Put on the whole armor of God Ephesians 3:11-17

This past week at Vacation Bible School, I participated in teaching and facilitating the teen males group about "Putting on the full armor of God"(Ephesians 6:11-17). It was really refreshing to my spirit to see young men ask and desire to learn about how our sin has separated us from God's love and plan for our lives (Romans 3:23), and how Jesus died on the old rugged cross to die for every sin we ever committed, while we were still wrapped up in sin(Romans 5:8). The big picture of what they learned was that Satan is the Great Deceiver and he makes sin look so splendorous. However, if we put on the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit (essentially the whole armor of God), we can stand against the schemes of the devil(Ephesians 6:11).

I love when the Lord uses me to do His work and His will for His kingdom. I feel so anointed each an everyday because I know whose I am and who I am working for. All the Glory belongs to our Father God in Heaven! I pray that God blesses my brothers and sisters in Christ above and beyond what they can ask or think. In Jesus name!

Eternal Thoughts

God continues to amaze me each and every day. I am so proud of my cousin. He is so focused and knows that he is living his life for Jesus Christ. God's timing is so perfect! I have not talked to him in a while, but I thank God for reuniting me with my cousin on facebook. He is planning on becoming an architectural designer. Lord God, may you direct his paths in your precious Son, Jesus name.

This economy today throws so many curve balls and rainy days at you, but we as Christians are called to be steadfast and unmovable when doing God's will. I am so amazed that God can chose ANYONE to carry out His will (Acts 9), and how the Bible answers any questions that we, God's children, may ask. Going down the straight path (Matthew 7: 13-14) may be tough, but there is an eternal reward waiting for us in the end. Just when we are about to throw in the towel, He comes in and sends a major blessing above and beyond what we may ask or think.

We are in a period of God's grace. As the poet Prophet states in his poem, A Time for Change, "Some of you don't study for a test until the very last day, and trying to reach heaven the exact same way". What a strong statement so profound and relevant for today. I pray that we as God's children can stand up and have integrity in our work places, discretionary time with friends and family, and at church. It's it time to pick up the cross and live the life we are required to live in Christ Jesus. I pray that we as Christians get on one accord, and allow Christ to be the center of our lives. "For if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things things are passed away; behold, all things become new"(2 Corinthians 5:17).

As you reflect on the price Jesus Christ paid for us on the cross to have a more abundant life, what thoughts, feelings, or emotions do you have?

Be Blessed!

Salvation God's Sacrifice and Substitution

Since God is holy, righteous, and just, He could not allow sin to go unpunished. Sin is a slap in the face to God. God despises sin.

The divine solution to this problem of separation with God (SIN), was for JESUS, God's only Son, to become the true and living sacrifice for sin. Due to Jesus' sinless life, He was the only qualified to pay the penalty for man's sin and to bridge the gap between God and man. Thank God for Jesus! Roman 5:8.

What exactly happened at the cross?

Through Jesus' death on the cross...

1. He took our place and our punishment. -Hebrews 9:26-28

2. He exchanged His righteousness for our sin. -2 Corinthians 5:21

3. He took our curse and gave us His blessings. -Galatians 3:13

4. He became the only way to eternal life. -John 14:6

For reference: http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/one-2-one/4/25

"Let's Go To Church"

Messenger: Rev. Roderick D. Dawson

Scripture: Acts 2: 42-47

Topic: "Let's Go To Church"

Venue: St. Paul AME Church Houston, TX

Notes:

What is found in the church according to Acts 2?

1. Unconditional Love

-Unconditional is the greatest witness to the love.

-We are to love one another as we love ourselves and [ultimately] how Jesus loves the church.

-We don't mind meeting the need is an ideal example of SERVANT LEADERSHIP.

-Jesus was hung up from your hang up.

2. Unlimited forgiveness

-Because of extended grace [we ourselves have been forgiven].

-The word of God states Matthew 18:21-22, that we should forgive a person 70 times 7. [Now that is equivalent to 490 times and I am sure none of us has forgiven a individual that many times].

-God's Word says to, you need forgiveness yourself, and you don't want to hell.

3. Unrealistic sharing

-See the need and meet the need [as the Holy Spirit empowers you].

4. Undignified Praise

-["If you want the blessings of the Lord you need to learn how to have an undignified praise. An undignified praise exists when even in the midst of your mess; you can sing and dance before the Lord. You don’t care who is watching you and what they think, you will praise the Lord. An undignified praise exists even when people criticize you for your praise; you take it to another level." http://www.vbcva.org/pages.asp?pageid=62145-Pastor Keith McCullough ]

Will you worship in SPIRIT and TRUTH?

Messenger: Rev. Roderick D. Dawson

Scripture: John 4: 23-24

Topic: True Worship

Location: St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Houston, TX

1. You need the spirit.

-You must be born again. John 3

-You must be filled with the spirit. Acts 2

-We can worship in spirit.

2. You need the truth.

-Truth through God in Jesus. Jesus is the truth. John 14:6

-God created us to worship.
-An individual's worship through Christ is not limited.
-You can worship anywhere.

-God is looking for people to worship Him.

Are you satisfied with Jesus?

Messenger: Rev. Roderick D. Dawson

Scripture: Philippians 4: 11-13

Topic: "Satisfied with Jesus"

Location: St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Houston, TX

Our true sufficiency comes from Jesus.

1. Learn to be happy with less.

-The state of unnoticed blessings is that we do not notice the blessing right in front of us in America. We are truly the most unhappy people.
-God has blessed us without our permission

2. Remind yourself things could be worse.

-There are people that wish they can be where you are.
-We make unfair comparisons to others.

3. Understand that what we are receiving from God is spiritual not material.

-Some people can not handle abundance and prosperity.
-God will not send a blessing to you unless he can send a blessing through you.

Dealing with Unhealed Wounds

Messenger: Rev. Roderick D. Dawson

Scripture: Matthew 18: 1-35

Topic: "Dealing with Unhealed Wounds"

Location: St. Paul A.M.E. Church Houston,TX


Notes:

• A long time ago priests could not serve if he had a scab, which signifies that you are scarred.
• In the same manner, unresolved issues are related to an unhealed wound.
• A glass of water held in the same posture for a long time is like a grudge with your brother or sister, because you the longer you hold it the heavier or painful it becomes.

Jesus tells us how to handle unhealed wounds:

• Confront the issue head on.

-->"Forgive them for they know not what they do".

• Praise those who mistreat you. (Even your enemies).

--> If you sow a seed of unforgiveness you shall reap a seed of unforgiveness.

• You need to forgive them, move on to another location, and let God fill your emptiness.

2 Things God won't share:

1. His Glory
2. His right to settle disputes.

• Stop trying to play God. Only God knows how to handle your enemies.
• HE OR SHE THAT ANGERS YOU CONTROLS YOU.
• What's important in life is what happens in you rather than what happens to you.

5 Keys to Forgiveness

1. Forgiveness is not a suggestion it is a command.
2. Forgiveness has no limit.

-->Jesus told Peter to forgive seventy times seven.

--> As far as the east is from the west Jesus has forgiven us for our sins.

3. Forgiveness sets us free from sin.

4. If forgiveness is granted to me then I need to forgive others no matter how much it hurts.

5. Forgiveness is a will act; It is a continuous process.

Since everybody makes mistakes, everyone needs forgiveness.

Be Blessed everyone and Plant Your Garden, so when your enemy tries to attack you, you will have the disipline to yield in your actions and allow God to handle your situation.

Will you plant your garden?