Since the last time the Canaan Missionary Baptist church website was updated- and the button connecting the website to this bog was not included- I have not written any blogs.
It's been a while and much has taken place.
In addition to personal growth and development The LORD Jesus Christ has blessed me with opportunities to declare His Word at a variety of places to include Pastor Appreciation service, church anniversary celebrations and even an opportunity to preach in Nottinghamshire England while attending the Proclaimers Place Oxford 2011 conference with the inimitable Dr. Joel C. Gregory.
As I write this blog I am at the Holiday Inn Express in Sierra Vista Arizona with my wife Angela and our youngest daughter Kennedi. We're here in celebration of the pastor and wife appreciation weekend honoring Rev. Shawn L. Buckhanan and his wife Roslyn. Angela has been asked to speak this evening and I've been asked to speak tomorrow. The weekend will close out with the one and only Rev. D. Previn Carr, pastor of Ekklesia Christian Church in north Phoenix preaching on Sunday.
Thank you LORD for your lovingkindness and tender mercies toward all of us.
Pray for me. I'm praying with and for you.
safe in CHRIST,
Sherman J. Fort
Friday, August 26, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
EXCITED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITIES!
"For I know the plans I have for you says The LORD ..."
-Jeremiah 29:11
I'm in the midst of being RE-ENERGIZED" for ministry. My focus is becoming clearer and I'm counting the cost of discipleship in a fresh way.
Look for some CHRIST-centered, Bible regulated, HOLY SPIRIT led and very basic things from Pastor Fort and Canaan Missionary Baptist church in the near future.
Pray for me. I'm praying with and for you.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
-Jeremiah 29:11
I'm in the midst of being RE-ENERGIZED" for ministry. My focus is becoming clearer and I'm counting the cost of discipleship in a fresh way.
Look for some CHRIST-centered, Bible regulated, HOLY SPIRIT led and very basic things from Pastor Fort and Canaan Missionary Baptist church in the near future.
Pray for me. I'm praying with and for you.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Friday, May 13, 2011
Holy Harmony and Biblical Balance #2
I haven't written much on my blog in some time. And even now as I write this short piece I'm immediately reminded that this subject matter is one I've visited before.
In recent weeks as in in recent years, The LORD has been unusually kind to me in that He has allowed me to receive invitations to preach or teach at a number of places for various occasions.
That said, I am reminded of the fact that every invitation we receive to do whatever it is we are called and commissioned by The LORD to do is not for us to take. In truth each invitation should be prayed over and we should receive clearance from The LORD before we say "yes". In the last month I initially accepted two invitations only to later pull out of each invitation due to circumstances. I think I knew I had no business saying "yes" in the first place ... but I did. And they were so called "good" invitations too.
But you know what? No invitation is a "good" invitation if that invitation is not intended for you. We can get in our own way, get in God's way and get in another believer's way when we accept invitations we should not take.
Finally, I want to say something about balance and harmony- about putting first things first. I'm reading a book now, recommended to me by another pastor titled: "Leading On Empty" by Wayne Cordeiro. It's a good book that speaks about the need to prioritize our lives.
This is the piece I blogged about before. And for the record I'm still working on it. Wayne Cordeiro writes that most of what we do can be done by other people. He goes on to say that we need to focus on the five percent that matters most. These are the things that only we can do.
Among the five percent is the development of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Are you focusing on the five percent?
Have a harmonious and balanced night. Have a holy and Bible-based night.
Remember to: KNOW CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN ... today!
safe in CHRIST,
sherman j. fort
In recent weeks as in in recent years, The LORD has been unusually kind to me in that He has allowed me to receive invitations to preach or teach at a number of places for various occasions.
That said, I am reminded of the fact that every invitation we receive to do whatever it is we are called and commissioned by The LORD to do is not for us to take. In truth each invitation should be prayed over and we should receive clearance from The LORD before we say "yes". In the last month I initially accepted two invitations only to later pull out of each invitation due to circumstances. I think I knew I had no business saying "yes" in the first place ... but I did. And they were so called "good" invitations too.
But you know what? No invitation is a "good" invitation if that invitation is not intended for you. We can get in our own way, get in God's way and get in another believer's way when we accept invitations we should not take.
Finally, I want to say something about balance and harmony- about putting first things first. I'm reading a book now, recommended to me by another pastor titled: "Leading On Empty" by Wayne Cordeiro. It's a good book that speaks about the need to prioritize our lives.
This is the piece I blogged about before. And for the record I'm still working on it. Wayne Cordeiro writes that most of what we do can be done by other people. He goes on to say that we need to focus on the five percent that matters most. These are the things that only we can do.
Among the five percent is the development of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Are you focusing on the five percent?
Have a harmonious and balanced night. Have a holy and Bible-based night.
Remember to: KNOW CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN ... today!
safe in CHRIST,
sherman j. fort
Saturday, May 7, 2011
LORD HAVE MERCY!
It's been a good while since I last shared anything on my blog.
That said, I'll keep it short today.
Osama Bin-Laden is dead. Mubarak is out as the leader of Egypt. Many in Lybia want their leader Moamar Ghadafi out. Thus there's an internal war going on right now. There's unrest on the continent of Asia. There is craziness right here in America.
Jesus is coming soon!
Are you ready? If not, you can be right now! Place your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD! Do it today.
agape,
pastor fort
That said, I'll keep it short today.
Osama Bin-Laden is dead. Mubarak is out as the leader of Egypt. Many in Lybia want their leader Moamar Ghadafi out. Thus there's an internal war going on right now. There's unrest on the continent of Asia. There is craziness right here in America.
Jesus is coming soon!
Are you ready? If not, you can be right now! Place your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD! Do it today.
agape,
pastor fort
Monday, April 4, 2011
THE FIRST FAMILY
Our Scripture Text
Genesis 3:1-19 (New International Version)
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”
10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring[a] and hers;
he will crush[b] your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
16 To the woman he said,
“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you.”
17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’
“Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat food from it
all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return.”
SERMON TITLE: THE FIRST FAMILY!
SERMON TEXT: Genesis 3:1-19
SPEAKER: Pastor Sherman J. Fort
1. THE SETTING!
2.
a. It was a LUSH garden.
b. It was a LAVISH garden.
c. It was a L___________________ garden.
3. THE SITUATION!
4.
a. It was a TEST.
b. It was a matter of TRUST.
c. It was a matter of TRUTH.
5. THE SOLUTION!
a. Take RESPONSIBILITY.
b. God’s REPLACEMENT.
Genesis 3:1-19 (New International Version)
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”
10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring[a] and hers;
he will crush[b] your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
16 To the woman he said,
“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you.”
17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’
“Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat food from it
all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return.”
SERMON TITLE: THE FIRST FAMILY!
SERMON TEXT: Genesis 3:1-19
SPEAKER: Pastor Sherman J. Fort
1. THE SETTING!
2.
a. It was a LUSH garden.
b. It was a LAVISH garden.
c. It was a L___________________ garden.
3. THE SITUATION!
4.
a. It was a TEST.
b. It was a matter of TRUST.
c. It was a matter of TRUTH.
5. THE SOLUTION!
a. Take RESPONSIBILITY.
b. God’s REPLACEMENT.
Friday, April 1, 2011
DEACON JAMES C. McCLELLAND
Yesterday morning, March 31, 2011 Deacon James C. McClelland transitioned from earth to heaven!
To God be the glory for a life well lived. For a man who loves The LORD, loves his family and provided a consistent example of hard work and a commitment to Jesus Christ as his legacy.
"Blessed are the dead which die in The Lord, ... that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them". -Revelation 14:13
KNOW CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN!
Agape,
pastor fort
To God be the glory for a life well lived. For a man who loves The LORD, loves his family and provided a consistent example of hard work and a commitment to Jesus Christ as his legacy.
"Blessed are the dead which die in The Lord, ... that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them". -Revelation 14:13
KNOW CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN!
Agape,
pastor fort
PRAYING WITH AND FOR THE MEN OF CANAAN!
Real men love God! Real men love their families! Real men hold one another accountable!
I am grateful to our God for His love, mercy and grace. I am grateful and excited that several of the men of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church will participate in this years Annual Men's Retreat. In fact, I'm told that this year will be the greatest year in terms of attendance at the men's retreat.
The retreat takes place at Camp Tontozona ... up north. Some will know this site as the location for the ASU (Arizona State University) football teams training ground.
Once again, I have obligations and commitments that will prevent me from going this year. Nevertheless I want the men of Canaan to know I am praying WITH you and FOR you.
My prayer is that God's will- will be done! That you will be changed by the power of God's love, impacted by the presence of The Holy Spirit and changed by the power of The Word of God.
To the ladies of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and to our church family at large- remember to pray for our men and encourage them. A special thank you to the men who organize this event each year and work with the men's ministry at large. They include Bro. Ben Richardson, Min. Raymond Cook, Bro. Gary Miller, Bro. Fred Bussey and others.
Remember to: KNOW CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN!
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
I am grateful to our God for His love, mercy and grace. I am grateful and excited that several of the men of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church will participate in this years Annual Men's Retreat. In fact, I'm told that this year will be the greatest year in terms of attendance at the men's retreat.
The retreat takes place at Camp Tontozona ... up north. Some will know this site as the location for the ASU (Arizona State University) football teams training ground.
Once again, I have obligations and commitments that will prevent me from going this year. Nevertheless I want the men of Canaan to know I am praying WITH you and FOR you.
My prayer is that God's will- will be done! That you will be changed by the power of God's love, impacted by the presence of The Holy Spirit and changed by the power of The Word of God.
To the ladies of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and to our church family at large- remember to pray for our men and encourage them. A special thank you to the men who organize this event each year and work with the men's ministry at large. They include Bro. Ben Richardson, Min. Raymond Cook, Bro. Gary Miller, Bro. Fred Bussey and others.
Remember to: KNOW CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN!
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Sunday, March 27, 2011
SHOW LOW ARIZONA!
It's just before 5:00AM on Sunday, March 27, 2011.
I'm blessed and honored again today to have been asked by my friend and brother in Christ, Pastor Matt Gaston- to preach in Show Low Arizona this morning.
Show Low Arizona is about three hours and forty minutes from where I live in Chandler Arizona. That said, it is clear this is not one of those Sundays where I will preach at Canaan and then go on to preach in Show Low Arizona.
Instead, I hope to leave here in about an hour headed to Show Low. Accompanying me on this drive will be my nephew, Marcus Greer; and one of the trustees from Canaan Church, James Bowman.
The Reverend Michael J. Collier, pastor of Divine Word Ministries in Mesa Arizona is scheduled to preach the early service at Canaan; and the Reverend Keith McAllister, associate minister at Canaan is scheduled to preach the late worship service at Canaan.
I trust our God is going to use each of them for His glory and our good today.
Pray for me that our God will use me for His glory and honor today.
Remember to "KNOW CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN" today.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
I'm blessed and honored again today to have been asked by my friend and brother in Christ, Pastor Matt Gaston- to preach in Show Low Arizona this morning.
Show Low Arizona is about three hours and forty minutes from where I live in Chandler Arizona. That said, it is clear this is not one of those Sundays where I will preach at Canaan and then go on to preach in Show Low Arizona.
Instead, I hope to leave here in about an hour headed to Show Low. Accompanying me on this drive will be my nephew, Marcus Greer; and one of the trustees from Canaan Church, James Bowman.
The Reverend Michael J. Collier, pastor of Divine Word Ministries in Mesa Arizona is scheduled to preach the early service at Canaan; and the Reverend Keith McAllister, associate minister at Canaan is scheduled to preach the late worship service at Canaan.
I trust our God is going to use each of them for His glory and our good today.
Pray for me that our God will use me for His glory and honor today.
Remember to "KNOW CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN" today.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
THANK GOD FOR PASTOR JAMES N. P RESTON
A few days ago I had the unique privilege of preaching at Bethesda Community Baptist Church in Phoenix Arizona where the Reverend James N. Preston serves as pastor.
It was truly a unique situation in that Bethesda Community Baptist Church was formerly (and first) known as Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, under the the leadership of it's founder and pastor, the Reverend Wesley Jones Sr.
One bit of the uniqueness for me comes in the fact that both Pastor Preston and Pastor Jones have been my pastor. I was with Pastor Preston when he served as pastor of Willow Grove Baptist Church in Phoenix Arizona; and Pastor Jones when he served as pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.
A few days ago when I was asked to preach for the closing service for Pastor and Sis. Preston's 14 year Anniversary program- both Pastor Preston and Pastor Jones were present.
In addition to these men there were other, equally noteworthy persons present. Including the inimitable Bishop Henry L. Barnwell among others. The guest churches, choirs, dance ministry, ... were all sourcees of encouragement.
All that said, I simply want to thank The LORD Jesus Christ for the opportunity to declare His Word once again.
And thank you, Pastor Preston for the privilege of coming to Bethesday Community Baptist Church. I was encouraged as I heard of the wonderful things The LORD has allowed the church to accomplish- most notably to be debt free.
To God be the glory!
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
It was truly a unique situation in that Bethesda Community Baptist Church was formerly (and first) known as Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, under the the leadership of it's founder and pastor, the Reverend Wesley Jones Sr.
One bit of the uniqueness for me comes in the fact that both Pastor Preston and Pastor Jones have been my pastor. I was with Pastor Preston when he served as pastor of Willow Grove Baptist Church in Phoenix Arizona; and Pastor Jones when he served as pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.
A few days ago when I was asked to preach for the closing service for Pastor and Sis. Preston's 14 year Anniversary program- both Pastor Preston and Pastor Jones were present.
In addition to these men there were other, equally noteworthy persons present. Including the inimitable Bishop Henry L. Barnwell among others. The guest churches, choirs, dance ministry, ... were all sourcees of encouragement.
All that said, I simply want to thank The LORD Jesus Christ for the opportunity to declare His Word once again.
And thank you, Pastor Preston for the privilege of coming to Bethesday Community Baptist Church. I was encouraged as I heard of the wonderful things The LORD has allowed the church to accomplish- most notably to be debt free.
To God be the glory!
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Monday, March 21, 2011
FAMILY MATTERS!
OUR SCRIPTURE TEXT:
Luke 15:11-32 (New King James Version)
11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father,
‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’
So he divided to them his livelihood.
13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare,
and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,
19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
Make me like one of your hired servants.”’
20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
21 And the son said to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight,
and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants,
‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it,
and let us eat and be merry;
24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him,
‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’
28 “But he was angry and would not go in.
Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.
29 So he answered and said to his father,
‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you;
I never transgressed your commandment at any time;
and yet you never gave me a young goat,
that I might make merry with my friends.
30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots,
you killed the fatted calf for him.’
31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’”
FAMILY MATTERS
Our Scripture Text: Luke 15:11-32
1. SELF-ISHNESS!
Luke 15:11-20
He was Self- ISH in his REQUEST.
He had some real WORLD experiences.
He experienced RADICAL clarity.
2. SELF - RIGHTEOUSNESS!
Luke 15:25-30
Notice his RESPONSE to his brothers return.
a) He was ANGRY.
b) He ANALYZED the wrong person.
c) He was present mentally, but ABSENT
emotionally.
3. SELF-LESS!
Luke 15:20-24; 31, 32
He was LONGINGfor his son.
He continued LOOKING for his son.
He never stopped LOVING his son.
Notice the Robe, the Ring, the Sandals.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Problems in The Church!
1. The Problem of CARE!
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,
whom we may appoint over this business;
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas,
a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
-Acts 6:1-7 (TMB)
2. The Problem of COURT!
1st Corinthians 6:-11 (The Message Bible)
1-4And how dare you take each other to court! When you think you have been wronged, does it make any sense to go before a court that knows nothing of God's ways instead of a family of Christians? The day is coming when the world is going to stand before a jury made up of followers of Jesus. If someday you are going to rule on the world's fate, wouldn't it be a good idea to practice on some of these smaller cases? Why, we're even going to judge angels! So why not these everyday affairs? As these disagreements and wrongs surface, why would you ever entrust them to the judgment of people you don't trust in any other way?
5-6I say this as bluntly as I can to wake you up to the stupidity of what you're doing. Is it possible that there isn't one levelheaded person among you who can make fair decisions when disagreements and disputes come up? I don't believe it. And here you are taking each other to court before people who don't even believe in God! How can they render justice if they don't believe in the God of justice?
7-8These court cases are an ugly blot on your community. Wouldn't it be far better to just take it, to let yourselves be wronged and forget it? All you're doing is providing fuel for more wrong, more injustice, bringing more hurt to the people of your own spiritual family.
9-11Don't you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don't qualify as citizens in God's kingdom. A number of you know from experience what I'm talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you've been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.
3. The Problem of CARNALITY!
1-2I also received a report of scandalous sex within your church family, a kind that wouldn't be tolerated even outside the church: One of your men is sleeping with his stepmother. And you're so above it all that it doesn't even faze you! Shouldn't this break your hearts? Shouldn't it bring you to your knees in tears? Shouldn't this person and his conduct be confronted and dealt with?
3-5I'll tell you what I would do. Even though I'm not there in person, consider me right there with you, because I can fully see what's going on. I'm telling you that this is wrong. You must not simply look the other way and hope it goes away on its own. Bring it out in the open and deal with it in the authority of Jesus our Master. Assemble the community—I'll be present in spirit with you and our Master Jesus will be present in power. Hold this man's conduct up to public scrutiny. Let him defend it if he can! But if he can't, then out with him! It will be totally devastating to him, of course, and embarrassing to you. But better devastation and embarrassment than damnation. You want him on his feet and forgiven before the Master on the Day of Judgment.
2nd Corinthians 2:5-11 (The Message Bible)
5-8Now, regarding the one who started all this—the person in question who caused all this pain—I want you to know that I am not the one injured in this as much as, with a few exceptions, all of you. So I don't want to come down too hard. What the majority of you agreed to as punishment is punishment enough. Now is the time to forgive this man and help him back on his feet. If all you do is pour on the guilt, you could very well drown him in it.
My counsel now is to pour on the love.
9-11The focus of my letter wasn't on punishing the offender but on getting you to take responsibility for the health of the church. So if you forgive him, I forgive him. Don't think I'm carrying around a list of personal grudges. The fact is that I'm joining in with your forgiveness, as Christ is with us, guiding us. After all, we don't want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief—
we're not oblivious to his sly ways!
2nd Corinthians 7:8-12 (The Message Bible)
8-9I know I distressed you greatly with my letter. Although I felt awful at the time, I don't feel at all bad now that I see how it turned out. The letter upset you, but only for a while. Now I'm glad—not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around. You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss.
10Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets.
11-13And now, isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you've come out of this with purity of heart. And that is what I was hoping for in the first place when I wrote the letter. My primary concern was not for the one who did the wrong or even the one wronged, but for you—that you would realize and act upon the deep, deep ties between us before God. That's what happened—and we felt just great.
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,
whom we may appoint over this business;
4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas,
a proselyte from Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
-Acts 6:1-7 (TMB)
2. The Problem of COURT!
1st Corinthians 6:-11 (The Message Bible)
1-4And how dare you take each other to court! When you think you have been wronged, does it make any sense to go before a court that knows nothing of God's ways instead of a family of Christians? The day is coming when the world is going to stand before a jury made up of followers of Jesus. If someday you are going to rule on the world's fate, wouldn't it be a good idea to practice on some of these smaller cases? Why, we're even going to judge angels! So why not these everyday affairs? As these disagreements and wrongs surface, why would you ever entrust them to the judgment of people you don't trust in any other way?
5-6I say this as bluntly as I can to wake you up to the stupidity of what you're doing. Is it possible that there isn't one levelheaded person among you who can make fair decisions when disagreements and disputes come up? I don't believe it. And here you are taking each other to court before people who don't even believe in God! How can they render justice if they don't believe in the God of justice?
7-8These court cases are an ugly blot on your community. Wouldn't it be far better to just take it, to let yourselves be wronged and forget it? All you're doing is providing fuel for more wrong, more injustice, bringing more hurt to the people of your own spiritual family.
9-11Don't you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don't qualify as citizens in God's kingdom. A number of you know from experience what I'm talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you've been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.
3. The Problem of CARNALITY!
1-2I also received a report of scandalous sex within your church family, a kind that wouldn't be tolerated even outside the church: One of your men is sleeping with his stepmother. And you're so above it all that it doesn't even faze you! Shouldn't this break your hearts? Shouldn't it bring you to your knees in tears? Shouldn't this person and his conduct be confronted and dealt with?
3-5I'll tell you what I would do. Even though I'm not there in person, consider me right there with you, because I can fully see what's going on. I'm telling you that this is wrong. You must not simply look the other way and hope it goes away on its own. Bring it out in the open and deal with it in the authority of Jesus our Master. Assemble the community—I'll be present in spirit with you and our Master Jesus will be present in power. Hold this man's conduct up to public scrutiny. Let him defend it if he can! But if he can't, then out with him! It will be totally devastating to him, of course, and embarrassing to you. But better devastation and embarrassment than damnation. You want him on his feet and forgiven before the Master on the Day of Judgment.
2nd Corinthians 2:5-11 (The Message Bible)
5-8Now, regarding the one who started all this—the person in question who caused all this pain—I want you to know that I am not the one injured in this as much as, with a few exceptions, all of you. So I don't want to come down too hard. What the majority of you agreed to as punishment is punishment enough. Now is the time to forgive this man and help him back on his feet. If all you do is pour on the guilt, you could very well drown him in it.
My counsel now is to pour on the love.
9-11The focus of my letter wasn't on punishing the offender but on getting you to take responsibility for the health of the church. So if you forgive him, I forgive him. Don't think I'm carrying around a list of personal grudges. The fact is that I'm joining in with your forgiveness, as Christ is with us, guiding us. After all, we don't want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief—
we're not oblivious to his sly ways!
2nd Corinthians 7:8-12 (The Message Bible)
8-9I know I distressed you greatly with my letter. Although I felt awful at the time, I don't feel at all bad now that I see how it turned out. The letter upset you, but only for a while. Now I'm glad—not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around. You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss.
10Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets.
11-13And now, isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you've come out of this with purity of heart. And that is what I was hoping for in the first place when I wrote the letter. My primary concern was not for the one who did the wrong or even the one wronged, but for you—that you would realize and act upon the deep, deep ties between us before God. That's what happened—and we felt just great.
The Priority of The Church!
Our Scripture Text: Acts 1:8b
“And you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the end of the earth.”
-Acts 1:8b (New King James Version)
1. The Priority is Mandatory!
“… you SHALL BE witnesses to Me …” -Acts 1:8
2. The Priority involves your being a Martyr!
“… you shall be WITNESSES to Me …” -Acts 1:8
3. The Priority is to be carried out Globally!
“ … in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the END OF THE EARTH.” -Acts 1:8
“And you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the end of the earth.”
-Acts 1:8b (New King James Version)
1. The Priority is Mandatory!
“… you SHALL BE witnesses to Me …” -Acts 1:8
2. The Priority involves your being a Martyr!
“… you shall be WITNESSES to Me …” -Acts 1:8
3. The Priority is to be carried out Globally!
“ … in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the END OF THE EARTH.” -Acts 1:8
The Power in The Church!
Our Scripture Text: Acts 1:8a
8 “But you shall receive power
when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;” -Acts 1:8a
1. It’s Promised Power!
16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
2. It’ Supernatural Power!
“… when The Holy Spirit has come upon you;” -Acts 1:8
3. It’s Personal Power!
“ …you shall receive power …” -Acts 1:8
4. It’s Dynamic, Life Changing Power!
“power” -Acts 1:8
Word Study: Power- Power (1411) (dunamis from dunamai = to be able, to have power) power especially achieving power. It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature.
Dunamis is the implied ability or capacity to perform. It conveys the idea of effective, productive energy, rather than that which is raw and unbridled.
8 “But you shall receive power
when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;” -Acts 1:8a
1. It’s Promised Power!
16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
2. It’ Supernatural Power!
“… when The Holy Spirit has come upon you;” -Acts 1:8
3. It’s Personal Power!
“ …you shall receive power …” -Acts 1:8
4. It’s Dynamic, Life Changing Power!
“power” -Acts 1:8
Word Study: Power- Power (1411) (dunamis from dunamai = to be able, to have power) power especially achieving power. It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature.
Dunamis is the implied ability or capacity to perform. It conveys the idea of effective, productive energy, rather than that which is raw and unbridled.
The People In The Church!
1” The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, …” -Acts 1:1, 2 (New King James Version)
13 “And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,[b] with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”
-Acts 1:13, 14 (NKJV)
5” And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven”. –Acts 2:5 (NKJV)
“And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly[g] received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” –Acts 2:40, 41 (NKJV)
1 “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,[a] because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” –Acts 6:1-7 (NKJV)
1. The Leadership
“… the apostles whom He had chosen, …” -Acts 1:2b
2. The Laity
“And when they had entered,” -Acts 1:13a
3. The Large Diversity
“… devout men, from every nation under heaven”. –Acts 2:5b
4. The Laborers
“Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of The Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;” Acts 6:3a
13 “And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,[b] with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”
-Acts 1:13, 14 (NKJV)
5” And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven”. –Acts 2:5 (NKJV)
“And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly[g] received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” –Acts 2:40, 41 (NKJV)
1 “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,[a] because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” –Acts 6:1-7 (NKJV)
1. The Leadership
“… the apostles whom He had chosen, …” -Acts 1:2b
2. The Laity
“And when they had entered,” -Acts 1:13a
3. The Large Diversity
“… devout men, from every nation under heaven”. –Acts 2:5b
4. The Laborers
“Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of The Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;” Acts 6:3a
Sermon: The Promise of The Church!
Our Text: Matthew 16:13-18 (New King James Version)
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi,
He asked His disciples, saying,
“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah,
and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered and said,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus answered and said to him,
“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah,
for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you,
but My Father who is in heaven.
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter,
and on this rock I will build My church,
and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
The Promise of The Church
1. It was a Righteous Promise!
2. It was a Revealed Promise!
3. It was a solid Rock Promise!
4. It was a Redemptive Promise!
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi,
He asked His disciples, saying,
“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah,
and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered and said,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus answered and said to him,
“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah,
for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you,
but My Father who is in heaven.
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter,
and on this rock I will build My church,
and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
The Promise of The Church
1. It was a Righteous Promise!
2. It was a Revealed Promise!
3. It was a solid Rock Promise!
4. It was a Redemptive Promise!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
THANK GOD FOR DR. BERNARD BLACK!
Rev. Dr. Bernard Black is without question one of my favorite preachers! But more than being a favorite preacher of mine, Dr. Bernard Black is a man who loves The LORD Jesus Christ and has served him faithfully for more than four decades as Pastor of the famed South Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix Arizona.
In addition to his service as a committed and caring pastor, Dr. Black has a long history of service as President of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arizona Incorporated as well as serving on the national level for the National Missionary Bapstist State Convention of America Incorporated.
The LORD has blessed Dr. Black to accomplish a number of things for His glory and our good. Those things include such blessings as: The Bernard Black Elementary School in Phoenix Arizona is named for this great preacher and good citizen. The still relatively new construction and addition of a new Fellowship Hall/Multi-Purpose space at South Phoenix Baptist Church, etc.
All that said, Dr. Black will be honored this Saturday, February 12, 2011 at a special event held in his honor. The event will be held in the Hope Center of the First Institutional Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., pastor, in Phoenix Arizona.
It's my understanding that there are no more seats available. All tables have been sold out. If you have not on tap to attend this event, will you please join me in thanking our God for Pastor Black and say a special prayer for him, his family and his church.
For your years of Christian service to our God and His church ... THANK YOU DR. BLACK!
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
In addition to his service as a committed and caring pastor, Dr. Black has a long history of service as President of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arizona Incorporated as well as serving on the national level for the National Missionary Bapstist State Convention of America Incorporated.
The LORD has blessed Dr. Black to accomplish a number of things for His glory and our good. Those things include such blessings as: The Bernard Black Elementary School in Phoenix Arizona is named for this great preacher and good citizen. The still relatively new construction and addition of a new Fellowship Hall/Multi-Purpose space at South Phoenix Baptist Church, etc.
All that said, Dr. Black will be honored this Saturday, February 12, 2011 at a special event held in his honor. The event will be held in the Hope Center of the First Institutional Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., pastor, in Phoenix Arizona.
It's my understanding that there are no more seats available. All tables have been sold out. If you have not on tap to attend this event, will you please join me in thanking our God for Pastor Black and say a special prayer for him, his family and his church.
For your years of Christian service to our God and His church ... THANK YOU DR. BLACK!
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
HALLELUJAH!
GOD IS AWESOME!
It's been a little while since my last blog.
I've been busy with several things.
Our revival just ended. The LORD JESUS CHRIST really used our guest preacher, the Reverend Jerry M. Carter Jr.
Thank you JESUS!
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
It's been a little while since my last blog.
I've been busy with several things.
Our revival just ended. The LORD JESUS CHRIST really used our guest preacher, the Reverend Jerry M. Carter Jr.
Thank you JESUS!
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
PRAYER & FASTING CONTINUED!
GOD is better than great ... Period!
To God be the glory. Here's an update on a few things:
1) Prayer and fasting continue to go well. My diet of late has been beans and rice (pinto beans and brown rice with white onion); natural chips, apples and water. Two days ago I ate some green beans and a chicken patty that Sis. Fort baked. It too was good.
2) My annual doctors appointment went well. I still seem to have some residue of a cold or flu. However, I've asked The Lord to remove it. God is good. I have not experienced the full blown cold/flu that m baby girl has. Praise The Lord!
Keep Sis. Fort in prayer. She is scheduled to have her last medical procedure (in connection with her upper neck and back pain); today. I believe all will be well.
Remember to pray for yourself and one another. And for me.
Strive today to: "Know CHRIST And Make Him Known".
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
To God be the glory. Here's an update on a few things:
1) Prayer and fasting continue to go well. My diet of late has been beans and rice (pinto beans and brown rice with white onion); natural chips, apples and water. Two days ago I ate some green beans and a chicken patty that Sis. Fort baked. It too was good.
2) My annual doctors appointment went well. I still seem to have some residue of a cold or flu. However, I've asked The Lord to remove it. God is good. I have not experienced the full blown cold/flu that m baby girl has. Praise The Lord!
Keep Sis. Fort in prayer. She is scheduled to have her last medical procedure (in connection with her upper neck and back pain); today. I believe all will be well.
Remember to pray for yourself and one another. And for me.
Strive today to: "Know CHRIST And Make Him Known".
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A NEW DAY!
Good day everyone.
First of all a quick update on the doctors appointment that did not take place yesterday. I wrote in my last blog that I was scheduled to have a doctors appointment yesterday, however that did not take place. Instead, Sis. Fort (thank The Lord); had an appointment. It was the first of two that will prayerfully result in the permanent end to pain and discomfort she's had in her neck and upper back.
I added meat to my fasting diet. Specifically, I added salmon (I had it the first time today, Jan. 15, 2011); and lamb. Yes, something I've had only once or twice before in my life. As I thought about a meat to eat lamb came to mind- in part because I think of The Lamb of God (The LORD JESUS CHRIST). And in part because I was thinking of the middle-east diet and what meats they might eat.
In any case, it was very good.
After eating the lamb I went another day with just fruit, vegetables and water. Yesterday I had my mix of peppers, onions and broccoli over brown rice. Today I had spinach with pieces of salmon cut up. No salad dressing. No salt or pepper. Just spinach and pieces of salmon. It was delicious. I had a piece of fruit earlier too. And as usual just water to drink.
Remember to pray for yourself and one another. And for me, that The LORD will use me for His glory and my good.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
First of all a quick update on the doctors appointment that did not take place yesterday. I wrote in my last blog that I was scheduled to have a doctors appointment yesterday, however that did not take place. Instead, Sis. Fort (thank The Lord); had an appointment. It was the first of two that will prayerfully result in the permanent end to pain and discomfort she's had in her neck and upper back.
I added meat to my fasting diet. Specifically, I added salmon (I had it the first time today, Jan. 15, 2011); and lamb. Yes, something I've had only once or twice before in my life. As I thought about a meat to eat lamb came to mind- in part because I think of The Lamb of God (The LORD JESUS CHRIST). And in part because I was thinking of the middle-east diet and what meats they might eat.
In any case, it was very good.
After eating the lamb I went another day with just fruit, vegetables and water. Yesterday I had my mix of peppers, onions and broccoli over brown rice. Today I had spinach with pieces of salmon cut up. No salad dressing. No salt or pepper. Just spinach and pieces of salmon. It was delicious. I had a piece of fruit earlier too. And as usual just water to drink.
Remember to pray for yourself and one another. And for me, that The LORD will use me for His glory and my good.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Day 13 of Prayer & Fasting!
For the past few days I've experienced heart palpitations. I have set my regular/annual doctors appointment for tomorrow morning. I'll ask tomorrow about this matter of my fasting and the palpitations.
That said, I've decided to add some protein to my diet today. It will be in the form of vitamins and possibly some fish (Salmon) to be exact.
I had a grapefruit this morning and water.
Pray for me. Keep one another in prayer.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
That said, I've decided to add some protein to my diet today. It will be in the form of vitamins and possibly some fish (Salmon) to be exact.
I had a grapefruit this morning and water.
Pray for me. Keep one another in prayer.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Prayer and Fasting Continued
Since Sunday my diet, while involved in our season of prayer and fasting has included the afore-mentioned mix of peppers, onions and brown rice.
Since Sunday I have also had whole wheat popcorn and potato. Perhaps the most refreshing thing I've eaten lately has been grapefruit. Yum.
Of course my drink has been water.
Have a wonderful evening in CHRIST JESUS.
I continue to pray with and for my biological family, my Christian family and my human family.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Since Sunday I have also had whole wheat popcorn and potato. Perhaps the most refreshing thing I've eaten lately has been grapefruit. Yum.
Of course my drink has been water.
Have a wonderful evening in CHRIST JESUS.
I continue to pray with and for my biological family, my Christian family and my human family.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Monday, January 10, 2011
SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2011- STILL FASTING!!
The pastor and members of CMBC are still on our 30 1/2 Days of Prayer and Fasting!
My diet yesterday, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011 consisted of the classic dish of Black Eyed Peas and brown rice. To this dish I added white onion.
Again I had peanuts and raisins and popcorn as a snack.
I may need to add some other foods before the full fast time is up. I'm feeling a few things in my body that may indicate the same. That said, I'm also feeling lighter and better in terms of my overall health and well being.
Late last night- around midnight I got up and ate some "Natural Chips". They were different... but good.
I want to thank our GOD and Father; JESUS CHRIST our Savior and The HOLY SPIRIT our constant company keeper for His love, mercy and grace.
Worship services at CMBC were great yesterday. The LORD really used the music ministry and The WORD of God was presented. To my CMBC family and fellow followers of "The Way"- remember to pray for one another.
Our goal today, this week, this month, this year... throughout the rest of our lives is to: "Know Christ and Make Him Known". Let's pray to that end.
Have a great and glorious day.
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
My diet yesterday, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011 consisted of the classic dish of Black Eyed Peas and brown rice. To this dish I added white onion.
Again I had peanuts and raisins and popcorn as a snack.
I may need to add some other foods before the full fast time is up. I'm feeling a few things in my body that may indicate the same. That said, I'm also feeling lighter and better in terms of my overall health and well being.
Late last night- around midnight I got up and ate some "Natural Chips". They were different... but good.
I want to thank our GOD and Father; JESUS CHRIST our Savior and The HOLY SPIRIT our constant company keeper for His love, mercy and grace.
Worship services at CMBC were great yesterday. The LORD really used the music ministry and The WORD of God was presented. To my CMBC family and fellow followers of "The Way"- remember to pray for one another.
Our goal today, this week, this month, this year... throughout the rest of our lives is to: "Know Christ and Make Him Known". Let's pray to that end.
Have a great and glorious day.
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Saturday, January 8, 2011
PRAYING & FASTING... DAYS 7 AND 8!!!
Each of the last two days I have consumed basically the same foods. Namely, a mixuture of peppers, green onions and broccoli over brown rice... all cooked in water.
I also had mashed potato, with raisins and peanuts as a snack.
And oh yes, I introduced another snack as well. Popcorn. No butter, just lightly salted. My drink still is only water.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
I also had mashed potato, with raisins and peanuts as a snack.
And oh yes, I introduced another snack as well. Popcorn. No butter, just lightly salted. My drink still is only water.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Friday, January 7, 2011
Still Praying & Fasting!
Today, Friday, January 7, 2011 I've eaten my delicious mixture of: red peppers, broccoli and green onions over brown rice. All cooked in water.
I've also eaten peanuts and raisins.
My drink has been water.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
I've also eaten peanuts and raisins.
My drink has been water.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Thursday, January 6, 2011
WHAT I ATE ... WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2011- CMBC PRAYER & FASTING!
Good morning everyone,
It's Pastor Fort.
First, let me say to God be the glory for the things HE has done, is doing and shall yet perform.
Next, let me say to my brother Bruce Cooper (who admitted to slipping up a little yesterday with respect to the fasting portion of our prayer and fasting commitment for January)- I messed up yesterday too.
I ate some butter toffee peanuts. One of the wonderful couples at CMBC, Bro. & Sis. Goram, very sweetly gave Sis. For and I a gift tray that had three different kind of peanuts in it. One third of the peanuts were simply regular peanuts. The other two thirds were different.
Over the last few days I would eat some of the plain peanuts, but last night after returning from picking up my sister Margo (she's visiting from Minnesota) up from the airport, I ate some of those other peanuts.
That's the first time I've eaten anything this month like that. I don't intend to do it again.
That said, my diet yesterday consisted of: A brown rice and sliced mushroom mixture and of course water.
Have a great day today and remember to pray for yourself and one another.
safe in CHRIST,
Pastor Fort
It's Pastor Fort.
First, let me say to God be the glory for the things HE has done, is doing and shall yet perform.
Next, let me say to my brother Bruce Cooper (who admitted to slipping up a little yesterday with respect to the fasting portion of our prayer and fasting commitment for January)- I messed up yesterday too.
I ate some butter toffee peanuts. One of the wonderful couples at CMBC, Bro. & Sis. Goram, very sweetly gave Sis. For and I a gift tray that had three different kind of peanuts in it. One third of the peanuts were simply regular peanuts. The other two thirds were different.
Over the last few days I would eat some of the plain peanuts, but last night after returning from picking up my sister Margo (she's visiting from Minnesota) up from the airport, I ate some of those other peanuts.
That's the first time I've eaten anything this month like that. I don't intend to do it again.
That said, my diet yesterday consisted of: A brown rice and sliced mushroom mixture and of course water.
Have a great day today and remember to pray for yourself and one another.
safe in CHRIST,
Pastor Fort
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
PRAYER & FASTING CONTINUED ... DAY 4!
It's Wednesday morning, January 5th 2011.
First, here's a quick update on what I consumed yesterday, January 4th, 2011 during our fast.
On Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 I went to work without preparing a lunch to take with me. I was at work all day. Arriving around 6:20AM and leaving after Bible study that evening around 9:00PM.
Our church office staff paused at 12:00PM and prayed in conjunction with our church-wide Prayer & Fasting commitment.
While at work I ate at one banana and at least three apples. I also ate peanuts. After getting home last night I ate more of the brown rice and great white northern beans I made the day before. Remember the rice and beans were cooked in water. I had water to drink. It was good.
It was encouraging to see that the snacks the children had at church last night were vegetables. I saw broccoli, carrots and I think sliced peppers. Thank you to whoever prepared snacks for the children last night.
Today, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 I intend to be at work through the afternoon- not into the evening. Once again I intend to eat some apples and nuts. However, I do not intend to eat anymore beans/legumes today... (smile). More on exactly what I eat today- this evening.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
First, here's a quick update on what I consumed yesterday, January 4th, 2011 during our fast.
On Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 I went to work without preparing a lunch to take with me. I was at work all day. Arriving around 6:20AM and leaving after Bible study that evening around 9:00PM.
Our church office staff paused at 12:00PM and prayed in conjunction with our church-wide Prayer & Fasting commitment.
While at work I ate at one banana and at least three apples. I also ate peanuts. After getting home last night I ate more of the brown rice and great white northern beans I made the day before. Remember the rice and beans were cooked in water. I had water to drink. It was good.
It was encouraging to see that the snacks the children had at church last night were vegetables. I saw broccoli, carrots and I think sliced peppers. Thank you to whoever prepared snacks for the children last night.
Today, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 I intend to be at work through the afternoon- not into the evening. Once again I intend to eat some apples and nuts. However, I do not intend to eat anymore beans/legumes today... (smile). More on exactly what I eat today- this evening.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Monday, January 3, 2011
FASTING DAY 3!
It's the third day of our 30 1/2 days of fasting. So far today I've eaten the following:
1. One red apple.
2. Brown rice and beans.
3. Peanuts to snack on.
I have some great white northern beans cooking now. Still everything has been cooked in water only.
My drink all day... Water!
F.Y.I. Sis. Nicolle Spencer called me today and provided the recipe (pictured above); for Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. The recipe is taken from a website connected to "The Daniel Fast". The recipe is dairy, sugar and gluten free. Here the recipe is:
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup almond flour or oat flour
1 cup creamy cashew butter, almond butter, or peanut butter
1/2 cup applesauce
1/3 cup Date Honey
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix oats, almond flour, cashew butter, applesauce, and Date Honey in a large bowl until well combined. Add raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon. Stir well. Drop by spoonfuls, two inches apart, on an 11 by 17-inch baking sheet. Flatten and shape into circles. Bake 10-12 minutes.
Yield: 18-20 servings (serving size: 1 cookie)
Recipe Notes
Make your own oat flour by placing old-fashioned rolled oats in a food processor or blender and process until fine (1 cup old-fashioned oats will yield about 3/4 cup ground oats).
Increase applesauce to 1 cup if you don't use Date Honey.
The address to the website is: www.theultimatedanielfast.com
More later.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
MY FASTING FACTS DAY 2
It's Monday morning January 3rd, however I am writing now about what I ate yesterday- Sunday, January 2nd.
I had an apple in the morning.
For lunch and dinner I ate pretty much the same thing as I ate the day prior. Specifically: red, green and yellow peppers, white onion, broccoli and a large red tomato. I had all of this over brown rice. I cooked steamed the mixture in water and cooked the rice in water.
Of course my beverage was water.
Once again it was great!
My prayer time has been consistent. There are only 27 days left.
I believe I am going to add nuts today as a snack while at work. I intend to have the office staff at CMBC pause each work day at 12:00PM and pray.
Remember your commitment to pray daily- in the morning, at noon and again in the evening.
Where our fast is concerned. You can certainly design a fast according to your personal dietary needs. That is to say some people need to consume certain meats or the like in order to maintain their health and/or because of medications they take, etc. Whatever you choose to cut out of your diet remember to "make a sacrifice" for The LORD and pray daily.
To God be the glory!
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
I had an apple in the morning.
For lunch and dinner I ate pretty much the same thing as I ate the day prior. Specifically: red, green and yellow peppers, white onion, broccoli and a large red tomato. I had all of this over brown rice. I cooked steamed the mixture in water and cooked the rice in water.
Of course my beverage was water.
Once again it was great!
My prayer time has been consistent. There are only 27 days left.
I believe I am going to add nuts today as a snack while at work. I intend to have the office staff at CMBC pause each work day at 12:00PM and pray.
Remember your commitment to pray daily- in the morning, at noon and again in the evening.
Where our fast is concerned. You can certainly design a fast according to your personal dietary needs. That is to say some people need to consume certain meats or the like in order to maintain their health and/or because of medications they take, etc. Whatever you choose to cut out of your diet remember to "make a sacrifice" for The LORD and pray daily.
To God be the glory!
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Saturday, January 1, 2011
MY FASTING FACTS DAY 1
To my CMBC family members who may be following this blog in connection with the CMBC Holy Convocation (30 1/2 Days of Prayer & Fasting). Consider the following:
I mentioned in an earlier blog what I hoped to eat today on the first day of our church-wide fast.
This is a quick chronicle of just what I had today.
THis morning I ate an apple and banana. For a mid morning snack I had another apple. For lunch and dinner I ate the same thing. Here it is: 1 sliced red tomato, two more bunches of green onion, one small yellow onion, some broccoli florets, and sliced red, yellow and green peppers. I steamed the vegetables on the stove with a little water. To this I cooked some brown rice. Yum.
I don't intend to eat anything else this evening.
I've prayed throughout the day. However, I was at the church today following the wedding of Bro. Dwayne Huddleston and Sis. Sheri Bowens- I did not remember to pray at 12:00PM. However, when I recalled my commitment I did pray.
Have a wonderful evening.
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
I mentioned in an earlier blog what I hoped to eat today on the first day of our church-wide fast.
This is a quick chronicle of just what I had today.
THis morning I ate an apple and banana. For a mid morning snack I had another apple. For lunch and dinner I ate the same thing. Here it is: 1 sliced red tomato, two more bunches of green onion, one small yellow onion, some broccoli florets, and sliced red, yellow and green peppers. I steamed the vegetables on the stove with a little water. To this I cooked some brown rice. Yum.
I don't intend to eat anything else this evening.
I've prayed throughout the day. However, I was at the church today following the wedding of Bro. Dwayne Huddleston and Sis. Sheri Bowens- I did not remember to pray at 12:00PM. However, when I recalled my commitment I did pray.
Have a wonderful evening.
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
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