A weekly Christian Meditation by Elder Michael L. Hargett an Associate Minister at Peace of God Outreach Ministries, Waukegan, IL under the leadership of Pastors Gary and Patricia Stern.
I am currently serving God under Pastors Gary and Patricia Stern with Peace of God Outreach Ministries in Waukegan, IL. I am married to the former Cheryl Smith of Evanston, IL and reside in Great Lakes, IL. We have been blessed with four children: Melinda, Alexander, E. Marie and Peyton.
"Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path."
Ever fell like life is just an up hill battle?Do you feel like you are always climbing and clawing your way up to where you want to be?Perhaps you should take a moment and allow God to get you there. Allow God to teach you His way through His word.God teaches us to be more in his light through his word. It levels the hills and valleys. Better yet! It levels the playing field.Understanding God’s word gives you an inner strength and confidence that gives strength in the face of adversity. You will continue to face challenges but the in a different light! God will lead you on a level path in every aspect of your life. In your finances, in your relationships, in your employment, in your prayer life… Everything!
How does one study God’s word? I always encourage people to read Matthew and John in the New Testament first.It puts things in proper prospective and gets you started. However, there is no one way to study the bible. But get with a known member of the clergy that can answer your questions. Attend Sunday School and Bible Studies with your church. Here at my home Friday night is Pizza and Bible night. We play games and discuss the bible. This builds confidence in my children to know the word. It is a part of their life and routine.You will see a change in your life and the way you think about life as you grow in the word of the Lord. Through Jesus your thoughts will become more level and your problems will be easier to deal with when you are looking at them through the light.Have a great week! In the name of Jesus.AMEN!
“STANDING IN LINE AT WAL-MART” MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009
Hebrews 10:23-25
23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
The other day while standing in line at Wal-Mart God sent me a message through three cashiers. I was in line waiting to pay for my order and observed them engaged in a casual conversation. Cashier A invited Cashiers B and C out to a comedy club on a Sunday evening. This is what they said…
Cashier A: “Hey, I have some passes to a Comedy Club on Sunday evening do you all want to join me?”
Cashier B: “I am off that day!”
Cashier C: “Oh I can’t go… You guys will be drinking.”
Cashier B: “You do not have to drink! We will not be drinking.”
Cashier C: “I don’t want to be bothered by a bunch ofcrazy men anyway.”
Cashier B: “This is a girl’s night out.”
Cashier C: “I have nothing to wear.”
Cashier A: “I’ll get you a new top.”
Cashier C: “I have to work that day, I do not get off until 7.”
Cashier A: “Perfect it starts at 8.”
Cashier C: “I do not have transportation.”
Cashier A: “I’ll pick you up from here.”
Cashier C: “I do not have a baby sitter for my kids.”
Cashier B: “I’ll hook you up! You can use my baby sitter.”
Cashier C: “I do not know. I would need to change.”
Cashier A: “I am getting you a new top, just clean up and change at my house.”
Cashier B: “You need some time to yourself come on girl, go!”
Cashier C: “I don’t know!”
Cashier A: “You need this come on and go.”
Cashier B: “Girl come on go, I got you!”
Cashier C: “O.K. I will go.”
As I approached Cashier B to pay for my groceries, the spirit of the Lord moved me to comment: “If church folk worked as hard to get people to come to church, as your friend did to get her to go out Sunday, all the churches would be full every Sunday and not just on holidays.” We all agreed.I went on to explain that I was not condemning or criticizing their conversation but as I was considering my ways and looking at what effortI put into getting folk to come to church. Normally, I would ask and when given an excuse, I would just accept it and move on.
Nonetheless, these young ladies showed me that it takes an effort on my part to get someone to come to church that may not be inclined to do so. They inspired me not to accept excuses and offer alternatives. When someone I invite says “I cannot come to church because I do not have a ride.” Then I should offer to pick them up.When someone I invite says “I cannot come to church because I do not have anything to wear.” Then I should offer them outfit. When someone I invite says, “I cannot come to church because I do not wait to be around a bunch of crazy church folk.” Then, I should offer to sit with them. When someone I invite says “I cannot come to church because I have to work on Sundays.” Then I should offer alternative services (Bible Study, Mid-Week Service, or a Sunday Evening Service). When someone I invite says, “I cannot come to church because I need someone to watch my kids” Then I should offer to watch their kids.People do not have to change what they are doing to come to the house of the Lord.They should come as they are and allow God to change them from the inside out.
People are in need of something greater than what they can ever gain from the world, yet we as so called Christians back down and accept excuses from our family and friends when it comes to them coming out and getting a word. Well, God used these young ladies to inspired me to do more evangelizing and to work harder on getting folk to go to church!Oh yes,I invited them all to church!Now who are you going to invite? Have a blessed week!In Jesus' name, AMEN!
By: Elder Michael L. Hargett
Associate Minister
Peace of God Outreach Ministries
Pastors and Overseers Drs. Gary and Patricia Stern
15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her. 19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD. 21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God. 29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book, 31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Monday Morning Meditations is an interactive process. I encourage each of you to submit your comments, questions and testimonies. I will share them as the Lord leads me.This is not about what I think! I encourage each of you to read the word of God daily and to pray daily and if you have questions send the to me via email or the website and I will answer them.I have two great Pastors that is always ready to teach and guide me as well. Peace of God Outreach Ministries has a full compliment of ministers and clergy and if I can not find the answer, I know where to go to get assistance. You can also use the telephone numbers below for prayer request and questions as well.If I get enough questions and/or testimonies, I may even get a few read over the radio and you can tune in a hear your answers live.The main focus for this ministry is to lead people to Jesus who is the Light of the world!
Here is a recent question and correspondence from Sister Lillian of Newark, New Jersey:
Sister Lillian: Pastor Hargett, “Something just had me a little puzzled. WHY WOULD'NT JESUS LET MARY AND THE OTHER WOMEN THAT CAME TO THE TOMB TOUCHHIMWHEN HE ROSE? HOWEVER, WHEN HE CAME AMONGEST THE DISCIPLES HE WANTED THEM TO TOUCH HIM TOO PROVE IT WAS HIM?”
Pastor Hargett:“Sister Lillian this is a great Question!Let's look at the scripture you are referring too.John 20:15-31 In verse 17 the bible says "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."Jesus explained it to her. He had not ascended (or went to the Father) at the time Mary saw him. Furthermore it was because of her faith that he revealed himself to her first. (See my comments from last week) In a natural human response she probably went to hug and embrace him but he had not ascended to the father at that time.
But look at what happens next in the text from John 20:20 “20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.”They too saw the Lord and yet they did not attempt to embrace him.Was this lack of embrace a symbol of doubt or a lack of faith? Why did Jesus have to show them his wounds?We hear and we see Jesus' goodness and still we doubt (Again, see my comments from last week). We look for answers everywhere but from the living word of God. Many of us are still looking for the wounds on Jesus.
As we continue with John 20:24 - 27 “24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.”Some time has passed. Eight to ten days have went by and Jesus had plenty of time to ascend into Heaven and be with God and then return to complete his work.Mary was first to see Jesus and was not allowed to touch him because he had not yet ascended. But more importantly, her faith was greater than that of the disciples and there was no need for the human embrace. She did not have to touch or feel or even see Jesus to believe what was already there. Now let us close this out... John 20:28 - 3128And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.“29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. “
Notice how much a Christian may lose by not regularly attending church with other of God’s people. Thomas was not at the first meeting. The Bible does not say why or where Thomas was, but theBrother could have missed his blessing of seeing the Savior.Nevertheless, notice how kind and merciful God is to the slow to believe, the sincere doubter. When a man doubts after proper evidence, God calls it folly and foolishness. But to the sincere doubter, the Lord says, "be not faithless but believing"
In closing let me point out that it is not because she was a woman that she could not touch Jesus. He had not ascended to the Father at that time. She was the first to see him!Besides, there was no need for her to touch him because her faith had already placed her where she needed to be, in the Garden.But check this out... The most significant point of the scripture we covered today is the fact that Mary saw Jesus first in the Garden. It was in the first garden with another question, asked of another woman, and as a result sin was brought into the world. (See Gen. 3)Now this woman was weeping, in another garden. Sin began and was defeated in a Garden!Think of the tears through the years. Tears that would have never been a part of life if there had been no sin. MY GOD! Even Jesus wept - shortest verse in the Bible.Here Jesus stands on resurrection ground and asks, "Why weepest thou?" He did not take away the tears but he was there as an answer to her tears. He will not take away your tears yet but he is the answer to the reason for our tears.Mary was the first to see Jesus because she had a greater faith and a greater love than the others. And because of this she was the first called to preach the resurrection of the savior!Jesus is standing ready today to take away your tears if you would just trust in him as Mary did.Have a blessed week!In Jesus' name AMEN!
“THE FIRST SEVEN WORDS OF JESUS”
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009
JOHN 20: 15 – 30
15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her. 19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD. 21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God. 29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book, 31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
The Resurrection of Christ was the miracle of all miracles.Yesterday was Easter and churches around the world celebrated the Risen Savior! From these services we heard the cry of forgiveness as Jesus said, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." We heard the cry of salvation as Jesus told the penitent thief that "Today thou shalt be with me in paradise." We heard the cry of provision spoken concerning Mary and John. We heard the cry of desertion as Jesus asked, "My God, My God why hast thou forsaken me?" We Heard the cry of suffering as Jesus said, "I thirst." And We Heard the cry of victory! When Jesus shouted… "IT IS FINISHED!" There are many sermons and books on the last seven words of Jesus on the Cross. These words explain the purpose of the cross and the character of Christ.But this week I want to you to think about this event again because as there were seven last words of Jesus and each were significant, I believe that much followed beyond the grave. From which, explains what the Resurrection has done for us and what the Resurrection has to offer us. The seven first words of Jesus thus gives a message from God to all the World beyond the grave.The seven first words of Jesus gives a message from God to the Church. The first seven words of Jesus gives a message from God to his people.The Seven First Words of Jesus...
1. “WOMAN WHY WEEPEST THOU” (Vs. 15)The first word of Christ after the Resurrection is to a woman in a garden. I wonder if there is not some symbolism here.It was in the first garden with another question asked that a woman was questioned and as a result sin was brought into the world.
2. “MARY” (Vs. 16) Jesus called Mary by name. Christ knows his disciples individually. He called Thomas who was a doubter at this time but still a disciple by name and Jesus is calling you!Are you listening to what God is saying? Jesus knew people in the resurrection and so will we. (See I John 3:2)Moses and Elijah knew Christ and each other on the Mt. of Transfiguration. I believe we will know each other in heaven. Our relationship to each other will be different than here on earth but we will know. Those who hear the Lord and love the Lord the most get the greater blessing. The disciples loved but it seems by her actions that she loved Jesus more and had the blessing of meeting him first.
3. “GO TELL MY BRETHREN”(Vs. 17)Mary! Yes, a woman had the message of the Resurrection. The Resurrection gives us a message to tell to the world. It is a message that sin had been paid at the cross. It is a message that we have a hope beyond the grave. It is a message of a resurrection for us one day and a great reunion with Jesus. Mary had a message for the disciples - then they had a message for the world. We have a message too! The cross gives us a message. The resurrection gives us the authority and validates the message and the Holy Spirit gives us the power to deliver it. Now are we going to tell it?
4.“PEACE BE UNTO YOU“(Vs. 19 – 21) Jesus gives us the promise of peace. The peace with God and the peace of God in our lives. We need to be searching for peace and not blame. Searching for peace and not fault. Searching for peace and not rebuke...Sin takes away peace. Without Peace all you’ll have a Troubled heart.Without Peace you’ll have troubled circumstances.Without Peace you’ll have a trouble due to the consequence of sin. There is no peace to be found in the world without Jesus. Without peace all you will find is war, fear, troubles, and death but you will never any peace with out Jesus in your life.
5.“AS MY FATHER HATH SENT ME SO SEND I YOU; RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST”
(Vs. 21 – 23)Here is the call to service and the power to serve. There is a job to be done for the Lord. That is the reason he has left us here instead of taking us all home to heaven immediately after conversion. We are powerless without Him. He puts his power inside us through the Holy Spirit. The Cross gives us the message - The Resurrection gives us Authority and the Holy Spirit gives us the power. (See Rom.1:1-5)
6. “REACH HITHER...BE NOT FAITHLESS BUT BELIEVING” (Vs. 27) This is a word to doubting Thomas. Many folk are just like Thomas today. But notice several things here; Notice how much a Christian may lose out by not regularly attending church. (Compare Vs. 24 and Vs. 26) Furthermore, there is no account in the bible as to where Thomas was or what he was doing but the brother was (MIB) missing in getting his blessings. However, notice how kind and merciful God is to the show the sincere doubter His truth. When someone doubts after proper evidence, God calls it folly and foolishness. But to the sincere doubter, the Lord says, "be not faithless but believing!” Thomas was there at the second meeting and JESUS CAME!Jesus is always there when you need him even in the midst of your doubts.
7.“BLESSED ARE THEY THAT HAVE NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED” (Vs. 29) This is a word for us today. He is speaking of us. We are saved by faith! (Eph.2:8 – 9) We are to walk by faith and not by sight (Rom.3:24) Faith brings blessings! Faith brings power! And faith brings us closer to God. Mary lost the Lord in vs. 13 --- but she found him because of her faith and because of the resurrection and his love. My question this week is… What are you looking at and who are you looking to? You should be looking to the hills from which your help comes. If you are looking to anything other than Jesus - you are looking in the all the wrong places. You are blocking the way for Jesus to help you and put you over.You need to ask the savior to help you. You need to ask Jesus to comfort you!You need to ask Jesus to strengthen you! You need to ask Jesus to keep you!I know that Jesus will carry you through!Just look for the one set footprints in the sand! Jesus’ presence in your life - gives you life! Jesus’ presence in your life - brings joy in the midst of you sorrows! Jesus’ presence in your life - brings you strength in the midst of your weakness!Jesus’ presence in your life - brings you living water in the midst of your draught. Jesus’ presence in your life - brings you heavenly manna the midst of your famine! Jesus’ presence in your life - brings you spiritual wealth the midst of your financial poverty!Jesus’ presence in your life - brings you love, grace and mercy in the midst of a crude mean world!Brothers and sisters I here to tell you that nothing compares to the presence of Jesus in your life.
How do I know that Christ is risen? What proof do I have to give? First of all He rescued me from sin’s dark prison & I began to live. How do I know He left the tomb That Easter long ago? I met him at the dawn’s fresh bloom and life is all aglow.How do I know he gained for me? Well I haveaccess to Heaven’s door? Christ’s work in me is guarantee of life forevermore. How do I know that Christ still lives?He has given me rich blessings to impart!His abundant grace, love and peace he gives me as he lives within my heart.The resurrection proves Jesus Lives! Have a blessed resurrection week!In Jesus’ name!AMEN!
Adapted By: Elder Michael L. Hargett
Associate Minister
Peace of God Outreach Ministries
Pastors and Overseers Drs. Gary and Patricia Stern
Luke 24:1-5 1
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
It's Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter's denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It's Friday; but Sunday's a coming.
It's Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, "Father, forgive them." It's Friday; but Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, "My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?" What a horrible cry. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. And at the moment of Jesus' death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that's because it's
Friday, and they don't know it, but Sunday's a coming.
And on that horrible day 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought that he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the Garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But that was Friday.Oh Jesus! Sweat Jesus! Sunday is coming!
Now it's Sunday. And just about dawn on that first day of the week, there was a great earthquake. But that wasn't the only thing that was shaking because now it's Sunday. And the angel of the Lord is coming down out of heaven and rolling the stone away from the door of the tomb. Yes, it's Sunday, and the angel of the Lord is sitting on that stone and the guards posted at the tomb to keep the body from disappearing were shaking in their boots because it's Sunday, and the lamb that was silent before the slaughter is now the resurrected lion from the tribe of Judah, for He is not here, the angel says. He is risen indeed.
It's Sunday, and the crucified/resurrected Christ has defeated death, hell, sin and the grave. It's Sunday. And now everything has changed. It's the age of grace, God's grace poured out on all who would look to that crucified lamb of Calvary. Grace freely given to all who would believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary was buried and rose again. Sunday is Coming!
It's Good Friday! But Sunday's a Coming!
Adapted By: Elder Michael L. Hargett
Associate Minister
Peace of God Outreach Ministries
Pastors and Overseers Drs. Gary and Patricia Stern
In fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 62:11 & Zechariah 9:9), Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds lined the street shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." (Psalm 118:25-26) They placed palm branches and robes in front of Jesus. This was particularly disturbing to the religious leaders who were jealous of Jesus. They demanded that Jesus silence the crowd, but he responded that even if the crowd were silent, the stones would cry out.
The events of the next week would forever change the world. Jesus entered Jerusalem and the crowd welcomed him as a king. By the end of the week they were demanding his death. His followers abandoned him in fear. None of his close followers had really understood the events of Palm Sunday and Holy Week until after Jesus returned. They had all expected Jesus to be an earthly king, but God had given them something so much better - an open door into a Kingdom that would never end.
Palm Sunday, in the Christian calendar is the Sunday before Easter, sixth and last Sunday in Lent, and the first day of Holy Week. Palm Sunday 2009 was celebrated yesterday on April 5. The other important days of Holy Week include:
Palm Sunday - Jesus enters Jerusalem.
Thursday - The Last Supper and betrayal.
Good Friday - The arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus.
Easter Sunday - The day Jesus rose from the grave.
Easter Sunday is coming!Have a blessed Palm Sunday Week. In Jesus’ name!AMEN.
By: Elder Michael L. Hargett
Associate Minister
Peace of God Outreach Ministries
Pastors and Overseers Drs. Gary and Patricia Stern
Revelation 21:3-4 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Do you know anyone that does not want the best? We are constantly trying to obtain the best things in life. We want the best cars, the best homes, the best spouse, the best family, we even want the best pets. But the best is yet to come.
A woman once went into the marketplace, looked around, and saw a sign that read, "God's Fruit Stand". "Thank goodness! It's about time!" the woman said to herself. She went inside and she said, "I would like a perfect banana, a perfect cantaloupe, a perfect strawberry, and a perfect peach." God, who was behind the counter, shrugged and said, "I'm sorry. I only sell seeds." It seems that humanity continues to make this same mistake. Disciples of Jesus, including ourselves, are like the woman looking for "perfect fruit"; we are looking for something finished - a completed project. But God is not about original perfection and creation is far from being complete.
There is a divine energy at the heart of life initiating and accompanying that drive for perfection; but we have mistakenly associated it with a "finished" project. There was popular slogan of a few years back, "Be Patient! God isn't finished with me yet!" really is true, more than any of us will ever know. Natural faculties cannot grasp the greatness of what lies ahead for believers. But we get glimpses of it by God’s revelation. And we see that the best is yet to come! In 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 it tells us...“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. This means that our lives are not limited by failure, nor by the earthly illusions of success. There is always a call forward. And none of us is there yet, The best is yet to come!
Many church folk today avoid the book of Revelation. But it is a book of what is yet to come. It is a book of good news! In Revelation 21:3-4 it says “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
We will actually live with God. The best is yet to come! God will wipe away every tear. The best is yet to come! No more death. The best is yet to come! No more mourning. The best is yet to come! No more crying. The best is yet to come! No more pain. The best is yet to come! Imagine this! Sitting and eating at a feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! The best is yet to come! Having lunch with Paul, Peter, John, Timothy... The best is yet to come! Having breakfast with your believing loved ones! The best is yet to come! Pleasures and fullness of joy at God’s right hand for evermore! Throughout all eternity! Astounding things lie ahead for you. The best is yet to come!
No matter what you are going through, keep loving God. The best is yet to come! Keep serving God. The best is yet to come! Stay Faithful to God. The best is yet to come! I look forward to an indescribably joyful eternity in His presence! The best is yet to come! Spiritual eyes opened. The best is yet to come! Heavy burdens lifted. The best is yet to come! God’s cleansing from the diseases of sin. The best is yet to come! Spiritual ears and eyes opened so that you can hear and see God, The best is yet to come! True, abundant life and begin to live life to the fullest. The best is yet to come! Is the gospel in your heart? You need Jesus to save you and make you new. The best is has already been given! You see my brothers and sisters, Jesus is all that you need to make you life the best it can be. , Jesus is here to save. The best is yet to come! Jesus is here to help. The best is yet to come! Jesus is here to heal. The best is yet to come! Jesus is here to deliver. The best is yet to come! Will you come and let Him do what only He can do? Why settle for anything less than the best. The best is yet to come! YES! The best is Jesus and he already has come! In the name of Jesus! AMEN…
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Before starting Saturday Worship Services at a local nursing home, I received a note that someone needed to see me on the third floor.It turned out to be Tom! I remember him because he would always lead us in the old Hymns. He has a deep bass voice that would light up any room.
I had not seen Tom for over a year.In fact, I thought he had passed on home to glory. I did not even know where his room was. Nonetheless, I made my way up to his room after services and to my surprise and delight there he was! He explained that he had become bed ridden since the last time we saw one another.He said that he prays for me and Pastor Ewing every day.He said that the Lord had put me on his mind and he wanted to see me because the message I brought last year was still with him and he had a testimony for me. He wanted to minister to me.
Over a year ago I preached a three part series “What God Intends for My Life” And part one was titled “God Why?”Tom explained that he lost feeling in his feet and loss the use of his legs but from that message he never asked God why.But instead he praises God for allowing him to be in the land of the living just one more Day.He said; “My ministry is limited to this bed and this room but some of the nurses who tend to me will get saved by my testimony.” “Praise God!”(SHOUT)
Looking into his eyes, listening to his testimony, and holding back tears, we began to praise God together!Tom said “Pastor, every morning I wake up I that God for just one more day to sing and praise him, and although I have an end tracheal tube, God is still allowing me to sing.” “I still have my voice, Devil will not take that!” (SHOUT) “Every morning, after giving thanks, I ask the nurse to pull my curtains openso I can see the birds flying.” “I know that if God is watching over the sparrows, I know he is watching over me.”He is happy “doing the work of the Lord!” no matter where he is, even from his bedWe prayed together and I left his room and that nursing home a changed man.God used Tom to confirm my message from that day,“The Things We Cannot Live Without”.We can live without the use of our feet, our legs, and even loose our ability to get out of bed.But we cannot live without the Love, Grace, and Mercy of God.We cannot live without the Shedding of Blood. We cannot live without Faith. And we cannot live without Holy Spirit.Why not live to celebrate God’s Love!
I just thank God for Tom this morning. I thank God for the Nursing Home Ministry. I thank God for my Pastors and for their love, guidance and support. I thank God for my Mother, who has been restricted to a wheelchair most of her adult life. I thank God for her love and instilling in me the Morals and Values that has led me to be the man that God would have me to be.Tom you are a blessing to me and those who meet you!thank you for ministering to me this weekend.And yes! God is using you! God is keeping you!
To all my readers, have a great week, In Jesus’ name!I know that I will!Because as God watches over the Sparrow – I know he is watching over me!And You, You, and yes… EVEN YOU!AMEN!
7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,whose confidence is in him. 8 He will be like a tree planted by the waterthat sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes;its leaves are always green.It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
During these last days, you must continue to trust in the Lord. Your hearts (roots) must be firmly planted and deeply rooted in God’s word.You must strive to allow His word to grow in you as the Holy Spirit grows in you through the stream of His Love, Grace, and Mercy.
Wherefore you shall not fear when trails and trouble comes your way.Your life will continue to be enriched, not matter the trouble.Through it all you will not be anxious or allow the weeds of the world to cut you off from the source of everlasting life. Always be fruitful in the world through theword of God.Be like the tree planted next to a stream,stand firm! Let nothing move you! Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I am in the midst of transitioning from a military career of over 25 years as I am retiring in June. With the Lord’s blessing I have worked my way through the ranks and have achieved a position and education that I never dreamed of. I am building a computer recycling and web hosting business. The business is not making a profit right now, but we are growing. My wife, Cheryl is pregnant and we are expecting our fifth child in May, a month before I retire. Naturally, I have been a little troubled with my transition. But walking above the troubles around just as Peter was walking above the rough seas. But like Peter I was feeling anxiety beginning blowing all around me and they began to set in.
A few weeks ago, I prayed to God and asked why did the economy have to tank now? I have sent out many resumes and have had no replies. Like Peter, I begin to doubt. Walking above my worries, I quickly began to sink into them. But, I heard the spirit of the Lord say…. Wait. And I felt him reach down and pull me up. Oh ye of little faith! My faith is little? Oh yeah! All I need is a mustard seed of faith! No worries, right? My God! Show me something! Then I heard the Lord say again, WAIT!
Later that same week, I met with my Pastors. It is always special when I have an opportunity to meet with such a great man and woman of God. During our meeting, Pastor Patricia asked how my job search was coming. After telling them, she simply said “It will be hard for you to work under someone after being the leader for so long.” “Wait on the Lord!” There it was again! God was telling me to wait. Wait for what? OK Lord I am waiting. Wait…. WAIT! Just as important, my Pastors where praying for me and lifting me up before the Lord even in the midst of my personal anxiety they were praying for me and not just my Pastors. I talked with my Mother after meeting with my Pastors and she told me that she was praying for me too. She said “Son, why would God leave you now?” The word of the God tells us that the prayers of the righteous avails much.
Now check this out! The following Monday, I received a phone call from an employer that wanted to interview me after reviewing my resume on the internet somewhere. I went in for a job interview and they made me an offer on the spot to start next week. But God was not done yet. Another company called and I did a phone interview with them. I will be leaving home in a few hours for a face to face interview later this morning. They are offering more money and a better benefits package than the first company. As such, Cheryl would be able to stay home with Mike Jr. as long as she wants! (Another prayer answered!) Next a fellow minister who works for a major company has move out of state and recommended me for his position. And yes, that company wants to interview me too. After telling them that I already had offers. They indicated that they could match or beat any compensation package others had made. O.K. God! I am waiting! (SHOUT!)
On top of all these blessings, a bank has offered my business partners and me a loan to purchase a building and equipment we need to expand and become profitable next year! (SHOUT!) (SHOUT!) (SHOUT!) Can God get a Praise this morning! (SHOUT!) Not only did God show up but he is showing out! I just thank God that I can give up my anxieties and my worries to him. I am blessed to have praying Pastors and a praying family. I thank God for my Pastors and my beloved Mother and Sister who are always tuned in to my state of being and always offering encouraging words and prayers.
In short, whatever you are going through. Whatever has you distracted and not focused on Jesus. Give it up to God! 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. God will work it out! It may not always be what you want but it will always be what you need. Eyes have not seen. Ears have not heard and no man can comprehend what God has for those who trust and love him. I have been faithful in God with a few things and now he is blessing me with the choice of employment and the growth of my own business. My God!… and the best is yet to come! JUST WAIT! Thank you Jesus! (SHOUT!) Have a blessed week in the name of the Jesus! AMEN!
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I am in the midst of transitioning from a military career of over 25 years. I am retiring in June. With the Lord’s blessing, I have worked my way through the ranks and have achieved a position and education that I never dreamed of. I am also building a computer recycling and web hosting business. The business is not making a profit right now, but we are growing. My wife, Cheryl is pregnant and we are expecting our fifth child in May, just a month before I retire. Naturally, I have been a little troubled with my transition. But God has me walking above my worries and troubles just as Peter was walking above the rough seas. But like Peter I began feeling a little anxiety beginning to blow all around me and my worries began to set in.
A few weeks ago, I prayed to God and asked why did the economy have to tank now? I have sent out many resumes and have had no replies. Like Peter, I begin to doubt. Walking above my worries, I quickly began to sink into them. But, I heard the spirit of the Lord say…. Wait. And I felt him reach down and pull me up. Oh ye of little faith! My faith is little? Oh yeah! All I need is a mustard seed of faith! No worries, right? My God! Show me something! Then I heard the Lord say again, WAIT!
Later that same week,I met with my Pastors.It is always special when I have an opportunity to meet with such a great man and woman of God. During our meeting, Pastor Patricia asked how my job search was coming.After telling them, she simply said “It will be hard for you to work under someone after being the leader for so long.” “Wait on the Lord!” There it was again! God was telling me to wait.Wait for what?OK Lord I am waiting.Wait….WAIT!Just as important, my Pastors where praying for me and lifting me up before the Lord even in the midst of my personal anxiety they were praying for me and not just my Pastors. Later that evening I talked with my Mother after and she told me that she was praying for me too. She said “Son, why would God leave you now?” The word of the God tells us that the prayers of the righteous avails much.
Now check this out! The following Monday, I received a phone call from an employer that wanted to interview me after reviewing my resume on the internet somewhere.I went in for a job interview and they made me an offer on the spot to start next week.But God was not done yet.Another company called and I did a phone interview with them. I will be leaving home in a few hours for a face to face interview later this morning. They are offering more money and a better benefits package than the first company. As such, Cheryl would be able to stay home with Mike Jr. as long as she wants! (Another prayer answered!) Next a fellow minister who works for a major company has move out of state and recommended me for his position. And yes, that company wants to interview me too. After telling them that I already had offers. They indicated that they could match or beat any compensation package others had made. O.K. God! I am waiting! (SHOUT!)
On top of all these blessings, a bank has offered my business partners and me a loan to purchase a building and equipment we need to expand and become profitable next year!(SHOUT!)(SHOUT!)(SHOUT!)Can God get a Praise this morning!(SHOUT!) Not only did God show up but he is showing out! I just thank God that I can give up my anxieties and my worries to him. I am blessed to have praying Pastors and a praying family.I thank God for my Pastors and my beloved Mother and Sister in New Jersey who are always tuned in to my state of being and always offering encouraging words and prayers.
In short, whatever you are going through. Whatever has you distracted and not focused on Jesus. Give it up to God! 1 Peter 5:7Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. God will work it out! It may not always be what you want but it will always be what you need.Eyes have not seen. Ears have not heard and no man can comprehend what God has for those who trust and love him. I have been faithful in God with a few things and now he is blessing me with the choice of employment and the growth of my own business.My God! And the best is yet to come!JUST WAIT! Thank you Jesus!(SHOUT!) Have a blessed week in the name of the Jesus!AMEN!
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, and there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
How do you build a winning team when each member of the team has strong individual wills and even greater egos?Building a true functional team, even in the church, is not necessarily easy; especially when human egos get in the way.Many great professional sports teams have lost big games due to one player’s ego.When individual players put themselves before the team… the team always looses, if not on the court or field the team will loose in the locker room or the prayer room where it is most important.
Ego encourages us to focus on how each individual is different from the rest of the team.While in contrast, the holy spirit soul becomes stronger when we are growing to understand God’s word as one.It is that experience which makes each of us the same in His eyes.
Any time that we separate ourselves from God, our soul is not in control and it is the flesh (ego) that is in control and takes over the situation.At such times, the challenge is to shift our perspective and build a connection with God through prayer and fastingAllow his desire for us to move and guide us.
As we build our personal connect with God, we will begin to understand that we are all very much the same, despite our short comings. The picture of life becomes larger, more things make sense and we have a greater understanding of his word and how God truly intend for us to live.Have a blessed week in the name of the Son, The father and the Holy Spirit!AMEN!
1 And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, 2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. 3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. 4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. 5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6 for word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? 10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Welcome to the new and improved Monday Morning Mediations with Elder Mike.I am so excited about the new look of the newsletter! Glory to God for the vision that he gave me this morning!First off, I got off to a late start this morning. I was running late for work and once I got there, I locked my keys in my vehicle. After getting my keys out I ran over to a 9 A.M. meeting and sat there in silent prayer. Lord knows I was not into the meeting.
Following the meeting I rushed home to change and get ready for a series of meetings, one meeting is at 12 and another at 1 P.M. After praying and doing some reading, I realized I was running late again! I rushed to my car just to see my door to the garage close behind and my keys were locked in the house. After a friend picked me up, in a rush again I closed my garage door and locked all my papers for my meetings in the car inside the garage! My God, the devil is busy today! Nonetheless, I made it to my office and the meetings went off without a hitch, just had to re-print the stuff locked in the garage. I was doing a great deal of running and rushing and was going nowhere today without my keys.
For many this would be considered a pretty bad day. But it was not for me! I had quality time with the Lord today. In between waiting for friends to pick me up and spending time in prayer and study. Yeah! I did not get the meditation out this morning but look at what God put into my spirit this afternoon. God had to slow me down a little bit to get me in the right mindset to allow his creativeness inside me to grow.
There is a host of little things I learned from this passage and form Jonah. (Suggest you read the entire book.) First, you can't outrun God. I tried today. I was like a hamster running on the circle wheel at full speed but each time I would look back there was the cross!My God! I was like that when God first called me to preach. You see who won that race. (SHOUT!) I didn't want to do it because I couldn't see how god could use someone like me for something as awesome as this. But no matter where I turned, God was there, reinforcing that Call.
The next little thing we can learn is God is in charge. Like Jonah we have trouble with that sometimes. But there it is, God is in charge. God has always been and always will be in charge. And the finally little things, like keys do not matter! Jonah gave a little sermon but God used it in a powerful way. The sailors had a little humility, enough to allow them to pray to God even though He wasn't their God. That little bit of humility and faith was enough to save them. And God used a little thing like a worm to teach Jonah about how much God loves the world and how much God wants to save the entire world.
A little thing such as this is now yours to share! Have a blessed week in the name of the Son, The father and the Holy Spirit!AMEN!
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 (KJV) 51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
What in your life would you ask God to change? Would it be the situation that you are in? Would it be your health? Would it be your financial state? Would it be your employment status? Would it be your marriage or relationship? What in your life do you need God to change?
We often seek God to change this or change situations in our lives but rarely do we seek God to change us. God’s desire is for us to call out to Him to change our hearts and our lives. Probably one of the most fearful, and uncomfortable realities of our lives is regarding the area of change. It doesn't take long to look, and see that everything around us, has, and is, constantly continuing to change. Today as we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, a man whole changed America. From which tomorrow America will change again as Barack Obama takes the Presidency. And on Wednesday America will change, yet again. CHANGE!
We are asking God to change this and change that but Oh! Lord! Do not change me. Everything can change around us but we are not unwilling to change ourselves. If things in our lives are not the way we believe God intended for us maybe it is time to change. Jesus spoke seven simple words that will bring change into our lives. These seven little words will bring you out of whatever you are in and begin to change your life, forever! “Not My Will, But Your Be Done”.
Just imagine, putting the will of the Father before your own. Choosing to live for God rather than living for the world. Jesus even taught us to pray this way in Matthew 6:9-13 “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, [10] your kingdom come, YOUR WILL BE DONE on earth as it is in heaven....’ ” “Not My Will, But Your Be Done”. In whatever situation you are faced with just pray… “Not My Will, But Your Be Done”.
Many of us are looking for God to change something in our lives. But Oh! Lord! Do not change me! But if you take these seven little words and put them into action you will change. “Not My Will, But Your Be Done”. Change me! Oh! Lord! Wash me and make me whole.
26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? 27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Matthew 17:20-21:
20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kindgoeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
I am glad that we serve an awesome God! We are living in an economically unstable period where people are losing their jobs and businesses are closing every day.But God is closer than we think.My question to you this morning is if God is able, what is keeping you from your Miracle? Whatever you need, God is here to meet that need. God is still a miracle worker who will not be laid off or his bank will close.With God all things are possible! There is nothing too big or too difficult for God.
God is all seeing, all knowing! He has no limits, no bounds; he is the creator of all space and time. God is bigger than anything we could possibly imagine and if you truly believe this then why are you missing your Miracle?
When you pray to God you will always get an answer. It is not always what we want to hear from God, but he always answers. Sometimes it is “YES” then it may be “NO’ and sometimes God will say “WAIT” but He always answers prayer.God is more than enough to meet your needs.
God will help you every step of the way. God will help you breathe your next breath. God will help you at work. God will help you at school. God will help you at home. God will help you with transportation. God will help you with your finances. God will help you with your house payment. God will help you in health and God will help you in sickness. God helped you when you were young and God helps you as you age. God will help you when things are going great and god will help you when things are not going great.
God will help you through a bad economy. God will help you through unemployment. God will help you through inflation. God will help you through losing money. God will help you through losing a home. God will heal you from a sickness. Do not be afraid of crime. Do not be afraid of violence. Do not be afraid of terrorists. Do not be afraid of people. What can man do to you? God is with you and God is helping you right now and I am confident of that! What’s keeping you from your Miracle?
Brothers and sisters, never is forever and God will never forsake you as you place your faith in Him. Have a blessed week, In Jesus’ Name… Amen!
1Ephesians 4:17-19 17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
“CUT IN HALF – CUT AWAY FROM GOD”
A recent novel by Madeleine L'Engle is titled "A Severed Wasp," The title comes from one of George Orwell's essays, offers a graphic image of human disconnect with God. Orwell describes a wasp that "was sucking jam on his plate and he cut it in half. The wasp paid no attention, merely went on with his meal, while a tiny stream of jam trickled out of his severed esophagus. Only when he tried to fly away did he grasp the dreadful thing that had happened to him." The wasp and people without Christ have much in common. Severed from their souls, but greedy and unaware, people continue to consume the world’s sweet nectar. Only when it's time to fly away will they grasp their dreadful condition. Only when they face a tragedy in their lives do they attempt to fly away with God. It is only then that they find they have no connection to God.
This year Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at hand. Never mind all the stuff you resolved this year! Reconnect with God. The major difference between those without Christ and the wasp is that Jesus was given to put you back together again. To make you whole! Jesus can make you clean and put you back together again. Oh Lord wash me, again! Come and make me whole! Have a blessed week, In Jesus’ Name… Amen!
By: Elder Michael L. Hargett Copyright 2009 MinTech, Inc.
The biggest hindrance for those who are living in the world is accepting authentic Christianity. For many it is not the theology, it is the lack of finding truly transformed believers whose lives give witness to the power of change the Holy Spirit makes in us.
Being "NEW" is not an option when we come to Christ … everything changes, all things become new … and it must show to the world, to the Church, and to our family and friends! It is not like a New Year’s resolution but The Bible teaches us that in Christ we become a "NEW CREATION” and the world must see how our lives have been transformed by God's power.
It is much too often people who claim to be believers talk as if God is real but act as if He were not. Let us love this New Year, not by what we say but rather by what we do…HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We are living in a time when one can join just about anything without having to change anything or make any serious commitments. My email is flooded daily with requests to join everything under the sun. The qualifications are usually stated something like this:
"Nothing down" "No minimum purchases required" "You can't be turned down" "No payments until next year" "You don't have to do anything now" “Last chance to get in on the ground floor”
In other words, all you have to do to qualify is be living and breathing … oh, and have money! Let me assure you that in God's kingdom IT IS DIFFERENT, big changes are expected, and required! This is much different from a New Year’s Resolution, which many we never intend to keep. Check this out…
Here are the percentages of resolutions that people have promised to make for 2008. Now, if you are into making goals and wanting to set them there is a website just for you. It’s called mygoals.com and it helps you stay on track, but it also has trends for what people are going to make as goals for 2008. Here is the breakdown: 27% of resolutions involve health and fitness, which is down from last year. 15% involve personal growth and interests, 15% personal finance, 9% education and training, 6% time manage mentand organization, 5% recreation and leisure, 5% family and relationships.
So let’s go back to priorities for a second. We said, well, surely the answer should be God is #1, but notice that list again. Did you hear me mention any resolution concerning God? It’s not there. To find anything about spirituality you have to look in the personal growth section, and there you will see that in the personal growth and interests - the second most popular resolution - only 2% are interested in becoming more spiritual. By the way, improving one’s mind and attitude is at 27% and improving one’s appearance is at 22%, yet changing their spiritual makeup is only a dismal 2%.
Need further proof? The Barna Group which specializes in research about Christianity reported that only 1 out of 7 adults (15%) place their faith in God at the top of the priority list. You say, well, that’s not fair because some of those are non-Christians. Okay, the survey goes on and says that out of Christians, not quite 1 out of 4 (23%) place their faith in God at the top of the priority list. The majority of people are focused on the here and now and not on their relationship with God.
While true conversion only requires faith and confession to find a new life in Christ it requires a changed perspective and a changed behavior once we have come to Christ. We must "put off the old self" (EPH 4:22) and then "put on the new." (EPH 4:23) The biggest hindrance for unbelievers accepting authentic Christianity is not doctrinal or theological, it is often the lack of finding truly transformed believers whose lives give witness to the power of change the Holy Spirit makes in us. The name "Christian" should match the reality! What are you really going to change this year?
The first step in salvation is confession of sins and of Christ as Lord - but this is only the INITIAL step. After this first step comes conversion! Conversion means becoming something NEW - it is a process of becoming what we are in Christ, a NEW MAN or NEW WOMAN! It means "change" - from the old ways to the new ways, God's ways! How's the development of the "NEW" going in your life - is the change apparent to God, to you, to others? It MUST be! We are a new creation in Christ, so let the world see it! Again, what are you really going to change this New Year?
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
How do you explain the meaning of Christmas in just a few words? The best way I know is today’s scripture John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
No one could out do what God has already done. No one could give a greater gift than what God has already given. I would like to consider what the meaning of Christmas this week.
Christmas means a lot of things to a lot of different people. To some, Christmas is…
• A time of shopping and spending • A time of drinking and Partying • A time of traveling and entertaining • A time for family gatherings and family disagreements • A time for getting something
What is the real meaning of Christmas? For me Christmas is a time for remembrance, Christmas is a time for Giving, Christmas is a time for Saving, Christmas is a time for Changing, and Christmas is a time for rejoicing!
Yes! Even with the all the bad economic news we are hearing about the state of our economy, Christmas is a time for rejoicing! Rejoicing in the uniqueness of Jesus’ life, His teachings, His miracles, His prophesies, His birth, His death, and more importantly Jesus’ resurrection! YES REJOICE!
In my readings I have found a comparison of Santa Claus and our Lord Jesus in a piece called "Santa Versus Jesus" Check this out!
• Santa lives at the North Pole. Jesus lives everywhere. • Santa rides in a sleigh. Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water. • Santa comes once a year. Jesus is an ever present help. • Santa comes down your chimney. Jesus stands at your door of your heart and knocks. • Santa fills your stockings with goodies. Jesus supplies all your needs. • You have to wait in line to see Santa. Jesus is as close as the mention of His name. • Santa lets you sit in his lap. Jesus holds you in His hands. • Santa has a belly like a bowl of jelly. Jesus has a heart of love. • Santa’s little helpers make new toys. Jesus makes new lives. • Santa puts gifts under your tree. Jesus became our gift of everlasting life!
Now the truth is nobody wants to stop the celebration, that's not the idea, not the commercial world anyway, they want the money, not the government, they need the taxes that buying and selling and traveling produces and not the party goers, they want the fun. If we can just have the party without Jesus, everybody will be happy. The birthday of Jesus, frankly, has become very useful. It has immense pragmatic value, if you can just keep Jesus out of it. You might get the impression based upon that that Jesus is an insignificant person. No one could ever out do what God has done. No one could give a greater gift than what God has already given.
In closing, it is a time like this to take every opportunity we can to make sure that people do understand what Christmas is really all about. Now I'm not defending December 25 as if it were actual day that Jesus was born, that's very unlikely. I'm not defending all of the stuff that goes on around Christmas, but I am saying if the world is going to give us an opportunity to focus on the birth of Jesus Christ, let's take advantage of it. Let's take advantage of it in order to worship and praise and rejoice in Him because that's right and in order to speak of Him to those who so much need to hear. There are foolish people who want to eliminate Jesus Christ, keep the party just get rid of the reason. And in so doing in their effort to gain the world, they lose their soul. We have a tremendous responsibility to them. Continue to “WATCH AND PRAY” to truly have a personal “ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS!”
Have a Merry Christmas! In the name of Jesus… Amen!
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
What if this Christmas the only gift under the tree was the one thing we needed? What would it be? Would it be something superficial or something substantial? Would it be something that would sustain us spiritually or would it be something that would keep us further from what God would have us to be?
Over two thousand years ago God gave us exactly what we needed. If our greatest need was for information, God would have sent an educator; If our greatest need was for technology, God would have sent a scientist; If our greatest need was for pleasure, God would have sent an entertainer; If our greatest need was for money, and God would have sent an economist. God knowing that our greatest need is for salvation and forgiveness, he gave us his only begotten son Jesus. He gave us a Savior!
Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill the law. To cast out the wages of sin. Funny thing is that with all the gifts under my tree this year, I am still seeking God’s love, grace and mercy. Daily study and prayer is essential to receiving the true gift of Christmas. SALVATION! There is much around us that takes away from the most significant event in the world there ever was.
As Pastor Dr. Gary Stern preached yesterday, “Stop looking for thesuperficial and hold onto thesubstantial!” My good friend Pastor David Bolton preached “Where is God – Where are You?” My God! Simple actions - Simple questions. Profound answers - Profound Actions… its ”Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Is God with you this morning? I pray that he is! If not, know the gift of what you need has already been given. Jesus already paid the price.The bible tells us that Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it in full." (John 10:7 and 9-10) NIVHave a blessed week, In Jesus’ Name… Amen!
Matthew 5:1-12 1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Is your gas tank half empty or half full? Not the tank of your car but your spiritual tank. Often times we look at our spiritual tank as being half full when it is really empty. Having a relationship with God is more than having church on Sunday. It is a reciprocal process which requires time and sacrifice to get the fullness of all that God has to offer.
I want to be full! I want to be full of the goodness that God has for me. I want the fullness of God’s love, grace, and mercy! I want to be full of the word and the Holy Spirit! I want to be full of the bread of life! I want to be full of the light so that others may see him in me! I want to be full of the blessings from which I do not hunger or thirst! I want the fullness of righteousness!
Are you full? Not full of the world but are you filled with the fullness of Jesus. The one that is standing in the gap for you right now. Are you ready to be filled today? Come on pull right on in and fill up! The price has already been paid, and Jesus is waiting to fill you up. Come on lets A – B – C… Admit that you need Jesus in your life right now; Believe that he is Lord and Savior, was killed and risen three days later; And Commit to living a life for Him through the study of His true and living word. Get full of it!
Yes my beloved, come and be full of it today! In Jesus’ name AMEN!
Psalm 118:1 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his Mercy endureth for ever.
How do you give thanks to God in the midst of desperate situation? You may have lost your job. May have been given a bad medical diagnosis or maybe you are in the midst of losing a loved one. Despite what you are going through, God is still in the blessing business. Let’s take the woman in Mark Chapter 5. This woman had been suffering for a long time, just like some of you. She had a female problem, more than likely it was ovarian cancer, she was bleeding nonstop for 12 years. She went to many doctors. She spent all her money and was getting worse by the day! For all intent and purposes she was probably ready to just give up. No more money. She could not work in her condition. Husband probably left her. Children probably abandoned her. She was probably all alone in a desperate and seemingly hopeless situation. It was all over for her. She was probably told by her family just give up and die. The doctors probably told her, make arrangements, there is nothing more we can do. Go home and die. Give thanks? She had nothing to give thanks for. Nothing?
Nevertheless, she hears about Jesus. She heard about the many miracles. She heard about the Sick being healed. She heard about the dead being raised to life. She heard about the many signs and wonders. She heard about demons being cast out of the afflicted. Despite her troubles, despite her facing death. Her faith allowed her to believe that if she could just touch his garment, she would be made whole again. Wow! I bet she was praying, praising and thanking God all the way there to see Jesus. Pressing her way through the crowd! She had a determination to get her break trough despite her situation. Nothing was going to stop her NOTHING! I call that a desperate faith. I call that a desperate praise! I call that a desperate Thanksgiving! A desperate faith does something it has never done before. If you want to delivered from a desperate situation, it is not enough to listen and believe and want your situation to change. You must act on what you believe regardless of how impossible or even silly it may seem. A desperate faith, a desperate praise does things never done before. A desperate thanksgiving get’s you something you have never had before! To get a break through, you must do something you have never done before! Give God thanks & glory in the midst of what you are going through… YES! I call that a desperate thanksgiving!
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, 11Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
This year Black Friday seemed to be in all the headlines.“To help save the American economy- SHOP!” Media outlets encouraged us to get out and spend, spend, spend! “If you do have the cash then charge it!” One ad proclaimed. It pains me to see that as we begin the Season of Advent. (Advent means the arrival of an event or a person.) The birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ… All we can think about is the material aspects of our lives. What about the true meaning of Christmas. When a Wal-Mart opened in New York the day following “Thanksgiving” a man was trampled to death! A mob of people, I am sure many would claim to be Christians, put material things over a person’s life, A life that God gave. Some would say it was simply God’s will and I do not accept that as an excuse for the behavior of these so called followers of Christ.
What could be so valuable, so important, so electrifying as to kill a person for it; Perhaps they were offering Salvation in a bottle for sale. No! That is free and I certainly do not see folk fighting like this on Sunday Moring to get into church. Nevertheless, this young man lost his life. He will certainly miss Christmas this year. I pray for his family and I pray that God strengthens them during this time of bereavement. I admit that this was an unusual situation, but it shows what we value more than God’s gift of life.
But do you know what is more common? People who willingly miss Christmas every year! Year after year folk are missing Christmas.Do you understand what I mean by that? There are folk who buy and receive presents; They decorate their homes and trees; They make appearances at the appropriate number of parties and church programs, but they miss the opportunity to savor the splendor and contemplate the mystery of God's love made visible through Jesus.
One of the things that we must fully realize about Christmas is that it is something which totally changed the world. The world will never be the same! We celebrate the birth of Jesus because his birth literally changed the world. His birth changed our position with God. His birth changed how we think about the world. The world can often be a very cruel and harsh place as evident by the actions of the mob at Wal-Mart.
Jesus was born into a harsh world and even his birth caused such Jealousy and hatred in the heart of King Herod that he took steps to wipe out the innocent boys in Bethlehem the tragic irony of course is that despite such terrible bloodshed he missed his mark.But something was happening in the birth of Jesus that released into our lives a new phenomenon of salvation that had never been seen or experienced before.
The thing that Jesus has won for us with his birth followed by his death on the cross is forgiveness. The ushering in of the infant Jesus at Christmas is the beginning of the end for sin and death.In Jesus the Christ our sins are forgiven. The bible makes much of this and it can only be a result of obtuseness, stubbornness, selfishness, spitefulness, or spiritual blindness that the thinking person can deny this spiritual reality. This gift of forgiveness is the first step towards reconciliation with God. Of friendship with God – Jesus once said. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
Where was the love for this fallen man? Trampled to death for things people really did not need. What Christmas opens up for us is the possibility of being restored to God’s family.But you need to decide whether you are in or out. It is possible to be in and it is possible to be out. My beloved, I want to encourage you that if you are serious about celebrating Christmas this year, you may well need to cast your net on the other side.
You might have to move from your comfort zone, step out of that safe zone. You may need to pray for a person in a different life sphere than yourself like you have never prayed before. You may need to share the gospel in a way that you have never shared it before. I believe God wants us to move out from our comfort zone. Come! Step out of your safe zone and proclaim God’s love for you and the world! If we are to fulfill God’s purpose we need to change our minds about how we share the gospel and who we share it with.Be like the shepherds in the field and go tell some one of the good news! Better yet be a witness to the miracle and do not miss Christmas this year.Have a blessed week, In Jesus’ Name… Amen!
(KJV) ISAIAH 55:4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
This is a great time to be an American! This is a great time in American History! We have entered into a new era with the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States . To God be the glory! The glass ceiling has been forever shattered! Many of us believed that we would never see this in our lifetime. This is just another testament that man’s greatest impossibility is God’s simplest possibility.
But what now? What does this really mean for our nation? What does this mean for the body of Christ? What does this mean for the black community? I was proud to see all the people gathered here in Chicago in celebration of his victory. In my spirit, I wondered where would these same people be on Sunday? In church perhaps? NOT! I was amazed at how much money President Elect Obama raised in rather short periods of time. In my spirit, I wondered why so many churches are lacking in funds? What now? I received numerous emails request special prayers for him. I hardly ever receive emails for someone’s personal salvation or deliverance. What now?
God has blessed us with a new leader, but what now? Is it time for celebration or self examination? Even with a black man as president we must still address the issues that confront our community. A failing educational system, a breakdown of the family, a tear down of basic moral principles, an acceptance of drugs, crime, and a thug lifestyle, and a serious church decline. Why is there more black men in jail than in the church or college? What will really change for blacks in America? I ask what now?
I am fearful, that we are being lead into a false sense of security that the cultural things we have begun to accept in our community are being further legitimized by Obama’s win. To wit, many churches will seek and continue to become much like the political scene, accepting the ways of the world as a way of the church. In the natural man I rejoice, in my spirit I am praying and asking God what now? Oh my God! WHAT NOW? His answer… led me to this (KJV) Isaiah 55:8-9 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. God is not done yet! Are you ready for God’s next move? Are your oils lamps full and ready for Jesus’ return? When He does return… What then? What now? Have a blessed week, In Jesus’ Name… Amen!
9Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. 10For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
Failure can either break us or make us. Have you ever failed at something? Perhaps a test or a class while attending school. Or maybe you have failed at your marriage or your health is failing now? Have you ever failed at something in your life? The definition of failure is to lose strength – or to be unsuccessful.
My daughter Peyton’s soccer team just won the local leagues’ championship, in fact they were 10 and 0. All of the parents were excited about their success and so was I. Nevertheless I have also been in prayer that the children grow to understand that life is not all about winning, but how one reacts and responds to failure.
Our economy is on rather shaky right now. The Associated Press reports that suicides are on the rise. There are people out there willing to kill themselves because they believe that they have lost it all and failed. The spirit of failure can attach itself to you when you begin to listen to those negative around you! “You cannot do that!” or “You cannot do this!” “You are too short… too tall… too fat… too skinny.. YOU CAN’T! Those broken by failure are haunted by unpleasant memories. These memories are like shadows that lurk in front, behind, beside, beneath and above. It is also a cage that traps the mind, preventing it to entertain possibilities of freedom and success. They are convinced that they cannot do it; therefore, they will not try. Many simply give up, even on life!
Yes, if you are not trusting on the word of God you will be overcome by failure. The bible tells us in (2 Corinthians 12: 9 and 10) 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Yes, I hope you fail!
You may go through your entire life and no one has anything good to say to you or about you. However, at the same time, God is calling on you to be the king or queen for which he has destined you to be. Like Samuel told David, there is a king or queen inside of you. David replied “I am just a boy, a sheep herder, smelling like sheep, looking terrible!” In other words, David saw himself as a failure in the eyes of the world. But God had other plans and David was made King of Israel. Yes, I hope you fail!
When each of us as Christians begin to understand that man’s failure can be God’s preparation for his blessings; we can begin to understand the verse in (Romans 8:28) “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose." When you fail at things in life God is getting you ready for his blessings. He is teaching you how to rely on His strength and not that of your own.
History has been kind to President Abraham Lincoln. He has been painted as probably the greatest president of the United States of America. It is the good thing that history also recorded his failures. It reflected his frail humanity but also showed his attitude of never giving up. These failures could not stop him, he kept moving forward. The following is a short list of his ups and downs and ups.
1831 – Failed in business 1832 – Defeated for legislature 1833 – Again failed in business 1834 – Elected to legislature 1835 – Sweetheart died 1836 – Had a nervous breakdown 1838 – Defeated for speaker 1840 – Defeated for elector 1843 – Defeated for Congress 1846 – Elected for Congress 1848 – Defeated for Congress 1855 – Defeated for Senate 1856 – Defeated for Vice-President 1858 – Defeated for Senate 1860 – ELECTED PRESIDENT
He was defeated more times than he won, but that did not mean he was a failure. Remember, that failures are only permanent if you stop trying. I believe the only real failure is the failure of not moving on. I tell the people who work for me that if they are not failing at something; that they are either dead or not doing anything! Yes, I hope you fail!
Here are a few modern day examples of failures... Michael Jordan was cut from his junior varsity basketball team in high school. He was told to play baseball because he was no good at basketball; Today the brother has six world titles, Yes! I hope you fail!
Anita Baker sent her demo to all of the major record companies; Arista Records sent her a letter and told her not to quit her day job. Today, Anita Baker has several Grammies and the hit “I’m Giving You The Best That I've Got.” Yes, I hope you fail!
Sean Puffy Combs was in special education and rode the short bus to school. Today he is worth more than 300 million dollars! Yes, I hope you fail!
The Apostle Paul, whose name was Saul before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, was persecuting the church, but after he met Jesus he said “I count all my pass failures as dong!” Some biblical scholars see Paul as a failure because he got himself thrown in jail, but he did some of his best writings while in there. In fact he is credited with writing much of the New Testament. Yes, I hope you fail!
In closing let me say that failures are sure to come in some form or fashion. It is a result of sin. Not specifically your sin but the sin of man. Nevertheless, there was a man named Jesus. They lied on him, they beat on him, they falsely accused him, and they hung him on the cross and they said he was a failure too. But he did all of this freely! He failed so that you and I can live. Then he was raised from the dead three days later in triumph and victory! Yes, I hope you fail!
Yes, even I have failed in some business ventures. I have failed some classes. I have failed at some promises. I have failed in some relationships. I have had failing health, but through it all I found strength and the victory through Jesus! I suspect that I may fail a few more times during my life on this earth; but I know that this week I will not fail to give God the glory! I will not fail to give God the Honor, I will not fail to give God the praise. It’s O.K. to fail sometimes in life. It is never OK to fail God! When you are seeking to be more like Jesus failure is simply a spring board to success. Have a blessed week, In Jesus’ Name… Amen!
16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
This morning I would like examine Galatians 5:16-26 closer. Remember that some of the Galatians had accused Paul of being a false apostle and preaching a false gospel which resulted in false righteousness. In this passage, Paul is developing the idea that true righteousness comes from the Holy Spirit, not from adherence to a set of rules. Three words are at the base of this issue: freedom, love, and power. As Americans, we tend to embrace skewed definitions of these concepts. Americans often think of freedom as "having it my way and doing my own thing." love as sexuality, sensuality, and feelings; and power as "the ability to control others, get what I want, and be the man."
Recently NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose. The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide. Often the antlers, their only weapon are broken. That ensures defeat. The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs. Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eat continually. The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight. Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk.
There is a lesson here for us. Spiritual battles await. Satan will choose a season to attack. Will we be victorious, or will we fall? Much depends on what we do now--before the wars begin. The bull-moose principle: Enduring faith, strength, and wisdom for trials are best developed before they're needed. This means when things are going good in your life it is time to pray and fast more. When things are going well in your life get into God’s word and study more. Put on the full armor of God before you need it! Be ready for battle at all times. The power to live in love and freedom is by the Spirit. No man can live this way based solely on his own will power.
First, remember that Jesus has set you free from sin, death, and bondage. Rely on Hesus. Thank Him. Trust him. Center your life in him. In Jesus alone will you find true freedom. Second, don’t rely on your own strength, but on God’s strength through the indwelling Spirit. What you cannot accomplish on your own God can and will accomplish in and through you. Remember Paul’s words to the Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again” Third, when you struggle, call out to God for help. And let the Spirit of God take you through your struggle. You weren’t meant to do this alone. The Spirit’s power is available to you, not only inside of you, but also in the community of Christ’s people. Jesus has set you free from sin and death. Jesus has set you free for serving others in love. Jesus has given you his Spirit to help you experience the fullness of freedom. This is good news! So live it out True freedom is found thourgh chirst.
The challenge for each of us is to let go of the flesh and allow god to do his will in us. In true freedom there is nothing in all creation which exists outside of the presence of God. There is nothing that can separate you from the love of God. God is ever worthy of our trust! God is ever worthy of our love! God is ever worthy of our praise! God is ever worthy of our worship! God is unchanging and uncompromising. His promises of true freedom will always be kept and He will always stand true to his word. So, what ever it is that is holding you back in bondage it is time to call on Jesus and be set free. Free from that bad marriage! Free from drugs! Free from the bad people in your life! Free from sin! Free from death! It is time to be set FREE in JESUS! All you have to do is come! Have a blessed week, In Jesus’ Name… Amen!
