Happy New Year 2009

This weekend is my birthday and I am more happy than I have ever been. I usually try to forget my birthday because all my life I usually have to go back to school or work on or just before my birthday. This year my birthday falls on a weekend and I will be 42 years old. Hallelujah!!!! I'm gonna love being 42 it just seems like such a great age to be. Some people may try to call me young and I know I'm not. Some will say I'm old and I'm not. I am 42 years old and I absolutely love it. Life and everything about it is becoming so much clearer to me now. I thank God like the old folks used to say, "for lettin' my golden moments roll on a just a little while longer." I know the key is to keep Christ first in life and think on the good things. The Apostle Paul lets me know in the fourth chapter of Philippians how to stay happy and healthy. He writes:
Philippians 4 (Contemporary English Version)
1Dear friends, I love you and long to see you. Please keep on being faithful to the Lord. You are my pride and joy.


Paul Encourages the Lord's Followers:


"Euodia and Syntyche, you belong to the Lord, so I beg you to stop arguing with each other. 3And, my true partner, I ask you to help them. These women have worked together with me and with Clement and with the others in spreading the good news. Their names are now written in the book of life. Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you."

God bless you my friends and hope you have a blessed and prosperous 2009. Take Care:)

P.S. I don't know why the date hasn't changed on this post but today is actually January 1, 2009 2:45 a.m. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Jesus said nothing so You can say it for Him - What a Word!

First Year Anniversary of this blog

Hi all,

A year ago I started this blog to communicate with members of my volunteer music ensemble. There has not been one response from any of them yet. Oh well. As the year draws to an end, I thank God for the opportunity to meditate on Christ in 2008. I hope I have been able to share some good word with someone. December 23, 2007 I started with 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast your cares on him for he cares for you." God does care for us he gave us his only begotten son Jesus the Christ to die for our sins. Thank God we live in a country that allows us to celebrate his miraculous Birthday. Continue in your walk with Christ my friends. I will continue to share the word of God with you but, I will also begin to chronicle my journey into the world of politics in the new year. God bless you all and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Be Thankful and Bless His Name for the Lord is Good!

Hello precious people,

Although Thanksgiving day is over I am reminded of the song that says "Everyday is a Day of Thanksgiving." Give God the praise everyday for all of the great things he has done for us. My precious little nephew was diagnosed with cancer in October www.caringbridge.org/visit/jaidentaylor but, I am thankful to God that he is doing better and that he is yet here with us. My best friend died on October 18th but thank God that he did not suffer and God is steadily healing my spirit after a such a sudden loss. No matter what we go through in life there is always something to be thankful for. Thank God for Psalms 100 which tells us to "enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless His name for the Lord is Good. His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations." Praise the Lord for his unconditional love and basic instructions for his unmerited grace and mercy. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God!

It is Written, Matthew 4:1-11

Matthew 4
The Temptation of Jesus
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'[a]"

5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:
" 'He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'[b]"

7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'[c]"

8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."

10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'[d]"

11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.



Oh my friends, I am annointed to minister to you. Through the blessing of technology, God has allowed me to share the word of God with you. Matthew tells us that you, like Jesus, can be taken by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. To take it further the devil can take you to different areas of your life and tempt you to forsake your worship of the true and living God. Just tell the devil, "it is written..." he hates it when you hit him with the truth about God. We will be tempted and assaulted every day of our lives if we continue worshiping Yahweh. What beautiful names we have for our God. Jesus shows us through this passage in the book of Matthew how to go through the difficult of situations. He was tired, hungry, dehydrated, and immersed in worshipping God. Hold fast to your faith my friends. Know that the people you consider the best of friends will one day be used of the devil to pierce your heart. There will be dissapointments and betrayals but, you can always look the devil in the face and say, "devil, "IT IS WRITTEN..." God Bless you my friends and have a Great Day:)

I know the Lord Will make a Way, Yes He Will!

Giants Do Die

Thank God for the Holy Ghost

Thank God for sending us the comforter. As a new school year begins I am thankful to God for giving me the Holy Ghost to keep me in all situations. I pray that the blood of Jesus will cover each and every teacher, administrator, cafeteria worker, bus driver, custodian and faculty member in our nations schools. I pray that everyone is well rested and prepared for a productive new school year.

Faith Deliverance Christian Fellowship Conference 2008

The Faith Deliverance Christian Fellowship Conference was held at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington N.C July 23 - 25. FDCF is a group of churches in VA, MD, N.C. and California under the spiritual guidance of Bishop Barbara M. Amos, D.Div, Founder and presiding Prelate. The host church this year was the Descending Dove Christian Center, Pastors Angel and Antonio Wellington (both NSU alumni) On Thursday morning July 24, the Holy Ghost rested in the conference center heavily. The atmosphere was so charged and peaceful, even after the benediction no one left the room. The entire conference was a blessed event and each service was entirely different and anointed. My pastor, Sharon S. Riley, led the conference goers in praise and worship with all the fervor of David and Asaph the biblical psalmists On Friday night which was the official night, Bishop Amos delivered a powerful message encouraging the body of Christ to stay in formation. I was privileged to travel with Mr Fears "Chief" on his 83rd birthday to see one of his former students, Pastor Antonio Wellington in action. When we returned to the hotel I was blessed to run into a gentleman and his family that was a former member of Faith Deliverance in the early 90's. God blessed me to talk with him and his wife while we reminisced over his time in Norfolk in the military. He was so moved by what he learned under Bishop Amos that he said he was going to start going back to church in Memphis, Tennessee where he now lives. To God Be The Glory! There is definitely a rumbling under our feet.

Hold to God's Unchanging Hand

HOLD TO GOD’S UNCHANGING HAND
Arranged by Keith McCutchen
Chorus:
Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand
Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand
Build your hope on things eternal (3 times)
Hold to God’s unchanging hand
Verse 1:
Time is filled with swift transition
Naught on earth you cannot stand
Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God’s unchanging hand
Back to Chorus
Verse 2:
Trust in Him who will not leave you
Whatsoever years may bring
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to him cling
But you’ve got to hold
Back to Chorus
Verse 3:
When your journey is completed
If to God you have been true
Fair and bring your home in glory
Your enraptured soul will view
You’ve got to hold

Sometimes Ol' Skool is the Best

Never, Never, Never Give Up

Luke 18
The Story of the Widow Who Would Not Give Up
1 Jesus told his disciples a story. He wanted to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said, "In a certain town there was a judge. He didn't have any respect for God or care about people. 3 A widow lived in that town. She came to the judge again and again. She kept begging him, 'Make things right for me. Someone is doing me wrong.'
4 "For some time the judge refused. But finally he said to himself, 'I don't have any respect for God. I don't care about people. 5 But this widow keeps bothering me. So I will see that things are made right for her. If I don't, she will wear me out by coming again and again!' "

6 The Lord said, "Listen to what the unfair judge says.

7 "God's chosen people cry out to him day and night. Won't he make things right for them? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, God will see that things are made right for them. He will make sure it happens quickly.

"But when the Son of Man comes, will he find people on earth who have faith?"


On this day Senator Barack Obama has won the nomination as the National Democratic Candidate for President of the United States. Every Saved, Sanctified, Bible believing, Borned-again, tongue talking, Holy Ghost-filled, washed in the Blood Saint of the Almighty God should pray for the safety of this man and the protection of our Country. I believe wholeheartedly that politics should never be the basis for the word of God proclaimed from the pulpit. A very wise man who pastored my family church for 54 years once told me, "Boy, Preach the word. Preach on the Cross and stay under the blood!" This one of my early memories of God calling me to the ministry. Rev. Dr. A.R. Walker was 98 when he passed on in 1991. He was a very wise man of God and I will forever be thankful to have known him until his death. Every one should be in constant prayer to God for this Nation. Inspired by the Holy Ghost, Luke illustrates the story Jesus told about the unjust Judge and the widow. The Judge is a political figure. I am not sure what the political climate was in the region but our Lord always chose topics that would get the peoples attention. He used a political figure to tell us that we should never give up our prayer life for no man. The Lord tells us to "listen to what the unfair judge says." How much more will our Heavenly Father hear his childrens cry than this unjust judge hear the old widow. Please Pray for the future of the United States of America. God Bless America!!!!!! One Nation, under God, indivisible with Liberty and justice for all.

Standing on the Promises of God

Standing on the promises of Christ my King
Through eternal ages let His praises ring.
Glory in the Highest I will shout and sing
STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD!!

H.A.L.T.

Key Scripture: Matthew 24:43 Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in.

DANGER POINTS!

Here are 3 danger points at which the enemy will attack you: (1) Weariness. Old Testament times the “birthright” meant you inherited twice as much of your father’s estate. Normally Esau wouldn’t have considered selling his birthright, but he did in a state of exhaustion. Weariness can cause you to lose perspective and make decisions based on what’s convenient, rather than what’s good for you in the long term. Remember the H.A.L.T. sign: when you’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired you’re vulnerable, and you’ll make bad decisions. (2) Excitement. King Herod was seduced by a dancing girl, threw caution to the wind and said, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you (Mark 6:23). She asked for the head of John the Baptist. And since he was king, Herod couldn’t go back on his word. That moment of indulgence cost Herod his kingdom and his life. Be careful where you go looking for excitement, and how you react when you find it. It can cost you the game! (3) Discouragement. In a moment of discouragement Peter did what he swore he’d never do: deny his Lord. Discouragement can make you say things you don’t mean and do things that are out of character. Jude writes, “Carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love (Jude 20). Esau’s weariness, Herod’s excitement, and Peter’s discouragement are what Jesus had in mind when He said, “If the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched.”


Chief sends…

I just LOVE to have Church

What do you expect when you walk into church?

Acts 2: 1-4 says. "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them."
On Monday, April 28, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. I stood outside of the post office in the Driver Section of Suffolk and heard the sound of a rushing mighty wind. I had no idea it was a tornado about 100 ft away. Listening to this You Tube clip the sound is very similar to the sound of that wind.

My pastor has reminded us that Sunday, May 11, 2008 is Pentecost Sunday as well as Mother's Day. Give God the praise in your own way!!!!!!!!!

Cast Your Cares

1 Peter 5:7 tells us to "cast our cares on Jesus for He cares for you." How many people do you know that can handle that? I believe that worry is the enemy of faith. To worry about anything in life is like saying, " God I know you can do it, but I just don't know." Two principles should hold up every believers faith.
1. There is nothing too hard for God.
and
2. When in doubt refer to principle one.

Please join us in rehearsal on Wednesday night at 6:30. We will be rehearsing with Kiononia and Selah.

Peace and Blessings
Minister Woodis

T'is So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Jesus said, "In my name...."

Jesus gave you the power to use for his glory.

Happy Black History Month

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Emails from a Good Friend

This is an email I recieved from a good friend. Enjoy!

It is Well With My Soul

This month is designated as "Black History Month" in the United States. The main thread that has maintained the continuity of people of African descent in America is their steadfast faith and dependency on Jesus Christ. The expression of that dependenccy and faith is seen through gospel music and spirituals. Once a week, I will continue to post topics on our Bible study classes but each day I will attempt to feature a current and classic clip of some of my favorite hymns, spirituals and gospel songs. ENJOY!

I have seen the downfall of Satan......

Just how far have we come as a people? All of us are responsible for where we are today as a country. You say that you weren't even born during the Civil Rights era? That may be true, but don't we all benefit from what was accomplished? February 21, 2008 will mark the 43rd anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X. This gentleman spoke the truth during a time when many blacks as well as whites did not want to know the truth. Even today much of what he said is as poignant now as it was in 1963. My point is this, I am seeking Jesus with the same fervor that Malcolm X sought justice for African - Americans. Oh we know our rights or at least we should know them. We have the benefits and we certainly can not be denied the opportunity. Now is the time to fight the devil with the same level of fervor that Malcolm speaks of in this clip. "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force." Matthew 11:12. Never, never, never, never give up the fight saints of God. "To God be the glory for the great things he has done!" Hallelujah to the Lamb of God.

Malcolm X would have been 79 years old

The young lions do lack and suffer hunger, but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Psalms 34:10

Watch!!!!!

The Day and Hour Unknown
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " Mark 13:32-37 (NIV) Keep your eyes on the prize. Jesus told everyone to "Be on alert." That means no one has time to take a break. You must mean "heaven all the way." No matter what it takes or where you are in your walk with the Lord endeavor to be closer to him. Read the Holy Bible daily and spend time communicating with the Lord. This is how you watch and ensure that you are ready. Seek to hear from him everyday and when you get there seek to hear from him 3 times a day and when you get there seek to hear from him every 2 hours, then every hour and every 30 min. Abide in Jesus every minute of every day. "The Spirit of the Lord gives Life" Hallelujah to the Lamb of God. There will be no rehearsal this week 2/13/08. We will rehearse next Wednesday 2/20/08. God Bless.

Are you ashamed of the Gospel?

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17)NIV

Are you ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Be honest with yourself. The Apostle Paul was honest with himself and with everyone else when he wrote this passage to the Christians in Rome through this letter. Christians sometimes have to find a connecting concept to somehow make their faith fit the culture that we live in. Often times fellow believers will preface everything they say with "God willing...." for example I've heard some say "God willing I hope I get over this flu soon" or something of that nature. Well it is God's will that we "proper and be in good health even as our soul prospers" 3 John 1:2 (not tryin to give a prosperity plug here) The point is the Gospel of Jesus should be the air we breath. The birth, the life, the death, the resurrection and the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the power of God to save every believer. Are you afraid someone may call you a Jesus freak or Holy roller? The world says that people who believe in God do so out of desparation or they must be facing some kind of life changing event. They are right. Romans 1:17 says it: For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous WILL LIVE by faith." Hallelujah to the Lamb of God!!!!!
This was my homework assignment from the ministry leaders Bible study class. See you in rehearsal on Wednesday night. Music: Sweet Hour of Prayer, Total Praise, Fanfare and Hymn A Mighty Fortress, Just A Closer Walk. Be prepared to take pictures Wednesday after rehearsal.

Each one Reach One

Every one in the instrumental music ministry should make this a part of their personal mission for the new year. What a great way break the ice into evangelism than to invite a fellow musician to join us in rehearsal. Every borned-again believer in Christ is responsible to evangelize. Mark 16:15 says, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." That means all of us. There does not have to be a pulpit and you don't need the exegetical skills of John Wesley or Martin Luther. We all just need to make a start and "Go......." Let the Holy Spirit take the lead. See you in rehearsal.

To evangelize or not to evangelize

How many great Evangelists from the present or past can you name? I used to feel that evangelizing meant passing out tracts in the street and witnessing to homeless people. Yes, the homeless need to hear the gospel of Jesus as well as a hot meal and necessities of life but the Bible is clear on what evangelism really means. The 28th Chapter of Matthew verses 19 and 20 are known as the "Great Commission." It states: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-2O, NIV) Hallelujah!
This sounds like a directive to me rather than a request. When I think of modern day evangelist a few names come to mind; Billy Graham, T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn... the list goes on and on. As I look at these women and men of God I have to size them up based on the directive of the Bible and see where I can fit in and make a difference. What can you do this year to do more evangelizing? or have you already started? Music for 1/16 {Crown Him With Many Crowns, Just a Closer Walk, WE HAVE 2 NEW PIECES} Leave me a comment. Peace and Blessings.

No Sweat

There is no need to sweat anything in life. The giants that are overwhelming to you are nothing but a speck of dust to God. Thank God for the anointed women and men of God that he raises up to be Pastors and Deacons and Evangelists to help keep our souls at peace. I have come to realize that the only time strain and /or pressure effects my life is when there is another master at work. The first step to fixing the problem is clear recognition, then confession, then correction and finally eviction. It's time to clear the air. (Philippians 4:8) Whatsoever is true, honest, pure, of good report, if there be any virtue if there be ANY PRAISE (Hallelujah) THINK ON THESE THINGS. God bless you my friends:)

Happy Birthday to You!!!

Ok, it may not be your birthday, but it is mine. I could not have asked for a better birthday present than to hear that Senator Barrack Obama had won the Iowa caucus. What a great history making event. He is a breath of fresh air in the political arena. He is genuine and speaks a message that everyone can support. What is politics in the beginning anyway but a bunch of talk? As the listeners and constituents, we have to be the sifters and figure out who's real and who's not. Barrack seems to be the most real candidate we've seen in a long time. I ask every borned-again believer in Jesus Christ to pray for him that God will protect him and be with us throughout this entire process. We have nothing to fear. My pastor gave a powerful message recently from Isaiah 41:10: "Fear thou not for I am with thee. Be not not dismayed for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea. I will help thee, yea. I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteosness." She also made it the lyrics of a beloved worship song that I have been singing in my heart every since I heard it. There is no need for us to fear when God is on our side.


Hallelujah!!!!!!

Refuse to be down. Love and laugh!

Never let anyone or any situation take your joy. Some people are not happy until everyone around them is miserable. Refuse to be downcast. Refuse to let anyone check you for being positive. Love and laugh always. Know that God is on your side. Read Isaiah 41:10. Read the story of Abraham and Sara in Genesis. Sarah said that "the Lord has made me to laugh...." because he made the impossible possible. He gave her a baby at the age of 90 something. In this new year make it your business to love and laugh more. Cast your cares on God. He has big broad shoulders and strong arms. When you give him your burdens he will trade you for his garment of praise. Then you can LAUGH as long as you want to. Praise the Lord Saints!!!