May Month 2009

 Friday, May 29th, 2009
LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE THE LORD

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." -Galatians 6:2

One of the reasons our world has so much hate and hurt is the lack of love being displayed from one heart to the next. When we say we love God, we must also love humanity

In your love for God, you find an ultimate love for others. In doing His will, you are not to exclude others. When you are alone, He will, if you desire it, give you a heart to think about others rather than yourself. When you are with others, let your heart forget about yourself and reach out to them. When you are in pain, push the pain aside so you see the needs and hurts of others. As you reside in the heart of God, let Him inspire you to be a beacon of love to your friends, family, and others. Because Christ loves you so, you are to have a heart wanting to make new friends regardless of who they are. When you meet others who are very different from yourself, pray for a heart to see these people as they are, where they are, and how they are. Love and trust others even when others have hurt you. Never hold a grudge or be resentful because of what others have done to you. Do everything possible to be a healing force by pushing your wants and needs aside. Sacrifice yourself for others in love just as Christ sacrificed Himself for you. Dedicate yourself to Learning to Love like the Lord!!

Love,

Pastor SP Courtney

Friday, May 22nd, 2009
 
WITH GOD, THE BEST IS YET TO COME
"So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a she asses" -JOB 42:12
 
 There a many economist who continue to be discouraged at our nation’s current economic down turn, as they spend countless hours looking for answers. How can they analyze our current struggles, anticipate our future possibilities and predict whether or not things are going to get better? Of course I do not claim to be an economist nor do I know when the end of this economic crisis will occur.
 
However I do know that the God that we serve is able to carry us through all of our difficulty and despair. No matter how much pain and suffering, or disappointment and confusion when we trust in God, the best is yet to come. Job, the distinguished gentlemen from the east is the eye witness who can substantiate my argument.

Job was known as Godly man, wise and wealthy, righteous and ridiculously rich. Yet Job found himself sick and hurting after losing his children in a storm, and losing all of his wealth yet Job never lost his faith. His friends talked about him and his wife called him a fool. Yet Job remained faithful, proclaiming naked I came into this world and naked I will leave, blessed be the name of the Lord. In verse 12, of chapter 42, we see that God blessed Job that his latter days were greater than his earlier days.

Maybe you don’t know what your future will be, but I encourage you to trust in God. No matter how difficult or even how good you think life has been, I believe that with God, the best is yet to come!

Just remember, no matter how long it’s been bad, or how bad it has been, with GOD, the best is yet to come!

Your Friend
Pastor SP Courtney
Friday, May 15th, 2009
BLESSED IS THE WOMAN WHO IS FULL OF GOOD WORKS
 

 "Strength and honor are her clothing: and she shall rejoice in time to come." -Proverbs 31:25

As we celebrate women of faith, I reflect on a woman in scripture who is described as being full of good works. Women are known for a lot of different things, but in ministry it is women who are often the laborers who serve diligently in the vineyard.
 
In the book of Acts the story is told of Tabitha a woman who was strong in her faith, and even stronger in her service. Her work was such that her co-laborers in the gospel sent for Peter to come and see about her. There are many women like Tabitha in our churches today. They serve in many capacities. They are Sunday School Teachers, hospitality coordinators, ushers and mission workers. They are greeters, choir members, praise dancers and pastor support ministry participants. Every Sunday the work of the kingdom is carried out by women who are committed to the will and way of the Master.

I encourage every man, boy and girl in our congregation to support the women of our church by joining them in service. Praying for them as they work tirelessly as mother, grandmother, and aunt in conjunction with their roles as choir president, mission president, usher president and many others. Yes, Tabitha was a blessed woman who Peter prayed for and called her from death to life. I pray God’s blessings on all the women of God, who serve diligently and passionately in the kingdom. You are a blessed woman and full of good works. May the blessings of God, bring you joy, peace, love and prosperity.

Love,

Pastor SP Courtney

 Friday, May 9th, 2009
WOMEN WHO DRESS FOR THEIR BLESSINGS
 

"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did." -Acts 9:36 

Perhaps you know her, the woman who is dressed to be blessed! She is not trying to catch something she don’t want, or attract something she doesn’t need. But rather she is trying to please He who is the author and finisher of her faith.

There are many women who think their clothing or their makeup will put the finishing touches on their appearance. However it is the character of Christ that is within her that causes her to stand out from the rest. King Lemuel’s mother taught him what he should expect, or look for in a woman. She described to him the characteristics of a virtuous woman found in Proverbs chapter 31. In verse 25, we find that this woman is clothe in strength and honor. Which suggest that she is strong in her faith and her commitment to her God, husband, and family and to herself. She is also clothe in honor which means, she is anointed by God, to be favored by God and man. She carries herself in a way that her honor is magnified by her humility and her willingness to sacrifice for others.
 

As a result of her Christian character in strength and honor she is assured that Joy will come to her, no matter the circumstances of today, she will rejoice in a time to come. I wish all of the women of Bethlehem, a joyful and blessed Mother’s Day. May your clothing in Christ, reveal your character and commitment to living in His will. My family and I are praying that each of you are Women, Dressed and ready to receive your blessing.

Love,

Pastor SP Courtney

Friday, May 1st, 2009
WHAT YOU NEED, GOD HAS IT
"But my God "shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:19
 
As many believers are facing several challenges in these perilous times, I believe God’s word offers encouragement for our soul. No matter what we are standing in need of, if we believe in the person, the power and the promise of Jesus Christ, then we are confident that He will supply all of our needs.

 

 

 

Paul, understanding the political and religious landscape facing the church at Philippi, wrote about the all sufficiency of Christ from a Roman jail. Despite being imprisoned, beaten and mistreated Paul did not lose sight of the benefits of the Christian Faith. His comment in chapter 4 verse 19, is one that provides assurance to all believers as it is related to receiving or achieving whatever we need.

In addition he personalizes his relationship with the father as he states, "But My God". Sure He is my parents God, he is my friend’s God, but nothing feels better than knowing He is MY God! His willingness to supply all of our needs, suggest he is committed to making sure that whatever I need to be who he wants me to be, he will supply that need. Whatever I need, to do what he wants me to do, he will supply that need. We don’t need to spend time worrying about what we need, we just have to stand on his promise because his ability to supply will never be overcome by whatever needs mandated by our circumstances.

Just remember, no matter what it is, no matter how big or small, "WHAT YOU NEED, GOD HAS IT!"

Let God Bless You,
Pastor SP Courtney