Speaking at ZBET in Compton

Today I am scheduled to preach the 7:45am service at the Zion Baptist Evangelistic Temple in Compton, CA where the Dr. Kevin E. Stafford is the Pastor. ZBET as it is affectionately called has become one of the premier ministries in Southern California. It has always had a rich legacy in that city after being led for many years by the legendary Dr. C. Albert Henson. Dr. Henson was a statesman of the gospel in his own right. Dr. Stafford became the Senior Pastor 4 years ago and the membership was approximately 125. 4 years later it exceeds 1,000 active members. The ministry is thriving and pursuing the vision of God. The worship experience is always refreshing and genuine. They are in fact a word church. Their hunger for God's word is unsurpassed. The fellowship is always a warm embrace. I have had the priviledge of preaching there for over 15 years of my ministry and always look forward to visiting. Continue to pray for that ministry and it's leader as well as the worship today. Be Blessed!

An Embarrasing Moment!

Just thought that I'll blog an embarrasing moment for me this week. I was attending a "Stop The Violence" community rally held in Pasadena, CA weekly at the Bethel Baptist Church pastored by my brotha in ministry, Rev. John McCall. For some reason I thought the meeting started at 7pm and later found out it started at 6pm. Therefore, when I arrived I was 1 hour late. I parked on the church parking lot and tried to enter the building through a side entrance that was a glass siding door. The door was cleaned so well that I didnt notice that it was closed. While walking at a steady pace, I walked right into the door and a loud bang erupted. It was then that I noticed the door was closed. Like any other situation, the room filled with about 100 people immediately erupted into laughter. How embarrasing. The bang was so loud that certain individuals told me that they thought it was a gunshot. At one moment I thought to just leave and come back the next week. A few men came to the outside where I was and convinced me to come inside the meeting. Inside was local Pastors and community leaders who assisted those gathering to give me a round of applause as I entered the room to take my seat. That was a little warm and it made the rest of the meeting comfortable. I just wanted to share this little embarrasing moment. Kudos to whoever is responsible for cleaning the glass on that sliding door.

The California Wildfires

As most of you know by now, the state of California has been burning for over a week now. At this time of the year we are known to experience wildfires in our national forests. However, this year the fires were many and very unusual. There has been a state of emergency declared by the President of the U.S. and our Governor due to the conditions of the fires. First, we are experiencing more fires than normal, I was told that it was at least 16 fires going at one time. Help have came from those across the nation in the form of volunteers and fire fighters. Trucks, planes, helicopters and more have been all here giving assistance. The saddest part of this story is that almost one million people have been evacuated or have lost their homes with everything in it. There have not been an evacuation like this since the Civil War. Quite amazing huh? The Californian fires have had more evacuations than Hurricane Katrina, 911 or anyother disaster on US soil. The saddest storyline is that authorities believe that this is all due to an arsonist. What kind of individual could cause so much pain, hurt and lost to families? Let me add that there has been at least 22 reported deaths due to the fires. Let's pray for those families and all families rather who have been involved. This is also an opportunity for many to donate to the cause through a reputable organization like the Red Cross, United Way or some ministries participating. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE let's stay in consistent prayer!!!!!!!!!

My Two Queens!!!

Today I had the priviledge of sharing the first part of my day with my two daughters Breanna (15) and Kourtnei (11). Though I have two daughters in heaven, Kailyn (9) and Cierra (8), Kourtnei is my BABY. She has now grown to the age in which she hates to hear me say the word BABY, fact is.....she is my BABY. My girls if I may brag is quite unique. I always look forward to quality time with my girls. The day begin with all of us attending a presentation that was hosted by myself at the church from noon to about 4pm. I told them that we would be finished there by 3pm, and their patience ran out at about 3:15pm. It was interesting watching them vent as I wrapped things up there at the church. I was able to share with them some parental words of wisdom and talk with them on their level and in their envorinment. Later in the afternoon, both of them was upset with me for refusing to go to the mall. Neither of them had money which suggests that they planned using mine. I disagreed and then came the attitude. It came however it was not disrespectful by no means. I gently talked with them and they were fine after a while. I then retired away to prepare for my day of ministry at the great church in which I pastor. I look forward to my day of praise, honor and glory unto our GOD!

F. Demond

My visit to WHW Ministries Inc.

Tonight a good friend of mine Dr. Kevin E. Stafford and I went to a worship at the LAX Hilton. The worship was hosted by the WHW Ministries which held it's national conference this week in Los Angeles. The conference is at least 15 years old and it's main focus is preparing men in the area of expository preaching.

The president is Dr. R.A. Williams who happened to be the keynote speaker tonight. He spoke from the subject "Going to the next level". His text was taken from 2 Kings 2:9-14. Dr. Williams took an awesome approach to this text highlighting the relationship between Elijah and Elisha. Dr. Williams is known throughout the country as one of the best all around preachers of this day. I was blessed to learn that he has authored his second book called "The Champion Within You". The worship was warm. The dance and music ministry was rendered by the McCoy Memorial Baptist Church, one of LA's premier congregations. Their ministry was encouraging and uplifting. This conference has become one of the well known expository conferences. Tonight they announced that there were people as far away as Germany to Alaska. I was told that over 700 Pastor's and Minister's from all over the world registered. It has grown from 23 members in Houston over 15 years ago. The conference has three visionaires including Dr. R. A. Williams, Dr. George Waddles & Dr. Larry Harris (deceased). The ministry website is http://www.gowhw.com/, visit and learn more of this great ministry. I was able to have great fellowship with some brethern that I know from across this country. It's always good to break bread with the good ol' BRETHERN!

F. Demond

My Contact Information

I'm often told that I'm a hard person to get in contact with. With so many different avenues to reach me, I find this a little hard to believe. Therefore, I thought that I would share my contact information with all:

www.newcopasadena.org
www.myspace.com/fdemond
www.fdirep.com/fdemond
freddharris@yahoo.com
323.595.5757 or 626.795.3756

With this information, I'm sure I will be more accesible for many.

F. Demond

My Favorite Meal of the Day

Our daily nutritional value recommend that we have at least three meals per day with the addition of three snacks, all from the four major food groups. I have often been guilty of not following this recommended daily allowance for a longtime. My unbalance is because my favorite meal of the day is breakfast. It has been suggested that this is the most important meal of the day and I have made it my favorite. I look forward to breakfast above any other meal because I like the traditional american menu. Most times due to working, appointments and other things, I hardly ever slow down enough to have lunch. I will grab a snack on the run most times if I'm hungry at all, but hardly ever sit down for a meal. Though I realize this is not good, I have continued the habit. The adreneline of my day usually carry me from breakfast to the dinner hour. Most times, I'm not usually hungry much by dinner time. An appointment or meeting usually forces me into meal. I've tried to understand the drastic change in my eating habits for almost three years. I think the unusual eating habits have alot to do with the loss of 40lbs. over four years ago. I remember for most of my life, I was a heavy eater. I've actually weighed 250lbs. at my heaviest. But without working out much or even dieting much, I just dropped the weight never to regain it. It was during this time that I noticed the irregularity in my eating habit. I definitely eat breakfast most mornings and snack the rest of the day. My children have often called me the "midnight muncher". It is late at night that I really snack more than I should at those late hours. Just a few thoughts I wanted to share after my morning breakfast! Gotta get to work now.........

F. Demond

Mid-Week Bible Study

At the church in which I have the priviledge of Pastoring, our mid-week bible study is held on tuesdays. Typically, most churches mid-week is held on wednesday which is the exact middle of the week. About three years ago, we switched our bible study night from wednesday to tuesday. This has worked for us for many reasons. In a church-wide census, tuesday worked better for the adults as well as the children. We meet for approximately one hour and a half. During this time, we fellowship, pray, praise and study the word of God together. I was really anticipating tonight's fellowship because I have missed the previous two weeks due to vacation.

This has always been one of my favorite pastoral duties. The teaching ministry is so intimate. I get a great joy when ever someone become more intimate with God through His word. The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus regarding the five doma gifts of the church and one of them is the Pastor and Teacher. Jeremiah declares that God gives Pastors to feed with wisdom and knowledge. This is all done by the teaching of the word of God. Tonight's lesson was an expositional approach to 1 Samuel 3, the story of the calling of Samuel. We examine the text and drew some life-changing principles from it. We will continue with this study throughout the remainder of the month.

F. Demond

Obtaining Financial Independence

Some say that money is not everything, but it sure makes everything including life better. It will not give life, however, it will make life worth living. It can't buy love, but it makes love sooooo much better. The bible declares that the love of money is the root of all evil. Notice it didn't say that money is the root, but the love of it. Now that we have covered the cleashays, as important as it is, most of us are completely ignorant to the fact of how to properly manage it. This is important because the economy of today demands that we are proper stewards of the money within our control. For most of us, the problem is not having money. The problem is how to properly manage it. How much more money would one have if it was managed in a proper perspective?

For the rich this is no problem because of their ability to hire a certified public accountant. Most americans can't afford $200 to $400 per hour for this service, thus we result to managing our finances ourselves. In this day, we have been rescued by many reputable companies who offer financial planning for individuals. But because of our mindset, we refuse to take advantage of their services. My suggestion to many is to allow those who are trained in this area to take care of what we have proven we cant do. I'd rather allow a professional to handle it and I have a savings and a future, than to handle it myself and be broke. Simply said.

I am now apart of a crusade with a company called Financial Destinations Inc. This company has an objective to eliminate debt for individuals as well as create a great residual income at the same time. What an opportunity! I have never became affiliated with anything that can fix up your mess up and set you on a path of living a life that most can only dream about. If you are interested, please call me or visit my website. I can be reached at the following:

www.fdirep.com/fdemond
www.myspace.com/fdemond
www.freddharris@yahoo.com
323.595.5757

Let me show you the path to financial freedom.......
F. Demond

Great Anticipation for the Lord's Day of Worship

When I really think about it, I'm always excited when sunday arrives. This is the day that we as Christians worship the Lord our God in a corporate way. The bible declares that we should remember the sabbath day and keep it holy, which is the seventh day (saturday). Which raises the question as to why we don't worship on saturday instead of sunday? In the bible saturday was the day of corporate worship until the resurrection of Christ which happened on the first day of the week (sunday). Therefore, since the first church, Christians have gathered on the first day of the week for corporate worship.

I have several reasons why my excitement for tomorrows worship is at an all time high. First, I will be returning from a two week vacation. I have not been in worship at the church that I pastor since Spetember 16th. Very unusual. So unusual, I have never missed two consecutive sundays in my 8 year pastorate. I really miss the good people there in our congregation. Secondly, I havent preached since Spetember 9th. I remember not preaching on the last service that I actually attended. God has given me a word that is bursting in my spirit. I consider the NEWCO church a great place to preach. The people there love the preaching and teaching of God's word. That usually makes the preachers job a little easier. I love preaching there. The preaching environment is comfortable which makes it a great preaching station. Thirdly, I'm excited cause it's the day we observe the Lord's Supper. This day of sacred remembrance is always special to me. When I consider the awesome sacrifice Christ made on our behalf, I'm humbled and grateful. The Lord's Supper is also one of the ordinances that Christ left for the church to follow and honor. There has always been a special emphasis on this ordinance in my pastorate. Throughout the month of August, we observe it every sunday. I also serve it at church/leadership meetings, disciplinary sessions, counselings and special teachings.

I pray that the day of worship for this reader is blessed, transforming, inspiring, uplifting in everyway. God Bless!

F. Demond

Oh' how I miss my mom!

For most that know me, either as a classmate, friend, ministry partner, church member or even in the employment industry, know that I have a very close relationship with my mother. She is truly the sunshine of my life. I'm often quoted as saying "I have four queens and they are My grandmother, my mother and my two daughters". However, recently my mom went away to spend an extended amount of time in another state. The reason that has drawn her is definitely understood and supported by me. It's the fact of knowing that she is away from me is what I have not adjusted to as of yet. This is the first time in over 35 years that I have been more than 20 miles away from her for a period of time. What an adjustment.... And I even hear some of you saying, "what a mama's boy". I'll even accept that honestly.

Though I call her several times a day, her presence being in another state bothers me. I've questioined myself in regards to selfishness. There are many lessons that I have drawn from this experience. I've learned to cherish her everyday that God gives us together. I've noticed that I am guilty of taking for granted the fact the she lives close to me. When she returns, I will visit her more. So many principles that I will glean from this experience that will strenghten our relationship the more upon her return. Mom if you're reading this, come home soon and I love you much.

F. Demond

A Barbeque The First Week of October

I've been told by many that I'm a spontaneous person. For some strange reason I had the urge to barbeque today. I dont know if it was driven by the fact that I wanted to eat some good ol' barbeque or driven by performing the duties required for a barbeque. Sometimes I want to believe that Im a pretty good outdoorsman. I like to test my abilities at outdoor events as often as possible. For the record, I love basketball, baseball, distant-walking, fishing, hunting, parachutting and now even snorkling.

I began the barbeque at about 4pm. On the menu were: hamburgers, polish sausage, chicken (wings), hot links and carne asada steak. The sides were baked beans with meat, potato salad, greens and chips. The typical menu for the backyard barbeque in the middle of the summer. What's odd is the fact that we are in the first week of October. When we should be getting our pie and cake pans out preparing for the upcoming food holidays (thanksgivings/Christmas), I found myself buying some charcoal and cleaning the grill for a good ol' barbeque. It seemed so odd, that my neighbors all commented both on the unusual smell at this time of the year and the good smell of my famous barbeque. Let me add that there were three request for a plate from my neighbors alone. I am not guilty of bragging much. When it comes to my barbeque, "my soul makes her boast concerning my Q". I actually finished by 8pm and was enjoying my first plate at 8:15pm.

Believe it or not, I even enjoy the clean up process after the barbeque is over. Removing the ashes, emptying the unused charcoal, cleaning the grill etc... It's almost like the cleaning process in fishing. Alike, I enjoy retracking my poles, organizing my tackle box and most of all cleaning my catch of the day. It all is apart of the process. A true fisherman enjoys every aspect of fishing and likewise he who likes to barbeque is there with it from start to finish. Ok......................I just wanted to share a portion of my day with my blog readers.

F. Demond

Study To Shew Thyself Approved...

The word of God is the most interesting book in print or ever written. Im so glad that I was born into a culture that taught me the importance of learning and practicing its concepts. When we think that there are certain places in the world that have never been exposed to these great teachings, its a disgrace and a lost life-changing opportunity. There are certain countries in which reading this special book would bring about a death sentence for that seeker.

The Bible (Biblical Instructions Before Leaving Earth) was written by men but completely inspired by God. It is full of instruction, comfort, history, poetry, prophecy, revelation, biblical heroes, exhortations, knowledge etc... However, the greatest danger for men is to have this blueprint for life and not study it enoough to find God's direction for life. Though it is translated into over 365 languages, it is the most forsaken, under-read book in print. Man has refused to study and examine its content. The bible declares that we perish for lack of knowledge and it begans with our lack of getting wisdom and knowledge from His word.

Solomon, a great hero of the bible was one who sought wisdom from God and therefore he accomplished much during his lifetime. Knowledge for the 21st century believer must be sought in God's word. Living in this day, we must result to the jargon of the "old preacher" who suggests as an preaching indium "read it for yourself". And this we must do. Clarity is better understood with self-knowledge. When we read and understand the word, then it can become a lifestyle for us.

Challenge yourself to take more time reading, meditating and studying God's word. A chapter or two in the morning and repeat it at night will be a good start. The more we read and know about the word, the more intimate we become with God. His word is on of His favorite communication tools for the believer. Could it be that we have been seeking answer through prayer or praise only to discover that He wants to speak to us through His word? Just a few scattered thoughts concerning my love for His word.....

F. Demond

A Brief Decription of a Friend

A friend emailed this to me and I thought that I'd share it with you in the blog world:

Sometimes in life, you find a special friend;Someone who changes your life just by being part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop; someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is Forever Friendship. May we all be loved so much.

Anonymous

"A Friend Sticketh Closer Than A Brother"

The Fall Season Is Here

This is one of my most treasured times of the year. The season right after what I call the "Summer of hustle and bustle". The summer season usually is filled with all of the class reunions, family reunions, graduations etc.... The fall usually reminds me of a time of family and love. Of course, it ushers us into my two most cherished holidays: Thanksgivings & Christmas. Spetember the 21st begans this special time. Make it special for your family, friends and those whom God has blessed to be apart of your life. I look forward to sharing with those special people that God has allowed me to share my life here on earth with. Take some time to write a note to someone to express your appreciation for them. Tell at least 7 people how much their friendship/relationship means to you. Send at least 3 family members a "Just Thinking About Ya" card through the US mail this week. Give a warm embrace to at least 5 individuals that you spend time with daily and finally, share some quality time with that special person whether their your spouse or cordial friend. Love is the essence of who God. Show some of your spiritual character this week. 1 Corinthians 13 - John 3:16.