I am amazed by how people think or believe that things just happen naturally, without any foundational work, just all of a sudden “POOF!!!” God has called me to do this amazing work of starting a new church, and although I knew it would not be easy, I think I under-estimated that fact.
Many of times I look out into the audience and wonder if ALL the energy we are exerting is making a difference in somebody’s life? We don’t see what is going on in the minds and thoughts of other people, and I wonder am I making it clear. One of the struggles of being a pastor, is knowing you are succeeding in your calling, and you current assignment. Last weekend was a spark I needed to press on……… I am reminded of another lesson from the Water Boy,
You Can Do It!!
And for you super-religious folks Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
If I am not mistaken our own International Presiding Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. will be preaching Thursday and Bishop Niel Jones on Friday. For those who did not already know, The Lord’s Harvest Community Church is affiliated with the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, located in the South Central District of Oklahoma State.
I would love to hear some feedback if you watch the broadcast.
One definition I found for “dedication” was: the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action. The question that comes to mind is, “What have you bounded yourself to?”
Work
School
Family
Friends
Children
Unhealthy relationships
ect….
If I were to ask, what or who is the most important thing in your life, many would answer without a second thought, “GOD.” However, our actions and the decisions we make in life may tell a different story. Read the following scripture,
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.(Roman 12:1 NLT)
In some aspect God has bound himself to use, because of all he has done for you. We should bind ourself to him also, by giving our bodies to God as a living and holy sacrifice. I know he has done great things for me and I pray I will continue to grow as a witness of his goodness.
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
Definitions:
• Mighty – having, characterized by, or showing superior power or strength
• Warrior - a person engaged or experienced in warfare; soldier. A person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness, as in politics or athletics.
• Endurance - the ability or strength to continue or last, esp. despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina:
Key points:
• A Mighty Warrior understands his position (or rank). (1-2)
• A Mighty Warrior endures. (3-4, 7)
• A Mighty Warrior understands the mission. (8-10)
This Week’s Challenge
Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Exodus 14:13-14
13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Exodus 17:14-16
14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner; 16 for he said, “Because the LORD has sworn: the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”
Nehemiah 4:19-20
19 Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, “The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
Definitions:
• Mighty – having, characterized by, or showing superior power or strength
• Warrior - a person engaged or experienced in warfare; soldier. A person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness, as in politics or athletics.
• The-LORD-Is-My-Banner - Hebrew YHWH Nissi
Key points:
• A Mighty Warrior should knows when to stand still. (Exodus 14:13-14)
• A Mighty Warrior has a story to tell. (Exodus 17:14-16)
• A Mighty Warrior rallies at the sound of the trumpet. (Nehemiah 4:19-20)
This Week’s Challenge
KNOW what banner you are fighting under.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Definitions:
• Mighty – having, characterized by, or showing superior power or strength
• Warrior - a person engaged or experienced in warfare; soldier. A person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness, as in politics or athletics.
Key points:
• Heading (v10)
• Means of achieving the goal. (v 11a, 13a)
• Purpose (v 11b, 12)
• Explanation of the problem. (v 12)
“… let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)
This scripture has stuck with me for the longest and let’s me know that the things I am doing are not in vain. The fact of the matter is that we do get tired doing anything for a time, good and bad. The encouragement comes from the realization that in due season we shall reap. This means that there is a time when we can enjoy the fruits or our labors. The qualifier is that we must not lose heart or give up, but continue the race set before us.
The question of the week, Are you recession proof?
So you shall observe My statutes and keep My judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land in safety. {Leviticus 25:18 (NKJV)}
The American Heritage Dictionary defines “recession” as
1. The act of withdrawing or going back.
2. An extended decline in general business activity, typically two consecutive quarters of falling real gross national product.
Many believe that we in the good ol’ USA are sliding into a recession or even a depression. This recent news clip I found which aired here in Oklahoma City. View video–>>
In spite of the economic problems the rest of the country is facing it is not nearly as bad here in OKC. Housing, you can find nice homes in good neighborhoods for 100,000 - 120,000, (3Bd, 2bath, 1600 SQF). Job market, well Oklahoma is not know for having high paying jobs, but the cost of living here is lower. My point is that, even if some are in a recession, you can be recession proof!!
Recession - the act of withdrawing or going back. God tells the children of Israel in Leviticus 25:18, how to be recession proof. If we walk with him and be obedient to his word, we WILL dwell in the land safely. When we place God first in every area of our lives, he surrounds us with his grace of protection. This does not mean that we will not have to deal with tough times, but HE will always see us through them, when we remain steadfast in Him. If you have made a decision to place God first in your life don’t participate in the recession and be recession proof.
New Time same great atmosphere: relevant messages, upbeat worship, and casual dress. Bring the family come early and fellowship (refreshment served before service). Worship Service will start about 10:45am.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Time: 10:25am - 12:00pm
Location:
The Lord’s Harvest CC (Meeting @ Shield of Faith MBC)
1134 Northeast 20th
Oklahoma City, OK
Contact Info
Phone: 4057068201
Email: info@thelordsharvest.org
>rent a car bulgariaLord’s Harvest Community Church will hold its final worship service October 25, 2008. It has been a blessing to have had the opportunity to impact lives for Christ Jesus through this church. However, God has saw fit to transition me to another ministry to carry out his work.
I will be assuming the pastorate of First Baptist Church of Douglas in Luther Oklahoma. This is a church with a deep history, but is focused on its tomorrow. It is my prayer that God uses me to lead First Baptist into becoming the church God has ordained and continue to impact lives for Christ.
You are invited to join us each Sunday morning. We are about 15 min east of I-35 on Memorial Road and one mile north of Hogback RD. We sit at the corner of NE 150th and Indian-Meridian Rd.
Sunday School 10:00 am
Worship Service 11:00 am
First Baptist Church of Douglas
16001 Northeast 150th Street
Luther, Oklahoma 73054
