(March gladness continues). Out of this Pastor’s recent health challenge comes a monumental “gladness.” This Pastor is glad (grateful, thankful, appreciative) about the faithfulness of God. Our Heavenly Father has at His disposal all that there is in this people planet, and it is available to bless His people. Medical personnel, doctors, nurses, technicians, food preparation people, custodians, transporters, an awesome array of medical equipment, collectively, all of the aforementioned are parts of God’s instrumentality. The loving God orders our steps and gives us a Romans 8:28 result, (And we know that all things work together for  good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose).

We are glad that at the time of sickness, disease, accidents, God directs one to the care of caring, knowledgeable medical personnel where He can work through them. Hear the word of God: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” (Mt. 4:23) The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and for ever” (13:8).

Dear Ones, I am glad that Jesus is the consummate healer. And what He has done, He can do it now. Be blessed as you walk in divine health.

(Repeated post from March 3, 2009)   

Jesus, the Master Teacher, tells us in Matthew 5:13, that we, as Christians, are the salt of the earth. What a profound statement, but then to that Jesus poses a rhetorical question: “but if the salt have lost his savor (strength), wherewith shall it be salted”? Jesus underscores the reality that salt has the power to make a difference. Dear Ones, the Lord has strategically positioned us in the world to make a difference. In the ancient world, salt was used to flavor, preserve, and purify. As a flavor enhancer, salt adds zest and brings taste to what would otherwise be bland and disappointing. The overall climate of our nation is one of fear. The economy, the mortgage melt-down, the bank bailouts, unemployment, and this and that, all give cause for concern, however, we know in whom we have believed. As Christians, we are confident and optimistic that during these dark times: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isaiah 9:2). To the Christian I say, “get out of the shaker.” Salt is only effective when it engages its surroundings. Salt left in the shaker is of no use.

During these dark times, this should be the finest hour for the Church of the Living God. We know that our God, Jehovah-Jireh, is our source. The Lord will provide! Because of all we have in Jesus, our lives are rich and free. We are as Christians, not negative, not stagnated, not embroiled, in the fear and worry of the times, but rather confident in the Creator of the universe that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us.

Beloved, as salt, please “get out of the shaker”!

Pastor J. Amos Jones

March Gladness (continued).  I am glad that as belivers, we possess dual citizenship.  We, as citizens of this great county, pledge our allegiance and fidelty to the United States of America, however, we are also citizens of the Kingdom of God.  Moreover when we “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Casear’s; and unto God things that are God’s”, there is no conflict.  When the citizenry of the United States really live out: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursit of Happiness. That, to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” (Lofty words,we are not yet there, however, I am glad that we have this exercise in democacy to show us what we can be.) When the believer truly embraces this word: “For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of man.  Let us, therefore, follow after the things which make for peace, and things with which one may edify another” (Romans 14:17-19).  The phrase “Thy Kingdom come” in the model prayer, is a reference to God’s spiritual reign.  God’s Kingdom was announced in the covenant with Abraham (Mt. 8:11), is present in Christ’s reign in the hearts of believers (Lk. 17-21).  This preacher is truly glad (joyful) concerning the belivers “dual citizenship”.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK   March 6, 2022

Here we are March, 2022, welcome to “March Gladness”. For those not familiar with the term, “March Gladness” came about as a play on words of a sporting series that is played out during the month of March. While some people are satisfied with “March Madness”, this Pastor would rather meditate on “March Gladness”.  What are you glad about?

This Pastor is glad about the authentic worship here at F.M.B.C. During the early reign of Hezekiah king of Judah, there was a mighty revival in the land. In the first month of his of reign, Hezekiah opened the doors of the House of the Lord and gave instructions to the priests and the Levites to “sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the House of the Lord God of your father’s.” II Chronicles 29: 20-36 gives an account of the restoration of temple worship. What an awesome scene of worship. Hear the word of the Lord: “And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshipped. Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the Lord with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped” (vs. 29-30). “And they sang praises with gladness.”

This Pastor is glad about a church that serves the Lord with gladness. In a summary fashion, the word of God says: “And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly” (II Chr 29:36). Let March Gladness continue.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

From day one in these waning hours of Black History Month, 2022, there is a fact that is self-evident. The descendants of slavery, the most horrific act of man’s inhumanity to man, are not just survivors of the USA’s great sin, we are overcomers! Yes, it’s true, people of color survived slavery and all of its ugliness. Slavery spawn the racism that is so prevalent in our society today. However, in spite of all the negative experiences borne out of slavery, we are overcomers. Hear what the word of God says: “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:14).

As a people, we are strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might (Eph. 6:10). God is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and he is also the God of Lutisha, and the God of Mattie Pearl, and the God of Amos. For the descendants of Ham, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. God is in the midst of her; She shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The Lord of host is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. (Psalm 46:1-3, 5, 7)

Let us continue.

Pastor J. Amos Jones