during your task. Jesus already knew who would deny Him, who would betray Him, the soldiers who would beat Him, He knew the seed that would be planted that would become the tree that would be become the cross that He would be crucified on. He knew!!! But the commitment was greater than the knowledge of the pain, because the commitment gave knowledge to the grace of eternal life.
On this Easter Sunday be grateful and celebrate the “Intentional Sacrifice” that Jesus made for us.
God bless you.
Grace Harvest Ministry,
Pastor T’Dera Jarman
John 3:16-17
***************************
One of my college classmates who is presently a women’s college basketball coach was discussing with me her conversation with her team. She was telling her team about making sacrifices for each other and that it’s not about the individual player but it’s all about the team and team effort. If you know anything about the sport of basketball there is a foul called a “charge”. A charge is basically where the defensive player has gained an area on the court and is in position before the offensive gets there and the offensive player runs over the defender. Many players do not like to take a charge because offensive players are moving fast and furious and taking blows to your body can be painful. Well on one night as I was watching the team play one of her players took a “charge” from an opposing team.
The young lady on the opposing team had a body weight advantage and as the bodies crashed and slid across the floor you could see the pain over the defenders face. As the official made the “charge” call against the opposing team, the young lady team mates ran to pick her up from the floor and were screaming good play. She raised her hand as a sign of surrender and asked them not to touch her but to just let her lay on the floor for a moment to get herself together. The team had to make a substitution for her because at that moment she could not continue the game because she was in pain, but she did later return. As she went to the bench the coach looked at her and said way to take one for the team.
The coach and I later discussed that play when we saw each other, because the significance of it was that her player knew when she took that charge that bad things would happen to her body but the team would advance.
God knew and Jesus knew that by the Son of God coming to earth to save mankind some bad things were going to happen to Jesus. But in order to save the world Jesus had to come and go through the things of this world in order that if we believed in in Him we would have eternal life.
What does “Intentional Sacrifice” mean?
(1) You do the thing you do on purpose and with purpose. Jesus knew what He was doing by coming to earth. He allowed Himself to leave a heavenly throne and come to earth to save the creation of mankind that His Father loved. In John 10:10 the Bible states that “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Jesus' purpose was to give us an opportunity to live the life that His Father had planned for us.
(2) Commitment - Proverbs 16:3 says “Commit thy works into the Lord and thy plans shall be established”. Jesus was committed to the work that God sent Him to accomplish. Commitment means you have foreknowledge of the trials and tribulations of what will occur during your task. Jesus already knew who would deny Him, who would betray Him, the soldiers who would beat Him, He knew the seed that would be planted that would become the tree that would be become the cross that He would be crucified on. He knew!!! But the commitment was greater than the knowledge of the pain, because the commitment gave knowledge to the grace of eternal life.
On this Easter Sunday be grateful and celebrate the “Intentional Sacrifice” that Jesus made for us.
God bless you.
Grace Harvest Ministry,
Pastor T’Dera Jarman
John 3:16-17 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/jhn.3.16-17.kjv
Proverbs 16:3 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/pro.16.3.kj
https://www.bible.com/1/jhn.3.16-17.kjv
Proverbs 16:3 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/pro.16.3.kj
Sunday, April 5, 2020
I Would Have Fainted
Evangelist Kimberly Stallworth
“I would have fainted, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait oh the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say on the Lord!” Psalm 27:13-14
“I would have fainted ....”
It would be an understatement to say that our world as we know it has changed right before our eyes. What used to be simple trips to the grocery stores, banks and gas stations, now require more time, energy and patience than ever before.
The job that said you have to be there is now allowing you to work from home. Our restaurants have closed. There are no more family gatherings. Even the church doors have been forced closed by State mandate.
Our schools have closed and we are now living, daily examples to our children. There is no time to breakdown. There is no time to give up. There is no time to throw in the towel. Our babies are watching and we have to hold on to every word that we have taught them about faith, belief, positivity and follow through!
The conversations I have had with my parents and my children over the past two months have left me feeling vulnerable and disheartened. My children have asked questions that I quite frankly did not have the answers for and their words left me pondering answers myself.
On any given day of the week I find myself glued to the news as more and more cases of COVID-19 are discovered, death tolls climb and the warning of the Surgeon General (“It’s going to get bad”) continue to ring in my ears.
With everything around me, I have to find a place of solace. A place of rescue. A place of resolve. Surely I have spent many moments in my prayer closet. God has delivered me from many, many things. I’ve seen Him work miracles in my life. Even as I am writing this, I sit on the “glory” side of healing as God has once again restored my body.
But this situation, this invisible enemy has penetrated our world so severely like nothing I’ve ever experienced or dreamed of before. And yes ...... I must say that many times a day, I find myself fainting!
Losing hope. Losing my grip. Losing my mind! Asking myself why? Asking God why? Why so much death? Why so much pain? Yet I must hold true to the promises of God. Truth is, without our faith, what else do we have?
Our jobs have failed us. Our money can’t shield us. Our families are all open season. And our pride and ego are nonexistent. No matter the race, social class or religious preference, truth be told, we all stand before an open heaven fainting .....
So yes, as I watch the news, I would have fainted!
As I see the numbers climbing, I would have fainted.
As I pray for the covering of our nation, our families, our churches, our country, I would have fainted .
UNLESS ... I believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
I will hold on to the FACT that none of this is taking God by surprise. He is not shocked. He has known before the beginning of time that late 2019 and 2020 would take the world by storm.
But HE is still God. He is still our provider, protector, healer and deliverer. Though everything else may have seemed to fail us, God remains the one constant in our existence.
So no matter what our eyes may see, no matter what our ears may hear and no matter what our hearts may feel, we have an obligation as Christians .... believers of God .... members of the family of God to WAIT ON THE LORD ! BE OF GOOD COURAGE!l HE SHALL STRENGTHEN OUR HEART!
So yes I would have fainted ...... but I thought about YOU! And as your sister in Christ, my love for you and my love for all that we hold to be true in the form of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ kept me. And that same love is keeping you.
Don’t faint. Simply believe ♥️
“I would have fainted ....”
It would be an understatement to say that our world as we know it has changed right before our eyes. What used to be simple trips to the grocery stores, banks and gas stations, now require more time, energy and patience than ever before.
The job that said you have to be there is now allowing you to work from home. Our restaurants have closed. There are no more family gatherings. Even the church doors have been forced closed by State mandate.
Our schools have closed and we are now living, daily examples to our children. There is no time to breakdown. There is no time to give up. There is no time to throw in the towel. Our babies are watching and we have to hold on to every word that we have taught them about faith, belief, positivity and follow through!
The conversations I have had with my parents and my children over the past two months have left me feeling vulnerable and disheartened. My children have asked questions that I quite frankly did not have the answers for and their words left me pondering answers myself.
On any given day of the week I find myself glued to the news as more and more cases of COVID-19 are discovered, death tolls climb and the warning of the Surgeon General (“It’s going to get bad”) continue to ring in my ears.
With everything around me, I have to find a place of solace. A place of rescue. A place of resolve. Surely I have spent many moments in my prayer closet. God has delivered me from many, many things. I’ve seen Him work miracles in my life. Even as I am writing this, I sit on the “glory” side of healing as God has once again restored my body.
But this situation, this invisible enemy has penetrated our world so severely like nothing I’ve ever experienced or dreamed of before. And yes ...... I must say that many times a day, I find myself fainting!
Losing hope. Losing my grip. Losing my mind! Asking myself why? Asking God why? Why so much death? Why so much pain? Yet I must hold true to the promises of God. Truth is, without our faith, what else do we have?
Our jobs have failed us. Our money can’t shield us. Our families are all open season. And our pride and ego are nonexistent. No matter the race, social class or religious preference, truth be told, we all stand before an open heaven fainting .....
So yes, as I watch the news, I would have fainted!
As I see the numbers climbing, I would have fainted.
As I pray for the covering of our nation, our families, our churches, our country, I would have fainted .
UNLESS ... I believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
I will hold on to the FACT that none of this is taking God by surprise. He is not shocked. He has known before the beginning of time that late 2019 and 2020 would take the world by storm.
But HE is still God. He is still our provider, protector, healer and deliverer. Though everything else may have seemed to fail us, God remains the one constant in our existence.
So no matter what our eyes may see, no matter what our ears may hear and no matter what our hearts may feel, we have an obligation as Christians .... believers of God .... members of the family of God to WAIT ON THE LORD ! BE OF GOOD COURAGE!l HE SHALL STRENGTHEN OUR HEART!
So yes I would have fainted ...... but I thought about YOU! And as your sister in Christ, my love for you and my love for all that we hold to be true in the form of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ kept me. And that same love is keeping you.
Don’t faint. Simply believe ♥️
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Open My Eyes That I May See
VCN
When we began 2020, many of us held vision parties, participated in fasts, and prayed as we communicated with God about the direction for our new year. God gave me “Live Intentionally.” But as we are faced with life circumstances that the majority of us have never faced, we are beginning to think that the path we started on in January has been derailed. Many of us are in our homes (as we should be), but we are stressed, concerned, overwhelmed, and honestly, fearful. We don’t know where this disease is going – moment by moment.
As we read II Kings 6: 15 – 17, the servant gets up early in the morning and is alarmed and frightful when he looks outside and sees an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. This is how we feel right now. We feel besieged with news and information, stay-at-home orders, teach-at-home opportunities, realization that we are not seeing our family and/or friends, that people are ill, and many are dying. We feel surrounded by the enemy of coronavirus (Covid-19) and all of the consequences that come with it. And many of us are crying out.
The servant is distressed because they are unexpectedly surrounded by the enemy. He feels like they are in the midst of a sneak attack. We are distressed because the virus has progressed and migrated so quickly, and the information continues to change – moment by moment. We are unsure of our reality.
The man of God, Elisha, answered with faith. He tells the servant not to be afraid, because things are not what they seem. There is more for us than can be imagined. “And Elisha prayed.” Elisha did not pray that the army was defeated. He did not pray that their fate would change. He prayed that the servant – that others – may see the truth. That God is an ever-present help. That God surrounds us with his might in all situations. That God will not fail.
When the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, the servant saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around. Sometimes we are so concerned with all of the circumstances around us, we don’t see the miracles and blessings that God surrounds us with every moment of every day.
In this scripture, Elisha prayed, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” As a teenager, we sang the hymn “Open my eyes that I may see, Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.” Each of us should pray like Elisha, asking God to open our eyes to His truth in the midst of this crisis. We are surrounded, this enemy arrived quickly, and we are besieged. But God has placed his mighty army of love and protection around us – in sickness and in health.
The scripture reminds us that our faith in God destroys insurmountable odds, if only we would see His truth – that He is sovereign always and wants for us the wonders of His Word.
So dust off those 2020 resolutions and promises that we made to ourselves. We may be at home, but we still have opportunities to nurture our plans. Let’s not wait until this ‘blows over.’ Let’s keep moving, talking to God, and framing our path. God allows glory even when we cannot see it. But it can’t happen if our eyes are closed to His opportunities. My Lord, Open our eyes, so that we may see truth; so that we may see You. Amen.
Prayer:
Almighty God, who reigns in heaven and on earth. Lord, hear our prayer. Open our eyes so that we may see your truth – that you are still in charge; that you reign supreme always. Remind us, Lord, that through all of our trials and tribulations, you are with us. You are our comfort and our strength. You are our victor and our victory. Heal our hearts and our land, we pray. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
As we read II Kings 6: 15 – 17, the servant gets up early in the morning and is alarmed and frightful when he looks outside and sees an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. This is how we feel right now. We feel besieged with news and information, stay-at-home orders, teach-at-home opportunities, realization that we are not seeing our family and/or friends, that people are ill, and many are dying. We feel surrounded by the enemy of coronavirus (Covid-19) and all of the consequences that come with it. And many of us are crying out.
The servant is distressed because they are unexpectedly surrounded by the enemy. He feels like they are in the midst of a sneak attack. We are distressed because the virus has progressed and migrated so quickly, and the information continues to change – moment by moment. We are unsure of our reality.
The man of God, Elisha, answered with faith. He tells the servant not to be afraid, because things are not what they seem. There is more for us than can be imagined. “And Elisha prayed.” Elisha did not pray that the army was defeated. He did not pray that their fate would change. He prayed that the servant – that others – may see the truth. That God is an ever-present help. That God surrounds us with his might in all situations. That God will not fail.
When the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, the servant saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around. Sometimes we are so concerned with all of the circumstances around us, we don’t see the miracles and blessings that God surrounds us with every moment of every day.
In this scripture, Elisha prayed, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” As a teenager, we sang the hymn “Open my eyes that I may see, Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.” Each of us should pray like Elisha, asking God to open our eyes to His truth in the midst of this crisis. We are surrounded, this enemy arrived quickly, and we are besieged. But God has placed his mighty army of love and protection around us – in sickness and in health.
The scripture reminds us that our faith in God destroys insurmountable odds, if only we would see His truth – that He is sovereign always and wants for us the wonders of His Word.
So dust off those 2020 resolutions and promises that we made to ourselves. We may be at home, but we still have opportunities to nurture our plans. Let’s not wait until this ‘blows over.’ Let’s keep moving, talking to God, and framing our path. God allows glory even when we cannot see it. But it can’t happen if our eyes are closed to His opportunities. My Lord, Open our eyes, so that we may see truth; so that we may see You. Amen.
Prayer:
Almighty God, who reigns in heaven and on earth. Lord, hear our prayer. Open our eyes so that we may see your truth – that you are still in charge; that you reign supreme always. Remind us, Lord, that through all of our trials and tribulations, you are with us. You are our comfort and our strength. You are our victor and our victory. Heal our hearts and our land, we pray. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Are Your Eyes Watching God?
Tiffany Moore Adams
Consider "Their Eyes Were Watching God", a novel by Zora Neale Hurston. Not so much the story, but the title keeps playing in my mind during this time. We, as a society, have become SO busy with our jobs, our children, ourselves, in general. I had an opportunity to speak with some ladies last year regarding living as a virtuous woman. My title was "Put Your 'But' Behind You: Removing Hesitation to Reach Your Destination." Sometimes our ‘but’ is all of the things we have placed in front of God, causing us to lose sight of our priorities.
As Christians, we were created to glorify God in all that we do. Our mandate is to GO and spread the gospel. I’m reminded of when Jesus walked on water. In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus sent the disciples ahead of him while he took time to pray alone on the mountain. He later joined them by walking on the water towards them because their ship had drifted from the land. His closest friends and followers, the disciples, didn’t recognize him for who he was. They questioned him and they were even afraid. I have to wonder if that is where we are now. Is Jesus standing right in front of us and we are missing him? Jesus told the disciples not to be afraid and identified himself. Are we simply not listening, or are we seeking verification like Peter did? Peter heard him but needed proof. Jesus, in his true form, simply told Peter, ‘Come”. Peter initially walked on water towards Jesus, but when his focus was shifted to the wind, he began to sink, but yet and still, Jesus rescued him. Jesus not only rescued sinking Peter, but he joined the other disciples on the boat. His mere presence calmed the wind.
I know that, in this moment, we are like the disciples. Yes we are on the turbulent ship, uncertain of the outcome, but Christ sits on high and continues to look out for us, just like he prayed on the mountain while the disciples were out on the rough waters. He has extended himself during this shut down to give us peace and to remove distractions. We see all the closings, and limitations, and negative reports; those are our distractions as was the wind for Peter. It is left to us to focus and to ‘COME’. Jesus did not have to prove to anyone who he was, but he knows his people and what they have need of. He has whispered over and over again to us to make him our focus, and we continued to give him our little when he needs our first.
So in an effort to assist us in meeting his mandate he has removed many of the distractions/idols (school, work, church buildings and practices). Many of us have spent time with ourselves, and our families, as a result of removed distractions. What are you doing with this time? Are we focused on Him or all of the news reports, ‘the wind’.
This situation is by no means over, and when God is ready He will calm these winds. The question is, “What will we do in the midst?”. Will we regroup and refocus, give God the attention he desires and deserves? 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will heal their land.” If you continue to read verses 15-16, it speaks to the power of prayer and God’s attention to our prayers. So my challenge to all of us during this time is to keep our focus, not on our current circumstance, but on God, our provider.
Are your eyes watching God?
Amen.
Matthew 14:22-33 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/mat.14.22-33.kjv
2 Chronicles 7:14-16 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/2ch.7.14-16.kjv
https://www.bible.com/1/mat.14.22-33.kjv
2 Chronicles 7:14-16 KJV
https://www.bible.com/1/2ch.7.14-16.kjv
Author: Tiffany Moore Adams. Thank you for presenting us with A Sunday Message.