The word for the week: VISION

“A man without a vision is a man without a future. A man without a future will always return to his past.” (P.K. Bernard)

“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law” Proverbs 29:18

Vision is the bridge between the present and the future. Without it we perish or go “unrestrained,” as the New American Standard Bible puts it. Vision gives purpose to pain. Those without vision spend their lives taking the path of least resistance as they try to avoid pain, discomfort and the unfamiliar. I remember one of my mentors saying to me, “Major, the level of sacrifice that a vision requires will determine the size of people who follow.” In other words, one’s ability to “see” one’s future will be measured by his/her willingness to endure the effort, pain and arduous work required to accomplish the feat.

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THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

As we prepare to enter a brand-new year of life, Sister Stewart and I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every member of Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church for “sharing all good things” with us in your prayers, love, friendship, encouragement, support, Christmas gifts, cards, well wishes and generous love offerings (Galatians 6:6).  On Christmas day, we sat at our dining room table, thanking God for how generous, caring and loving you have been to us in 2017. You have modeled the grace and love of God towards each member of our family.

Over the last few days, I have been able to reflect over the past year and I am amazed at how much God has blessed us, as a church, to accomplish.

In 2017, by the grace of God, below are just some of the things we have been able to accomplish as pastor and people:

• Baptisms and Baby dedications; Home, nursing home and hospital visits; Home dedications

•  Pastoral pre-marital counseling/Weddings; Counseling for Bereavements/Funerals

• Participation in community outreach and tutoring services

• Participation in going back to school rallies; Domestic Violence initiatives

• Health awareness initiatives; NA/AA strategic partnerships; Increased security presence

• Fellowship with sister churches and United Missionary Baptist Association – Ordination Supervisor

• Community basketball league; Ongoing Minister Training; Installation of electronic church signage

• Assisted families in need; Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway (more than 50 families); Room in the Inn outreach; Toys for Tots; Soup for our Neighbors; Community & Church cookout

• Inclusion of Pastor’s Bible Study Classes; Added Christian Education Courses

• Improved internal processes for governing the church

• Improved ministry infrastructure and strategic operations through assigning Ministry Administrators to each ministry

• Many ministry opportunities during the year for all

Some of our goals for 2018 include:

• Expand parking lot; Launch new church website; Christian Education community conference

• Launch Evangelism, Mentoring, Greeters and Parking Lot Ministries

• Increase stewardship awareness for church attendance and giving to adequately support ministry goals

• Recondition exterior of Education Building; Add exterior church and directional signage

• Add Minister of Music and Executive Church Secretary; Increase church security measures

• Enhance church policy and procedures to ensure operational compliance in every department and ministry

I am most grateful to you for the trust and confidence that you place in me as your pastor. I do not take it lightly or for granted and it is my great privilege to serve you. On behalf of the Stewart family, I wish you God’s peace and abundant blessings in the New Year.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Major Stewart

Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church

Sunday, December 31, 2017

STOP FIGHTING WITH YOUR OWN WEAPONS

STOP FIGHTING WITH YOUR OWN WEAPONS

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.” 2 Corinthians 10:3 KJV

During World War II, it is reported that Allied bombers carried machine guns in the nose, under the belly, on top, and in the rear of the plane. It was also reported that some people believed that the planes might actually be safer, fly higher and fly faster without the extra weight associated to the guns attached to the plane.  The pilots, however, thought differently. They wouldn't even consider flying and fighting without guns to shoot back and defend themselves. When you really think about it, we make the same choice when it comes to fighting our own battles. God says we don't need the guns... we can soar higher and faster with Him. For the scripture declares, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh”. 2 Cor. 10:3. The weapons our God makes available to us “….are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” 2 Cor. 10:4.

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THE RESTORING POWER OF GOD

“And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.” 1 Samuel 30:8

Hezekiah Walker, one of my favorite gospel artists, once wrote a song called, “Faithful Is Our God”. A portion of the lyrics says,

“I'm reaping the harvest God promised me

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Try Trusting God

“...Let him...rely upon his God.” Isaiah 50:10

One morning a man received four long-distance calls before he could even get out of bed. Everybody had problems they wanted solved “right now”. He told his wife to forget about breakfast, only to discover his car wouldn't start. So he called an Uber Driver. When he got in the taxi he yelled, “Let's go!” The driver asked, “Where do you want me to take you?” He shouted, “I don't care, I've got problems everywhere!”

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THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

Church it is time to wake up and realize that we are under attack from the devil and his demonic forces! I remember, as though it was yesterday, standing in a General Motors office building, in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when the first plane hit the World Trade Center in September 2001. At first, the news commentators thought it was an isolated accident. When another plane hit the same building shortly thereafter, we knew then that New York was under attack.

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OUR SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORMS

“You have been...a shelter from the storm...” Isaiah 25:4 NIV

You should never drive across the country highways and byways without being properly prepared. Your vehicle should be in excellent working condition. The oil should be fresh. The gas tank should be full of gas and other lubricants.  You should have a good working GPS system as well.  Likewise, every Christian should be prepared as they journey across life’s highways and byways.  Every Christian should be prepared for the inevitable but not invincible storms. It is vitally important to know your storm manual. Some people have not even read their vehicle operation manual until “after” they experience a problem with the vehicle.  In order for the Christian to survive the storms of life they must know the storm manual. 

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