August Month 2009
There are many folk who are not doing anything to further the kingdom of God. Then there are others who spend so much time at home and out doing what they think is the will of God, that they miss out on taking care of home. Max Lucado says, "What Many people find it hard to be kind to others, or to put others before themselves. That makes you think they will listen to you in the missionary field across the country or ocean, when they won’t listen across the hall?"
Jesus knew his calling when he was twelve years old. But, after confounding the teachers and elders in the temple, he did not start his ministry he went home. Home to grow with his parents and his siblings and to continue becoming what God wanted Him to be. Perhaps the reason many of today’s churches are struggling with evangelism and outreach, is that not enough believers are growing up at home and taking care of their responsibilities in their home or in their church home.
Before you can be a blessing to your community and to the kingdom you have to a blessing in your home, to your family , at your church home and to your church family.
Pastor SP Courtney
August 21st, 2009
Many people find it hard to be kind to others, or to put others before themselves. That is why, I am confident when I say there is no one on earth that can do what Jesus did. Could you? Could you love people who literally plotted and participated in trying to crucify you?
We must learn to allow ourselves to do what Christ did, demonstrate our love through sacrifice and service. Jesus said even, sinners love those who love themselves, but he expects us to love our enemies and even pray for those who abuse you.
If you feel lonely, don’t hat, if you feel unloved, don’t for the God we serve loves us beyond our comprehension. Jesus traded in His heavenly home for a feeding trough in an animal stable. He traded in glory and honor in heaven for the dusty streets of Jerusalem. Why, because of His love for you and I. We must thank God for all he does and know that it is all because he loves you.
Pastor SP Courtney
MARY CRADLES GOD
In our society today many believers struggle with the concept of being accountable to God and their kingdom responsibilities. We shout Halleluiah, sing glory to his name and lift up our hands to a holy God. However when it’s time to God’s will, to witness to the lost, feed the hungry, mentor a child or visit the sick, there are few who are consistently accountable to things of God.
Every person, no matter how much faith they have or how good a person they are will face disappointments. It may be something simple like not getting that promotion you really hoped for, or not closing that big deal you worked so hard on. Maybe you didn't qualify for a house you really wanted. Or, it may be something more serious like a relationship not working out, the death of a loved one, or some kind of illness in your body. Whatever it may be, the reality is that we’re all going to suffer some setbacks. But I believe one of the main keys to overcoming disappointments is learning to let go of the past. The past weighs you down and holds you back.
If you feel "stuck" today, you may want to examine what you're holding on to. Be willing let go of the past by choosing forgiveness. Who hurt you? Who wronged you? Release it to God. Do you need to forgive yourself? Do you need to receive God's forgiveness? Make the choice today to let go of the past so that you can experience the bright future God has in store for you!
