It's been a full and exciting week! We enjoyed our Annual Fresh Rain Conference! Dr. Kerwin B. Lee, Pastor of Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia was our guest lecturer each night. He taught "How to Experience a Major Turnaround" in our personal, relational, and church lives. Wednesday and Thursday nights, Dr. Lance Watson, Pastor of St. Paul's Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia preached and encouraged us that nothing catches God by surprise..."God has thought that thing out, and thought that thing through!" Friday night, Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Pastor of Greater Traveler's Rest Church in Atlanta, Georgia preached and taught us to "Give God the Glory!"
Today, Bishop Alexis A. Thomas began a new series entitled, "Keep Your Mind Right!" He will be preaching this series using the Book of Philippians. He used Philippians 1 verses 6, 12, and 27 for this message.
The Book of Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul. He was in prison in Rome for preaching the Gospel, and yet he encouraged the believers to be joyful and to rejoice! Paul wanted believers to be aware of the joy thieves. He wanted them to know that focusing on God and good things makes it easier to be joyful. In chapter 1 verse 6 Paul wrote, "I am confident that the Creator, who has begun such a great work among you, will not stop in mid-design but will keep perfecting you until the day Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King, returns to redeem the world." (Voice) Did you get that? God the creator has a plan for your life! He is a good planner and has considered everything you will ever need! He won't get to the middle of the project and have to stop because he has run out of funds! He has more than enough to bring you to a desired end. Knowing that God is faithful, and trustworthy should encourage us and bring us great joy!
In verse 12, Paul says, "I have good news, brothers and sisters; and I want to share it. Believe it or not, my imprisonment has actually helped spread the good news to new places and populations." (Voice) This scripture reminds me of Genesis 50:20. Joseph said, "Even though you planned evil against me, God planned good to come out of it." (God's Word Translation) In order to keep our minds right we must believe that even negative situations and circumstances can have a positive effect on us!
Verse 27 says, "So here is what I want you to do: conduct yourselves as true and worthy citizens of the Anointed’s gospel, so that whether I make it or don’t make it to see you, I will at least hear that you continue to stand, united in one spirit, single-minded in purpose as you struggle together for the faith in the gospel." (Voice) Paul wasn't sure he'd ever see the Philippians again, but he wanted them to stand strong and be an example to the world around them.
Verse 28 was not included in Bishop's message, but when I read it I knew it would bless you. It says, "Don’t be paralyzed in any way by what your opponents are doing. Your steadfast faith in the face of opposition is a sign that they are doomed and that you have been graced with God’s salvation." (Voice) Don't let the circumstances sway you! Don't surrender to depression! Don't fear! Don't doubt! Keep your mind on God, the Word, and positive things!
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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