Ministry of GreaterWorks

Well Done

2011-12-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought that your efforts are wasted or have been wasted? You want to do good work, but the result or response has not been what you've expected. You studied and prepared. All that you believe needed to be done, you completed, but it seems to never be enough.
Giving your best is all God expects from His workers. His words are true and powerful and carry with them all that is needed for His will to be done. Our job is to take the Word of God and sow it into the prepared heart. The heart that He has set to hear what you have to say. Though we do not know which heart will respond, it is our duty to sow.
Consider Matthew 13:1-9, the parable of the sower. What we have here are several truths; first the sower went; we must be willing to go to the prepared heart; secondly while we are doing God's will, inevitably some of the word will fall in an area that is not prepared to receive, such as the "way side" or "stony places" or "among thorns". But as we continue to sow, the Word will be sown in "good ground". The Word or seed that is sown is good seed and will respond in the prepared heart.
Believe that your work is work well done and that God will reward according to His promise.

Lost in yourself

2011-09-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

I could not find myself. I thought I knew all there was to know about the world and myself, but not. I found myself always looking around when I had a decision or choice to make. Looking for someone to express their approval of what I needed or wanted to do. Most of the choices in life are brought to fruition by the influence of time, rather than by plan. Afraid to make the choice and worried that someone would not approve of it.

After Asa died, the Bible says that his son, Jehoshaphat, reigned in his place [II Chronicles 17]. Verse 3 says that "the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not to Baalim." Verse 4 continues; but sought to the Lord God of his father and walked in His commandments and not after the doings of Israel.
What a wonderful story of knowing who God is in ones life and following those dictates.
Oftentimes there are so many influences, either current or remote. Maybe sewn so deeply and tightly into our own life's fabric, that we are not able to clearly see.

Our choices in life always affects someone other than ourselves. But, we are still first obligated to ourselves. We must be honest and forthcoming with our own assessment, before we can be honest with others.

Rethink your assessment of you. Have you been and are you being honest about what you see?
Are the opinions of others more important than what you believe is right?

Left Behind

2011-02-01T18:36:00.000-08:00

What will you leave behind? Thoughts of fear, freedom from your presence and person? Relief from your persecution and attacks? Just what is left behind?
Let us consider Psalm 23:6.
Throughout our lives we intersect and interact with many sorts of people. Some who will bring out the best of us and others who will bring out the worst. Then there are those upon which we have no impact whatsoever.
No matter, however the interaction we are responsible for what is left behind. The question we should continually ask is; am I doing what the Lord would want of me today?
All our actions have a direct impact upon someone in one of two ways, positive or negative.
Psalm 23:6 does not ask nor does it propose, but it states, unequivocally that goodness and mercy will follow. This can only be stated if the person is walking the path set forth by the Lord.
As we walk by His design, we are blessed and blessed to the point of overflow. And those with whom we interact are bless through the overflow. This is that in verse 6 referred to. The verse makes known that the Lord will cause this to happen and the writer is certain, thus the term "surely". Because he knows God knows all and performs His promises with haste.

What will you leave behind? Will your love ones starve for lack of legacy or will they flourish and provide for others more of what you left behind?

Dedicated to Deacon Harold M. Shaw

Continue to take care

The Lion King

2010-12-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

In the Book of Job, we find a conversation between God and Satan and he [Satan] says he is going "to and fro seeking whom he may devour." In the writings of St. Peter, it is said that he [Satan]is roaming as a roaring lion, seeking to devour anyone available. This is what the world has to offer, cloaked in fine clothes, pretty cars, women/men. Entertainment via the Internet. Where in times past you'd need to leave home, but with this new level of enemy, we can be deceived in the comfort of our living rooms. The lion that is looking to destroy is even closer than before it seems. With our Tv's readily importing vile and destructive material. Even our cellular communication is making it easier to transport our favorite sin to where we are, immediately.

But there is a Lion, whose purpose is to seek those who are lost. To convict the unbeliever and lead him to rightousness, which only exists in Him[Jesus]. He will indwell and forevermore lead and guide the believer. The new life the believer will experience will provide comfort in time of distress and peace no matter the circumstance. He will anoint for service. His service, to spread the Gospel of salvation.
Everyone of Jesus' followers He protects, provides and promises that He will neither leave nor forsake.
His strength and courage is beyond measure and cannot be defeated.

Trust in the Lion of Judah, for He is The Lion King!

Psalm 37:3-4

2010-10-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

While we wait for our deliverance, He is continually building up "our most holy faith" with His presence.
And though we know the world is His, we still lack in our faith and reliance on Him.

In verse 4 we are encouraged to focus on Him and be of good cheer, even in the middle of our issue. It is in the midst of the issue when He is most easily found. For He knows of the desperate nature of our issues, for He has already experienced all that we will go through.

The promise is that He will give us what our heart desires. Not the things that we desire for our personal satisfaction, but those things that will further advance His kingdom. Those things that will edify others. Build them up in their faith. Create in them a more earnest desire to be more like Him. These are things that God would have us to desire. Scripture says that if we will diligently seek Him, "all these things will come upon you and overtake you." The question is, what does your heart desire?

The writer and those which come after are teaching that if we focus on Jesus and lead our lives according to His teachings, ask for more of His presence, He will indeed give us exactly that. More of Him! More of His Spirit and presence, "that your joy may be full".

Its not easy being me!

2010-10-04T22:12:00.000-07:00

It sometimes seems to me, as it may to you, that the most difficult thing in life is to be myself. I oftentimes wonder what it must be like to have my own thoughts, in their purest form, come to fruition without outside influence.
It seems that each and every decision I make is somehow influenced by what others may think or feel. And it seems that everyone else is doing what they deem necessary, despite what others think.
Over the years and in the most recent months it appears this phenomenon is growing and is begining to dominate. What can I do. Certainly I have some right answers. And certainly I do have the ability to make these decision. What to do. What to do.

It's not easy being me. Working. Trying to do all the right things, yet somehow it seems I am watching all around, others moving and moving on up.
It's not easy being me. Trying not to imitate, but feeling as though I am coming up woefully short, as compared to others. It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Is anyone imitating me?

If this describes you and a portion of your life, let me encourage you with these words.

Be yourself. There is no time to be someone else.

Trust in the gift given you by the Savior. The gift? Him. He gave the presence of His Spirit to lead and to guide. He lives within us all. Determine within yourself to trust Him, then obey Him. And though it seems it will not work out, be patient. Wait. See the promise of the Lord.

That Great Gittin-up mornin'

2010-03-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

I need each of you to commit to being apart of the 2010 North Channel Community Chorale. We will be singing at the Legend Oaks Rehab and Nurisng Center on Good Friday 2010, starting at 10 am.
The Center is located on Wallisville Road, across from the Library. We will be in rehearsal this Saturday at 3 pm at 2nd Baptist Channelview on Dell Dale Road, 1315, at the Stop sign, between Wallisville and Woodforest.

We need all of your voices!

Continue to take care

Saved; once for all

2009-09-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

I am continually amazed as to the extent people will go to in order to be seen and heard. A writer once said, if you want to garner the attention of others, just choose a popular topic, find the majority concensus and take the opposite position! I am not one to debate interpretation of scripture, but there is a position being taken by some on the radio that has compelled me to make a statement. Specifically, salvation.

In this day and time, it seems our media has gone ary with some of the subject matter and their positions on them.
I used to listen to KWWJ AM, from 10-11 M-F, until the host started to teach, with ferver, that salvation is maintained by the believer and can be lost by the believers life and lifestyle.

Lets be clear, salvation "...is the gift from God..."[Ephesians 2:8]. A gift afforded us by grace through faith[Eph. 2:8]. And it continues to remind us that we cannot work and obtain it because the heart of man cannot live purely, in and of itself and can certainly not abstain form it's boastful nature.
So my salvation [and yours] is given by God and sealed by his Holy Spirit of promise.

Certainly we all could live our lives without sin and guarantee our salvation, but if that were so then Christ died for nothing. We cannot live a life that would maintain our salvation apart from Christ. It is His blood that gives victory and victory cannot be lost.

Those who would teach that salvation is always at risk, have not yet come to an understanding of God and his promise. We must remember that His actions are for His glory. God will not be denied this glory and certainly will not leave the success of His plan in the feeble hands of man.
Ephesians 2:7 instructs that in the time to come, all may know that He is God and God alone.
The power of Satan is no match for the power of God. However, when we wrestle with him, we get too close to him and stay much too long with him. Satan's greatest tool is to convince that God is not and that he[Satan] is all there is in life.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and believe it so in your heart, you are saved. No ifs, ands or buts.

None of us can live without sin, for we are only sinners saved by grace. Ephesians 2:5 reminds us that ..."while we were dead in sins", we were made alive with Christ. And if we are His, then how can we be lost by Him. [see St. John 10:28-29].

So please join with me in prayer for this particular and all radio hosts that have not yet come to a fuller knowledge of their salvation.

Continue to take care

The Faces of Ministry

2009-08-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

Faces only a mother could love?

The faces of ministry are many and different. Too often are the faces forgotten or placed in a position of anonymity.

These are some of the faces of ministry. A Ministry of Greater Works. One which carries with it no accolade or recognition. Only knowing that the work is a work which God has ordained. And through it God is pleased.

Jesus said; "...the Father has not left me alone, for I do always those things that please Him."[St. John 8:29]

Through our ministry at the Legend Oaks Nursing and Rehab Center in Houston, we purpose to please the Lord, by offering uplifting music, interesting topics of discussions and strong, encouraging preaching to the residents.

Even in our photo, a resident joins in.

Pray for this ministry and those who serve.

Not pictured; Sister Betty and Bro. Ronnie Harlow, Sis. Esther Frisco.

L-R; Deacon Malcome Francis, Pastor F.A. Tony Bell and wife Lynda; Sis. Betty. Wilburn and Bro. James Duvall.

Preaching salvation. Is it always necessary?

2009-08-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

I believe the subject of salvation is necessary to preach at each interval. Whether the listener is a professed believer or a bold atheist.
It is not ours to determine one's status, simply because we are not equipped to make an accurate assessment of one's salvation.
That is God's sovereign responsibility. He and He alone has the vantage point needed for God is able to judge the heart of man, while we only have sight of the outer man.

Preach and point. That is our mandate. John said, " behold the Lamb of God, who take away the sin of the world."
Preach and point. Preach about Jesus and point to where He may be found. And where can He be found? "...and lo, I stand at the door and knock...".

The Right side

2009-08-05T21:33:00.001-07:00

We should be constantly aware of our position as it relates to the righteousness of Jesus. It is that "right" standing with Him which gives us pause to appreciate who we are and what we have in life.
Just what do we have in life? First we have all of the basics. In fact we are no better or worse off than the most distant from God. For the basics are for all who are alive and kickin'.
But we are on the side of the cross which allows us to appreciate, recognize and share with others, that there is more to life than the basics. And we are also able to appreciate just where the basics come from and who is responsible for them.

It certainly isn't easy, but one must be somewhere, so why not be on the "right" side of the cross.

Continue to take care

2009-07-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

New Testament Outreach Ministry
Ninth Anniversary Celebration
07-12-09
Ephesians 2:19-22
vv21;…in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, [22] in whom you also being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit]

I. Membership has it’s privileges
Members of the household of God. Fellow citizens. Adopted into the faith. Saved. We have access to God, through Jesus, by faith
Club membership allows and restricts. It allows members and restricts others. Verse 14 shows that before Christ, only a few had access. But because of Christ and His obedience, we all have access.
II. The foundation set is that of faith in Jesus Christ. [Matt. 16:16-19...and on this Rock I will build my church] not faith in Peter, nor any other. But faith in Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, through whom we have access to God.
III. A puzzle is best when all the pieces are fitted together properly. Not only is the puzzle solved, but one can see the picture.
We all will look like Him, when all is done and said. And while we are here, we are to pursue placing the puzzle pieces in place. There is a picture of the completed puzzle on every box. Such is our Bible. The picture of what is to be. There is always a piece that is central to the completion, for without it, the puzzle is not complete.
Such is Jesus the cornerstone of our building. Each of us is important to the puzzle, but without Jesus, none of us is complete. And if we are incomplete, the building cannot become the holy temple in the Lord.
The greatest aspect of our building is love. And love is best expressed through forgiveness. Without it, love does not, cannot exist.
IV. The presence of Christ in our life is that which brings us together to form the dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Politics

2008-11-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

Is it more important to say something or have something to say?
We've experienced, over the past few months, some of the most talkative individuals ever. They had plenty to say, but did they really say anything?
Now, the tune has changed and they are now supportive of one another. Once seemingly bitter enemies have become colleagues and associates. Again.
How strange is this animal we call politics.

What do you think about our latest voyage into the jungle of politics?
Does or should one's spiritual person be mixed with the political?

What does it mean?

2008-11-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

Not only does it mean we have come a long way, but more importantly it means people, young people have decided not live in the past, nor by the past.

Americans have chosen to direct their attention to the future. The future which says we are what we have portrayed to the world. A country of opportunity and sanctuary.
Opportunity to become what we dream and sanctuary for those who want an opportunity to not only dream but realize their dream.

Though America has always been defined by it's color barriers, but professed that those barriers did not exist, November 2008 has made the profound statement that the color lines are fading and "the browning of America" has taken root.

Not only the browning which can be seen, but the browning of the heart. There are those which have no interest in hate nor bigotry, but in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

On guard! I Timothy 6:20-21

2008-11-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

It is our greatest challenge to maintain our spiritual integrity while living in this world today. Not that it was not equally as difficult, back in the day, but today life is much more complex. Not only with our chosen vocation, but with our avocations as well.

The age of the computer has not only made living easier, simpler and more compact. It has given us access to more information than ever before.

For these and other reasons, guarding what has been given to us is most important. Though the Word of God is it's own power, our diligence in guarding it is imperative.

As you recall the parable of the sower, we learned that Satan's purpose is to steal the Word. Not that he can realize it's potential, it is that he knows of it's potential for the believer and his goal is to confuse and confound.

Being on guard then is necessary for the believer. That the Word may take root and mature to the promise intended by God for the believer.

Paul directs Timothy to "...guard that which has been entrusted to you...", [I Timothy 6:20] because he was aware of the deception of Satan and his negative impact upon the life of Timothy and his ministry.

We are to receive and profit from this instruction from Paul. We guard our possession by remaining in touch with God through prayer and study.

Pray then study, that the Holy Spirit will continue to reveal His plan to you in your life.

Pray then study, that you are able to recognize deception before it can negatively impact your life and your ministry.

Pray then study, that the word of God is able to heal you from the inside out.

Continue to take care.

What's following you? Psalm 23:6a

2008-07-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

We certainly have all prayed this prayer, at one time or another. It is surely a prayer that gives comfort and promise and encourages faith in God.
This passage begins with an assuring tone and intent, "surely", a promise, if you will, that our God is able to make His grace increase and send it in our direction. So much so that we are not able to avoid it, as we continue in His will, for our lives.
And what is this goodness and mercy? Jesus? Undoubtedly! However, as we direct our attention to verse 5c, we learn that our God gives and gives abundantly. He gives so, that our " cup runneth over." And sense there is excess and we know that God does not waste His resources, others are blessed, through our obedience and relationship with God. Hence, "goodness and mercy" follows.

What's following you? Are others blessed because they've come in contact with you or are they writhing in pain and discomfort after the encounter?

Continue to take care