MORNING MOMENTS WITH GOD MATTER!

The time is 6:32AM and I have just finished spending some time reading The Word of God. One of the most important things for Christians everywhere and Gospel preachers and pastors in-particular is that we spend quality time with The LORD. More specifically, that we spend a morning devotional time with God. I believe that moments in the morning with God really matter. I want to encourage every believer to spend time with God- first thing. Make time for The One who has given you life. In Exodus chapter twenty and Matthew chapter six among other verses, we are taught the principle of prioritizing God. As followers of Jesus Christ we are encouraged to guard our time with The LORD and to protect it at all costs. This morning's Scripture reading for me was Psalm 103. It is one of my favorite Psalms. What was your morning Scripture today? If you haven't had one today let me encourage you to choose a passage of Scripture now (no matter what time it is); and read it. Then follow that reading of God's Word with a time of prayer to The LORD. Talk with God and listen as He talks back to you. Have a great and God-centered day. safe in CHRIST, sherman j. fort, servant of JESUS CHRIST

PRAISE THE LORD!

I just got back from the first night of the Revival at First Baptist Church in Flagstaff Arizona. The LORD blessed. While I never feel as though my preaching is what it should be, God was nevertheless gracious with His Word. The singing was great, the fellowship after service was sweet. People came up to me and said they were helped- that's always encouraging. We prayed for Pastor and Sister Marion in a special way just prior to the benediction. He has some health challenges right now. I am asking all of the Saints at Canaan and in the Kingdom of God to lift this pastor and his family up in prayer as well. I believe The LORD spoke to me tonight about what to preach the last night of the revival through the testimony of a Sister in service tonight. Like other preachers I often seek to do a "sermon series" whether it be Sunday morning, Tuesday night Bible study, Wednesday afternoon Bible study, Revival or what have you? But this week I feel compelled to go another way. I want to thank our GOD for speaking to me tonight through this Sister! Well I am in my hotel room now- safe and sound. Grateful to our GOD for His love, mercy and grace. I'm getting ready to call Angela. She sent me a beautiful "head-shot" of herself on my cellular phone. To God be ALL glory, honor and praise. Safe in CHRIST, Pastor Fort

I Just Arrived In Flagstaff Arizona

I've been in beautiful, cool (in comparison to the "Valley"); Flagstaff Arizona now for about an hour. I am honored that my brother and friend the Reverend LD Marion has invited me to preach a revival at the church where he serves as pastor- the great First Baptist Church. The drive was a good one. Although I must admit I got sleepy along the way. Please pray for me. Pray that I submit to God's will, Word and way this week. Pray that God uses me in spite of me and that He speaks to me- that He speaks to us all through His Word. Pray that people are saved, healed, strengthened, delivered and set free. Safe in CHRIST, S.J. Fort, servant of Jesus Christ

It's Becoming Clearer- In Clearlake California!

"I thank my God upon each rememberance of you". Philippians 1:3 To my dear friends Rev. Jonathan Green and First Lady, Lori Green- thank you for the invitation to preach a few days at the great Praises of Zion Baptist Church in Clearlake California. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Thank the church and "Mama Jo" in particular for the extravagant diggs (housing) you all had me in! Thank you Pastor Green for taking me out on the lake in your boat. Thank you ladies for hosting me (all of us) for dinner in your home. The meal was EXCELLENT! But most of all I want to thank our God for His great grace, lovingkindness and tender-mercies. While in Clearlake I was reminded of several things. A number of things became "clearer" to me. They include the NEED to get away and spend time with: 1. The LORD 2. My wife 3. My wife and kids 4. Myself HALLELUJAAAAAH! Amen. peace, S.J. Fort, servant of JESUS CHRIST

California Here I Come ... There I Go!

I am so honored that my dear friend and brother the Reverend R.G. Moore III has invited the Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and I back to Church on The Rock in San Jose California as their guests during their Church Anniversary Celebration 2012. Pastor Moore, we have not long returned from San Jose. You are a great and gracious host. The food was excellent, the fellowship was great and the worship services were wonderful. Thank you my friend for the invitation. The pastor and people of CMBC look forward to your return to the valley of the sun ... that is "The Valley of The SON" very soon. I thank our God for His love, mercy and kindness toward me where this experience is concerned. In addition to seeing Rev. Moore, I was also able to see family members in the Bay Area. Including my sisters Melinda and Arnita; and my aunt Derothy Triplett- along with my brother in law and cousins. I am always glad to see my brother the Reverend Thomas E. Fisher. He attended the afternoon service along with the great Pastor H.L. Davis of San Francisco and others. May our God continue to bless and keep you all is my prayer. Safe in CHRIST, S.J. Fort, Servant of JESUS CHRIST

THANK YOU PASTOR WESNER!

Several weeks ago I was honored (again); to be asked to preach at the First Southern Baptist Church in Wellton Arizona. The church is pastored by my friend and brother Rev. Charles Wesner. I am ever grateful to the pastor and good people of First Southern for the kindness they've shown me over the years. For allowing me to come and preach God's Word at your church and for treating so very kindly ... I am grateful. I learned long ago that people don't have to be kind to you. And when they are it's right to say "thank you". I thanked the pastor and people of First Southern in person some time ago, but I want to thank The LORD Jesus Christ (again) for them- and most of all for His (God's); love, mercy and grace! I'm sure I speak for millions of preachers around the country when I say preaching revivals, or any other service (especially- out of town); does not only bless the people being preached to, but it is a real blessing for the preacher who is doing the preaching. Agape, Sherman J. Fort, servant of JESUS CHRIST

"LIFE SEASONS"- ECCLESIASTES CHAPTER 3

Recently I listened again to a sermon from my friend and brother Rev. Dr. Emil M. Thomas. In the sermon Dr. Thomas talked about "seasons". Specifically, he talked about the ways in which our God often deals with people in and through various seasons in our lives. Rev. Thomas told a funny yet fateful tale connected to his youth (I won't go into the whole piece here); where he shared in short how our God blessed him to come into his "season" in due time. The LORD has me in a strange season right now. One I've never been in before? It's an exciting season. It's an exceptional season ... it is a strange season. Since the last quarter of last year- AT LEAST, I've been in the season. It's one that requires prayer, patience and poise. The LORD has blessed me in sooooooooo many ways ... I cannot tell it all? Yet, I'm convinced my best season is yet to come! Remember- no matter what season you are in right now- Spring? Summer? Winter? Or Fall? ... GOD is in control of every season. Safe in CHRIST, Sherman J. Fort, Servant of JESUS CHRIST