O give thanks unto the Lord, call on His name, make known His deeds among the people. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him, tell of all His wonderful works! (Psalm 105:1-2).
To our international friends, here in the U.S. we are celebrating Thanksgiving Day. Without going into the history of it, Thanksgiving is a day set aside to thank God for all His goodness, mercy, grace, forgiveness, kindness towards us. Its been interesting watching people in the stores buying food and other products for the Thanksgiving meal. The roadways have been jam-packed with cars and the airports crowded as people travel to be with loved ones on this day. Yet, while observing it all, I could not help but wonder how many of those, excited with preparation, were thinking of God at all? How many were thankful at all, and to who? Even in many of the homes where there are believers, often there is but one prayer on Thanksgiving Day and that is the prayer before the meal. And at that, many will complain if that prayer goes too long because filling our stomachs is more important than thanking the God who provided the food. Well, if not at meal time, do set some time aside to pray and thank God for all He has done for you. But, not only should we pray, but as the verse above reminds us: ".......make known His deeds among the people,.....tell of His wondrous works." Set time aside from food and football to TELL of His mighty works in your life. Then tell it again on Friday and Saturday and everyday, especially to those who don't believe or who need encouragement. The testimony of our lips may draw someone to Christ.
I am thankful to God for soooo much! I thank Him for my wife Gardenia, our families, I'm thankful for the wonderful people at TMI-ATL, FBC in Virginia, First African in Richmond and Macedonia in Pittsburgh, PA for helping me in my spiritual formation, and to all the wonderful people I have met in the U.S. and around the world. Each of you have in some way made me better. God bless each of you and let's give our Lord and King the thanks He deserves!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings and Blessings to all;
Awesome! Simply Awesome! That is the best way I can describe the first TMI-ATL service at the new location in the Jonesboro, Riverdale, Fayettville area on GA Hwy 85. From the opening Praise & Worship, to the Dance Ministry, to a solo, to the Word and the explosive outpouring of the Spirit of God, it was evident that God was confirming and validating this new tabernacle. It was also clear that we will not tabernacle there for long. Even this new space will soon become too limited. I remain amazed and thankful at how those who are a part of TMI are working so hard and in such unity that we have seen the incredible favor of God. While there is still much needed in and for this physical location the members of TMI believe that God will provide. He does so through the prayers and generosity of many within, friends of TMI, and those who simply see and believe in the vision. God will continue to provide, even in these very difficult economic times.
The Strategic Plan is an aggressive plan but one that was developed with much prayer and hard work. The Intercessory Prayer Ministry will continue to lead in praying for the unfolding of God's plan. The Elders will give oversight and hold accountable those responsible for the completion of their part of the plan. There are specific target/completion dates through the next seven years. Most will be met on or before those dates. Some 2010 targets are already well on their way to completion.
The message for this first service in the new tabernacle came from the same passage used as the concluding message at the previous location. Exodus 40:36-38 was the concluding text at the prior location and Exodus 40:34,35 was the opening text for the new location. A tiny bit of the point of the message: When a cloud settles over the land we call it fog. Dense fog will cause you to not be able to see your way. It can be frighting. You have little control over where you can safely drive. When the cloud of God settles, its very similar. You have little control. It can become frightening when you have a need for control but have none. You become solely and completely dependent on Him to guide us. Smog is very similar except it is a man made cloud that when it settles over the land (as in some cities) its hard to see in front of you. In God's fog, when you breath, your breathing His glory. In man's smog, you breath man's poison. Unfortunately, many churches have created their own smog and declared it God's fog. They can't figure out why there is little anointing, so much back biting, so many factions and power struggles, few leaders praying together for the ministry and little spiritual growth. After a while the poison killing them becomes normal and if the cloud of God dare show, it is rejected as strange. Trust in the Lord with all your heart........and He will direct your path (even when you can't see your way in His cloud).
God Bless you all.
TMI-ATL, P.O.Box 38, Tyrone GA. 30290
Awesome! Simply Awesome! That is the best way I can describe the first TMI-ATL service at the new location in the Jonesboro, Riverdale, Fayettville area on GA Hwy 85. From the opening Praise & Worship, to the Dance Ministry, to a solo, to the Word and the explosive outpouring of the Spirit of God, it was evident that God was confirming and validating this new tabernacle. It was also clear that we will not tabernacle there for long. Even this new space will soon become too limited. I remain amazed and thankful at how those who are a part of TMI are working so hard and in such unity that we have seen the incredible favor of God. While there is still much needed in and for this physical location the members of TMI believe that God will provide. He does so through the prayers and generosity of many within, friends of TMI, and those who simply see and believe in the vision. God will continue to provide, even in these very difficult economic times.
The Strategic Plan is an aggressive plan but one that was developed with much prayer and hard work. The Intercessory Prayer Ministry will continue to lead in praying for the unfolding of God's plan. The Elders will give oversight and hold accountable those responsible for the completion of their part of the plan. There are specific target/completion dates through the next seven years. Most will be met on or before those dates. Some 2010 targets are already well on their way to completion.
The message for this first service in the new tabernacle came from the same passage used as the concluding message at the previous location. Exodus 40:36-38 was the concluding text at the prior location and Exodus 40:34,35 was the opening text for the new location. A tiny bit of the point of the message: When a cloud settles over the land we call it fog. Dense fog will cause you to not be able to see your way. It can be frighting. You have little control over where you can safely drive. When the cloud of God settles, its very similar. You have little control. It can become frightening when you have a need for control but have none. You become solely and completely dependent on Him to guide us. Smog is very similar except it is a man made cloud that when it settles over the land (as in some cities) its hard to see in front of you. In God's fog, when you breath, your breathing His glory. In man's smog, you breath man's poison. Unfortunately, many churches have created their own smog and declared it God's fog. They can't figure out why there is little anointing, so much back biting, so many factions and power struggles, few leaders praying together for the ministry and little spiritual growth. After a while the poison killing them becomes normal and if the cloud of God dare show, it is rejected as strange. Trust in the Lord with all your heart........and He will direct your path (even when you can't see your way in His cloud).
God Bless you all.
TMI-ATL, P.O.Box 38, Tyrone GA. 30290
Monday, November 9, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings and blessings;
Missed you last week. Much has been happening. Some of you may have known Jennifer Worthams. She had begun attending TMI Atlanta. She also had visited First Baptist in Charlottesville a few times while visiting her dear friend Leonette Henderson. Jennifer lost her life a few days following a terrible car accident. A memorial service was held this past Sunday at Ebenezer Baptist (where Martin L. King Sr and Jr. once served as pastors). Her cousin is the youth pastor there. Her final resting place will be Los Angeles where she was raised. She was only 26 years old. Please pray for her family and boyfriend Billy and many others who are all grieving her passing.
A cross section of TMI leaders and members have just completed a six day (two weekends, Fri thru Sunday) strategic planning process. While there remains a few more things to finalize, the process already has proven to be well worth the effort. The process has helped in solidifying TMI's foundation and create a road map for ministry for the next one, three, five and seven years. We are grateful for Rev. Gwen Young of Virginia for her leadership in this tough but very fruitful process. I am also very grateful for all the participants for working into late hours on Fridays, as much as ten hours on Saturdays and over four hours on Sundays. Your commitment and input has been outstanding! Great fruit is already being manifested.
November 15th, this coming Sunday is when the first service in TMI's new location will be held. The site is being prepared, a dry run will happen this Wednesday, and services will begin Sunday. Not everything will be ready like decorations, window dressings, office furniture and even the podium for preaching may not arrive in time, but that's ok, we'll have church. Some decorations and furnishings will happen sooner than later and some will evolve over time. Pray that God's Glory will rest on the location and even more so, among the people who are members, yet to be members and visitors.
For now the mailing address remains: TMI-ATL, P. O. Box 38, Tyrone GA, 30290. That may change but for now that is it. Any correspondence or contributions should be sent to that address. The new church location is 1950 GA Highway 85 (not interstate 85) Suite B & C, Jonesboro, GA. 30238. You can also visit www.tmiministries.org. We are thankful for staff of the Wingate by Wyndham in Fairburn where services were previously held.
God bless each of you and may his peace, power and prosperity be yours!
Missed you last week. Much has been happening. Some of you may have known Jennifer Worthams. She had begun attending TMI Atlanta. She also had visited First Baptist in Charlottesville a few times while visiting her dear friend Leonette Henderson. Jennifer lost her life a few days following a terrible car accident. A memorial service was held this past Sunday at Ebenezer Baptist (where Martin L. King Sr and Jr. once served as pastors). Her cousin is the youth pastor there. Her final resting place will be Los Angeles where she was raised. She was only 26 years old. Please pray for her family and boyfriend Billy and many others who are all grieving her passing.
A cross section of TMI leaders and members have just completed a six day (two weekends, Fri thru Sunday) strategic planning process. While there remains a few more things to finalize, the process already has proven to be well worth the effort. The process has helped in solidifying TMI's foundation and create a road map for ministry for the next one, three, five and seven years. We are grateful for Rev. Gwen Young of Virginia for her leadership in this tough but very fruitful process. I am also very grateful for all the participants for working into late hours on Fridays, as much as ten hours on Saturdays and over four hours on Sundays. Your commitment and input has been outstanding! Great fruit is already being manifested.
November 15th, this coming Sunday is when the first service in TMI's new location will be held. The site is being prepared, a dry run will happen this Wednesday, and services will begin Sunday. Not everything will be ready like decorations, window dressings, office furniture and even the podium for preaching may not arrive in time, but that's ok, we'll have church. Some decorations and furnishings will happen sooner than later and some will evolve over time. Pray that God's Glory will rest on the location and even more so, among the people who are members, yet to be members and visitors.
For now the mailing address remains: TMI-ATL, P. O. Box 38, Tyrone GA, 30290. That may change but for now that is it. Any correspondence or contributions should be sent to that address. The new church location is 1950 GA Highway 85 (not interstate 85) Suite B & C, Jonesboro, GA. 30238. You can also visit www.tmiministries.org. We are thankful for staff of the Wingate by Wyndham in Fairburn where services were previously held.
God bless each of you and may his peace, power and prosperity be yours!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)