As Twitter (an Internet micro-blogging website) becomes increasingly more of a social phenomenon, there is a lot of emphasis on drawing new followers. Churches have been the precursor for a lot of things, so it is no surprise that they are doing everything in their powers (and budgets) to amass new followers.
Let's be clear, it is a lot easier to get hundreds or even thousands of followers on Twitter than it is to do so at your local church. That being said, if you were going to build a playbook on how to get new followers into your church, I would be looking at these steps to begin to get your church on the road to success.
Step 1. Focus your efforts! There is a reason that advertisers go after the 18-34 year old market. We have been taught that this is the demographic that has disposable income. And that may be true. But the real answer is that this is the time when consumers (and church goers) develop their brand identity. Surveys show that people generally settle on their faith sometime between 24 and 36. Faith based efforts shouldn't be any different!
Step 2. Be prepared by doing your homework and have something of value! A survey found that 62% of 18- to 34-year-olds consider themselves spiritual, and another 43% have prayed in the past two months. If you get that and most of your church messages/programs are for another demographic, you may be missing a great opportunity. If your current audience is other than this for lack of a better term "sweet spot", don't forget them. Just make sure you also have something of value that will interest and then inspire that target market for longer than just a visit.
Step 3. Meet them where they live. Social media is increasingly getting everyone's attention. But it is "the" big attraction for the demographic you are going after. I love what Tony Stewart with LifeChurch says about how his church "meets that at their place of need" So you should be thinking how you can interact with these folks. Tools such as Twitter and Facebook make that more possible. Those same tools put you on a more level playing field with the mega churches. It begins to build the relationship. Maintain the thought that a relationship through the age of 36 will probably result in a lifelong relationship.
Step 4. Be prepared to do more than just social media. You can start a relationship through social media. But you can't rely on Twitter and Facebook (and those are just a few Web 2.0 outlets) to do it all. Just like you success on the internet is rarely done with one website or model, church marketing is no different. You are going to have to have all of your oars rowing in the same direction at the same time. Check out what the United Methodist church is doing with the 10thousanddoors campaign! While your church budget may not currently afford network television and radio ads, print, text, email and outdoor events are totally in your realm. Just scale it down to what you can afford. But keep this in mind. Better to do one in excellence than 3 that comes off as lame or less than excellent.
Step 5. Keep in mind marketing can only do so much.. Your marketing and promotional efforts make a commitment that when someone attends your church, that the church experience they have is going to be better than going somewhere else. If marketing got them to the door, there job is done. They then hand it off and the rest of the church has to live up to the promise. Failure to do so will have wasted the time, energy and monies that marketing spent to get them there.
Want to learn more about church marketing? Or did you read something here that you want to discuss more? Perhaps you have a project that you need help on or at least want to bounce ideas off. We are there for you!
We welcome your feedback at Unity Church Marketing. Or follow our tweets on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/johnpanico
For additional ways to market your other professional affiliations and to make extra cash, visit Popular Business Tools
Monday
God Told Me to Tell You to Give...
This past Sunday’s church visit would have been complete (perfect in God's will) if only the guest speaker hadn't utilized his last few minutes asking 50 people to give $500 dollars! That’s right $500 a head! In order to get a blessing from God, at least the extraordinary kind, he was urging the church to pay $500! If God was anything like man, then to get a blessing from him is expensive! Most of us would start bargain shopping – looking for churches that don’t ask for that kind of money.
Now I am not one of those stingy, cheap Christians who don't believe in giving to the Lord, because I do, but I am not one of those blind, ignorant Christians who think that every time they spend money for the Lord that God will give them twice as much back. Can I tell you that God doesn't always give his blessings back in the form of money? So when you get down and out and don't have any money for your rent because you gave it to the church, don't get mad at God or people around you because they won’t help you!
You see, I have received fabulous gifts over the years because I gave to God, but I didn’t always give money. I gave kind words, tips, clothes, food, service, etc. And in return God gave me “blessings running over…running over…pressed down shaken together running over!” That was the song the choir sang before the guest speaker came on stage. There was no music playing when he was asking for money. It's funny how churches play some good music during offering time. I always felt they do this to make you feel good about what you just done especially for those who didn't have it to give in the first place!
Listen, I can't give God what I don't have, but what I can do is say, "If I had, I would." Then when the opportunity comes to give and I have it to give, I pray then I am obedient to the spirit and I’ll give. There have been times when God spoke to me and told me to hold on to my money and I was glad I did because it was very much needed. Sometimes I will make a pledge to give and when I have the money I will pay to the church, a charity, or some other organization. But keep in mind that is just like another bill you have to manage and if you haven't balanced your checkbook in awhile and lately you have been getting frequent overdrafts, I wouldn't recommend pledging. To pledge is like a promise and God expects you to keep your promises!
But back to the man who was speaking at the church, don't get me wrong, the spirit was moving so much in fact I lost control over my feet and let a lot of my personal issues go. What I mean by that is I was one of those people you may have seen in the church, standing in place running or dancing in the spirit while others were looking like, "What? Why?" I have never understood completely why every now and then God moves on me like that especially since there was no music at that time to make me dance. As far as I remember it was quiet. What I do know is that sometimes God is sending a message to some people in the church when he uses people around them to do something strange, supernatural, etc. maybe it's to shake their spirits up!
Now when I was back and centered in my mind, the preacher who had been in the spirit, became a man in the flesh. He was simply a man and he had a need like those in the audience, money. So he caught many people on an emotional high and said what some ministers do, "The Lord told me that 50 of you can give $500. I know there are 50 of you out there, come on up here! God is going to shift your life...God is going to..." God was going to do a lot of stuff for $500! He needed this money for a conference in his homeland I guess. The truth of the matter is he didn't provide any specific details, nor did he have a flier to give to anyone, and no one put his information or the conference up on the teleprompter.
I noticed the Bishop's face as his guest speaker was beckoning the crowd to give, he didn't look too happy as far as I could see. His head was down for awhile almost in shame. I would think so since the Bishop had so many projects, almost too many, that needed money. There is a building that hasn't been touched in years on his property and he hasn’t had enough money to get it completed, but this guest speaker from another continent shows up and shows out! Not only that, he was taking money back to his homeland that should have stayed in the church!
This is a prime example of why as pastors, ministers, bishops (whatever the title) you don't often leave your church up to guest speakers, assistants, and other people especially if they ask for 15 more minutes! The shepherd of this church is frequently gone and the wolves tend to swarm the church while he is out. But this time, because he let this man run over a little more than he should have, his flesh got in the way of the spirit and he took some much needed money with him.
So how does this story apply to your life? You may be the leader of the household finances in your own home, but you have left your money to be managed by your wife, children, relatives, and anyone else who has their hand out telling you to, "Give..." The problem is we are in an economic crisis and if you aren't smart with your blessings, someone or something is going to come by and say, "God said...God told me..." or even worse they just may rob you of your finances when you aren't looking!
Open up your eyes and be more proactive in what is going and coming out of your bank accounts. Know whether your partner is being honest about what they are spending on themselves, you, and the children. Take the time to remove anything in your budget that isn't necessary! And above all else, pray and be sure that God is really in the plan and you are not just on some emotional high writing checks to everyone just to make yourself feel and look good!
God bless you!
Written by Nicholl McGuire
Now I am not one of those stingy, cheap Christians who don't believe in giving to the Lord, because I do, but I am not one of those blind, ignorant Christians who think that every time they spend money for the Lord that God will give them twice as much back. Can I tell you that God doesn't always give his blessings back in the form of money? So when you get down and out and don't have any money for your rent because you gave it to the church, don't get mad at God or people around you because they won’t help you!
You see, I have received fabulous gifts over the years because I gave to God, but I didn’t always give money. I gave kind words, tips, clothes, food, service, etc. And in return God gave me “blessings running over…running over…pressed down shaken together running over!” That was the song the choir sang before the guest speaker came on stage. There was no music playing when he was asking for money. It's funny how churches play some good music during offering time. I always felt they do this to make you feel good about what you just done especially for those who didn't have it to give in the first place!
Listen, I can't give God what I don't have, but what I can do is say, "If I had, I would." Then when the opportunity comes to give and I have it to give, I pray then I am obedient to the spirit and I’ll give. There have been times when God spoke to me and told me to hold on to my money and I was glad I did because it was very much needed. Sometimes I will make a pledge to give and when I have the money I will pay to the church, a charity, or some other organization. But keep in mind that is just like another bill you have to manage and if you haven't balanced your checkbook in awhile and lately you have been getting frequent overdrafts, I wouldn't recommend pledging. To pledge is like a promise and God expects you to keep your promises!
But back to the man who was speaking at the church, don't get me wrong, the spirit was moving so much in fact I lost control over my feet and let a lot of my personal issues go. What I mean by that is I was one of those people you may have seen in the church, standing in place running or dancing in the spirit while others were looking like, "What? Why?" I have never understood completely why every now and then God moves on me like that especially since there was no music at that time to make me dance. As far as I remember it was quiet. What I do know is that sometimes God is sending a message to some people in the church when he uses people around them to do something strange, supernatural, etc. maybe it's to shake their spirits up!
Now when I was back and centered in my mind, the preacher who had been in the spirit, became a man in the flesh. He was simply a man and he had a need like those in the audience, money. So he caught many people on an emotional high and said what some ministers do, "The Lord told me that 50 of you can give $500. I know there are 50 of you out there, come on up here! God is going to shift your life...God is going to..." God was going to do a lot of stuff for $500! He needed this money for a conference in his homeland I guess. The truth of the matter is he didn't provide any specific details, nor did he have a flier to give to anyone, and no one put his information or the conference up on the teleprompter.
I noticed the Bishop's face as his guest speaker was beckoning the crowd to give, he didn't look too happy as far as I could see. His head was down for awhile almost in shame. I would think so since the Bishop had so many projects, almost too many, that needed money. There is a building that hasn't been touched in years on his property and he hasn’t had enough money to get it completed, but this guest speaker from another continent shows up and shows out! Not only that, he was taking money back to his homeland that should have stayed in the church!
This is a prime example of why as pastors, ministers, bishops (whatever the title) you don't often leave your church up to guest speakers, assistants, and other people especially if they ask for 15 more minutes! The shepherd of this church is frequently gone and the wolves tend to swarm the church while he is out. But this time, because he let this man run over a little more than he should have, his flesh got in the way of the spirit and he took some much needed money with him.
So how does this story apply to your life? You may be the leader of the household finances in your own home, but you have left your money to be managed by your wife, children, relatives, and anyone else who has their hand out telling you to, "Give..." The problem is we are in an economic crisis and if you aren't smart with your blessings, someone or something is going to come by and say, "God said...God told me..." or even worse they just may rob you of your finances when you aren't looking!
Open up your eyes and be more proactive in what is going and coming out of your bank accounts. Know whether your partner is being honest about what they are spending on themselves, you, and the children. Take the time to remove anything in your budget that isn't necessary! And above all else, pray and be sure that God is really in the plan and you are not just on some emotional high writing checks to everyone just to make yourself feel and look good!
God bless you!
Written by Nicholl McGuire
Tuesday
Looking for a listing of many of today's popular television ministers?
Sometimes people need to study television evangelists for various reasons, so I comprised a list of television ministers and links to their websites for easy access. Enjoy!
Joyce Meyer
Charles Stanley
Joel Osteen
Bishop TD Jakes
Bishop Eddie Long
Kenneth Copeland
Creflo Dollar
Paula White
Jesse Duplantis
Jerry Savelle
Rod Parsley
John Hagee
Marilyn Hickey
Benny Hinn
Joyce Meyer
Charles Stanley
Joel Osteen
Bishop TD Jakes
Bishop Eddie Long
Kenneth Copeland
Creflo Dollar
Paula White
Jesse Duplantis
Jerry Savelle
Rod Parsley
John Hagee
Marilyn Hickey
Benny Hinn
God Don't Like Ugly...
I hear the statement often used, "God don't like ugly..." and usually the person saying it is ugly! They may be ugly in what they say to others, critical about everyone else but themselves, have an ugly disposition, or ugly outlook on life.
The latest God don't like ugly statement I heard had something to do with a woman who recently lost her husband. Now the person who talked about this incident, said that the woman was very disrespectful of her mother and therefore because of that her live-in boyfriend of 20 plus years died. I personally thought that if God was going to throw curses to this grieving woman, he would be more concerned about her living arrangements then disagreements between the woman and her mother. I thought of the scripture about honoring one's parents, but no where does it say that one will lose a loved one, instead the Bible says, "For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' and 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death." Matthew 15:4. Another scripture states, Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12. There is a reward for honoring one's parents and that is added days to one's life. Anyway, so I am listening to this person rant about how she treated her mother and I thought, "This person doesn't know God, because if she did she would be quiet." You see, at times people are very quick to pass judgment, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Matthew 7. Another scripture states, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37. Critics are also very quick to provide an explanation for one's calamities like Job's friends did in the Bible to him. "He must have done something...it was because of your sin the reason why...if you had done...then maybe God wouldn't..." Be careful talking this way, because you never know what God may have in store for you!
Yes, God don't like ugly, so what ugly have you done lately?
The latest God don't like ugly statement I heard had something to do with a woman who recently lost her husband. Now the person who talked about this incident, said that the woman was very disrespectful of her mother and therefore because of that her live-in boyfriend of 20 plus years died. I personally thought that if God was going to throw curses to this grieving woman, he would be more concerned about her living arrangements then disagreements between the woman and her mother. I thought of the scripture about honoring one's parents, but no where does it say that one will lose a loved one, instead the Bible says, "For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' and 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death." Matthew 15:4. Another scripture states, Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12. There is a reward for honoring one's parents and that is added days to one's life. Anyway, so I am listening to this person rant about how she treated her mother and I thought, "This person doesn't know God, because if she did she would be quiet." You see, at times people are very quick to pass judgment, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Matthew 7. Another scripture states, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37. Critics are also very quick to provide an explanation for one's calamities like Job's friends did in the Bible to him. "He must have done something...it was because of your sin the reason why...if you had done...then maybe God wouldn't..." Be careful talking this way, because you never know what God may have in store for you!
Yes, God don't like ugly, so what ugly have you done lately?
The Season of the Swine Flu
Although the term swine flu is a man-made term, I see that from a spiritual standpoint it is of particular significance. Those of you who are Christians eagerly awaiting to spread your new found wisdom from the Bible must take heed during this season of the swine flu. I recall a scripture from Matthew 7:6 the King James version that says, "...neither cast ye your pearls before swine." In the New International Version it says, "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."
Those powerful truths given to you during your quiet time with God are not always meant to be shared with the family you know and those you don't. If you ever did share information in the past with undeserving individuals, you know that at times they became offensive and what was meant to be a simple Bible lesson may have ended up with someone threatening to do another person bodily harm! Rather, those words of wisdom God gives you in your private time are there to help build you up, and keep you strong in the Lord!
At times we question the things that people say and we wonder if what they are saying aligns with scripture then when we find that it doesn't, some of us practically rush over to one another asking the person to read what it says. We feel good inside as if we are doing something wonderful for ourselves and them. But as you may already know, a person who doesn't read their Bible, doesn't attend church, and thinks that all Christians is one thing or another, will not accept what you say. Instead, you are putting yourself directly in the line of fire. Take your pearls and put them where you keep your most expensive jewelry protected! There is nothing wrong with keeping secrets between you and God.
So as the swine flu spreads throughout the land, be sure that you don't catch it, from a spiritual perspective, don't cast your pearls to swine!
Those powerful truths given to you during your quiet time with God are not always meant to be shared with the family you know and those you don't. If you ever did share information in the past with undeserving individuals, you know that at times they became offensive and what was meant to be a simple Bible lesson may have ended up with someone threatening to do another person bodily harm! Rather, those words of wisdom God gives you in your private time are there to help build you up, and keep you strong in the Lord!
At times we question the things that people say and we wonder if what they are saying aligns with scripture then when we find that it doesn't, some of us practically rush over to one another asking the person to read what it says. We feel good inside as if we are doing something wonderful for ourselves and them. But as you may already know, a person who doesn't read their Bible, doesn't attend church, and thinks that all Christians is one thing or another, will not accept what you say. Instead, you are putting yourself directly in the line of fire. Take your pearls and put them where you keep your most expensive jewelry protected! There is nothing wrong with keeping secrets between you and God.
So as the swine flu spreads throughout the land, be sure that you don't catch it, from a spiritual perspective, don't cast your pearls to swine!
Sunday
Millenial Reign Church Hosts Concert with Lashun Pace
I mentioned this church before in another blog. This is one of the movers and shakers in the community of Homewood. The latest concert they hosted was with recording artist Lashun Pace! The following is two of the songs she performed live at the church! Although this isn't the actual video from the church, you may find the music quite uplifting!
Wednesday
Seeking to publish your spiritual poems online?
Worldblessings.com allows spiritual poets to contribute their literary work on their site. If you are looking to share your inspiring stories with the world, visit http://www.worldblessings.com/spiritual-poems.html
Saturday
I Came Across This...Curses: What You Need to Know About Them
I wanted to share with my visitors something immensely important to those of you who are seeking meat from God! The information I found on this site was interesting to me because I am well aware of the evil that exists when people don't like you even when you haven't given them any legitimate or logical reason. I would hope that some of you would seriously take a look around this site and learn a thing or two. Curses are real and if you are not careful, like a bear trap, you just may fall into one! So walk in this life with a partner, someone who you can trust! Someone who will see trouble when you are too blind, busy, or dumb to see it coming your way! Those are the kind of people I seek when I am networking. Life is too short to waste time with people who can't even pray for you much less take the time to show some love! Click on the following link, and be blessed (I sincerely mean that!) http://www.demonbuster.com/
Thursday
What's Inside of Me?
Created, manifested, edited, and rearranged
my life story
to try to fit
what others said I should become!
Thought about a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker
from a storybook of long ago.
Heard someone say a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, and an athlete
I knew that wasn't for me.
So I went to God to confirm my identity,
my destiny
meanwhile the world says
"you can't be rich."
So I kept my dream under lock and key for awhile
as I pursued what man said was best for me.
Told me my success was measured by dollars and cents
wouldn't ackowledge me as an expert without letters
didn't think much of me when I couldn't drive metal
said I was breaking the rules if I went off course.
Oh there is a river of words within me
streaming out daily
for I cannot rest
until I do my best
until I write my last word
until I give my last breath...
Can't leave it up to God to tell my story
that's why he called me
front page news give God the glory!
My name will be...
My Father I am
the first and the last
oh how they will remember me!
My face on television
the wealthy will speak my name!
My children will call me blessed
for I am highly favored
bought with a price
more than a conqueror
through Christ who strengthens me!
For seeds I have sown for so many years
are sprouting green because of my tears!
The ground beneath me a solid rock I stand
no devil in hell can shake me!
My blessing will be running over
my house will have more room than I need
my car will shine
and someone out there will call me "mine."
Then I will reflect on this day
of how he blessed me with an idea
that sold millions
that delivered thousands
that appointed hundreds
for many are called
but chosen are few.
So I wait...and I wait
as God serves me my plate
and I will feast in the presence of mine enemies.
God will restore what was stolen from me
God will bless me like he did Job
a new day is coming...
"God grant me the serenity..."
I remember the note I posted upon my wall
and the time will come that I will need it!
For the crowds are on their way
the lights will be flashing
the pain of not having enough
will be far gone from my head!
My heart will no longer be heavy
my children won't have to hear "no"
and God, oh yes God...will answer my prayers!
my life story
to try to fit
what others said I should become!
Thought about a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker
from a storybook of long ago.
Heard someone say a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, and an athlete
I knew that wasn't for me.
So I went to God to confirm my identity,
my destiny
meanwhile the world says
"you can't be rich."
So I kept my dream under lock and key for awhile
as I pursued what man said was best for me.
Told me my success was measured by dollars and cents
wouldn't ackowledge me as an expert without letters
didn't think much of me when I couldn't drive metal
said I was breaking the rules if I went off course.
Oh there is a river of words within me
streaming out daily
for I cannot rest
until I do my best
until I write my last word
until I give my last breath...
Can't leave it up to God to tell my story
that's why he called me
front page news give God the glory!
My name will be...
My Father I am
the first and the last
oh how they will remember me!
My face on television
the wealthy will speak my name!
My children will call me blessed
for I am highly favored
bought with a price
more than a conqueror
through Christ who strengthens me!
For seeds I have sown for so many years
are sprouting green because of my tears!
The ground beneath me a solid rock I stand
no devil in hell can shake me!
My blessing will be running over
my house will have more room than I need
my car will shine
and someone out there will call me "mine."
Then I will reflect on this day
of how he blessed me with an idea
that sold millions
that delivered thousands
that appointed hundreds
for many are called
but chosen are few.
So I wait...and I wait
as God serves me my plate
and I will feast in the presence of mine enemies.
God will restore what was stolen from me
God will bless me like he did Job
a new day is coming...
"God grant me the serenity..."
I remember the note I posted upon my wall
and the time will come that I will need it!
For the crowds are on their way
the lights will be flashing
the pain of not having enough
will be far gone from my head!
My heart will no longer be heavy
my children won't have to hear "no"
and God, oh yes God...will answer my prayers!
Sunday
Destiny: The Lord will giveth but the Lord will also taketh away!
I told some people before I came back to Pittsburgh what I would be doing and I guess they forgot. I said that I was coming back home to get my life back! There was a lot said behind the statement that I made. For some, they thought I was running from something or someone, in a way I was. Crying, temperamental children in overload is a good enough reason! What about feeling taken advantage of, being lied to, having to digest a past that I felt at times I couldn't escape, and most of all those feelings of not being appreciated let alone loved! Oh yes, I was running!
I didn't say I was coming back to Pittsburgh to play someone's handy-woman -- that's why I went to school to be my own handy-woman as well as get paid decent wages working for someone else. Neither did I say I was coming back home to play babysitter either, if I want to watch children I would on my own time not because someone suggested or told me to,...I think not! I could go back home and watch my own! Lastly, I wasn't coming back to Pittsburgh to change anyone's daily schedule either, if they wanted to make some time for me so be it, if not, my train keeps moving! When you involve yourself with people who know your track record of generosity they expect you to do for them like you have no life, no goals, and no destiny. Which brings me to my point, what is your destiny? Are people taking advantage of you because you don't have your destiny orchestrated. Is it that you are waiting on God for a plan to start walking toward your destiny? Has God already given you a plan but you just don't know what to do with it?
I guess this wouldn't bother me so much if I knew these people had no clue about prayer, God's calling, destiny, and other spiritually related things. But most of the people I have associated myself with over the years know better! They know that when one is attempting to get their life back, what they are really saying is, "I have been called on an assignment to secure my destiny. A destiny that was taken away from me by mistakes I made and other reasons to numerous to count, so move out my way and let me get by, thank you!"
Have you ever tried to get around someone who was in your way? They may have been standing in front of something you needed, maybe they were blocking you from parking, or holding you up with a long conversation even though you told them you had to go several times or more. These obstacles that are set before you, although they may be on the surface well-meaning, hinder you from achieving your dreams, they keep you from your destiny.
As long as I continue on the path that God has called me on, I will be okay, but if I don't, he will take what is at the end of the journey away from me! Why leave a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow if there won't be anyone around to pick it up?
I didn't say I was coming back to Pittsburgh to play someone's handy-woman -- that's why I went to school to be my own handy-woman as well as get paid decent wages working for someone else. Neither did I say I was coming back home to play babysitter either, if I want to watch children I would on my own time not because someone suggested or told me to,...I think not! I could go back home and watch my own! Lastly, I wasn't coming back to Pittsburgh to change anyone's daily schedule either, if they wanted to make some time for me so be it, if not, my train keeps moving! When you involve yourself with people who know your track record of generosity they expect you to do for them like you have no life, no goals, and no destiny. Which brings me to my point, what is your destiny? Are people taking advantage of you because you don't have your destiny orchestrated. Is it that you are waiting on God for a plan to start walking toward your destiny? Has God already given you a plan but you just don't know what to do with it?
I guess this wouldn't bother me so much if I knew these people had no clue about prayer, God's calling, destiny, and other spiritually related things. But most of the people I have associated myself with over the years know better! They know that when one is attempting to get their life back, what they are really saying is, "I have been called on an assignment to secure my destiny. A destiny that was taken away from me by mistakes I made and other reasons to numerous to count, so move out my way and let me get by, thank you!"
Have you ever tried to get around someone who was in your way? They may have been standing in front of something you needed, maybe they were blocking you from parking, or holding you up with a long conversation even though you told them you had to go several times or more. These obstacles that are set before you, although they may be on the surface well-meaning, hinder you from achieving your dreams, they keep you from your destiny.
As long as I continue on the path that God has called me on, I will be okay, but if I don't, he will take what is at the end of the journey away from me! Why leave a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow if there won't be anyone around to pick it up?
Thursday
Pittsburgh Church: The Millennial Reign Church
I had the opportunity to attend a worship service in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Easter Sunday, at The Millennial Reign Church http://www.millennialreign.org/ Pastor Karl Edmonds (of the popular mime duo K&K Mime) gave a high energy, impactful, holy ghost, annointed sermon based on the biblical scriptures found in Matthew 27:62-66! Just as Jesus arose after three days, so will you in whatever situation you are presently facing!
From illness to finances, Pastor Edmonds told the congregation that in three days some of us would have an increase in our monies, others would be signing contracts, and more! Ot came to pass for me! One of the women I attended church with was touched by the pastor and he claimed that God would be blessing her with an increase and that all take notice of this woman! I touched her too, she was my mother! The way I see it, if she was due a significant increase I wanted to claim it for me as well being that I am her child. I am in a situation in my life that I have to literally buy my way out of my current crisis. Everywhere I look everyone is hungry or greedy for more, and the only way I can achieve my own personal dreams is to pray that what was stolen from me will come back to me in a one hundred fold return!
You see, there are people in this world who "play" being a believer, then there are those who just are! Which are you? Do you "play" your faith like a cheating man does his wife? Do you "play" God like you do when you walk by an old friend that you no longer have anything to do with? If this is you, can I tell you tricks are for kids? I think of the scripture in I Corinthians 13:11 which reads, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." King James version.
Written by Nicholl McGuire
Pastor Karl and Keith Edmonds
From illness to finances, Pastor Edmonds told the congregation that in three days some of us would have an increase in our monies, others would be signing contracts, and more! Ot came to pass for me! One of the women I attended church with was touched by the pastor and he claimed that God would be blessing her with an increase and that all take notice of this woman! I touched her too, she was my mother! The way I see it, if she was due a significant increase I wanted to claim it for me as well being that I am her child. I am in a situation in my life that I have to literally buy my way out of my current crisis. Everywhere I look everyone is hungry or greedy for more, and the only way I can achieve my own personal dreams is to pray that what was stolen from me will come back to me in a one hundred fold return!
You see, there are people in this world who "play" being a believer, then there are those who just are! Which are you? Do you "play" your faith like a cheating man does his wife? Do you "play" God like you do when you walk by an old friend that you no longer have anything to do with? If this is you, can I tell you tricks are for kids? I think of the scripture in I Corinthians 13:11 which reads, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." King James version.
Written by Nicholl McGuire
Pastor Karl and Keith Edmonds
Monday
Jesus Loves the Little Children
The song, "Jesus Loves the Little Children" is powerful! It reminds us that we are children in the eyes of God irregardless of our skin tone! Just as good parents love and care for their children in spite of..., God does the same for us. However, what separates babies and adults is the ability that adults have to make decisions on their own whereas a baby can do nothing more than wait for someone to help them.
I think of Matthew 18 when Jesus sits the child upon his lap and tells his followers, "Unless you turn to God from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven." Now this statement would be difficult for one to understand if he or she has never been in the presence of children. What I can tell you about children from personal experience, is they are eager to learn new things. When they really want to know something they will keep their mouths closed and do as they are told. They will also ask questions and apply what they have learned to their lives. Unfortunately, when most children grow older they become know-it-alls and do not want anyone telling them anything. I think even after life experiences we should have learned from, there is still a know-it-all spirit within us that isn't asking questions like a child, but is actually presenting oneself before God, church, family, friends,and strangers as if he or she already knows the answer! This has been the downfall of many Christians in the faith, we get a little meat and run with it never thinking to go back and learn how to cook it for ourselves and then distribute it to others.
We don't act like children when it comes to going to God for answers. Rather, we go to God thinking we already know what we are supposed to do in a situation or already have some idea what we are going to do before we wait on God to give us an answer. Instead, we should be open minded before Him and realize that God wants to guide us and teach us something different so that we can apply it to our lives.
Have you ever wondered why some children are so much smarter than others? The answer isn't always about whether the child has a parent who is a genius, but oftentimes the intelligence of the child is developed because someone took the time to explain or teach them new things. If the child was the strong-willed type and was never taught to tame the beast within, then he or she will not be open to advice or learning anything different without objection. I think that sometimes as Christians we don't want to learn anything new or different, because we know that we are responsible for the knowledge that we obtain. Sometimes playing ignorant, at least for some Christians, is a good excuse not to do what you are supposed to do in the Kingdom.
The way I see it, if I don't bother to go to God like a little child asking questions and being willing to apply the answers to my life, then I am not doing anything for the Kingdom on earth and I can forget about going to the Kingdom after I die. In summary, be as a little child and go to God with your questions, unlike humans he won't be offended, and will be more than happy to assist!
I think of Matthew 18 when Jesus sits the child upon his lap and tells his followers, "Unless you turn to God from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven." Now this statement would be difficult for one to understand if he or she has never been in the presence of children. What I can tell you about children from personal experience, is they are eager to learn new things. When they really want to know something they will keep their mouths closed and do as they are told. They will also ask questions and apply what they have learned to their lives. Unfortunately, when most children grow older they become know-it-alls and do not want anyone telling them anything. I think even after life experiences we should have learned from, there is still a know-it-all spirit within us that isn't asking questions like a child, but is actually presenting oneself before God, church, family, friends,and strangers as if he or she already knows the answer! This has been the downfall of many Christians in the faith, we get a little meat and run with it never thinking to go back and learn how to cook it for ourselves and then distribute it to others.
We don't act like children when it comes to going to God for answers. Rather, we go to God thinking we already know what we are supposed to do in a situation or already have some idea what we are going to do before we wait on God to give us an answer. Instead, we should be open minded before Him and realize that God wants to guide us and teach us something different so that we can apply it to our lives.
Have you ever wondered why some children are so much smarter than others? The answer isn't always about whether the child has a parent who is a genius, but oftentimes the intelligence of the child is developed because someone took the time to explain or teach them new things. If the child was the strong-willed type and was never taught to tame the beast within, then he or she will not be open to advice or learning anything different without objection. I think that sometimes as Christians we don't want to learn anything new or different, because we know that we are responsible for the knowledge that we obtain. Sometimes playing ignorant, at least for some Christians, is a good excuse not to do what you are supposed to do in the Kingdom.
The way I see it, if I don't bother to go to God like a little child asking questions and being willing to apply the answers to my life, then I am not doing anything for the Kingdom on earth and I can forget about going to the Kingdom after I die. In summary, be as a little child and go to God with your questions, unlike humans he won't be offended, and will be more than happy to assist!
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