Afrocentric Sunday

This past Sunday at GSJ, we culminated the month of February with a remarkable day celebrating our heritage as a people. Led by the wonderful people of our Gospel Chorus, the congregation was encouraged to wear Afro-centric attire during our services and invited to take part in a feast called “Taste of Soul” following the 11am service. Despite the snow we received over the weekend, our attendance was reasonable and we had a joyous time in worship, praise and fellowship. During both worship experiences, the choir once again favored us with several hymns and spirituals that were rendered during a recent concert. It was a great day. Thanks to Richard Armstrong, here are some photos that captured the day.

My Wife's Birthday

Today, we celebrate the birthday of my beloved wife, Jennifer. There are no words available in the English language that can adequately describe what she means to me. I owe much of my success as a pastor, preacher, person to her undying love and unwavering commitment towards me over the years. It is my prayer that this day will provide her much satisfaction as she grows another year “younger.”

Happy Birthday Sweetness!!!!

God's Promises Are Yes

For every one of God’s promises is “Yes” in Him. Therefore the “Amen” is also through Him for God’s glory through us.—2 Corinthians 1:20

God keeps every promise He makes. When we walk in intimate fellowship with Christ, we have the assurance that every promise God has made in Scripture is available to us. This truth should motivate us to search the Scriptures for each promise in order to meditate upon its potential for our life.

Jesus promised that when you ask for something in His will, He will give you what you ask (John 16:23b). This promise is available to every Christian. If you ask God if this promise applies to your life, His answer is yes. If you are not now experiencing this promise, it does not change the fact that God has said it. You may need to seek God's answer for why His promise has not yet reached maturity in you.

Paul claimed he had tested each of these promises in his own life and found them all to be abundantly true. That's why he could speak of the “exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7b) and the “unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8b). Paul had found a wealth of God's promises and enjoyed them all in abundance.

Don't become discouraged or impatient if you are not experiencing to the fullest all of God's promises in your life. God may want to prepare you to receive some of the great truths He has made available to you. Walk closely with your Lord and, in time, you will see Him bring His promises to fruition in your life.

By Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby
Experiencing God Day by Day: A Devotional and Journal