“So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.”  (Neh. 4:6). This passage always reminds this Pastor of the men and women of Friendship. The work of rebuilding the wall progressed well because the people had set their hearts and minds on accomplishing the task. They did not lose heart or give up, but they persevered in the work.  In spite of opposition and/or discouragement, the work of the Kingdom goes on. The exiles faced a daunting task in the rebuilding of the wall, however, Nehemiah constantly combined prayer with preparation. On today we, the church, celebrate and honor our men. Men who have seen the vision and accepted the challenge. Men who know that here in the earth realm, God’s work must truly be our own. Men, like the exiles who are aware that they are God’s instrumentality. Nehemiah’s challenge to the people: “…Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach” (Neh. 2:17), is really in essence the challenge that the men of Friendship have accepted. The call is for Kingdom building. We can expect opposition because “our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter5:8) Men, thank you for your labor, it is not in vain. (But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.)  God bless you men, as you continue in him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

The author of the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, refers to himself as the preacher, meaning “one who gathers or assembles.” Ecclesiastes, Solomon’s written sermon, is an analysis of life’s experiences and a critical essay about life’s true meaning. Solomon takes us on a journey through his life, and what a life he had, and in a summary statement he says all that he had done was “meaningless.” The lesson to be learned is life without God is meaningless. It does not matter what one achieves in life, how successful you might be, without God it is all vanity. Listen to the wise man: “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and the vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” (Eccl. 2:11) Solomon’s presentation, though  pessimistic, nevertheless shows that life is ultimately better with God. His presence does not shield us from all trouble, but it guarantees us that we will have His power to meet adversity.

What is the purpose of life? It is that we should fear the all-powerful God. To fear does not mean to cringe in terror, but to respect, revere and stand in awe of God because of who He is. Purpose in life starts with whom we know, not what we know or how good we are.   It is impossible to fulfill your God-given purpose unless you revere God and give Him first place in your life. Solomon says when all has been said, all has been done: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Eccl. 12:13-14) Amen!

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Psalms 46-48 are hymns of praise, celebrating deliverance from some great foe. Psalm 46 may have been written when the Assyrian army invaded the land and surrounded Jerusalem. (2 Kings 18:13-19:37) King Sennacherib of Assyria retaliated against King Hezekiah and the people of Judah because of their failure to pay an annual tribute.  The King of Assyria posed this question to King Hezekiah: “Who are you trusting to save you? Nothing can save you from my power.”  (2 Kings 18:19-20)  During difficult even deadly times, it is good to know that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Ps 46:1)  It does not matter how dire the circumstances may appear. For Hezekiah and the people of Judah, the outcome appeared bleak, nonetheless the people could say: “Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and through the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” (v2)  Although there is the specter of total destruction,  the child of God is confident that He is always there to help, providing refuge, security, and peace.

God’s power is complete and His ultimate victory is certain. He will not fail to rescue those who love and trust Him.  When it appeared the situation was hopeless, Hezekiah went to the temple and prayed. (2 Kings 19:1)  God answered Hezekiah’s prayer and delivered Judah. (2 Kings 19:35-36)

Dear ones, always let prayer be our first response in any crisis. Why? Because God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

It requires no great spiritual insight, nor do you need to be a learned social scientist, to grasp the difficult times in which we live. There is continuous gun violence, and it appears that our elected officials do not have a clue as to what can be done. As of this writing the issue of raising the national debt limit has not been resolved. The governor of Texas and the Texas Legislature are busy turning out oppressive laws, seemingly with no concern for “We the people.” In times of pent-up tensions coming from emotional stress, it is good to know that prayer can release our tensions and give us peace during these turbulent times.  King David writes this when he was forced to escape during the days of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18).  “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:1-2) Trusting God to be our rock, salvation, and defense changes our outlook on life. No longer are we held captive by hurtful treatment from others. We are released to follow an unchanging God.

Dear ones during these difficult times, share with David the confidence he had in Almighty God: “For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.”  We can find solace in the faithfulness of God. Be strong in the Lord.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

To our graduates and to the retirees, congratulations to you for achieving this significant milestone in your lives. For both you graduates and you retirees, you are now entering into a new season of life. Having said that, let me remind you that there are some constraints in life. The wise man tells us: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6) Wherever and in whatever, God is faithful, and to receive His guidance, we must acknowledge Him in all we do. Graduates, whether you are going to continue your education, enter the workforce or the military, look at your values and priorities. What is important to you? Where is God on that list? What is His advice? Make Him a vital part of everything you do; then He will guide you because you will be working to accomplish His purposes. Whatever you choose to do, “Be not wise in thine own eyes.” (Proverbs 3:7a)  We never outgrow our need for the Lord.

And to you retirees, the Lord has made it possible that you can do more Kingdom work. You now have more time to devote to making this world a better place. Listen how God identifies with the poor: “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; And that which he had given will he pay him again.” (Proverbs 19:17) When we help the poor, we show honor both to the creator and to His creation.

Be blessed as you walk in Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones