June Month 2010
June 27, 2010
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." -Matthew 5:16 (Matthew 5:16 KJV)
WHAT DO YOU SEE IN OTHERS
In each of our lifetimes there will be defining moments. Seasons and situations come and go, in which others will observe what we do and how we do it. It is my humble opinion that we were brought out of darkness into the marvelous light, with the soul purposes of influencing, and impacting both saved and unsaved persons through either or action or regrettably our inaction.
Jesus in the closing verse of his inspirational message, commonly referred to as the beatitudes commands every disciple to let their light shine. Since we are by nature dark with sin, his expression is a deistic remark, suggesting that because of our relationship with the divine , the same light that is within him, now resides in us. Whether we believe it or not, Jesus emphatically employs us into the work of the eternal. He has given us the tools of illumination that if we allow what he has put in us, to manifest itself in our daily walk, His light will shine forth. Those that see His light in us will give Glory to God the Father, for all the great things He has done.
Whatever you are doing, and wherever you are doing it, somebody is watching you, to determine if you are who you say you are? They are observing your actions, activities or works, to see if they line up with the word and will of God the Father. Even those that are not saved know what righteousness is, and understands what a righteous person should and should not do. When you are carrying out your daily walk, whether at church, home, work our out in the community, you must make sure the light of Christ is shining forth in and through you.
Perhaps an inventory of our daily lives would allow us to take a glimpse into our own spiritual mirror. Write down everything you did on yesterday. As much as you can remember, record your thoughts and deeds for the past 24hrs. Identify those who you passed along the way, and ask yourself, "What did others see in me?
Make sure the question is clear, "WHAT DO OTHERS SEE IN YOU"?
Pastor SP Courtney
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JUNE 18, 2010
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jedidah , the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. And walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or the left. (2nd Kings 22:1-2 KJV)
ARE YOU SOMEONE WORTH FOLLOWING
It is human nature for believers to want to emulate the successes and joys of others. Every past champion or winner of a particular sport ‘is imitated by current players as they too want to be champions. Likewise God designed humanity, as an eternal being, which requires each us to grow as imitators of Christ. Additionally each generation of believers should learn from the generation that proceeds it.
This is especially true in the lives of men. Father’s, uncles, grandfathers, Godfathers and mentors should all live their lives in a way that leaves a leadership legacy for others to follow. Josiah, was King in Israel and the text says that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. He walked in all the ways of David his father. David was not Josiah’s biological father but he was a leader that Josiah wanted to imitate.
Your character, commitment, confidence and Christian walk or all areas of opportunity for you impact the lives of others. If your character is of God, then those that follow you will follow the God in you. If you are confident, in your belief and demonstrate a faith that can move mountains then others will learn to be faithful as they watch you stand on the promises of God. If you are committed to will and way of God, then those that are around you and are influenced by you will learn true commitment in to their family, friends and their faith.
There are many ways to impact the world, but there is none as important as being someone others believe is worth following. Father’s , mother’s and all of God’s family should begin each day affirming their faith in God, and their focus as both a follower and leader in Christ Jesus our Lord. .
Ask yourself the question, "ARE YOU SOMEONE WORTH FOLLOWING"?
Pastor SP Courtney
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JUNE 12, 2010
So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. (Joshua 6:20 KJV)
ARE YOU DOING YOUR PART
In a season where finances and resources are few, where many people believe our nation is in a drought, I believe it is critical that the body of Christ is optimizing its human and financial resources. That everyone that God has blessed understands that they are to be a blessing to others. God expects us to use out time, talents and treasures for a preordained Kingdom purpose, the question I present to believer, is are you doing your part?
The children of Israel had received their instructions from Joshua on how they would defeat Jericho and take the city. They were called in different categories to march around the city for six (6) days and on the 7th day they would shout together and the walls would come down. The priests carrying the ark, the priests who would blow the trumpet, the soldiers out front and those in the rear all had a different role to play. The people who marched with the priests, and the armed men in front and back, had to march in silence, they also had a role to play.
In verse 20, it is not until they all were on one according doing exactly what they were asked/called to do, did the promise of God manifest itself before them. No one complained about the heat, their faults or their failures. No one started out with them and then quit after 3, 4 or 5 days. The bible says they shouted with a great shout and the walls came down. If you are doing your part, contributing your time, talent and treasures as a kingdom participant, you can expect God to manifest His promises in your life.
Don’t ask anyone else if or even what they are doing for the Lord, just ask yourself the question, "ARE YOU DOING YOUR PART"?
Pastor SP Courtney
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June 4, 2010
Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, there is no help in God. Selah. But thou, oh Lord art a shield for me; my glory and the lifter up of mine head. (Psalm 3:1-3 KJV)
WHERE IS GOD, WHEN THE ODDS ARE AGAINST YOU?
When life begins to overwhelm us and over power us, we often become fearful and discouraged. Being alone or being unable to handle the plethora of burdens before us, can sometime cause us to feel like the odds are stacked against us. Naturally we began to ponder, "Where is God, when the odds are against me?
There are seasons in our lives where the difficulties of life seem to outnumber the victories. We face bills we cannot pay, health issues that seem to multiply rather than subside. I see relationship problems that result in long time friends becoming lifetime enemies. High school sweethearts filing for divorce after 35 years in marriage. The Psalmist in Psalm 3, cries out to the Lord because the magnitude of his enemy, the number of his trials, the size of his mountain appears to be more than he can handle.
Even his enemies look at his circumstance and question to capability of His God. Surely he is in a place where not even God is willing to help him. Yet, the Psalmist pauses and considers what he knows about God and proclaims the following truths. If someone is against me God, you are my shield to protect me. If I get discouraged or appear to be defeated, you are my GLORY, and the lifter of my head.
In one verse the Psalmist makes clear that when things are at their worst, God is at His best. When we are weak, wounded and worrying, God is Wonderful, Willing and Worthy. He is ever present in our time of trouble and He will always be there when the odds are against us. Where is God, when the odds are against us? He is right where we need Him most!
Pastor Courtney
