Festivals Of the Lord

The Day of atonement started my research and observance of the Feasts talked about in the Bible. I had always heard of the feasts but never thought it was something we had to observe, (in my mind i figured that since Jesus died for our sins that there were certain things we didn't have to do) My mom told me a few Fridays ago that she was planning on fasting for the Day of Atonement (which started at sundown and went on to sundown the following day) My first thought was "Great now I have to fast too" But after I got off the phone with her, I realized that no matter what the Lord asks of me, I must do it. Besides fasting wasn't something new to me (even though this fast including abstaining from water). I went home and read the study packet she had received from our new church The living church of God. After reading it and the bible and praying for understanding, I knew that the feasts are to be followed even after Jesus returns. The day of atonement is a day of celebration when the Devil is chained up and a seal is put on him so he may not deceive the nations of the world anymore. All of this is found in Revelations chapter 20. Last Wednesday started the Feast of tabernacles, which is a seven day feast to the Lord, the first and last days of which are considered Sabbath Holy days to the Lord. I've found that after reflection and observance of these days I have a better understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Christ and not just someone who merely believes.

Bible study

Everyday this week I've been reading my bible and following along with a telecast of tomorrows world with Roderick Meredith or the shepards chapel telecast that comes on tv all day. Just by reading the bike and following along in the study I'm learning so much about Gods word. He has advice on everything, from ministering to marriage and  the bible really does have the answers on life your looking for, you just have to be willing to read,accept and practice the thigs which God teaches. I feel so full after my sessions, and I know this is the right path for me to take. I thank Him everyday and ask for his guidance and for me to understand his word even better.

Statements of Faith

STATEMENTS OF FAITH

The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God. (Deut. 8:3, II Tim. 3:16, II Peter 1:20-21)
The King James Version remains the most accurate version of the Masoretic Text and the Textus Receptus.
One God is revealed in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:19, II Cor. 13:14)
Every person (except Jesus Christ) was or is born a sinner under the judgment of death. (Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12)
Salvation is only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ who died for sin. (John 3:16, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:33-34, Romans 5:8-9, I Tim. 2:5, Titus 3:5)
All those who have repented and have truly trusted Christ for salvation are eternally secure. (Romans 8:1)
Personal holiness is the fruits of salvation. (Galations 5:22-23)
The Holy Spirit is active in the world today, as well as in the life of the believer, gifting and equipping the saints for their ministries. (John 14:16, Acts 1:8)
There is a literal eternal heaven and a literal eternal hell. (John 14:2, Luke 16:19-31, II Cor. 5:1-10)
The Scriptures are to be dispensationally interpreted.
All Christians, living or dead, will be glorified and translated to heaven before the Great Tribulation begins. (I Cor. 15:51-53, Col. 3:4, I Thess. 4:13-18, I Thess. 5:1-5)
God's promises to Israel will be fulfilled in the Millennium (Kingdom Age). (Eze. 36, Isa. 2:1-4, Isa. 11, Isa. 55:12-13)
Jesus Christ will reign from Jerusalem for one thousand years. (Matt. 24:30, Rev. 20:1-6, Isa. 65:17-25)
The unsaved will be judged and receive eternal judgment for sins at the Great White Throne of Judgment. (Rev. 20:11-15)
God is still on the throne. . .and prayer changes things.

http://www.swrc.com/about/faith.html

Forgiveness and Love

God is working in my life, I feel it now more than ever. This weekend my Aunt Beverly came to visit for the family reunion. I lived with Beverly for 8 months in Chicago, before I moved to Elgin. I treated her badly and stole from her on multiple occasions, I even lied about it. We haven't had any contact since I moved out last August. I got upset at her for discovering that I was stealing from her and calling me out on it. That was a year ago.  Since then I've began reading my bible and forming a relationship with God. I have been dreading seeing her ever since I found out she was coming to the reunion because I was still ashamed of the person I was, and I had never apologized to her. I saw her yesterday, before the reunion, and she greeted me with a hug and a smile. I thought to myself that holding a grudge or being scared to be around her was unnecessary because she had already forgiven me. Here I was worrying and trying to avoid her all weekend because I was afraid she would not want to see her thieving little nephew. I thank God for this chance to see. her and apologize to her finally, I bought a bottle of tequilla (what I stole from her a year ago) and gave it to her tonight and sincerely apologized for stealing from her and lying about it. We hugged, a real hug. I walked back upstairs  prayed and cried because I am so happy that God made it possible for her to forgive me, and that He has changed me so much that I feel his forgiveness as well. Tonight, this weekend was truly a blessing, seeing my aunts and praising God. Just what I needed. THANK YOU LORD!

Pride and Pain

I've been suffering from this rotten tooth for years, and everytime the pain flares up I promise myself I'm going to see a dentist and rake care of it. But when I actually start feeling better, I think well I don't have to spend money on it now, I'm alright now. Me and my friend Chairii were just talking about how sin can affect our body. It is because of my pride and greed that made my toothaches last for so long. If u had just spent the money and asked for help years ago, I'd be Scott free now. Thank you Lord for showing me that I need to humble myself more, and not to hold money so tightly. I PRAISE your name Lord, now and forever!

God will provide

After going to the basement i signed up for the Atlanta ministry trip. After a few weeks I realized that I didn't have enough money to keep saying my mom back and save up for the trip. I requested a few days off work, so I decided to pick up a few extra shifts. Emily calls me today an tells me that she has a few extra seats available for the trip. And now I can't go because I made plans to work this weekend. God will provide a way if you trust in him with all of your heart, he can make anything happen, it isn't luck, or wishing or thinking positive, it is through prayer and Gods will that we can truly be happy. Jesus lived his life, accomplished the work he was sent to do all without worrying about money, our mission on earth is to do Gods will so we can return to him, money is an imaginary obstacle, I say imaginary because it means nothing in Gods kingdom, so it should hold no weight in our hearts and minds.  It was because of my lack of faith in Gods power that I am not going on the ministry trip, and I feel ashamed, but I also feel as though this has taught me an invaluable lesson. Thank you God for everything you do.

More car trouble

I drove to work yesterday noticed my engine light was on, (actually its been on for a week now..)
When I stopped at a red light a mike away from kohls I saw a cloud of white smoke coming from my hood, I panic and attempt to pull over and I almost hit a white suv coming up on my right. I slow down and feel my car trying to shut off, so I hit the gas and continued on to work. At work
Alot of people said it was probably just overheated and needed coolant/water. Well I tried that... On my ride home the needle went back to chitty within ten minutes of going just above 40. I pulled over and realized how bad I had to pee, so as I'm waiting fire my car to cool off I find a water bottle and attempt to pee into it sitting down... Fail.. I got pee on my pants on my seat and on my hands, I managed to get most of it on the bottle but it was too funny not to mention. I prayed for God to help me get my clunker home without it shutting off on me. Thank God above, I'm home and I just called AAA to have it towed to my shop in hoover. Lol my mom told me I'm really fortunate that all the repairs mt car had needed were minor ones, I don't call spending over $1800 on a car minor... But she is helping me pay for alot of the repairs thank God

Shelby crossings

The sermon last week was concerning pride, pride being the sin that leads to all others. He took a piece from the book of daniel to show us how prideful king nebecanezzar was, and how God took away his power and sanity, it took neb seven years in the wilderness to realize that God is sovereign deserves our worship. The story reminded me of the times when I think I know best, or that I'm special and deserve praise. Preacher ken gave the analogy. "a dog gets patted, rubbed and shown affection and thinks 'wow, he must be a God' and loves his owner. A cat gets that same treatment and thinks 'wow, I must be a God'." His point was clear to me, we need to be grateful for the things we receive snd give thanks, not get full of pride and begin to think we deserve good things to happen to us.

Making friends

When I first came to alabama, I didn't know anyone but family andb that was okay since my uncle was here and we stayed busy all the time with the house. Then I started working and mostly stayed to myself, I wanted to make friends that were involved in their churches and had a strong relationship with God. While my feelings about the kinds of friends I want in my life has changed drastically its for the better. I've never worked with so many openly christian people in my life. When o started at kohls there were many people young and old who were interested in what church I belonged to and wanted to help me find one.from meredith who introduced me to christian music that doesn't put me to sleep, to emily who took me to my first christian night club. I used to think following God meant that I had to give up everything I loved, partying, dancing drinking. And now I know that it just isn't true, drinking in excess is the sin, not drinking itself. Ive learned about alot of events and concerts that are 100% dedicated to worship, I'm having more and more fun but most importantly putting God first in everything I do.