Monthly Meditations with Dr. Michael L. Hargett, Sr.

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV) "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." My wife and I were able to get away for the past few days for her 20th High School Reunion this Labor Day Holiday. We had a great time together, with no children, no work issues, and no cell phones! Yes, I even left my cell off (Majority of the time). She reminded me that it was time to rest and take some much needed time off from our busy schedules. We often hate to admit that we are getting older and must rest the natural to stay strong in the spirit. Prayer is essential to resting the spirit. Taking time out to talk and rest with God is just as important to me as eating and sleeping. I have a relationship with Jesus that needs to be nurtured and maintai

Ephesians 6:13 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Many of us in the church easily give up during the time of adversity or when things do not go the way they expected or just having to deal with church folk. There are far too many Christians sitting at home because of something that happened to them or through them that caused them to be hurt in the church. Instead of waiting patiently in perseverance, they allowed others to discourage them and caused them to be weary of the church. That’s understandable, as Elder Leslie Larkins so elegantly preached on yesterday. The word she brought forth touched me. Her sermon came from Jeremiah 1:5-19. (Elder Larkins God used you on yesterday! I received that word! You were on fire and I loved the Kung Fu moves!) Nonetheless, Satan’s main focus in our lives is to keep unsaved folk unsaved and to keep save folk distracted. Especially after a long strugg

Jude 1:20-21 "But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God." Have you ever asked yourself, what is God’s will for my life? Most often we ask this question God in the midst of a storm. During a sickness, the death of a loved one, loss of employment, or whatever you may be going through. If you are facing a storm, hold your head up, pray for strength and go through it. That which does not kill you will only make you grow stronger in the spirit. This is the time when you can ”Build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God." Jude 1:20-21 I can not sit here and tell you what God’s plan is for your life, but I can tell you that he is the source of all that is good in your life and he is your strength and redeemer! Nevertheless, God will help you every step of the way. God will help you breathe my next breath. God will help y

Psalms 37:25 25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. When you are going through the trails and storms of life most times you feel as if you are in it all by yourself. This is especially true when you are a Christian, because we are charged to live by the spirit to not gratify the desires of a sinful nature. Many of you have been running for Jesus a long time. You have come a long ways from where you started from. The road hasn’t been easy. You have been through some difficult situations. You’ve been through some pretty turbulent storms along life’s road. But you can identify with what I am saying, “You have come too far from where I started from.” Nobody told you that the road would be easy. But look where you started from, and look where you are today! No matter what you are going through, I do not believe He brought you this far, just to leave you now! In the book of Exodus we find the children o

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Can you define friendship? Is a friend someone that tells you want you need to hear when you need to hear it? Is a friend you can take you problems to? Is a friend someone you can count on when you are going through a storm? Is a friend all of the above and more? Friendship is love isn’t it? My niece Tylasha found out that friends are not always what they claim to be. she had planned a surprise birthday party for my sister. When she began to call some of my sister’s closest friends to invite them, she was shocked by some of their responses. Most where excited about the occasion, others where pleased and exc

Luke 7:36-50 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them bo

John 8:31-36 31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Senior Pastor Gary once again came off the hinges brining the word this week! Pastor thank you for that word! It was confirmation and conviction for me. And thus here is this weeks Monday Morning Meditation! Why did Jesus go to Calvary? Why did he suffer and die for us? We know he did it because he loves us, but what other reason did He do it? He did it so that we can be free! Free from the Law, Free from Sin, Free from

Genesis 19:26 26But his wife looked back from behind him and she became a pillar of salt. I have been traveling this week on an extended road trip. Let me say that I am grateful and truly blessed for all your prayers and phone calls. I traveled to New Jersey, Virginia, and North Carolina this passed week. God blessed me to arrive at each of my destinations on time and safely. Along the way, I noticed one thing when I was driving. I always had to keep my eyes firmly fixed on the road ahead of me. I was aware of the traffic behind me through my rear view mirror. I was aware of the traffic around me through my side view mirrors but for the most part my eyes were fixed on the road ahead. So often times in life we look back on our past, we look back on “what was” instead of what is or what could be through Christ. God promises us that He will never leave or never forsake us. God is with us in the good times and through the bad times. He is here today, and he will be there tomorrow and will

ECCLESIASTES 3:11 11God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. We are taught at a very young age to be excited about expected events. I remember as a child that I could hardly wait for my birthday, holidays, and Summer Breaks. Sometimes as an adult I find myself anxious waiting for things I desire from God. I heard someone say that as we look at our watches; God looks at the calendar. Waiting on God is sometimes a difficult discipline for believers to develop. By nature we're not patient, and our culture offers little encouragement to develop the habit. We want, we need, and we believe that we deserve what we desire now. Credit card companies and retailers have made billions of dollars on this fact alone. There is no doubt many of us may be waiting for a number of things, too: a victory, a healing, peace in the family, growth in the family, vi

Isaiah 46:3-4 Listen to me...you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I found this illustration for Father’s Day. It is the story of Derek Redmond, a star runner in the 1992 Olympics. Derek was competing for the medal in the 400 meter race. Less than half-way through, he ripped a hamstring muscle and fell to the ground in agony. While the rest of the runners moved past him, Derek managed to get to his feet and began struggling to move forward. Then something caught the attention of the television cameras. Jim, his father, ran past security and onto the race track. At first Derek shrugged him away, saying, "I'm going to finish the race." Jim said to his son, "We've started everything together. We'll finish this together." He put his arm around his son and held him as they crossed the finish line together.

Hebrews 13:5 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Congratulations graduate class of 2008. Many of you have heard the old saying “Now your life begins.” Or “The hard work begins.” I love that God continues to give us endings as well as new beginnings. As you step out into the new phase of your life remain steadfast and strong in your faith. Your friends may leave you. Your family may desert you, but God has said in his word that he will never leave or forsake you. I do not believe He brought you this far, to leave you! I have an I-pod with various black gospel singers, and gospel choirs. I enjoy listening to praise music especially the old spirit filled songs that really told a story with enthusiasm. Choirs back in the day put a lot of spirit into their music. There is a track by Rev. James Cleveland that comes to mind this morning. Before he started his song, he said he

1Chronicles 16:34 "O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever." On this day, my Forty First Birthday, I celebrate in Christ! Today, I simply thank Jesus, for his steadfast love, mercy and blessings. Even when I wanted to give up on myself, Jesus strengthened me without my asking. On this day, I honor God for his calling on my life, while I was still in my Mother’s womb. Today, I am filled with praise, gratitude, and glory for the life that I have. I give thanks to God for my wife, our children, my Pastors and church family. I give thanks and honor to God for each of you, for taking the time out to read my Weekly Meditations of what God has put on my heart. I can do nothing without God’s love which sustains, fulfills, and provides for me and the caring people who enrich my life. Thank You, Jesus, for the ability to grow and to transform myself through times of both opportunity and adversity. Jesus’ love is what guides

When I think of Memorial Day, the verse that comes to mind is John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than to this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” This verse is used on Memorial Day to illustrate the sacrifice of the men and women who have given their lives to defend the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation. As true believing Christians Memorial Day means so much more! Memorial Day for us commemorates the One who not only gave his life for his friends but for his enemies (RM 5:7-8) A true Saint’s Memorial Day is not only to remember those who gave their lives in battle but to remember the One who has given is the victory over death. This is a Memorial Day that the Saints gather in our churches to give God all the glory, praise, and worship. This is a Memorial Day which is observed by those who are faithful every week through their prayer, worship, and testimony every Sunday. For this is the day that the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be Glad in it! Therefore as we h

Last week the women of Peace of God Outreach Ministries celebrated Mother’s Day followed by an anointed service on last Wednesday night, followed by a women’s conference on Saturday, and yesterday everything culminated with beautiful Sunday Service. The women of Peace of God Outreach Ministries are known as the Daughter of Thunder. Their theme this year came was “A Time of Refreshing” from Acts 3:19 “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” We indeed had a beautiful services all last week. First giving honor to God and to my Senior Pastors Gary and Patricia Stern for their vision and leadership. I give honor to the Daughters of Thunder for their hard work which showed throughout the outstanding programs and worship services. As for me, and the Sons of Thunder, it was a blessing to assist with setting up and breaking down. Everything was in place, decent and in order. Worship such a

I pray each of you had a Happy Mother’s Day. Once again my Senior Pastor Gary Stern preached a message which truly hit home with me. As it was Mother’s Day yesterday, his sermon was titled “Seven Ways to Love Your Mother.” My meditation today is from the notes I took from this great man of God. John 19:26-27 26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. “You can not willfully wrong your Mother (or the Mother of your children) and be right with God.” With this in mind you here are seven ways you can love you Mother. 1. Love her verbally. Women need to hear it. You can live a life time trying to show this to her. Buying things for her, but what she really needs from us is to hear “I LOVE YOU!” 2. Love her physically. When was the last time you gave your Mother a gentle

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Prayer is essential to our spiritual lives. When you go to God in prayer he hears you. It does not always mean that he is going to give you what you want but he will always supply what you need. God wants to hear our prayers, but to keep them from becoming too self-focused, God wants us always to remember to give thanks. It is so easy for us to turn prayer into a request line. We are the ones who are left bereft when thanksgiving and praise are robbed from our prayers. One of the things I do not understand is when the faithful begin to question why they are going through what they are going through. God is simply preparing you for the blessing, because he knows with his blessings more trouble is sure to follow. As true believers

"I will surely bless you and multiply you."--Hebrews 6:14 Many believe that prosperity lies within the material possessions we have. We all strive to obtain the big homes, cars, and televisions. The bigger the better. However, as I remain steadfast in my studies of the word of God, I am finding that the Holy Spirit is a wellspring of substance and prosperity without end. With the true blessings of God I am prospered. It is important to me that I begin each day with taking a moment to give thanks for all the blessings for which God have given me. This is my way of knowing and affirming that the spirit of God continues to supply me with all that I need for life’s journey as I make steady progress. As each day passes, I allow my focus to remain on the blessings of Holy Spirit. I give thanks for the people in my life: a loving partner, precious children and, I give thanks for my Pastors for my job, family and friends. I give thanks for my health that renews me in mind and body. I

Scripture: Matt 6:24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and man." My Children’s Corner Sermon a few months ago at church was about making wise choices and being obedient to God. It has been a while since I have covered this topic in my weekly meditation but it never hurts to revisit such an importance subject. There was a mighty king in Africa who wanted all of his millions of people to covert to Christianity. Many rejected him and many tried to kill him. Frustrated and weary of fighting he decided to denounce his thrown and become a monk. He traveled many days and nights until he reached the nearest monastery. After arriving he met with the leading monk and had an interview. During the interview the monk asked did he understand that the number one rule in the monastery was to be completely obedient to God. “Oh, yes!” Said the king. “I will be completely obedie

Galatians 2:20 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Back in Africa, when the sun comes up all the animals are running! It does not matter whether you are the Mightiest of Lions or Weakest of Gazelles, when the sun comes up all the animals are running. For the mightiest of Lions understands that if he does not run faster than the weakest of Gazelles, he may starve and die today. The weakest of Gazelles understands that is he does not run faster that the mightiest of Lions, he will become the Lion’s meal and die today. You see my Brothers and Sisters, when the sun comes up in Africa ALL the animals are running the marathon of life! It is the same way for us as Christians. When the sun comes up we all better be running for Jesus! Doesn’t matter whether you are the Bishop, Pastor, Deacon or Member when the sun comes up this day we should be rejo

Have you ever received an email which professes that is you pass it along and it continues, blessings will come to all who may read it? I do not like these emails. Blessings come from God and not from an email, although an email can be a blessing to someone, but what we need to understand is that all blessings come from God. We are blessed everyday of our lives. (Deuteronomy 28:2) All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God. Why are these emails sent to us in the first place? Many do not carry scripture nor are they based on any biblical principal and most proclaim to have answers to problems we are dealing with at the moment, but how can that be when many are not based on the word of God. Nice pictures and cute cartoons but lacking in the word. I would contend that intentions are most often good. Faithful emails start out as a testimony, a prayer or words of encouragement. Yet along the way they are altered and changed. Other emails are sen