Be Humble and Let God Exalt You

Matthew 23:12
We come together to exalt the name of The Lord. God will exalt us in due time. We are not to exalt ourselves, but to be humble.
The scribes Pharisees were using the law of Moses to exalt themselves. Jesus began to rebuke the scribes and Pharisees because they only told others to follow the law and excluded themselves. They only wanted to be recognized and seen of men. He also instructed His disciples that everyone must follow the law. The Pharisees and scribes only wanted to be seen. The spirit of the scribes and Pharisees are still prevalent today. We need to be able to distinguish between what is right and what is selfish.
The Pharisees and scribes sat in the “high seat,” and gave the law to the people. God says we still have to accept and follow the law, but not ungodly examples.
God doesn’t want anyone to be exalted above Him.
Peter taught the church to humble themselves that they might be exalted in due time. When God starts blessing His people, the enemy stirs up trouble and confusion. Be wary of the wiles of the enemy.
Jesus taught a lesson on humility. He who is greater has to be like young children. They are very submissive and obedient. (see Luke 22:26) If you want to be something, be a servant. And the higher you go, the greater the servant you are to become. Jesus wanted to show them that there is none greater than Him. And Jesus came to be the ultimate servant.
Paul said not to think of yourself higher than you ought. (see Romans 12:3) Therefore, true greatness is a matter of what’s in your heart. It shows through sincere expression of faith and love to God. True greatness is in sincerity and in a desire to serve both God and man. What are you doing to help your brother and sister? You have to be willing to be seen as the least in the kingdom. Everything must be to God’s glory!
True greatness is not in status, education, accomplishments, influence, or power. True greatness is not in what you do, but what in who you are for God. Be committed to whatever task God gives you. True greatness requires that we become great in the right areas: faith, godly character, wisdom, self-control. Greatness shows through the fruits of the spirit. (see Galatians 5:22-23) Be great in love and in commitment to God. Learn to have the greatness of Christ, who loves us in righteousness and hates iniquity. True greatness will humble you in the midst of trials and tribulations and help you hold on to God!
Do not work to be seen. What’s done in secret, God will rewarded openly. (see Matthew 6:6)
We must lead by example. We should not have a problem performing small tasks if we truly aspire to lead. Be willing to do things for God without expecting an earthly reward. Treasure God’s house and serve!
When you learn to be a true servant and to stay where God places you, God can use you as a testimony! (see Romans 12:1-2)

‘Despite the pressure, I will hold onto my praise’

Scripture: Exodus 1:1-20
Bishop Kenneth Green of Straightway Apostolic Temple visited with us to celebrate Bishop and First Lady’s 25th Pastoral Anniversary and preached a message on praise in times of pressure. Here is an excerpt of notes from his message.

Notes: We praise God for who He is and what He has already done. We praise Him with our emotion. The fact that you are still here is enough to give God praise. Everybody is pressured and the devil wants you to be quiet on God. He thought if He put enough pressure on you, you would not praise God. But even if you did, God is still good.

You don’t have to wait till you get to church you can praise Him right now. He’s good and His mercy endures for a long time. Get out your seat, wave your hand, because it coulda, shoulda, woulda been the other way. We could be celebrating someone’s homegoing, but look at God. He’s so good you shouldn’t be able to wait to praise Him.

No one knows like you know just how good God is in the morning, noon and night. He puts bread on the table. He gave you a sane mind. Stand up and tell the devil that you can’t overpraise!

‘It may be hard, but don’t depart the faith’

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4: 1-6
There are many departing from the faith, but YOU have to say to yourself – that won’t be me. We want God to work on us, and through us, so He can move through us at anytime, Bishop Pendleton preached on Sunday. (Tweet)

Notes: The enemy is going to do everything he can to turn us away from God. He comes presenting the world even though it’s not his to give, and will try to entice you away from the will of God. But God wants us all to come to repentance so no one will perish. In walking with God there is going to be a press, a fight, an opposition. Jesus warned us of this. He told the disciples they would be hated.

The world is turning against the ways and will of God, and promoting things that are not biblically based. They speak in contrary to everything that God has established. We are going to be faced with many oppositions, from the right and the left. But “none of these things move me, and neither count I my life dear to myself so that I may finish my course with joy.” We have a God on our side who is able to keep and hold us. Don’t let outside pressures cause us to depart from the faith, but lay hold on eternal life and “press towards the mark of the high calling.” The prize is at the end. You don’t get the prize until you get to the end.

Make your mind up that you won’t let any devil stop you from receiving the prize. It may be hard, but “I’m going to get my prize.” You need to make up your mind that you’re going to get your prize. The devil is going to try to stop you, but don’t let him. Go to the end. God wants us to be steadfast, firm and committed to him. Regardless of how others may change, you have to make up your mind that you won’t change.

Women, prepare for a power-packed conference!

Courtesy of Google Images

Praise the Lord! The DC, DE & MD District Council’s Women & Christian Worker’s Auxiliary is holding the Women of Prayer, Praise and Power Conference at Grace Apostolic Church. Bishop Earnest Pendleton will serve as the host pastor. Evangelist Angela Fooks of Greater Higher Hope Temple, and our own Evangelist Yvonne Pendleton are the speakers. Guest singers include the Greater Higher Hope Praise Team, the Barton Sisters and Sis. Janeen Goggins.

Schedule
Prayer Breakfast begins at 9 a.m.
Fashion Show begins at noon.
Lunch served at 2:30 p.m.

Registration fee
$20.

Contact
Secretary Sis. Dorothy Caraway at 410-322-3380, Vice President Sis. Ida Johnson 202-528-6061 or President Evang. Carol Williams at 703-350-6635 and/or cmwilliams101@hotmail.com, for more information.

Revival 2010 ends on a high note of praise

Read *live* updates from the final night of Grace Apostolic Church’s 2010 revival, featuring Evangelist E. Lorraine Langham, who is also scheduled to preach Sunday.

To get a copy of one or all the dynamic services e-mail graceapostolic@aol.com.

In Recognition: Thanks to all the Administrators, Ministers, Deacons, Praise Team, Security Team and Ushers that blessed the services this week with their time and dedication.