mark 9:23-24 Jesus said to him, "if you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." 24 immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, i believe; help my unbelief!"
have u ever wanted 2 believe somebody but just couldnt? u tried n ur mind but couldnt. the thoughts just didnt add up. u tried n ur emotions but couldnt. just didnt 'feel' them. u even tried n ur spirit but never experienced any peace about it.
have u ever believe and not believed at the same time? have you ever wanted to but couldnt? have you ever believed but doubted?
ive consistently heard my dad say, im just 'raising intelligent questions of the text.' may i raise an intelligent question of the text and our lives as well? is it really belief if we doubt? must we believe 100% for it 2 b belief? can we believe and doubt at the same time?
this text clearly shows us a man whom 'believed and doubted!' but what makes this text so interesting and inspiring is that this man is talking to Jesus! the man was saying in essence, ive gone as far as i can go in my human belief efforts, so Lord do what i cannot do, in the area of my belief struggle.
i honestly believe this man was saying to Jesus, if you find any area where my belief is weak and needs propping up, needs support, help me in that area! what if we genuinely asked the Lord to take us 2 higher levels n areas that we experience weakness and unbelief?
our human nature wants 2 doubt, but our spirit man wants 2 believe! the fight is on! who will win n ur life? nature or spirit? doubt or belief?
do u really believe God can heal? do you really believe God can mend ur marriage? Do u really believe God can restore ur ruptured relationship? do u really believe God can complete a makeover of ur mind, emotions and spirit? do u really believe u can change with the help of the Holy Spirit or r u destined 2 stay the same because of ur unbelief?
from the mind and mouth of the Master, we are encouraged 2 know that not just some things, or the things we are comfortable with or the things we like at any given moment and time, but all things are possible to those who believe! all things! do u believe that? all things!
the person u just walked out on, all things! the job u feel like giving up on, all things! the family member for whom u feel there is no hope, all things! look at urself n the mirror, thats right even u, all things!
whatever area it is of ur life that came 2 mind as u read this, by the power of the Holy Spirits leading, know with assurance and excitement that God can change it, if u only believe!
i dont know about u 2day, but i want 2 believe it can happen! i want 2 believe it can change! i want 2 believe i can change! i want 2 believe all things r possible! i want 2 believe!
can u imagine what kind of life u could live, and what kind of blessing u could b, if u only believed!... well, the next verse, verse 25 says that a miracle happened because somebody believed!
ur miracle is awaiting u 2day, if u just believe!
as we close out this year of '08 and the disappointments that u experienced, i am believing with u n '09 that ur miracle is going 2 happen! i believe with u and 4 u that what did not happen 4 u this year, will happen n a greater way next year! ur best is yet 2 come n u aint seen nothin' yet, just believe!
repeat this after me and then plant it n ur heart! Lord, i believe! Lord, i receive! amen! so let it b!
agape,
pastor p
oh yeah, and by the way, I BELIEVE!
Showing posts with label Relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Relationships. Show all posts
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
How 2 Handle Ur Heart During The Holidays
this is a season that is bipolar for many. yes, bipolar. we see signs of jolly everywhere we look but inward we have no joy. we hear jingles of happiness everywhere we go but inward we are sad and depressed.
this season is propagated as one big party, yet for many it is the darkest time of the year. 80% of all suicides occur between Thanksgiving and New Years. 75% of all heart attacks occur between Thanksgiving and New Years. The divorce rate rises and the incarceration rate rises between Thanksgiving and New Years because people do not understand how to handle their hearts during the holidays.
its not about another party, another drink or another romantic tryst. its not about what gifts you get or where you go, for you will still be the same person on the inside no matter what you receive or where you end up.
the problem with most of us is trilogistic (ha! i made up my own word! lol!) in nature. according to A. Louis Patterson, Jr., we wrestle with life. the noise of life, the hurry of life and the crowds of life. we are afraid to be quiet (silent), to be still and to be alone (single). we are afraid of this because of what we see in the mirror and know in our heart. simply put, we cant stand ourselves and like the verse says, we will 'condemn' ourselves in the heart. so then we try and fill the void with noise, hurry and crowds.
we cant stand and dont like ourselves because of who we are, where we are and what we do. in other words, we dont like our 'self', our situation or our sin.
we always find something about ourselves not to like. even those of us with God complexes have to admit, there is that thing about us we do not like.
we always find something about our situation about ourselves that we do not like. cant you hear yourself saying, i should have been farther along in life than this. or, i don't deserve this. or, i'm better than this. all because we do not like our situation.
we always find something about our sin that we do not like. have you ever knelt or sat down to pray and the enemy brings to your memory something you did that was displeasing to God? have you ever had flashbacks of past actions or thoughts. deeds that you have asked for forgiveness and have moved on from, sin.
stop condemning yourself and begin to cultivate confidence in your heart vs 21.
now, i can hear you thinking.... well, pastor p, how is this done? glad you asked...
the text gives us a number of ways to handle our hearts during the holidays...
1. replace lies with truth ...vs 19
the mind was made for truth.
unfortunately we live lives of fantasy over and beyond truth. we give more time to games shows, soap operas, dramas, comedies and cartoons than we do the Word and worship.
Jesus says "I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life..." John 14:6
"and you shall know THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall set you free" John 8:32... if you want to be 'free' in your life, in your mind, in your emotions... know the truth!
give most of your hearts time this season to the Savior not Santa! God not gifts! the Master not money! the Prince of Peace not parties! .... so many of us are 'passing life by looking for life!'
as a matter of fact, if you've got somebody in your life who is constantly playing the lie role... replace them with the truth!
2. rest in His presence ...vs 19
the spirit was made for God
resting (communicating) with God is the power source to our lives. it goes beyond talking to Him, but allowing Him to talk to us... "be still and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10
the spirit was not made for another party! the spirit was not made for another dose of fantasy! the spirit was not made for another 'roll in the hay!'... the spirit was made for relationship with God!
i know some people who just cannot be still in His presence! just last week someone came knocking on my door, wanting to 'hit the town' because, and i quote, they were 'bored!'
that might be a sign that you need to sit still and rest in His presence!
3. recognize that God is greater ...vs 20
in mathematics there are many symbols... plus, minus, equal... but my favorite is GREATER THAN!
guess what, God is GREATER THAN anything or anyone in your life! He always 'tips the scales' in your favor!
God is GREATER THAN... your bills! your ailment! your worries! your job! your child! your husband! your wife! your problems! your broken dreams! your busted desires! .... you've heard it before, if your problem is not bigger (greater than) God raising a dead Jesus from the grave, He has already proven He can handle it! HE IS GREATER THAN!
do not let any-one or any-thing handle you heart in contrast to the Word! when you let God handle your heart, He's also got your back!
during this holiday season, and every other season of your life, you don't have to have another drink or find another party or lay down with another person to find peace and joy. it is in how you handle your heart. handle your heart with confidence and watch God do the rest!
agape
pastor p
this season is propagated as one big party, yet for many it is the darkest time of the year. 80% of all suicides occur between Thanksgiving and New Years. 75% of all heart attacks occur between Thanksgiving and New Years. The divorce rate rises and the incarceration rate rises between Thanksgiving and New Years because people do not understand how to handle their hearts during the holidays.
its not about another party, another drink or another romantic tryst. its not about what gifts you get or where you go, for you will still be the same person on the inside no matter what you receive or where you end up.
the problem with most of us is trilogistic (ha! i made up my own word! lol!) in nature. according to A. Louis Patterson, Jr., we wrestle with life. the noise of life, the hurry of life and the crowds of life. we are afraid to be quiet (silent), to be still and to be alone (single). we are afraid of this because of what we see in the mirror and know in our heart. simply put, we cant stand ourselves and like the verse says, we will 'condemn' ourselves in the heart. so then we try and fill the void with noise, hurry and crowds.
we cant stand and dont like ourselves because of who we are, where we are and what we do. in other words, we dont like our 'self', our situation or our sin.
we always find something about ourselves not to like. even those of us with God complexes have to admit, there is that thing about us we do not like.
we always find something about our situation about ourselves that we do not like. cant you hear yourself saying, i should have been farther along in life than this. or, i don't deserve this. or, i'm better than this. all because we do not like our situation.
we always find something about our sin that we do not like. have you ever knelt or sat down to pray and the enemy brings to your memory something you did that was displeasing to God? have you ever had flashbacks of past actions or thoughts. deeds that you have asked for forgiveness and have moved on from, sin.
stop condemning yourself and begin to cultivate confidence in your heart vs 21.
now, i can hear you thinking.... well, pastor p, how is this done? glad you asked...
the text gives us a number of ways to handle our hearts during the holidays...
1. replace lies with truth ...vs 19
the mind was made for truth.
unfortunately we live lives of fantasy over and beyond truth. we give more time to games shows, soap operas, dramas, comedies and cartoons than we do the Word and worship.
Jesus says "I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life..." John 14:6
"and you shall know THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall set you free" John 8:32... if you want to be 'free' in your life, in your mind, in your emotions... know the truth!
give most of your hearts time this season to the Savior not Santa! God not gifts! the Master not money! the Prince of Peace not parties! .... so many of us are 'passing life by looking for life!'
as a matter of fact, if you've got somebody in your life who is constantly playing the lie role... replace them with the truth!
2. rest in His presence ...vs 19
the spirit was made for God
resting (communicating) with God is the power source to our lives. it goes beyond talking to Him, but allowing Him to talk to us... "be still and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10
the spirit was not made for another party! the spirit was not made for another dose of fantasy! the spirit was not made for another 'roll in the hay!'... the spirit was made for relationship with God!
i know some people who just cannot be still in His presence! just last week someone came knocking on my door, wanting to 'hit the town' because, and i quote, they were 'bored!'
that might be a sign that you need to sit still and rest in His presence!
3. recognize that God is greater ...vs 20
in mathematics there are many symbols... plus, minus, equal... but my favorite is GREATER THAN!
guess what, God is GREATER THAN anything or anyone in your life! He always 'tips the scales' in your favor!
God is GREATER THAN... your bills! your ailment! your worries! your job! your child! your husband! your wife! your problems! your broken dreams! your busted desires! .... you've heard it before, if your problem is not bigger (greater than) God raising a dead Jesus from the grave, He has already proven He can handle it! HE IS GREATER THAN!
do not let any-one or any-thing handle you heart in contrast to the Word! when you let God handle your heart, He's also got your back!
during this holiday season, and every other season of your life, you don't have to have another drink or find another party or lay down with another person to find peace and joy. it is in how you handle your heart. handle your heart with confidence and watch God do the rest!
agape
pastor p
Thursday, August 28, 2008
where are the michelle obamas?
i am watching these democratic national convention proceedings (note: i was supposed 2 b there 2morrow with friends n celebration of such a historic occassion but im home debating goin 2 the ER 2nite) 4 reasons other than choosing a candidate 2 vote 4. i am observing these goings on 2 take note of the human condition and importance and influence of interpersonal relationships, both good and bad.
let me say this up front, i am simply enamored with michelle obama and her very public, visible and without shame or fear, reverence, respect and deep love 4 her husband barack. her public displays of affection. it is simply enthralling 2 watch her eyes light up and her smile widen and beam like a ray of sunshine after a short light rain that clears the air, when he enters the room, or n this case, pepsi field.
as i watched her response and reaction 2 him, i sat n envy and n wonton desire 2 have such a woman who would act n such a way 2 me. she alone, n a crowd of thousands, was his biggest cheerleader and most ardent fan. nobody smiled wider, nobody clapped harder, nobody cheered louder, nobody was up on their feet quicker, nobody looked prouder than michelle obama. i bet when barack entered 2nite at the end of bidens speech, if she could have jumped the rafters and bolted down 2 the stage 2 engulf her man with a full body hug and congratulatory kiss, she would have. the power of non verbal communication is incalcuable and priceless.
now catch this, she is accomplished n her own right. all by herself. intelligent. articulate. stylish. charismatic. confident. harvard trained, yet she still deferes 2 her man. she still looks @ him like he is the next best thing since sliced bread. she still touches him like they r teenagers n puppy love. she still smiles, looks him n the eye and listens when he speaks.
all women should take note and keep reference. i believe @ least half of the reason mr barack is where he is 2day, if not more, is because of the 'backing' of mrs michelle, not the berating. 2 many women tear their men down n private, disrespect their men n public and wontoningly carry on about their men 2 his face on a daily basis and wonder why he is the way he is, and things r the way they r. if u want 2 get there n life, wherever there is 4 u, get urself 2gether, find ur place and do ur man right!... u just might end up being 'first lady.'
women, u must understand that u have miraculous powers. u can either build a man up or tear a man down. u can either raise a man 2 heights he has never known or drown a man 2 depths he has never seen, simply by ur support or non-support, both verbal and nonverbal. most macho men will never admit this without being threatened but... a woman has the power 2 lift a man or let him fall. a woman has the power 2 push a man forward or drag a man backward.
even the Bible says n Proverbs (21:9) that it is better 2 live on a corner of the roof than 2 share a house with a quarreling woman!
her actions and words r the catalyst 4 us 2 compete, the encouragement 4 us 2 engage, the power 4 us 2 perform and the will 4 us 2 war! so often we get and gain our inner strength, speaking humanly now, from the woman who believes n us, despite us. she knows us yet she has faith n us. if she says we can, we believe we can and most times we do. there r fewer sweeter words than 'honey, i believe n u!' the lights can be cut off, the car can repossessed and the house can be foreclosed on, but if she says everything is alright, i know ur doing ur best and things will get better, i am with u to the end, we will do our d****st to make it happen! the old tried and worn phrase is true, behind or besides, whichever is ur fancy, every good man is a better woman! ha! gotcha on that one! but a formidable truism nonetheless.
as the young urban crooner ne-yo sung 'im a movement by myself, but im a force when we're 2gether. u make me better.'
i want my michelle obama!
let me say this up front, i am simply enamored with michelle obama and her very public, visible and without shame or fear, reverence, respect and deep love 4 her husband barack. her public displays of affection. it is simply enthralling 2 watch her eyes light up and her smile widen and beam like a ray of sunshine after a short light rain that clears the air, when he enters the room, or n this case, pepsi field.
as i watched her response and reaction 2 him, i sat n envy and n wonton desire 2 have such a woman who would act n such a way 2 me. she alone, n a crowd of thousands, was his biggest cheerleader and most ardent fan. nobody smiled wider, nobody clapped harder, nobody cheered louder, nobody was up on their feet quicker, nobody looked prouder than michelle obama. i bet when barack entered 2nite at the end of bidens speech, if she could have jumped the rafters and bolted down 2 the stage 2 engulf her man with a full body hug and congratulatory kiss, she would have. the power of non verbal communication is incalcuable and priceless.
now catch this, she is accomplished n her own right. all by herself. intelligent. articulate. stylish. charismatic. confident. harvard trained, yet she still deferes 2 her man. she still looks @ him like he is the next best thing since sliced bread. she still touches him like they r teenagers n puppy love. she still smiles, looks him n the eye and listens when he speaks.
all women should take note and keep reference. i believe @ least half of the reason mr barack is where he is 2day, if not more, is because of the 'backing' of mrs michelle, not the berating. 2 many women tear their men down n private, disrespect their men n public and wontoningly carry on about their men 2 his face on a daily basis and wonder why he is the way he is, and things r the way they r. if u want 2 get there n life, wherever there is 4 u, get urself 2gether, find ur place and do ur man right!... u just might end up being 'first lady.'
women, u must understand that u have miraculous powers. u can either build a man up or tear a man down. u can either raise a man 2 heights he has never known or drown a man 2 depths he has never seen, simply by ur support or non-support, both verbal and nonverbal. most macho men will never admit this without being threatened but... a woman has the power 2 lift a man or let him fall. a woman has the power 2 push a man forward or drag a man backward.
even the Bible says n Proverbs (21:9) that it is better 2 live on a corner of the roof than 2 share a house with a quarreling woman!
her actions and words r the catalyst 4 us 2 compete, the encouragement 4 us 2 engage, the power 4 us 2 perform and the will 4 us 2 war! so often we get and gain our inner strength, speaking humanly now, from the woman who believes n us, despite us. she knows us yet she has faith n us. if she says we can, we believe we can and most times we do. there r fewer sweeter words than 'honey, i believe n u!' the lights can be cut off, the car can repossessed and the house can be foreclosed on, but if she says everything is alright, i know ur doing ur best and things will get better, i am with u to the end, we will do our d****st to make it happen! the old tried and worn phrase is true, behind or besides, whichever is ur fancy, every good man is a better woman! ha! gotcha on that one! but a formidable truism nonetheless.
as the young urban crooner ne-yo sung 'im a movement by myself, but im a force when we're 2gether. u make me better.'
i want my michelle obama!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
GIRLFRIENDS: Building Relationships That Last
This month I am beginning a new series based loosely on the television series Girlfriends, for our Women's Emphasis Month. The intent of the series is to give Biblically based principles that will allow us to build God honoring relationships that will last.
The first installment is entitled, 'I'm Happy For You!' This sermon had to be broken into two parts, part 1 and part 2. Below is a skeleton of the outline for part 2 of 'I'm Happy For You! '
I pray that this will be a blessing to you as you read and meditate on the Word of God for yourself.
Dr. Gary Smalley, in his book The DNA Of Relationships says that 'Life is relationships; the rest is just details.'
In fact, we were created for relationship. God created us in His image for relationship. Relationship to Him and relationship to each other.
Adopted July, 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence, considered to be the 'founding document' of the United States, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin, signed by the 56 delegates of Congress, declared the Thirteen Colonies in North America were "free and independent" states. The most famous phrase of this document is the paragraph that begins , "we find these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, and have the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
I want to suggest that true happiness for the Christian, comes when we are in right relationship with God and man.
Luke 1:39-56
I'm Happy For You!
Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, had to 'wait and work' for her blessing, while Mary, who was espoused to be married to Joseph, recieved a serendipitous blessing that she neither had to wait for nor work for. It was 'immediate and intimate.' Elizabeth was still 'happy' at the immediate and intimate blessing of her cousin although she had to 'work and wait' for hers.
We pick up the story as Mary, when she hears of the blessing of her cousin Elizabeth, travels to Judea to visit and spend time with her. We begin in vere 39... Here is where Mary shows us the importance of...
vs 39a 'At that time Mary got ready...'
a. Preparing to praise
vs 39b '...and hurried...'
b. Putting a priority on praise
vs 39c '...to a town in the hill country of Judea.'
c. Going to a place of praise
In order to build a relationship that lasts, we should want a friend who...
1. Has Jesus on the inside of them vs 41
2. Is happy about what God has put inside of you vs 42
3. Who will stay with you thru seasons of struggle vs 56
Principle Observations:
Mary teaches us...
God has put in you a blessing that will be a blessing to others.
Elizabeth teaches us...
God has put in you a blessing that will prepare the way for another blessing.
Both women teach us...
God has put in you a blessing that will...
a. Help to save a soul
b. Hope to change your situation
c. Healing to transform your life
The first installment is entitled, 'I'm Happy For You!' This sermon had to be broken into two parts, part 1 and part 2. Below is a skeleton of the outline for part 2 of 'I'm Happy For You! '
I pray that this will be a blessing to you as you read and meditate on the Word of God for yourself.
Dr. Gary Smalley, in his book The DNA Of Relationships says that 'Life is relationships; the rest is just details.'
In fact, we were created for relationship. God created us in His image for relationship. Relationship to Him and relationship to each other.
Adopted July, 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence, considered to be the 'founding document' of the United States, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin, signed by the 56 delegates of Congress, declared the Thirteen Colonies in North America were "free and independent" states. The most famous phrase of this document is the paragraph that begins , "we find these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, and have the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
I want to suggest that true happiness for the Christian, comes when we are in right relationship with God and man.
Luke 1:39-56
I'm Happy For You!
Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, had to 'wait and work' for her blessing, while Mary, who was espoused to be married to Joseph, recieved a serendipitous blessing that she neither had to wait for nor work for. It was 'immediate and intimate.' Elizabeth was still 'happy' at the immediate and intimate blessing of her cousin although she had to 'work and wait' for hers.
We pick up the story as Mary, when she hears of the blessing of her cousin Elizabeth, travels to Judea to visit and spend time with her. We begin in vere 39... Here is where Mary shows us the importance of...
vs 39a 'At that time Mary got ready...'
a. Preparing to praise
vs 39b '...and hurried...'
b. Putting a priority on praise
vs 39c '...to a town in the hill country of Judea.'
c. Going to a place of praise
In order to build a relationship that lasts, we should want a friend who...
1. Has Jesus on the inside of them vs 41
2. Is happy about what God has put inside of you vs 42
3. Who will stay with you thru seasons of struggle vs 56
Principle Observations:
Mary teaches us...
God has put in you a blessing that will be a blessing to others.
Elizabeth teaches us...
God has put in you a blessing that will prepare the way for another blessing.
Both women teach us...
God has put in you a blessing that will...
a. Help to save a soul
b. Hope to change your situation
c. Healing to transform your life
Saturday, February 9, 2008
First Sunday @ ANFC
This past Sunday I had the privilege of preaching in Garland, Texas at All Nations Fellowship Church pastored by Rev. Robert Canady, III.
Pastor Canady is a friend and brother and fellow church planter. We became friends at Friendship West Baptist Church, where Pastor Canaday was then Mininstry Leader of Operation BLAAC, FWBC's Men's Ministry. Operation BLAAC became an influence and force in the community under his leadership. As a result, Pastor Canady was eventually elevated to Pastor of Pastoral Care where his gifts and talents made room for him. God then placed on his heart to plant a church in the North East section of the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex. Well, that was five years ago, and the Lord has blessed. Now in a building of their own, two services and a vision for the future, ANFC is on the move and "Reaching New Heights In Chritst!"
Thank you Pastor Canady for being a friend in Christ. The service was awesomely anointed! The atmosphere was electric! It is easy to preach at All Nations. I felt a special anointing on Sunday. I am learning more and more that pain processes the anointing. We must be crushed, like the olive, before the oil can freely flow and we can be used by God to our greatest ability! Even in your own life, when you are going thru and experiencing the hurt and pain of life, it is preparation for the next level in life. PAIN IS PREPARATION FOR THE PROMISE! We all know the familiar phrase, no pain, no gain! Let God do His work in your life for He is either trying to do one of two things, remove something in you that should not be there or getting ready to put something in you that should be there! Either way, it's a blessing!
It was both a blessing and cathartic for me preaching this past Sunday at ANFC, First Sunday at that. I am grateful for the opportunity to preach and to take communion, asking God for forgiveness of my sins and shortcomings, accepting and recieving another chance and the remembering in honor and respect what His Son Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross of Calvary for me, and us.
This is a testing and proving season in my life, in preparation for the next level and and I am grateful for every moment. However painful it may be, I understand the process for pain always comes before promotion and production. He has taken some people out of my life, a few with me kicking and screaming trying to hold on, and others freely and at the same time He has added others whom I would have never met had it not been for true friendship relationships. I am thanking God daily as I mature for the gift of relationship. We honor God, we express God and we see God on earth thru relationship. There is nothing more important in life, other than sharing Christ and saving souls, than our relationship with others.
Treauser your intimate relationships, honor your familial relationship, respect your friendly relationships and be open to relationships in the future. For God knows, as my Pastor, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, says, what you need, when you need it, how you need it and JUST WHO TO SEND WHERE WITH WHAT for your need and He is going to do it thru relationship!
When relationships begin they are exciting and motivating. As relationships mature, they are testing and maturing of ourselves as it relates to others and ourselves. When relationships end, it is most times painful and difficult to process and can either stunt us or propel us to the next season. However, all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord AND are called according to His purpose....don't forget 'that' part of the verse as well. In the end, it is always a moment of growth with the possiblity to mature in Christ.
Hence, I thank God for those whom He brings into my life and for those whom He removes. I pray and hope that my reason for being in their lives is and was accomplished accordingly. I thank God for family, friends (on all levels), and those who just come and go along the way. For no interaction is by accident in the grand scheme of things. It's all in the plan!
First Sundays, always remind me of that. How one that came to be a blessing ended up being crucified by the very ones He came to bless. We are commanded to love, even when we are not loved in reciprocity, and even flat out rejected... keep loving!
For love is the greatest commandment and the greatest expression!
It's all about the LOVE!
AGAPE!
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Pastor Canady is a friend and brother and fellow church planter. We became friends at Friendship West Baptist Church, where Pastor Canaday was then Mininstry Leader of Operation BLAAC, FWBC's Men's Ministry. Operation BLAAC became an influence and force in the community under his leadership. As a result, Pastor Canady was eventually elevated to Pastor of Pastoral Care where his gifts and talents made room for him. God then placed on his heart to plant a church in the North East section of the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex. Well, that was five years ago, and the Lord has blessed. Now in a building of their own, two services and a vision for the future, ANFC is on the move and "Reaching New Heights In Chritst!"
Thank you Pastor Canady for being a friend in Christ. The service was awesomely anointed! The atmosphere was electric! It is easy to preach at All Nations. I felt a special anointing on Sunday. I am learning more and more that pain processes the anointing. We must be crushed, like the olive, before the oil can freely flow and we can be used by God to our greatest ability! Even in your own life, when you are going thru and experiencing the hurt and pain of life, it is preparation for the next level in life. PAIN IS PREPARATION FOR THE PROMISE! We all know the familiar phrase, no pain, no gain! Let God do His work in your life for He is either trying to do one of two things, remove something in you that should not be there or getting ready to put something in you that should be there! Either way, it's a blessing!
It was both a blessing and cathartic for me preaching this past Sunday at ANFC, First Sunday at that. I am grateful for the opportunity to preach and to take communion, asking God for forgiveness of my sins and shortcomings, accepting and recieving another chance and the remembering in honor and respect what His Son Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross of Calvary for me, and us.
This is a testing and proving season in my life, in preparation for the next level and and I am grateful for every moment. However painful it may be, I understand the process for pain always comes before promotion and production. He has taken some people out of my life, a few with me kicking and screaming trying to hold on, and others freely and at the same time He has added others whom I would have never met had it not been for true friendship relationships. I am thanking God daily as I mature for the gift of relationship. We honor God, we express God and we see God on earth thru relationship. There is nothing more important in life, other than sharing Christ and saving souls, than our relationship with others.
Treauser your intimate relationships, honor your familial relationship, respect your friendly relationships and be open to relationships in the future. For God knows, as my Pastor, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, says, what you need, when you need it, how you need it and JUST WHO TO SEND WHERE WITH WHAT for your need and He is going to do it thru relationship!
When relationships begin they are exciting and motivating. As relationships mature, they are testing and maturing of ourselves as it relates to others and ourselves. When relationships end, it is most times painful and difficult to process and can either stunt us or propel us to the next season. However, all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord AND are called according to His purpose....don't forget 'that' part of the verse as well. In the end, it is always a moment of growth with the possiblity to mature in Christ.
Hence, I thank God for those whom He brings into my life and for those whom He removes. I pray and hope that my reason for being in their lives is and was accomplished accordingly. I thank God for family, friends (on all levels), and those who just come and go along the way. For no interaction is by accident in the grand scheme of things. It's all in the plan!
First Sundays, always remind me of that. How one that came to be a blessing ended up being crucified by the very ones He came to bless. We are commanded to love, even when we are not loved in reciprocity, and even flat out rejected... keep loving!
For love is the greatest commandment and the greatest expression!
It's all about the LOVE!
AGAPE!
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
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