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March 31, 2019
Bro. Gabriel Johnson
Standing out in a crowd can be hard for us young people. I feel like before we do anything we think “how will I look after this?” Or, “What will people think of me?” This can stop us from doing the right thing. As a Christian this should never happen. God wants us to the right thing no matter what will happen afterwards.
You might want to help someone out but then you think people might call [you] lame. Or, if your friends want you to do something that you know is wrong, you’ll consider doing it, or just do it, because you don’t want your friends to hang with you less or make fun of you. But in Galatians 6:9 it says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Meaning that if we keep doing the right thing and standing out of the crowd God will bless us.
I used to really be scared to standout, but now I’m over that! If my friends are doing something I’m not going to get peer pressured into doing it. I [will] standout [from] the crowd and do the right thing because I know that’s what God wants me to do.
Sis. Kamia Wardlaw
Standing out from the crowd means you have different boundaries, personalities, talents, and aspirations. For me, I stand out from the crowd because of who I am as a person. I am an Extrovert, as well as an introvert. If you know me really well, then you know I’m very outgoing. If I don’t know you, then I’m really observant.
Standing out from the crowd is the best decision in life. One, because God created us all differently. Two, because we all have a different purpose (Jeremiah 29:11 – for I know the plans I have for you). Three, stop trying to please everyone (Galatians 1:10 – Ask yourself? Am I trying to win the approval of people or God? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ servant).
Embrace who you are. Remember you are Gods masterpiece, not the world’s. In life you have 3 types of friends: friends for a reason, a season, and a lifetime. I know that I have a friend in Jesus where ever I go, I will not live for people, but I will for God. I know that He will lead and guide me.
Don’t be afraid of being different, be afraid of being the same.
December 30, 2018
Bro. Arthur Rushin, III
The Christmas season personally means to me, that it is a time to slow down and reflect on ourselves and family for the year. I feel at times we’re moving really fast and don’t take time to notice and appreciate all the good things we have in the moment. This season is the main time I give thought and appreciation to what I have. Christmas is also the time when I get to really appreciate the greatest gift I have; which is salvation. Jesus’s birth means a lot to me because, without him I and everyone else would be lost and still separated from God. This serves as a real reminder for me of his grace and compassion. It also encourages me to give to others, similar to the way God gifted us his son. Jesus didn’t have to come down to earth the way he did, but because God loves us so much, he gave us the best gift anyone could ask for his son and eternal life with him.
The phrase “The reason for the season” personally serves as a reminder to focus on what the Christmas season is truly about. Distractions like Santa, Elves, Rudolph and your neighbor’s high-quality LED lights he got from Lowe’s, often influence and divert our attention away from the real reason for the season. They are nice festive things that come along with the holiday season and make people feel good. But we should always be mindful of why we really have all the good things we have. The true reason for the season is Jesus.
Sis. Hannifah Desriveau
I was recently asked the question What does the reason for the season mean to me? When I thought about this I thought about all the important things that are happening around me; things like spreading joy and spending time with my family but the most important reason for the season is the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:11 states “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” This shows us that this season is not about getting all the presents that you want but about celebrating what God has given to us. We celebrate Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus which was God’s greatest gift to us because he was born to be the Savior that died on the cross for my sins and if I just believe in him then I will not perish but have everlasting life.
September 30, 2018
Bro. Charles Grace Jr.
My God has made a difference in my life whenever I’m about to think, say or do something that displeases God, like the time I had the chance to commit a sin, God stopped me and made me think twice about what would come next. Through the bible (Proverbs 28:13) he told me: that I gain nothing for my poor decisions and bad actions. Proverbs says people who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Whenever I’m about to take an exam, I call on the lord I put my trust in, because I know no matter how hard I study, I can’t do it alone and when I do something for the first time or when I’m about to take a big step in life, I put my faith in him because having faith in God conquers fear every time. Whenever I do something amazing and there’s no one around to see my accomplishments, I praise him anyway, because I know the fact that I was able to score that goal or perform a task wasn’t my doing, it was the LORD. So, I say thank you Lord.
Chorus
And now that I am older, And have experienced some things, I realize that You were there With problems seen and unseen.
Now I can say, I love You Jesus, You’ve been so good to me, You died on Calvary.
Now I can say, I love You Jesus, Thank you, ‘cause You’ve been so good to me.
~ ~ ~
Sis. Olayinka Iposu
Good morning Tabernacle family and friends. Today I will be telling you about how God has made a difference in my life. I have been in church since I was born. Growing up I thought I knew who God was. Since I can remember, my family has always prayed. We prayed before meals, when we got in the car to go places. Even in the mornings, we would pray as a family, so I knew who God was and that he was real. However, it really wasn’t until recently, I considered him to be my personal savior and friend. For example, last year, my aunt passed away from cancer, I was really hurt about it, but when I prayed to God about it, I felt at peace to know that she was with him and not suffering anymore.
Another example is when I started this school year, I was scared of how I was gonna do, what it would be like and it had hit me that I was growing up and had to be more serious. But when I prayed about it, God told me that I was gonna be fine, and to stop worrying and to do my best.
And lastly, God has shown me that he is always by my side. For example, just last week, people who I called my friends showed me they were not by their negative actions towards me, but in Proverbs 18:24 it says, “A man of many companions, may come to ruin, but there’s a friend who sticks closer than a brother”, and that is God to me.
In closing, I have found that I can rely on God for anything and everything. My experiences with God have shown that he is a peacemaker in times of sorrow, a comforter in moments of doubt, and a friend above all friends. I hope my testimony has encouraged you to seek God and keep your faith. Thank you.
