Stay With It!

Happy Sunday!
 
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Stay With It!" He used Hebrews 10:23-25 as his reference scripture.
 
Bishop said that some scholars call The Book of Hebrews the 5th Gospel because it picks up where the four Gospels left off. It tells us what is currently happening in heaven and fills us in on the activities of Jesus.
 
So what is Jesus doing now? I'm so glad you asked! Romans 8:34(b) says, "It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (King James Version)
 
So Jesus has finished the job God gave him to do and he is sitting on God's right side. Have you heard the term, "Right Hand Man"? The term means someone who helps you with your work, someone you can depend upon.  Jesus has the best seat in Heaven and what is he doing? The King James Version says he's making intercession for us. Intercession means he's praying for us and pleading with God to have mercy on us!
 
So Stay With It! I know I know you are probably wishing I would just shut-up.  You are probably saying, "She has no idea what I'm facing."
 
You are right, I don't know! But God does. The Hebrew Christians that the writer was addressing in this letter were experiencing horrendous adversity.  They were being persecuted and some of them were even killed.  They had become discouraged and the writer wanted to encourage them to "HOLD ON!" because God is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23 says, "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise." (New Living Translation) The Apostle Paul described it like this, "We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! 2 Corinthians 4:8-10(Message Translation)
 
Be encouraged! Stay With It!  God is Faithful!  His Word is still true.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Help Is On The Way!

Happy Sunday!
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached "Help Is On The Way!" He used Luke 2:7-14.

Bishop told us that he watches the news almost religiously. Lately, the news stories have been sad and disturbing. He thought perhaps "evil" had reached a peak years ago, but he is beginnning to believe that evil has no peak. Now, before we get too proud and think evil only resides in "those other" people, Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.” (Message Translation) Even the Psalmist prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 (King James Version) We must examine ourselves and allow God to change us from the inside out.

In the meantime, we need some encouragement! HELP IS ON THE WAY! Luke Chapter 2 tells the story of the birth of Jesus. "About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.
While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel." (Message Translation)

It's seems like the people in that time had problems and issues just like we do. They had problems with government, problems with taxes, and they even had trouble finding a room for the night. But something wonderful happened, "There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him." (Message Translation)

You are probably thinking, "Where is the encouragement in that? I've heard that story a hundred times." Well you're right! But look at the story one more time. The angels hid the secret in their song. The King James Version says, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (vs 14)

1) Glory to God in the Highest! - Give God the highest priority in your life. Give him the respect, and adoration that he is so Worthy of. Glorify him in everything you say and do. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven." (Amplified Version)

2) On Earth Peace - There is no peace, without the Prince of Peace! When we glorify God in the highest, we will find true peace. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." (Message Translation)

3) Good Will Toward Men - When we have peace in our personal lives, we share that peace with others. Paul encouraged Timothy, "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone." 1 Timothy 2:1-6 (New Living Translation)

Help is on the way! Whatever you may be facing, Give God the Glory, enjoy his Peace that surpasses understanding, and share that Peace and Good Will with everyone you meet!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

If

Happy Sunday!
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas didn't preach today, but we got a sermon all the same. We are all still in shock and saddness over the senseless mass killings in Connecticut. Bishop had parents come to the altar with their children and prayed for them as well as the families and community in Connecticut.

Bishop did encourage and challenge us with one scripture...2 Chronicles 7:14.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my own people will humbly pray and turn back to me and stop sinning, then I will answer them from heaven. I will forgive them and make their land fertile once again." (Contemporary English Version)

When the word "if" is used it alerts us to certain specific conditions. You may have signed a contract that had "if" phrases. For example, if you continue to pay the auto loan you can continue to enjoy the automobile. But "if" you decide to spend that money elsewhere, the auto loan company may come repossess your vehicle. In this scripture, God makes it clear that we have a responsibility. And "if" we want to live in a peaceful and civilized land we must be willing to do the following...

1) Humble Yourself - Humble is defined as - Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful. Proverbs 6:16-19 says, "Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies,
hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family." It sounds so simple and self-explanatory, but think about this...God was speaking to his own people. He was speaking to the people who should have known this already. Everyday we have to check ourselves and say with the Psalmist, "Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 (New Living Translation)

2) Pray - Jesus gave us a model prayer. If we have trouble thinking of the right words to pray, we can follow his example..."Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matthew 6:9-13 (New King James Version)

3) Turn Back to Me - STOP Sinning! - Seems pretty simple, but why are we still struggling. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, "I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different." - Romans 7 (Message Translation) We can't do it in our own strength, but with the Spirit of God we are empowered..."For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37 (King James Version)

After we keep our end of the bargain, God promises to hear and answer our prayers, to forgive our sins, and heal our land.

I'm praying for Peace on Earth...I will ensure that it begins with me.
I'm praying for Love and Respect for Life...I will work to speak words that bring help, and encouragement, and not harm.
I'm praying for Comfort to all the brokenhearted...I will be alert and compassionate to others and understand that a little kindness goes a long way.
I'm praying for you...that all your needs will be met, and that you will have plenty left over to share with others. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Well

Happy Sunday!

In 2011 and 2012, our church theme has been, "Building Meaningful Connections". Bishop told us today that in 2013 our theme will be "A Well Church". We will be focusing on being well in every area of our lives - Spiritually, Emotionally, Physically, and Financially.

Along that theme, Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached "You Won't Even Recognize Me!" He used Acts 2:1 as his reference scripture.

The disciples and followers of Jesus had experienced some traumatic events. Their leader, Jesus was arrested, beaten, and crucified. Then he was resurrected and "As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.” Acts 1:9-11 (Message Translation)

On the day of Pentecost, they were in one place and all in agreement. Something miraculous happened. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They had been timid and afraid, but with the power of the Holy Spirit they were bold and joyfully declared the Good News. People from many nations with different languages were in Jerusalem for the feast and heard the Good News about Jesus. Peter preached that day and 3,000 people were saved. (Acts 2:41)

People who knew Peter before this event probably didn't recognize him. He once denied Jesus, but now he wasn't afraid to preach in front of thousands of people. The same thing will happen to us! When we surrender to the Spirit of God and allow him to lead us and guide us, people won't recognize us. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (New Living Translation)

Ephesians 3:20 is one of my all time favorites, it says, "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." (Message Translation)

So I'm working on "getting myself together" and I'm allowing the Holy Spirit to lead me and guide me.
When my "change" is complete...you won't even recognize me!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

I Got to Get Myself Together!

Happy Sunday!
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "I Got to Get Myself Together!"  He used Luke 17:20-21 and Acts 1:7-8.

Many times we are our biggest problem!  It's hard to admit, but it's true.  It's so much easier to play the blame game!  It's easy to blame our parents, our community, our pastor, and the "Man". 

Michael Jackson sang, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways, And no message could have been any clearer, If you wanna make the world a better place, Take a look at yourself and then make a change." Such prophetic lyrics!  Change has to begin within each of us.  As we listen to God and obey his Word we change.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (New Living Translation)  Change is inevitable!  Nina Simone sang, "Everything Must Change, nothing remains the same..." and Albert Einstein said, "Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.
In the first scripture passage, Jesus was being grilled by the Pharisees on when the kingdom of God would come.  He answered, "The kingdom of God doesn't come by counting the days on the calendar. Nor when someone says, 'Look here!" or, "There it is!  And why? Because God's kingdom is already among you." (Message Translation)   With Jesus we have everything we need to change and to succeed.  2 Peter 1:3 says, "He gives us everything we need for life and for holy living. He gives it through His great power. As we come to know Him better, we learn that He called us to share His own shining-greatness and perfect life." (New Living Translation) 

In the second passage of scripture, Jesus told the disciples, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (New Living Translation)

The Theologian, Martin Luther wrote, "“Our nature…is so deeply curved in on itself that it not only bends the best gifts of God toward itself…but it also fails to realize that it so wickedly, curvedly, and viciously seeks all things, even God for its own sake."  
Paul wrote to the Romans, " I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?  The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different." Romans 7:24-28 (Message Translation)  When we surrender to God he adds his "Super" to our "natural" and empowers and anoints us to change for the better.  As we change individually, the church changes corporately, and the world will change completely.

Praying that you have a week full of positive metamorphosis - A marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function!

Love and prayers, Cynthia