2020
For many people it has become synonymous with worry
There has been plenty to worry about this year right?
Pandemic, a word we all wish we could forget
Record number of Hurricanes, we all learned some Greek this year
Civil unrest, most of us thought this couldn’t happen like it did.
Election fatigue, everyone is there right?
Worry seems to have come standard with this year model.
Matt 6:25-34
This entire passage is Jesus speaking and the first thing He says is don’t worry.
That seems easy to say and very hard to do. How can I not worry.
Jesus says do not worry because your Heavenly Father will take care of you.
How do we know that?
Vs 26-30
Jesus says God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers so He will take care of you.
In other words in order to not worry we have to be thankful
If you are sitting here today you have much to be thankful for!
During this season of Thanksgiving did you pause and thank God for the blessings?
We have so much to be thankful for because as bad as things are……
They could be even worse!
In looking around and surveying what we have to be thankful for…..
We begin to seek Him and trust Him
Vs 31-33
Do not worry but seek first the Kingdom of God
When we seek Him first meaning this becomes the greatest priority
All these things will be added unto you
What things, what you eat, what you drink, what you wear
In other words all of life’s needs will be taken care of
Don’t worry, be thankful and Seek God First
Look at vs 34
This passage closes showing us that worry isn’t productive
Each day has enough trouble of it’s own!
There is only one way for us to deal with this and that is to trust God
Do you know the only one that can take care of you?
- Nov 29, 2020Don’t Worry, Be Thankful
Don’t Worry, Be Thankful
2020
For many people it has become synonymous with worry
There has been plenty to worry about this year right?
Pandemic, a word we all wish we could forget
Record number of Hurricanes, we all learned some Greek this year
Civil unrest, most of us thought this couldn’t happen like it did.
Election fatigue, everyone is there right?
Worry seems to have come standard with this year model.
Matt 6:25-34
This entire passage is Jesus speaking and the first thing He says is don’t worry.
That seems easy to say and very hard to do. How can I not worry.
Jesus says do not worry because your Heavenly Father will take care of you.
How do we know that?
Vs 26-30
Jesus says God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers so He will take care of you.
In other words in order to not worry we have to be thankful
If you are sitting here today you have much to be thankful for!
During this season of Thanksgiving did you pause and thank God for the blessings?
We have so much to be thankful for because as bad as things are……
They could be even worse!
In looking around and surveying what we have to be thankful for…..
We begin to seek Him and trust Him
Vs 31-33
Do not worry but seek first the Kingdom of God
When we seek Him first meaning this becomes the greatest priority
All these things will be added unto you
What things, what you eat, what you drink, what you wear
In other words all of life’s needs will be taken care of
Don’t worry, be thankful and Seek God First
Look at vs 34
This passage closes showing us that worry isn’t productive
Each day has enough trouble of it’s own!
There is only one way for us to deal with this and that is to trust God
Do you know the only one that can take care of you?
- Nov 22, 2020The Response For Hard Times
The Response For Hard Times
Has anyone out there been going through hard times lately?
Dumb question it’s 2020 after all
As this terrible horrible no good very bad year comes to a close
It seems to be going out as hard as it has been the whole year
So how do we respond to something like this
The real answer is
We Worship!!
Yes Really!!
1 Chronicles 16:8-11
The Proper response when we are going through hard times is to Worship our Lord
Exodus 20:1-2
If we allow the hard times to take number 1 in our life we make it a god
Think about this when you are pouring your heart out is worship
It is impossible to dwell on the hard times
In 1 Chronicles why were they so over-joyed?
The ark of God was coming there meaning God was with them
Today God resides with every believer through the Holy Spirit
This fact alone should fill us with true joy
Hard times are very hard
Look at how David and the city responded to God being with them
They were responding with every ounce of joy they had, that’s true Worship!
They had been going through a war with the Philistines so hard times a plenty
Satan tries to force us to dwell on the hard times and keep us from God
Worship doesn’t just take you mind off things for a little while
People use all types of substances to take their mind off their troubles
When that high or drunk or whatever is over the trouble is usually compounded
When you worship you find the strength to do all things through Christ
Worship is what we were designed for.
Now the question is can you worship?
Not if you do not know Jesus
Today give you heart to Jesus and know what true worship is!!
- Nov 18, 2020Book Of Revelation Study 9
- Nov 15, 2020Never Alone
Never Alone
Last week, Bro. Tim talked about the church submitting to the Father
Our biggest problem today is trying to be a church apart from the Father
When we do things alone, they will never be the will of God
John 15:1-5 NASB"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser."Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit."You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you."Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me."I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."I AM the true vineMy Father is the vine dresser When we talk about this, understand that a branch is a product of the vine The sole responsibility of the branch is to bear fruit If the branch isn’t bearing much, then pruning it helps it to bear more fruit Removing dead branches helps the vine grow stronger When we pull away and go it alone, we will not survive Never Alone! We are not designed to be apart from the vineVs 4Abide in ME! This is the proper relationship and the only one that worksVs 5I AM the vine. You are the branches Understanding our place helps us to thrive in it He who abides in me In this type of relationship, we thrive because we are not alone Apart from ME you can do NOTHING If the church today is going to make a difference in the world, We must never be alone but always abide in Him Perhaps you realize today that you are apart from Him Are you ready to be grafted onto the vine? - Nov 8, 2020The Church And Home
The Church And Home
Ephesians 5:21-27 KJV"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." - Nov 4, 2020Book Of Revelation Study 8
- Nov 1, 2020Commander And Chief
Commander And Chief
The Presidential election is Tuesday; so please VOTE!
People have become very passionate about elections and winners and losers
Some people are threatening to leave the country if their candidate loses
There have been reports of people becoming physically ill
The phrase “He’s not my President!” rings out all over the place
Look with me to Romans 13:1"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." NASBThis means that whoever is elected is placed there by God
"Surely God did not intend for that person to be President!"
There is no authority except from God and those that exist are established by God
So understand this, whoever becomes the next President, God placed them there
We call the President the "Commander in Chief"
But God is the "Commander and Chief"
He has the authority and He is the leader
Isaiah 43:13"Even from eternity I am He, And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?"Daniel 4:35
"All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, `What have You done?'"Matthew 28:18"And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."You see God is the Commander and ChiefHe gave all authority to Jesus, who intercedes on our behalf
This is still "One Nation Under God" and believers must act like it
If our Nation doesn’t humble themselves and pray
Then how can we be a Godly Nation
Believers, your duty is to vote on Tuesday
But, it is also to lift up the President that God appoints in prayer daily
How is that possible if you don’t personally know the one with all authority?
The Commander and Chief gave all authority to Jesus
Jesus stands with his nail scarred hands calling you to Him today
Don’t be consumed by the next 4 years! Instead, are you ready for Eternity?
- Oct 25, 2020Refined By Fire
Refined By Fire
Gold is refined by heating to the point that the impurities rise to the surface
In Old Testament days, fire was used to purify
The refining process now combines heat and pressure
While being intense, this process can reach a 99.99% purity level
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls."For a little while
If necessary
Proof of your faith
Results in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ
You have not seen Him but you Love Him
You do not currently see Him but you believe in Him
Rejoice with joy inexpressible
Full of Glory
Outcome of your faith
Salvation of your soul
You see, every trial you go through makes you a little purer
This is the sanctification process, and it will continue until glorification
The question is, "do you believe in Him?" and "do you Love Him?"
- Oct 21, 2020Book Of Revelation Study 7
- Oct 18, 2020Faith Is The Foundation Of The Church
Faith Is The Foundation Of The Church
- Oct 11, 2020My God Will Hear Me
My God Will Hear Me
Do you ever find yourself wondering how long the darkness can continue?
Seasonal
Affective
Disorder
Darkness has a negative effect on people
We talk over and over about how bad 2020 has been
The reality is that the darkness has been creeping in for a very long time
Will the darkness ever end?
"The godly person has perished from the land, And there is no upright person among men. All of them lie in wait for bloodshed; Each of them hunts the other with a net."
This one verse seems to capture the feeling of our world today
The world is trying to make us believe that the darkness is overcoming
Anger and Hate are the normal emotions we should all embrace
Micah looked at the world around him and it was bleak
" Concerning evil, both hands do it well. The prince asks, also the judge, for a bribe, And a great man speaks the desire of his soul; So they weave it together.
The best of them is like a briar, The most upright like a thorn hedge. The day when you post your watchmen, Your punishment will come. Then their confusion will occur.
Do not trust in a neighbor; Do not have confidence in a friend. From her who lies in your bosom Guard your lips.
For son treats father contemptuously, Daughter rises up against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A man's enemies are the men of his own household."
Among all the darkness, one thing remains
Hope
Micah has hope! vs 7
" But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me."
I will watch EXPECTANTLY for the LORD
He isn’t making some futile effort. He knows the Lord will answer
He expects to see results. He has hope!
He waits for the God of my salvation
My God will hear me!
Do not be overwhelmed with the darkness, instead call on God
Expect to hear from Him
And wait with Hope
The Hope of Salvation
Jesus
Do you know that Hope today?
It is the only way out of the darkness.
- Oct 7, 2020Book Of Revelation Study 6
- Oct 4, 2020No Room For Hate
No Room For Hate
Have you ever looked around your house and realized you were out of space.
When that happens the first thought is, "YARD SALE!"
The first thought is, "I have to get rid of some stuff!"
Our lives are like our houses, often times we need to get rid of stuff.
Hate is something that has no business being in our life anyway.
Sometimes it is learned from others. Every time it comes from Satan. Our World today is full of hate.Look at Luke 23:32-43 NASB."Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him.When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.
But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."
And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. And the people stood by, looking on.
And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One."
The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!"
Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"
But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
"And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"
And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.""If ever anyone seemed to have the right to hate, Jesus did.He poured out nothing but love, and he was hated for it to the point of death.
But instead of hate, Jesus simply showed more intense love.
Well, that is Jesus, and we can’t live up to that because we are flesh.
June 17th, 2015
Emmanuel AME Church massacre in Charleston SCWithin 24 hours, at the bond hearing, family members told the shooter, "I forgive you"
When asked how they could do that, they said God was with them.
Because Jesus was fully flesh, we can draw strength from His earthly life.
Hate is a cancer that eats you up from the inside.
The only way to get rid of hate is to be filled with Love.
If you are filled with hate, there is no room for love.
Are you willing to be filled with Love, God’s Love, today?
- Sep 27, 2020The Constant
The Constant
Someone once said the only constant is change
Certainly that seems to be true in our world today
A year ago who would have ever thought we would wear masks every day
The problem is that when everything keeps changing, we get tossed about
There is however one constant that we can always count on;
Jesus
Colossians 3:1-3 NASB"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above,
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God."When you are on a boat getting sick, they say to focus on the shorelineIf you are trying to balance on one foot, focus on a single spot
The point is, when you want to stand firm, you have to focus on one thing…
God
This year, 2020, we have been reminded that the world around us is volatile
From Covid, to fires, to storms, to floods; it seems like everything has happened
I’ve said before that most of us just want 2021 to get here so this will be over
But, what if these crazy times don’t stop with the flip of the calendar?
"Set your mind on the things above not on the things on earth"
Phillipians 4:8 NASB"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute,
if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."Don’t close your eyes and repeat there is no place like home
Open your eyes wide, and see what is happening, and dwell on the Father
The rest of this chapter tells us how to put away self and live for God
The point is, when we put away self and dwell on God, we love others
Not only do we love them, but we want to show them what we see
John 3:16-17 NASB"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world,
but that the world might be saved through Him."Dwell on the constant that God loves us, and because of that, we can have life
We can have an abundant life! That means, a life full of Love
Love that anchors us and drives us at the same time
Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith,
who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."This world is changing quickly every day, but keep your eyes fixed on the constant
Keeping our eyes on the constant, Jesus, helps us run the race to the finish
When we run the race, others see there is Hope in this hopeless world
If you have been raised up with Christ, you can rely on the constant
What is the constant in your life?
- Sep 23, 2020Book Of Revelation Study 5
- Sep 20, 2020Through The Storm
Through The Storm
Storms can be terrifyingSome storms in life are, in nature, like hurricanes
Other storms in life happen within our lives like financial difficulties, and relationship issues
No matter which type of storms come; the fact is, they come
Most of us would be happy if these storms would just pass over us
Sometimes they do, but often, we must go through the storm
Luke 8:22-26 NASB"Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat,and He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out.
But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake,
and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.
They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!"
And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm.
And He said to them, "Where is your faith?"
They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?"
Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee."The amazing thing about going through the storms, it is better not to be aloneEven if whoever is with you can’t do anything, it is still better
For a believer, the great thing is we are never alone!
Look at verse 22We see here that Jesus was with His disciplesBelievers sometimes get this false thought that, as long as Jesus is with them, there will be no storms
We were never promised that!
In fact in John 16:33 Jesus says, in this world you will have trouble
So, instead of thinking there will be no storm, prepare to go through them
In June, everywhere you look people are saying "Get prepared for Hurricane season"
Being prepared doesn’t stop the storms, but at least you are ready
Vs 23-24You see, as they went through the storm, they knew that Jesus could help themThey didn’t know what He would do and were astonished at what He did
They just knew they should call on Him
The point is, as we go through the Storms of life, our Father is with us
He may not calm the storm as quickly as we want, but He is with us
The second part of John 16:33 says, take heart I have overcome the world
I am always amazed at how Jesus brings us through storms
Vs 25The disciples who walked with Him in person were amazedWhere is your faith? Yes, there are going to be storms in this life.
But if you have faith, He will go through the storm with you.
After the storms, we are usually stronger than before and more faithful
Vs 26Jesus brings us through the storms to continue our mission of the GospelAre you storm ready?
Do you know the one that will take you through the storm?
- Sep 13, 2020Faith or Flesh
Faith or Flesh
"I want to be a better Christian, but I gotta get some things straight first.""I know I can do better and I’m working on that."
"I know God loves me, but I have to fix some issues before I can follow Him."
People tend to believe they can get straightened out before coming to God.Galatians 2:19-21 NASB"For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
"I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."Through the law I died to the lawThe law, meaning the Levitical laws, show me that I am a sinner
I can not live up to the law,
no one canBut what does it mean that I died to the law?
Vs 20
I have been crucified with ChristThe life I live in flesh, I live by Faith
So, understand this, you can not get your life straight in your own strength
It is not possible in the flesh, but must be done through faithGalatians 2:21 NASB"I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."If you could do it on your own, then Christ would not have comeGalatians 3:1-2 NASB"You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?"Who bewitched you or who has confused you?Why do people today, who have confessed Christ, suddenly try to live through flesh?!?
Who has confused you?
Satan is the author of confusion!Vs 2
Answer one questionWas it through the law or by faith hearing that you received the Spirit?
In other words
Was it by flesh or Faith?Vs. 3
Are you a fool?!?Having begun by the Spirit are you now being perfected by the flesh?!?
The foolish part is we gave ourselves to Christ because the flesh was not able
Did the flesh suddenly become able?
Believers, return to the one who saved you in the first place!Galatians 3:4-5 NASB"Did you suffer so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain?So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law,
or by hearing with faith?"How does Jesus do it - flesh or faith?Galatians 3:6 NASB"Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."Faith becomes righteousnessHave you ever lived by faith?
- Sep 9, 2020Book Of Revelation Study 4
- Sep 6, 2020Labor Of Love
Labor Of Love
Labor DayThe first celebrations of Labor day were municipal ordinances in 1885
Oregon was the first State to make it law in 1887
U.S. Congress passed the Labor Day act on June 28, 1894
Labor day celebrates the social and economic achievements of workers
We are designed to be workers not place holders
Too many Christians today have forgotten the old Hymn “We’ll Work Til Jesus Comes”
John 9:4 NASB
"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day;
night is coming when no one can work."
This is a Labor of Love
"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.
Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind,
and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions,
made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:1-10 NASB
First of all, let us understand that we were all once sinners
Verses 1-3
Today, as you sit here or watch on Facebook, you are either dead in sin, or you were
But GOD
Verses 4-6
Because of HIS great LOVE
By GRACE you have been saved or can be saved
Vs. 7
He saved us to show us His grace and kindness over and over again
Are you wrapping your head around this?
Jesus performed a Labor of Love by dying on the Cross to save YOU!
Verses 8-9
Salvation doesn’t come from you or your works it is grace given not earned
I want you to pay close attention to verse 10
"We are His workmanship" meaning He created us, not by chance
We’re not an accident that crawled out of an explosion, we are designed by God
We are designed for "Good Works" which he has already prepared
This Labor of Love means that as Christians, we are designed to work for Him
I am convinced the decline of the church is largely attributed to not WORKING for Him
On this Labor Day weekend, will you decide to "Work 'Til Jesus Comes"
Right now in our world, so many people feel hopeless; and we can show them the Hope
It is time to get back to work for Him!
Do you know who I’m talking about?
- Sep 2, 2020Book Of Revelation Study 3
