Greetings TMI and AARON'S BEARD partners and friends;
In Luke 12:3, Jesus declares "what you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs" (NIV). Often when we hear such lessons taught by our Lord we are inclined to think that He is only speaking of the revealing or publicizing of our sin. At some level this may be true for the unrepentant, habitual sinner. However, we must not dismiss the fact that God is not interested in remembering and exposing our sin. Rather, His concern is for our deliverance from sin and its penalty. Perhaps this text is going beyond that discussion to let us know that who and what we are in private will show up in our public life. Our private thoughts, attitudes, imaginations, language and habits of the smallest detail will, in one form or another, show up in our public life. In the life of Christ we can rest assured that who He was in private, is who He was in public. Anything else is hypocrisy. All have sinned and therefore all have played the hypocritical role. However, spiritual growth and integrity demands our giving attention to those private details so they do not negatively reflect the Christ we serve publicly. In other words, the negative gossip or foul language used in private may never be spoken publicly but the attitude or mind set that spawned such talk will be revealed in spite of one's attempt to hide it. Private does not just imply time alone with someone else but includes when its you alone. The careless way someone may discard something clogging their nose when no one is around will be reflected in a callous disregard for others space in public. You get the picture. Who and what you are with your family, children, peers, handling of finances, etc., in private will be seen by others in public. Why was Jesus so powerful in teaching, preaching, miracles, healings in public? Because He spent significant time in prayer in private. Often He would leave the crowd, go to a solitary place to pray. Be consistent. Strive to improve yourself, not just in the big things like money, education, position and so on. But, even more so, strive for excellence of character in the small private things and the Lord in whose eyes day and night are the same, will exalt you in due season.
(adapted from "Whispers in the Night" by Dr. B. A. Beard, 2009)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings TMI & Aaron's Beard Partners and Friends,
Praise the Lord we are back from a most wonderful missions trip to Liberia, West Africa, sponsored by Dr. LaVern Stevens, founder of the Joseph Alliance. I don't have space in this blog to even begin to convey the lessons learned and the grace to have seen the hand of God move in such a wonderful way. Over the years I have been blessed to travel to several nations for missions work. Each have been unique in their own way. The world and it's many cultures and people, is an exciting and eye opening place in which to minister for Christ. Each time I go I believe I come back far more enriched than those with whom we seek to share our gifts. Liberia is a nation on the rebound after a fourteen year civil war and great fear and uncertainty for a number of years before the war. The people are wonderful but in need of much, especially education. Everywhere we found young people hungry for education. Much of the school system was damaged or destroyed by war. Praise God for the teachers who serve but there is a great need for many more trained teachers and administrators. Part of our team provided teacher training at the Lott Cary School in Monrovia. The presentations were excellent, practical and very well received. Future teacher training is being planned. A psychologist, Christopher Townsend, plans further study on the affects of the the trauma of war on the culture but particularly the youth. The clergy on our team provided pastoral and church leadership training. The church community is perhaps the strongest and most influential body in the nation. While they are very gifted and capable, they also desire additional training to be more effective in the great work to which God has called them in the context of very difficult times. Prices for everything is high, higher than most places in the U.S. The official unemployment rate is near 85%, although most are finding some way to put food on the table. And then there is the concern over what happens in three years when there will be a new presidential election. In the midst of it all, the church stands as a beacon of hope for the future of Liberia. We are developing partnerships through Transformation Ministries and Aaron's Beard (mentoring for clergy) with church's and pastors there. Pray for the beautiful children we met in two orphanages and pray for the young former rebels who had been forced into becoming child soldiers (killers). We were blessed to meet some like Tommy, who are now saved in Christ and desire education and a life in service of our Lord. Especially keep our Liberian host in your prayers, Rev. Emil Sam-Peal. A man who has made unimaginable sacrifices to bless the people of Liberia, particularly in the area of education and ministry. He was a most gracious and wonderful host who really took good care of us while there.
I will be completing a reflection paper in a few weeks once I have processed the experience in my own mind and spirit. I will make it available when complete, by request, at no cost. Requests can be made through the comment section of this blog or by going to Dr.B.A.Beard Ministries.com. Watch my blog for when it will be ready. Pray for Liberia and for how you may be able to help. Pray for Dr. Steven's and the great work she's doing through the Joseph Alliance and pray for Transformation Ministries International, that we will continue to be used by God to: Transform the Believer, to Transform the Church, to Transform the World.
May God bless each of you and I hope to hear from you soon.
Praise the Lord we are back from a most wonderful missions trip to Liberia, West Africa, sponsored by Dr. LaVern Stevens, founder of the Joseph Alliance. I don't have space in this blog to even begin to convey the lessons learned and the grace to have seen the hand of God move in such a wonderful way. Over the years I have been blessed to travel to several nations for missions work. Each have been unique in their own way. The world and it's many cultures and people, is an exciting and eye opening place in which to minister for Christ. Each time I go I believe I come back far more enriched than those with whom we seek to share our gifts. Liberia is a nation on the rebound after a fourteen year civil war and great fear and uncertainty for a number of years before the war. The people are wonderful but in need of much, especially education. Everywhere we found young people hungry for education. Much of the school system was damaged or destroyed by war. Praise God for the teachers who serve but there is a great need for many more trained teachers and administrators. Part of our team provided teacher training at the Lott Cary School in Monrovia. The presentations were excellent, practical and very well received. Future teacher training is being planned. A psychologist, Christopher Townsend, plans further study on the affects of the the trauma of war on the culture but particularly the youth. The clergy on our team provided pastoral and church leadership training. The church community is perhaps the strongest and most influential body in the nation. While they are very gifted and capable, they also desire additional training to be more effective in the great work to which God has called them in the context of very difficult times. Prices for everything is high, higher than most places in the U.S. The official unemployment rate is near 85%, although most are finding some way to put food on the table. And then there is the concern over what happens in three years when there will be a new presidential election. In the midst of it all, the church stands as a beacon of hope for the future of Liberia. We are developing partnerships through Transformation Ministries and Aaron's Beard (mentoring for clergy) with church's and pastors there. Pray for the beautiful children we met in two orphanages and pray for the young former rebels who had been forced into becoming child soldiers (killers). We were blessed to meet some like Tommy, who are now saved in Christ and desire education and a life in service of our Lord. Especially keep our Liberian host in your prayers, Rev. Emil Sam-Peal. A man who has made unimaginable sacrifices to bless the people of Liberia, particularly in the area of education and ministry. He was a most gracious and wonderful host who really took good care of us while there.
I will be completing a reflection paper in a few weeks once I have processed the experience in my own mind and spirit. I will make it available when complete, by request, at no cost. Requests can be made through the comment section of this blog or by going to Dr.B.A.Beard Ministries.com. Watch my blog for when it will be ready. Pray for Liberia and for how you may be able to help. Pray for Dr. Steven's and the great work she's doing through the Joseph Alliance and pray for Transformation Ministries International, that we will continue to be used by God to: Transform the Believer, to Transform the Church, to Transform the World.
May God bless each of you and I hope to hear from you soon.
Monday, June 15, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Blessings and greetings in the the name of our King Jesus,
Have you ever traveled on an international missions trip? If not, let me encourage you to get a passport and seek the Lord for an opportunity to live out the divine mandate to "go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature." You have spiritual gifts, skills and abilities given by our Lord that could be used to transform lives in other parts of the world and not just your own. Not only can God use you to bring hope to different countries and cultures, but it's amazing what you will learn from the people there. Yes, it's stepping outside of our comfort zone, and yes it requires sacrifice, however, the benefits tremendously outweigh the costs. The rest of the world is not like the United States and there is so much to learn from other people as well as experiencing the joy of ministering to them. Pray, pray hard that God would expand your spiritual horizon and world view. Pray He will help you see the world the way He sees the world. Pray to be used of God near and far and experience for yourself the joy of greater ministry.
Tuesday, June 16 I ask you to pray for the Joseph Alliance team traveling to Liberia, West Africa. We who are traveling go with great expectation of how God is going to move in such a great land with such great people who are recovering from 14 years of civil war. Liberia was founded by African-American slaves in the United States who returned to Africa to live in freedom. "Liberia" comes from the word liberty. Liberians are connected at the soul to African-Americans and deeply appreciate African-Americans who come to minister to them and to hear their story. They appreciate all who come regardless of race, but are especially glad when African-Americans come. The needs are great and many but the land is so ripe for a powerful, miraculous move of God. So, pray that the "team" led by founder and leader of Joseph Alliance, Dr. Laverne Stevens, will be tools in the hands of our awesome God through which His miraculous wonders may be made manifest among the people. Thank you for your prayers and I will give a brief update upon our return. May God bless each of you!
Have you ever traveled on an international missions trip? If not, let me encourage you to get a passport and seek the Lord for an opportunity to live out the divine mandate to "go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature." You have spiritual gifts, skills and abilities given by our Lord that could be used to transform lives in other parts of the world and not just your own. Not only can God use you to bring hope to different countries and cultures, but it's amazing what you will learn from the people there. Yes, it's stepping outside of our comfort zone, and yes it requires sacrifice, however, the benefits tremendously outweigh the costs. The rest of the world is not like the United States and there is so much to learn from other people as well as experiencing the joy of ministering to them. Pray, pray hard that God would expand your spiritual horizon and world view. Pray He will help you see the world the way He sees the world. Pray to be used of God near and far and experience for yourself the joy of greater ministry.
Tuesday, June 16 I ask you to pray for the Joseph Alliance team traveling to Liberia, West Africa. We who are traveling go with great expectation of how God is going to move in such a great land with such great people who are recovering from 14 years of civil war. Liberia was founded by African-American slaves in the United States who returned to Africa to live in freedom. "Liberia" comes from the word liberty. Liberians are connected at the soul to African-Americans and deeply appreciate African-Americans who come to minister to them and to hear their story. They appreciate all who come regardless of race, but are especially glad when African-Americans come. The needs are great and many but the land is so ripe for a powerful, miraculous move of God. So, pray that the "team" led by founder and leader of Joseph Alliance, Dr. Laverne Stevens, will be tools in the hands of our awesome God through which His miraculous wonders may be made manifest among the people. Thank you for your prayers and I will give a brief update upon our return. May God bless each of you!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings Saints,
Over the course of my life I could not begin to count the many classrooms I have sat in as a student. Classrooms through grade school, college, two graduate programs, one post graduate program, not to mention the many workshops for business, ministry, music and many more that have helped me and prepared me for life. I'm am indebted to the many teachers, professors, presenters and support staff that have given of themselves that I may have the benefit of their wisdom and their academic and professional excellence. From Sunday school teachers to Deans of institutions of higher learning, I have been blessed to sit under them and learn. I'm sure you can say the same. The many who have sought to give you instruction and direction in life did so because they cared. Some of us did very well in these settings, some average and some of us not so well. Yet, often even those who have performed very well in schools have been slow learners in another school. Life. Life's classrooms are many and some of the courses and their tests seem so hard at times. Life's teachers sometimes seem downright cruel with little if any hint of compassion. However, while at times this may seem true, it is also true that the problem is not always life's tough taskmasters but rather the reluctant, lazy, spoiled, complaining, undisciplined learner. When we refuse to learn, or think we can be our own instructor we're not going to do very well. It really does not matter if the life student is saved or unsaved. In fact some in the Body of Christ are the worst students because they believe the few scriptures they have learned is all they need. Not so. It is in the understanding and application of those scriptures that will give the student the necessary tools for life. However, how does one even learn how to apply those tools? Tools without an instructor to teach how to use them can be dangerous in the wrong hands. God of course sends pastors, teachers, preachers, prophets and others to instruct us. However, the greatest instructor is the Holy Spirit of God. He is our ultimate guide, counselor, teacher. To ignore Him is to ignore the creator and giver of all life. Submission to Him is our only true hope for gaining wisdom and power to not only survive but to thrive in this life. In other words life is made more difficult when we fail to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Be not wise in your own eyes..." (Prov. 3:5-7a). Spiritual maturity does not come by attending more and more workshops, although they have their place. It does not come by wearing a title or holding a certificate of completion from a school, though schools are necessary. No, it comes with the daily communion with and submission to the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8 Paul says "to be led by the flesh is death but to be led by the Spirit is life and peace." He is the best teacher I know. Seek Him, embrace Him, follow His leading and you will walk in divine wisdom.
Peace.
Over the course of my life I could not begin to count the many classrooms I have sat in as a student. Classrooms through grade school, college, two graduate programs, one post graduate program, not to mention the many workshops for business, ministry, music and many more that have helped me and prepared me for life. I'm am indebted to the many teachers, professors, presenters and support staff that have given of themselves that I may have the benefit of their wisdom and their academic and professional excellence. From Sunday school teachers to Deans of institutions of higher learning, I have been blessed to sit under them and learn. I'm sure you can say the same. The many who have sought to give you instruction and direction in life did so because they cared. Some of us did very well in these settings, some average and some of us not so well. Yet, often even those who have performed very well in schools have been slow learners in another school. Life. Life's classrooms are many and some of the courses and their tests seem so hard at times. Life's teachers sometimes seem downright cruel with little if any hint of compassion. However, while at times this may seem true, it is also true that the problem is not always life's tough taskmasters but rather the reluctant, lazy, spoiled, complaining, undisciplined learner. When we refuse to learn, or think we can be our own instructor we're not going to do very well. It really does not matter if the life student is saved or unsaved. In fact some in the Body of Christ are the worst students because they believe the few scriptures they have learned is all they need. Not so. It is in the understanding and application of those scriptures that will give the student the necessary tools for life. However, how does one even learn how to apply those tools? Tools without an instructor to teach how to use them can be dangerous in the wrong hands. God of course sends pastors, teachers, preachers, prophets and others to instruct us. However, the greatest instructor is the Holy Spirit of God. He is our ultimate guide, counselor, teacher. To ignore Him is to ignore the creator and giver of all life. Submission to Him is our only true hope for gaining wisdom and power to not only survive but to thrive in this life. In other words life is made more difficult when we fail to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Be not wise in your own eyes..." (Prov. 3:5-7a). Spiritual maturity does not come by attending more and more workshops, although they have their place. It does not come by wearing a title or holding a certificate of completion from a school, though schools are necessary. No, it comes with the daily communion with and submission to the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8 Paul says "to be led by the flesh is death but to be led by the Spirit is life and peace." He is the best teacher I know. Seek Him, embrace Him, follow His leading and you will walk in divine wisdom.
Peace.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings All;
One of the disheartening things about our beloved world is that there are so many hungry and desperate people. Not enough food, water, security, shelter and resources for millions, even billions. This desperation has hit so many homes here in America. There has always been hurting, desperate people in America but with the economic meltdown we're experiencing, that sense of desperation has hit so many who thought themselves to be secure forever. Perhaps in all of the suffering and fear something of great value may surface. When there is nothing and no one else to turn to, perhaps America and many in the world will turn back to God. Perhaps the natural desperation that many feel will turn into a desperate hunger and cry for the living God. I'm not sure why it often takes difficult times for people to turn to the Lord. However, many, even in the church, who are not personally impacted by the current economic condition may yet find themselves still not having that sense of unquenchable need for a visitation from our Lord. It's amazing how close one can be drawn to God when times are tough. What's even more amazing is how close He has always been. It is we who so often don't recognize His divine presence. This economic drought will at some point end, at least for a season, but will that sense of desperation for His presence also end? One song writer wrote: "I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; O bless me now my Savior, I come to Thee." Whether you are directly effected by these tough times or not, is that your plea? God still feeds the hungry, not just those in need of food but those hungry for His presence. Even when it seems He can't be found, He is with you. You will find Him when you seek Him with your whole heart. "Every hour I need Thee....." May the peace of God be yours.
One of the disheartening things about our beloved world is that there are so many hungry and desperate people. Not enough food, water, security, shelter and resources for millions, even billions. This desperation has hit so many homes here in America. There has always been hurting, desperate people in America but with the economic meltdown we're experiencing, that sense of desperation has hit so many who thought themselves to be secure forever. Perhaps in all of the suffering and fear something of great value may surface. When there is nothing and no one else to turn to, perhaps America and many in the world will turn back to God. Perhaps the natural desperation that many feel will turn into a desperate hunger and cry for the living God. I'm not sure why it often takes difficult times for people to turn to the Lord. However, many, even in the church, who are not personally impacted by the current economic condition may yet find themselves still not having that sense of unquenchable need for a visitation from our Lord. It's amazing how close one can be drawn to God when times are tough. What's even more amazing is how close He has always been. It is we who so often don't recognize His divine presence. This economic drought will at some point end, at least for a season, but will that sense of desperation for His presence also end? One song writer wrote: "I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; O bless me now my Savior, I come to Thee." Whether you are directly effected by these tough times or not, is that your plea? God still feeds the hungry, not just those in need of food but those hungry for His presence. Even when it seems He can't be found, He is with you. You will find Him when you seek Him with your whole heart. "Every hour I need Thee....." May the peace of God be yours.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Peace and Blessings to you all.
In recent weeks I have been preaching/teaching about the importance of protecting and conditioning our minds (thoughts/imaginations), the importance of walking in the Spirit and the importance of taking care of and presenting our bodies as "living sacrifices." Here are just a few thoughts from this past Sunday's message "When the Fire Falls:" In Romans 12:1 Paul admonishes his followers at Rome to present their bodies as living sacrifices. Sin finds expression and fulfillment in the flesh. This is why in chapter 8 of Romans, Paul says: to be led by the flesh is death, but to be led by the Spirit is life and peace. It is in our flesh where battles rage between holiness and wickedness, a battle, I might add, which we all have lost. "We know all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). This is precisely why we need a Savior. However, Paul indicates that this presenting of ourselves on the altar of God is our choice and responsibility. Interestingly, we often want and pray for the fire of God's anointing to fall on us without the presenting of ourselves in the position to receive. In the Pentateuch we find where God commanded the Israelites to present to God offerings (animal sacrifices) as a sin offering. The slaughtered animals (lamb, doves, pigeons) were laid on the altar in the Temple as a Burnt offering. When Solomon dedicated the Temple of God, 2 Chronicles 7 says "when Solomon finished praying fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple." If there is no burnt offering on the altar God's fire cannot come. We often want God's fire to fall in our temple (our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit), yet we stand beside the altar but refuse to get on. Beginning at verse 11 we see God answering Solomon's prayer, after fire fell on the burnt offering. Is it possible that the reason so many believers have no fire and seem to pray with little response from God is because we refuse to present ourselves as living sacrifices on the altar of God? Many have lost that sense of desperation for God. When you go to church, do you go expecting an encounter with God or do you go expecting to fellowship with friends? No burnt offering, no fire. Need revival in your life or in your church? True revival is not a result of human planning but is initiated and sustained by God. It comes to desperate people who are willing to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto the Lord. This is your reasonable act of worship. Get on the altar of God, pray and let the fire of the Holy Ghost fall in your life.
Let me know your thoughts by sending your comments.
I want to welcome the Hazel family and the Vick family who are our most recent members of TMI-ATL. Mother's Day the Vick ladies, mother and three daughters ministered a wonderful dance together. I also want to congratulate Minister Irving Moody who has graduated from the Samuel DeWit Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, one of the best schools of theology anywhere. Pastor Gardenia, the TMI family and many others are so proud of his hard work and commitment.
Until next week know that I'm praying for you all and may our great God bless each of you.
In recent weeks I have been preaching/teaching about the importance of protecting and conditioning our minds (thoughts/imaginations), the importance of walking in the Spirit and the importance of taking care of and presenting our bodies as "living sacrifices." Here are just a few thoughts from this past Sunday's message "When the Fire Falls:" In Romans 12:1 Paul admonishes his followers at Rome to present their bodies as living sacrifices. Sin finds expression and fulfillment in the flesh. This is why in chapter 8 of Romans, Paul says: to be led by the flesh is death, but to be led by the Spirit is life and peace. It is in our flesh where battles rage between holiness and wickedness, a battle, I might add, which we all have lost. "We know all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). This is precisely why we need a Savior. However, Paul indicates that this presenting of ourselves on the altar of God is our choice and responsibility. Interestingly, we often want and pray for the fire of God's anointing to fall on us without the presenting of ourselves in the position to receive. In the Pentateuch we find where God commanded the Israelites to present to God offerings (animal sacrifices) as a sin offering. The slaughtered animals (lamb, doves, pigeons) were laid on the altar in the Temple as a Burnt offering. When Solomon dedicated the Temple of God, 2 Chronicles 7 says "when Solomon finished praying fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple." If there is no burnt offering on the altar God's fire cannot come. We often want God's fire to fall in our temple (our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit), yet we stand beside the altar but refuse to get on. Beginning at verse 11 we see God answering Solomon's prayer, after fire fell on the burnt offering. Is it possible that the reason so many believers have no fire and seem to pray with little response from God is because we refuse to present ourselves as living sacrifices on the altar of God? Many have lost that sense of desperation for God. When you go to church, do you go expecting an encounter with God or do you go expecting to fellowship with friends? No burnt offering, no fire. Need revival in your life or in your church? True revival is not a result of human planning but is initiated and sustained by God. It comes to desperate people who are willing to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto the Lord. This is your reasonable act of worship. Get on the altar of God, pray and let the fire of the Holy Ghost fall in your life.
Let me know your thoughts by sending your comments.
I want to welcome the Hazel family and the Vick family who are our most recent members of TMI-ATL. Mother's Day the Vick ladies, mother and three daughters ministered a wonderful dance together. I also want to congratulate Minister Irving Moody who has graduated from the Samuel DeWit Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, one of the best schools of theology anywhere. Pastor Gardenia, the TMI family and many others are so proud of his hard work and commitment.
Until next week know that I'm praying for you all and may our great God bless each of you.
Friday, April 24, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greeting Saints,
Remember some time ago I was applauding and at the same time lamenting over our dependence on technology? I noted then that technology, in its many forms can be wonderful tools to help us.......when it works. However, when our tech tools don't work it not only drives us crazy and leaves us frustrated, but also serves as a reminder of just how dependent we have become on them. Once again the computer I use to prepare my blogs is on the blink. I have therefore resorted to a rather non-traditional way to get my blogs to you. No matter how hard the computer gremlin tries, he will lose.
Well, TMI-ATL continues to grow. This past Wednesday in mid-week service, we were confronted with the great problem of having to find more chairs as the room was full. Sunday services have also been full. Granted we're talking about a relatively small room but these are good problems to have. Have I mentioned to you lately how good our God is? He can't help it, it's just His nature. In all things praise and bless Him and He will bless your life.
This new venture of beginning a ministry in unfamiliar territory has its challenges. The needs are great and plentiful but watching God's hand move on our behalf is simply amazing. We're learning so very much that may not have been learned any other way.
Recently I've been preaching/teaching on Sundays about who the Holy Spirit is and what He desires to do. In 2 Corinthians 12:14 the Apostle Paul gives a benediction at the conclusion of this letter. He says, "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen." Here, the Greek word for communion is Koinonia. This word means to have very close, meaningful fellowship with someone. In this case it is not as peers having fellowship but rather the Greater with the lesser. The Holy Spirit (Greater) with us (lesser). Yet in this fellowship we find one who is our comforter, counselor, and guide. He is one who gives us wisdom and understanding in natural and spiritual matters and is one who holds us accountable. The word Koinonia also carries with it the connotation of one who is responsible for the other because of the bond of love. The Holy Spirit takes on responsibility for us, to help us do and become all that God has intended for us. Even the most casual of reading of the Gospels reveals that Jesus, in His humanity, could do little without the Holy Spirit. He was conceived in the womb of Mary by the Holy Spirit. His empowerment to heal the sick, perform miracles, raise the dead and Himself to be raised from the dead was done by the Spirit's power. Why was Jesus so effective? Because of the Koinonia within the Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Ghost as one. Jesus prayed on our behalf that we might share in this oneness in John 17:21-23. If you have already received Christ as Savior and Lord of your life, then seek the Holy Spirit. Invite Him into your life. In Luke 11:13 Jesus asks "how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask?" Invite the Holy Spirit into your heart. Seek Koinonia with Him and watch and experience a radical transformation take place in your life. "What a fellowship, what a joy divine leaning on the everlasting arms."
Remember some time ago I was applauding and at the same time lamenting over our dependence on technology? I noted then that technology, in its many forms can be wonderful tools to help us.......when it works. However, when our tech tools don't work it not only drives us crazy and leaves us frustrated, but also serves as a reminder of just how dependent we have become on them. Once again the computer I use to prepare my blogs is on the blink. I have therefore resorted to a rather non-traditional way to get my blogs to you. No matter how hard the computer gremlin tries, he will lose.
Well, TMI-ATL continues to grow. This past Wednesday in mid-week service, we were confronted with the great problem of having to find more chairs as the room was full. Sunday services have also been full. Granted we're talking about a relatively small room but these are good problems to have. Have I mentioned to you lately how good our God is? He can't help it, it's just His nature. In all things praise and bless Him and He will bless your life.
This new venture of beginning a ministry in unfamiliar territory has its challenges. The needs are great and plentiful but watching God's hand move on our behalf is simply amazing. We're learning so very much that may not have been learned any other way.
Recently I've been preaching/teaching on Sundays about who the Holy Spirit is and what He desires to do. In 2 Corinthians 12:14 the Apostle Paul gives a benediction at the conclusion of this letter. He says, "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen." Here, the Greek word for communion is Koinonia. This word means to have very close, meaningful fellowship with someone. In this case it is not as peers having fellowship but rather the Greater with the lesser. The Holy Spirit (Greater) with us (lesser). Yet in this fellowship we find one who is our comforter, counselor, and guide. He is one who gives us wisdom and understanding in natural and spiritual matters and is one who holds us accountable. The word Koinonia also carries with it the connotation of one who is responsible for the other because of the bond of love. The Holy Spirit takes on responsibility for us, to help us do and become all that God has intended for us. Even the most casual of reading of the Gospels reveals that Jesus, in His humanity, could do little without the Holy Spirit. He was conceived in the womb of Mary by the Holy Spirit. His empowerment to heal the sick, perform miracles, raise the dead and Himself to be raised from the dead was done by the Spirit's power. Why was Jesus so effective? Because of the Koinonia within the Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Ghost as one. Jesus prayed on our behalf that we might share in this oneness in John 17:21-23. If you have already received Christ as Savior and Lord of your life, then seek the Holy Spirit. Invite Him into your life. In Luke 11:13 Jesus asks "how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask?" Invite the Holy Spirit into your heart. Seek Koinonia with Him and watch and experience a radical transformation take place in your life. "What a fellowship, what a joy divine leaning on the everlasting arms."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)