Worshiping the Lord has never be confined or limited to a building. The Lord has given us a building to collectively and corporately assemble, worship, serve and share-in the overall worship and gospel ministry. But in times past when the Saints were not able to meet together what did they do? John 4:23-24

Wherever we are today around noon, let us collectively from our house to yours join together in our weekly time of prayer. As a team, a family we can encourage, exhort and help each other as we process the things we are faced with. Our Lord reminds us to “exhort one another daily” Heb 10:25.

How does one get to “know” someone? My husband and I dated for a long time before we married (29 years ago). Each time we went on a date I would prepare myself – you see, Curtis had this way of presenting stories about family, friends and coworkers that would have me laughing and crying all at the same time. As we moved on, I began to notice that he was well-liked by my family and friends. He loved attending the NASCAR races. He loved his family, he had a job. Never prideful, always willing to help others without ever expecting anything in return. And most importantly, he loved God. It was spending time with him that drew me to him. And so it is with getting to know God. So WHO IS GOD? Lets begin with his attributes. The term “attributes of God” refers to qualities describing God, or characteristics of the divine nature, as God has revealed them to us in scriptures.Taking in consideration,

God’s attributes are unlimited. I want to begin with GOD IS LOVE. The revelation of this truth was the beginning of my growth in faith. I began to realize that Jesus’ love for me was more than I could imagine. One of the first song that a child learned about Jesus is; “Jesus Loves Me” (this I know for the Bible tells me so) In Ephesians 3:17-19, Apostle Paul states“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted in love…..may know the love of Christ which passes knowledge. His love for me and you is pass understanding. This love is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3). Another truth that I know about God; No one, no thing, no situation, not even angels, NOTHING CAN separate me from GOD’s love (Romans 8:38-39). It is His love for me that  drives me with a thirst to know Him more and more. One of my favorite songs of long ago is the song, O LOVE THAT WILT NOT LET ME GO, has consoled me during my times of many heart aches, pain and misery. Getting to know God is to experience his powerful love. You will be all the more anxious to know Him.

Next: God Is Infinite – He is Self-Existing-Without Origin 

Jesus Is The Answer

Invited to of the Lord’s Supper

I Corinthians 11:23-34

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come

We, as Believers are encouraged to obey the Lord’s ordinance of Communion. Communion is the act of remembering the sacrificial death and burial as the only means to satisfy the sin death owed to a holy God. On the night in which he was betrayed by Judas, the Lord sat down with the twelve. He shared with them some of his most intimate details regarding his death and Father’s plan. Even knowing all of what was about to take place, he attempted to comfort and encouraged the men who had followed his ministry over the past three years. They were filled with all kinds of emotions, but the Lord wanted to settle them and remind them that this moment had been told to them all along. On the night before he was crucified, he invited his disciples to partake in what is commonly called, “The Last Supper”.

There are three important elements we abide in when we remember and participate in the Lord’s supper:

• Obedience – According to Paul’s writings to the church at Corinth, he stated, that as often as you eat this bread and drink of this cup, we will be remembering the Lord’s death till he returns (I Cor. 11:26). Faithful obedience to the Lord’s words are the most respectable way to give him glory and honor. It is trusting and obeying him that pleases Him (Heb. 11:6). So when we participate by taking of the bread which represents his broken body and the juice his shed blood we are obeying him, bringing glory to Him.
• Judgement – In agreement with the element of obedience is the need to be judged. Judgement is basically the reckoning of an offense against the rule of authority, in this case it is the authority of the Lord God. God allows us to examine our own life, by comparing it with the life of is son. And in every case, we will come up short. Jesus was in complete obedience with everything his Father (Col. 1:19). So in our willful obedience to judge ourselves, we are offered the opportunity to identify areas of sin, confess them and be reinstated in a right relationship which qualifies us to participate in the communion supper. God holds a separate judgement for the unsaved world.
• Fellowship – One of the greatest witness to the world of the family of God is shown in the fellowship and union that exists among the saints. We are strongly admonished to be in fellowship with each other in the family of God but it can only be done when we are in fellowship with our Father. After we examine ourselves and make things right through repentance and confession, we can truly have fellowship one with another.

The beauty of being in fellowship with each other brings honor to the Lord. Join us as we honor the Lord in worship through participating in the Lord’s Communion. So this resurrection Sunday, wherever you are and with whoever, honor the Lord and remember his death in communion.

Luke 24:13-27

On the day of the resurrection of Christ, the first day of the week, two men traveling on the road to Emmaus had the encounter of their life. While Mary, Joanna, Mary Magdalene were explaining to the eleven the scene of the empty tomb Christ appeared. According to Matt. 28:8-9, The Lord appeared to them to encourage them. Another disciple, Mark records the risen Savior appearing to and two men traveling on a road to another country (Mark 16:9-13).

Leaving Jerusalem, these men had a lot of time to talk for the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, is approximately seven miles. Not our modern day paved roads, they probably had a four hour hike. They had just been participated in the celebration and festivities of the Passover. These two likely renewed some old acquaintances, set up some business deals and just shared their Jewish faith with others. They probably heard or witnessed all the town talk of the men who had been executed just three days prior, in particular the one called the Christ. One interesting point is at some point along the road the Lord, the risen Christ appeared to these two men. Along with others headed back to their respective homes, canavans of people, the Lord singled these out.

As if he was a stranger in a strange land, (for he veiled himself before their eyes) Jesus inquired about the conversation they were having. It was interesting that Jesus asked what they were talking about so Cleopas responded, really? His response lead to them believe that the Lord was going away from Jerusalem because they asked, have you not heard of the things that took place about the Nazarene. Jesus was the talk of the town and for some reason, he appeared to the two, ignorant. Jesus wants us to know what we believe so he asked them to testify of the things they had witnessed. They spoke with details of the trial, the beating and crucifixion. They spoke of the empty tomb as testified by the women. They even spoke of the words that he might have been the One to redeem Israel. Jesus’ ears heard unbelief and disappointment from these two men.

Then the Lord educates them and expounds to them Scriptures, specifically those about him. Hebrews 1 reminds us that the Lord not only wants us to have a head knowledge of scripture, but believe the scriptures. God has chosen to speak to us now through his Son, and anything less than belief is an insult and an act of disrespect to His order. Hence the reason Jesus, called them “foolish” in their unbelief. The two men obviously had an astute knowledge of the Jewish history and the promises of the Old Testament scripitures. But none of that means anything before the Lord if it is not mixed with faith (Heb. 4:2).

Stay Focused – Noon Day Prayer

Wherever you are in our time of “social distancing”, take a moment to join us corporately but at a distance, in prayer. Just because we are not able to meet in prayer we still able to meet before the throne of God to seek his face and give him honor and glory.

We ask you to continue to pray for Pastor Ricks’ full medical recovery and deliverance for all who have been afflicted by the COVID19, for the medical staff attending to him and comfort and peace to his heart of his concern for Sister Vanessa. Pray for healing to all others in the Ricks family, the New Berean family and our extended families for those impacted by the virus. Pray for God’s continued favor for caretaking services for Sister Ricks and Leroy Jr, to be healed.

Thank you all for being patient and available as you have been in you service towards one another as it is pleasing to the Lord. Let us also be mindful of our calling to be a witness for the Lord before the community we live and the people we are associated. Be kindly affectionate, be prayerful, be sensitive. Watch our words and speak them with a thankful heart.

“Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we obtain mercy and find grace to help in a time of need” Heb. 4:16

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” John 11:25

This week many will celebrate, remember and commemorate a series of events commonly known as Easter. These events; the death, burial and subsequent resurrection of Jesus are complied together as a religious hallmark in many cultures and communities. It is the Gospel as Paul defined in his letter to the Corinthians (I Cor. 15:1-7. Therefore it is the cornerstone of our faith, for if there be no resurrection from the dead then our faith is also (I Cor. 15:15-19).

We are encouraged to approach this week with a level of appreciation and praise to the Lord for the great work he performed over two-thousand years ago. The resurrection is in fact an event, but more importantly, it is a person. The resurrection we will be remembering is Christ the Lord. He stated he is the resurrection. He proclaimed with all finality that because of him we can have eternal life to the glory of God. He is the resurrection, which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. The wrath of God that abides on every unbeliever (John 3:36) is now removed because of their belief. The Resurrection satisfies all of God’s judgement on the sin of mankind and necomes the very expression of his love towards mankind who are now at peace with the holiness of the Lord (Rom. 5:1-2).

Because He, Jesus is the resurrection, we have a hope that our world cannot comprehend. Not that we as Believers can understand (humanly speaking), but in our faith in the Resurrection, the Lord our God, gives us hope. We have his word on this hope. We have no need to be ashamed of the hope that rests in us for it is the authority, the power of God (Rom. 1:16) and to everyone who believes.

Our hope is not in a series of events and we do not worship the events. But our hope is in the Resurrection, the Christ who was raised from the dead (I Pet. 1:20-21).

April 9th – Zech. 9:9-17

The most ever anticipated event in Jewish was the coming of the Messiah. The messiah was to be the Deliver, the special one of Jehovah to rescue them from years of bondage and slavery. Though the Lord had used and sent forth many Prophets and Leaders to warn his people they often times refused to hear and obey their words. 

In our lesson this week, we’ll examine the prophecy of Zechariah as he tells Israel of the Coming of the Savior.

Upon returning from Babylonian captivity, the Lord God raised up yet another prophet, Zechariah to encourage the people of Israel to have hope, their Deliverer will come. Rebuilding after their city had been destroyed, was no easy task as anyone would attest. The Lord knows his creation and he knows people need to be encouraged and motivated. He knows our faith wavers from time to time in the midst of trouble, despair and seasons of distress. So here in chapter 9, beginning at verse 9, Zechariah writes,

• “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey”

There is always cause to rejoice for the people of God because the word of the Lord is true. If the Lord says to rejoice, we are to rejoice. But he will not leave us in the dark, he will share with his people why we are to rejoice. In the passage, Israel was to be encouraged because the Lord was going to send them salvation, riding in on a lowly donkey (Matt. 21:5).

Zech. 9:9-17

The balance of the lesson, Zechariah describes how the Lord will deliver his people and through who. It appears to be some mighty valiant warrior soldier. But the real picture is one of a mighty Leader, leading his people out of battle into victory.

• The Lord of hosts will defend them; They shall devour and subdue with slingstones. They shall drink and roar as if with wine; They shall be filled with blood like basins, Like the corners of the altar. v 15

He declares the Lord of Host will defend them. This title speaks of the righteous power and authority of the Lord both spiritual and physical over those who attempt to oppose Him and his people. In battle, there needs to be a leader both mighty and strong leading his troops and in the Lord we have one who is both. The confidence Israel received was much needed as they returned from captivity. There is much to be received when we walk in obedience and not rebellion against the Lord our God. Our hope is Him:

• But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ I Cor. 15:57

As a means to encourage and settle the hearts of his people in Israel, the Lord God offers his himself. Psalm 46:10 As we read through the Psalm below, let us be reminded that sometimes he calls for the storm to calm down and other times, He calls his child to calm down.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
³ Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

⁴ There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
⁵ God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
⁶ The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

⁸ Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.

¹⁰ Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

…Be Still and Know

The question is Who Is God? As I ponder this question, I realize that this question is just asmuch for me as it is for all of God’s children. You see, while there may be those in the family of God who think,  why is this question being asked, “I know who God is,” why, doesn’t all of God’s children know who He is? While these may be valid questions they haven’t directly answered them. You may be surprised to know that a lot of us don’t truly know Him; It’s like learning our ABC’s, we sang them, we wrote them, (small and big letters) just about all of us had a “common”  knowledge of the alphabets. correct? Let’s say that after singing them, writing them, and recognizing them, etc., we never went any further than that.  Everyone would know that we have a “common” knowledge, but what does that mean to each child? Do I continue to ask, “Mama, want to hear me sing my ABC”s at age 18- yet singing your alphabets. Sure you know them, yes. you can write them, yes, you recognize them. It is not until we come to understand the real purpose for all that singing, writing, andbeing able recognize them- that is using them in sentences.Jesus in Matthew 16, asked his disciples, the same question”Who do people say that the Son of Man is?….They answered Jesus’question with the “common view”-that Jesus was one of the great prophets come back to life,(singing their ABC’s,). Then Jesus makes its personal,”But who do YOU say I am” (making your ABC’s into sentences).They are now at the point to “be still and know Him.”   I trust that you will continue to follow my post -There’s more to come.Thank you. 

Jesus is the answer

Sunday Devotional – This week’s lesson takes us back to the Prophet Isaiah as he foretells of how the Lord God’s offering on behalf of all of mankind (Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12) was abused, beaten and humiliated.

In dedicated detail, God uses Isaiah to paint a vivid description of what was permitted by his divine wisdom to demonstrate his love (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8). We, who are the beloved of God are reminded that we are loved with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3).

Take this special opportunity to reflect and meditate on the depth, width and the extent of God’s love for us. How we can live in confidence and hope regardless of the varied circumstances and situations we may find ourselves.