From the Pastor’s desk…
As we close out 2011 and enter 2012, it is time for each of us to undergo self-examination. We must all look deep within ourselves and seriously consider whether or not we are truly committed to God and living a life that is centered around Him and pleasing to Him. I know that it is everyone’s heart-desire to find true love, happiness, and purpose. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this and in fact, the absence of this desire is an indicator that something is “wrong”. I also realize that knowing and wanting what is “right” is not as easy as attaining or reaching goals. However, I am a believer in God’s Word and I am convinced that faith in God always brings about the most positive results, and that God’s divine will for our lives is what brings us security and happiness.
Let’s make self-improvement a number one priority. This is first and foremost achieved by putting God first in our lives as He has promised, “Seek ye first the kingdom of Heaven and all His righteousness, and all other things will be added unto you.” It is simply not possible to love God and seek after Him and not be blessed with all needs and desires being granted. Yet, there are times when God withholds things from us—not because He doesn’t love and care for us, but because He knows what we can handle at any given moment. Some things can have serious adverse effects on us and can aid in destroying us rather than blessing and enhancing our lives. God knows us better than we know ourselves and we often overestimate our ability and our maturity in handling things that come our way.
As we look deep within ourselves and allow God to search our hearts, let us make a vow to accept truth and take ownership of what we discover—whether we discover things that are “good” and desirable or whether we discover things that are negative and detrimental. The first step to healing, restoration, and self-improvement is acknowledging who we really are and making a quality decision to change for the better. The harvest is ripe, the laborers are few, and we must prepare to reach out to those who are joining our family. However, we can only help others when we first allow God to “fix” the things in us that do not make us better, but instead, cause us to grow more and more bitter.
Our church is growing and great things are happening. Let’s make sure we are helping God’s program to continue and let’s insure that we are never found helping and abetting the enemy. Remember, it’s your right and your privilege to do as you please with your life, but the hand of God is against us when we cause others to stumble and fall. Let’s commit to being part of the solution and never part of the problem. Be reminded, when one is blessed, we all are blessed. It is to my advantage to see you blessed and prosperous in everything you set out to do. More importantly, it’s God’s will that we prosper and be in good health, even as our soul prospers. Let’s position ourselves for an outpour of God’s blessing and prosperity. GET READY FOR YOUR MIRACLES!!!
W. Charles Morrow, Pastor