Many are the afflictions of the righteous

Many are the afflictions of the righteous

After going through some personal trials and pain episodes lately, I began to seek God about what was going on. I then continuously begin to hear, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous."  I also heard, " If Jesus suffered, why shouldn't you?" Then I looked up the Scripture (which is Psalm 34:19 by the way) and the second part states, "But The Lord delivers him out of them all." 

People of God, be encouraged and know that if you are suffering for righteousness sake, you are on the right track! I don't know about you, but this makes me rejoice! It is very reassuring to know that my suffering is not in vain and the outcome is I win! Keep pressing on fully assured that the Lord Your God is your deliverer!

We love you, and we are praying for you,

~Pastor Erroyl and Sis. Pinky 

SALT

Pastor Erroyl’s Prayer:

          Heavenly Father, we thank you for your will. Not ours, God, but yours. So, we trust that whatever you take us through that you will instruct us in it, and deliver us from it. And because we trust you and praise in the good times, we will do the same in what we may consider as the bad times. Whether our affliction is physical, mental, emotional, or social we know God that if we are suffering for righteousness, we are resembling Christ a little more. Thank you for trusting us to be your ambassadors here on Earth. Help us to represent You and Your Kingdom well. 

In Jesus’ mighty name.

Amen.

Hear and Do

Hear and Do 

     If you read in the book of Ruth Ch 1, you will find that after Naomi's husband and sons pass away she moved. 

Have you ever thought about why she moved? Or better yet, why she moved where she was moving to (Moab)? The Scriptures say that she was moving because she HEARD that the Lord had visited his people there. 

Have you thought about the discomfort it must have caused her to leave? To pick up and go? After all, she and her family had been there for quite a while. They were there long enough for her sons to get married, her husband to die, and both her sons to die. Yet, because she HEARD, she WENT. 

The lesson for us here is two fold--
     1) that we should listen for the voice of the Lord. Listen for occurrences where God has moved in someone else's life. (Their testimony) What Naomi heard was not that God was still present there in Moab, but that he had visited there. That's past tense. In other words, she was moving based on God showing himself in someone else's life. She was basing her move of faith on someone else's testimony. 

     2) we should not hesitate to share what God has done in our lives. We should constantly tell our testimony to others. Why? Because we don't know if there is a Naomi somewhere waiting for, and listening for, our testimony in order for her faith to be activated.

      James 1:22-23  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

      Is God telling you to step out on faith? Is He telling you to move? What is it that the Lord is saying to you through the story of Naomi?

We love you, and we are praying for you. 

~Pastor Erroyl and Sis. Pinky

~SALT

Sis. Pinky’s Prayer:

Father, anoint my ears to be sensitive to Your voice, and then to share my testimony to those who have ears to hear. Increase our faith this day.

In Jesus’ name, we pray

Amen

Preach the gospel! When necessary use words.

Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere you go, and when necessary use words. -St. Francis of Assisi 

So what does this quote really mean? Does it mean that we are only to have a lifestyle Gospel? Does it mean that we should rarely speak about God’s goodness to others? Certainly not!

When an opportunity presents itself we should certainly use our words, our testimony, and the Scriptures to evangelize. 

        The issue, and point for this quote, is that we are not always able to talk. In fact, though it may not seems like it, the majority of the time we are not talking. Most often, our actions are what people see, and remember about us. So, the words of St. Francis do not give us a "get out of evangelism free" card. It actually suggests to us to live a Christlike life; to become a “living sacrifice” as we are urged to do in Romans 12:1. 

         The quote also gives encouragement to those who do not necessarily have the gift of gab. Most preachers are certainly verbose. We have a natural inclination to talk. This may also be the case with most teachers, and perhaps those in sales. But, everyone isn't blessed with the gift of gab. And at times, we all may find it difficult to verbalize what we may feel in our hearts. So, our actions are what people need to see, and feel. In many cases, maybe even most of the time our actions speak louder than words ever could. 

      

We love you, and we are praying for you.

~Pastor Erroyl

SALT

Sis. Pinky’s Prayer:

Thank you for the reminder that we are Your representatives on earth, and that our actions should line up with the Word. Help us through our words and actions, to not be stumbling blocks to others.

In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen. 

Time To Pray!

When to Pray

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When should we pray? When is the right time? And, for which purposes should we bother God? Prayer is always in order, and in season.  It’s good to pray to our Heavenly Father.  It’s good to talk, really talk, with Him.  After all, He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is our creator. So who knows us better than He?  He knows us so well that He has the number of hairs on our heads numbered. Every time one falls out, and/or changes color, He knows.  He is just that involved with us. He is love, and He already loves us. We have to learn to love Him. We cannot accomplish this intimacy without speaking to, and listening to, Him.

The following are some thoughts on the Discipline of Prayer that have guided me (Rev. Reddick) over the years.  I am not the expert on the subject, but I can say with authority (and someone coined it before me):  “Little prayer, little power - much prayer, much power - no prayer, no power.”  The point being- we must pray at all times.

As a young man I (Dr. McGinty) used to be intimidated to approach God in prayer. I did not have this issue as a boy. But, as a man fully aware of my sinfulness, I felt unworthy. To make matters more difficult, I am married to a prayer warrior (term used to describe someone who has the gift of prayer, a special anointing to pray, and intercession). I got beyond that irrational sentiment when I recognized the relationship I (we all) could have. Yes, God is the creator of all things. Yes, He is king of kings. Yes, He is the God of majesty, and the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, buuuuut, He is also Abba, Father. MY father as Jesus meant it. The word "Abba" shows intimacy. The term is from the colloquial vernacular of the time to show connection, love, reverence, and respect that a child has towards his father. So, God is MY father. I love that connection.

In Matthew 6:5-7 we see the word when used repetitively.

V5:  And when you pray…

V6:  But you, when you pray…

V7:  And when you pray…

I (Rev. Reddick) was taught long ago in primary school that the word when is one that indicates time.  To put it another way, and in the context of these verses, they tell us that we are to pray.  Not if you pray, but when you pray.  Luke 18:1 says in part, “…that men ought always to pray and not faint”, and 1 Thess 5:17 says to “Pray without ceasing.”  

According to these references we should pray always. In this case, always means always; as in the truest sense of the word.  It does not mean that we are to stay on our knees 24-7, becoming a praying hermit. But, it does compel us to operate from a praying spirit.  In other words, praying should be the same as breathing.  We should be so equipped, and so much in love with God, and the things of God, that praying is a part of our DNA and a necessity for life.  

Pray when you don’t feel like it. Pray even when you don’t know what to say.  The Holy Spirit will help!  Romans 8:26 records these words, “Likewise the Spirit helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.”  For example, you pray for a supervisor to be moved because he/she is hard on you. But, instead of moving the supervisor, God promotes you, or moves you to a better situation. He knows what the prayer should be. The only way to open up heaven, and all it has for us in this life, is through prayer. And, if Jesus did it often- if praying was a priority for Him (and it was), it should also be for us.  

Make the Discipline of Prayer a part of your daily conversation, and encourage your friends, and family to always pray.  There is nothing so little, or insignificant, that we cannot carry it to the Lord in prayer.  Go to Him for everything, and doubt Him for absolutely nothing. As you grow spiritually you will discover that you won’t be disappointed for spending time with Him.

We love you, and we are praying for you.

~SALT

Dr. McGinty, Rev. Reddick

Sis. Pinky’s Prayer:

Thank you God for the opportunity to come before your throne and converse with you. Help us to remember that we can come to you at any time with any petition.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen

It's About Time

My wife's favorite color is blue, her former favorite movie (God bless her) is 'Coming to America", her favorite song changes with the season of life that she's in, but she has a special affinity for "He's Able", Her favorite scripture? "I will look to the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord." I could go on and on with her dress size, shoe size, (and because I'm smart) her ring size. That knowledge comes from putting in time with her; consistently.

Can you really say that you love someone if you do not spend time with them? If other things steal your attention, focus, and commitment from the one you say you love is that really love? Guess what? This applies to God also.

We say we love Him, but do we spend time with Him? Do we log hours watching Scandal, Real Housewives, SportsCenter, sporting events, but yet can't seem to find 30 minutes to read the bible? Is the 20-second  grace recited prior to eating a meal, our only daily prayer? Do we check Facebook more than the Bible? Do we concentrate on people, more than God? Problems, more than the Problem-solver? Be honest with yourself... You know that's a problem.

So how then can we justify saying that we love Him? We've got to step our game up, and put in the time with Him. We must read more, pray more, praise and worship more, and LOVE more (and more consistently also).

Are there too many distractions and detractors in our lives vying for His time? Are we putting the time in with our Lord and Savior? Or, are we giving His time away to gods that we've made?

Deut 4:28 ..."And there you will serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood, and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell." (...and of plastic, metal, and fiber optics also).

Guess what? It's not just you. It's most of us. Most of us are guilty, culpable complicit, and fail all the time. But, we don't have to. Don't beat yourself up. Feel the Holy Spirit's conviction, accept your mistake. Learn from it, and move on.

Jesus said that we should love God with everything that we have, are, AND above all else in our lives (Matt 22:37). Do our actions show that? Or, do we simply talk a good game?  1 John 3:18 says that we should love with ACTION and NOT with words!  Show God with your actions just how much you love Him. It's about time that we give Him, His time.

We love you, and we are praying for you.

~SALT,  Pastor Erroyl, and Sis Pinky

Sis Pinky’s Prayer:

Thank you God for your love for us! Draw us close to you so that we may get to know you more intimately.

In the precious name of Jesus, we pray,

Amen

There is work to be done! Are you blocking your purpose?

        Here are a few words to ponder from a fellow laborer, mentor, brother, and friend. Pastor, Vernon "Pop" Reddick. He shared this with a group that he leads, of which I am a member, and I just had to share it with you.

~SALT, Erroyl, and Sis. Pinky  

                         As always, We love you and we are praying for you.

Read this, digest this, apply this, and share this.

__________________

This Scripture comes from John 9:1-5 gather what you need from it all, for our purposes now, please key on v4...

1 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. ² And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”   ³ Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. ⁴ I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. ⁵ As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Thoughts as you process this:

1) Every bad thing is not necessarily bad when the Lord has His hand on it.

2) How is God wanting to reveal His work through you?
      a) AND, are YOU in the way?

3) Are you doing the works you were sent to do while the timing is right?  Jesus said, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me..."

***My question again is, "Are you doing the work God sent you to do?"

Blessings!

Pastor, Vernon "Pop" Reddick

Serving the Great "I AM" and His people and learning to enjoy the journey.

Discipline

    Sometimes, when we start going through tough times, we forget that God is NOT shocked by our predicament. He's not caught off guard when we are in a storm. He's not wondering why/how we are in a wilderness. We are quick to say stuff like "the enemy is messing with me", or "Satan sure is busy".

     Read the story of Jonah (Jonah 1:4-5),  or Moses and Aaron (Ex 4:27), or the Israelites (Ex 13:18), or Jesus even (Mark 1:12, Matt 4:1) and get a fresh perspective. See who leads these people into a storm, or desert, wilderness, or valley. There are other examples too. Paul, Abraham, of course, the disciples, John the Baptist. It really does go on, and on.  

    STOP giving Satan credit, for how God is choosing to grow you, stretch you, maneuver you into a place for a blessing, to teach you, and love you. Love??? Yes, love (Heb 12:6). A good parent disciplines their child. So of course, God being our Father and being the perfect parent, disciplines us.  

     We like to only think of God as loving. Rightfully so; God is love, yes! But not exclusively so. God is also a just God (Gal 6:7). Now, if after all of the scriptural evidence here you still feel that it is impossible that some of what you go through is God moving, see the alternative (Heb 12:8). 

     I don't want you to feel like or think that God causes your trouble. That's not the case. However, He certainly is aware of it, and in fact, allows it to happen; as with Job (Job 1:8-12). God is Sovereign, and therefore in total control of what does and does not happen.

     The next time you find yourself in a storm, or wilderness, or valley understand first that God loves you. Then ask the Lord to show you why you are there. Is it to wake you up like Jonah? Is it to kill off things or people as with the Children of Israel? Is it to prepare you for ministry as with Jesus. Or, maybe it is to discipline you. 

We love you, and we are praying for you. 

-SALT, Dr. McGinty, Pastor

Sis. Pinky's Prayer: 

Gracious and eternal God, thank you for our valleys and storms! Give us understanding as we go through unpleasant times so that we may see Your Movement and the purpose of the situation. We know that you chasten those whom you love, and that ALL things work together for good!

In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray,

Amen

Remember who God is, and Whose you Are; Encourage yourself

     Encourage yourself and remember who God is. 

    Be encouraged, God loves you. He didn't put you in the situation you are in by chance, there's a purpose! Be of good courage and face this situation with the certainty and assurance that God has ordered your steps. 

     When King David was being chased by Saul and he was hiding in caves in mountains, he penned some of the most beautiful and thought-provoking psalms (songs). Think about that for a moment. He was being hunted down, and he was writing music (my kind of guy). He did this, not so that you and I would have something to sing/read on Sundays, but as a way to encourage himself and remind himself of who God is. I had to stand on the fact that he belonged to the most-high God. (To whom do you belong?)

     Draw King David's situation parallel to you and your situation. You may, in fact, be in a situation to where you feel like you are being persecuted, chased, or maybe you feel rejected, dejected, and/or alone. But guess what? God was with David, and He is with you. Take King David's example and encourage yourself, remember to whom you belong; remind yourself who God is IN THE MIDST of the situation that you are in. 

    While in a cave, while hurting and in pain, while being persecuted, while in the storm, the valley, the wilderness...Praise God in advance!

We love you, and we are praying for you.

 ~SALT Pastor Erroyl. 

Sis. Pinky’s prayer:

     Lord, God Almighty, we thank you for being Alpha and Omega, beginning and end! Thank you for your Word which encourages and your sweet presence that comforts. 

     In Jesus's name, we pray,

Amen

Is tithing necessary?

I have often heard of people not tithing because they didn't find it in the New Testament. There may be a lot of questions to discuss in regards to tithing. If so, let me know. But...

Matthew 23:23

   “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

     In other words do it ALL! Jesus said this. So yeah, tithing is in the New Testament. So, if that's your reason for not tithing, you should revisit.

    I have also heard of someone not tithing because Christians live under a new covenant and not under The Law. This is true, however the new covenant that Jesus established does not expunge the principles of the old covenant. How do I know? Jesus says this in Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have NOT come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”  

     If anything Jesus and the new covenant, ups the ante for us. In other words, prior to the new covenant, a physical sinful act was exactly what it says (I.e. Adultery was the physical act) under the new covenant, lustful thinking is the same as the physical act of adultery.  And, He sets similar standards for other sins also.

     When you get the opportunity, read Jesus's sermon on the mount. The beatitudes. Matthew 

Ch 5. 

SALT- we love you and we are praying for you.

~Pastor, Dr. McGinty 

Sis. Pinky’s Prayer:

Thank you Jesus for giving us instruction regarding the laws of the Kingdom. Help us to be obedient even when we don't fully understand. We know that it's better to be obedient than sacrificial. We love you.

In Jesus's name we pray,

Amen

Truth and Mercy

Proverbs 3:3-4 NKJV

[3] Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, [4] And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. …

We live in a world where people want to be right, without basing what they believe in truth. Even if someone does not believe that something is true,  that doesn't make it so. You might not believe that I am a millionaire, but that doesn't make it any less true (smile). Just like some people will not believe that Jesus is THE Truth, doesn't make it any less true. They want to be right, they want to live right, and they want lives that are right, but they will reject the truth of Jesus. Or, they will try to accept parts of the truth. But they reject the harder parts of the truth. That's why you will hear many people talk about God, but not Jesus!

Solomon tells us in this Proverb, that by wearing Truth and Mercy bound to our necks, and written in our hearts, that we will gain favor in the sight of God. Notice that if something is bound to your neck it cannot be easily removed, this is also the case for something is written on your heart.

As we go out and minister to people, yes we must present the truth, but at the same time, we must have mercy for their ignorance of the truth.

That's a very difficult thing to do. It can certainly be frustrating when people are constantly requiring new mercy from us as finite beings. But, not of God who is infinite. Always try to keep God's mercy being extended to you; before you knew the truth, and afterward. We need His new mercy every day. In the book of Lamentations 3:22-23 we learn that God's love and mercy never ends, and His mercy is new every morning. God knows we need it.

So, how do we do this? How do we present the truth to those who don't know or don't care to know and at the same time, have God's love and mercy at the forefront of our minds? Go back to that Proverb and look at the next couple of verses. Hallelujah!

We love you and we are praying for you.

-SALT, Pastor Erroyl

Sis Pinky’s Prayer:

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Help me to keep your mercy and truth around me so that I won't sin against you.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Paradigm shift: Chronic Long-term pains

     As I am a man with a chronic illness, I completely understand what it means to “go through”... though our situations differ and may even be completely different. Pain is still pain, suffering is still suffering, loneliness is still loneliness, encouragement is still encouragement, and comfort is still comfort.

     I want to encourage you to continue to fight the good fight. As many have said, God is good! And even though He has chosen to allow afflictions upon you and me, God is still good! He is not surprised that you are going through.

Paul reminds us that God's grace is sufficient for whatever situation we come up against, and in our weaknesses, His strength is made perfect. He takes us to trying times so that His love and power is recognized by us, AND the people with whom we come in contact.... in other words as we go through the storms of life with our heads held high (perhaps with a headache or stiff neck), our steps are spritely (though slower, maybe with a limp), and our attitudes are of thanksgiving with praise... people see it and know that we are Christian and therefore God gets the glory!

-Job said it like this "though He slay me, yet will I trust Him"...he could have added something like this: God trusts me in this circumstance. It's pretty remarkable when you think about it. God has entrusted us with the delivery of an important, quite potent, lifelong, non-verbal message.

... rain or shine, up or down, drought or flood, plenty or impoverished, mountain apex or valley low, in sickness or health .… God is still good and He still loves you!

We love you, and we are praying for you 

~SALT
Pastor Erroyl,

Sis. Pinky's Prayer:

Thank you God for the rain and the sunshine; both are necessary for growth. Help us to embrace the spiritual storms and to lean on and trust in you in all circumstances. 

In Jesus’s name, we pray... Amen.

Time, time, time

How much time have you spent on Facebook today? Twitter? Etc.

The shame in it is that if we log all the time that we check our cell phones, computers, etc. it adds up, and we can't even calculate the number.

Now, answer honestly, how much time did you spend reading the Bible? Did you close it and reopen it 20 seconds later like we do Facebook? Have you checked God's status updates for you, and His Newsfeed? Did you write out your visions and make them plain in it's margins..like you reveal details of your life on your timeline?

Right! Exactly.

Okay, so no time for guilt. Repent and move on. Turn off your computer, log off of Facebook, and pick up the Bible. 

Don't know what to read, or where to begin??? Try the book of John. It's a great starting point. 

I love you and I'm praying for you.
~Pastor Erroyl
SALT

Five things to pray for in marriage

Praying for your marriage. Five things that are essential. If you are not married, get a headstart on knowing what to do. 😉

We must sustain and maintain, plan for the unexpected, and plan for the expected. Here are five things, which we should pray for, that are essential. Five things in the midst of busy and stressful seasons of life.

1. To love each other as Christ loved us.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

Father, your greatest command was to love You and love each other (Matthew 22:36-40). You’ve given marriage as a holy relationship that reflects our relationship with You. Show us how to follow your example and set aside our selfishness and pride and humbly serve each other. Help us to be of one spirit and of one mind and value each other above ourselves, looking out for each other’s interests (Philippians 2:2-4). In the midst of our busy lives, help us take time to love each other deeply from the heart, as you have loved us (Ephesians 5:1-2). May the love we have for each other be an example to the world of how You love them and gave Your life for them.

2. To grow together in Christ.

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Father, help us not to just go to church on Sunday, but to recognize that your presence goes with us wherever we go. May we know a deep communion with you every day. May our marriage be a place where we grow together and lean on You in every situation. Help us to grow to be more like You every day, having a unity in Spirit, being patient, humble and gentle with each other, and bearing each other’s burdens with Your love and strength. Fill our marriage with Your peace. When a struggle or strife arises, may our first response be to come to You together for help. Help us make talking about You and Your Word a priority. We ask your Spirit to help us understand Your Word and grow together in our love and service to You.

3. To recognize things causing distance.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Father, life gets so busy and things can creep into our marriage and cause distance. Help us be intentional in spending time together and reveal things that are creating a chasm in our relationship. Protect us from things that will divide us, whether it be time spent online or a recreational activity or a friendship that is taking away from our marriage. Help us know how to remedy the situation and bring a closeness back into our marriage with You at the center.

4. To forgive each other quickly.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)

Father, enable us to forgive each other as You have forgiven us. Help us not to hold onto bitterness, keep records of wrong, or allow the enemy any foothold in our relationship. Keep our hearts sensitive to You and each other, and move us to the work of reconciliation quickly. When we are wounded, help us be honest with each other and not fear retaliation. Help us to work through our differences in a way that honors You and strengthens our relationship. Help us grow in humility and recognize when we have wounded each other. Give us Your strength to ask for and give forgiveness.

5. To know when to seek outside help.

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” (Proverbs 19:20)

Father, grant us the humility and wisdom to know when our marriage needs outside help. Provide wise counsel in the form of friends, pastors, and professionals who will guide us back to You and show us how to rebuild trust and unity in a way that honors You. Help us not be afraid of the work of rebuilding our marriage or making it stronger, but instead help us each be humble and gentle and willing to grow and accept counsel.

Whether you pray individually or together as a couple, or with a group of friends who support each other by praying for your marriages, may you know the power and peace that comes from laying your burdens at the Father’s feet. 

This message was sent to me by a friend, and it was written by Amelia Rhodes, from Christianity.com. http://www.crosswalkmail.com/jvjqrfbmqsqwbnmdwthkzwczbfwnjhhnsvbzrrdvnfnjvfm_srcmrcbcrbvk.html

Don’t get caught sleeping

          In the book of Matthew, Jesus asks his disciples to come to the garden and watch and pray 'with' him. After Jesus goes deeper into the garden to pray alone, he comes back and finds that his disciples have fallen asleep. 

  It occurred to me that falling asleep after Jesus has asked you to do something is a dreadfully, terrible place to be. We see in the disciples that they not only fell asleep once, but again after Jesus admonished them. 

Falling asleep can be a dangerous thing. Think of "being asleep" here, as a metaphor for anything that distracts you from the purpose that God has called you to do (name your distractors.… TV, video games, Facebook, people, work, Internet, etc.) 

I think the saddest part about this is not that the disciples fell asleep after being told not to, but rather that Jesus had to bear the burden alone after asking for help. His words were that He was “overwhelmed to the point of death”. Wow. That's pretty big, right? Jesus then took the responsibility away from the disciples. 

     People will often say "what God has for me, it is for me". And, while that is a true statement, it doesn't mean it's a permanent statement.  The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. (Book of Job) By the time His disciples realized that they had let Jesus down, Judas and the armed guards were rushing into the garden to arrest Jesus. Peter tried to defend Jesus by attacking one of the guards, but it was too little too late. The next time that we hear of the disciples is that they fled the garden. At that moment their ministry was gone.

       Now, the good news is that Jesus is a restorer. He restores them with the great commission, (Peter and John got individual restorations also). Even if/when we fall asleep, Jesus gives us the opportunity to get it right. Several opportunities in fact. But, don't be fooled into thinking that there will always be an opportunity; that does not mean it will always be there for you.

   (Just in case you want a biblical reference, look up Elijah. See how his illustrious ministry ended). Don't fall asleep on Jesus. Don't get distracted. Stay focused. And if you get distracted, heed the warning.

Sis.Pinky’s Prayer: 

Heal us God; help us to keep our focus on you and to fulfill the mission that you’ve called us to. Let us not fall asleep on our spiritual jobs, and if we have, wake us up! 

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen

We love you, and we are praying for you. 

~Pastor Erroyl and Sis. Pinky

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