Sermon Notes: God is Accelerating Your Destiny

This past Sunday, Pastor McKibbins spoke prophetically about how God is accelerating his people in this season.  However, we, as children of God have to be in a place of accepting the things that God has for our lives.  That means that we have to give God a complete, "Yes!" to his will and his plan.  Pastor McKibbins gave us 4 great points to help us understand how to move forward in the things of God.

4 Things to Accelerate Your Life Now

1. Get rid of Distractions.

    A distraction is anything that prevents you from giving full attention to your goal or focus.

    1 Corinthians 7:35 says, " I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion tot the Lord."  When we focus on God and his purpose for our lives, he will give us the desires of our heart.   Psalms  37:4-5  says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust him and he will act."

2.  Get rid of Diversions.

     A diversion is someone or something that works to knock you off course.

     James 4:17 says, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it , for him it is sin."  We always have to pray and ask God for wisdom and discernment concerning the people and things that are in our lives.  Some people and things may appear to be good for us, but in the end those people and those things might destroy us.  Ex: Delia appeared to be good and helpful to Samson, but she was the one who betrayed him and caused his life to be cut short.

     

3.  Get rid of Deviations.

     A deviation is an action that alters God's original intent. 

      Joshua 1:7 says,"Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you.  Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go."  

4.   Get rid of Devices.

      A device is an addiction(of any type) or something that has a hold over you.

      Romans 1:28 says, "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done."  In these times, there are so many subtle devices or addictions that are available that range from gossip to television to social media.  However, by spending more time with God, we can connected to him and build up our resistance to those things that are contrary to God's will. Jesus said, in Luke 10:19, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on the serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."  

For more sermons and updates, visit our website: www.churchofatlantalighthouse.org.

The Season of Lent

Lent Season is a 40 day period of reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  During this time, Christians fast, repent, and strengthen in spiritual discipline.  This year,the Church of Atlanta Lighthouse will be participating in a church fast that includes a 21 Day Financial fast, followed by a Daniel Fast.

 As a guide for our financial fast, we're using, "The 21 Day Financial Fast," by Michelle Singletary.  This is a spiritually scriptured based book that gives step by step instructions on how to become debt free through budgeting, saving and investing.  It will challenge the way that you think and feel about managing money.  If you truly want to become a lender instead of a borrower, join us on this fast and start living the life that Jesus intended for you; a life free from every type of bondage.

"The 21 Day Financial Fast," is available here: http://www.amazon.com/The-21-Day-Financial-Fast-Freedom/dp/0310338336/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394728873&sr=8-1&keywords=The+21+Day+Financial+Fast.

For more information about this fast, visit our website: www.churchofatlantalighthouse.org.

How Do You Glorify God?

The definition of worship means to show reverence and adoration to God.  It's a sacred and wonderful experience in which we glorify God for his power, faithfulness, love and forgiveness.  However, for some, worship has become more of a chore than a joyful experience.  For others, who are new to the faith, it might be confusing at times.  Whether you're new to the faith, a seasoned Christian or a Worship Leader who wants to enhance your church's worship experience, join us Sunday, March 23 @ 8:30am and 11:00am at Church of Atlanta Lighthouse for a fresh revelation of how to experience the power of God through worship. Our guest speaker is Evangelist Melodie Lovely.  Our guest panelists are Pastor Daniel Smart, Evangelist Melodie Lovely, and Pastor John Paul McGee.  We look forward to worshiping with you!

Please visit our website @www.churchofatlantalighthouse.org.

It's Real. It Works. It's Always Available. It's Prayer.

The definition of prayer is: a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God.  God's will for our lives is to give us hope (Jeremiah 29:11), to prosper us ( 3 John 1:2), and to provide a way for us to seek forgiveness and healing from him ( 2 Chronicles 7:14).  All of those promises are available to us through prayer.  

Prayer has a restoring power within it that renews the spirit and refreshes the soul.  We, at the Church of Atlanta Lighthouse invite you to join us in prayer and fellowship with the Christian Family Worship Center on March 15, 2014 from 10:00am-12:00pm.  Our very own, Pastor Timothy McKibbins will be the guest speaker.  We want to pray for you, your family and our community.

Visit us online at www.churchofatlantalighthouse.org

Join us for an Observation of Black History Month

A Brief History on Black History Month

Black History Month started as Black History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson and his organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.  The 2nd week in February was chosen to honor the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.   

Woodson felt that it was necessary for the self worth and growth of Black people in America to realize that their history didn't start with slavery. Woodson also wanted to highlight the contributions of Black people to America and the world.  

According to Woodson, "Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history."  In 1976, Black History Week grew into Black History Month and was officially recognized by President Ford.


We, at the Church of Atlanta Lighthouse, would like for you, your family, and friends to join us in this great celebration of Black History.  We look forward to seeing you.

Visit us online at www.churchofatlantalighthouse.org.  God Bless You!

A Character Building Situation

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; Knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  

-James 1:2-4

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

-John 16:33

A Character Building Situation

Have you ever been in a situation that was just the worst?  Or have you ever been in between a rock and a hard place? Me too. Those experiences are what I like to call Character Building Situations.  I, along with several other Georgia residents, had my character tested during the recent inclement weather that we experienced last week.  As I traveled on the roads trying desperately to reach my children, dodged icy spots and other drivers that slid around the slick streets, I began to get frustrated and discouraged.  My circumstances looked bleak and I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to pick up my kids from school that day.  I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare that wouldn't end.  

However, anytime that I'm confronted with tough situations, the scriptures above tend to come to my mind.   I've learned that in the mist of frustrating times or character building situations, there is always a lesson to be learned and there is always something to be grateful for.  With every character building situation, I realize more and more what James meant when he wrote the previous scripture.  

5 Reasons Why We Count Our Trials as Joy

1.  God won't let us be tempted beyond what we are capable of handling (1 Corinthians 10:13).

2.  God uses these situations to help us recognize the areas in our lives that need improvement (Ephesians 2:10 and Philippians 1:6).

3.  These situations are opportunities for us to grow in integrity (Romans 5:3-4). 

4.  Our trials and temptations will only be for a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1-7).

5.  Jesus overcame the world which makes us Over-Comers as believers of Christ (1 John 4:4).

After considering those scriptures I began to calm down.  I prayed for peace, for the other drivers, and the kids at school waiting to go home.  Even though it took almost 4 hours to get home on one of the scariest drives I've ever experienced, we made it home safely.  My faith in God grew, my patience increased and I was able to experience God's peace during a trying time.  Always remember to seek God in your character building situations.  God bless you!

Please visit us online at churchofatlantalighthouse.org.  

  

Remember, Celebrate, Rejoice, Act

Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  He was a minister, husband, father, dreamer, a nonviolent leader and activist for Civil Rights and equality in America and around the world. 

Dr. King made the biblical principles of love the foundation of the Civil Rights Movement.  He understood and applied the importance of scriptures like, 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” and Matthew 5:39, “But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil.  But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

When he was arrested, he practiced love.

When attempts were made on his life, he practiced love.

When his house was bombed, he practiced love.

When he was attacked and wrongfully accused, he still practiced love.

 Let's continue to follow in the footsteps of this remarkable man, today and everyday by practicing love.

 

Visit us online at www.churchofatlantalighthouse.org