You are my Joy

This is such a lovely and uplifting song. Whenever it sung during Praise and Worship at my church it always gets a reprise. I wish I knew of any artist that has this song available on their album or as single that I could purchase. I really do need to get to know more artists who spread the good news.

You are alive but you are dead

I managed to attend one evening session of my church's conference. It was held over 5 days. Below are the notes that I took. I should have typed these up the very next day so I do hope you still take away what I learned that day and things to ponder.

The speaker was called Dr Kervin J Smith and I had never heard of him before but wow he had some powerful things to say and remind people about. The focus of the session was around Revelations 3 verses 1-6. 

"I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead"

When that part was being read I did not quite understand what was being read out until I listened to the whole service. Well rather when I got home and re-read those verses. 

So basically he said that one of the most dangerous places to find yourself in is yesterday. Staying in your past stops you getting into the future. Think about it. How many times do you sit and think about the "what ifs" ?What if  are the things  that plague you. These things can be from your past or things you wanted to do but have yet to do and keep you in that state of thought. What if I did this or that instead of this. When you settle for mediocrity you accepting what is average and stopping yourself from reaching excellence. 

He went onto say that before you can get to the glory, you got to allow God to kill you first. I take it that he meant that there needs to spiritual birth from deep within our souls lead by God. A new you a better you. The holy spirit is needed by all. 

Why does the church has an identity crisis

There are seven attributes of God (7 spirits of God)

1 - Lord , 2 - Wisdom , 3-Understanding, 4- Knowledge, 5-Council, 6-Mind, 7 - Fear of the Lord 

The church has been inundated with celebrity. Celebrity church TV and more. Some people only want to listen to the favourite pastor on TV yet the person they do not want or side steps may be the person to give the most powerful sermon or testimony you ever heard. So the church and church folk should not get blinded by celebrity.

The church at large is in a mess. People have forgotten the local church. The church that is involved in its local community and not just about getting the most people to attend the sunday service. So the church at large has gotten fat and out of shape.

5 key commandments

 1- Wake up - we have been sleeping and need to wake up at what is going on around us. The church is sleeping and does not want to offend people. However the Gospel is the truth and the church should not be afraid to offend anyone. People need to wake up Psychologically, Spiritually and Socially.

2- Strengthen what remains

3- Remember what  God has brought you out of

4- Move in obedience

5 - Repent - until the church at large repents the church will not see the glory.

Key points in service:

There is no glory without a story

God is pulling you out of the pit 

Greatest anointment happens in isolation 

If you want the glory you have to give God you

When God is getting ready to bless you in the season He will not place a classified ad.

In life you will have 12 true friends yet one of them will be a Judas.  

Start thinking Glory

Church was definitely lively yesterday.Well my church usually is. The spirit of the Lord is definitely among us. I really wanted to discuss more of what Apostle spoke about in service but as usual I didn't take notes. This is something I will definitely aim to do in future.

I am always moved by people's testimonies. One lady spoke about for years not having any feeling attached to life and life events. Such as picking up her great-granddaughter. Through the grace of God she now has those associated feelings that she longed for.

When she was speaking it made me think about myself. I would not say that I do not have any feelings attached to life events. After all anyone that knows me can testify that when it comes to my children, they are so loved by me and they know this. So this lady's testimonie spoke to me. On the front I can come across as emotion less and un-moved by certain things. I am talking about things that hurt that are soul destroying. On the outside I am always happy or appear to be so. Yet deep down inside I feel pain. I just do not know how to deal with it except to smile. Smile in the face of adversity.

I am more rambling than telling a story. I think I just need to learn or allow myself to let go sometime. I hope you got the gyst of what I was trying to say.

This song was sung during Praise and Worship. Kurt Carr - In the Sanctuary

Baptism services

I attended a Baptism service at church yesterday. It was so amazing. My friend who has been a Christian for a few years now finally decided to take the next big step in his faith. He nearly died 6 weeks ago and when he was giving his testimony at church he was choked up in tears. God has definitely blessed him with a good family support network. His family starting with his wife joined him at the altar as his chosen song by Marvin Sapp played in the background called "Never Would have made it".

I could tell that not just him alone but his whole family has been blessed by God. Jesus has truly got them in hand and in spirit. I pray this is the start of the next chapter of his life in Christ.

I had a conversation with another friend of mind about the morning events. She told me amongst other stuff she thought that I was ready to be baptised myself.  I am not too surprised by this as many people do tell me this all the time. It is just I do not see it myself. I would definitely have to concur one of my fears of having my head under water. I cannot swim and the thought of being dipped in water no matter how controlled does put a little fear in me. Just know that when I do my fear would have been concurred or met head on with Jesus by my side. One thing for sure I am going to start attending Bible study soon. Even if I have to start doing a distance learning course like I used to do it will be something a start.

Key points in service :

Apostle noted that Baptism comes from the Greek word  Baptizo which means to immerse in water. Some churches simply splash water on the forehead but that is not the example Jesus set. He Himself was baptised by being submerged in water.

Baptism can occur from the moment you choose to follow and begin following Christ. It is a testament of faith.

During praise and worship at start of service we sang Revelation song and let me tell you this. It gave me chills. I could feel the hairs on my arms and elsewhere standing. It just speaks to me in some way and I cannot explain it. I have included a video below.

Feel free to share your thoughts!

Cassidy expresses his Faith

I came across a beautiful testimony by a rapper called Cassidy. He freestyled some praise and worship to the Lord. This is very refreshing to see. It just goes to show you God welcomes everyone and calls on everyone.

The clip was found on World Star HipHop. He starts off by saying "I want the crowd to know I love my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ with all of my heart".

Bible in Patois

I was reading The Voice newspaper and came across an article about the Bible being translated into Jamaican Patois. As my parents spoke it and my elders speak it, I am always surrounded by Patois. So this sounded interesting. The Bible has been translated into so many languages so that the Word can be understood in the 1st language of so many people.

Luke's Gospel is the 1st book in the Bible to be translated into Jamaican Patois which is the language of the people home and abroad. I have listened to some of the audio book and I am impressed. The story telling is amazing and is sure to get more people wanting to hear more. They have not used the rawest form of patois that foreigners do not understand. Think of it this way it is Patois without slang.

You can get a free download from i-Tunes.

Gospel of Luke in Patois audio book 

The download is free. So tell me what do you think?