MAY MONTH 2012

 ARE YOU PRAYING FOR PROGRESS

O LORD, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name:and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.( Nehemiah 1:11) 

If things are not what you thought or imagined day would be, a believer has to respond and not react. To respond means to take responsibility for the end result because you have faith that all things will work together for your good. Whatever the circumstance we must strive to progress from where we are to where God wants us to be. It is not our intellect, our good looks or our charming disposition but rather divine intervention on behalf of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Are you Praying for Progress”

The Prophet Nehemiah received the news that the Holy city of Jerusalem lay in ruin and the walls which surrounded it was also in ruin. The people who had returned to Jerusalem were scattered and living without hope. Ezra fell down and wept, mourned for a few days, fasted and then began to pray. Ezra was sorrowful and disappointed in his situation but he did not pitch a continuous pity party. Instead, Ezra’s prayer was intended to bring about change and progress to his pitiful situation.  

Ezra’s prayer was passionate, persistent and specific. His prayer was also private and public as he asked that God hear his prayer and the prayers of all of his servants. It was a prayer on behalf of those who desire to fear God and who desired to prosper.  “Are you Praying for Progress?”

 ARE YOU THE WOMAN GOD CALLED YOU TO BE

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work . (1^st Timothy 5:10 ) 

As we celebrate and give honor on another Mother’s day, it is no doubt pleasing to our God that we exalt the women in our lives for the very important investments they make into our lives. Whether you are a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher mentor or older cousin as a woman you are an important to humanity, to the family unit and to the Kingdom of God.  The absence of woman was the only negative reference to an otherwise positive evaluation of creation. God had labeled all to be good that was made but he confessed that it was not good for man to be alone, the solution was woman.  “Are you the woman God called you to be?”

The apostle Paul is teaching young Timothy about what God expected from the women of the church. Timothy was raised by two strong women in his Mother and Grandmother, so Paul expected Timothy to understand this concept. The women were to have a good reputation, as a mother, as someone kind to strangers are supportive of ministry. Washing the feet of other believes was a sign of humility and a sacrificial commitment to doing the right thing. Caring for the sick and seeking after all that is good in the sight of God. 

As a woman you are God’s chosen vessel to educate, nurture and encourage humanity by showing the love of God to your husband, your children and all of humanity. There are those who call themselves Godly women, however only what you do for Christ will last. Are you the woman God called you to be?” “Happy Mother’s Day”

Pastor SP Courtney                                    

 WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DO TO BE WHOLE

And He said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole: go in peace. (Luke 9:49 KJV ) 

Many women young and old who are trying to determine who they are and what their future will be.  Some are beautiful, some successful and some are both. Yet despite being gorgeous they find themselves with low self esteem despite being in a position of power and prestige they fine themselves without joy. Something is missing  and many wonder what can I do to be whole, to feel complete. “What are you willing to do to be whole?”

Luke presents a woman who has an illness that has rendered her weak physically, because of her desire to be whole she has went from physician to physician and she has become worthless financially. Lastly, because her illness has contaminated her blood she is ceremonially unclean, which means society has labeled her as an outcast and condemned her to a death sentence. A life without  family, friends or a future. Yet, despite what society labeled her and despite her condition or her circumstances, this woman decided that the answer to all her issues was in Jesus. Despite a crowd and the risk of being stoned she knew that without getting close to Jesus she was going die broken physically, emotionally and spiritually

This woman pressed through the crowd, she risked everything and she gave all that she had just to get to Jesus. Jesus called her daughter and told her faith had made her whole. Her belief that God could, changed her life, then her willingness to press and push past her pain and her problems, put her in position to be whole. What are you willing to do to be Whole?”

Pastor SP Courtney