Walk In Your Ministry and Call

By Brenda Gittens
        

General Christian ministry is a duty, a service. A call is the purpose of one’s life, what God wants you to do with your life. How many times have you heard this, “What is your ministry and calling?” Yes, you may have the ability to do a variety of things, but there is one that you do best. It’s done in your own unique way; no one else can do it like you! Think about it. What gift(s) has God specifically given you? What area(s) of ministry are you drawn to for serving? Why you are here and what are you doing in cooperation with God to help the church and to make this world a better place?

In 1st Corinthians Chapter 12, the Apostle Paul teaches that we together are Christ’s body and that we each have a different work to do. Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function]. (1 Corinthians 12:27, AMP). Just as a person’s ministry and call plays an important role in the body of Christ, it can also be used as a tool to reach those outside of the body who don’t know Christ and those who are in need. We have to constantly be reminded that we are the church, and God has a work to be done outside of the four church walls.

There are three things that can keep us from walking in our ministry and call.

1) Fear - When God tells us to do something, we may sit on it a while afraid to get up, step out in faith and do it. God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love, and of a sound mind.

2) People - We find ourselves worrying about what others think or say and then we feel we can’t do it. It’s all a deceiving lie from the enemy! We can do it! God said it and he is the one who has called, gifted, and gives the ability and equipping by the power of the Holy Spirit.

3) Ourselves - We are our worst critic at times, and we are the one stopping us from carrying out the work that God has given us to do.

Remember, when God calls us he begins a work in us. When we say yes, that’s when we start to work. We must “walk and work” the way he has anointed, appointed, designed, and assigned us to do it!

Scripture of the Day: "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." - 1 Corinthians 12:27

Brenda Gittens is a worship evangelist, singer and writer who ministers in “word song” at churches, prisons and various events throughout Northern California and other states. Her latest CD is entitled, “Real Praise/True Worship”. Brenda is also a devoted wife and mother of one son. For more info, visit: http://www.brendagittensministries.com.…

The Church Has My Vote!

By Overseer Christopher J. Harris
        

The church has some problems. No question about it. I’ve been around the church most of my life. Actually, all of my life would not be a stretch. Interestingly enough, I’ve seen some of the best that the church has to offer and unfortunately, I’ve seen some of the worse that the church offers. I’ve seen carnal Christians and prideful pimps…Oops, I mean preachers. I’ve seen gossipy groups, along with inconsistent holy rollers. I’ve seen people smoke in their cars and then speak in tongues in service. I’ve known about people living alternative lifestyles yet portray something totally different when church mothers and deacons come in their presence. I’ve seen Pastors look women up and down and undress them with their eyes and then preach on that in their sermon. The list could go on and on.

But I’m committed to the church. You may ask why? If I’ve seen all of that – why in the world would I sell out to this organization and be willing to serve it until my last days?

That’s a good question and I’m willing to give you a straight-forward answer.

First, let me tell you what else I’ve seen.

I’ve seen church members that take their faith serious and walk that out in their daily lives. I’ve seen Pastors have such an encounter with God that they live what they preach. I’ve seen choir members that were the same righteous people in public and in private. I’ve seen more preachers that were committed to their wives than I have seen the opposite. I’ve seen more Deacons support their Pastor’s than the opposite. I’ve seen church members that love people so much that they’ve given money, time, and their talents just to help someone that they’ve only met a few minutes ago. I’ve seen people cry together and laugh together. I’ve seen men connect with other men when otherwise there were walls of mistrust. I’ve seen women get restored when they’d decided they would never trust again. This list could also go on and on.

My vote is with the church.

I know it’s very interesting to mention the words church and vote in the same sentence in today’s culture. In many cases where voting takes place, the organization in question moves at the pleasure of the majority opinion. The only problem with majority opinion in the church is that many times it doesn’t always mesh with God’s opinion.

Without getting into a church policy or a church governance debate, I simply use the issue of public opinion as a link to encourage you that regardless of current public opinion regarding the church – the church is still the most God-endorsed, God-empowered, and God-enabled institution on the planet.
Today’s public opinion of both those outside and inside of the church is by and large not positive. It is a true statement that the credibility of the church many times is linked to those who represent it. And a few of those that represent it have not done a great job. But I am encouraged, because as an insider I know the good far outweighs what public opinion says. My vote is with the church because it’s Jesus’ bride and it is really supported in scripture as being a victorious body of people.

Jesus declared, “Upon this rock, will I build my church. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

I firmly believe that the hope for the world today is God’s church and those uniquely tied to his church. I respect our government and its leaders. I respect many of our community agencies and the work that they are doing. I respect many of the philanthropic efforts that many are engaged in around our country and world, but the hope for the world today – is God’s church.
That’s the other reason why I’m sold out to the church. It doesn’t belong to any one person. It is God’s!

That’s not too hard to figure out. When you look at how uniquely designed the church is. That it spans over every continent and every nation. It includes every language, every race and creed. It includes every age and generation, every economic status. It includes every music influence, every gift and talent, and most of all, every personality. Only God could orchestrate and arrange such a phenomenal powerhouse.

Today, I renew my commitment to the last thing Jesus left before his transition back to the Father and the first thing that He’s coming back for – his victorious, influential, and powerful institution – the church. Will you vote with me?

Scripture of the Day: "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts." - 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 (NIV)

Christopher J. Harris, a native of Palatka, FL, is Chief of Staff/Director of Church Operations of the historic mega-church Fellowship Church of Chicago. He is also Overseer of Youth for Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. Harris currently resides in Chicago with his wife and children. http://www.ChristopherJHarris.com…

God’s Church Rallied

by Cindy Beall

"Jeff Buchanan had a heart attack last night and they don't think he's going to make it," my husband said on the morning of February 15, 2011. Immediately I thought of his wife, Erica, whose been a friend of mine for years. And then their children came to mind, which broke my heart even more. Because he's only 39 years old.

My husband went to the hospital later that day to visit her and to pray over Jeff. She and I communicated via text messages about the situation. She was clearly distraught, to say the least, and actually said that she didn't think she'd be bringing him home. She felt this way not only because of the medical advice given to her but also because Jeff was literally dead for 90 minutes as they did chest compressions to try to resuscitate him.
Since he was so young, they didn't stop.

Eventually he "came back to life" and was on life support but would crash another 20 times or so in the night. There were so many machines keeping him alive mainly to see what the extent of his brain damage would be or if he would even have a functioning brain after 90 minutes without oxygen.

After a couple of days of living in medically induced hypothermia state hoping to reduce the effects of brain damage, the skilled medical staff began to warm his body up. After it got to a certain temperature, it was time for a CT scan that would probably show them what they feared the most: Jeff was brain dead.

Funny thing happened, though. The CT Scan came back normal. There was nothing wrong with Jeff Buchanan's brain.

Within a matter of time, Jeff woke up and began communicating with the medical staff and his family. Before they knew it, he was moving his body parts and was joking around.

It's been three weeks since this happened to the Buchanans. They'll tell you they will never be the same again—partly because he's out of the hospital and is sleeping soundly next to his wife in their bed at home. The other part is because this family got to see the real, awesome, majestic, breathtaking power of God displayed right before their eyes.

When you find yourself in a circumstance that seems hopeless, it's frightening to hope even a little because you don't truly know what the future will hold. Thankfully, people rallied behind Erica, Jeff and their family and believed for them. They offered hope when there was a short supply. They offered help with the daily tasks that needed completion. They offered prayers for an outcome they desperately believed in.

Because for a while, Erica just couldn't.

I don't know where you are in life. I don’t know if you are running low on hope and faith. If that’s your plight, maybe it’s time to reach out to those closest to you and allow them to bear your burden. I bet they’d be honored to help you carry it.

Scripture Of The Day: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto http://www.cindybeall.com

How To Prop Up A Sagging House

by Alan Riley

Not long ago, a friend of mine had a minor disaster at her house. Years of pressure caused the foundation wall in their basement to cave in. In just minutes, the basement was filled with dirt, mud and water. That was bad enough, but the worst was yet to come. The loss of stability to the foundation wall caused floors to buckle and sheetrock and plaster to crack on that side of their house.

In hearing about my friend's experience, I found out there are people who make their living repairing the kind of damage done to sagging houses when a foundation wall gives way. They come in and jack up the house and then replace the failed foundation with one that will not give way. They can literally give a house a new foundation.

I didn't know that. I guess I always thought that you had one shot at building the foundation -- when you first build the house -- and if the foundation failed, the house was pretty much a goner.

What a wonderful illustration of what God can do! If our lives are built on a faulty foundation, God can replace it with a firm foundation -- Jesus Christ. If your family is built around a foundation that fails, God can replace it with the Solid Rock.

What about your church? Jesus Christ is, as the hymn writer put it, "The Church's One Foundation." He is the Rock that will not fail and cannot be moved. But, as most of us have observed at one time or another, it is possible to try to build a church on shifting sand.

Is your life built around relationships and material goods? They will come and go. Is your family built on the world's value system? It will change. Is your church built around the fellowship you share and the people who attend and lead? People will let you down, but Jesus will never fail you.

Is your house sagging? I know someone who specializes in propping up sagging houses and giving you a new foundation! Let Him do that in your life, your family, your church today!

Scripture Of The Day: "...on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)

Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…

What Do You Want?

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

Have you ever thought about the kind of church you want? Some will say they want a church that is climatically controlled, not too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter; or a church that is environmentally inspiring and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

There are those who will say they want a church where people’s actions and attitudes don’t turn you off at the door or where people act like you are doing them a favor just by being there.

Some may want a church that makes them feel comfortable and one that is sensitive to their needs; a church that doesn’t insult a person’s intelligence, talk down to them or water down the gospel. Many want a church where the spirit is high, love abounds and attitudes are checked at the door; a church where people are pleased when you are present and miss you when you’re absent. Certainly, most want a church where the authority of Jesus Christ is respected as well as its membership.

Who wouldn’t want a church that knows how to welcome strangers and transform them into friends and disciples of God? A church that prays for the leading of the Holy Spirit and for a vision to guide its ministry?

 It is important to know what kind of church you want, but it is also important to know what kind of church God wants.

The Acts of the Apostles give us a glimpse and a profound understanding of the nature and mission of the church. This epistle tells of a church that is pleasing to God. It is not a perfect church, but a pleasing church that distinguished itself beyond aesthetics and physical structure. It was a church filled with forgiven imperfect people. Often it is our expectations of perfection that get in the way of the church that is pleasing to God.

In the book of Acts, we find a church that was growing, and amazingly adding new disciples daily. A church that shared, that worshipped and sat at the teaching of the apostles, and that went from house to house sharing the gospel.
A need arose in chapter six that required the church to better manage its resources in a new and orderly manner. The Greeks began to murmur and complain about how their widows were being treated compared to the Hebrew widows. There was a hint of favoritism – one group was favored over another. It hinted at prejudice or seeing to your own ethnic group or family outside their circles of close associates.

The disciples called a church conference. The murmuring was getting out of hand. People were possibly gossiping more about the situation than they were listening to the gospel.

They decided to change their method of handling the ministry. The administrative structure hinders seeing the needs of all groups of people. They decided to have a division of labor because the work of word, worship, prayer and evangelism was too important for them to stop and supervise a feeding program.

They chose those who were wise and full of the Holy Spirit, and empowered them to exercise their gifts.

The kind of church seen then was where everyone is important in the sight of God regardless of family affiliation, ethnic group, history or heritage. It was a church that takes care of the needs of people fairly without prejudice, and a church where leaders take action before a problem becomes a crisis. It was a place where people are not afraid of change.

The church seen in the first few verses of Acts 6 is one where the love of Christ flowed to be a healing and a help to the surrounding community. This church was a place where its leadership was serious about the ministry of word, worship, prayer and evangelism that would guard against intrusion.
What kind of church? It was the kind of church where God’s presence was felt and God’s power was seen. It was a place where loads were lifted, burdens born, and sustenance and strength were given.

What kind of church do you want? That may be the wrong question. The question is, what kind of church does God want? The blueprint is found in Acts 6 and God can work through you to manifest high glory in the church where you are planted.

Scripture Of The Day: “…It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” - Acts 6:2 (NIV)

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME, and serves as a guiding example for women and church leaders throughout the country. For more on Bishop McKenzie, visit http://www.13thame.com or hear her messages daily at http://www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com.…

Go Against Nature

By Lisa Birch

It never fails.

Observe a room of complete strangers, where nobody knows anybody, and you’ll see people gravitating toward others who look like them or those who share commonalities. Eventually some may work their way over to those who are different, but usually the personal preference and tendancy is to seek out who we think can identify with us or understand us better.

It’s second nature, and if you say you haven’t done it, you’re either in denial or flat out untruthful.

When I think back over the years I realize that my second nature has likely caused me to miss out on plenty of purpose-filled friendships and connections. It’s so much easier to flash a smile, cordially say hello and keep on moving than it is to invest time and effort into genuinely developing a relationship with someone who is totally unlike you.

God’s way calls us out of comfort and convenience, requiring that we truly honor and value one another—every race, every culture.

Not just in passing.

Not just on the surface.

Not just in professional environments.

And not with any motives at all, just a pure and simple reverence for the God who equally loves all human beings and commands that we do the same.

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:1-4)

It all starts and ends with God’s love—a power stronger than our most wholehearted intentions; the Official Force that enables us to go against our selfish nature and put Philippians 2:1-4 into practice.

Scripture of The Day: "Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" - Philippians 2:2 (NKJV)


Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and ministerial environments. For more on Lisa, log onto http://www.verticalfix.com.

Why We Meet Together Regularly

By Ron Luce

Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer. - Hebrews 10:25, CEV

The Bible specifically talks about the importance of getting together with other Christians so that you can learn and grow and continue going for God with all your heart. A lot of people think that after they make their commitment to the Lord, they can do whatever they want as long as they don't fall into major sin.

The point is, however, that you are not designed to be a Lone Ranger Christian. You are designed to do incredible things for God and to change the world, but you have to be connected with other people who want to do the same thing. In Hebrews 10:25, the Bible gives you a specific instruction: "Don't you dare quit going to church! Don't you dare stop getting together with people who have a like mind and a like faith."

This is an important point for young people today. A lot of people say, "I can't really make it to church. My job--my sports, my hobby, my whatever--interferes with my church and youth group." But, you have to surround yourself with people who love God and are going after God in the same direction. The Bible calls it fellowship.

I have talked to so many youth pastors who get really discouraged. They work their heart out for their young people, yet the young people don't seem very committed. For example, I know youth pastors who have planned and planned and planned a retreat or some other activity. They announced it for two months and mentioned it during meetings.

But when it came time for the activity, no one came. It turned out that the teenagers were more committed to a school activity or sport than they were to their youth group--people with whom they are going to heaven and spending eternity.

As a follower of Christ, you need to turn that reputation around. You need to be the kind of person who says, "I know God has plugged me in here. God has a plan and a reason for my being here. I'll not commit to just Wednesday nights or just Sunday mornings. But every time that there is an opportunity for me to grow, I'm going to be here."

Does that mean you have to be there every time the doors are open to church? No. But at the very least, be committed to the regular services and special events that your pastor and youth pastor have going so that they know you are a serious Christian.

Don't be an airhead floating around saying, "I have my Bible and my study manual, and I'll do my own thing." If you are committed to the Lord, then there ought to be other people around you who know about your commitment to the Lord and who can help you grow.

Maybe you have done some things that I've mentioned here or even other things to show a lack of commitment to your pastor or youth pastor. I want you to take a moment and think about anything you may have done to show a lack of commitment. Take some time this week to ask your youth pastor and pastor to forgive you for anything you have done to make their jobs more difficult.

Think of some things that you can do that will show your commitment to meet with other Christians. How can you show that you have determined that you will not allow yourself to get out of the habit of meeting for worship? How can you show your commitment to your youth group and church? Don't just be a flighty, air-headed, haphazard Christian who floats in now and then.

Scripture Of The Day: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV)


President and founder of Teen Mania Ministries, a Christian organization reaching millions of young people worldwide, Ron Luce passionately declares the Gospel through Acquire the Fire TV broadcasts, youth events, camps and media resources, challenging teens to take a stand for Christ. For more information about Ron, log onto http://www.teenmania.org…

My Heart, My Chapel

By Cindy Beall

"I'm goin' to church" is a phrase I've used more times than I can remember and to be quite honest, will probably continue to use it for the rest of my days. Because let's face it. It sounds rather odd to say, "I am now going to the building where the pastor speaks and we sing songs to praise Jesus."

In my 38 years of living on this earth, I have heard numerous people share their spiritual woes with me. Many are frustrated that they are in God's waiting room and that He is just not moving fast enough for their taste. There are those who just can't seem to beat the demons who keep torturing them as they try to live their lives. But probably the biggest group is the people who struggle with not feeling close to God.

Maybe you've said it.

Maybe you've said it today.

Rest assured, just because you and I don't always feel God's presence or feel close to God doesn't mean we are far from him. Quite the contrary.

Brother Lawrence, author of The Practice of the Presence of God, writes: "It isn't necessary that we stay in church in order to remain in God's presence. We can make our heart a chapel where we can go anytime to talk to God privately."

Have you ever heard anything so profound? We can make our heart a chapel.

Today, have some church in that heart of yours.

Scripture Of The Day: You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. - 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NKJV)





Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto http://www.cindybeall.com

The Pinky Toe Ministry

By Tanya James

Have you ever stumped your pinky toe? Painful right? Have you ever really injured your pinky toe? If you have then you know just how excruciating that pain can really be. But I’m not even sure the pain is the worst part about it … it’s how thrown off balance it makes you. Yes, that little toe affects your balance. It may seem useless and most of us probably take them for granted but it really does help maintain your lateral balance.

Our pinky toes remind me of some members of the church that feel that they are useless. They don’t believe they play a role nor have any responsibilities. Every Christian is needed … and every Christian has been called to do “something” in the Body of Christ.

There are no “big” and “little” Christians in God’s eyes. It may appear, like the pinky toe, that you aren’t really needed. However, just like a broken pinky toe throws off your physical balance … a broken piece in the Body of Christ throws off the spiritual balance.

It doesn’t matter if your church has 10 members or 10,000 members, the pastor cannot do it all … he (or she) cannot touch everyone. Don’t take it for granted what God has placed inside of you to do. And don’t be envious of what someone else is doing … you too have a role and responsibility!

Yes some are called to preach, some are called to teach … but if God has called you to be a greeter … please understand that you shouldn’t blow that off. Somebody needs that hug that you will provide. You could very well be the vessel that God uses to change someone’s mind about committing suicide. They thought no one cared, and then you reached out to them.

If you’ve been called to work in the nursery, don’t take that for granted. The words and love you are sowing into the children who are left in your care is seed that will later be watered. The harvest that comes forth could be the difference in them being a future leader instead of dropping out of school and living a life of drugs and alcohol.

And your responsibility as a Christian goes far beyond the four walls of the church building …

If your co-worker is going through something difficult and confides in you … don’t say, “You should come to church with me this weekend and have my pastor pray for you.” No, you pray for them right then and there. God hears and answers your prayers just like he hears and answers your pastor’s prayers.

If you know someone lost everything they had in a fire …don’t just tell them, “I’m gonna pray for you.” Do something …How about you and a few of your friends look through your closets and see if you have anything you can donate to them? And if you don’t… why don’t you coordinate a clothing drive for them?

If you know someone without transportation and you know they are trying to get to service, offer them a ride in your 8 passenger SUV that is empty … don’t just give them the # to the bus ministry at the church.

We have ALL been called to play a part … what’s yours? If you don’t know... Seek God about it and then walk in it. If you do know … don’t sit around waiting for someone else to do it.

“In this way we are like the various parts of the human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of His body. But as a chopped off finger or cut off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? Since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be. Do this without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.”

Scripture Of The Day: "For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." - Romans 12:4-5 NKJV


Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.

The Church Has My Vote

By Overseer Christopher J. Harris


The church has some problems. No question about it. I’ve been around the church most of my life. Actually, all of my life would not be a stretch. Interestingly enough, I’ve seen some of the best that the church has to offer and unfortunately, I’ve seen some of the worse that the church offers.

But I’m committed to the church. You may ask why? If I’ve seen all of that – why in the world would I sell out to this organization and be willing to serve it until my last days? That’s a good question and I’m willing to give you a straight-forward answer. First, let me tell you what else I’ve seen.

I’ve seen church members that take their faith serious and walk that out in their daily lives. I’ve seen Pastors have such an encounter with God that they live what they preach. I’ve seen choir members that were the same righteous people in public and in private. I’ve seen more preachers that were committed to their wives than I have seen the opposite. I’ve seen more Deacons support their Pastor’s than the opposite. I’ve seen church members that love people so much that they’ve given money, time, and their talents just to help someone that they’ve only met a few minutes ago. I’ve seen people cry together and laugh together. I’ve seen men connect with other men when otherwise there were walls of mistrust. I’ve seen women get restored when they’d decided they would never trust again. This list could also go on and on.

My vote is with the church.

I know it’s very interesting to mention the words church and vote in the same sentence in today’s culture. In many cases where voting takes place, the organization in question moves at the pleasure of the majority opinion. The only problem with majority opinion in the church is that many times it doesn’t always mesh with God’s opinion.

Without getting into a church policy or a church governance debate, I simply use the issue of public opinion as a link to encourage you that regardless of current public opinion regarding the church – the church is still the most God-endorsed, God-empowered, and God-enabled institution on the planet.

Today’s public opinion of both those outside and inside of the church is by and large not positive. It is a true statement that the credibility of the church many times is linked to those who represent it. And a few of those that represent it have not done a great job. But I am encouraged, because as an insider I know the good far outweighs what public opinion says. My vote is with the church because it’s Jesus’ bride and it is really supported in scripture as being a victorious body of people.

Jesus declared, “Upon this rock, will I build my church. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

I firmly believe that the hope for the world today is God’s church and those uniquely tied to his church. I respect our government and its leaders. I respect many of our community agencies and the work that they are doing. I respect many of the philanthropic efforts that many are engaged in around our country and world, but the hope for the world today – is God’s church.

That’s the other reason why I’m sold out to the church. It doesn’t belong to any one person. It is God’s!

That’s not too hard to figure out. When you look at how uniquely designed the church is. That it spans over every continent and every nation. It includes every language, every race and creed. It includes every age and generation, every economic status. It includes every music influence, every gift and talent, and most of all, every personality. Only God could orchestrate and arrange such a phenomenal powerhouse.

Today, I renew my commitment to the last thing Jesus left before his transition back to the Father and the first thing that He’s coming back for – his victorious, influential, and powerful institution – the church. Will you vote with me?

Scripture Of The Day: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18v (NKJV)


Overseer Christopher J. Harris, a native of Palatka, Florida, currently serves as the Youth & College Pastor at Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise in North Carolina. He also serves as the International General Overseer of the Children & Youth Division for Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. For more information, visit http://www.cedargrovetop.org.…

Serve One Another With Humility Of Mind

By Bishop Keith Butler


Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews. Acts 20:17


Do you know what a good leader does? The best leaders are always those who have humility of mind. They are very strong-minded, yet, on the other hand, they know how to submit their minds to new ideas that did not come from them. They know how to bow their minds so that other information can come from other people, giving them the credit for it.

Humility is what you must have if you are going to succeed, not just in the ministry, but also in life. Listen to what the Apostle Paul had to say. He said, "You know how I have served you. I have served you with humility of mind. I have not allowed myself to become arrogant of mind, even when it came to the so-called 'religious' things of God."

In other words, he bowed his mind to the will of the Holy Ghost. He learned the ways and practices of the Holy Ghost regarding his brethren and he served them with humility of mind.

If you have humility of mind, you can serve one another. But you cannot serve if you have an arrogant mind. One reason why some people do not serve in the church is that they are high minded.

First Corinthians 1, verse 10 tells us to speak the same thing and be perfectly joined together with the same mind. So, when we do this, we come to the same judgment because it is all based on one thing -- the Word of God.

We should all speak the same thing in accordance with the Word of God. Our brother should be able to tell us, "Brother, that is not the Word. What are you doing? The Word of God says such and such." And our response should not be, "Mind your own business." No, humility says, "You are my brother. You love me. You want to see me grow."

You see, that is how iron sharpens iron. When all of us are like minded and speak the same thing, serving one another in love, then all of us will get God's results and grow in the things of God.

Scripture Of The Day: "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." 1 Corinthians 1:10v. NKJV



Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.