Monday, December 26, 2011

Check out Frank Schaeffer: President Obama Will Win In An Overwhelming Landsl

 
An interesting read; I thought I'd share it with you.
 
Have a Merry Christmas, and pray for us while we are here in Los Angeles. Thanks.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

SNL skit

This skit that aired on Saturday Night Live on this past Saturday has some Christians (yes, Pat Robertson) outraged. What do you think of this? Just wondering...share your thoughts if you like.
 
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Friday, December 16, 2011

Fwd: The Real War on Christmas... by Fox News - SojoMail 12.15.11

Let the church say, "Amen!"
 

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Hearts & Minds by Jim Wallis

The Real War on Christmas ... by Fox News

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Each Advent in recent years, around the time when those prefab, do-it-yourself gingerbread house kits appear on supermarket shelves, Fox News launches its (allegedly) defensive campaign commonly known as the "War on Christmas."

Fox News' "war" is designed to criticize the "secularization" of our culture wrought by atheists, agnostics, liberals, leftists, progressives, and separation of church and state zealots— i.e. Democrats. This irreligious coalition force is allegedly waging a strategic offensive on Christmas, trying to banish the sacred symbols of the season, denying our religious heritage, and even undermining the spiritual rubrics upon which our great nation is built.

Fox News positions itself as the defender of the faith and all things sacred. And Bill O'Reilly fancies himself the "watchdog" of Christmas.

Fox News' usual targets include shopping malls and stores that replace their "Merry Christmas" greetings with "Happy Holidays," and state governments that no longer call their official "Christmas" trees by their rightful name, or municipalities that ban any depictions of, or references to, the Christmas season in public places. Those who are attacked defend themselves, often claim that they are really religious too, and the perennial war is on.

But what we actually have here is a theological problem, where cultural and commercial symbols are confused with truly Christian ones, and the meaning of the holy season is missed all together.

The war on Christmas is really about what brand of "civil religion" America should have. The particular (read: biblical) meaning of Christmas, for Christians, has almost nothing to do with the media war.

What a surprise.

What is Christmas? It is the celebration of the Incarnation, God's becoming flesh — human — and entering into history in the form of a vulnerable baby born to a poor, teenage mother in a dirty animal stall. Simply amazing. That Mary was homeless at the time,a member of a people oppressed by the imperial power of an occupied country whose local political leader, Herod, was so threatened by the baby's birth that he killed countless children in a vain attempt to destroy the Christ child, all adds compelling historical and political context to the Advent season.

The theological claim that sets Christianity apart from any other faith tradition is the Incarnation. God has come into the world to save us. God became like us to bring us back to God and show us what it means to be truly human.

That is the meaning of the Incarnation. That is the reason for the season.

In Jesus Christ, God hits the streets.

It is theologically and spiritually significant that the Incarnation came to our poorest streets. That Jesus was born poor, later announces his mission at Nazareth as "bringing good news to the poor," and finally tells us that how we treat "the least of these" is his measure of how we treat him and how he will judge us as the Son of God, radically defines the social context and meaning of the Incarnation of God in Christ. And it clearly reveals the real meaning of Christmas.

The other explicit message of the Incarnation is that Jesus the Christ's arrival will mean "peace on earth, good will toward men." He is "the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace." Jesus later calls on his disciples to turn the other cheek, practice humility, walk the extra mile, put away their swords, love their neighbors — and even their enemies — and says that in his kingdom, it is the peacemakers who will be called the children of God. Christ will end our warring ways, bringing reconciliation to God and to one another.

None of that has anything to do with the Fox News Christmas. In fact, quite the opposite.

Making sure that shopping malls and stores greet their customers with "Merry Christmas" is entirely irrelevant to the meaning of the Incarnation. In reality it is the consumer frenzy of Christmas shopping that is the real affront and threat to the season.

Last year, Americans spent $450 billion on Christmas. Clean water for the whole world, including every poor person on the planet, would cost about $20 billion. Let's just call that what it is: A material blasphemy of the Christmas season.

Imagine Jesus walking into the mall, seeing the Merry Christmas signs, and expressing his humble thanks for how the pre- and post-Christmas sales are honoring to him. How about credit cards for Christ?

While we're at it, here's another point of clarification: The arrival of the Christ child has nothing to do with trees or what we call them.

Evergreens and wreaths, holly and ivy, and even mistletoe turn out to be customs borrowed from ancient Roman and Germanic winter solstice celebrations, assimilated and co-opted by the church after Constantine made peace between his empire and the Christians.

Now, my family loves our Christmas tree, but its bright lights and wonderful ornaments don't teach my children much about why Jesus came into the world. We do that in other ways, such as giving needed gifts — goats, sheep, and chickens and the like — to the poorest children and families of the world though the World Vision web site on Christmas Day. The goal is to make our sons more excited about the gifts they give than the ones they get, and it usually works. Last year, my boys sponsored a child in Ghana.

I have no problem with the public viewing of symbols from all of the world's religions at appropriate times in their religious calendars (which can actually be educational for all of our children) and believe that doing so is consistent with our democratic and cultural pluralism.

But I don't believe that respectfuly and publicly honoring those many religious symbols has changed many lives, for better or for worse. Much more important than symbols and symbolism is how we live the faith that we espouse. And here is where Fox News's war on Christmas is most patently unjust.

The real Christmas announces the birth of Jesus to a world of poverty, pain, and sin, and offers the hope of salvation and justice.

The Fox News Christmas heralds the steady promotion of consumerism, the defense of wealth and power, the adulation of money and markets, and the regular belittling or attacking of efforts to overcome poverty.

The real Christmas offers the joyful promise of peace and the hope of reconciliation with God and between humankind.

The Fox News Christmas proffers the constant drumbeat of war, the reliance on military solutions to every conflict, the demonizing of our enemies, and the gospel of American dominance.

The real Christmas lifts up the Virgin Mary's song of praise for her baby boy: "He has brought the mighty down from their thrones, and lifted the lowly, he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich empty away."

The Fox News Christmas would label Mary's Magnificat as "class warfare."

So if there is a war on Christmas it's the one being waged by Fox News.

Jim Wallis is the author of Rediscovering Values: A Guide for Economic and Moral Recovery, and CEO of Sojourners. He blogs at www.godspolitics.com. Follow Jim on Twitter @JimWallis.

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  ON THE GOD'S POLITICS BLOG

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The Year of the Protester
by Carrie Adams

Sometimes it's the biggest news story of the year. Sometimes it encapsulates the zeitgeist, global urgings, or our collective mood. This time around, it's all of those things: A person, a group, a zeitgeist, a news story. According to TIME, 2011 is the year of "The Protester."
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A Very Perry Christmas
by Ashley Baxstrom

What we do have are new perspectives on the role religion played in the history of our nation. That's not an attack. That's coming to an understanding, that's developing the course forward for our nation, together. And even then, guess what, it's still a focus ON RELIGION.
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Vote for Me! The Politicization and Manipulation of Jesus, Christians, and Religion
by Eugene Cho

What I'm saying is that I while I really dislike Rick Perry's ad and strongly disagree with his assertion that President Obama has waged war against religion. But that's not the point. My point is that we've allowed the politicizing of religion (and other things) to be FAIR GAME.
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Is Tim Tebow on God's Fantasy Football Team?
by Joshua Witchger

...every player in the NFL is on God's team. Not just Tebow. Not just the ones who pray or express their faith as openly as he does. We are all God's children, whether we kneel down and point to the sky in praise after winning, or curse in frustration after losing.
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Great Expectations: Obama, Bieber and Baby Jesus
by Cathleen Falsani

"I think what John the Baptist is iniviting all of us to do is to prepare ouselves to be open to what is going to be born once more in our hearts on December 25. Not to go with the God we have created for ourselves, but the God who is."
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Poverty and the LGBT Community
by Tim King

States have a patchwork of different laws and definitions for who can be legally recognized as a parent or guardian of a child. As a result, there are children who aren't covered by their parents' health insurance, children who ineligible for survivor benefits from a parent's social security, and parents who are not able to take advantage of child tax credits.
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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Prayer Meeting/Love Feast

Greetings, all,
 
A reminder that tonight (Wednesday, December 14) at 6 PM, we will celebrate our Love Feast. All are encouraged and welcome to attend.
 
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Thought for the day

Good morning,
This is something I read in my devotionals today and thought it was worth sharing.
 
"They go from strength to strength." — Psalm 84:7 (from Charles Spurgeon Morning and Evening Devotions)
 
They go from strength to strength. There are various renderings of these words, but all of them contain the idea of progress.
 
Our own good translation of the authorized version is enough for us this morning. "They go from strength to strength." That is, they grow stronger and stronger. Usually, if we are walking, we go from strength to weakness; we start fresh and in good order for our journey, but by-and-by the road is rough, and the sun is hot, we sit down by the wayside, and then again painfully pursue our weary way. But the Christian pilgrim having obtained fresh supplies of grace, is as vigorous after years of toilsome travel and struggle as when he first set out. He may not be quite so elate and buoyant, nor perhaps quite so hot and hasty in his zeal as he once was, but he is much stronger in all that constitutes real power, and travels, if more slowly, far more surely. Some gray-haired veterans have been as firm in their grasp of truth, and as zealous in diffusing it, as they were in their younger days; but, alas, it must be confessed it is often otherwise, for the love of many waxes cold and iniquity abounds, but this is their own sin and not the fault of the promise which still holds good: "The youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint." Fretful spirits sit down and trouble themselves about the future. "Alas!" say they, "we go from affliction to affliction." Very true, O thou of little faith, but then thou goest from strength to strength also. Thou shalt never find a bundle of affliction which has not bound up in the midst of it sufficient grace. God will give the strength of ripe manhood with the burden allotted to full-grown shoulders.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Workshop on retooling

Greetings, all,
This is the workshop I did today at the Christian Education luncheon on "Retooling."

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Announcements

Greetings, all.
 
Please mark your calendars for the following events:
 
1. Tomorrow is our monthly fast day. It has been previously announced that we want to observe a monthly fast on the Friday following the first Sunday in each month. Even though we forget to remind the church of this important observance, it is something we should try to share if possible. I encourage us all to do so, please.
 
2. Wednesday, December 14 during our Prayer Meeting we will observe our Love Feast in advance of our Quarterly Conference on Thursday, December 15. I encourage all members to attend and share in this important tradition of our Methodism.
 
3. Tonight, if you have BET, you may want to catch a special airing on BET at 9 PM, "The Curious Case of Citizen Cain" a documentary/news special about Herman Cain. It was apparently taped before his recent departure from the presidential race.
 
Thank you.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Monday, December 5, 2011

Thought for today

Greetings.
 
This morning I was, as sometimes I hear the expression, "feeling a certain kind of way" (I won't get into why), and I remembered a chapter I read in a book by Lewis Smedes and I decided to revisit the chapter. The chapter is titled, "All the World's a Critic, and You're Tired of Reading the Reviews." I got the book from the bookshelf, went back and read the chapter again and found some gems there. I am sharing them now because they are helping inform Bible study tomorrow (from our lesson in Matthew 7) and possibly even the sermon for Sunday.
 
Smedes writes, "Critics are all around us: some welcomed, some self-appointed nuisances. They size us up, take our measure, weigh us in their scales, and form their own opinions of our lives...they will call us to account before the bar of their judgment.
 
"Let's begin with the critic out there - your neighbor. Saint Paul, almost offhandedly, declared his own freedom from human judgment this way: 'With me it is a small thing that I should be judged by you or any human court.' Freely translated, it comes to this: 'You will evaluate my conduct and you will make an assessment of me, I know, and when you do I will listen to you. I know that you will size up my work, and when you do, I will consider what you say. I know that you judge me because you care about me; so I will care about what you say. What you say and what you think about me matters to me. But I want you to know that after I have wrestled with my own conscience, after I have consulted my own convictions, and after I have made my decisions, your judgment will not matter much. It matters some, but not much. I will not let your appraisal tell me how to feel about what I am and what I do. I will not rest my case with you.'
 
"(Paul) does not say that he cares nothing for the feelings of other people. He says, 'I have got to put your criticism on the back burner and live my own life before the Lord. I will not be intimidated. I will not be condemned. I will not be damned by other people's judgments. I will be free.'"
 
It helps to remember what Smedes says here because when you feel that your are being criticized (rightly or wrongly) it has the effect of feeling like a very heavy burden that you are forced to carry on your back. Criticism makes life a chore; relationships can tend to become almost too tedious to enjoy. Another word for this is criticism is judging, which is a topic we are going to discuss in Bible study tomorrow at noon and 7 PM. I hope you will join us as we will seek to find constructive ways to deal with criticism and judging, and maybe even learn a few methods of living with and especially finding the freedom to put people and their criticisms and judgments of us out of our minds.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Prayer request

To all our Memorial family:
 
I am asking, at the request of the family of Sis. Paula Clark, that we all keep in prayer Paula's sister, Claudia Ellis in Atlanta, GA. She has recently suffered a massive stroke and is paralyzed. They plan to travel and be with her net week.

Thought for the day

Good morning,
 
Today, in my devotions, I read my favorite Psalm - 139, and wanted to share the portion I read. It gave me something to think about.
 
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me.

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.
5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
 
I am so encouraged today to realize that God knows EVERYTHING about me - every thought, every desire, every weakness, every failure, every challenge, every burden, every fear, every sin, every shortcoming, every mistake, every habit, every success, every strength, every ability, every gift, every talent - well, you get the idea. God knows the things that others only think they know. God knows everything others can only talk about in the shadows. God knows everything others can only whisper about behind closed doors or in hushed conversations, behind my back and out of my presence. And with all the things God knows about me, everything good, everything bad and everything ugly, not one of those things which God knows has enough power to stop God from loving me. There is no force so strong as to make God turn his back on me. And nothing - not even the things I am most ashamed of or embarrassed about - can ever prevent God from claiming me as God's own child.
 
So I decided that I was going to spend the rest of my day just being happy about that fact!
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Thought for today

Good morning, all,
 
This devotion for today from Charles H. Spurgeon seemed a fitting follow up to Sunday's sermon. Food for thought.
 
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."— Ecclesiastes 9:10
 
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do," refers to works that are possible. There are many things which our heart findeth to do which we never shall do. It is well it is in our heart; but if we would be eminently useful, we must not be content with forming schemes in our heart, and talking of them; we must practically carry out "whatsoever our hand findeth to do." One good deed is more worth than a thousand brilliant theories. Let us not wait for large opportunities, or for a different kind of work, but do just the things we "find to do" day by day. We have no other time in which to live. The past is gone; the future has not arrived; we never shall have any time but time present. Then do not wait until your experience has ripened into maturity before you attempt to serve God. Endeavour now to bring forth fruit. Serve God now, but be careful as to the way in which you perform what you find to do—"do it with thy might." Do it promptly; do not fritter away your life in thinking of what you intend to do to-morrow as if that could recompense for the idleness of to-day. No man ever served God by doing things to-morrow. If we honour Christ and are blessed, it is by the things which we do to-day. Whatever you do for Christ throw your whole soul into it. Do not give Christ a little slurred labour, done as a matter of course now and then; but when you do serve Him, do it with heart, and soul, and strength.
 
But where is the might of a Christian? It is not in himself, for he is perfect weakness. His might lieth in the Lord of Hosts. Then let us seek His help; let us proceed with prayer and faith, and when we have done what our "hand findeth to do," let us wait upon the Lord for His blessing. What we do thus will be well done, and will not fail in its effect.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Sunday's sermon: Next steps

Good morning, all,
 
First, I want to ask for your continued prayers as I travel on the campaign for the Episcopacy. And I want to send out a special "thank you" to Sis. Alma Hogan for connecting me with her family here in Memphis, Tennessee as I traveled here for the West Tennessee/Mississippi Annual Conference. I met several of her cousins last night, received a very warm reception and I was left with the impression that if they get elected delegates to the General Conference and don't support me, there is going to be some trouble in that family! Thanks so much for your support.
 
Now, I also want to have us think more and again about the worship Sunday. It was an excellent worship experience. I said on Tuesday at Bible study (evening session) that I felt that everyone came with the real intent to worship. From the start to the finish, the Spirit of God was present and felt among us. I am still reflecting and basking on the experience.
 
Let's look at the "next steps" now that God might have us take in reflection on Sunday's sermon, "Unprepared."
 
1. Are you "prepared" for the Kingdom life?
2. Are you "prepared" for the Lord's return?
3. How do you see where your life reflects the story Jesus tells in Matthew 25, i.e., virgins, lamps, oil?
4. Do you find it difficult not to "fall asleep" - that is, to pay attention to what it takes to remain focused as a believer? Why or why not?
5. What questions/thoughts/convictions were raised in your mind after hearing this sermon or reading this passage? How is God speaking to you now?
 
I hope that we will all take the time to think about this. As for me, "I just want to be right" (still singing that song!).
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Monday, November 7, 2011

Check out Do You Know the Most Dangerous Person in Your Church? by Erik Raymo

Good afternoonI am sharing this article with you, as well as with my colleagues in ministry. I'd like to hear your feedback if you are inclined to share.
 
 
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Check out CONFESSIONS OF A CHURCH DROP OUT - Greater Centennial A.M.E. Church

 
This is a good read, food for thought from my friend, Pastor W. Darin Moore.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Check out Are You a Preacher or a Motivational Speaker? by Sherman Cox -Sermo

Greetings, all,
I thought this was an interesting follow-up to our discussion in Bible study (especially last night). Something to think about.
 
 
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Monday, September 5, 2011

Thought provoking!

If you want to see what worship has become in our time, cut, paste and take a look at this clip.
 
 
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The DNA Update for United Methodists - Mid-July 2011


Greetings, Members of Memorial:
I thought to pass on this article and hope to inspire some thought and discussion. I want to direct your attention to the section on "What is the Future of the Small Membership Church?" Though this article does not seem to speak directly to the concerns of Memorial (we don't fit the statistics of what he describes here as a "small membership church"), there are some issues raised in this article that should particularly catch our notice: declining attendance, youth moving away or uninvolved, tight finances, aging congregation. The question is: what are we going to do about it? I mean, other than talk and complain about declining attendance, youth moving away or uninvolved, tight finances and an aging congregation.
I'd welcome your comments and ideas and feedback. Thanks.
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 11

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Check out Five Significant Facts about First-Time Guests by Rick Ezell -Sermo

 
This is something we should all think about as it pertains to our church. How are we doing on this? I'd like to hear your comments/feedback.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Check out Sydney Woman's Remains Found Years After Death

 
You can draw your own conclusions, lessons, sermon analogies, etc.  from this story.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34
"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 11

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Prayers and sympathy

Greetings, all,
Let us remember in our prayers this week families of our local and denominational church who have experienced bereavement:
 
Tena Brown, at the passing of her daughter ("Missy"); services are Wednesday, with the wake from 6-9 p.m., and funeral on Thursday at 11 a.m.
 
Robert Smith-Rapley, one of our youth at Memorial, whose father passed away yesterday. Arrangements are: wake on Thursday, 5-8 p.m., and funeral on Friday at 10 a.m., Church of Love.
 
Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sharpe Johnson, former Missionary Supervisor and General Officer of the WH&OM Society, wife of Bishop Joseph Johnson, who passed away today. Her final services will be held on Saturday, June 4 at noon at Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina.
 
Thank you,
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Check out Aretha Franklin Sings Amazing Grace - Video - Oprah.com

 
In case you missed it...this was worth watching the farewell show.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Reminder: First Friday fast

Good morning, everyone,
Just a reminder that tomorrow, the first Friday in the month, is our fast day. Please join us, if you are able, in fasting and praying for our church.
 
Thank you.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Next steps, Sunday, May 1 sermon

Last Sunday's sermon was from John 20:19-31, titled, "He Comes Back!" What are the "next steps" God will have us take in response to the Word we heard?
 
1. When you have experienced a setback or crisis, do you do what the disciples did - hide and try to protect yourself?
2. When/if you react as did the disciples, how have you experienced Jesus just showing up, "coming back" when you thought he was gone?
3. When you have experienced a setback or crisis, do you do what Thomas did - run away or leave?
4. When/if you react as did Thomas, how have you experienced Jesus "coming back" if you "gave up" before he "showed up"?
5. How are you challenged to show God's peace, presence and power, especially if you have to forgive someone? Are you willing to prove to others (or to yourself) that your thoughts about sin were wrong?
6. What questions/thoughts/convictions were raised in your mind after hearing this sermon or reading this passage? How is God speaking to you now?
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Next steps: Sunday, April 24 sermon

Good morning.
 
The Resurrection is for real! Jesus is alive, and our lives must reflect it. So, what are the next steps God would have us take after hearing his word on Sunday?
 
The Resurrection message was from Luke 24:5, titled, "Business As Usual Is No Longer Acceptable."
 
1. Can you accept the complete transformation that resurrection calls for, or are you merely settling for "resuscitation?"
2. Can you accept the complete transformation that resurrection calls for, or are you merely trying to "remodel" the arrangement of your life?
3. Can you accept the complete transformation that resurrection calls for, or are you simply "reacting" to a good feeling you have?
4. What new ways, new ideas, or new paths is resurrection power leading you on now?
5. Pastor Pierre DuPlessis said, "We are comfortable with a dead, crucified Jesus; a living, resurrected Jesus causes too much trouble." How much trouble are you willing to let Jesus cause in your life, if you experience resurrection power?
6. What questions/thoughts/convictions were raised in your mind after hearing this sermon? How is God speaking to you now?
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Friday, March 18, 2011

Prayer (Friday)

Greetings, all. Today (Friday) is the final day of our week of prayer. The focus for today is - ME. Yes, today, we pray for ourselves and our needs. And God is waiting to hear.
 
The late Bishop William Milton Smith used to say to congregations after introducing a preacher and soliciting prayers for him/her, "And don't forget to pray for yourselves."
 
After spending time as a church this week in prayer for the pastor, leaders and the church, our focus in prayer now turns to our own needs. Banish the idea that doing so is selfish or mercenary. It does not have to be. We are encouraged to come to God with our needs and requests (Hebrews 4:16).
 
In the book Too Busy Not to Pray, Bill Hybels gives us a simple formula for prayer which he gives the acronym ACTS –

ü  Adoration. This sets the tone for prayer, reminding us of the God to whom we pray and his power (Exodus 15:11, Psalm 8, Revelation 4:11);

ü  Confession. Hybels calls confession "a neglected act." Perhaps it is because it is hard to admit we need help, even help from God. But confession is necessary for prayer to be effective (Leviticus 5:5, Psalm 32:5, Proverbs 28:13, James 5:16). Eugene Peterson says, "God doesn't seem to be embarrassed to be mixed up with lives such as ours...He doesn't keep his distance from us to protect his reputation."

ü  Thanksgiving. Note the distinction between adoration and thanksgiving. Adoration acknowledges who God is; thanksgiving acknowledges what God has done. It is one thing to feel gratitude, and it's another to express it. Prayer teaches us to express our gratitude (Psalm 103:1-5, Psalm 107:8, Isaiah 63:7, Romans 16:27);

ü  Supplication. We are taught to ask for help when we need it, and God is able to supply it (Psalm 55:22, Jeremiah 33:3, Philippians 4:6).

 

Put this model of prayer to work today. As Bill Hybels says, "God is interested in your prayers because he is interested in you" (Too Busy Not to Pray, p. 37). So pray for others, but don't forget to pray for yourselves.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Prayer (Thursday)

Greetings, all.

 

Today (Thursday) our focus on this third day of our week of prayer is the church. We will gather again as we have the past two days at Memorial at 6 p.m. for one hour.

 

Of course, when we speak of "the church" we are not talking about a building; and we are not just talking about Memorial AME Zion Church (although that is our concern). The church is more than a building. The word most commonly used in the New Testament for church ("ekkleesia") never meant or implied a building. The word church refers to the particular association of believers who were characterized by such features as faith (John 1:12; Acts 8:37), fellowship (Acts 2:44; Acts 4:32; Romans 12:5) and unity (John 17:20-21; Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 3:11).

 

Please prayerfully consider these passages of Scripture today as we lift up the church in prayer.

 

"I will give, in my house and within my walls, a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off" (Isaiah 56:5).

 

"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18)

 

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord;  in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God" (Ephesians 2:19-22).

 
Thank you.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

(no subject)

Sis. Eunice White shared this prayer with me today, and I thought I'd share it with you all. As it blessed me, I pray it will bless you.
 
May God Bless You (by Linda E. Knight)

   From His boundless wealth,
   may God bless you.
   From His endless joy,
   may God fill you.
   From the depth of His love,
   may God keep you through the coming years.

   May God give you the gift
   of perfect wisdom
   in every decision that you
   must make.

   May a light fill your heart
   and confidence fill your soul
   as you face life's challenges.
   And may opportunites beyond any
   that you can imagine now
   be only a prayer away
   as you entrust to God
   each new tomorrow.

Prayer (Wednesday)

Greetings, everyone.
 
Today (Wednesday) we ask that all who can join us in prayer at the church at 6 p.m. for one hour. Thank you to all of you who came out to pray yesterday - it was nothing short of powerful! The Lord graciously met us and blessed us who gathered with His presence and peace.
 
Today, our focus in prayer is for the leaders of our church - Stewards, Trustees, Class Leaders, the staff (ministerial and lay), and presidents of all ministries of the church. As you pray today, call each leader out by his or her name to God in prayer. They need our strength and our support in prayer.
 
Please consider these passages of Scripture as you lift up our leaders in prayer:
 

"Hezekiah did this throughout all Judah; he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God, and in accordance with the law and the commandments, to seek his God, he did with all his heart; and he prospered" (2 Chronicles 31:20-21).

 

"Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercies from me; let your steadfast love and faithfulness keep me safe forever" (Psalm 40:11).

 

"O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and your dwelling" (Psalm 43:3).

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 

"You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3).

 

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17).

 

"If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you" (James 1:5).

 

Thank you,

 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Prayer (Tuesday)

Greetings, everyone.
 
On this day, Tuesday, as we will join in prayer at 6 p.m., our prayer focus is for the pastor. I am sincerely asking for your prayers because at this current juncture of my life I have to be honest: I don't think I have ever been in greater need of the prayers of the believers. As your pastor, I have stood in the gap many times for you spiritually in your times of crisis or need. Now I need you to do that for me.
 
I ask you to focus on these passages as we pray as a congregation today:
 
"Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand" (Psalm 20:6).
 
"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations" (Psalm 67:1-2).
 
"Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you" (2 Thessalonians 3:1).
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.  This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
 
"...I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it - not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away" (1 Peter 5:1b-4).
 
Thank you.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10

Monday, March 14, 2011

Prayer (Monday)

Good morning.
 
Let us consider prayerfully these passages as we pray as a congregation today.
"But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, to tell of all your works" (Psalm 73:28).
 
"Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:6-7).
 
"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John 15:7).
When God has answered our prayers, let us not forget to offer our praise:
 
"In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears (Psalm 18:6).
 
Reminder: our corporate week of prayer begins tomorrow night (Tuesday, March 15) at the church from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and we look forward to seeing as many of our members as possible. Thank you.
 
Pastor Kenneth Q. James
Psalm 119:33-34

"Let truth, the light of my heart, speak to me, and not my own darkness!"
Augustine, Confessions, Book XII, Chapter 10