Friday, May 23rd Faith "True Dedication" Pt. 2

Good Morning Bethel Builders,

As promised here is our daily devotional reading for today and I'm praying for your family time today.

"Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven and said: "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below--you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way." 1 Kings 8:22-23 (NIV)

Dedication means praise and sacrifice and open declaration. Today we learn one final truth about dedication from King Solomon

Dedication means Ministry
We cannot be dedicated to God without being dedicated to meeting the needs of the people He has made. Solemn dedicated this temple to the needs of the disappointed, depressed and the defeated, those besieged by sin and by loneliness, those involved in the battles and the prisons of life.

Too many make dedication the most impractical of things. It could never be lived, only talked about. Theirs is a dedication made up of myths and fables pie in the sky and dreams.

If you're striving to become more dedicated to the Lord it doesn't take you long to discover that there is a whole subculture in the Christian Community which says dedication is made up of spiritual sounding words, religion and rutuals. Dedication is built out of trusting God with the practical needs of your everyday life.

Dedication is expressed in ministry. It is expressed in what you choose to DO with your life to serve the Lord and the heart to serve the people He has made.

Family Discussion Question: Can you think of one simple ministry your family could do this week?

Children’s activity: Do a simple ministry project with your children this week. (Write a card to encourage someone, make cookies for somebody, go out an do something for someone who could never do anything for you in return or _________________________ you fill in the blank.)

Welcome Family

Welcome to my blog this has been used for personal reason since its conception but during our 28 days of fasting and prayer earlier this year those that partnered with us were able to join me through this media. Now I’ve invited the entire church…as we now begin another spiritual growth campaign called “Time2Build…Building the Church while Building a Church!” I’ve been working hard to get this brand new, hot off the press family devotional guide that will help deepen our experience as a church during this campaign. Each day I will post a new daily devotional for you to use in your daily family time.

The way this will work is, each week I will share a message during our weekend worship experience that will tie into that week daily devotionals. This is a very exciting time for our church and we’re believing God for miracles, spiritual growth, and unspeakable joy! Below is day one.

TRUE DEDICATION

“So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the temple of the LORD." 1 Kings 8:63 (NIV)

What do we mean when we say dedication? To one person it may mean giving up a part of a football game to come to church on Sunday mornings, to another it may point to a decision to begin giving some of their money to the Lord's work, while to another it may add up to leaving all that they know to serve the Lord as a missionary in a foreign country. What does it mean to dedicate a temple, a church, a child... a life - to dedicate them to the Lord. In I Kings 8 Solomon dedicates the great Jerusalem Temple to the Lord, and in so doing teaches us some important lessons about the character of dedication.

Dedication means Open Declaration
Dedication is a public announcement of your intentions and commitments. Many see dedication as some inner commitment that no one can really see or understand. Not true... it is expressed in public commitments and public actions. Do you know when dedication begins to happen? When you begin to place your faith on the line in terms of public commitments. It's that willingness to declare to others that adds up to dedication.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship." Rom 12:1 (NIV)

Dedication means Sacrifice
They sacrificed an unbelievable amount that day! 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. That's a lot of T-bone steak and legs of lamb! Why? What could be the purpose of such sacrifices? What did sacrifices do for men that were so important to the Lord? Sacrifices are “A gift of trust to the Lord.” As they sacrificed they declared that they trusted God to take care of their needs. They were saying, “Instead of hoarding and declaring my trust in myself, I’ll give to you Lord to declare my trust in you.”

Dedication will inevitably involve some sacrifices. Sacrifice is ultimately an expression of trust in the Lord. You're willing to give something up because you trust Him more then that something.

Dedication means Praise
A significant part of dedication is praise to God. Solomon’s praise as he dedicated the temple centered on the fact that God had kept His promise. There is a specific praise that not only expresses, but actually increases our dedication to the Lord. The specific praise that grows our dedication is "Thank You Lord for your Faithfulness.” It is a praise that recognizes that all that we have comes as a result of God's promises to us... as a result of His faithfulness in our lives.

That type of praise recognizes that I can be dedicated to God because God is dedicated to me! He is dedicated to my joy, my peace, my growth. God has dedicated Himself to my personal happiness and fulfillment. How dedicated is He? "He who did not spare His own Son, how He not also along with Him will freely give us all things." (Romans 8:32)

Family Discussion Question: What sacrifice would REALLLLY stretch your dedication?

Dear Bethel Builders,

I can’t tell you how thrilled I am about our "Time2Build...Building the Church while Building a Church" spiritual growth campaign. WE HAVE BEGUN the building of our NEW WORSHIP CENTER. Simultaneously, we will launch a 90 day spiritual building campaign (building lives) and capital building campaign (raising capital). I know that many of you have questions and maybe some apprehension, but our goal is that you to feel confident and comfortable, so with that said we invite you to come out tomorrow afternoon from 6pm-7pm to answer any question you might have.

We realize you are busy people. However I feel this campaign is so important that I’m asking you to commit the next two months to allow God to pour into your life and build you up spiritually as we watch God build the church.

We are corporately praying these things over our entire church family that our spiritual growth campaign will?

1. To Help Us Grow To Spiritual Maturity!

2. To Deepen Our Fellowship As A Church Family!

3. To Help Everybody Find A Place Of Ministry!

4. To Worship God By Celebrating Him!

5. To Challenge Us To Get To Phase One Of Our Campus!

And we claiming the following promises?

1. You can expect to see some miracles.

2. You can expect to grow spiritually.

3. You can expect to be hassled by Satan.

4. You can expect to experience joy.

Tomorrow night Reminders 6-7pm question and answer period Bonds, Building and Campaign 7pm Prayer and Bible Study Children will Rehearses Wednesday due to holiday weekend

Sunday Church starts @9am (ONE SERVICE THIS WEEKEND) Mortgage Burning Ceremony

Dear Bethel Builders,

As we approach this weekend’s kick-off of our “Time2Build” Campaign, I simply want to cast the vision and deposit four things that you can begin to pray about.

What is our “Time 2 Build” Campaign all about?

1. IT’S TIME 2 BUILD SPIRITUAL MATURITY!
2. IT’S TIME 2 BUILD OUR NEW WORSHIP CENTER!
3. IT’S TIME 2 BUILD RELATIONSHIPS IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY!
4. IT’S TIME 2 BUILD A SPIRIT OF THANKSGIVING!

Join me in prayer tomorrow during our Midweek Experience. It’s going to be the greatest ride in the history of our church!

It’s Time2Build!
Pastor G

Our goal for in is $1,000,000 in total bond sales by our ground breaking ceremony. Get involved! We will announce the ground breaking ceremony date during this weekend’s experience. This event will be marked by a commemorative ground breaking t-shirt (full-color).

Please be in prayer for the following: Sister Rosie Jones, Sister Jerrion Cooper, Sister Lucille Kirklin, and Rev. Clyde Thomas. If you have prayer request please e-mail them to the staff or call our office and we will add your request to our list.

First Lady was name Woman of the month for May by Black Church Media. Check our First Lady at http://www.blackchurchmedia.com/

In God's Hands

God is a loving, kind and caring Father, who cares more about our character than our comfort. Over the last six months I've been challenged to stretch my faith and demonstrate where my trust lies. With the health condition of my mother, God has caused me to understand that I'm limited in how far I can go. I've had to walk away many, many times with no guarantees only with my faith and trust in God. God knows me because He created me, by nature I'm very independent and proud but God hates a proud spirit.

As a church family we've been praying and working for the past five years and now God has said 'Yes'. What a huge sense of responsibility, God has given us clearance to take-off. I often say that if you can do what you do without God its not God' will for you. I believe that there is a strong divine calling on our church corporately. He is going to use us in a way that has not yet fully been revealed. As we built the physical building we must build the spiritual building.

Life is a journey. Everyday has a new lesson attached to it. God has used life to teach me some of the toughest lesson but at the same time most profound lessons. The writer of Proverbs encourages us to "trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean no unto our own understanding..."

I am privilege to lead a awesome and great people. As I celebrated 25 years in ministry just hearing about life change makes it all worth it. To see our church step up and claim God's promises has been a great source of encouragement to me. The celebration was one for the records, the staff was outstanding. There was a level of excellent that weaves itself through everything that transpired. The preaching was powerful starting with Pastor Kelly R. Booker (New Union Baptist Church), then Pastor Ricky Patton (Holy United Baptist Church) and closing out was Pastor Jeffrey L. Mitchell (Tabitha Baptist Church).

Now its time to go back to work but I thank God for His unspeakeable gifts.

Wednesday Evening

Dear Family,

We have entered our building program finally God has been faithful and we’re truly blessed to be apart of what God is doing. 1 Kings 8:17-19 (NLT) says, “Then Solomon said, "My father, David, wanted to build this Temple to honor the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. [18] But the Lord told him, 'It is right for you to want to build the Temple to honor my name, [19] but you are not the one to do it. One of your sons will build it instead.” What the scripture is simply saying is that Solomon’s father King David desired to build a temple for God but God did not grant him that privilege, it was purposed for Solomon to build. God has given us this blessed opportunity to build a place for the Spirit of God to dwell.

On Sunday, May 18th we will Kick-off a new series of sermons called “Time2Build” Eccles. 3:1-3 (NIV) says “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…a time to build” We will focus on building the church [the people] while we build the church [the physical building].

We are planning now for our ground breaking ceremony [isn’t that awesome]!

Everyone’s attendance is vital Wednesday evening. We will begin at 6:30pm with prayer and it will be followed by our financial seminar about our bond program.

It’s Time 2 Build!
Pastor G

If you have your bond reservation you can meet with Mr. Weaver from 2pm-5pm tomorrow.

Announcement From The Staff of GBBC

We Will Continue Celebrating The 25th Year Anniversary Of Ministry Of Pastor G This Wednesday, April 30th at 7pm. Our guest church will be our friends from the Holy United Baptist Church and Pastor Ricky Patton will bring the message. Let your presence speak volumes to Pastor Wednesday evening and be here.

5 days until our Building Project Announcement. Pastor is asking that every member be in attendance to share in this historical announcement as God positions us for our corporate purpose. We will have an abbreviated service Sunday. We will start at 10:45am but will get to the preaching much earlier so that we will have plenty of time to make our announcement and not keep you any longer than customary. If you haven’t seen our construction boards, color board or interior design boards, all will be on display as well as a question and answer period.

Please call, text and email every member you know personally and ensure they are present Wednesday evening as well as Sunday morning. There will also be a reception for Pastor G at the Langston University OKC campus Saturday at 4pm. What an awesome time to be apart of the Kingdom of God and be connected to the Greater Bethel Church “where we do church beyond the box!”

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Expo Just hanging out to day, not too many Sundays that I'm no ministering. Downtown helping my brother Br

78th L K Williams Ministers Institute

I'm attending the 78th L K Williams Ministers Institute hosted by the Antioch Fellowship Dr.Karry Wesley, Senior Pastor. The Antioch Church has an awesome building, staff and technology. This is not the first time I've come in contact with is ministry. The first lady attended a women's conference here during the fall of 2007.

The institute has an list of gifted preachers and teachers:...
Dr. LK Curry Chicago IL
Dr. Denny Davis Grand Prairie TX
My friend Dr. HB Charles Los Angeles CA
Dr. Leroy Armstrong Cedar Hill TX
Dr. Al B Sutton Birmingham AL
Dr. A Louis Patterson Houston TX

The theme this year is "A Legacy of Ministry for an ever-changing World" taken from 2 Corinthians 4:5-7.

This has been a very enlighten week. I've been inspired and informed. I have really enjoyed my time away. It normally take several day in order to detoix myself from my overly excessive work habits. I realize that if I'm going to make it throughout the building program and ministry I have to learn how o withdraw.

A few days ago during a lecture that I was doing to a room full of leaders/Pastor. I had one of those moments where as I was preaching to them the Holy Spirit was talking to me. Many, many itemize (more than I would want to admit I was guilty and confession is good for the soul). I was teaching from the life of Jesus and was sharing that He knew when enough was enough speaking in reference to getting rest and taking time off. And if you're reading those blog you know I have some very deep issues with this particular area of my life. So I made a decision and commitment to make that a part of my life. Be in prayer for me in this area of my life.

Also my mom is still in the hospital

This weekend will be the start of a celebration of my 25 years in ministry. Our church will be blessed by some of Oklahoma City's most gifted young guns. Pastor Kelly R. Booker, Pastor Ricky Patton, Pastor Vance Roland and Pastor Jeffrey L. Mitchell.

Our bond program gets kick-off May 4th for Two Million Dollars. What an exciting time to be in the Kingdom of God. When a church that is no very old can purchase a city landmark of over 25 acres and build a place and a home for the Spirit of God to dwell. Every time I think about it, it literally takes my breath away. This is such a God thing, that He is going to have to do this.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!

Number 3's Birthday

Happy 2nd Birthday Saniyah Raye! After a very busy week of ministering (five sermon scheduled and I made four of the five.)

Interdenominational Ministers Association Thursday noon

Holdenville Prison Thursday evening (very exciting time ministering to the brothas. Looking forward to a return trip.)

Greater Bethel Sunday this morning. Wrapped up series on Ephesians 6 "The Devil is defeated, Already."

New Dimension Ministries this afternoon. It was their annual ushers day. This was the first time I had the privilege to minister there and to met Bishop and Pastor House. Wonderful couple with an awesome vision.

Along with attending the National Baptist Pastor"s Alternative Training in Tulsa OK. After several hour of intense study...I am now certifiable to instruct in any district, State or National Congress of Christian Education.

I made it back just in time for the grandbaby's birthday which has been the highlight of my week.

I am proud to announce that our Church Bond program kick-off will be the first Sunday of May.

Better get back to Sunday dinner and give the family my undivided attention.

Dear church family

I have loved having conversations with so many people regarding the teaching and preaching. I've been thrilled to hear that people are making decisions to change their life in such a positive way. Personally, I'm so thankful for the opportunity to teach a group of people who want to be different. It really is thrilling to be part of Bethel Church!
 
I look forward to seeing you this weekend for part 2 of our series. I'm excited to continue in our discussion of the spiritual weapons we have at our displosal in the war. I hope you'll be there!
 
Also, I hope you're planning to invite a friend to join us!
 
See you this weekend!
 
Blessings,
Pastor G

101 Belonging @3pm Saturday
No Girlfriends

I'm Back!!!

I've been moving too much since Easter. Attending and participating in the 64th Simultaneous Revival. Most of all just trying to catch up, seems like once you get behind its impossible to get caught up.

There is much I could say about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marking the 40th remembrance of his assassination. His words where and still are some of the most powerful uttered.

The following are simply Random thoughts...

When someone says that my friend...do they mean friend or Friend

When you walk in purpose you collided with destiny.

Love is not what you receive but what you give.

You can be dumb by yourself there is no need to join stupid

I am because we are

Its not what you say but how you say it and how you express yourself

Laugh more

Health and wellness is not about size

I'm Back!!! I've been moving too much since Easter. Attending and participating in the 64th Simultaneous Revival. Most of all just trying

Please Be In Prayer

Today first order of business is my mother is having surgery. Please be in prayer for her. I'm writing this sitting in that dreaded waiting room. Often times in life God has to place us all in our own waiting room. We are commanded to always pray and then wait. As I walked out of the holding area I was assured that God could go where I couldn't. It is during some of the toughest time that my heart thanks God. 1st because I know Him. I often wonder how those who don't make it through life when they're facing challenging days. 2nd because He is fully with her in the surgery room and fully with me in the waiting room ministering to both of us at the same time.

Later today we will kick off our third revival meeting part of a city-wide movement called the simultaneous revival. Which has national acclaim as being one of a kind. What makes this so special is the partnership and the cooperation of the church city-wide (each church has their own service @7 then there are joint services @ noon & 10pm) and the national preacher who minister. I've been blessed to have grown up in this revival meeting and have been blessed by many preaching legends and some of the great preaching mind in the business.

I'm proud to have my friend Rev. Bryan L. Carter Senior Pastor of the Concord Church of Dallas Texas coming to minister to us. Pastor Carter succeeded one of those legendary preachers Dr. E. K. Bailey. Who introduced me to expository preaching and who was Dr. Major L. Jimerson's pastor of St. John Church. Pastor Carter is a major preacher and teacher. He has blessed our church for the past two years and God has promised to do it again this year.

Please Be In Prayer Today first order of business is my mother is having surgery. Please be in prayer for her. I'm writing this sitting in

Revival Time

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

This was the scripture that the Lord placed in my heart Easter Sunday morning as we reached the end of our 28 day voluntary fast. I shared this with those who had joined the First Lady and I in the fast about what God was going to do in the life of our church and their lives as well as a result of their obedience. This evening as I was visiting a church service the Lord kept repeating this to me. As I made the drive home I asked the Lord what, was He trying to get me to see. And just as clear as He has ever impressed anything in my heart this is what He said tell the people that this week I’m going to do something special.

So I’m asking each of you to come and watch God do something special. I have no idea what God is going to do but I’m coming expecting Him to come through on His Word. In preparation I’m asking you to pray at 4pm for 4 minutes and for 4 things (@4 for 4 for 4).

1. Pray for God’s Power (Holy Spirit)
2. Pray for God’s Preacher (Pastor Bryan L. Carter)
3. Pray for God’s People (Everyone attending)
4. Pray for God’s Promise (The special thing He’s going to do in us, for us and through us)

We will be very intentional these three evenings so come prepared. 1st we will start on time 7pm. 2nd we will spend time entering God’s presence in worship. 3rd we will give the preaching and teaching its rightful place as the highlight of the evening. 4th we will give with expectation of a harvest.

Never Would Have Made It.

This Easter Morning I want to share Marvin Sapp’s sentiments “I am stronger, I am wiser, I am better, much better. When I look back over what he brought me thru. I realize that I made it because I had you to hold on to, now I am stronger, now I am wiser, I am better, so much better. I made it. Is there anybody in this house other than me that can declare that you made it. Tell your neighbor, never would have made it. Never would have made it. Never could have made it. Never could have made it without you. Never would have made it. Never would have made it. Never could have made it. Never could have made it without you.”

We’ve made it 28 days of fasting and praying. Father, we thank you for your patience, love and kindness that you’ve shown to us throughout these 28 days. We could not have made it without You. We are better, so much better, stronger and wiser. Receive our sacrifice as an act of worship to You. Our goal was to humble ourselves in Your presences as our God, Creator and the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Father, hear our prayer. We can’t accomplish anything without You and nothing worth accomplishing is worthy of accomplishing without You. Thank You for giving us the vision to build a place for Your Spirit to dwell. Now we ask that You will provide the professionals, the provision and the people. We call it done! In the name of our Risen Lord Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen!!

I want each of you to know this morning that you’re a Great People and I’m honored to have been chosen of God to serve you. It has been your kind words, your act of obedience and faith in God and your testimonies that has made this journey a little easier for Janice and me.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

Day 26 of 28

What a familiar place today has been for me. As we made our way home from church, we commended on the fact that it has become easy dealing with the fast. Every year during our Easter Celebration we participate in a corporate fast (normally a total fast with intake of water only from Mon-Thr). Of course this year we were lead to 28 Days. What remarkable strength I feel. You would think that the opposite would be true.

What an awesome lesson the more you sacrifice for God the stronger he makes you. I hope you've experience some life changing lessons that will stay with you forever. God is doing and going to do some amazing things because of this focused time. The word says that something only come through fasting and prayer.

Tonight was a special night as we celebrate holy communion. It was one of the most spiritual services we've had this year. Every year we seek to make this an extra special evening. This year focus was on simply praise and worship. We sung some hymns and new songs that centered on the cross.

Looking forward to the other scheduled activity. Sunday ought to be a great celebration. The staff has been working tirelessly.

Congratulations

Congratulations to my pastor and first lady Drs. John & Patricia Reed as they celebrate their 45th year at the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church. God's Word says "'I know the plan I have for you..." I'm a recepent of that scripture. I was blessed to grow up as a member of this church watching one of the most caring and loving couples serve faithfully. How that translate into my life is I had a living example of how God want us to do this. I thank God for this couple.

WE'VE MADED TO THE FOURTH QUARTER. If this was a football game, we would hold up four fingers to represent that we must presever one last quarter. What an empowering thought, we've made it 21 days (awesome.) Hang in there!

More times than not on sunday morning I struggle from an uneasiness about the message that I've crafted. Not expositonaly but whether it is relevant. I fought the feeling all weekend and made my way to the pulpit not knowing what God was going to do. As always God does what He does. What an amazing atmosphere and the souls that were saved. Simply doesn't get any better.

Last thought: Senator Obama's Pastor Dr. Jeremiah Wright is under undue pressure for supporting his member and sharing is world views. Senator Clinton's fund raising committee member Aferraro says Obama is 'lucky' because he is a black man. I can hear defeat in that comment the 'ONLY' reason he's winning is because he is 'black'. We must always fight hard, run faster & win by more. There will always be those who will never except us as equals.

Day 20 of 28

God has been so gracious and great to each of us. What a privilege to have the opportunity to actually live out Romans 12:1ff. Our desire to seek the presence of God is what make Him smile.



Tomorrow will be the end of the third quarter (day 21...7 day from celebration). This would be a great place to make you aware of your victory over the flesh. Next Sunday will mark 28 days that will stand as a tremendous testimony of what you can do when you surrender to God.



Over the last three weeks your flesh has screamed out to be satisfied but you subjected it to a greater desire to please God your Father. When your flesh wanted food after 7pm, sweets or quit before the 28 minutes were up...you said no. (Hallelujah) The word "Can't" will have no more power over your life and it will take you to higher heights and deeper depths.



Your participation in this fast has been such a great encouragement to Janice and me. Thank you for allowing us to be your leaders. The support has made an extremely difficult and demanding ministry a little easier.



I'm looking forward to our Morning experience to see what God will do through His Word. See you in the morning.

Great to be home

Growing up I dreamed of traveling and after about 22 years of both ministerial and professional traveling, I've concluded that it good to leave but great coming home.

My flight maded it in just in time to run by the church freshing up and grab my Bible. I arrived a few minutes after 7 feeling rushed and suffering from alittle jet lagged, not knowing if I was up to preaching. After whispering a prayer in the office we headed into the church. As I walked into the sanctuary I was greeted by a great numbers of our membership.

Their prayers and encouragement strengthed the tasked at hand. Dr John People and the Faith Memorial Baptist Church is a church in transition and pastor has been trying to get us to visit. I was glad that we were able to schedule the fellowship.I was to get home and glad to see everybody.

One more lecture to the board of directors of One Church One Child and then time to turn attention to weekend message.

We are halfway through the third quarter of our fast.. We are days away from another successful end of the fast.

Please take a moment and join me in prayer.

In Richmond VA

After a very long day Sunday (still trying to overcome the hour we lost). I had a 6:20am flight. Now you know somebody was straight trippin. You probably guessed it I was late getting to the airport. I arrived about 5:45am and the line were hanging out the door. I asked the skycap if the check me in curbside for my flight and the answer was no.

I go to the end of the check-in line saying to myself I'm no making this flight (I've never missed a flight for being late). If by chance I mad the check-in, I wasn't making security check point. But watch Divine Favor one of the skycaps came to the back of the line and said let have your itinerary and let me get you through this line.

He took everything and went to the front of the line for me and checked my bag and now I had a chance. He then lead me to another security check point that I made through in record time. I finally made it to my gate, everybody has already boarded. I was the last one to board but I maded it.

Here the message even when things look impossible to you God can and will make a way. While God gave me Favor I still had to participate. He'll get you through the lines but you have to get to the gate.

This fast is about God getting us through the lines (red tape, contracts, hiring professionals) but we have to participate in give, sacrifice and prayer.

Don't miss this I finally make it to the hotel and (some of you know where I'm going if you've ever stayed at the Doubletree). They offered me that hot double chocolate chip cookie. The greater the favor the greater the temptation. Be strong! The cookie is still in the bag.

End of the 2nd Quarter

Today is day 14 of 28. It has been a very long time since I’ve invited someone in to minister to our church. I invited Pastor A. R. Crawford to minister during our morning worship experience and Dr. A. Glenn Woodberry delivered the afternoon message. Pastor Crawford has become a fast friend we’ve worked closely in the Baptist Minister’s Association as well as in the Concern Clergy community work. He preached from Psalms 1 “A Blessed Man.” Dr. Woodberry is a mentor and a model of mine. Very early in my ministry he sort of adopted me and has spoken over the years some of the most profound, prolific and spirit-filled philosophies on preaching and pasturing. It was our Men’s Day and as usual Dr. blessed our hearts through the Word of God.

During every fast that I’ve ever participated in one thing has been consistent the enemy always tries to distract and discourage. John 10:10 is clear of his intent “A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” (Msg) As you continue to join us on this journey remember that there will be Satanic resistance Matthew 4:1-3ff says “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him…” (NIV)

Here’s my point please don’t be surprised or caught off guard when confusion, chaos and/or complications come up against you. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)

Be Strong We’re Entering The Third Quarter!

A Lesson From Some Cotton Candy

Giving in to the temptation! Today is day 13 of 28. Janice and I took the sugababies to see Elmo Grows Up. After making our way through the turnstiles they went crazy the atmosphere just pulls them in to that give-me, buy-me, can I have frenzy. Every time Elmo comes to town it takes Big Poppa a few weeks to recover financially. We made it to our seats without spending a dime I sitting pretty wallet in intact but then it started give-me, buy-me, can I have. There I was like a deer caught in headlights and you know the rest…I melted and started that journey all the way back to vendor’s row. Where the nice people smile at you but under their breath I know their saying “Sucker.” A “Sucker” is person who will spend hard earned money for over-price junk that he won’t ever see again after the night is over. After several painful moments I begin the journey back to the seat with an arm full of lights, funnel cakes and cotton candy.

Elmo is on stage, the lights are bright, the music is loud and Sugababies are in happy, happy land. Playing with the light toys, eating funnel cakes and cotton candy, then it hits Janice and me simultaneously. The temptation to surrender! At that moment the Holy Spirit delivered a spiritual note we are all faced with the desire for cotton candy, that sweet, soft and enticing candy. The cotton candy represents that which we want but that which is not good for us. 2 Timothy 4: 3-4:

(New International Version) “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

(The Message Translation) “You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages.”

No matter how much you may desire the “cotton candy” just say NO! “Cotton candy” is just puff, No filler, will destroy your teeth and brings nothing to the table. Hebrews 5:14 (NIV) “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

With the temptation of “Easy Worship” and “Comfortable Church” beware and don’t get caught up in a ministry that only offers “cotton candy”! 15 minutes sermons with no real relevance, church without commitment and salvation with sacrifice. We’re living in some dangerous times when we choose a place of worship for every other reason other than the word. We ought to choose a church on the basis of the Word of God that is being spoken. If the music isn’t the best – make sure that the uncompromised Word of God is being explained and exalted. If the people aren’t the most polite people – make sure that Word is being used for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that you may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 (NIV)

Don’t Give In To The Temptation!

Day 12 of 28 Days

Good morning! I want to first say thanks for joining us in this journey. It is very encouraging knowing that there are others who care about the ministry and the work that God is calling us to – that are willing to get in the spiritual trenches with us. You will never know what it has meant to Janice and I.

Let me give you a quick update from the frontlines. (Now remember this is ONLY for those of us who are fasting as we continue to be faithful to that which God has called us to pray for during our time of fasting.) Here’s the update: If you will remember during our 50 days of pray last fall, I shared this word with you “If you start praying about something, do not be surprised if it gets worse before it gets better.” That’s the update! Read John 11: 1-43

Now I want to talk with you about a much deeper word than commitment. I want to talk to you about the word SACRIFICE. We know very little about personal sacrifice today. Personal sacrifice is when you have to give up something or someone that you love very much, and it may even hurt, in order to walk with God.

That’s what the discipline of fasting says to God. There is nothing that You’ve blessed me with that I’m not willing to give up in order to walk with You. The key is SURRENDER!!! The surrendering of your entire life to God indicates personal sacrifice. Your level of surrender and personal sacrifice will determine the depth of your walking with God.

I promised that throughout this fast that I would help you understand this particular fast in hopes of deepening your time with God. So why has God called us to fast. We have been summons by God to fast because it is the only way to be successful in the work He has assigned us to accomplish.

In Nehemiah 1:4 - Nehemiah was given the impossible task of rebuild the walls around Jerusalem, so he prayed and fasted.

In Acts 13:2-3 - The church was given the impossible task of winning the world to Christ, so they prayed and fasted.

Application: God has given our church the daring task of building and winning the lost to Christ that many would considered an impossible task...we must pray and fast!

For 28 days and nights we are asking God for supernatural favor to do His will through prayer and fasting. I cannot wait to see what happens.

The issue is personal sacrifice. The issue is surrender. Christ is our supreme example of both. He did it for us!

A Commitment Church

I want to just share a word about “Commitment!” Consistency is the one thing that every believer can recommit to everyday. Consistency is also the one thing that is at the center of so many churches never making the impact on the world around it. Sunday as I made my way to the pulpit there it was again that nagging push to confront the commitment level of our church. It was one of those moments that few people enjoy but if we would be honest one that’s needs to ring throughout the pulpits of America.

I made some commitments to God early in my spiritual journey to the pastorate and one of them was that I wouldn’t ever be afraid to speak truth. If I was going to accept the responsibility of becoming the spiritual leader/father of a congregation, I was going to love them enough to tell them the truth. Often times I feel like John on the island of Patmos but for the most part I believe that at the end of the day most people appreciate the truth. My hope is that by speaking the truth that there will be those who hear the message, compute the consequences and make a life affecting commitment to Jesus Christ that moves them to another spiritual level (whether believer or non-believer).

One person wrote me shortly after coming to Greater Bethel from another church and said, “The difference in the two churches is that the other was a committed church and this is a committed church.” Recently I read in a leading Christian publication that today’s younger generation is looking for this characteristic in a potential church home. God has given me the courage to present a preaching/pasturing ministry that is real, relevant and often time raw. On the other hand, over the years the church has lose some members who either through adoption or birth who come in and/or find that the commitment level encouraged is more than they wanted to make. Let me quickly say no one in departing is ever honest enough to give it as the reason for their exit. So instead, they look around for something or someone to blame and/or criticize as they exit rather than being honest. Most would never admit that they hadn’t really put a decent amount of effort into attending on a regular basic, getting to know and be known by church family and/or developing an intimate relationship with Jesus.

My hope is that every member of the Greater Bethel Church would raise the level of their commitment whether through this 28 day fast, attendance, giving, serving, belonging or whatever area that the Holy Spirit places on your heart. I promise you that if you do…it will be the most important thing you’ve ever done in your life. God want to do something special in your life…

To final words for this e-mail…On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest) how would you score yourself in two strategic areas of importance?

First from 1 to 10 rate your commitment to Christ as your Lord.

Next, on a scale of 1 to 10 rate your commitment to His local church.

Now prayerfully consider up-scaling your commitment. Commitment and consistency are two wings on the same bird.

28 Days

In a few minutes it will be day 7 of a 28 day fast that I’ve ask the Greater Bethel Church to join me in. God has given us a great opportunity to do something for His Kingdom that many, many church family wished they were called to do. I feel a sense of urgency and often time chased and dogged by fear about our future. While I know that our future will be fruitful the enemy has tried everything to throw us off track. God has called this fast to center us as we reflect and refocus our confidence in Him. I believe that God is going to take our church to the next level as He builds the church before the church is built. The following our fasting covenant…

Greater Bethel Church
Fasting Covenant 2008

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” 2 Chronicles 20:3 (KJV)

“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” Ezra 8:23 (NIV)

Time Span: Monday, February 25th ~ Sunday, March 23rd (Easter) = 28 Days

Daily Commitment To:

Spend 28 minutes of daily quiet time with God

Within my 28 minutes of daily quiet time w/God…spend time praying for our Church in the following areas:
Vision (Make me passionate about Building Your Church and Your CommUnity)
Building Program (Give Us Divine Favor in the area of Contracts, Bids, Permits, Finances & Professionals)
Finances (Create a spirit of generosity within the family beginning with me).

28 minutes of daily Exercise or Activity

Absolutely No Eating after 7 pm

Absolutely No SWEETS…not sugar….Sweets defined as cookies, candy, cake etc.

Day Trip To End A Long Week

I guess I must admit that my wife's right. I'm guilty of being too busy. It has been about a month since last posting, even with the new feature of post with your mobile. I'm guilty as charged but I'm not going to give up without a fight.

Since my last post after being heavily influence by my study of church ministry and being lead by the Holy Spirit too lead the church in 50 day of corporate prayer and fasting. God has impressed on me that it was time for a transition, starting with leadership. Process still in transition...keep you posted.

The fall season has been rough for me physically, especially during my heavily preaching schedule. God grace was surely sufficient with a few days rest I made it through.

Just wrapped up a special meeting where I was invited to my home church to serve as the noon day speaker. What a great privilege as well as challenge . First its always tough to go home. Second being the noon day in your own city. Third with a major time retrains that I've not faced in 24 years. Fourth is sharing the pulpit with a national evangelist named Reverend Clarence R. Morton. National Baptist Congress instructor, writer and speaker. It was great getting to hang out with my pastor as well as Dr. Morton.

Today I got up pretty early to wrap up things for this weekend service. Finished about 11am and loaded up the family and headed toward Kansas where my youngest son Zack is attending college too surprise him. I'm so proud of what God is doing in his life and for the young man he has grown to be.

Pray for our save travel back home and my strength as I stand tomorrow to declare God's Word at both 9am & 10:45am.

New Orleans

Today I'm away attending the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Leadership Conference in New Orleans, LA. It's strange just saying that after how devastating hurricane Katrina hit here I've not been since. I'm staying at the Hilton Riverside relaxing a few minutes before getting back to work in the executive lounge on the 29th floor over looking the river the water. The waters here has an amazing story, it hard to imagine just months ago the same water took lives and now as if nothing had every happen thing seem so normal.

That leads me to a thought after most national disasters there is much talk about recognizing the mass lost of life. Just looking from the outside in there seems to be a push to rebulid the city and move on. Humanly speaking it human nature but one would think that those how had love ones pass away without a trace would demand something.

I will try my best to atleast take a tour of the area that hasn't been rebuilt and would be great to see leaves. Better get back to work another short week.

away

Attending the 110th session of the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is always a trip filled with mix emotions because I know I need to be here but I don't want to be. Just like the song says 'I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock and road' that's how I feel I'm a little bit old school and a little bit new school.

That's my struggle with these meetings we seem to warp back into time. When I look around this convention my heart is grieved for the lack of young people. We must develop programs that will attract them and continue to build a bridge to our heritage. I noticed this year more than ever that this means something to the older generation that will be lost if it is not properly passed on to the next generation.

Now I think I've wrote myself into a corner and that there is something God has for us to do. I hear Jesus saying 'the harvest is pantiful but the labors are few.' there are times when I feel overwhelmed with a heart to do the things of God.

Let me wrap this up by sharing how good God is. I've been walking around the convention and there are people from the district calling me president. Who would have ever thought that God would use somebody like me in his service. Praise be to God!

Jena 6 September 20th

Today all across this nation, there will be rallies and protest for racial justice responding to events in Jena, Louisiana that has gripped the nations attention. I excited about the movement because I believe that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. I just concerned with the time that it has taken with all the technology that is out there it took so long for us to respond. Second how could we still have a 'whites only' anything and that people of any color would think that's proper. Future more the construction of nooses to be called a prank.



While American is the greatest Nation in the world there is still much we must work toward. Sadly, shamefully and sorrowfully we are still these yet to be United States. Pray much for the movement today that everything will be done for the glory and honor of God.

You Are My Ministry

I’m hanging out for the day in Dallas, TX serving and ministering to the love of my life Janice. It is an honor to just get away and just minister to her. As pastor sometimes [more than I am willing to admit right now] my priorities get crossed and I’m not the best husband in the world. Now I’ve come a long way with that because as a young inexperience preacher I thought that my calling was my top priority but I know now that no matter what call God has place on my life, no matter where He leads me, my first call is to be a husband and father. I guess with all that is going on in the religious world today with the well publicized ministry leader’s martial issues, it has further deepened my resolved to take time and devote time to my first ministry.

I was reading one of my good friends blog and I want to echo his sentiments about his church because he express the thoughts I have about Bethel it’s strange but yet it’s not because I think that it speaks of most churches in American that has made a commitment to become a healthy church. Here what HB Charles pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church says “I believe we are going in the right direction. But I know that we have a long way to go. And sometimes it seems like the progress of the church is two steps forward, three steps back. But be clear, none of these things change my mind and heart against the church. I believe in Jesus. Therefore, I believe in the church. I agree with the late Vance Havner, who used to say that you can't drown with your head above the water. And maybe that's the key. Maybe we need to be more inentional, strategic, diligent, passionate and focused on the supremacy of Jesus Christ. We should win people to Christ, not the church. And if I read my Bible right, a true devotion to Christ will result in participating membership in the church.”

I really don’t know what God has in store for Bethel but I sense it something huge. There is something on the horizon and I can’t wait to see what God is up to.

On My Home To See My Baby

It is always exciting to be looking to travel to a conference or convention but as Dorothy said in the Wiz 'there is no place like home!' Growing up we always went on one vacation (the GMWA) and I have always loved traveling. I pledged at age 10 that when I grew up I was going to get a job and travel. Stay in fancy hotel and enjoy a life of lesser. Well none of the thing have yet come true but I do travel. That was one of the things that I really enjoyed while working in corporate American. Now at 43 with so much travel behind me after about two day away I ready to get back home. Janice and I thought that after she closed the business down that she would be able to travel together but that hasn't happen just yet. I normally travel with her on her conferences (Ain't that something).

One other thing...does this make any sense? I was scheduled to leave Philly Thursday but due to a new assignment and the president's address I rescheduled my flight to Friday. That's pretty clear isn't it? I don't sleep due to a number of reason bad arrive at the airport early (for me). Here's the twist the only have me book half way home, after paying a travel change charge. Then tell me it will cost me 600.00 to get home. Crazy huh. Now let me rush to say I did not have to act unlike the Pastor because the young lady that was serving me was not having it. She was more upset than I was and after watching her I quickly relaxed. Favor just ain't fair!! After talking crazy to two different supervisors I had my boarding passes for my entire trip.

Well I on the plane waiting for take-off. My goal is to sleep between Philly and DFW. I really tried running on about 6 hours of sleep in 3 days. May have to get something to help me sleep.

Father, thank you for a wonderful day. Amen!

Just A Thought About A Fallen Brother

Today, I'm sitting in the Philadelphia convention center waiting to hear the annual address of Dr. William J. Shaw. President of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. Here's my thought why does God choose to take some through death early and leave others. Now don't get me wrong I know God is sovereign but it is just a verbal question that I had just minutes ago.

Last evening as we all ran into each other (meaning the original 'Sons of Thunder') in the lobby of the hotel it was like time rowed back and in the mist of the fun, fellowship and even the foolishness my mind turn to the late Rev. Ron C. Carter. Ron was the always in the middle of all the fun but more than that Ron was like everybody's big brother.

Salute Rev. Ron C. Carter.

Away But Still Running

As I stated in my last blog I'm in Philadelphia PA, I had thought that I would get some much needed rest but that hasn't happen just yet. With everything going on I have been greatly encourage by the meetings, the messages and the fellowship.

An added treat has been that my evening hours between services and meetings have been spent watching The Word Network (if you don't know what that is its preaching 24/7). And any who knows me knows that turns me on. I guest I just let the cat out of the bag...I'm staying up all night watching and dreaming. While there are many ministry that are questionable in doctrine and theology it is still exciting to see what ministries are doing. Many I'm familiar with through convention work or conferences. I feel a sense of being on the edge of doing some awesome thing in the Kingdom of God. Can't wait to see what God is going to do with the ministry that I'm blessed to be a servant to.

Some very interesting fact about Philly: sadly, sinfully and shamefully the state leads the nation in homicides 297 with a great number of them accruing among African American community. At the same time proudly and positively the Philly police academy graduated 127 caudate. Highlighted by a young brother who graduated and was interviewed and asked why he wanted to become a policeman. He said his father was killed and while going up he was shot nine times and if he could stop that from happening to one other kid it would be worth it.

Miss my wife (not away from her much, so I can't get home too soon). Plus it doesn't hurt that the sugarbabies are with her. Seriously walking around the convention center and seeing guys with their wives I makes me long for the day when it will be Janice and me.

Peace out!

Headed to Philly

Headed to Philly today for the National Baptist Convention. This should prove to be a interesting meeting because we are approaching an election year. So there will be a lot of movements by prospective candidates. There is an under current of younger more cutting edges pastors who could make positive impact on the out come of this election. It is amazing how God has preachers and leaders from across this country needing, desiring and longer for the same thing. What, you ask? A move of God! Something new, fresh and innovative.



I'm not alone! I'm not crazy! God does speak outside and in my case beyond the box! I believe that God is calling us to 'just do it'! We need his power and his guidance but he want us to do it. Without a move of God we will lose a generation possibly two that we can't afford especially in the Africa American community.



Now I know that this was real random but I started out writing one thing and ended up somewhere else. I'm hoping this plane is going to take soon.



Talk to you from Philly. I'm going to have to remember to taste a Philly cheese sandwich. I'll tell you about.

Salute!!!

Just a simple salute to three people who have gone on to be with the Lord, Mrs. Gloria E. Kelley, Rev. Frank O. Kelley (Her husband) & Gerald Fisher. Three of my closest friends have graduated from the temporary to the eternal. God is so gracious and loving even when you don’t understand everything He is doing. My life has been made richer because he has allowed my life to cross with three of his special children.

My prayers go out to their families, Frank and Gloria’s daughters and Gerald’s wife and sons. See ya in the morning.

Rollocoastor Oh, Yeah

Rollocoastor Oh, Yeah! That's how the last few month have been for me personally. The highs and the low keep coming but its the rush between the two that causes me the most devastation.

With the passing of some close friends Gloria & Frank Kelley and Gerald Fisher two in the last week. My mother is working on her third week in the hospital. The pressures of just trying to be a godly husband, father pastor and leader. And a whole lot of other things that I will not take up space to even mention.

This has not only been a season of lows but because God is good all the time and all the time God is good we've experience some of the highest of high. We celebrated a milestone with our 21st wedding anniversary. Our youngest son received a scholarship and is on his way to Kansas. We took the sugarbabies to Sea World. BethelKIDZ was very successful. We unveiled the exterior and interior of our new church. The church is growing, I sense something in the resistance of certain people who I know aren't with us and it pushes me to believe that God is about to so something special. I believe in God no matter what.

My prayer is that I may continue to mature in my relationship with God through Jesus to go through the miserable middles of life as handled the rollocoastors of life.

Let me explain my post about my first time. I t was my first time to post a blog via my pocket PC. Cool huh

On My Way Home

It is 5:45am and I've had only about an hour and a half sleep because of a very early flight. As I put my suit on this morning it was a little different because the last two days I just hung out with the children. It has been a blessing because it allowed me a few days to simply relax my mind. Mentally it has been a rough time. While I have a number of physical challenges, at this season in life it’s very difficult for me to just find time to just not relax. This was just what I needed.

As the old saying goes 'all good thing must come to an end.' As I put my suit on I knew I was headed back to every responsibility that comes along with being the pastor of a church. One of the most unpleasant duties of pastorate is leading families through the funeral process. It is even heavier when you find yourself to everything. I headed back to face just that be comfort while grieving yourself.

Today is 'bitter sweet' with everything going on Janice and I will celebrate our 21 anniversary. Guess we're legal. As I kissed her this morning at 4AM headed to the airport in San Antonio TX. She promises that she'll be home before it's over (likely story.)

Well its boarding time. Peace.

This is my first time!

It is officially summertime!

It is officially summertime! Summer, Summer, Summertime, time to sit back and unwind – sorry lyrics from one of my favorite D.J. Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (Will Smith) song. Sunday afternoons are great when we’re not scheduled to be in service. After working so hard to make sure everything is done with a spirit of excellence and after a week long of studying and cramming for the message. Praying that you’re able to deliver the in the fashion that it was received from the original author. Just wanting to do a good job in your exposition of the text and allow the Holy Spirit to do what He wants to do with the message. I try not to but it’s hard not to rehearse everything but most Sunday evening until movie time…I’m asking myself what could I’ve done better in my presentation of God’s Word. There are so many challenges that most member who sit in the pews will never know. First, the pastor is always the pastor but he has to separate himself enough to worship God in church [I’m praying that I can get better at that. Not allowing everything to hinder my worship.] Second, no matter how long you’ve been preaching there is always a sense of nerves. Early in ministry you’re nerves because of crowds and always the Word because of a lack of confidence. After you’ve been in the ministry a while the nerves don’t leave they just moves from worry about the crowd to worry about am in line with God’s Word and am I pleasing Him.

We’ll the “Sugababies” are here but I want to share one more thing. Last night I attended my 25th High School Class Reunion and I actually enjoyed myself. Janice and I attended it started out really uncomfortable because there is one thing I’m really not good at and that remembering people. If I’m forced to I will get it repetition but it had been 25 year and people were expecting me to know them and it just wasn’t happening. Now everyone that was apart of the Waltz Way family [all the kids that grew up and played together], it was easy to spot them. What I was really impressed with was that being a 98% white all through school I probably didn’t give them a chance to get to know me because of my preconceived ideas or my predisposition to think all white people was prejudiced. I’m not really sure what happened maybe we’ve all grew especially me. I had friends who would date some of the white girls but I never did. I was simple the athlete and I had few white male friends but I normally just stuck to my own. I was talking to a classmate of my name “Nancy” who said she never cherished any of the thinks from high school because the time was so bad for her. I really felt what she was sharing because has it not been for Janice I’m not really sure how things would have ended up. She has always been there for me and I owe here so, so much.

I know it’s a lot of rambling and when I do that I simple don’t post it. I spend more time fixing it but I’m too tired this evening. I’ve been working ever since I got hope and I’m about to spend sometime relaxing and loving on my some “Sugababbies!”

I'M STILL STANDING

Today, we celebrated another year on leading the Greater Bethel Church. My prayer for today was simply that with all of the excitement surrounding the celebration that we would not lose sight of God. Well as always God answered came through. We were blessed by Grammy nominated psalmist Pastor Beverly Crawford (Simply Bad). One of my favorite singers of all time. Second, my childhood pastor Dr. J A Reed Jr came through and wrecked the house (that's preacher talk for doing a great job). I thank God for him and all that he has meant to my life, family and ministry. Accompanied by his wife Dr. Patricia Reed, who has been a great supporter of everything we've ever attempted as well as a consistent intercessor for Janice and I.

There is much work to be done. God has so much that He wants to do for us, in us and through us. I know that God will see us through and I can't wait to see the beginning of the vision. I say the beginning because I know that this is God's plan and purpose this bigger than just me. Right now God is preparing his next leader who will continue his work. I'm privilege to lead His people and in spite of the most difficult times and days of pastoring. God could have chosen any one but I thank God He has smiled on me.

What a grand opportunity to declare God's Word! To speak in to the lives of people week after week. To declare God's power, purpose and pleasure.

God is surrounding us with some spiritual people who understand leadership. This makes pastoring a pleasure and a challenge. Eyes have not seen nor ears heard the great things God have prepared for us.

Away For A Few Days

Some days I wake-up with what feels like the weight of the world on my chest. Not knowing why I feel what I feel, just nervous and uneasy I have to fight my way through what I know is an attack of the enemy. I have to constantly remind myself that nothing will happen today that God cannot handle. I often wonder how people who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ make it through life without the bless assurance that those of us who are save have. My heart goes out to those individuals and fuels my passion to see people come into the saving knowledge of how Christ died for our sins and rose on the third day morning. This along with the fact that the Lord Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for me gives me the strength and the determination to keep moving on

Today, I have a break in schedule during the EK Bailey Expository Preaching Conference hosted by EK Bailey Ministries here in Dallas, TX. This is my 12th year attending and let me quickly say “God is awesome!” He has used this conference to solidify the importance of prayer [not that I didn’t know that prayer was important] but God has been revealing a lack of genuine spiritual growth in our church family. As the spiritual leader I have questioned what could I do differently but I realize that it is not about sermons or lessons it about moving people into to a deep relationship with God through intimate communion in prayer. It has been for a lack of better term ‘enlightening’. I have my work cut out for me when I get home trying to assimilate everything and began this never ending journey of teaching people to live life, to live more abundantly and live on purpose.

My ‘Good Thang’ is with me and that make all the difference in the world in traveling. We’ve been so very busy that it’s been really hard to try to spend some quality time together. This has been a great two days with all the sessions, we’ve found time to share some special moments. In my maturing in ministry my goal is to learn how to relax and be more of a husband, father and grandfather. Entering into ministry as a boy plus being a bit of a workaholic doesn’t make for a good thing. I thank God for my wife and family who have continued to love me but there is a thin line between love and hate.

I was very proud of my ‘Jan’ she hates when I call her that this past Sunday as she stood to speak at the Tabernacle Baptist Church during thier Women's Annual Day. She was awesome as my childhood pastor would say. She is becoming more and more conformable doing what I feel but she denies is her destiny. God has his hand on her life but she’s fight him all the way but I think that what God desires most those who don’t want to go. Some people desire the lime light or the spot light and all God wants is those who desire The LIGHT! Continue to pray for her obedience to God.

This weekend will be the close of our 15th Anniversary Celebration of Pastoral Ministry. I don’t think I’ll ever get use to the fuss [the good or the bad] that come along with this. I know that it is God’s Will but it’s tough because the enemy is always busy. I’m always humble that the church would take out the time but I’m always glad when it is over. I do always enjoy having one of my bestest friends Rev. Raclius Douglas and my pastor Dr. J. A. Reed Jr. to come through the Bethel Church.

Looking forward to the rest of the conference we’ll worship this evening at the Concord Church where my friend Pastor Bryan Carter serves as Senior Pastor. We had a chance to go out lunch and I appreciate him and his wife Stephanie taking the time out of their busy schedules to be kind to Janice and me. Oh, yea I most forgot Rev. Vance Roland and his wife Bev are here with us, we’ve been good for each other.

The maids knocking on the door so I better get going. Later

Today Was A Good Day!

Let me quickly say because I’m a few days late. Happy Birthday to Janell! Janell is my oldest granddaughter and she turned 3 the other day. She is truly a blessing. She has been attending summer camp with the other children because her Sugar-mama is the teacher. She has master most of the camp memory requirements while being one the youngest attending. I’m a very proud Papa!

Today was a good day [to borrow a line for the hip hop generation]. First, got a chance to get to some very needed honey do’s around the house. We made it a sort of family affair everybody pitched in. Second, Janice and I cook, she handled the kitchen and I did a pretty good job holding down the grill, If I have to say so myself. Third, we had some extended family over and watch a great movie “Pride” a must see.

Well, better rap things up. Got a busy day tomorrow, funny thing is after a day off you work harder the next. Janice took the opportunity to head south for the evening, she just call made it save, thank God. So, I’m turning it in, really tired. Looking forward to getting some must needed rest!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

It is raining like crazy! I’m not sure but it should be going on week two of rain. My yard may never dry out, we have our own little river. Water has been running from the back yard down the driveway all week long [Thank God He’s paying the bill for this time.] This weather is taking its toll on my body my knees and my back have been aching. I use to think that the older people was just making that stuff up but the older I get the more aches and pain I feel.

Since the convention it’s been non-stop. Got back in on Thursday taught ‘Girlfriends’ our church’s Women’s Ministry on Saturday, Sunday morning continued teaching our small groups in a joint Bible Study [please be in prayer for that transition] then preached twice Sunday. Normally, I try to save some when I know I have to do an afternoon service but between Bible Study and that first message I almost didn’t make it. But the St. John Church of Brooksville, OK has always been kind to me. I’ve been preaching there a long time and the strange thing is I always look forward to going. Most time if I’m invited more than two or three time it becomes like a chore. This year was Pastor Lee Oliver and First Lady Katharine Oliver’s 30th Anniversary. We took off Wednesday and Thursday we traveled to Chandler, OK about an hour in the other direction to the Central Baptist Church for the 30th Anniversary of Pastor James Reed and First Lady Linda Reed an outstanding couple as well. Pastor James Reed is my big brother in the ministry he has known me for most of my life. I’m honored each year to stand in his pulpit. I pray that God would bless Janice and I to serve long.

I thank God for the church. They will never know how it makes me feel when I walk in a church and make my way to the pulpit and see the faces of faithful followers. It means the world to me. It’s encouraging, strengthen and inspiring. We’re growing! I see that, God has done some refocusing of my eyes I’m not look numerically as much as spiritually now! I really believe that God promised me numbers but now he’s counting on me to equip them. I’m committed to do my part in the development of people who desire to grow. For along time I was preaching and waiting, preaching and waiting but now I see some movement. People are beginning to see God’s vision and we’re going to become a healthy body of believers.

Bethel CommUnity is making some huge step to becoming reality. I was sharing with someone that you can be praying for something and when God does it [when it’s a God thing]. It forces you to have to pray even harder. We’ve been praying for God to move the project, now that all the professionals we’ve hired are on the job, now we need money. Bills are coming in seemly everyday. Now our prayer is Lord provide rather than Lord push. This is an exciting time and I’m looking forward to unveiling everything to the church. It’s going to be awesome!

Happy Father’s Day

Father’s Day is always like a family reunion in the Gaddis family. Well, most holidays are because for the most part [with the exception of Christmas] we all gather at dad’s house. Father’s Day is special because Dana, Brent, Mike, Dad and I are under the same roof, we share a bond that isn’t shared in a many families we’re tight. We’ve always been! We were taught that family is important and we should have each others back. Even as boys we could fight like dogs [as my mother would say] but by the end of the day we were brother. Now that we have families of our own and have been blessed to be pretty successful in our respective occupations, we don’t get the chance to see each others as much as we should but one thing is certain when we get together stories will flow and it always seems like all the years disappear and we’re all kids again.

Oh, yea don’t want to forget to tell you that after we said our good-byes and I made it home [sounds like a long way but it’s really only four houses down the street] my children brought gifts. Every year about a week before Father’s day I get the same question “Daddy, what do you want for father’s day?” To which I give the same answers “I want you to fall in love with God and His Church!” They think always think I’m playing around but that is my prayer for my children, grandchildren and when I’m blessed my great, great grandchildren. Now I’m not in any hurry for the great, greats but you get the point. Anyhow they share thoughtful gifts with me and I’m still praying about the one gift that I really want 365 days a year.

I’m writing this from my hotel room in St. Louis, while attending the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. This will be a very important trip for two reason first I will try my best to get in as much preaching and teaching as I can by some of this nation’s greatest communicators. Reason two when I walk through the exhibits hall this year I will not only be looking for that fabulous dress to surprise the First Lady with but I will be shopping for our new church building. For years now I’ve walked through and window-shopped but this year I’m buying or at least seriously talking to vendor.

On the flight down I began to write down our vision for building to share with the architect so that the team would not see this project as just another building but the most important space our church has here-to ever considered constructing. A place where spiritual connections will be made, where souls will be nourished, and a place where the saving message of Jesus Christ will be spoken, it’s not just a church it’s a community. I may have just written our construction commercial blitz piece.

My head is spinning and my emotions are simply out of control. One moment I’m extremely excited about the future and the next I’m deadly scared of failure. I believe that our best days are ahead of us and I’m privileged to pastor one of the greatest churches in the world [In Jesus’ Name]! Pray that I will continue to look up to God and not look around at people. Pray that my faith will grow strong. Good Night!

Sure Isn't Like Riding A Bike

It's Monday and rather than resting and taking a day off. I'm at summer camp teaching. You never stop growing or learning. I've become accustom to teaching adults but teaching children sure isn't like riding a bike. See, I use too be the children pastor many, many moons ago at the Fairview Church. But after nearly 20 years I've certainly changed and the children today certainly have. I studied and prepared to share a study on "Trust In God," in chapel that would go along with our Bible course that is taught on Thursdays. Afterwards, I really didn't feel that I did a very good job but I'm trusting that God will continue to work. I think my problem was the level of my lesson more than anything else. We have really bright group of children this year that God has bless us to have an awesome opportunity and we really want to be a good steward over the young lives that he's placed in our hands this summer.

Join me in prayer for what God wants to do in and through this summer camp experience for the children. Prayer for our staff as well as our volunteers that they're service will be as unto the Lord. Two very important things: first in every child in that camp regardless of the home they come from need someone to speak and impart godly encouragement. Second love makes all the difference in the world, we get a chance to love them with the love of God.

Now Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is LOVE! Please join me in prayer.

Busy Time and It’s Just Getting Started

We just finished our first week of BethelKIDZ Summer Camp. Praise God from whom all blessing flow. This is our first year to do five days a week for 9 weeks [1 down and 8 to go.] We had a great group of volunteers and the staff handled things wonderfully. Glenda is a God-sent. She’s retired and could be sitting at home but she has been a jewel in as our campus coordinator. The children are very excited and are soaking up things really, really fast.

Attended the State Congress of Christian Education Monday – Wednesday, was encouraged by the meeting. The Pastoral class was very different than normal; it was open dialog, which allowed for a more helpful discussion. In the past we’ve only sat and listen to one point of view and all types of ministry style were simply not touched. Not sure who to give the credit to but well done congress staff.

Didn’t stay for the entire week for several reason but one was getting back to work on a few project that still need personal attention. After driving back I decided not to preach Wednesday evening which is my custom on the first Wednesday after the first Sunday then celebrate Holy Communion. I’m going to blame Janice for pushing me into preaching by saying that people were going to drive our over $3.25 gas and they needed to hear the Word. Well, anybody who knows me understands that I didn’t need much persuading. The Lord blessed His Word and sustained my tired body and birthed a series of sermon from Ephesians 4.

Tonight I was given the privilege to speak at a community forum. It was exciting and encouraging to see so many of our elected official, pastor and other civil organization present. I love my community and am willing to help where ever I’m needed. Some how I’ve been secretly appoint to lead this [not really secretly they just didn’t ask me I was just told that I would give the closing statement and the next day I’m the Chair], I know my Pastor had something to do with that. Only thing that is troubling is that God hasn’t really been clear on what He has plan with this community piece. So pray for me that I might know God will for this.

In a few hours Janice and I will have to both teach, she will teach Girlfriends while share with the Antioch Full Gospel Church and minister in a men’s luncheon. Janice is developing into a great teacher and will do a wonderful job of teaching. I’m really not sure what I’ll minister in the morning but I’m trusting God to lead and guide me.

Continue to pray for my health, haven’t felt this good in several months. My breathing has caused me to not be able to work out like I need to but I’ve been back for the last three weeks. Pray for my patience I’m struggling not to stress about how the Building funds, plans and other last minute things are dragging. I know God is in control and I know I’m probably the biggest hold up because He’s trying to teach me a lesson.

Last bit of new we’ve just finalized Beverly Crawford my all time favorite singing to come and minister during our 15th Anniversary Celebration. Now that’s doing church beyond the box! I’m most looking forward to the new idea that the committee came up with for a First Lady Luncheon. That makes me Happy! Nobody knows how much she put and pushes for the ministry. I don’t know personally another First Lady who is sold out for ministry like Janice. I often tell her I’m glad she’s on my team. She’s my girl.

Happy Birthday Saniyah

As usually I had a very busy weekend. After about 3 ½ hour of sleep, my day started with a 2 hour ride to a funeral service for the brother of one of the deacons in the church, they are a great family and have been tremendous supporters to the ministry. I was glad that Janice and I were able to be there for them. On my way back realized that I still had two more services to attend before the evening was over along with a very special birthday.

By the time we made it back it was time for our granddaughter Saniyah Raye’s first birthday [she is growing up fast and is beautiful]. Saniyah turned one on the 14th of April and with all my grandchildren [three in total] I always splurge for the party, that’s the least I can do. I’m blessed to see them everyday and they spend a great part of the day at the office with me. As I thought about how fast this year has gone by, a lot has happen…
· We purchased 25 acres of land to build a new church
· Zack [youngest son] is a senior in high school about to graduate
· Zack won state in basketball and choir
· Dee [youngest daughter] broke her collar bone in a basketball game
· Tiff [oldest daughter] moved out on her own
· Hornets [NBA basketball team on loan from New Orleans] have come and gone
· Bond program getting ready to hit the market for over two million dollars
· Celebrated the Home-going of two faithful women of God Erma Jean Hill & Delia Perry
· Saniyah crawled, walked and is now running, saying words and laughing

After the party I got a chance to spend some time with Saniyah [Sharonda brought her new pictures] before having to rush off to church. As the evening began to close as my custom is I began to turn my attention toward Sunday morning. As Ed Young Jr. says “it’s all about Sunday Morning, dummy!” The last thing I do on Saturday is to begin to visualize everything, and then I pray and ask God to have His way.

Sunday, we met for prayer as we do each Sunday praying for each other, our study, our service and soul. We’ve continued our study on ‘discovering our ministry’ in our small group experience. During our morning experience we began a new series called “Extreme, Home Makeover!” I felt real good about service after the Easter and Revival hang-over. At the end of the service a young man came to give his life to Christ, I took the opportunity to lead him to Christ personally.

Janice and I grabbed some lunch in the office and changed for another service, the close of the 63rd Simultaneous Revival at 3:00. By the end of this service we are completely exhausted. We had planned to spend the evening watching some new movies but the wrappers didn’t even get broke. We ended up just finding a comfortable place and just relaxed. Our grandchildren came by and as usual we found some energy to play and spoil them.

The plan is for us to work this week to wrap up Easter, the Revival and evaluate everything for next year’s planning. I’ll have to devote a lot of my week trying to get the CPA done, so that we can get our bond program off the ground and finalize our summer program. So I’m signing-off for now – to prepare to spend some time with the First-Lady!

It's Been Too Long!

I didn't know how long it has been. I had promised and promised myself that I was going to get back to my blog but like most things I just kept putting things off. Well, I was about to say tonight but I guess it is early morning. My mind is spinning with all the messages I've hear this week during the City-Wide revival. It has been one of the best Oklahoma City has had and I've had fun hanging with my friends and making some new ones as well.

Our revival was attended very well, we're growing and coming along in our spiritual growth as a church. I'm very pleased with how we handled really only our second revival under my watch. Pastor Bryan L. Carter was our guest for the second year and He was simply awesome and that's just not preacher talk. Pastor Carter allowed the Lord to use him mightily, through him God shared some strong messages. Pastor Carter and I have become great friends over the years and I'm blessed to have him as a personal as well as a ministry friend.

Apart from the messages, one of the highlight is our evening meal that has become a regular thing. About three or four years ago Janice and I felt lead to open our home to some of our friends who come and share with our City during the revival. Janice along with some of the wonderful cooks at our church would put together a menu and we would open our home for a meal between night service and late night service. Now that we are actively involved in the revival we simple host it at the church. We have a great time of fellowship [nothing is mover comical than preacher telling their stories]. The ladies at the church did an outstanding job with a spirit of excellence that would make any pastor proud.

While most churches run their revival week Monday-Friday, I've concentrated on just three nights Tuesday-Thursday for two reason, number one with our time of Prayer, Fasting and Meditation, then Holy Week, Easter prep and Easter Celebration to do five night would be pushing it. Number two one of my dearest friends Pastor H B Charles Jr. who is one of God's best preachers runs the meeting at my home church and it give an opportunity to hear him and spend some special time with him. He is a gift to the body of Christ as well as to my ministry. His dad will forever hold a special place in my heart and memory because God used him unbeknown to him to answer in this same revival some question and remove some hurdles that I had some 24 years ago. It's strange that in all the conversations HB and I've had I don't think I've ever shared that with him. Ironically, HB's brother Pastor Kevin Willis is the spitting image of their father, was giving the late night sermon and my mind ran back to 1983 and what God had done. Kevin runs the meeting for the Tabitha Church where my friend Pastor Jeffery Mitchell is the pastor.

I've been blessed, the church has been blessed and I'm looking forward to those things that God will do with all that He has said.

Peace!

Celebration Time

Today, we began the celebration of our 8th year as Senior Pastor of the GBC. WOW! What a ride its been. I've had the privilege to serve this church for over 17 years as part of the pastoral team. I've literally grew up right before a small group of our present members eyes.

Today we had one of my closest friends Pastor Racilus Douglas in as the guest preacher. Pastor Douglas is one of the greatest communicator that I know, we grew up together, so its hard for him to take my comments serious but he simply bad.

This week I will be attending the EK Bailey Conference on expository preaching in Dallas, Texas with my wife. I'm excited about the time away alone with Jan and to get a time of revival and refreshing. We'll travel back for a special service for Jan that they are calling "The First Lady Night," this is about the third year for this service and I'm very proud of the work our church does not to miss how valuable she is to our ministry.

Next Sunday my father-in-the-ministry Dr. J. A. Reed Jr. will come to bless our congregation. There are many in our church that look forward to hearing Pop [There's not to many preach that love preaching as much as he does.] He's been such a blessing to me and my ministry that words could not even begin to express my gratitude. I still remember the phone call he made to the Late Pastor C.C. Cooper as he talked about releasing me of my duties as youth pastor of the Fairview Church become the assistant-to-the-pastor of GBC. Now 17 years later I'm celebration 8 years as Sr. Pastor. Glory to God!