Creating A Balance With My Long Week

Its interesting how the days in our week just fly by. Most times, weeks like this is paralelled with a busy schedule. It seems that it was just Monday and I was looking at my things-to-do list. Whenever one is (on the grind), the hours and days are quick past memories. It really doesn't bother me as long as I'm progressing in what I seek to accomplish. That has happened this week. I've been busy, however, much have been accomplished. A few meetings, a few errands, a litany of telephone calls, answer some emails, help a few friends, make some appointments, and guess what my week is gone. Thursday is usually the day that I make transistions in order to prepare myself, spiritually, mentally and physically for the weekend. When most is off on the weekend, I've always felt like I work (I actually do). My Saturdays is usually filled with what I call the four stops: Car Wash, Shoe Shine, Cleaners & Barber Shop. This is all usually done by noon. I then go by my office for any last minute overlooked detail for about and hour or two. Then the rest of the day is pretty laid back. Then comes Sunday. It all begins at about 5:30am. One of my pastoral habits is to get to my office as early as possible. This allows me to really get there and settle in, pray, meditate and take a final look at sermon notes for that day of preaching. Usually, after my services, I find some shorts and sandals and relax for the day. It's interesting because I'm usually very tired after several services, particularly if I ministered at all of them. I'm told by the Senior Pastor that one sermon is equivalent to 8 hours of work. Therefore, if I ministered 3 times, by body is 24 hours tired. My favorite sunday night relaxing moment is often filled with some vanilla ice cream and The WORD Network. And then monday it all happens again.............................

The Difference of Miracles & Blessings

After a recent service at our church, I was in a conversation with an individual regarding the difference between Miralcle and Blessings. One of our church staff ministers, Minister Audrey Green was one of the two individuals that I was speaking with. I had an impromptu thought to ask her to write something from a biblical perspective on this interesting subject. I asked her to have it for me by our mid-week worship on Tuesday. To my surprise, she emailed it to me on Monday afternoon. I think it's concise and clear. I just wanted to share her perspective with you:

MIRACLES -VS- BLESSINGS

by: Minister Audrey Green

What is the difference between miracles and blessings? My Pastor presented this question to me on a bright warm Sunday afternoon. I think he was checking for understanding rather than clarity. I began to search the scriptures for an understanding. This is the result of my seeking. The American Heritage Dictionary defines blessings as to invoke divine favor upon or to confer well-being or prosperity and to endow. They also define miracles as an event inexplicable by the laws of nature and so held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God. I found those definitions to be rather peculiar. To state that God has anything to do with the academia aspect of the word miracle leaves fathoms of unanswered questions.

I then decided to see what Vine’s had to say about the two words. I chose to use the noun tense of the word blessing in for the Old Testament. In Hebrew the word blessing means berakah, which used in conjunction with the verb barak expressing a wish or pray for favorable circumstance. According to Genesis 12:2, this form of the word is used when God told Abram he would make him a great nation along with a great name. We can also look at Jacob in Genesis 49. He called all his children to come before to give them a "pray for favor." We also see that blessings are the opposites of curses. Number 23 deals exactly with this viewpoint. Balaam was summoned by Balak to curse Israel. Every time, Balaam would seek God’s face, Balaam was blessing them instead. When you read Numbers 23: 8 it’s simply stated, how can we curse, whom God has not cursed?

God has the authority and ability to let his blessings be upon his people. What I find a difference is that, even through God can let his blessings be upon his people, I believe that God let’s people be a blessing to others. Referring back to Genesis 12:2, Abram is a blessing to us. He is the father of all nations.

Then what is a miracle? I agree with the definition that the American Heritage dictionary gives, an act of supernatural power only God can do. That’s the best way I can give my viewpoint. According to Vine’s a miracle is dealing with power, inherent ability that cannot be produced by natural agents. In the Greek it means semeion, which is a sign, mark or token. Let’s discuss miracles. If you look at Matthew 8 to 9:8, you se Jesus doing miracles. When he healed the leper, he stretched forth his hand and said, "I will." What natural force or component did he use? What about the devils casted out of the two men? He only said, "Go!" I believe the difference between miracles and blessings are simple. Blessing is something that usually can be done by natural force. Whereas, miracles are produced by supernatural powers.

The Lord's Day of Worship

Yesterday was a wonderful day of worship. Our services was blessed all day. The people of God was vibrant and happy. The fellowship was warm. The worship was exalting and the word was refreshing. I happened to minister 2 Chronicles 7:14, and the exposition on this text was informative and conforming to our congregation. Though I wasn't pleased with my preparation, God allowed the rhema to flow through the interpretation of the text and thus I'm grateful.

We also participated in the 12th Anniversary services of Pastor C. Lamar Simmmons at the Greater Mt. Olive BC in Los Angeles. Pastor Simmons is a true brother and a long-time friend. I met him at the tender age of 14 and have watched God develop him into one of the finest Pastors in Southern California. The service was commenmorative and the hospitality as always was great. Our continued prayer is for this Man servant of God and the wonderful people there at the Mount. The service was presented in the form of a musical and the special guest were Dr. Rodena Preston and the LA Chapter of the GMWA. Their ministry was inspiring and uplifting. There always great! And let me add, that I am a proud member of this organization.

My monday has been well and relaxed. I over slept and was an half hour late for an appointment. After the appointment, I kinda hung around the house and caught up on some rest. I happened to see a friend today that I havent saw in a while. That was good for my day. Sometimes, we can neglect those that God has given for friends. My schedule and a few other things sometimes allow me to fall into this category only in the area of communication. Otherwise, I would consider myself a pretty good friend. I dont have many, but the ones that I do have, they have been long term friendships. Friends are like diamonds: Precious and Rare!

Shalom!

I'm Apart of the Information Technology Age

It seems that with the free time I had this week as previously mentioned, I caught up on some things that I needed to take care of a longtime ago. A good portion of my catch up to-do list invilved my computer. I began by loading some bible software onto my laptop and office computer. They were actually upgrades to those I already had installed. I'm now using for most of my study two programs namely; Word Search 7 and PC Study Bible 6.0. They are great programs that add to what I already do to prepare for teaching and preaching weekly.

I then upgraded my office computer to believe it or not Windows XP. I know I'm late, I believe Windows XP is 2 years old. There is already another program produced my Microsoft called Vista. I'm told that Windows XP is a better operating system. The upgrade will allow my system to run much faster and it will also hold more memory. I call her "Good 'ol Ms. Faithful". My office computer is at least 4 years old. That's ancient in computer numerology.

Then last but not least, I started two online webpages, this blog and yes you guessed it - I now have a MYSPACE page. MYSPACE has to be one of the most popular sites in the world. It has become one of the ways people communicate most. From the 6 year old to the 99 year old has a MYSPACE page these days. Thought the design needs some more work, it is up and I actually have 18 friends already. It will be another form of ministry for me. Visit me when you get a chance at www.myspace.com/fdemond.

Sincerely Serving Him ----- F. Demond

Renewing My Bail Agent License

On top of the many things that i already do, I'm also a Licensed Bail Agent in the state of California. Sometimes I wonder how I can manage to wear so many hats a one time, but somehow I do. After not really being active in this particular field, I decided to renew my license that will expire in just a few days. To my surprise, I was informed today that the new law only requires that you renew every three years. Praise God! This is really a blessing because 12 hours of in-class instruction along with $341.00 in fees is required for the renewal. Again, what a blessing to save some valuable time and money. I was instructed to simply download some forms via the internet and mail them to Sacramento (our state capitol).

The lesson I learned from this is not to be slothful in certain things because the way could already be prepared for you. I did not look forward to the classes and definitely the fees, however this could have been taken care of two months ago if I was privy of my recent information.

F. Demond

I'm Now A New Blogger!

I can't believe it, after having a desire to blog for almost three months now, I have entered the "Official World of Blogging". I look forward to sharing many interesting things here concerning my everyday life with both family and ministry. Again-------"I'm now a BLOGGER".

F. Demond