Unpredictable Adjustments/0 Comments/in /by

Can you believe that we are in March!

Things are shifting again; over the last year, we all have and are facing “Unpredictable Adjustments.” These interruptions remind us that we don’t have life figured out and that we can’t do it on our own. Seeing them as such helps us take our eyes off ourselves and put them on Christ, who cares more about our transformation than about our daily comfort.

Rather than giving us a life of ease, He allows interruptions in our lives with grace and shows us what we need most of all: himself.

Unpredictable – not able to be predicted (of a person) behaving in a way that is not easily predicted.
Adjustment – the process of adapting or becoming used to a new situation.

Philippians 4:6-8 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Over the last year, we all can attest that we were faced with Unpredictable Adjustments. Were they easy, No. Was it difficult to pivot into a new way of reality-Yes. Have there been moments when I’ve felt unhinged at the fact that this manifestation of an uncommon battle was adjusting the world quickly, without permission, at times causing me to become overwhelmed at being adjusted and pushed way out of my comfort zone-Yes.

But within my soul, I knew the best way to stay focused was to remain in the word, Pray, Fast, and hear clear direction from God. The most powerful three words that resonated within me while attempting to find common ground was; “stay the course.” The term “stay the course” was an old nautical term of navigation, meaning “to continue in the proper direction.” It was used by Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and both George Bushes as an appeal to not give up or turn back.

Adjustments and change are inherent to navigation. Life would be easy if you could discover an easy formula for success, keep repeating the past, and be assured of future success. But life is unpredictable and in a constant state of change. What worked last year may not work this year. What works for someone else may not work for you. Staying the course does not mean repeating the past and just doing what you’ve always done, in the way you’ve always done it.

I want to encourage you that change is constant, and we have experienced some unexpected turns in our lives and ministry, but “STAY THE COURSE.” I want to empower you with four provoking words while surviving unpredictable adjustments.

1. Accept the Adjustment- Instead of living in denial, we must accept what is taking place in our lives. Many people struggle with change because they refuse to accept what is happening. God will not leave you without an answer.

2. Navigation- Once we accept what is happening, we can navigate it. Change requires action from us. We must, to the best of our ability, determine what the right thing to do is. God will not leave you without direction.

3. Control-These interruptions and adjustments are necessary. We control a lot about our lives, but we do not control everything. Learning to differentiate between the two is vital. The things we control, we can change, things that we cannot, We must TRUST GOD. God has given you access to lean on Him.

4. Gratitude. There is something powerful about someone who can still see the glory of God even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Gratitude is not denying what is bad; it is acknowledging it without letting it tint everything in our lives.

God wants to be involved in our situation. Give Him a praise of gratitude in the midst of unpredictable adjustments. This did not catch God by surprise. Do not box or identify your life with what you have lost- your life is more than this moment-you have to be determined to Stay On Course”.

Be encouraged and know that God has not forgotten about us, and we are coming into our new season as Winners. Things are getting better.

Pastor House

Communion Sunday/0 Comments/in /by

First Sunday in April, July and November

March Gladness/0 Comments/in /by

 

Office Closed/0 Comments/in /by

Support the vision this Valentine’s Day/0 Comments/in /by

Super Sunday/0 Comments/in /by

Celebrating the Gift of L.O.V.E

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“Thus says the LORD: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; 3 when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. 4 Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers…” Jeremiah 31:2-4ESV
It is that time to celebrate Love and Black history; although each of them in their respected places is well-deserving of this celebration, each one should be a part of our daily lives 365 days a year. African Americans have a rich heritage to be proud of, and it cannot be contained exclusively for one month. I felt the need to concentrate on what so many repel from: The Gift of Love and why it is so important to some and not important to others. I have heard the comments and even said them myself, “it is just another day, couples should show love to their mates intimately and authentically. Another good one, singles should learn how to celebrate themselves until the right one comes along. “
As we rethink the relentless conversations about this topic, we have to look deeper into this. Those comments are true, but I wanted to give you a revelation of why we should celebrate Valentine’s Day 2021. During these tedious times in our nation that we all have had to survive, the transition of job losses, stresses and relational disparities, deaths, and uncertainties, the one thing that COVID taught us is the value of saying ” I LOVE YOU.” This day has been set aside as a holiday of expression. If we celebrate all other holidays, then why can’t we do the same for this one? Meet the expectation and go the extra mile to show someone just how important they are! Change your routine and do something different, enjoy the ambiance of love and all that it entails. I have not been single in a long time; however, you need to know that you are a rare commodity and that God has not slighted you. It is a beautiful moment when you can appreciate you and all that you offer. Smile! Do not allow one day or a month to alter the plans of preparation for your special day.
Husbands go the distance. I am challenging us to change the repetition; women deserve to be treated like a queen. I want to encourage each of you not to lose the expectation of what LOVE means to both of you! Celebrate the day that you said, “I DO” and say “I DO” AGAIN, over a cup of coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner; better yet, cook at home! Take the pressure off of an expensive dinner; what if she likes pizza; have her one delivered at work! Put a note on the mirror.  I came across this acronym for L.O.V.E. and thought how befitting.
L- Listen to yourself and your mate
O-Observe your connection to yourself and your mate
V- Visualize and speak wholeness and life over yourself and your mate.
E-Express yourself to your mate, and if you are single, express your desire to God for a mate.
Remember, our actions and words have an impact. In the scripture above, the Love of God bought healing, restoration, and joy back to Israel. What are you waiting for? Celebrate and make this month one to remember. Reset your Love Language. I am praying that this will be a month of Celebration and Victory.
Pastor House