by George | Jul 12, 2022 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
The Answer is Love
“and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;”
Ephesians 5:2, 18-19
“How To Be Filled With The Spirit.”
This is the title of a message I delivered last Sunday.
I struggled with this topic as I prepared the message, and looked up several verses and commentaries.
Oh, how I worried about presenting it correctly. I woke up Sunday morning thinking about it and even wondered whether I was Spirit-filled.
Then, as I did my morning walk, I listened to Ephesians 5. When Paul got to the part about husbands and wives, something clicked!
Us minister folk generally only use the part in chapter 5 about husbands and wives, in marriage ceremonies.
Yes, that’s part of the application of these verses, but he also says:
“For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great, but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.”
Ephesians 5:31-32
When we truly love someone, we desire to be with them.
This should also apply to our walk with God.
Remember the words of Jesus:
“… You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
Start out your day telling God that you love Him, be cleansed of your sins, ask Him to renew your mind, and fill you afresh with His Spirit.
Draw ever so close to Him… He will draw near to you, and fill you with joy…
by George | Jul 8, 2022 | Community News, Newsletter
July Community Church Ministry Newsletter
On the way home from work today, I passed a bank with a temperature reading on it… 99 degrees!
Yes, July is a hot month…
Community Church Ministry will be battling the heat all month as we begin our back-to-school events.
Please pray with us for:
- Volunteers to help with the events.
- Good weather and receptive audiences.
- Resources to continue to minister.
Consider networking with us. We are looking for churches, groups, and individuals to catch the vision of reaching their neighborhoods. Our desire is to expand into many other communities.
Thanks for your prayers and continued support.
Please take care of yourself and drink lots of water!!!
July schedule: (Lord willing)
- Thursday, July 7 at 6:30 Darlington MHP
- Monday, July 11 at 6:30 Callier Forest Apts
- Thursday, July 14 at 6:30 Dutch Gardens MHP
- Saturday, July 16 at 2 pm Rockmart public housing
- Monday, July 18 at 6:30 Swan Lake MHP
- Tuesday, July 19 at 6:30 John Graham Homes
- Thursday, July 21 at 6:30 Pine Village MHP
- Saturday, July 23: 2 pm Park Homes and 4 pm Main High Apts
- Monday, July 25 at 6:30 Ashland Park Apts and 6:30 at Willow Way Apts
- Tuesday, July 26 at 6:30 Willingham Village
by George | Jul 5, 2022 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
Vacay and Celly
“Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ”
Luke 4:8
Braves’ outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr hit a home run and as he rounded the bases, he emulated Atlanta Hawks’ star Trae Young’s “Ice Trae” celebration.
MLB.com describes it as follows:
“After hitting his first leadoff homer of the year, Acuña came out of the box, took a few steps down the first-base line and then folded his arms and made a shivering motion akin to the one Young has shown after making a big shot down the stretch.”
The article also showed a Twitter post that included “@TheTraeYoung celly.”
Celly… It’s short for celebration.
The word celebration is only 6 letters longer, but I guess it sounds cooler to say “Celly.”
What about “vacay”? Is vacation too long a word for us now?
Vacay is even listed in the Cambridge dictionary!
OK, using shortened versions of words like “admin” instead of administration, and “fridge” instead of refrigerator is nothing new. We’ve been doing that for a while. So, I guess I shouldn’t complain.
Using an abbreviation is taking a “shortcut” with words. It’s ok.
Taking shortcuts in life is not ok.
Jesus was tempted by the devil to take a shortcut.
“And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.”
Luke 4:5-7
It’s like he was saying, make a deal with me, and I’ll make your life easier.
But, Jesus was ready for him.
Jesus had just been baptized and “Full of the Spirit.” (Luke 4:1)
He faced Satan with God’s Word.
“Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ”
Luke 4:8
The easy way out is the wrong way out.
Stay filled with the Spirit, continue in prayer, and take up the whole armor of God.
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7
Remember: “There are no shortcuts to success.” Annika Sorenstam
