“Walking in the newness of life”

Greetings from the Springs. Just think. We have had sun and rain, warm and cold No matter how hard they try to predict the weather it is always slightly off. Thankfully we are not all forecasters.

There was a great turn out for the Women’s Prayer Breakfast. It was organized by Sister Toni Terrell and Minister Kathy Hubbard and it blessed our souls. I would title Toni’s message, “Unwrapping Yourself to be What God wants you to be.” It was presented in a manner that all of the ladies could relate. She stated that often we present ourselves in a way that we think is pleasing but God sees what we really are underneath the wrappings of life

She went further to say that for those that just can’t seem to get to that next level or accomplish that desire that the Lord has placed in their hearts, it is probably due to still trying to hang on that final issue that you just won’t let go. Yes, we are coming to church, worshipping and praising. We even study our Bibles and yet there is that thing that is closest to you that still has you bound. Until you unwrap everything and be what God wants you to be you will not reach your fullest potential.
Dr. Kathy Hubbard spoke to the group next and she focused on our prayer life. She led us to Ephesians 1: 4, 15-19 and we see Paul telling them that they were chosen “before the foundation of the world” and he also mentioned the people in his prayers that God would give them wisdom and revelation.

Minister Hubbard went further and shared that if God chose us then He wants us to be able to understand His knowledge, too. So children of God we must pray to operate on the level that the Lord desires for us. We have to change our mindset. As we unwrap those issues of life, which keep us bound at the same time we need to pray to understand the wisdom and revelation of God.
Our hosts Toni and Kathy did a phenomenal job and we are already looking forward to the next ladies’ event.

Sister Willie Ann Johnson reports that the Nursing Home Ministry, which met on the same day, went quite nicely. She stated that several members from the Springs including many from the Gospel Choir came out to help with the service, which was a surprise to her and also really blessed her soul to see them praise the Lord.

Evangelist Stokes delivered the message and her text came from Psalm 37: 3, “Trust in the Lord.” Also, a special thanks goes out to Sister Hazel Lunceford for assisting with the devotion. I must add to this and say that several of the ladies came back to the church and joined in the worship service of the Prayer Breakfast. Now that is dedication. Job well done to all that participated.
In addition to having a busy weekend Willie Ann Johnson entertained her youngest granddaughter, Ja Nya Reeves. She spent the weekend with her and Tommie and I know that she will be back with them again very soon.

By the way I have been meaning to tell you about all the love that is in the air. The Springs ended 2012 with three beautiful weddings. Curtis and Quitta Bell were joined in holy matrimony on November 17, 2012. Following them in December two sisters jumped the broom on the same day. Bobby and Patrice Harden and Montay and Shalon McClendon formed their unions on December 17. Of course you know that the next step is to be fruitful and multiply! Well that is what the Bible says!   

I am so excited to tell you that the church has a new logo. It was unveiled last week and looks fantastic. There is a great deal of meaning behind the design and I will share more about that in an upcoming article.

Pastor Terrell’s message Sunday was so uplifting and very timely. He stated that those things in our past are just that. Past. They need to be buried and left in the past. It is much like when a person dies. What do you do? You bury them.
In 2 Corinthians 5: 17 Paul states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” In this passage Paul says the old man is to be buried. Many of us have read this passage over and over and it is always a good reminder for us not to dwell in our past.

Pastor T demonstrated to the congregation how burying the past is essential for a new beginning in Christ. Imagine a person that is lifeless. God comes on the scene and attaches His defibrillator to his body. There is a jolt to his system. He gets up ready to start anew. He’s back to life feeling different and good. He is renewed.

If you are feeling lifeless try Jesus. A shock from glory can change your heart and have you walking in the newness of life. Glory Be to God!

Printed in the January 24, 2013 edition.