Looking Forward

Happy Sunday!

I pray that you are having a wonderful Sunday!  I hope that you enjoyed the weekend and are prepared for the work week!  If you are already retired, or are self-employed, SMILE.  You don't have to brave the weather or endure the cold!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas wasn't able to preach during the 11 a.m. Service.  As the old folks would say, "Praise was High!"  We worshipped and praised and had an opportunity to pray for those sitting near us.  But he did give us homework, we are to read Philippians Chapter 4 and next week I imagine he will continue his series entitled, "Keep Your Mind Right!"

The following excerpt from Pastor Tony Evans book entitled "God's Unlikely Path to Success" blessed me.  I hope it will bless you as well.

Looking Forward

The Bible is full of stories of men and women who were called by God to do difficult and even impossible things and found God to be sufficient.

The patriarch Joseph was called. But his calling didn’t mean an easy life. He was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers. He was falsely accused by the wife of his Egyptian master. He was thrown into jail and languished there for years.

But if Joseph were here today, he would repeat the testimony he gave his brothers in Genesis 50:20: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” God empowered Joseph to fulfill his calling, which ultimately was to save his family from death.

If John Mark were here, he would tell you about God’s sufficiency to fulfill his calling. John Mark went out with Paul as an associate in the ministry, but he quit and went home when the going got tough.

Paul said, “I can’t use John Mark anymore. He might go left on me.” But Barnabas stepped in and gave John Mark another chance to do God’s work (Acts 15:36–40). And even though John Mark had messed up, he found grace from the Lord and became a valuable worker, even to Paul (2 Timothy 4:11).

The apostle Peter was called, but he denied the Lord three times. He had to get “recalled” three times into God’s service (John 21:15–17), and that time he didn’t fail.

A person who is serious about fulfilling the reason why they have been placed on earth will learn to view all of life through the grid of God’s intentions. That worldview will then impact their decisions. Even if you have made mistakes in the past, God can still use you right where you are. It is never too late for God to lead you to your calling.

—Tony Evans

Love and prayers, Cynthia

"You Ain't Seen Nothing Like This!"

Happy Sunday!  

Bishop Walter S. Thomas was our special guest speaker today.  He is the pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.  He used John 2:1-11 as his reference scripture.  His sermon was entitled, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Like This!"

This passage is so familiar, but the Word of God is alive!  Each time we read it and meditate on it, there is an opportunity to get fresh revelation from it!  It happened in the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry. In chapter one, he called his first disciples.  Immediately after this, John writes that the group was invited to a wedding in Cana of Galilee.  John also notes that Mary the mother of Jesus was also there.

It helps to know a little about weddings of that time period.  Weddings celebrations were extensive!  The reception lasted at least a week.  The family was responsible for furnishing food and drink for all the guests for the duration of the celebration.  The scriptures say, "While they were celebrating, the wine ran out; and Jesus’ mother hurried over to her son. Mary said, "The host stands on the brink of embarrassment; there are many guests, and there is no more wine". John 2:3 (Voice)  The Bible doesn't tell us whose wedding it was, but based on Mary's concern it may have been a member of their family or a close family friend.

Jesus said, "Dear woman, is it our problem they miscalculated when buying wine and inviting guests? My time has not arrived".  But she turned to the servants and said, "Do whatever my son tells you". John 2:4-5 (Voice)

"In that area were six massive stone water pots that could each hold 20 to 30 gallons. They were typically used for Jewish purification rites.  Jesus’ instructions were clear: "Fill each water pot with water until it’s ready to spill over the top; then fill a cup, and deliver it to the headwaiter".  They did exactly as they were instructed. After tasting the water that had become wine, the headwaiter couldn't figure out where such wine came from (even though the servants knew), and he called over the bridegroom in amazement. He said, "This wine is delectable. Why would you save the most exquisite fruit of the vine? A host would generally serve the good wine first and, when his inebriated guests don’t notice or care, he would serve the inferior wine. You have held back the best for last." John 2:6-11 (Voice)   

What can we learn from these scriptures?  Good question!  

This was the first miracle recorded in the Gospels. It was not a miracle involving "NEED".  The wine was not a necessity!  The bridal party, the family, and all the guests would survive without more wine.  God is concerned about the things that concern you!  Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."(King James Version)

Mary was confident that Jesus could help! That's FAITH! Undoubtedly, she had seen other miracles.  John 14:6 says, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (King James Version)  All things are possible with God!

Obedience was required!  Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus said!  In John 14:15 Jesus says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (King James Version)  If we want to see miracles, we must obey.

Love and prayers, Cynthia

"Keep Your Mind Right About Things!'

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas continued his series entitled, "Keep Your Mind Right!"  He used Philippians 3 verses 8, 14, and 20 for today's sermon.

Bishop reminded us that in order to have true joy we must know who God is and believe what he has said about our lives.  There are "joy thieves" out in the world attempting to steal our joy. Today Bishop talked about "Things".  Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with having things!  God just doesn't want the "Things" to have or possess us.  Matthew 6:21 says, "Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being." (Message)

The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians to "rejoice in Christ", "obtain Christ", "gain Christ", "be found in Christ", and "glorify Christ".  In verse 8, he wrote,"Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have put aside all else, counting it worth less than nothing, in order that I can have Christ," (Living Bible)   He was an intelligent, well educated man.  He had lived a strict life according to the Jewish Law and Tradition, but he considered all those accomplishments worthless.  

What can we get from Paul's example?  So glad you asked.

Count - Paul said, "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (King James Version)  Count is an accounting term.  Paul reconciled his personal books, and determined that knowing Christ is more valuable than the pursuit of things. Jesus gave us similar instructions in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too." (Voice)  We never have to chase things!  Chase God and the things will chase you!  Deuteronomy 28: 2 says, "All of the following blessings will be yours—in fact, they’ll chase after you—if you’ll listen to what He tells you." (Voice)

Press - Verse 14 says, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (King James Version)  Bishop said, "Nothing is more dangerous than a satisfied Christian!"  We must not be stagnant, lazy, or complacent!  1 Corinthians 10:12 warns, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." (New King James Version)  Each day we must "press" toward the mark for the prize!  The Message Translation says, "I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back." 

Look - Verse 20 says, "We, however, are citizens of heaven. We look forward to the Lord Jesus Christ coming from heaven as our Savior." (God's Word Translation)  Have you ever waited for anything?  Sure you have!  We are waiting right now!  The most important thing we are waiting for is the return of Jesus Christ.  Jesus is coming again!  Matthew 24:44 says, "Therefore, you, too, must be ready because the Son of Man will return when you least expect him.” (God's Word Translation）

Let's Count, Press, and Look this week!

Love and prayers, Cynthia

Keep Your Mind Right About People!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas continued his series from the Book of Philippians entitled, "Keep Your Mind Right!"  This edition was entitled, "Keep Your Mind Right About People!"  He used Philippians 2:5 as the reference scripture.

Last week Bishop told us there are three things that attempt to steal your Joy!  They are circumstances, people, and worry.

Philippians 2:5- 6 says, "Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God." (Living Bible)

People are able to steal our joy when we have the wrong mindset.  If we are selfishly thinking of our own well-being and our own livelihood we will find it difficult to remain joyful.  Jesus was God, but he put his title aside and considered our needs.

Bishop reminded us that many times we even lose our joy in church.  You would think that church would be the one safe place! NOT!  Being born-again is just the first step in our transformation process.  Romans 12:1-2 says, "So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him."

"Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."(Message)
When we first received Jesus, we were called "babes in Christ".  Babies grow and mature.  We would be shocked to see a healthy 10 year old crawling, cooing, and drinking from a bottle.  But somehow the church has normalized spiritual immaturity.  In verse 2 of this same chapter, the Apostle Paul writes, "Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." (Message)
Bishop gave us a few pointers on how to stay joyful when dealing with people:

Don't Assume Everyone Dislikes You!  Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Don't be concerned about whether people are watching you or criticizing you. The chances are that they aren't paying attention to you." - Eleanor Roosevelt   Give people the benefit of the doubt.  They may be occupied with their own issues.

Consider Jesus!  "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either.  It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God."  - Hebrews 12:1-11 (Message)
Don't let anyone steal your joy this week!  Jesus said, "I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.

If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that."  - Matthew 5:44 (Message)
Love and prayers, Cynthia