October 2010
"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all."-1st Corinthians 12:7
In the game of life, many people play by the rules of the world, rather than the rules of righteousness. There are those who make statements like, "I got mine, now you get yours". It is almost as if our society has arrived at the unimaginable opinion that its all about me. As one famous football player put it, "I love me some me." However, I encourage you to consider this thought; it really isn't about us at all. As the church strives to be an influence of hope, faith and love its members, must first elevate its thought process, by accepting the fact that it's all about Jesus and not about me.
This is exactly the message the Apostle Paul was delivering in chapter 12 of his first letter to the church at Corinth. He wanted them to know that they had been endowed with many gifts that were to be used for many things that God might be glorified and His Kingdom built for all eternity. He specifically advises us that the Spirit of God has manifested itself in each of us to carry out a divine purpose. Each believer who has been filled with the Holy Spirit has a preordained purpose that will in due season be of value to all that believe.
We must all understand this is the foundation of Romans 8:28, which states that all things work together for the good, of them that love God and are the called according to his purpose. Did you know that this promise is only possible if we understand that its not about us.
Consider what God has put in you and remember; What if it's Not about me?
Pastor SP Courtney
"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."- Jeremiah 3:15
I often wonder whether or not God's people really know God's heart? It is His heart that provides the grace that covers us and the sacrifice of His son that saves us. The church boasts of her relationship with Christ yet we fail to have real intimacy with Him. The heart is a place of intimacy, passion and purpose. When Jeremiah recorded God's promise of pastors to Israel and Judah he provided some insight to what believers should expect to receive from the heart of God.
It is God's desire, from the bottom of His heart that we are fed physically and spiritually in our daily walk with Him. The bible states that God's people perish for a lack of knowledge, however it isn't because it isn't available. God's servants are there to make available both knowledge and understanding. It is not enough to just know that you are in Christ; we must understand how to live life aligned to His will and His way. It is not good enough to know that there is power in His word, but we must understand how to apply His word to our daily life.
God wants to renew our mind, employ our hands, order our steps and most of all, He wants to live in our heart. If He has residency in your heart, you will come to Know His heart well. "DO YOU KNOW GOD'S HEART?"
Pastor SP Courtney
There are public places that we frequently patronize with an understanding that there is guidelines and expectations in reference to how we enter. There are places that are concerned with our attire. Restaurants that are so upscale that you need a collared shirt, or men may be asked to wear a sports coat. There are some places such as hospitals or funeral homes where there are signs advising you to keep the noise down or turn off your phone. These are all done to ensure that as you enter, you give proper respect to the place and perhaps the persons who are already there. Perhaps you were not aware, but there is a proper way to enter worship and each Sunday, do we ask ourselves, How did you enter?
As the Psalmist communicates to the believers on their way to the temple he has specific instructions that should be considered. He begins by saying, even your entrance into the gates, your arrival on the property should be in the spirit of thanksgiving. Perhaps we take for granted making it safely to our place of worship. We take for granted being afforded another day, alive and not sleeping in our grave. If we had a thankful heart, then perhaps we would begin to praise him for the things he has done. Not some things, but every time we prepare to enter, we ought to remember all of the good, merciful and wonderful things our God has done.
Evaluate your attitude and your heart today and ask; How did you enter?
Pastor SP Courtney
Life gives us many opportunities to prepare for what is happening next. Yet many believers spend minimal time preparing for the inevitable. At some pre-destined moment in time we will be taken from earth to eternity and we will cease to exist here on earth. By design however God does not reveal to us when the end will come. The bible is clear; no man knows the hour that the Son of Man will return.Are you Ready?
When we are asleep, we are not productive, we are not moving and we are not serving God in spirit and in truth. This is not a physical sleep, but rather a spiritual sleep which means, a dormant faith, a faith that has no power and no purpose. Yes, Jesus will return the question is, ARE YOU READY?
Jesus is teaching his disciples and He is addressing his return in the 2nd Coming. The word "Watch" is a command to believers that suggest that we believe He is coming and we are anticipating His return. We are prepared and focused on the will of God, as we await His return. The time is not relevant, rather in the evening, midnight or the early hours of the morning, we must always be ready to be in the presence of God. The warning is that he might come at an unexpected moment and find the church asleep.
Pastor SP Courtney
When we look at the predicaments and the problems of the 21st century church, perhaps the glaring weaknesses can be attributed to those responsible for its present state. We as believers and co-laborers with Christ are responsible for the continual building and edification of the church. However, we must all evaluate our own efforts and ask ourselves, are we building a better church?
The Apostle Paul writing to the church at Corinth, established the fact that we are laborers together with God? This fact should give us the confidence that whatever our responsibility is within the church, we can do it with the Lord on our side. Knowing that God is our help should keep us from complaining about the greatness or size of the task, because nothing is too hard for God. Knowing that God is on our side should keep us from looking at the mountains we must climb, without wondering how we will make it over. Paul also calls the church God's building, which suggest while we are building up one another and lifting the ministries of the church to new heights, God is building and lifting us.
God has put everything in us to allow each of us to be master builders, to know when and how to lift one another up and to establish foundational truths that will stand the test of time. To know how to build walls to protect us against the world and doors to invite the world end that we might minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ to their souls.
You are God's builder and God's building. You are not who the world says you are but who God says you are. The church will be better if we do our part. ARE YOU Building a Better Church?
Pastor SP Courtney
