- PASTOR B'S BLOG -

Part IV – House Calls--“It’s Hard to Let it Go”

2012-03-05T22:56:00.000-06:00

recap: Genesis 4:1-16 Part II "Cain has Got to Go!" Dealt with anger and revenge

Genesis 21: 9-19 Part III "Lord, make our Blend Better" Dealing with the hurts in a marriage

Luke 23:33-34 Part IV "It's Hard to Let it Go" Deals with forgiveness

Jesus suffered a death no one could comprehend. He was beaten beyond recognition, yet is the mist of His fleshly pain and suffering. He was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what that are doing."(Luke 23:34) If Jesus can forgive those who set out to destroy Him, why can't we do the same? It is very hard for us to let go and to forgive. However, God will give you a way out of your situations, FORGIVENESS! If we are to progress as a family, we have to learn to let it go. (Whatever your "it" is)

Your emotion can’t have the last word. You must learn that you can’t be controlled by your emotion. God’s word must have the last word. Forgiveness doesn’t necessary mean forgetting, there may never be reconciliation with the person whom you have forgiven. Only God can take a relationship that seems impossible to repair and mend the broken hearts. When people hurt you what do you do?

You can’t forgive on your own. It takes the power of the Holy Ghost. Joseph forgave his brothers, what his brothers meant for evil, God meant it for good. Genesis 50: 15-21

As we continue to allow God to make "House calls" for Divine healing, remember that we are healed by His stripes. 1 Peter 2:24

FAMILY SERIES-"HOUSE CALLS" part I:"DON'T FORGET GOD" Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

2012-02-17T21:38:00.000-06:00

Pastor has begun a family series that will truly impact the families at FCBC. Does God need to make a “House Call” in your home to help improve your family? What are your hurts? HURT LIKE: Anger, Blended Family, Marriage, etc. What do you do with a stuck marriage? What do you do with suicide? What do you do when that child in a blended family tells you that you are not my mother /father? How do you handle a prodigal family member?

We need God to make a house call. We need a remedy! In some cases, we are stuck in our past. As a result, it becomes difficult for us to seek a solution. Don’t let your pass hinder your progress. Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes as an old man. Ecclesiastes is a book of perspective. Through the eyes of Solomon, he realized that seeking happiness in worldly things will lead to depression of the inevitable “death”. Part I “DON’T FORGET GOD”

· Step back and look at God again

We have been around God so long that we need to step back and see God. We must step back and recognize who God is and that He is a sovereign God. By now, we should realize that God is bigger than our problems. If you DON’T fear God you fear everything else. On the other hand, if you DO fear God, you fear nothing else. When God revealed Himself as a consuming fire at Mount Sinai, God wanted Israel to see He is not like any gods of the earth made by man’s hands nor of their imagination.(Exodus 20:18-20) (V. 20) Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin."

· Stay Biblical when things go bad

Daniel 3 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego stayed biblical in the fiery furnace and God spared their lives; Genesis 39:9 Joseph was tempted by his master wife and he refuse to lie with her. God gifted Joseph to be an interpreter of dreams, which gave him a “get out of jail free card” and God spared him and his family’s life; Acts 4:19-21 Peter and John were threaten by the Jews courts. Esther 3:16 Esther plans to intercede for the Jews. She knew that because of tradition, she was not to speak but she spoke and God spared her. When you are going through your bad situation, will you stay biblical? Stay in the book!! Don’t forget, “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? Psalm 27

· Start Living for the future

Do you have a “Valentine mentality” when it come to living for God? A “Valentine mentality” is temporary and will not last. But if you invest in the word of God, Your investment will be “Eternal Life” Let us hear those words from the Lord. “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21 Also, 2 Cor 5:9-10 9) Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. 10) For we must all appear before the judgment sent of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

"Stop Making Excuses" Luke 14:16-24

2012-01-24T12:18:00.000-06:00

How many of us will not follow Jesus because of a person?

Surrender our selfishness

Pastor Hamilton gave a great example about little girl named Jesse whose mom gave her $5 to put in church but she chose to give her money to the ice cream man. Jesse even went as far as to suggest that once she spent her money on the ice cream, the ice cream man could give the money to the church.
• What is your opinion when it comes to being selfish?
• What is it going to take for you to surrender to the will of God?
• As you turn the key to open your new home, new car, or that new apartment you had been praying for, have you forgotten how you got those nice things?
Self will say you don’t need help anymore. Self will say that it’s not your fault. Self will say, “It is that man’s fault or it’s that woman’s fault.” Are you ready to surrender your pride; surrender your finances; or surrender your time? We do not want to wait until God gets angry with us because He alone is the one who allowed us to have that house; have that brand new pair of shoes; and that extra freezer in the garage full of meat.
We must die daily as Paul says in 1 Cor. 15:31 we are not to get too high or think that we are “all that” and lose sight of God. Our maker; our creator.

Saying no to the work won’t stop the work

God’s work or His agenda will go on with or without us. God would use other people on purpose to show us that because you don’t want to do the work doesn’t mean it won’t get done. For example, King Saul did not fully obey the word of the Lord from Samuel and the Lord removed him and replaced him with David 1 Sam. 15:22-26. God is calling us to do a good work for His Glory.
Once again Pastor Hamilton used Verizon quote, “Can you hear me now” Can you hear God calling you and will you answer?

Stay ready to party
• Are you ready for the Lord to use you?
• Are you ready for the Lord to receive you?
• Do you need to go get your purse, your nice pair of shoes, your nice hat?
Rev 19 talks about the coming of Christ. We are to always be ready for the coming of the Lord. Rev. 19: 1 After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; and Rev. 19:7-9 talks about “the marriage supper of the lamb.” Christians should live with the hope of being with the Lord and dining at His table that He has prepared for u

"WE ARE NOT FORGOTTEN" Jeremiah 29:10-11

2012-01-01T23:38:00.000-06:00

Highlights from the message:

LIVE PURPOSEFULLY:

You have a purpose for your life, you were not an accident. It is up to us to get in line with our purpose. In order to get in line with your purpose, you must first find out what your purpose is. You will find your purpose when you seek/pursue God with all your heart (Jer. 29:13)

LIVE PEACEFULLY:

Because of God’s plans for welfare and not calamity, you don’t have to worry because you can live at peace with God. 2 Peter 1:2 reads “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”(NASB) If you want more peace you have to have more of Him. Find peace in the mist of your storm. In addition, for those who have peace with God must also show themselves peaceful with other. Matthew 5:9 reads “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be sons of God” (NASB)

LIVE PASSIONATELY:

Some Christians who claim to be passionate about God are more passionate about everything else such as, their children, jobs, or even about drinking that 40 ounce, selling that next bag of weed, etc. When it comes to God they have no passion. We as Christians must make up our mind to serve the Lord because we are GLAD to be on HIS team. It is time that we remember all that God has done and will do for us. Thank God for Jesus and Restoration. “WE ARE NOT FORGOTTEN”

Pastor Hamilton would love to hear from you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the message titled: “We are not forgotten” Please leave a comment.

HOW DO WE LIVE IN OUR BABYLON?

DO YOU KNOW YOUR PURPOSE?

Part 8: Let’s Worship Him

2011-11-01T18:09:00.000-05:00

Psalm 134

The late Dr. Archibald W. Tozer called worship “the missing jewel of the church”. One would think that in our age of having a plethora of praise teams, praise bands, sanctuary choirs, gangsta gospel groups, hip hop steppers, and national recording gospel artist filling church houses around this country, that Dr. Tozer’s comments would be antiquated and way off point. However, could it be that maybe our plethora of worship options reflect that we are in an age of worshipping worship rather than worshipping the center of our worship-Jesus Christ?

How often do you genuinely worship God alone and in the assembly of believers? This communal disconnect is the reason why the Psalmist penned Psalm 134. It is certainly to encourage us to worship the true and living God, but it is also a personal manifesto against giving God lazy or lethargic worship. The Psalmist wants to ensure that we do not simply go through the motions of worship but that we be properly motivated and prepared to give God our very best over and over again. It’s about the authenticity of our spirits not our styles.

Jesus said in John 4 that the Father seeks worshipers? Would He be approving of your worship or angry about your approach to worship?

What must you change to become an intentional and consistent worshiper?

It’s Time to Come Clean---Psalm 130

2011-10-12T11:52:00.000-05:00

Part 6
MOVING ON UP-Journeying through the Psalm of ascent

Are you hiding, hardening, or hollering out for God’s forgiveness? The Psalmist in Psalm 130 found himself in very very low place because of his iniquities but he found his way back to spiritual sanity by stripping himself of all of his pride and pretentiousness and crying out. However, human history has shown that the normal course of action is for us to either hide in our sin or to develop a hardened heart because of our sin. Which course of action do you normally take? Theologian James Montgomery Boice says that so many of us have lost our “awareness” of sin because we have lost our “awareness” of God. Since we no longer bring God to bear on our details of life, then it does not behoove us to depart from willfully sinning in daily life.

The Psalmist said that God will forgive us, but the response to His forgiveness should be faithfulness. Psalm 130:4 Liberty was never meant to be a license to live loosely.. Romans 6:1 So what do you need to come clean about? What have you been living in regret, shame, and humiliation about it? I encourage you today to come out of hiding, come out of hardening, and walk into your hallelujah because we serve a forgiving God! Make your way to His throne of grace…He’s been waiting on you!!!!!

Living on This Side of Prison part 4

2011-09-27T09:34:00.000-05:00

Psalm 126

Are you walking in your freedom? It is so easy for us as believers to celebrate our freedom in Jesus Christ, but our challenge comes in appropriating our freedoms when it comes to our daily functions. Unfortunately, too many of us are prone to live as if we are still incarcerated within the walls of sin, shame, and death. The Devil is a Lie!!! Jesus Christ died and rose again so that all of His children, through faith, could live about the pull of our past lives before salvation. That is why Galatians 5:1 told us that it was for freedom that Christ set us free. In other words, we are no longer dead men or dead women walking. In Jesus Christ, our prison stint is over.

The Psalmist understood the principle of freedom, and he was so appreciative of his new existence that he just could not hold his peace. He shouted, he danced, his joyful spirit erupted and total elation. Even the unbelievers, Psalm 126:2, understood that their freedom was an amazing accomplishment through their amazing God. How long has it been since you celebrated your freedom? How long has it been since you opened your mouth and told the Lord thank you from the bottom of your heart. I know that this life is not easy; I know that we all have bills and burdens, but there is nothing in this life that can touch the new life that we have in Jesus. There is nothing in this life that can ever rescind our release. Hallelujah!! So right now, put aside your worry and pick up your praise, because we are now on this side of prison. This is the day that the Lord has made… Rejoice and be glad in it!!!!!!!!!

Don’t Be Afraid

2011-09-05T09:47:00.000-05:00

Psalm 121

Where are you in your quest for security? Truly we live in some turbulent terror filled times and therefore people hunger for security. Just think about it, terms such as Social Security- Financial Security – Homeland Security – and the Security of Life Insurance are all household phrases imbedded into our society, because we want to feel safe and secure.

The Pilgrims in Psalm 121 were just like us, they too wanted to live with a guarantee of security and safety as they journeyed, and they had options to choose from just like us.

However, praise the Lord that they chose Him and Him alone as their source of security and satisfaction.

What are you choosing today? Who are you choosing today? Is it the stock market? Is it your career or credentials? Is it yourself?

May your come to the same conclusion as the Psalmist who said, My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Which means that regardless of the difficulties in the days ahead, unlike the world, we can have peace and security in our hearts because we know that the Master is holding us in His hands.

Leaning, Leaning, on the Everlasting arm- safe and secure from all alarms….

So Don’t Be Afraid…..

You Can’t Mess Up My Joy!

2011-08-23T17:48:00.000-05:00

Luke 10:17-20

It has been said that happiness is based on the good that is happening. If that is true, then what happens when things go bad instead of good? Unfortunately, for so many of us, when things go bad and stay bad in our lives we have no other option than to live in the land of bitterness and brokenness.

But praise be unto the Lord, who has given us another option- Joy! Joy does not isolate us from the world’s woes or sorrows, but it sure does insulate us from becoming negative and nasty. The spirit of joy works when things are all right or all wrong, because joy is produced by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and points us back to the power and promises of Jesus Christ.

So who’s messing up your joy? I encourage you to bow in prayer today before the Lord and take authority through Him over whatever or whoever has hijacked your joy. For then and only then can you experience what Paul, the incarcerated missionary, experienced in Philippians 4:4 when he said, “rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice.)

Go get your joy back!!!!!!!!!

I’m Sold Out – Part 3

2011-06-20T19:50:00.000-05:00

“By Any Means Necessary”

Mark 2:1-12

How far will you go to get someone to Jesus? How much sacrifice, how much are you willing to be inconvenienced so that some sick or struggling soul can meet the Master? Mark 2:1-12 reminds us that healing can really happen when we all by faith get under someone’s load and stay there until they are face to face with Jesus.

I have read this story many times, but as I prepared to preach it on Sunday, the freshness of it jumped off the pages and challenged my heart as a Pastor and a believer. Why? Because the four men who partnered in the paralytic’s pain had doubtless faith regarding the capacity of Jesus. They knew in their heart of hearts that Jesus had the power over paralysis and if they just got an audience with Jesus, he would be healed. It’s not that we as believers are not aware of the power of Jesus; it’s just that we do not always activate what we are aware of. The 4 men who carried the cripple acted out their faith, demonstrated their faith, put feet to their faith, and never contemplated that their tearing up the homeowner’s roof just might be in vain. They modeled James’ statement in James 2:17, faith without works is dead.

What about you? Do you have a faith talk or a faith talk combined with a faith walk? Obviously, you know how the story ends, the paralytic got healed by the power of Christ. However, if his friends did not believe, he may have still been sitting somewhere on a dark street corner, broken! Let’s not leave any more cripples on the corner- let’s believe God for forgiveness, believe God for salvation, believe God for healing and wholeness- and do it with an attitude that says, “By Any Means Necessary”.

May the Lord Jesus blow our minds too, as we walk by faith and not by sight.

I’m Sold Out – Part 2

2011-06-13T18:43:00.000-05:00

Don’t Be A Drop-Out (John 6:66-71)

This series has focused on the process of us moving from a casual approach to a committed approach to Christianity. If Christianity is rooted in anything, it is certainly commitment. God made a commitment of love and grace unto us by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from sin and death. Therefore, the burning question on the floor is not whether God is committed to us, but are we committed to Him?

In John 6:66-71, Jesus vividly showed us that what appears to be commitment to Christ on the surface, is often really shallow and self-perpetuating below the surface. Who would have ever thought that so many disciples would have turned their backs on Jesus after He had filled their empty stomachs with fish and bread on the previous day. However, Jesus always knew the difference between a fan and a true follower.

Obviously from the text, the crowd consisted of a bunch of fans, but Peter’s response proved that the twelve, really eleven, were true followers. Their reply to His inquiry about their intent, was we can’t drop-out- “You have words of eternal life”. Amen Peter!!!

But what about you? Could you be characterized as a drop-out? Have you turned your back on the Lord? Have you chosen to withdraw from walking with Him because He’s calling for a commitment from you today?

The crowd left and never came back, but the remnant kept marching right on. I encourage you today, to avoid being numbered with the crowd who cuts out when the word commitment shows up. Learn to rejoice with the remnant, and follow Jesus… no turning back… no turning back!

Just Be Ready!

2011-06-01T13:52:00.000-05:00

2 Peter 3:14-15

Do you ever think about the physical return of Jesus Christ? I agree with Dr. L. Gregory who stated, “the devil has done a tremendous job of duping the church into dismissing the doctrine of the return of Christ through getting us caught up in the chasing of stuff and status.”

Historians say that the early church was so consumed with the imminent return of Jesus Christ that believers often walked around just looking up into the sky hoping that each day would be the day. Although it has been over 2,000 years since Christ physically left planet earth, we have been encouraged through the Scriptures to stay dressed in readiness and keep daily looking for Christ’s return. Many mockers will say that we are pursuing pie in the sky, but their mockery is really nothing new because Peter dealt with unholy hecklers in 2 Peter 3:3-4. However, Peter’s words to the church then and the church now is the same- just be ready!

We do not know the day nor do we know the hour, but Scriptures such as John 14:1-2, Matthew 10:23, and James 5:8-9, all unequivocally proclaim that the same Jesus who departed in glory will return in glory. So the real question is not about the date of His return, but what are you doing to prepare for His return? Are you serving? Are you sharing the gospel? Are you striving to be more like Him each and every day?

Why not take the time today to ready Revelation 19-22, who knows? Perhaps you will conclude with a crescendo of praise just like the Apostle John who said in Revelation 22:20-“ Come, Lord Jesus.”

Be Careful How You Build

2011-05-17T14:34:00.000-05:00

Genesis 11:1-9

We are all building something! The question is not only what are you building, but more importantly why are you building it? The people at Babylonia decided to build their own security ( a city) , their own salvation (a tower), and their own significance (a name) for their own glory. The end result was that their construction project was stopped and their community became stamped with the judgment of scattering confusion. (Babel)

What about you? How are you dealing with anonymity? How are you dealing with God’s command to keep moving?

Are you really building for the glory of God or shared glory with God? Be careful how you build, because what goes up must come down!

Mama, Keep the Faith!

2011-05-14T07:02:00.000-05:00

Matthew 15:21-28

Dr. Elmer Towns once said that, “when we do not hear from heaven within a reasonable time frame, we begin to feel a sense of hopelessness that leaves us feeling unsure and void of confidence.” In other words, silence causes our faith to shutdown.

In the aforementioned passage, the desperate Canaanite mother did just the opposite. She came begging and pleading with Jesus to deliver her cruelly demon possessed daughter, but instead of getting a quick response, verse 23 says that she received no response from Jesus. What would you have done? What are you doing now in your season of silence?

I am glad that the desperate mother did not become a departing mother. She stayed right there because her need was so great and her faith in Jesus’ mercy and mastery over demons, the devil, and the desperate was even greater. Jesus tested this mother’s faith and this mother passed the test. Perhaps you are not a mother, perhaps you are not a parent, but you are in place/predicament where your faith is being tested. Are you passing the test?

Remember, faith is not simply about getting what you want. Faith is about accepting what God wills. Even if He does not do it, faith says, I know that He is still able! Go ahead and praise Him right now…….

Resurrection Sunday----Don't Leave Like You Came

2011-04-26T21:17:00.000-05:00

Matthew 28:1-9

How did you exit your Sunday worship experience? Some left houses of worship all around the country and went back to their afternoon ballgames, their family feasts, and their afternoon naps; yet others left praising God because their burdens had been lifted!

On Resurrection Sunday over 2,000 years ago, two broken hearted sisters showed up one way but exited another way. They came hurting and hopeless, but because of the resurrection of their Savior they left running and rejoicing. The resurrection of Jesus Christ completely changed them from the inside out. What about you?

It is so easy just to go through the celebratory protocol of Resurrection Sunday, and still return to the same paralysis of pain and problems after Sunday’s service. This is not to say that all of our problems are removed, but it is to say that we have been saved and sanctified to rise higher! (Romans 6:1-4)

So on this day, remember that Resurrection Sunday is not about a possession (a hat, a suit, an egg, a dress) it’s about a Person- Jesus Christ who rose from the dead on the third day just like He said. And because He did, we do not have to ever leave like we came in. Can I get an AMEN?

Palm Sunday Message "God Has Not Forgotten"

2011-04-18T22:08:00.000-05:00

Luke 19:28-40

A King riding on a donkey! Doesn’t this sound ridiculous and even scandalous? But when you see it through the eyes of a merciful Sovereign Savior, it all makes sense. Jesus did not ride in Jerusalem to make war, He rode in to make peace and to give peace between a Holy God and unholy man. One day according to Revelation 19, He will return in His full royal regalia to bring about destruction upon the disobedient and disbelieving, but on that Spirit filled day back in Jerusalem He rode in to introduce a new exodus. Not an exodus from the reign of Pharoah, but an exodus from the reign of sin and death. What a mighty God we serve!

Now the question is simply, how will you respond? Will you be like the Pharisees who were filled with jealousy and hatred? Will you be like the Romans who were disinterested in the whole affair? Will you be like the mob who marched into Jerusalem with Him, wanting what He could do but not really wanting who He was? Or will you be like the donkey? Fully surrendered and submitting yourself to the Master’s use? We all must decide and we all do decide daily. So while you are trying to decide, just remember that Jesus’ march on Jerusalem was proof positive that “God Has Not Forgotten”.

Has Your Brook Dried Up?

2011-04-11T11:01:00.000-05:00

1 Kings 17:1-7

Dry brooks are not fun! Dry brooks can often be a depressing and discouraging place, because a dry brook represents an end to all that you had confidently relied on to meet your pressing needs. For some it is a job, for others it is their picture perfect health, and yet for others it is their resources or reputation. Regardless of what it is, one thing is for certain, they all can dry up. What are you doing about your dry brook right now? Has panic robbed you of your peace? Has anger arrested your faith in the Almighty?

If so, please re-read the passage again and see how our Sovereign God never stops taking care of His children. I may not have your dry brook and you may not have my dry brook but I am fully assured that our Great God can handle all of our dry brooks. Make room for a raven blessing in your life today. Don’t give up on God!

revised "GET READY TO RUMBLE" part 8

2011-04-05T21:10:00.000-05:00

We Need to Pray!

Ephesians 6:18-20

Dr. Andrew Murray once stated that “prayer is the pulse life of the believer; by it the doctor can tell the true condition of our hearts.” If Dr. Murray is right, what would Dr. Jesus say about our hearts today?

Apostle Paul certainly knew the power of prayer and the eventual spiritual plight of those who did not pray, so he encouraged the saints in Ephesians 6:18-20 to make prayer a perpetual priority. Why? Because we have an adversary who seeks saints who decide to do what he did; live detached from the Father.

Our life of prayer is not only communication with God but it is also sweet communion with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. So beginning today, in obedience to the Word, pray frequently-pray fervently- and pray for other folks within the body of Christ. Don’t worry about how your words flow, don’t worry about your subject/verb agreement, don’t worry about the length of your prayer, just pray! The Scriptures are filled with long prayers, short prayers, celebratory prayers, and prayers in times of suffering- God allows us to pray them all and He hears them all.

So beginning today, clean the cobwebs out of your prayer closet and talk to your heavenly Father in faith. He longs to hear from you, and here’s the shouting part- He wants to talk back to you. Imagine that, Deity wants to dialogue with you. Lay it all out and then look and listen as He works it out!!!!

Ain’t God alright????

Get Ready to Rumble – Part 6

2011-03-21T10:59:00.000-05:00

“Hang on to your Head”

Ephesians 6:17a

Everyday there are evil forces, folks, and philosophies that are seeking to bivouac in your brain. Romans 8:6 said it best, the mind set on flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.

The Apostle knew that the ground zero for spiritual warfare was not on a smoke filled physical battle field, but within our smoke filled spiritual minds. What steps are you taking to tame your thought life? The Spirit of God wants us to know that when we wear our helmet of salvation we are able to take all thoughts captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ. Thoughts of fear and the flesh no longer have to dominate our memory banks and cause us to function like puppets on a string for the dominion of darkness.

Take the words of Romans 12:2 to heart today; renew your mind. Dump the mental seeds of darkness and begin to plant the seeds of light so that when the devil comes knocking at the door of your mind you can put out the No Occupancy Sign. May your mind always be filled with Truth, honor, righteousness, purity, love, good repute, excellence and all things worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)

Get Ready to Rumble – Part 5

2011-03-15T14:32:00.000-05:00

“I’m Tired of Being Hit” – Ephesians 6:16

Are you being hit? Paul says that our adversary is the mastermind behind the fiery arrows of deception and discouragement that are bombarding our homes, our health, our dollars, and our dedication to Christ. The only question is, are you being hit? The adversary is seeking to motivate your mind to take action on the thoughts, impressions, and impulses that are contrary to the will of God.

What are you doing about the flying arrows of Loneliness, Fear, Lust, and Unforgiveness? If these burning arrows have burned your hope and heart in the past and led you down the path of unrighteousness, I have some good news. Through the lifting up of your shield of faith, you can take a burning blow and keep on going. That is why John said in 1 John 5:4 that whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith. That is also why Peter said in 1 Peter 5:8-9, resist the devil firm in your faith.

What am I saying? Get your shield up! Don’t let your faith lag or drag- lift it up! I know that money is funny, your change is strange, and layoffs are being handed out like government cheese- but through it all- keep the faith. It really can move mountains and soak fiery arrows too.

Get Ready to Rumble – Part 4

2011-03-10T12:59:00.000-06:00

“Don’t Forget Your Shoes” Ephesians 6:15

It has been said that we are living in an age of anxiety due to budgetary deficits, job layoffs, escalating health care costs, rising gas prices, terrorism, an imbalanced criminal justice system, coupled with the fact that a morning cup of latte has shot through the roof. Clearly, we are living in some stressed filled times. How are you handling your stress?

The Apostle Paul encouraged the saints in Ephesus to put on their shoes of “peace”. A peace that is not immune to pain or problems, but a peace that stabilizes you in the time of pain and problems. The warfare is filled with rocky terrain and an ever changing topography, but just as the Roman soldiers could stand their ground in the flesh, we too can stand our ground in the Spirit regardless of the proximity of the enemy.

Is this not what Jesus meant when He said in John 14:27-Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you? Haven’t you been tossing and turning, struggling and straining long enough? DON’T FORGET YOUR SHOES!!!

Get Ready to Rumble- Part 3

2011-03-01T11:29:00.000-06:00

Is Your Heart Alright?
Ephesians 6:14

This breastplate of righteousness is meant to cover our vital organ- THE HEART! Why? Because there are demonic spiritual invaders who are seeking to discourage and disengage our walk with Christ by polluting our hearts. When our hearts are bad, so is everything else within our spiritual arena. Now I fully understand why Solomon said to guard your heart with all diligence for from it flow the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

We guard our homes through alarm systems, we often guard access to our assets through passwords, we guard our children by monitoring their every move, BUT what are we doing to guard our hearts against adversarial attacks such as: Jealousy, envy, doubt, discouragement, depression, unforgiveness, disunity, and sexual immorality?

I ask again, Is Your Heart Alright?????????

Get Ready to Rumble – Part 2

2011-02-21T17:06:00.000-06:00

“You Better Buckle Up” – Ephesians 6:14a

The fact that the belt of truth is mentioned first in Paul’s listing of warfare attire suggests that it is a non-negotiable core requirement. Why? Because we are at war against an enemy who deals in deception and disguise. (2 Corinthians 11:14) What’s his goal? To give you what you want so that he can get what he wants….worship and glory!

Are you making a deal with the devil today? Has anyone in your family made a deal with the devil in order to receive a shortcut to perceived success? If so, remember that the outcome of the deal will always result in your detriment.

Purpose in your heart today to buckle up and stand up for truth and in truth

…God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

Get Ready to Rumble – Part 1

2011-02-16T17:24:00.000-06:00

(Ephesians 6:10-13)

Although the devil and his demons have been defeated, they are still aggressively engaging in spiritual terroristic tactics that are aimed at pulling believers down into the dungeons of depression, doubt, division, disease, and even death. The Apostle Paul stated in Ephesians 6:11 that the devil has “schemes”, and he stated in 2 Corinthians 2:11 that “we are not ignorant of his schemes.” But my question is, are we really? Are we really not ignorant of his schemes and practices? If you are not, Hallelujah and Praise the Lord!!!!! However, being informed is only part of the path to personal victory- We must be able to apply what we know when the attacks come. Are you under attack today? Is your family under attack today? If so, go for what you know! No weapon formed against us has to prosper.

Giving You The Best that I Got?

2011-02-11T19:37:00.001-06:00

Back in the late 80’s Anita Baker shot to the top of the R&B charts with a soulful song entitled “I’m Giving You the Best that I Got”- Of course her hit was about her love for a man, but I do wonder if we as children of the Most High God demonstrate that same type of spirit for the Master. Do we still give Jesus the best that we’ve got? 1 Corinthians 15:58 implores us to always abound in the work of the Lord. (i.e. move beyond mediocrity)

How’s your abounding going? If you have been sloughing off from fully serving the Savior, why not repent and return back to the race of service. After all, God did give us His Son-Jesus Christ. The Best that He’s Got!!!!!

Let's Get It On

2009-10-26T18:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's sermon message from 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 truly created quite an after service stir. Many members displayed an array of emotions ranging from shock to sincere appreciation that somebody said what is often not said.

I know that the 7-day sex challenge added fuel to many domestic fires, but it is purely by the agreement of both spouses. If you have opted to stop depriving each other as 1 Corinthians 7:5 says, there are a 3 key things that you need to remember.

1. Sex is more than a physical act. It involves the whole person, so it is imperative that you connect with the whole person before, during, and after being intimate.
2. The sermon passage taught that love is best expressed by ministering to your mate. Therefore, do not be selfish or self-centered. Seek to serve, not be served.
3. There may be unresolved relational issues that are causing distance and disconnect in the marriage bed, so graciously take the time to talk, listen, pray, and if necessary confess whatever sins may exist. If necessary, agree to get help. Do not give the devil a door.

I know that this is just scratching the surface, so we'll deal with it in more depth on Wednesday night at our Weekly Word Wednesday class- 7pm

Tell me what you feel....

Pastor B.

FIREPROOF!

2009-10-22T07:34:00.000-05:00

On last Sunday evening, a group of excited couples grabbed a hotdog, a bag of salty popcorn, a chlled soft drink and kicked back to watch an imitation of marital life movie called - FIREPROOF!

The central message of FIREPROOF was that all marriages go through fiery times, but they do not have to burn up. Through Jesus Christ all things are possible.

I left the movie reminded of the counsel of John, Caleb's father, about watching out for "relational parasites". Those things which attach themselves to our hearts and suck all of the life out of ability to improve our relationships. Things such as excessive hours at the job, pornography, ungodly counselors, family interference, etc. etc.

What steps are you taking to keep the relational parasites out of your maturing marriage? And what counsel will you give to others who are seeking to do the same? Let's talk about it!

Pastor B

We Don't Talk Anymore

2009-10-14T23:26:00.000-05:00

Our Couple's Class dealt with the juicy topic of Communication tonight. In fact, it was so juicy that we did not finish the session, there's more meat on the communication bone. To be continued next week...
However, on may way home I kept being reminded of the quote by Tim Lane who said, "there has never been a good relationship without good communication. And there has never been a bad relationship that didn't get that way in part because of something that was said." WOW!!!

But yet I see the glass half-filled instead of half empty. Which means that if our words can sabbotage our relationships, then they must also be able to strengthen our relationships too. Proverbs 18:21 is right- it's up to us.

So you don't talk anymore? Why not? Since when? What will you do about it? When will you begin doing it?
We made a move toward relational maturity tonight...some faster than others....some stronger than others, but a move was made...are you ready to make a move?

Let's Talk!

Pastor B.

Money Money Money

2009-10-13T21:50:00.000-05:00

While preparing for Part 4 of the current sermon series, One Family Under God and the message "Is Your Money Messed Up?" I heard on the radio and oldie but goodie song by the O'Jays which included some lyrics which stated that for the love of money people will steal from their mother, rob their own brother, and they do thangs do thangs bad things with it. And they ended by saying don't let it, don't let money fool you.

The O'Jays are not far from what the Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:7-10 and what Jesus meant in Matthew 6:24. Money can be a wonderful tool, but it is a terrible master. What steps are you taking as an individual and a family to become counter-cultural when it comes to cash. The Bible says in Proverbs 22:7 that the borrower is a slave to the lender- are you taking the steps to break free and stay free?

Where do we start?
- Prayer, let's get back in fellowship with the Father.
- A Budget, tell your money where to go or you'll wonder where it went.
- Accountability, allow someone to review your financial plan and remind you of your financial plan
- Give, it is the surest way to overcome a spirit of stingyness

I pray that you will get past the guilt and shame of having done wrong with God's resources and begin today planting new seeds of financial success. The promise of Calvary is that we all can Begin Again, even in the area of money. Are you ready to just do it? Testify!!!!!

Pastor B

Hog-Pen Hurt

2009-09-28T12:43:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's message - Parenting a Hog-Pen Child - Luke 15:11-24 truly stirred the pot on a lot of secret emotions among the saints. I found it interesting that in verse 12 of the passage that the older son was dragged into the decision of the younger son. In other words, the decision of one child affected the other child. Having lived through this scenario myself, I can truly say that siblings are often unseen victims of hog-pen hurt.

If you have been struck by the friendly fire of sibling hogpen hurt, let's talk! If you are the sibling doing the hurting, let's talk! But always remember- Home is better than the hogpen...

Pastor B

Kitchen Table

2009-09-21T13:09:00.000-05:00

Why Kitchen Table? If your family was anything like my family, the kitchen table was our unofficial conference center. It was the place where all family business (good, bad, or otherwise) began and ended. The kitchen table was to us back then exactly what the internet has become to the world today- the place where information just flows.

Therefore, as I preach through this current sermon series "One Family Under God", it is imperative that we have an informal place just to let information flow so that our families can grow. So pull up a chair, heat up the chilled coffee on the stove, grab a plate of leftovers from the fridge, and a piece of Ms Frankie's extremely sugared pecan pie off the counter, say your prayers- and let's do what we do - TALK! (but don't talk with your mouth full)

One Family Under God.. the Series
Part 1 - It's Not Just A Piece of Paper -(Genesis 2:18-25)
Part 2 - Wait Before You Walk - (Matthew 19:3-12)
With Mid-Week Customized Classes for the Youth, Singles, and Couples....

How are you doing so far?

Pastor

"One Family Under God"

2009-09-15T22:21:00.011-05:00

Just a note to remind you about our new "One Family Under God" Wednesday night classes. There will be family focused classes and teachers for the couples, singles, and the youth on tomorrow night. We started the new sermon series on Sunday (Marriage- It's Not Just Paper) but now it's time for us to go further in and deeper down on Wednesday night together.

Praise worship will begin at 7pm and the classes will begin shortly thereafter. This will be a kingdom experience for the entire family. Childcare will be available for the smaller babies.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow,

Pastor Hamilton