I Samuel 30:8
How to Deal With Challenges

Pastor Rev. Dr. Jonathan T. Phillips, Jr.

God has blessed us by and through our faithfulness. He has rewarded us by and through our obedience.
But, we are stilled challenged daily: work, family, friends, marriages, etc. These challenges bring us to make decisions.
Before you make choices and face your daily challenges do the following:

1. Consult (talk to) God first for directions.  Sometimes we bring God in later not in the beginning.  In today’s scripture, we can see where David did this by asking God What he should do.

2.  Commit to God’s direction.  Remember to do what God said and do it God’s way not your own.  Don’t ask Him, then question and reason with Him to do it another way. In scripture we see after David asked God, God told him what direction to take.

3.  Give God the credit!  After David did what God said, he gave Him praise.  Once God delivers you give Him Praise for what He has done!

Once you ask, given directions, do as you are asked to do.  When you see the victory, give God the praise for His mighty works!

Isaiah 26:1-4
Just Do It!

We halt between two opinions. We need to go ahead and do as God’s word say to do it.

The Bible does not tell you to figure it out or stress it out, but to trust in God.

When you say “I trust God” you take self out and realizes He cares and is capable of handling whatever the situation might be.

We need to stop trying to figure out how He’s going to handle our situation. Just trust God because He can.
We need to move pass lip service and focus on God. He loves you, He can take care of the situation to bring Him glory.

Whatever and whenever you commit to God, it’s for God’s glory and your good. Put it in God’s hands.

God will place people and things in your life to help you. God has compassion, He is capable and He cares.

Just Do It! Put it in His hand, trust Him and see His glory.

2017 Scholarship Applications now available.

Go to our Resource Page to get your copy!

The Need For A Messiah.
Isaiah 9:6

Pastor Rev. Dr. Jonathan T. Phillips, Jr.

Isaiah shared with the people during dark times the promise of God, the Messiah.

We take Christ out of Christmas and we celebrate His season without Him. We fail to realize the need for a Messiah.
Jesus was born with a purpose

Remember to keep Christ in Christmas.

1. Jesus became our Substitute at His death ( Sin had to be paid for)

2. Jesus became the Sacrifice (He was the payment for our sins)

3. Jesus became our Saviour (There was no hope for us, He paid through His death. He redeemed us.)

Jesus is exceptional – gives the right advice (Wonderful Counselor)

Jesus is God Himself (Mighty God)

Jesus is timeless – no beginning or end (Everlasting)

Jesus rules and super rules (Prince of Peace)

Bring Jesus gifts and celebrate Him in this season.

Jesus is the reason for the season!

(late posting)

A Reason to Give Thanks
Habakkuk 3:17-18

This season is not just about family, food and friends. Don’t get confused. Give God thanks.

Reasons for giving thanks:

We have Salvation through God
If you have nothing still give thanks.

Rejoice in the Lord.
He is our Saviour!

Thank God with gratitude!

Live in the strength of His Spirit.
Live in confidence, Things will be better.

(late posting)

Hold On To Your Faith
Job 1:20-22

Job was an upright man. He shunned evil. God allowed Satan to have his way. But in all the losses, we see Job did not lose his faith!

Regardless of what you go through hold on to your faith. Hold on to God. He is the author and finisher.

Hold fast to God. Regardless of the situation you face or go through, we show emotions which is ok!

1. When you go through Keep and have a time of Devotion.
Spend time with God. Devotion time allows God to minister to you.

2. When you go through you must have Dependence on God
Independence had it’s place. We have been taught to be independent.
But remember you need God.

3. You must have Diligence before God
Let nothing come your way to stop you from praise God.

4. You must have a Spirit of Declaration before God
Don’t allow your suffering to your questioning of God. It’s ok to ask God questions for understanding not for why.

Pain is not always for punishment. Sometimes pain if for purification.

Hold on to your faith. Let God know you serve Him for who He is!

Late Posting

God is Still In Control
Matthew 6:31-34

1. Spend time with Jesus
Expect the Devil to come after you.
Respond “As it is written”(the Word of God)
Don’t act out of flesh and frustrations. Always respond with God’s Word!

2. Rejoice – Be exceedingly glad
Know who you are. We are the light of the world. We are in the world but not of the world.
We are people of Faith
We have a Father who has all powers.

Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself.

God is still in control.
Seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness!

It’s going yo get better!

Late Posting’

The Importance of Walking With God
Acts 4:13
Ephesians 4:1-7

Pastor Rev. Dr. Jonathan T. Phillips, Jr.

As a believer your relationship with God is valuable. This relationship is what keeps you anchored and grounded in these times of trouble.

As a believer, leader and servant walking with God implies you have fellowship with God. To be effective your life has to line up with the Word of God. People look and watch your walk. They are looking for something real!. They are looking for your anointing.

When in time of trouble you look and seek out people who have a relationship with God who can get a prayer through to God.

When people see you on the job, or other places can they tell you are different? Can they ask you for help? Do you just want to be accepted and not let them see you have a walk with God?

You should walk with God so you can be BOLD.

It’s time out for playing, it’s about growing with God.

Walk with God in a strong relationship with Him. Live a life that’s worthy!

Late Posting – Pastor Rev. Dr. Jonathan T. Phillips, Jr.
Spiritual Growth
I Peter 2:1-2

End the year of 2016 strong and begin 2017 stronger. It’s time to be the best you!

Let the year 2017 be the year you grown spiritual, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

There will be spiritual attacks against your spiritual growth. When you start to grow spiritual it might not be easy. The enemy do not want you to grow. The attacks will be internal and external.

If you are to grow spiritual you need to develop and maintain an effective and fervent prayer life and precise in your studying of God’s Word.

You can not grow just by going to church on Sunday. The Devil is always with you.

You need tools to fight against the Devil, Grow in grace and grow in God. Where much is given much is required.

The more you get of God the more you will want.

Let this year be a better you!

My Praise Is On Purpose
Psalm 34:1

Pastor Rev. Fr. Jonathan T. Phillips, Jr.

When you praise God it should always be on purpose not on accident. It should not be based on emotional feeling but on the Holy Spirit feeling!

We should be as David was in Psalm 34:1 with our praise:
A personal proclamation – “I”
Do it on purpose – “will”
Practice – “Bless the Lord”
Persistent – “At all times”

Our problems is praise requires active participation.

Just as God delivered for David, he will deliver for you.

When you praise God you friends become fearful. God will deliver you from foes and friends who the Devil will try to use against you.

Your praise should be based on what God has already done, even if he does nothing else, because He has already done enough!

Let’s end the year 2016 and the beginning of year 2017 by being a better me emotionally, spiritually and physically!

Be grateful and thankful. Don’t focus on trouble because whatever you are facing better is coming!