Sunday praise time..

As we gathered into the sanctuary to prepare for our praise & worship service the power of the Lord was very evident. As we rehearsed our songs we felt Him draw us into His presence. The momentum was heightened in the pray room before we began the service, the fruit of our labor and the evidence of God’s desire to fill souls with His spirit became clear as six or more souls reached out to God in prayer wanting to receive the Holy Ghost. We experienced a new birth, a renewing of the Holy Ghost, several miracles of healing, deliverance and a wealth of refreshing for all our souls. We left changed, refreshed and excited about what God has done, is doing and is going to do for His people. Thank God for the liberty we have in the USA in 2008!

Can you see the sin?

Can you see the snake?

Maybe this will help!
Sin doesn't come with a warning label, "HARMFUL TO YOUR SPIRITUAL WELL BEING!"

Sin can be right in our face and if we're not careful we'll step right into the well laid trap of the enemy. Our flesh LOVES to make excuses, oh it's just a little off-color, it's not that bad! But if I remember correctly the WORD says, a little leaven leavens the WHOLE lump.

Our lump was not created to have sin of any measure.

Help us Oh God to be watchful and discerning of the devices of the enemy that wants nothing more than to taint our Holy Ghost lives with a lil' sin!!!

Problems

God is our constant help in the times of trouble. What we can not do on our own He is there to make straight the paths and give us strength to endure whatever comes our way. I rejoice in the hope that we have in Him. No sickness, distress, mental or spiritual attach can overtake us as long as we rest in the hollow of His hand.

Trouble is a small part of life and God needs to be the main part of our life. Nobody can talk to trouble like Jesus can.

In my weakness He is made strong.

Our well being...

Our Pastor and his family were out of town for a short while and we're all glad they are able to get away from time to time, but I have a gripe!!! WE MISS THEM WHEN THEY ARE NOT HERE..... A Pastor and his family are like water, a vital part of our lives! We can do without water for a day or two but after that it is detrimental to our well being. Water comes in many flavors, packaging and brands but one thing is sure we have to have water and we have to have a shepherd. To add to my gripe Sister Clark is the music minister and we SO miss her when she isn't here....

I am so not looking forward to their annual vacation!!!!!!

Love you Pastor and Sister Clark....

What are we doing with our lives?

Once upon a time there was this girl who had four boyfriends.
She loved the 4th boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.
She also loved the 3rd boyfriend very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.
She also loved her 2nd boyfriend. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.
The girl's 1st boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!
One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.
Thus, she asked the 4th boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No way!', replied the 4th boyfriend, and he walked away without another word. His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.
The sad girl then asked the 3rd boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'No!', replied the 3rd boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold.
She then asked the 2nd boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?' 'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time, replied the 2nd boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.' His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was devastated. Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.'
The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!'
In truth, you have 4 boyfriends (or girlfriends) in your lives:
Your 4th boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.
Your 3rd boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.
Your 2nd boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.
And your 1st boyfriend is your Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, your Soul is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.

Being counted worthy...

To our ears it sounds like a misnomer to say we want to be worthy to suffer. Truth is, we know we have something the enemy wants to destroy if we meet with conflict. We have seasons of joy, rest and basking in His love then there are times of battle. This is a war and we must be about His business and suffer the hardships without complaining.

Help me oh God to bear my cross with honor as you did.

James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.