Good Morning All,
Thankfully, we are now "back in the saddle again" with the 'weekly words', the email issue is solved at home; therefore Lord willing all we will be well. For archived 'Weekly Words': http://weeklywordsofencouragement.blogspot.com/
This week’s thoughts were actually inspired by a coach who assists with my 9-10 year old baseball team. All season he has used a phrase as he corrects the pitchers and admonishes them to improve their pitching. The phrase is one that I believe each and every one of can live by; it is something that can be applied in our lives on a daily basis. From church to business to home, this simple quote is a statement, which if thought on regularly, will assist and encourage us to improve things in our life.
From the dugout, the coach exclaims:
"If you do not make any changes, you will get the same results!"
Some will say: "well that is simple"...sure it is, but the application of this 'simple' statement is not easy (remember, simplicity does not equate ease). The Apostle Paul tells us that "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5.17). The last time I checked, all means all and that’s all all means. If all things are become new, that would mean that a change has occurred...Once a soul has Jesus Christ in their heart, they are become a new creature...
Unfortunately, the old man does not just 'run away', he is always there lurking and waiting to rear his ugly head and ruin the life the Lord has now given us. So where does that leave us? Paul also said in Romans 13.14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Meaning this: We must make a change...otherwise we will continue have the same results. Change does not mean running away, most of the time when people run (i.e. change locations, jobs, churches etc.) they continue the same path as before; assuming things will be better at a new place. Typically they will only find that because they failed to make the needed changes in their life, the same results occurred.
Maybe today you are struggling in a certain area of your life...or maybe you have become complacent or seemingly reached a plateau. Are you continuing to do the same things? If so, you cannot expect different results.
In the home and in marriage, you may be someone who does not express gratitude, appreciation or even affection toward your wife or husband. That does not mean you do not possess those feelings for them, but your make up may not be one that can easily expresses these emotions. On the other side, your spouse may be one that needs or desires this expression from the one they love so dearly. If that be the case, should they just learn to live without? Of course not. That is not fair nor is that the right thing to do. If we do not make any change, we cannot expect a different result. So the best thing to do is change…begin to express those feelings so that your spouse receives what they need and frankly deserve.
The same is true in all aspects of your life; in business, if the same model does not produce a growing and thriving business, then changes must occur…why? Because, ‘if you do not make any changes, you will get the same results’. In personal vices, again the same principle applies, ‘if you do not make any changes, you will get the same results’. Our Christian life is the greatest area that requires change…we now can ‘put on the Lord Jesus Christ’ and our entire world will change, when life is seen and decisions are made through His eyes changes occur…
In closing, what has given me comfort and confidence, is in the fact that no matter who or what we are, the Lord Jesus Christ has given us a door so that we can make the needed changes in our life to have a better result…Think on these things this week, when things are not heading in the direction that they need to, make a change to avoid the same results and improve the situation bringing glory and honor to the risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Have a great and wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 9
Good Day All,
Forgive my absence, but I have been attempting to retrieve the group’s email addresses; hopefully after next week I will be back the normal schedule using soon repaired Outlook email. As always, if you would like to be removed, please simply reply with “REMOVE” in the subject heading.
Nevertheless, we must press on. My thoughts today (and have been for the past two weeks or so) come from Isaiah 59:1 "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:"
No matter the situation that occurs in our life or how far into trouble, temptation or tribulation we find ourselves, the Lord's hand is not shortened that He cannot save...nor His ear that He cannot hear.
What an encouraging thought as we see so many things go on around us... Our country is facing economic woes; people, families and churches are split by political party lines. Families are hurting today (as a unit) worse than ever before...yet the truth still remains, that Lord's hand can still reach us and His ear will still hears us. How many end of days have you faced where you came home and just buried your head in a pillow to 'sleep away the days' events or how many nights have you laid awake as you calculated the next day's business? Remember, it is in those deep dark moments, when you feel as you are in the outer edges of life's seas, that we must remind ourselves...The Lord's hand can (and will) still reach us and His ear still hears our prayers.
No matter how faint... no matter how silent…no matter how weak… The Lord still hears our cries for His hand to reach out and save us.
I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful day!
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Forgive my absence, but I have been attempting to retrieve the group’s email addresses; hopefully after next week I will be back the normal schedule using soon repaired Outlook email. As always, if you would like to be removed, please simply reply with “REMOVE” in the subject heading.
Nevertheless, we must press on. My thoughts today (and have been for the past two weeks or so) come from Isaiah 59:1 "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:"
No matter the situation that occurs in our life or how far into trouble, temptation or tribulation we find ourselves, the Lord's hand is not shortened that He cannot save...nor His ear that He cannot hear.
What an encouraging thought as we see so many things go on around us... Our country is facing economic woes; people, families and churches are split by political party lines. Families are hurting today (as a unit) worse than ever before...yet the truth still remains, that Lord's hand can still reach us and His ear will still hears us. How many end of days have you faced where you came home and just buried your head in a pillow to 'sleep away the days' events or how many nights have you laid awake as you calculated the next day's business? Remember, it is in those deep dark moments, when you feel as you are in the outer edges of life's seas, that we must remind ourselves...The Lord's hand can (and will) still reach us and His ear still hears our prayers.
No matter how faint... no matter how silent…no matter how weak… The Lord still hears our cries for His hand to reach out and save us.
I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful day!
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 8
Good Morning all,
I hope and trust that everyone has had a good week thus far. Today's thought comes from what has been noted as the love chapter of the Bible, I Corinthians 13. The Apostle Paul opens the chapter by saying: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." I Corinthians 13:1. Basically he is telling us that even if he spoke the greatest words ever heard on the face of the planet, but had not 'charity', his speaking is but noise and clamor.
How can these words encourage us? What can be taken from Paul's admonition that will better serve our life and fellow mankind? The simple answer is actually found in the meaning of the word charity. It is true that it means ‘love’, but more than the common definition of the word. We all ‘love’ things and people, I love coffee, but that’s not going to benefit those around me (except Starbucks and McCafe).
Charity is the act of love exercised without expecting anything in return. It is agape love, a sacrificial love. We can exercise this on a daily basis, even in times when it is the hardest. We live in a world with an entitlement mentality where everyone feels as if they are owed something. But when is the last time we actually pondered how much we owe others. The words we use throughout the day, the way we speak one to another, even the way we drive to and from the office. Each one of these steps can be taken in a manner of charity by placing the feelings and benefits of others before our own. Paul understood this, after writing unto the Corinthians, several years later he wrote to the Christians in Rome saying: "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise." Romans 1:14.
Maybe you are asking "how does this encourage me?” When we place the needs of others at the forefront of our lives, we find that we begin to encourage those around us, once you experience encourage someone else that in of itself will encourage us.
Today may be the day, that charity exhibited in your life changes the direction in the one you expect it least. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” I Corinthians 13:13
I hope you have a wonderful day.
I hope and trust that everyone has had a good week thus far. Today's thought comes from what has been noted as the love chapter of the Bible, I Corinthians 13. The Apostle Paul opens the chapter by saying: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." I Corinthians 13:1. Basically he is telling us that even if he spoke the greatest words ever heard on the face of the planet, but had not 'charity', his speaking is but noise and clamor.
How can these words encourage us? What can be taken from Paul's admonition that will better serve our life and fellow mankind? The simple answer is actually found in the meaning of the word charity. It is true that it means ‘love’, but more than the common definition of the word. We all ‘love’ things and people, I love coffee, but that’s not going to benefit those around me (except Starbucks and McCafe).
Charity is the act of love exercised without expecting anything in return. It is agape love, a sacrificial love. We can exercise this on a daily basis, even in times when it is the hardest. We live in a world with an entitlement mentality where everyone feels as if they are owed something. But when is the last time we actually pondered how much we owe others. The words we use throughout the day, the way we speak one to another, even the way we drive to and from the office. Each one of these steps can be taken in a manner of charity by placing the feelings and benefits of others before our own. Paul understood this, after writing unto the Corinthians, several years later he wrote to the Christians in Rome saying: "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise." Romans 1:14.
Maybe you are asking "how does this encourage me?” When we place the needs of others at the forefront of our lives, we find that we begin to encourage those around us, once you experience encourage someone else that in of itself will encourage us.
Today may be the day, that charity exhibited in your life changes the direction in the one you expect it least. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” I Corinthians 13:13
I hope you have a wonderful day.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 7
Good morning all,
I hope you bear with me until I can fix the outlook (I downloaded the beta version and now look at me)...Nevertheless we shall move on.
In my daily reading I Corinthians 10 was one of the chapters included. Verse 31, the latter part, spoke to my heart and reminded me how we should function in church, home and society (from the work place to relaxation). The Apostle Paul says mid-way through: "...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." That word 'ye', is plural, much like us southerners when we say "ya'll", we are meaning 'you all' as speaking to a group. In other words, Paul is relating this verse to ALL of us and in ALL we do.
This verse it written in my heart and my mind, along with its sister verse Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Throughout the day, this verse will ring in my heart, when tempted to react in way that is pleasing only to self or to 'fire back' at someone acting foolish, I think on these verses.
Here is the thought for today...this weekend...the month... and the year. Every task at hand that you must perform, think on whom you are truly doing it for. If we work, teach or live solely for the glory of man then our boundaries and limitations are set by man. Meaning, when man reacts in the manner as man is inclined, we will justify doing the same (i.e. "i was forced to this!"). This is what happened in the Garden of Eden; the Lord ask Adam if he had eaten of the tree he was commanded not to eat; the first thing he did was blame Eve...She blamed the serpent. The reality of it all was that Adam was blaming God! (Look at the verse in Genesis 3.12...Adam says "The woman that THOU gavest me")
How often do we do this? We have been given a job, by the Lord (all things come from above), yet when we get in a bind mankind bends the rules. We have been given a family, by the Lord, yet when things get tough or tight, mankind will bend the rules (financial, forgetfulness or forsaken). We have been given a church the Lord has given us (Ephesians 5), yet when mankind gets tired or 'too busy' they forsake the church. Why is this? Simply put, mankind is working (operating/functioning) for the glory of man and not God. That does not mean we are not to respect others and especially our superiors, as a matter of fact in the same chapter Paul says: Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. I Corinthians 10:24 We are to thrive to help one another, to see that those around us are benefited, thus pleasing and binging glory to the Lord.
Look at the other side, quickly, if we do all that we do to glory of God; we will do the right thing no matter what... Even if it means less money, less gain, less personal time or less play time. When we operate to the glory of God, our own mind and heart begins to conform to His mind and heart. That way we lean on His understanding and not our own (Proverbs 3.5-6).
How do we put this application today? When you are placed into a situation where you must decide what or how to do a task; ask or search out what would be pleasing to the Lord. The answer is not as hard as it may seem...
I hope and pray you all have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
I hope you bear with me until I can fix the outlook (I downloaded the beta version and now look at me)...Nevertheless we shall move on.
In my daily reading I Corinthians 10 was one of the chapters included. Verse 31, the latter part, spoke to my heart and reminded me how we should function in church, home and society (from the work place to relaxation). The Apostle Paul says mid-way through: "...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." That word 'ye', is plural, much like us southerners when we say "ya'll", we are meaning 'you all' as speaking to a group. In other words, Paul is relating this verse to ALL of us and in ALL we do.
This verse it written in my heart and my mind, along with its sister verse Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Throughout the day, this verse will ring in my heart, when tempted to react in way that is pleasing only to self or to 'fire back' at someone acting foolish, I think on these verses.
Here is the thought for today...this weekend...the month... and the year. Every task at hand that you must perform, think on whom you are truly doing it for. If we work, teach or live solely for the glory of man then our boundaries and limitations are set by man. Meaning, when man reacts in the manner as man is inclined, we will justify doing the same (i.e. "i was forced to this!"). This is what happened in the Garden of Eden; the Lord ask Adam if he had eaten of the tree he was commanded not to eat; the first thing he did was blame Eve...She blamed the serpent. The reality of it all was that Adam was blaming God! (Look at the verse in Genesis 3.12...Adam says "The woman that THOU gavest me")
How often do we do this? We have been given a job, by the Lord (all things come from above), yet when we get in a bind mankind bends the rules. We have been given a family, by the Lord, yet when things get tough or tight, mankind will bend the rules (financial, forgetfulness or forsaken). We have been given a church the Lord has given us (Ephesians 5), yet when mankind gets tired or 'too busy' they forsake the church. Why is this? Simply put, mankind is working (operating/functioning) for the glory of man and not God. That does not mean we are not to respect others and especially our superiors, as a matter of fact in the same chapter Paul says: Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. I Corinthians 10:24 We are to thrive to help one another, to see that those around us are benefited, thus pleasing and binging glory to the Lord.
Look at the other side, quickly, if we do all that we do to glory of God; we will do the right thing no matter what... Even if it means less money, less gain, less personal time or less play time. When we operate to the glory of God, our own mind and heart begins to conform to His mind and heart. That way we lean on His understanding and not our own (Proverbs 3.5-6).
How do we put this application today? When you are placed into a situation where you must decide what or how to do a task; ask or search out what would be pleasing to the Lord. The answer is not as hard as it may seem...
I hope and pray you all have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 6
Good Morning All,
Again, please excuse the use of the yahoo email, until the outlook runs its protocol it looks like I am stuck doing so.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful week thus far. Almost building upon last weeks 'words', I want to spark this question: What does a day hold? We spoke last week concerning kindness toward other people...It weeks past we heard about pressing or passing opportunities. Last week a friend of mine gave a speech to his business market centralizing the theme around 'kindness'. In his exact words, "this year we are going 'shower' everybody that walks through the door with kindness." It not only has made me think, but more importantly it was made me 'do'.
James said: "...he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:25
We hear all sorts of things in our life, especially from the word of God. In the realm of business we can apply what is taught in the Scripture, to do business God's way. The same principle applies in the home; we can have a home built after God. Guess what it is going to require? Two things, Kindness and Doing! If we only take in what should be performed and doeth it not, then we have become a forgetful hearer, one that just absorbs and never gives back. If we refuse to take in, then we wither away, having neither strength nor substance to give. It this case, kindness is the simplest attribute we can utilize (by the way I did not say easy, simple and easy do not always hail from the same corner). I have noticed this week alone, the responses from people when a 'little extra kindness' is thrown their way...guess what? They throw a little back!
So in other words, exercising kindness (which is the doing of what you have heard) is in a great way, benefiting yourselves as much as it is benefiting those we are being kind to. After all, we did have the greatest example to follow "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32
Just think of the effect you can have on at least one person today, by showing just a little extra kindness to them. Again, looking back to past 'words', it may be the deciding factor of a major event in that person's life. Furthermore, kindness can carry with it a long standing effect, because what kindness ultimately does is comfort the receiving soul. And remember, it will come back your way, the wisest man in human history wrote: “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Ecclesiastes 11:1
It will come back...but you have to cast it first... I hope and pray that each and every one reading this today has a wonderful day!
Till the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Again, please excuse the use of the yahoo email, until the outlook runs its protocol it looks like I am stuck doing so.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful week thus far. Almost building upon last weeks 'words', I want to spark this question: What does a day hold? We spoke last week concerning kindness toward other people...It weeks past we heard about pressing or passing opportunities. Last week a friend of mine gave a speech to his business market centralizing the theme around 'kindness'. In his exact words, "this year we are going 'shower' everybody that walks through the door with kindness." It not only has made me think, but more importantly it was made me 'do'.
James said: "...he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:25
We hear all sorts of things in our life, especially from the word of God. In the realm of business we can apply what is taught in the Scripture, to do business God's way. The same principle applies in the home; we can have a home built after God. Guess what it is going to require? Two things, Kindness and Doing! If we only take in what should be performed and doeth it not, then we have become a forgetful hearer, one that just absorbs and never gives back. If we refuse to take in, then we wither away, having neither strength nor substance to give. It this case, kindness is the simplest attribute we can utilize (by the way I did not say easy, simple and easy do not always hail from the same corner). I have noticed this week alone, the responses from people when a 'little extra kindness' is thrown their way...guess what? They throw a little back!
So in other words, exercising kindness (which is the doing of what you have heard) is in a great way, benefiting yourselves as much as it is benefiting those we are being kind to. After all, we did have the greatest example to follow "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32
Just think of the effect you can have on at least one person today, by showing just a little extra kindness to them. Again, looking back to past 'words', it may be the deciding factor of a major event in that person's life. Furthermore, kindness can carry with it a long standing effect, because what kindness ultimately does is comfort the receiving soul. And remember, it will come back your way, the wisest man in human history wrote: “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Ecclesiastes 11:1
It will come back...but you have to cast it first... I hope and pray that each and every one reading this today has a wonderful day!
Till the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 4
Good Morning All,
I have spent great time thinking about answered prayers over the last few weeks, especially those in our life with ailments and personal struggles. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord, no matter what the situation, He takes care of things. It may be in the final hours (humanly speaking), but He has always come through. It reminds me of the story of Lazarus, (John 11) who being a friend of Jesus', died. When Mary and Martha (The sisters of Lazarus) came to Jesus made said: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”
The fact of the matter Jesus waited two days to depart from His location after finding out that Lazarus was even sick. When He went into Bethany, Lazarus had been in the grave four days. One would look at this with human eyes and think “wow, he wasn’t in a hurry, he must not have cared for the man”. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters (for that matter we know that Jesus loved the world, for He died for it), so why did He wait?
Friends, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has never been late He is always on time, but never in a hurry. So often we equate the proper reaction with that of rush, swiftness and rapidity. We pray, asking the Lord for the answer and expect it to be in front of us when we open our eyes. Grant it, every prayer is answered and sometimes the answer is just ‘no’, but the Lord knows what is best for each and every one of us. It is in His due time that our prayers will be answered according to His will. It may not be exactly what we ‘want’, but it will be what we need.
When you pray today, tonight and tomorrow remember these two facts: The Lord will answer the prayer according to His will and do so in His time; so whatever befalls is sure to bring Him glory. But also, look back today and search out the already apparent answered prayers. Some were your prayers and some were others, but the answer came and a blessing was received. Many of our blessings are right before us on a daily basis (i.e. a safe ride to and from work, employment, good health, meals etc.). We take these things for granted when all the while it is the Lord, simply answering a prayer that may have gone up to His throne twenty years ago. Our lives can be changed in one second or less; sickness can strike any one of us in the blink of an eye. All that we knew the moment before is placed on hold until we re-learn to live in a new state of functionality. These are the things I think about daily, how the Lord has opted to allow me one more day, to function easier than the alternative. He has given me the opportunity for this very day to be blessing to others, to answer those prayers that are laid at His feet…Just one more day to operate in this life, the Lord has allowed me to ‘continue as is’.
May we give thanks today, for what we have – the answered prayers of our life here and now. After thanksgiving, then move forward with other requests… now wait, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
He is always there, He is always on time and He will always answer. Have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
I have spent great time thinking about answered prayers over the last few weeks, especially those in our life with ailments and personal struggles. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord, no matter what the situation, He takes care of things. It may be in the final hours (humanly speaking), but He has always come through. It reminds me of the story of Lazarus, (John 11) who being a friend of Jesus', died. When Mary and Martha (The sisters of Lazarus) came to Jesus made said: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”
The fact of the matter Jesus waited two days to depart from His location after finding out that Lazarus was even sick. When He went into Bethany, Lazarus had been in the grave four days. One would look at this with human eyes and think “wow, he wasn’t in a hurry, he must not have cared for the man”. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters (for that matter we know that Jesus loved the world, for He died for it), so why did He wait?
Friends, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has never been late He is always on time, but never in a hurry. So often we equate the proper reaction with that of rush, swiftness and rapidity. We pray, asking the Lord for the answer and expect it to be in front of us when we open our eyes. Grant it, every prayer is answered and sometimes the answer is just ‘no’, but the Lord knows what is best for each and every one of us. It is in His due time that our prayers will be answered according to His will. It may not be exactly what we ‘want’, but it will be what we need.
When you pray today, tonight and tomorrow remember these two facts: The Lord will answer the prayer according to His will and do so in His time; so whatever befalls is sure to bring Him glory. But also, look back today and search out the already apparent answered prayers. Some were your prayers and some were others, but the answer came and a blessing was received. Many of our blessings are right before us on a daily basis (i.e. a safe ride to and from work, employment, good health, meals etc.). We take these things for granted when all the while it is the Lord, simply answering a prayer that may have gone up to His throne twenty years ago. Our lives can be changed in one second or less; sickness can strike any one of us in the blink of an eye. All that we knew the moment before is placed on hold until we re-learn to live in a new state of functionality. These are the things I think about daily, how the Lord has opted to allow me one more day, to function easier than the alternative. He has given me the opportunity for this very day to be blessing to others, to answer those prayers that are laid at His feet…Just one more day to operate in this life, the Lord has allowed me to ‘continue as is’.
May we give thanks today, for what we have – the answered prayers of our life here and now. After thanksgiving, then move forward with other requests… now wait, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
He is always there, He is always on time and He will always answer. Have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 3
Good Morning All,
The sound of rain… Saturday evening the rain began rolling into our area for the first time in 2010. As a I lay there listening, the sound of the rain hitting the rooftop just reminded me how much our Lord really and truly loves us. I realize that rain can and is used as a destructing force, but without it nothing would survive (Psalms 147:8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.) The early and latter rain in the Bible is a reference to the rain the Lord gave His people to prepare the fields and then to prosper the fields, these rains were a sign or confirmation of God’s blessings.( Zechariah 10:1 Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.)
Whereas I know we need no sign, but there is continual evidence of God’s love for His people. Many of us have found ourselves in situations of life that seemly had no end, nor future. However, somehow and somewhere along the line, all was taking care of, our bills, family, food etc. That is the rain that fell from heaven, not only revealing a blessing from above, but also showing the love God has for His creation. Without rain, the land will starve, too much and the land will drown; the Lord sees to it that we, as His fields, receive just enough to allow us to grow in the grace He has intended. David said “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalms 37:25
So when the sounds of rain come your way, whether heavy or light; lift up your eyes and bow your heart and thank God that He loves you and that He is giving you a wonderful blessing, the blessing of life. Have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
The sound of rain… Saturday evening the rain began rolling into our area for the first time in 2010. As a I lay there listening, the sound of the rain hitting the rooftop just reminded me how much our Lord really and truly loves us. I realize that rain can and is used as a destructing force, but without it nothing would survive (Psalms 147:8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.) The early and latter rain in the Bible is a reference to the rain the Lord gave His people to prepare the fields and then to prosper the fields, these rains were a sign or confirmation of God’s blessings.( Zechariah 10:1 Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.)
Whereas I know we need no sign, but there is continual evidence of God’s love for His people. Many of us have found ourselves in situations of life that seemly had no end, nor future. However, somehow and somewhere along the line, all was taking care of, our bills, family, food etc. That is the rain that fell from heaven, not only revealing a blessing from above, but also showing the love God has for His creation. Without rain, the land will starve, too much and the land will drown; the Lord sees to it that we, as His fields, receive just enough to allow us to grow in the grace He has intended. David said “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalms 37:25
So when the sounds of rain come your way, whether heavy or light; lift up your eyes and bow your heart and thank God that He loves you and that He is giving you a wonderful blessing, the blessing of life. Have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 2
Good Morning all,
I hope and pray that the day has found each one of you safe and sound in the New Year. 2010 is wide open, making today a remarkably special day. We can, today, decide what we are to do for the New Year…how we are going to live, what changes we can make and how we are going to treat others. All of this can be decided right here right now.
Here is my thought for today, but in reality, for the future. In studying the book of Jude all these years one finds that even though it is small in quantity, the is a spiritual giant in quality. Two passages stand out this morning; they are verses 21 and 22. (Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:) The instruction is personal; keep ourselves in the love of God, this is not a work for our salvation, but rather a response to our salvation. For the next statement is the supporting theme “some have compassion, making a difference”.
Herein is where we decide today, for what the year will hold… This moment is where we determine in our heart… in our life to make a difference in this life, in the lives of others. Will it require compassion? Most certainly. Will it be difficult? At times, yes. But in the grand scheme of the life we now hold, will it be worth it? Without a doubt, yes!
There has always been a great emphasis placed of ‘first impressions’, but let me introduce something that will over shadow a first impression. It is ‘final impressions’. How you are remembered tomorrow, will be how you are known today, a final impression on someone’s life can make the difference in their days more than any first impression did or even could.
So where are you as you read this? Are you now planning and preparing to have compassion of others that you may make a difference in their life, leaving a final impression that overshadows the first? Today is the day to decide, right here, right now. Move to make a difference. Have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
I hope and pray that the day has found each one of you safe and sound in the New Year. 2010 is wide open, making today a remarkably special day. We can, today, decide what we are to do for the New Year…how we are going to live, what changes we can make and how we are going to treat others. All of this can be decided right here right now.
Here is my thought for today, but in reality, for the future. In studying the book of Jude all these years one finds that even though it is small in quantity, the is a spiritual giant in quality. Two passages stand out this morning; they are verses 21 and 22. (Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:) The instruction is personal; keep ourselves in the love of God, this is not a work for our salvation, but rather a response to our salvation. For the next statement is the supporting theme “some have compassion, making a difference”.
Herein is where we decide today, for what the year will hold… This moment is where we determine in our heart… in our life to make a difference in this life, in the lives of others. Will it require compassion? Most certainly. Will it be difficult? At times, yes. But in the grand scheme of the life we now hold, will it be worth it? Without a doubt, yes!
There has always been a great emphasis placed of ‘first impressions’, but let me introduce something that will over shadow a first impression. It is ‘final impressions’. How you are remembered tomorrow, will be how you are known today, a final impression on someone’s life can make the difference in their days more than any first impression did or even could.
So where are you as you read this? Are you now planning and preparing to have compassion of others that you may make a difference in their life, leaving a final impression that overshadows the first? Today is the day to decide, right here, right now. Move to make a difference. Have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 1
Good morning all and Happy New Year!
It seems as if 2009 just started and now here we are in 2010. What will this year be for us? What will it be for you? Many will look back into 2009 with frustrations and sadness…most will feel unsatisfied, considering themselves to not have done all they could/should in the previous year. Others will look back at 2009 with pride, always referring to the prior year’s achievements; all the while the new year is steadily slipping away.
So what will we do? One of my all time favorite verses in the Bible is Hebrews 12.2 (Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.) The final week of last year, our church sign posted: “Finish Strong Heb 12.2”. The thought is self-explanatory, it was to encourage all that read the sign to finish strong, and the only way we can finish strong is to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…
As we walk into 2010, looking back into 2009 with thoughts of ‘shoulda’, ‘woulda’, ‘coulda’ will not benefit us or those around us. Therefore, let’s apply the ‘church sign’ during the last week of 2009 to the first week of 2010. Let’s plan today, right here right now, to finish strong in 2010. Let’s not wait until the final week to be encouraged, let’s not wait until we get down or discouraged in the year’s work. We all know what we need to do and we all know where we need to improve (whether it is church, home, work or all), we must prepare today to finish strong tomorrow.
How? By looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… His example of ‘enduring the cross’ and ‘despising the shame’ should move us toward Him knowing that He went to the cross as a willing sacrifice, because the benefits on the other side greatly outweighed the agony on this side. The benefits, my friends, was judgment upon sin was executed and the penalty paid in full. So, with all that said this morning, move into this year with eyes set on victory, you may fall and you may falter, just keep your eyes on the One Who already finished His course, and is now at the finish line encouraging you to finish you race with joy.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Have a wonderful day and again a happy new year…press on dear friends till the end, let’s prepare and plan to finish strong by starting strong.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
It seems as if 2009 just started and now here we are in 2010. What will this year be for us? What will it be for you? Many will look back into 2009 with frustrations and sadness…most will feel unsatisfied, considering themselves to not have done all they could/should in the previous year. Others will look back at 2009 with pride, always referring to the prior year’s achievements; all the while the new year is steadily slipping away.
So what will we do? One of my all time favorite verses in the Bible is Hebrews 12.2 (Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.) The final week of last year, our church sign posted: “Finish Strong Heb 12.2”. The thought is self-explanatory, it was to encourage all that read the sign to finish strong, and the only way we can finish strong is to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…
As we walk into 2010, looking back into 2009 with thoughts of ‘shoulda’, ‘woulda’, ‘coulda’ will not benefit us or those around us. Therefore, let’s apply the ‘church sign’ during the last week of 2009 to the first week of 2010. Let’s plan today, right here right now, to finish strong in 2010. Let’s not wait until the final week to be encouraged, let’s not wait until we get down or discouraged in the year’s work. We all know what we need to do and we all know where we need to improve (whether it is church, home, work or all), we must prepare today to finish strong tomorrow.
How? By looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… His example of ‘enduring the cross’ and ‘despising the shame’ should move us toward Him knowing that He went to the cross as a willing sacrifice, because the benefits on the other side greatly outweighed the agony on this side. The benefits, my friends, was judgment upon sin was executed and the penalty paid in full. So, with all that said this morning, move into this year with eyes set on victory, you may fall and you may falter, just keep your eyes on the One Who already finished His course, and is now at the finish line encouraging you to finish you race with joy.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Have a wonderful day and again a happy new year…press on dear friends till the end, let’s prepare and plan to finish strong by starting strong.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
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