Greetings,
I pray that all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have finally exited the prayer room, paying my penance for the sin of gluttony over this past weekend. We had wonderful food, fellowship, and family for the holiday. I was not looking forward to Thanksgiving because my Aunt Diana was responsible for most of the cooking at my grandmother's, and with her going to be with the Lord, I thought it would be a sad time for me, but I received moments of joy thinking about her and some of the things she would do during the holidays.
During this season, I am always troubled by the lack of focus on Christ. I've already seen signs that say "Merry Xmas". What is that? We never see X History Month, St. X's Day, 4th of X, X o ween, or have never heard a chorus of "Happy X day to X"!
I have purposed in my heart, especially with my own children, to magnify Christ like never before during this holiday season and from now on. We live in a "Jesus - intolerant" society. Generally speaking, people don't have a problem acknowledging God (or a god), but when it comes to Jesus Christ, people don't want to acknowledge Him. I learned in seminary that if you want to know where anyone is spiritually, just ask them this 3 word question, "Who is Jesus?"
I really did not post today for that reason, but it is what it is. We had a wonderful day of worship at BBC on this past Lord's Day! Attendance was low due to holiday travel and some snow, but the spirit was high.
I did not preach on Sunday. I needed the rest and my voice was really strained. I thought that I was getting the day off until our music director and fellow blogger, Avery Minor started playing the song that I lead. Needless to say, I am more hoarse now than I was previously. One of our Associate Ministers, Rev. Derick Buggs, preached a wonderful message from 1 Cor 9:24=27. I cannot remember the exact title, but it had to do with the Greek word for victory, which is where we get "Nike". He preached a wonderful message and we were encouraged.
I really appreciate all of our Associate Ministers. They are studious and they are very teachable. It is good to have some help when you need it!
Well pray for me this week as I prepare to meet with all of the spiritual leaders on Friday to discuss, what further action steps can be taken to see a continued drop in crime in our community!
I am pleased to report that since the 40 days of fasting and prayer began, there hasn't been one shooting or one homicide!! GOD BE PRAISED!!!!!
I pray that all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have finally exited the prayer room, paying my penance for the sin of gluttony over this past weekend. We had wonderful food, fellowship, and family for the holiday. I was not looking forward to Thanksgiving because my Aunt Diana was responsible for most of the cooking at my grandmother's, and with her going to be with the Lord, I thought it would be a sad time for me, but I received moments of joy thinking about her and some of the things she would do during the holidays.
During this season, I am always troubled by the lack of focus on Christ. I've already seen signs that say "Merry Xmas". What is that? We never see X History Month, St. X's Day, 4th of X, X o ween, or have never heard a chorus of "Happy X day to X"!
I have purposed in my heart, especially with my own children, to magnify Christ like never before during this holiday season and from now on. We live in a "Jesus - intolerant" society. Generally speaking, people don't have a problem acknowledging God (or a god), but when it comes to Jesus Christ, people don't want to acknowledge Him. I learned in seminary that if you want to know where anyone is spiritually, just ask them this 3 word question, "Who is Jesus?"
I really did not post today for that reason, but it is what it is. We had a wonderful day of worship at BBC on this past Lord's Day! Attendance was low due to holiday travel and some snow, but the spirit was high.
I did not preach on Sunday. I needed the rest and my voice was really strained. I thought that I was getting the day off until our music director and fellow blogger, Avery Minor started playing the song that I lead. Needless to say, I am more hoarse now than I was previously. One of our Associate Ministers, Rev. Derick Buggs, preached a wonderful message from 1 Cor 9:24=27. I cannot remember the exact title, but it had to do with the Greek word for victory, which is where we get "Nike". He preached a wonderful message and we were encouraged.
I really appreciate all of our Associate Ministers. They are studious and they are very teachable. It is good to have some help when you need it!
Well pray for me this week as I prepare to meet with all of the spiritual leaders on Friday to discuss, what further action steps can be taken to see a continued drop in crime in our community!
I am pleased to report that since the 40 days of fasting and prayer began, there hasn't been one shooting or one homicide!! GOD BE PRAISED!!!!!
11 comments:
Hi Pastor Witherspoon. I was just browsing around and ran across your page. I am so blessed by what I've read so far. Thank you for doing God's will and for providing encouragement to this community. May God richly bless you!
Tiffany
Bless Your Life Spoon. I know what Di means to you and I am happy that God brought you joy like he did Paul in Philippians when Paul said to the church, I thank God upon every remembrance of you. God gave you joy through your memories of Di. God Be Praised!!!
Lance
Pastor Witherspoon,
Glad to hear you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family.
JESUS is the reason for the season.
Good report, we've had know violence since the forty day fast.
GOD Bless~~~
Great post spoon, save all of your voice for our church sunday evening, I already have my spot picked out where I will lay prostrate.
Pastor Whitherspoon God be praised for you leading the community in this effort of crime prevention. Praise God for the reprieve in the violence.
Stick with it.
Be Encouraged.
Tony R.
Pastor I will continue to pray that God sustains you and your city. Praise God for the praise report. Happy belated Thanksgiving!
ESV Luke 19:41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it,
Ron
Once again my brother, your brilliant mind is at its best. I never cease to be amazed at the things the Lord places on your mind. You are a blessing to us all. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Pastor. I am one of "those Christians" that doesn't celebrate Christmas and even though I no longer celebrate the day, I hate it when people call it "X-Mas". It's like they are tryign to "X" Jesus right out of the holiday and He is supposed to be the "Reason for the season" right?
Anywayk, I'm happy to hear that you had a blessed holiday and a great time in worship. May God continue to bless you!
Shanita
Hello Doc. obviously we didn't run into one another in the repentance room. Trust me, many of us were there. I am happy that inspite of your past loss you were blessed with a joyous Thanksgiving. Mine was also a wonderful and thankful ocassion. Not many of us left that still eat chitlins so I ate my share and more.
God be praised for the community's crime rate being ceased for these past weeks. I pray for more victory to come. Maybe through this some souls may also be saved. God is able. Take care.
Mother
Pastor Witherspoon, really enjoyed your post. Totally understand your concern on the lack of focus on Jesus. With you, Pastor McGhee (my Pastor) and Pastor Owens having strong relationships between churches, that is an excellent method of promoting our Savior among the various church members. You 3 together have a strong influence over people and their spirits. I am looking forward to seeing you 3 together again at Macedonia Sunday afternoon. Looks like another photo opportunity with my 3 favorite Pastors. Thank you for joining Greater St. John during our Thanksgiving Service and we are looking forward to future events where we can unite.
I truly am grateful for the effort you personally lead to put a halt to the violence that has fallen on our city during recent times. You should be commended for such genuine concern for your fellow man. Be Blessed Pastor and I will continue praying for you and your family.
Brother Armstrong
Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church
I thought I was going to have to put an "APB" out on you pastor. Great to hear that God is still sustaining you and your family.
Like you it is my desire to promote the reign and rule this holiday season.
Look forward to sitting down with you soon. Love you brother.
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