Faith to complete my assignment
Strongholds - Arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
1 Corinthians 5:1-5
Strongholds - Arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
1 Corinthians 5:1-5
I approach you, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, not in malice nor wickedness, but in obedience, as one called to assignment, armed with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Your glorying over favor is not good; but echoes entitlement in the midst of leaven. Should not you rather be mournful because of the deeds of the offender? I pray that you have ears to hear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The knowledge of God is His Word. Therefore, when we walk juxtaposed to His statutes, though forgiven through sincere repentance, we are yet subject to the consequences of disobedience. Consequences, not of man’s vengeance, but as set forth by God. For our weapons of warfare, as it is written, are not carnal, but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds: prayer, praise, obedience to His Word. For Israel, God’s chosen people, though forgiven, even unto them God said, “I will not allow you to go entirely unpunished.” Therefore, submit yourselves, remain faithful and be of good courage, for trouble don’t last always. It’s telling that you validate your “without cause” rebuke of me, because my God commanded rebuke of my mother; what exactly is your definition of rebuke? God deliver us from buffet bible.
God’s Authority
(In this matter)
1 Corinthians 5:1-5
(In this matter)
1 Corinthians 5:1-5
Pastor Cosby, be mindful of the text in your critique of other's personalities if you don't know their backstory, especially when events surrounding them are consistent with scripture. Don’t make it personal. Consider the text. God has ordained the things of this world from end to beginning. How silly if I had had a boatload of trustworthy friends and devoted family, and none of them helped me. No, in this assignment, as with all situations, God has already prearranged circumstances: mine, yours, family, friends, church, and bystanders alike to bring His Word to pass. Therefore, don't get angry when God allows the Nathan's of this era to see your stuff, just accept the warning.
Certainly, we are to endure offenses, seeking not our own justice, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But we submit to God’s authority in all matters. For how else shall the offender be taught, with any degree of humility, the ways of the Father, lest he offend again? The wages of the sin of 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 was certain death to both involved. But how blessed we are that, because of Calvary, the penalty prescribed therein is exceedingly lighter by comparison. Therefore, I offer to you, as a corporate body, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, the grace and mercy, through the words of this song, which God provided to me, to soften my heart towards others.
AIN’T GOD GOOD?!!!
When I came across this video, it was reassurance to me that, not only is God navigating my journey; He has likewise brought me full circle in this assignment. This part of my assignment began almost seven years ago, with a letter (email) wherein I referenced my favorite song, which happens to be by Vanessa Bell Armstrong, it is no small thing, to me, that God has made this video available to me again, at this moment in time.
Testimony: God is definitely navigating me through this assignment. Things keep intersecting and coming back together. Some may think it insignificant, but if you knew the details, as I do, you would understand that neither I nor anyone else could have possibly orchestrated events to work together as they have, except God. Even this video bears great significance. This is the prayer I prayed years ago, upon viewing this episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show (whose connectivity is also no coincidence). A couple years earlier I was in a very dark space in my life, not only had I suffered the loss of my son, having been stillborn; I was also experiencing difficulty coming to terms with the diagnosis of probable bareness, resulting from abuse. I was angry, weak in spirit, and struggling with unforgiveness (big time), I was ready to take my abusers’ lives. I didn’t want to be in that space, but I had no idea how get free. BUT GOD knew. Even though my heart was not yet completely turned, God had me in the right place, at the right time, to encourage me through this melodic prayer, so that the healing process could begin. I was so immersed in sorrow that I didn’t really know what to ask or how to ask it. The words of this song resonated so strongly with me, that I fell down on my knees and just begin to repeat its’ words. Though I experienced no immediate revelation at the time, despite my lack of understanding, God still strengthened me so that I was able to move forward with my life, family, and career. A couple years later, as I have testified before, God blessed my husband and me with our daughter. It would be almost 33 years before God would bring me full circle to this video to remind me of how He showed me great grace and mercy, that I might now impart the same (what a blessing).
The Holy Spirit is present in our brokenness, even when we don’t know how to be yielded to him; when we sincerely seek God’s face, the Holy Spirit is there to lead us, to comfort us, and to speak on our behalves. Though some may say “Shhh . . . Nobody cares;” Testimony is not for the nobodies that don’t care. Testimony is for the brokenhearted, to the glory and honor of God that we may store up treasure in heaven. God gave me the desire of my heart, and He will do the same for all who diligently seek him. As it is written: “Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares.” If He did it for me, He will do it for you. Amen.
Be a blessing today!
(I would never think to speak over this church the words they have spoken over me, from the pulpit. Though they have maligned, rejected, and blocked me, God positioned me in this era, through this venue, that I may still impart His Word to them, in front of the whole world: if that’s not 1 Timothy 5:20, I don’t know what is. I have an assignment to complete, and will do so by whatever righteous and truthful means God authorizes, leaving nothing undone. Yes, Assistant Pastor: words, words, words: Here are a few more words to consider: righteousness, honesty, loyalty, integrity, confession, repentance, apologize, forgiveness, RIGHTEOUSNESS. Should you not, in setting aside your pride, sincerely glorify God for His mercy? there are a whole lot of people out there, preacher or not, who would have destroyed you for what you did; and rightly so, according to scripture. You can fake some things, but you can not fake GENUINE)
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