Friday Fellowship: Why Are You Still That Way? God Makes Changes!

1Try this out. Man or Woman this is universal. Visualize putting on a green shirt with a pink stripe down middle. Then put on some orange faded pants with yellow polka dots and finish the outfit with some raggedy bright blue sandals. You look in mirror and say Wow I look good! Then your family members see you and in accordance laugh telling you that outfit is ridiculous. So you reconvene in the mirror and once again say Wow I look good! My family they don’t know anything.

This is an extreme case which I am relating to pride. Pride is essentially blinding. Pride rejects, repels and causes a superiority complex. Pride sounds like this, “Whatever your about to say to me I’m going defend because I know I’m right, your wasting breath but ok tell me why I’m wrong.” Pride makes you deaf. For example someone who walks in pride that is struggling in life with forgiving someone will attend a church service and miss the word God had for them. Yes they will miss it as the pastor of church would be speaking on forgiveness and it would relate directly to their situation, yet they miss the word of God because their living in pride. Pride says that was a good word for so and so, while they stare at them to make sure they get the message preached. These were examples of my life when I lived in pride, so I’m familiar with the thought process. Proverbs 26 first ten verses is about a fool and all the negative connotations with it. Reading these verses 1-11 of the chapter a fool seems like the worst thing you can be called. However, Proverbs verse 12 disagrees.

² Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

 

Conceit- excessive pride in one self.

Fool-. One who is deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding.

 

A fool has hope to be corrected as he knows he lacks. Someone whom is conceited does NOT know he lacks, believing he has all, therefore he has no hope.

            2012 I didn’t realize how unthankful I was until God exposed my pride. Pride is the ultimate makeup and one of the most detrimental to your walk with God.

1 Corinthians 1:29

That no flesh should glory in his presence.

God doesn’t want pride before him and in Proverbs 6, it says God hates pride. God loves us and knows all of our flaws. God wants to help us with these flaws. So we must first recognize we have flaws. Leviticus reading was about a long process of cleansing for a leper. How would pride have affected that process? He would’ve declared himself clean before the end of process looking in mirror and forsaken the further instruction or correction.

This is similar to when we come to God, we receive the spirit of God, but were not made perfect. My favorite Bishop Calvin Enlow of New Destiny whom celebrated a Birthday recently, has lived for God over 30 years. Yet still our great Bishop said he’s still working on himself stating he’s not perfect and exhorted our congregation to enhance themselves. He said we should always be working on something. We still have flaws or holes even though we have God’s spirit. The spirit is also called the spirit of adoption, which refers to taking on God’s characteristics. An impatient person with God can become patient, an unforgiving person can become forgiving a secretive person (Me) can become open.

            First, thing you must do for God to heal your flaws is realize you have flaws, TAKE OFF THE BLINDFOLD OF PRIDE.

Friday Fellowship: Christian

Thirsty Thursdays: Know Better Do Better

There are things in life we do that we probably shouldn’t, like a child smacking you in the face thinking it is funny while being held (guilty as charged) or getting out to pump your own gas in the state of NJ (guilty again). Sometimes we honestly don’t know that it is something that shouldn’t be done. Ignorance (the lack of knowledge or information) has a very negative connotation but at times can legitimately be the cause of certain actions. As we mature, learn and obtain knowledge of things, right and wrong we are expected to know what is required/acceptable and held accountable for our actions. When You Know Better, Do Better.

When we know better we SHOULD do better. We SHOULD learn from our mistakes as well as the mistakes of others and not repeat them. For most of us this is not the case. We are far from perfect and make mistakes and many times repeat them. Luckily, we have an amazing God who understands this, loves us and forgives us our sins. When we sin and fall short we SHOULD repent. The definition of repent is: to feel sorry, self reproachful or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience stricken about a past action, attitude etc. be penitent; To feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one’s life for the better.  When we know better yet sin and fall short but don’t repent, it is like a slap in the face to God (not something you want to do).  As we see in Matthew 11:20-24, Jesus condemns the towns in which he performed many of his miracles because they did not repent of their sins. “21 Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes…. 23 And you Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” To help put that into context Sodom was wiped out with fire and brimstone.

We are not perfect, we mess up, God understands this. He gives us the opportunity to repent and be forgiven for our wrongdoings.  This is not something he has to do yet he does anyway. Which further exemplifies his love and mercy. We shouldn’t take his kindness for weakness. We should repent and ask for forgiveness. When You Know Better, Do Better. 

Stay Thirsty My Friends 

Thirsty Thursdays: Ron

Warrior Wednesdays: You Are Valuable to God

"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Matthew 10:30

Do you know the amount of hair on any one's head? (bald people do not count)  Most likely the answer is NO. To count the hairs on someones head would be extremely time consuming and difficult.  Yet, God knows the number of hairs on your head! He does not find that information to be trivial.

Did you know:

Humans have an average of 100,000 hairs on their heads.

People shed 50-100 hairs a day.

There are approximately 7 billion people in the world. So, 7 billion people at about 100,000 hairs would mean 700,000,000,000,000 hairs world wide and that is a rough estimate.

Still with numbers as large as that, God says all of the hairs on your head are numbered. Therefore, every time 1 piece of hair falls from your head God knows about it. Talk about paying attention to detail. God cares about you that much.

At times we may feel as though God does not hear our prayers. It can seem as if our prayers have gone unanswered. During these times, when we feel as though God is distant and does not hear us, remember that he knows the exact number of hairs on your head and every time 1 piece falls out. If he knows that small detail about us we can rest assured that he knows and hears our prayers.

No Matter What Kind Of Hair Day You Are Having

God Still Knows The Number Of Hairs On Your Head

 

Stay Blessed and Continue Warring for Christ!
Warrior Wednesday: Brittney

Transforming Tuesdays: Disciplined Disciple...Just Say YES!

Do you know how important discipline is? Do you have children? If you do, then you should know how important discipline is. Discipline means creating structure and guidelines so that individuals can achieve in life.  A recent study identified the characteristics of children who are not disciplined with those who are disciplined.  They are as follows:

TRAITS OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE NOT BEEN DISCIPLINED

TRAITS OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN DISCIPLINED

•   They will lack self-control. •   They will not respect their parents or other authority figures. •   They will not know what is appropriate behavior. •   They will be willful, selfish, and generally unpleasant company. •   They will not have social skills that are important for making friends such as empathy, patience, and knowing how to share. •   They will be more likely to engage in negative behaviors that are harmful and even potentially dangerous for themselves as well as others. •   They will be unhappy.

•   They have more self-control and are more self-sufficient. •   They are more responsible and enjoy "being good" and helping others at home, at school and in the world at large. •   They are more self-confident. They know their opinions and feelings will be heard, and that their parents love them even when they make mistakes. •   They know that they are accountable for their mistakes or misbehavior, and are more likely to make good choices because they want to, not because they fear punishment. •   They are pleasant to be around, and are more likely to have an easier time making friends.

http://childparenting.about.com/od/behaviordiscipline/a/Why-We-Need-To-Discipline-Children.htm

By the looks of it, the character traits of disciplined children seem more pleasing then the other one.  Think about it…how annoying and uncomfortable is it to sit my a child in church who is not disciplined? It almost seems like you can point those children out and it almost makes you want to avoid them.  You figure that since their parents don’t discipline them, then it is no use for you not to. 

Did you know that just as we all like disciplined children, that God wants us to be disciplined for him.  This means being a disciple!!! Now that we know what a disciple is and what discipleship means (thanks to Jael’s Mericiful Mondays!) we can become the best we can for Christ! I’m sure you want to be the best for him since he’s ALWAYS the best for you.

Today reading in Matthew focuses on discipline and God wants us (Disciples) to go forth and spread his gospel.  When we become disciplined in Christ we can obey the orders of Christ.  That’s where we want to be…we want to be so disciplined to the point where everything he asks us to do, we can just say YES!!!  God tells us to do a few things in Matthew:

·      Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. à What is done in the dark will come to light

·      What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops à Listen to my voice and obey my orders

·      And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. à Fear ONLY God because he can take your Body & Soul which is more than what Man can do to you.

What happens to disciples who are not disciplined and choose not to obey God’s orders?

·      Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. à If you choose not to acknowledge Christ in the world, he will surely deny you in Heaven.

·      Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. à The Lord is strong and mighty and does have the power of life, BUT ALSO DEATH.

·      He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. à You are to love no one more than God.  Everyone that you do love more than him was created by him and can be taken away by him.

·      And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. à If you choose not to take up your cross, then you are not worthy of his grace and mercy.

·      He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. à Seek God and you shall have everlasting life.

These are just a few things that God wants us to do.  Do you know how great it feels to just do what God wants you to do? It feels like a big weight is lifted off of your shoulders and 9 times out of 10 you avoid so many hardships that you didn’t have to face in the first place.  In Leviticus 10:1-2, “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not.  And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.”  Nahab and Abihu disobeyed the orders of God and as a consequence they were devoured by fire and died.  Although this seems extreme, it is not far from what awaits us when we choose not to give out lives to Christ.

When God tells us things, he does so out of love because he is our father.  The Bible says that the hairs on our head are numbered, and let’s not forget that God knew us long before he created us.  If that is not love then I don’t know what love is.  I didn’t know the importance of discipline until I got older and realized how prevalent discipline is in my life now. 

I remember I was so worried about getting accepted into law school that I literally made myself sick.  All I did was cry with every rejection letter and thought it was going to be the end of the world if I didn’t get in.  (it’s actually funny now since I’m in law school lol). I became so desperate that I even considered changing careers (If you know me then you know I had to be tripping at this point lol). This was because I was refusing to listen to God and wanted quick results so I was willing to risk it all. Well my sister told me: “You have a plan, and God has another.  At the end of the day, his plan is the best plan.”  These words have stuck with me, because how true is that??? Every time I become frustrated with something or if something doesn’t happen the way I want it to happen, the first thing I do is think about that saying and then ask myself if I’m being obedient.  If I am being obedient to the voice of God then everything will work out the way it is supposed to work out: In my best interest with God at the forefront.

CHALLENGE: I challenge all of you to become disciplined disciples in that you obey the will of God.  It is so much easier doing what God wants you to do as opposed to doing what you want to do. The young adults in my church are doing a challenge this moth where they want us to pray specific prayers.  God knows what you need he just wants you to come to him.  The more specific the better because that means you’ve taken the time out to care about what you need and surrender it to God.  I’ve been doing this with a friend so far and I know only good things can come from it.  Also, get a prayer/praise journal to jot down your progress (I start mine today).  Lastly, remember that if you need people to pray on your behalf don’t hesitate to comment in our Prayer Request tab. 

Jael from Merciful Monday's sang this song Sunday at alter call and all I could do was weep and surrender myself to God.  I am a point where I no longer want to fight...I just want to submit and say YES!!!

Stay blessed, obedient, and a disciplined disciple.  And when God asks you to do something just say YES! 

It’s Never too late to Transform your Tuesdays!!!!

Transforming Tuesdays: Jamera

Merciful Monday: Discipleship Do's and Don'ts

Everyone has heard the term “disciple: but how many of us know exactly what it means to be one? Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology defines the word “disciple” as “the term that was used most frequently to designate one of Jesus’ followers…during his earthly ministry, and during the days of the early church.” Today on reading Matthew 10, we got the exact definition of what it means to be a disciple.

FACTS:

• There were 12 original disciples: Simon (aka Peter), Andrew, James, John, Phillip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddeus, Simon, Judas Iscariot (10:2-4)
• Their mission was to: Announce that the kingdom of Heaven is near, heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons (10:7-8)
• Their payment was: Hospitality from others (such as free housing). They were told not to accept any money or exchange goods for their services (10:9-11)
• They were warned:
• That there were “sheep in wolves clothing.” They would undoubtedly be persecuted for their beliefs, but should fear God, no persecution. (10:16-22)
• Not to think too highly of themselves. “Students are not greater than their teachers, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher and slaves are to be like their master” (10:24-25

These were the words Jesus delivered to his 12 original disciples. But Matthew 28:19 commands us “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” So now, discipleship is the responsibility of each and every Christian. We need to remember that we all have a common purpose in this regard.

Now that we understand the biblical definition of discipleship, we have to walk in it! Don’t be discouraged when you confront persecution or when you are weary from doing things for the kingdom of God without pay. Jesus was crucified for his beliefs and he was the Son of God. So I think with the help of God, you and I can handle the tough moments of discipleship as well!

Merciful Mondays: Jael

^“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 4:31

Salvation Sunday: All I Need

Have you ever been through a trial and have asked God what am I to do? Have you ever said God, I need something from you? I remember this one song, which I loved, and it's called "Speak to my Heart" by Donnie McClurkin.  It's so powerful because it's asking God to speak to a person. It's asking for God to speak one word.

In today's readings, Matthew 9:20-22 deals with this idea of just one word from God. There was lady with an issue of blood and she was in the crowd where Jesus was. She knew what He could do and who He was. She knew that He has healed people within the blink of an eye. She was tired of this disease and wanted that complete healing. I don't know if this is case but I'm guessing that she tried going to different doctors and physicians to try to get an answer but no one could help. So, she was desperate and was crawling in the crowd. Then, she said if I could just touch the hem of His garment. Talk about faith being put into action. This woman had a disease that no physician or doctor or professional could even take care of. She just wanted to touch the hem of the garment to receive the healing. Isn't it crazy that all she needed was to touch the hem of the garment? She didn't even touch his body or anything like that. All she needed from God was a touch. Her faith allowed her to receive what she needed.

I think that one word from God is powerful. The song, "One Word", is powerful and so true. All we need God is one word. Do you know that one word from God can change the environment that you are apart of? Look at the incident with the disciples on the ship. The disciples are trying to everything they can to save themselves.  When Jesus came up, all He did was say Peace be still. Once He said that, everything was calm and the winds obeyed the voice of God. If that is not powerful, then I don't know what else can be considered as powerful. I know for myself that I've been dealing with confidence issues and not trusting in God to allow Him to move me forward.  I've allowed my insecurities to block me from serving God completely.  Through this, God would tell me to do something and I would doubt it because of that confidence issue. The excuses would be coming out trying to discourage myself. But, then one week, I received this one word through the whole week. God kept asking me what are you waiting for. I've given you everything that you need and even more. What is the issue? Once I heard that word, I was convicted right then and there. From that time, I started to put my excuses to the side and just have been trusting God completely so He can have His way.

So, through this week, I challenge you to trust God and ask Him for what you need. If you're going through trials, depend on God and ask Him for what you need. Just like Brittney said, if you don't ask, then you won't have it. So, I encourage you to trust God and ask Him for what you need. Ask Him for that one word.

Stay blessed!!
Salvation Sunday: Steven Gable

SATURDAY SACRIFICE

Good afternoon everyone!!! Hope everyone is having a wonderful day so far =). 

So, today I am going to focus on Matthew 9:1-17, and this is what I received from it.

Ø Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

Jesus saw their faith. Did he see a “faith meter” over their heads that read full like a gas meter…maybe not. I believe he saw their action as a faith. “…faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). The men brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus knowing that Jesus would forgive and heal him even though they had no proof. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Ø But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.

 

Don’t ever feel that there is a sin that you have committed that God can’t forgive. He isn’t like us. His ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Jesus has the authority to forgive every sin, no matter what it is. He knows we are not perfect, but HE is PERFECT. When we fall, Jesus wants us to run back to him so he can pick us up and make us right. 

 

Ø I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

Jesus wants us to acknowledge that we need him and that it is him alone that keeps us and makes us righteous. In Hosea 6:6 it says “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”  God doesn’t want us to think that we are righteous or all good in his eyes because of what we do. Like praying, fasting, giving or reading the Bible every day. We do these things because we realize that we need him more in our lives, and doing things will draw us closer to him.

We are all sinners; however, there are sinners who acknowledge that they are saved by God’s grace. These people are known as Christians! (That’s us=)) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is nor from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus said it perfectly, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” God calls those who realize they need a savior in their life, who realizes that they need to repent and turn away from their old life to turn to him who makes all things new.

Stay in God’s Peace, not in pieces

Saturday Sacrifice: Hannah

Fellowship Friday: Obtain God’s Power in Your Life?

How to obtain God’s Power in Your Life?

Our reading today tells us the answer is in AUTHORITY.

Authority is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Does God have authority in your life? Why would God’s authority in your life be important to see his power?

In the book of Matthew, we read of Jesus who gives a command to his disciples to go to the other side. His disciples followed him on the ship to go to the other side.

Authority is shown here as Jesus gave orders and his disciples obeyed.

On the journey a great storm came and caused the disciples to fear believing the storm would lead to their death. Now is a time where the disciples needed God’s power in their life. So they woke Jesus and told him they shall die in the storm.

Jesus then proceeds to say: (Matthew 8:26-27)

²⁶ And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

²⁷But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Jesus demonstrates that when you’re submitted to God’s authority then you can see God’s power as he allows you to have authority over your situation. The great storm, financial situation, school, relationship problems or whatever it must submit unto or obey God.

 (Authority)  GOD has the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Jesus said to disciples lets go to the other side and they adhered to his authority. They then forgot where Jesus authority was derived. Therefore leading the disciples to operate under the authority of the great storm which their actions displayed as they woke Jesus to tell him they were destined to die. Jesus awaking disappointed reminded them of the authority he submitted to, which is God. Jesus lived a life of submission to the authority of God allowing him authority. Even demons understand submission to God and God’s authority.

³¹ So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.

³² And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine:

Demons are against God and his people, yet were granted their request through submission to God’s authority, how much more should we submit to God’s authority?

Submit to God’s authority and your prayers will be answered. You will see God’s power in your life.

The lessons we hear or learn in church is what were suppose to apply in our life as well as what we read in bible. Submission to God’s authority means your allowing God’s ministers of bishops, pastors, elders and the understanding you gain from the bible to transform or affect your life.

To see God’s power in your life you need to submit to his authority.

Without submitting to God’s authority you can read the bible and be unaffected because you don’t see God as the authority.

Leviticus we learn our God is detailed in his commands or direction for the ACTIONS for his people.

How has your actions demonstrated submission?

Examples of Actions of submission to God’s Authority:

·         Submitting to God means applying to your life whatever your Pastor or Bishop preaches or teaches.

·         Submitting to God means engaging in worship from your heart and praising God.

·         Submitting to God means being thankful always.

·         Submitting to God means obeying God’s direct words.

·         Submitting to God means finding ways everyday to acknowledge God

·         Submitting to God means repenting when their thoughts or actions are contrary to his word or will

·         Submitting to God means doing your best to apply your understanding of the bible or your understanding of the taught word in church

These examples of submission are all found in the bible and what I learned from my Bishop. Our reading in Proverbs says:

²⁰ Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Submit to God’s authority and see God’s power.

Hebrews 4:16

 ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Luke 10:19

¹⁹ Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.