Posts Tagged ‘Servants for Christ Fellowship’

Jesus is the Centerpiece of Our Faith!

Monday, September 6th, 2010

So, my dear Christian friends, companion in following this call to the heights…take a good look at Jesus. He’s the Centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do.  Moses was also faithful, but Jesus gets far more honor.  A builder is more valuable than a building any day.  Every house has a builder, but the Builder behind them all is God.  Moses did a good job in God’s house, but it was all servant work, getting things ready for what was to come.  Christ as Son is in charge of the house.  (Hebrews 3: 1-6)

Beloved, these scriptures truly resonated with me, because we say that we are Christian (Christ-like), we say we are god-fearing, and that Christ Jesus is the head of our life; and all this and more is exactly what our thinking should be. But how many of us have had a hard time holding on to our confession, when the testing comes?  How many of us realized that before God can entrust us with His plan for our lives (his purpose), we would have to show ourselves approved before God.   We will have to endure hardship as a faithful soldier of God’s Army.  Think it not strange when you find yourself going through a wilderness testing. The Word says if we can only keep a firm grip on this bold confidence (that Christ as Son is in charge of the house). (Hebrews 3:6)

Beloved, we are the houses!  That is why the Holy Spirit says; today; please don’t turn a deaf ear as in “The bitter uprising,” that time of wilderness testing. (Hebrews 3:7).  The Word says to take a good look at Jesus.  What does the bible tell us about Christ during those 30 years prior to His ministry. In Luke1: 80; 2:52 it says, “And the little boy grew and became strong in spirit; and he was in the deserts (wilderness) until the day of his appearing to Israel {the commencement of his public ministry}. And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man.  Therefore beloved, if it took Jesus 30 years to prepared for His 3 years ministry; we must get out of the instant society mindset, that is, God will instantly grant us our ministry, without doing it his way, “without preparation”.

Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you.  {Therefore beware} brethren, take, care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart {which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him}, leading you to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God.  But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened {into settled rebellion} by the deceitfulness of sin {by the fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamour of his sin may play on him}.

Therefore, Beloved, humble yourself “under the might hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you.”

Scriptures References: Heb3:12, IPeter 5:6

Sister Betty, in Christ, the Centerpiece of my faith.

 

Are You Fit To Commit?

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Because of the nature of my call, I tend to minister to a lot of singles. In doing so, I’ve noticed several reoccurring themes within the mindset of the ministry as a whole. One of them is that it seems as if almost everyone is feverishly getting themselves “ready” for their respective spouses.

It’s fascinating.

 On one end you have the single person who spends all their time attempting to reach this ideal state of perfection in hopes that the “perfection” itself will position them to receive the spouse of their dreams. Then on the other end we see the single that has the “take-me-as-I-am-or-have-nothing-at-all” perspective and is often unwilling to change to be better for their future spouse. So, in assessing the varying perspectives I asked God, “Whose way of thinking is right?” In seeking clarity, I gathered this conclusion:

 The answer is c) None of the above (smile).

Understand, both of the aforementioned types fail because both tend to miss the mark in their approach.  In short: Right actions. Wrong motives.

See, people are racing to get themselves together and the truth of the matter is none of us could even save ourselves, let alone transform ourselves. It’s like I always say, people can’t change people, God does. Think about it, if we could change ourselves what would we need Jesus for? Really, that’s what the power of The Cross is all about. Transfiguration!

Now, is this to say I believe everyone should stop striving to be better? Absolutely not! No, in fact, in my life I press daily to become not just a greater woman, but a greater vessel. And I can’t speak for anyone else but I plan on bringing sexy back AND adding a whole new meaning to the phrase “A Good Thing” LOL! And let the church say, “Ahhhmen!” LOL! Ok, I’m only halfway joking but my point is this (smile):

If you’re going to work toward being perfected, let GOD be your motivating factor, not man! Trust, changing for fickle folk who don’t know who they are, nor what they want will only leave you frustrated.

Plus, God’s perfection is not even defined as our version perfection. In fact perfect in the Bible doesn’t even mean perfect, it means mature. And did you know that everyday God is uniting people to their “Ones” void of what we perceive as the “perfect conditions?” There are folk with credit problems getting married. There are people still busy on the grind yet managing to find time to discover their spouses. And there are even folk with terminal illnesses finding love and enjoying it for as long as God grants them time on earth to share it. Now, imagine that. God uniting imperfect people, in un-ideal circumstances to serve as a perfect example of what can happen if we enact His Will over ours. Wow…it would appear that God has some insight that we don’t.  How ‘bout that (smile).

And here’s the silver lining in it all, when you allow God to change you, not only does it realign your focus to Him, but by default, you’ll become a better spouse for your future mate anyway. Only then can you truly receive nothing less than HIS best for your life. And trust. When God does a thing, He does it well.

So, today I share these words simply as an encouragement and an exhortation. Continue to allow God to make you better. Whether physically, spiritually, financially or anything in between. Strive to be great in every area BUT not for people. No, if you’re going to do it, do it for God. Yeah. Do it because you love Him that much. And then watch as, at HIS appointed time, He opens your heart that you might share your love with who He’s purposed for your life. And it is so.

So, relax.

Flow with God.

Keep growing.

 Blessings

Warning! Watch Out For Offenses: It’s Devil Bait!

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

There is a lasting peace for those who love your teachings.  Nothing can make those people stumble {offended} Psalm 119:165

The politician has slandered me unmercifully, but my awe at Your words keeps me stable.   I’m ecstatic over what You say, Like one who strikes it rich.  I hate lies-can’t stand them! But I love what You have revealed.

Seven times each day I stop and shout praises for the way You keep everything running right.  For those who love what You reveal, everything fits-no stumbling around in the dark for them.  I wait expectantly for Your salvation; God, I do what You tell me.  My soul guards and keeps all Your instructions- oh, how much I love them! I follow Your directions; abide by Your counsel;  My life’s an open book before You. Psalm 119:161-168

 Beloved, the Psalmist, King David, has given {revealed} to us, the righteous and holy response, to prevent our haters in this world, from using offenses as bait to stop us from following God’s instructions and abiding by His counsel.  For those that love this present world has great vexation {trouble, affliction, and annoyances}, because the world does not answer what they expect.

According to God’s Word:

So, this is my prayer: “that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well.  Learn to love appropriately.  You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush.  Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.”   That way, you will be able to determine what is best, and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ (return).”

 Scripture References: Philippians 1:9-11 

Sister Betty, The Lord’s Handmaiden

The Infallible Word Of God: Part 4

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010

Part IV:  The Word (Christ) Made Flesh

In the beginning {before all time} was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself, {Isa 9:6} (John1:1).

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.  (John 1:14).

Do you know of anyone today that struggles with believing the Word, the  Holy Scriptures, to be the infallible of Word of God?  Jesus certainly encountered such unbelief during His ministry.

Jesus said to them (that did not believe), You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the scriptures. Then (Jesus) beginning with Moses and {throughout} all the Prophets, He went on explaining and interpreting to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning and referring to Himself.   Then He (Jesus) said to them, This is what I told you while I was still with you; everything which is written concerning Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.

Then He {Jesus} thoroughly opened up their minds to understand the Scriptures.  He said to them, Thus it is written that the Christ (the Messiah) should suffer and on the third day rise from (among) the dead, {Hos.  6:2}.  And that repentance {with a view to and as the condition of} forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

How many know that we are to preach this Gospel in the name of Jesus?  And do not concern ourselves with engaging in arguments or debates over foolish questions, such as “if man wrote the Gospel by the inspiration of God,  how do we know that man did not add to it?”.  But we know we are to study to show ourselves approved before God, and teach the Gospel in the name of Jesus and pray that God will open up the minds of the hearer of His Word to understand the Scriptures.

Scriptures References: Luke 24: 24,27,44-47;

Sister Betty, In Him, The Handmaiden of the Lord

 

 

The Infallible Word of God Series: Part 3

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Part III “The Word of God Is Full Of Power”: Choose to use it for yourself!

 

Beloved, the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power {making it active, operative, energizing and effective}; it is sharper than any two edge sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and {the immortal} spirit, and of joints and marrow {of the deepest parts of our nature}. exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the the hear.

Beloved, if we can trust God and believe the Word that He speaks is full of power, then what do you suppose would happen if (for each trial, care of this life, for each need, and for each sickness) we would go to the Infallible Word of God–seeking and finding scriptures that speak specifically to our situation? 

What if we prayed that Word over our situation, if we meditated day and night on that Word, if we believe and trusted in that Word as the God given, answer for our circumstance(s)? What if we  have taken on the righteousness of God, and through grace we have met the conditions of  God’s promises?  What if God be for us?  Then what or who can prevent the Word that God speaks from manifesting it full power in our lives?

 

Jesus said, ” It is written that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”  He (Jesus) said, blessed (happy and to be envied) rather are those who hear the Word of God and practice it!  I would love to hear your thoughts. You can reply directly to this blog or follow us on Facebook.

 

Reference Scriptures: Heb 4:12, Matt. 4:4, Luke 11:28

 

Father God, help us to receive the power of Your Word.  Help us not to be just hearers of  Your word, but also help us to practice it!  Please deliver us from the cares of this present world and please give us the desire to renew our minds in Your Word.  Please Father God give us a hunger and thirst after You.   I know Father that Your Word is truth and it is able to far exceed, above and beyond what we ask and hope for; so please God, let Your Word have its way in our circumstances.   Father, let the words of our mouth be the words that You speak and let the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, oh Lord, our Saver and Redeemer.  In Jesus’ Awesome Name. Amen

 

Sister Betty, In Him & In the Wonderful Working Power of His Word, I am


The Lord Will Not Forsake His People

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake, for it has pleased Him to make you a people for Himself.

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way.

Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; for consider how great are the things He has done for you.

And they who know Your name {who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy} will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You {on the authority of God’s Word and the right of their necessity). {PS. 42:1} 

It is a necessity and an awesome privilege to call God by name and trust Him to be who we say He is in our situation.  We know that everyone of God’s names speaks power for our deliverance into our situation, mixed up and shaken down with faith. By telling God who He is in whatever situation we find ourselves, is the same as speaking prophecy over our lives.  As we read examples of some of these names for God and their meanings, please meditate on them and prophecy over yourselves, and allow the prophecy to drop into your spirits. 

Adonai, “I am the One who owns and rule over everything that exists.” Jehovah-jired, ” the Lord provides,” for His grace is sufficient for me. Jehovah-Rophe, “Lord who heals,” for I am the Lord that Healeth. Jehovah-Shalom, “God is Peace,” Jehovah-M’Kaddesh-”I am the Lord who makes you Holy.” Jehovah-Nissi, “God, My Banner or God my Standard of Victory.” Elohim- ” The Great Almighty, Three-in-One God, who establishes and keeps covenant forever.   El Shaddai, “The Almighty,” I am the Almighty God: Walk before Me, and be thou perfect” Jehovah-Tisdkenu, “The Lord our Righteousness that we might be the righteousness of God in Him.” 

O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, give heed and act! Do not delay, for Your own sake, O my God, because Your city and Your people are called by your name. Blessed  is the man that trust in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

 Scriptures References: I Samuel 12:22-24, PS. 9:10.  Daniel 9:19

Jeremiah 17:7

 Sister Betty,

In Christ Jesus, I Live, I move, and I have my being.

 

God Loved Us First: While We Were Yet in Sin

Monday, February 15th, 2010

In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation ( the atoning sacrifice) for our sins. I John  4; 10 Amplified Version

But God commandeth His love toward us, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Roman 5:8 KJV

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish; but have everlasting life. St. John 3:16 KJV

Have you ever thought about how much God loves You? How about how valuable you are to God? It really causes me to look at my worth and how I value myself. This stirs something up in me to say, I better rethink how  I treat myself and others.   Just think that the awesome God that we serve, shows and clearly proves His {own} love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us (Roman 5:8).

What kind of relationships does this suggest we should have with God, with oneself and essentially with others?  Would you submit your life fully and completely holding nothing back?  Can You  love someone who has caused you increditable  pain and sorrow?  Can you love yourself through your mistakes and shame and still hold on to God’s unchanging hands?  My bible tells me that God knew all about us, what we had done, what we will do, how faithful we would be to him.  But God! {that changes every thing); God loved us in spite of ourselves, even before we loved Him, He loved us first.

Now that Holy Spirit has reminded some and revealed to others, how much our Heavenly father loves us,  and how His saving Grace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, has set us free from the penalty of our sin; how are we to response to such a gift?

Beloved, if God loved us so {very much}, we also ought to love one another (1 John 4:11).  By this we come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we abide (live and remain) in Him and He in us: because He has given (imparted) to us His {Holy} Spirit ( 1John 4:13.  And {besides} we ourselves have seen (have deliberately and steadfastly contemplated) and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son {as the} Savior of the World (1 john 4:14).

I pray Heavenly Father, that all that read this word, will seek you as I do this night, that you would grant us the resolve to love all people, in every walk of life, every race, for love is from You, God! For God is Love! For God so loved the world that He gave! God please, give us Your Nature. In Jesus’ Awesome name

Sister Betty, Because of You, I am

God’s Own People Is The Answer For America

Monday, February 8th, 2010

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.    I Peter2:9 NKJV

If my my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  II Chronicles 7:14 NKJV 

Other Scriptures References: I Samuel 9:6, Proverbs 14:4 

The Presidential Prayer Team was established during President George Bush’s 1st Term.  Since becoming a member of the team back then, the members have been charged with praying for the President, from Presidential initiatives to national and international matters.  But how many of us know that real, meaningful, everlasting change takes place in the hearts of mankind, and will only come in the way that God has pre-ordained? 

God’s plan to use His chosen people as an equipment for the healing of the nations during the Biblical times, is just as  crucial and prevalent today.  God’s remedy for the healing of our nation is found in His word; which  is the same word He gave to the people way back when He first spoke the word we find in, II Chronicle 7:14 NKJV,”If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  ( some, might say when he said My people, He was talking about the Jews) Yes, but in this Nation today, since being adopted through the blood of Jesus, we too are His own people, thereby being his equipment to bring about change in the hearts of mankind through His word.  

There are so many hurting people in this Nation, whose hope rests upon President Obama. It  is so crucial for them to understand that as hard as President Obama may try, he can not deliver this sin sick Nation from the problems that have so easily entangled it.  If righteousness exalted a nation and sin is a reproach to any people (Proverb 14:4), then it prompts me to believe that divine intervention is required  for our Nation.  And if divine intervention is required, God tells us in II Chronicles 7:14, before God will act on behalf of the nation, God’s own people must first humble ourselves, and pray and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways;  and only then will He hear from heaven and will forgive our sin and heal our land.

Those who choose to live upright and operate in right standing with God,  are given the favor of God and God’s authority and power over all demons and to cure all diseases (Luke 9:1-3).  

God’s own people are different from the world; we are about God’s business in every area of  our lives; we understand our purpose is to proclaim the praises of God and His righteousness.  And we are known by our seeds, God’s favor and His righteousness  which abides within us.  Amen? 

In the name of Jesus, I speak this word over the Body  of Christ, We are the Equipment of God For a dying and perverse nation.   But God! sees plenty  wrong and He is still looking to His own people to sell out ourselves completely to Him; in order that He may activate the supernatural power , authority and His righteousness that He has already placed in us to exalt the Nation.

Sister Betty, In Him, the Hope of Glory!

“Leading e-nnovation”

Friday, January 29th, 2010

I am amazed at the “quick work” that God is doing with Yes Lord Radio. This is truly a divine undertaking. Who would’ve thought two years ago that an idea would spread so fast? God is a rewarder of those that “diligently” seek HIM while having a heart to bless millions……that’s right millions. One of the reasons that I feel YLR is moving and growing at the speed of light is that this company is led by humility. It is the desire of YLR to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ and be an “e-nnovative leader” while doing it. So many people get up everyday and fish from the same well. They seek gospel music artist(s), ministries, conventions, and radio in the same old wells that EVERYBODY else does only to be disappointed when they catch the same ole’ types of fish that everybody else does. YLR is committed to giving the people what they’re continually asking for…..FRESH MINISTRY!!!!!! WE understand that the world has shrunk because of the internet and that the playing fields are level for the first time in hundreds of years. YLR will lead this E-volution! We will give you world exclusives, singles, videos, and the interviews that will set your soul ablaze. YLR will ask the questions that no one else will. We will dig deeper and get down to the real truth behind the music and the ministries. It’s our hearts desire to BLESS all the nations of the earth. Join the team and help us bring it to pass.

All one has to do is take a look around at the giants that are falling everyday in the world of media and see that the handwriting is on the wall. Newspapers, radio stations, magazine publishers, and record labels are succumbing to technology. Companies like facebook, YouTube and Twitter have changed the landscape of marketing, promotions and advertising and the giants couldn’t adapt. Neither could the dinosaurs of old. Extinction is around the corner for most of the places and methods that the gospel genre has used for the last twenty years. We predict that new television shows will be syndicated in ways previously unknown and will have massive followings. Record labels are going to have to change their strategies. It’s a new day. A day of  E-nnovation.  YLR has so many new and e-nnovative methods for reaching the world with the gospel and we’re looking at 2010 as a year of tremendous UPside. In other words, WE are coming and no one is going to match the level of professionalism,  excellence and technological leadership that we’re bringing to the digital table.  Oh yeah, e-nnovation is just a new term we coined that stands for electronic innovation. So for all of you zombies that believe there are only 3 gospel artist and 1 gospel label……Sorry, it’s a new day. And for all of you that think there’s only 1 gospel television show to watch, ……..oops! It’s a new day and YLR is going to lead this E-Revolution! Feel free to copy and distribute to the entire world. YLR loves Ya’……Don’t be surprised……

In HIM,

PFrank

www.xcelfellowship.com

www.frankhenderson.org

Frank Henderson is the pastor of XCEL Fellowship Church located in Oxford, North Carolina and also the host of the “Doin It BiG” radio show here on YLR! Reach out to him at xcelpastor@gmail.com and let him know what you’re thinking and who you’d love to hear from and about……