Thursday, November 24, 2011

DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!

REMEMBER TO THANK
GOD THE FATHER, THE SON JESUS CHRIST, & THE HOLY SPIRIT!

In a time when the world is in chaos, wars rumbling all over, protests and occupations spreading, there is a moment we have to cease to thank God that we are alive for such a time as this. Where is the born-again believer of Jesus Christ? Where is the church triumphant? Where is the truth of God's holy word? Rise up church and declare to the world that Jesus loves you because He died for all humanity's sins. For one purpose which is to give new life thru Him for eternity in heaven!

An excerpt from George Washington's proclamation in October 1789...
"WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"


Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

2 Interesting Things Happened Yesterday

Yesterday, I drove over to the church during my lunch break. After arriving and while waiting outside the church miracle #1 happens. A lady that lives a few blocks from the church walks by and stops to ask, "What time are the services?" I explained the CWS details.  We started talking and she shared about her family and life struggles.  I had the privilege to pray for her right there on the sidewalk.  To be honest, that was a first for me but it sure was an exciting experience. She leaves after stating that she'll be visiting on Sunday.

While still waiting outside, miracle #2.  Carl, co-owner of The Shop, the barbershop in Elmont pulls up with a car full of canned and boxed foods they collected.  He was dropping off the first "shipment" as the drive still continues at their location. We emptied the car and put it in the church.  He and I talked about the unity that comes automatically when you are doing good to help and serve people in the community who are in need. Encouraged each other and went our separate ways.

I look at those 2 occurrences in the short time and reminded yet again that God is in control and He is working behind the scenes.  We have to be faithful with who and what He sends and gives to His church.  Be faithful in the small and big things.

Proverbs 3:1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, 2 for they will give you a long and satisfying life. 3 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. 7 Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. 8 Then you will gain renewed health and vitality. 9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

A Prophetic Call to Prayer

http://www.faithnews.cc/2011/11/14/a-prophetic-call-to-prayer/

A Prophetic Call to Prayer

Like many other intercessors, Cindy Jacobs, co-founder of Generals International, was at TheCall Detroit this weekend. As the solemn assembly gathered, Jacobs released a prophetic word for the United States and Israel. The following is what the Holy Spirit spoke to Jacobs on 11-11-11:

For the Lord says the United States is fast approaching her “tipping point.” I am ready, says God, to reach out and balance but even if tremendous prayer is poured out, it will only steady the nation for a season unless there is a heart-felt turning back to the Lord.

The Lion of Judah is shaking His mane over the economy and the shaking of many systems of greed will be brought low. The constriction of the financial structures will hit the poor but it is time for my people to understand that if they give to the poor they will not lack.

There are hidden plots being hatched on many levels that need to be uncovered. Plots of anarchy on various levels from minor to large. The spirit of anarchy will try and manifest to hold captive and terrorize the cities and this must be turned in prayer. Terrorists are moving behind the scenes to hit more than one target out a time to strike terror into the hearts of people.

However, one will put a thousand to flight and two, ten thousand! I will expose and uncover those who plot together with unlikely partnerships if my people pray! There are some nations who are saying they are at peace with the United States but it is only a ploy. Intercede for exposure of these alliances.

I am calling the world, says the Most High God, to stand with Israel against her enemies, for the plots planned for the U.S. involve the two nations. The spirit of Babylon is even now being exposed and is roaring but I will unravel the structures supporting its economy.

(Source: Charisma Media)

Monday, November 14, 2011

Study: Why Young People Leave the Church

A recent study conducted by the Barna Group provides explanations as to why young American Christians are leaving the church. Reasons include a general idea that the church is overprotective, and that Christianity is too exclusive.

The Barna Group conducts studies on spirituality—especially Christianity in the United States today. This particular study was comprised of eight national studies, including interviews with teenagers, young adults, parents, youth pastors and senior pastors.

There is not one overwhelming reason that young Christians leave the church determined, the Barna Group reports. Six significant themes were uncovered as to why three out of every five young Christians leave the church temporarily or permanently.

Young people were reported to leave the church for the following reasons: (1) The church is overprotective. (2) Teens’ and 20-somethings’ experience of Christianity is shallow. (3) Churches come across as antagonistic to science. (4) Young Christians’ church experiences related to sexuality are often simplistic, judgmental. (5) They wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity. (6) The church feels unfriendly to those who doubt. Click here to read research findings with fuller explanations of these concerns.

In one sense, these findings are nothing new. Evangelist Sammy Tippit points out that the church has always dealt with the tension of inquiring young minds and Christian values.

“Young people are in a transitional period,” notes Tippit. “They’re in a period of becoming independent. They’re in a period of trying to discover for themselves who they are, what their purpose is. That’s difficult for the church because the church has some very solid concrete values.”

Tippit believes today’s American culture has indeed exasperated these issues. But the most concerning of the findings, says Tippit, is that young people struggle with Christianity claiming to be the only way—an idea central to the gospel (i.e. John 14:6).

“Somehow, we are not communicating what the gospel is to our young people,” laments Tippit. “Of course, we live in this society that says anything and everything is OK, and that we ought to accept other things. [It's important to know how] to deal with that and how to share what the gospel really is: who Jesus is and why He came. Until you grasp that, the other issues that surround that (the exclusive nature of Christianity) all become very difficult to comprehend.”

For today’s parents, Tippit has a few suggestions as to how to combat these church-leaving symptoms. For one thing, Tippit suggests, parents need to provide a firm foundation of Christian teachings and values to begin with, and then let them ask questions when they get to that point.

“That’s one of the real keys that the church has to understand: You can’t keep young people in a little box. It’s not going to work. You’ve got to give them the liberty to fail, the liberty to reach out and discover for themselves. But you’ve got to put something in them foundationally that will enable them to deal with those issues.”

Secondly, Tippit adds, parents and Christian adults need to be earnestly seeking Christ and modeling godly principles themselves. “We need to show them authentic Christianity: the kind of Christianity that is so real and so exciting that when they look at everything else, it just looks like, ‘Hey, this is where I need to be.’”

Thirdly, Christian adults need to pray. Pray for revival in America, which has often historically begun with youth.

Finally, education on the subject is vital. Tippit suggests the books Prayer Factor and Praying for Your Family as two good options.

(Source: Charisma Media)

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Teams In My Life

AT HOME
I ask my wife, Sherin, to keep me accountable. We remember that if we don't travel this journey together, it's not worth traveling at all.  We will never forget the first lesson in our ministerial training course from Pastor Hiram ... paraphrasing: Don't get into full-time or any ministry if your spouse is not ready, willing, and able to travel this road with you.  Ministering is a partnership. We are trusting in God for His grace, wisdom, and strength. We are learning these days.  We are making adjustments.  We are feeling our way thru this process.  Some days are easier than others. 

But I am learning that God gave me this family to take care of before He gave a church / ministry to pastor.  When we take steps of faith, He will provide for every need.  When we take steps of faith, He will honor those who honor Him.  When we take steps of faith, He will go above and beyond to bless us.

The prayers, support, encouragement, and constructive feedback from parents, siblings, close friends, and fellow workers in His kingdom cannot go unnoticed!  Please don't stop!  Keep going!  God knows we need it!

AT "WORK"
Our team at Community Worship Service was put together by God.  We know it. We see it. We love it.

I value the team ... confidantes, constituents, and comrades (as per Bishop T. D. Jakes). I value empowering and equipping those with gifts and anointing to operate. I value delegation because someone else can do something better than I can. I value seeing someone's enthusiasm in serving and accomplishing great things. I value making people around me better. I value serving and helping those who are willing to take a risk. I value the new things I learn from other's skills and experiences. I value seeing the potential in the next generation and allowing them to exercise it and learn by making mistakes and becoming better leaders because of it.  What God needs to accomplish cannot be done without a knitting together of people going after the same vision and mission. 

These are the awesome teams God has placed in my life.  I pray and thank God for them! 

Enjoying The Ride,

Cecil