Summer Vacation For Full-Time Christians...

Summer is a much needed time of rest and relaxation for many people. And this break from the various responsibilities of home, work, or school is a good thing. However, there is no such thing as a vacation, leave-of-absence, or sabbatical from your responsibilities as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Mark 6:31, Jesus told his disciples, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while" (ESV).

This call also applies to present-day disciples. Even though your life in Christ is supernatural; it's not superhuman. And if you don't ever come apart, you'll fall apart. All of us need times of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. But remember that Christ's call to his disciples to come away was a call to go with him to rest, not to go without him. So vacate... with Christ. Here are several practical ways you can vacate with Christ.

Be marked present in corporate worship on the Lord's Day. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." I encourage you to make every effort to find a Christ-centered, Bible-believing church with which to worship God on the Lord's Day, wherever you are. Even as you have mad e plans for food, lodging, entertainment and all the other things that may be important to you, make plans for corporate worship. You found a hotel to stay in. Find a church to go to. Be marked present on the Lord's Day. Psalm 122:1 says, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!'" May that be your testimony.

Don't rob God. If you work hard, save wisely, and plan prayerfully, you have every right to enjoy your times of vacation. But Proverbs 3;9 exhorts: "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce." Your vacation should not become an excuse to dishonor God with your finances. So avoid putting yourself in debt for the sake of a few days of recreation. Enjoy yourself, but stay within your means. And continue to financially support the ongoing work of the church. Remember that the ministry of the church goes on while you are on vacation. So don't rob God. And don't rob yourself by wasting your resources and missing your opportunity to make spiritual investments. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says: "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Use your extra time on some things that have eternal significance. Your vacation time is a great time to get some rest, enjoy your favorite hobbies, catch up on personal reading, try some new adventure, or just hang out with family and friends. All of these things have their place. But let me ask you something. How often have you said that you would pray more or read the word of God more, if you just had the time? How often have you though, felt, or said that you would do something for the Lord, if you just had the time? Well, your vacation is an opportunity to serve the Lord. No, you don't have to spend all your time doing ministry. But are you willing to spend any of your time doing ministry? Ephesians 5:15-17 says, "Look carefully then how you walk not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Enjoy yourself. That's an order. Have a good time on your vacation. Enjoy the Lord's goodness to you. Don't feel guilty about it. And don't let other people lay a guilt trip on you. God is not against your enjoyment of personal pleasure. 1 Timothy 6:17 tells us that God "richly provides us with everything to enjoy." God is the ultimate source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). God is the one that gives life and breath and all things (Acts 17:25). Friend, God is not some cosmic-killjoy, set on stopping everyone from having a good time. The Lord is not against pleasure. HE is only against those who are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:4). So enjoy the blessings of the Lord, the graces of life, the fruit of your labor, the opportunity to travel, and the company of family and friends. but make sure you keep pleasure in its place. Or as 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So, then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

It Looks Like A Sweep On The Horizon.....

Just for the record, the mighty LAKERS are up 2-0 against the World Champions San Antonio Spurs. The LAKERS have been so dominant in the first two games, It looks like we will sweep this team 4-0. Today is Game 3 and I look forward to the excitement that It brings. Our 2008 playoff record is 10-2, which means we are only 6 wins away from another Championship in LA. The LAKER fever has hit LA again. There is jerseys everywhere, car flags, die-hard fans on every corner and T-shirts/Hats on every individual...................It's a wrap for the SPURS.......Win or Go home!!!!!

This Just Don't Make Any SENSE! - Gas Prices...

I must admit that I am not happy with the current gas prices in America. For a person with a schedule like mines, $4.00 per gallon is not the price that most want to pay for gas. I just made history today when I actually purchased gas at this price. I stood at the attendant counter for a moment while paying and remembered that gas was $0.98 per gallon when I started to drive some 18 years ago. Mercy! I pray that whoever is elected to the Presidency of the United States will immediately address this issue with some instant results. I just wanted to vent about the gas prices. I recently recieved a list of the price of gas around the world and I want to share it with my blog readers. It's interesting............................Here it go:

PRICE OF GAS AROUND THE WORLDPrices are quoted in US dollars per gallon for regular unleaded.
Oslo, Norway $6.82
Hong Kong $6.25
Brussels, Belgium $6.16
London, UK $5.96
Rome, Italy $5.80
Tokyo, Japan $5.25
Sao Paulo, Brazil $4.42
New Delhi, India $3.71
Sidney, Australia $3.42
Johannesburg, South Africa $3.39
Mexico City $2.22
Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.09
...YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THIS ...
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia $0.91
Kuwait $0.78
Caracas, Venezuela $0.12

My First Book- "It's In My Bones"

I would like to introduce to all of my family, friends and ministry partners, the presentation of my very first book. This new project is a long awaited dream and ministry goal. Praise God! I am excited about this opportunity and milestone in ministry. The book is entitled: "It's In My Bones". This book is a study of the life of Jeremiah that contains powerful principles that will instruct the believer on how to maintain a consistent relationship with God. The official book release is July 11, 2008. The book will be available at most Christian Bookstores, College/Seminary campuses and online at Amazon. com, Borders. com & Barnes&Nobles. com. More release information will be available at http://www.newcopasadena.org/sadena.org/ in the near future. Pray for it's completion, distribution, marketing and effectiveness across the breaths of this globe.

Celebrate with me - F. Demond

Western Conference Finals - We're on our way!

For the record, the Los Angeles Lakers are on their way to the Western Conference Finals. This is the first time they have made it since 2004. I am certain that they will make it all the way to win the championship. We have 8 wins behind us and 8 more to go for the championship ring. We will face either the San Antonio Spurs or the New Orleans Hornets in the next round. Continue cheering and praying for the fella's in the purple and gold. Our series will start this wednesday. GO LAKERS!

www.nba.com/lakers

F. Demond

Ladie's Night @ INCREDIBLE PRAISE!

On yesterday, I again visited the Zion Baptist Evangelical Temple in Compton for the fifth service of "INCREDIBLE PRAISE". This service is purposed to be the premier worship experience for Young Adults here in southern california. It is a vision of Dr. Kevin Stafford that individuals from various churches can come together and praise & worship God. This month's service was "LADIE'S NIGHT" honoring three Incredible/Outstanding Women of our community. The Executive Board honored the legendary Ms. Edna Tatum, Dr. Rodena Preston and the lovely Mrs. Catherine Stafford for their many achievements over the past 30 plus years. It was a night to remember. The red carpet was definitely rolled out for these "DIVAS" of the faith. The award ceremony went really well and I believe that they were really appreciative for the honor. Their resume' of accomplishments are filled with many areas of success. The attendance was ok, however, the momentum and flow was at an all time high. Pastors, ministers, evangelists and musical guests was present and participatory (my new word). There was a great delegation of youth and young adults. The special guest were an anointed dance ministry from Los Angeles, CA named "GODZ FAVOR". These young ladies were surely on fire for the Lord. This month we were blessed with a musical selection from "Mutha" herself, Sis. Zanette Brown, the lead singer of the Miracle Mass Choir. Our worship leader for the evening was Evangelist Elena Nixon. Pastor Charles Williams served as the host of the award ceremony. Pastor Najuma Smith served as the Keynote Speaker for the evening. Pastor Smith serves as the leader of the St. James AME Church in LA. What a powerful and well received word. What a night. The people of God was blessed and I look forward to round #6 which will take place on May 17th @ 6pm sharp! This service is postured to take place every 3rd sunday of the month. I send a shout of to the ministry team of IP and ZBET for their spirit of excellence and servanthood. You will do yourself a favor to not miss the next "INCREDIBLE PRAISE". Until we meet again...........F. Demond - www.newcopasadena.org

Making History - My Ride On The City Bus!

I live in Southern California where one of the major modes of transportation is the city bus. I have lived here for over 20 years and have finally had the priviledge of riding on the city bus. I'm glad to report that it was all voluntarily for me, I didn't have to ride on it, I wanted too. I was recently having a conversation with my daughter about being spoiled and grateful. It was then that she reminded me that she should be pampered by me cause she feels that I was a pampered, spoiled rotten kid as a child. She suggested to me that I have never HAD to use public transportation as a means of travel along with a few other examples as to her reason of why she felt that I was spoiled. I don't know how she has come to this conclusion but it did spark an excitement in me to take a ride using city transportation.

So on Sunday evening, after the Laker's second loss of the 2008 playoffs, I walked out of my home and headed for the nearest bus stop. It was interesting, cause I did not even have no idea of how much the fare was to ride the bus. I questioned certain people there at the bus stop who patiently waited for the bus to come. It was an interesting scene. A couple was there waiting for the bus, there was another young man there listening to his IPOD waiting for the bus, there was a senior woman there with about 4 bags (which appeared to be some groceries) waiting for the bus and there was a young lady all by herself there waiting for the bus. I was excited as I too stood there waiting for the bus. I had no idea where I was going on the bus, I just wanted to take a ride and pray that I will know how to get back home.

Finally, the bus came. My adrenaline was at an all-time high. I got in line and was the last one to enter. I paid the fare and quickly found a seat. Once on the bus, I was amazed that it actually had TV's on there to watch while riding. There were advertisements on the walls and ceiling of the bus. There were people talking, sitting, reading, singing and even sleeping while riding. What a sight to see! I actually rode the bus about 5 miles before I thought to get off and take the same line back in the direction of my home. I got on my connecting bus and made my way back home. The ride took about 1 hour and it was a great experience! I really appreciated the experience. It reminded me of how blessed I am to not have to do this on a regular basis. I have had a car since the age of 14 which would suggest that I'm very blessed in this regard. Yes, I did say 14, my mother actually purchased me a car two years prior to me being eligible to recieve a California Drivers License. Since that time, I have always been fortunate to have at least two cars. What a mighty God we serve. When I consider that some use this as means of transportation for everything that they do, I am blessed! Not only with the means of having a car but also with the ability of being able to efficiently and properly operate a motor vehicle. I am appreciative for this experience. I can now say to my daughter that I have experienced using public transportation. Be Blessed!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day To All!

A Special Mother's Day Message: "A Virtuous Woman"Proverbs 31:10-31

(The Message) A good woman is hard to find,and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generouslyall her life long.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.

She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.

She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.

She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all! "Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises.

Shooting The Rock!

Yesterday, I began my workout regimine again by playing basketball with the fellas. I must admit that I have not played in almost three months. The court where I play on a regular basis has been closed for remoldeling. Therefore, the group who I play with have chosen to play at other places and times. It was really good seeing and playing with these fellas again. The gymnasium is completely new with floor and clock and to top it all off, the new colors are purple and gold. I love it!

After not playing for a while, I am a little sore this morning with a few nicks and bruises. I will be ok. After about two weeks, I will be back in ballin shape and my game will be all the way back. I had a mediocre day of playing, however, this is not enough comparing the talent that I play with on a regular basis. Truthfully, there were several of us who left the gym limping or walking with soreness. Basically, I believe all of the fellas are a bit out of shape. I look forward to shooting the rock twice a week again. It is very healthy and it provides good fellowship with the brethern. Welcome back to the court!!!!!!!!!!

F. Demond

KOBE has won the 2008 MVP Award!

Finally, the NBA has determined that Kobe Bryant is the 2007-2008 league Most Valuable Player. It is without a shadow of a doubt that he is the best player on the planet. He stands alone in a category all by himself as far as his ability to master the sport. Every now and then, there are those who are unbelievable at their sport and he is one. I dont think that the NBA has seen another well rounded player since the days of Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant is in his 11th NBA season and has proven that he is a phenomenon. He has the most records both team and league for active players. He is an unstoppable force on the offense and a beast defensively.

So many dislike this sports hero from the confusion and unlikely moments earlier in his career with Shaq. Though I'm glad that Shaq is no longer a Laker, I believe that it was a dire mistake when he departed LA in 2003. Together, he and Kobe could have delivered 4 to 5 more championships to LA. This season has been by far Kobe's best. He has turned around a team in a matter of one year. Together with the rest of his teammates, they have proven that they are the BEST team in the league. At this current time, the Lakers are the only undefeated team in the playoffs. WOW!

The statistics can prove he deserves this year's top honor. He ended the season as the second leading scorer, a member of the first defensive team and in the top five in 6 different categories. What a season. He led his team to the top spot in the Western Conference. This conference has been a dog fight since the early days of December. I think it takes a great team with a focus for winning to accomplish such a task. Now, our eyes is on the prize, the championship. A fourth ring for the world best athlete. After the Finals, he will represent his country in the 2008 Olympic Games this summer. I am extremely excited over the fact that my favorite player has brought home the well deserved top individual honor. Congratulations Kobe on a wonderful season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

F. Demond - #1 Laker/Kobe Fan

A Ridiculous Request?

I just wanted to share with my blog readers an interesting blog from a friend of mine named Evangelist Maureen Chen from Toronto, Canada. She often share blogs that encourage me and make me think everyday. She is also a contributing writer for "This Week's Promise", which is published in (WOW) Woman of Worship Magazine. I'm appreciative to her expressions which provides another form of ministry for her. I also encourage my blog readers to support her ministry. Her ministry information is listed below. Please be blessed and enjoy.

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Joshua 10:12 - On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."

In this past Tuesday night Bible study, we read this scripture passage among others but this one left me in total awe of just how big our God is. I won't go into the background of the request because it won't be relevant to you or me today. What we see here is Joshua making a request that to us may seem impossible. How can God cause the sun to stand still? That's an incredibly tall order. Consider this, the sun does not move, therefore in order the sun to "stand still", God had to stop the earth from moving. In order to stop the earth from moving, God had to take care of quite a few details. The rivers that to stop running, the waves had settle down, climate had to cease briefly, I could go on and on. Basically there were several details that had to be taken care of.

Let's make this relevant to our battles. What types of circumstance are you facing that need a ridiculous request from God? Is it the type that you know there is absolutely no way that you can fix it on your own? Or could it be the type that you think God Himself cannot handle? Look again at the scripture reference above. Joshua was facing the battle of his life in unfamiliar territory. He needed the extra sunlight so instead of complaining, worrying or even giving in; he contacted his God, the God of Israel.

God is waiting for us to approach Him with the BIG ones; the type of requests where we will know without a shadow of a doubt that He came through for us. Three years ago, my prayer partner was told that his nephew was given one week to live because cancer had spread through his entire body. He called me and we prayed because that was a BIG one. That was a "God we need you to stop the earth from moving and take care of all the details" request. Three years later and this young man who was given one week to live is still alive. God is still answering the BIG ones and He's waiting patiently for us to trust Him to answer those ridiculous requests.

I felt lead to share this and I hope it blesses and encourages someone today.

Evangelist Maureen

Maureen Chen Ministries Inc.
www.myspace.com/maureenchen * http://www.evangelistmaureen.com/
*She is available for conferences, revivals, seminars and retreats!

WHAT IS THE ANOINTING?

I just wanted to share with my blog readers an interesting blog from a friend of mine named Rev. H.B.Charles Jr. He is the Senior Pastor of Mt. Sinai MBC in Los Angeles. He often share blogs that encourage me and make me think everyday. He is also an author and contributing writer for several published books. He has been named one of the most sought after revivalist in the country. He is one of the most prolific and profound expositor preachers of this day. I'm appreciative to his expressions which provides another form of ministry for him. I also encourage my blog readers to support his ministry. His ministry information is listed below. Please be blessed and enjoy. I also want to add that it was this Pastor that encouraged me to began blogging. Enjoy........
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In the Bible, the word “anoint” simply means to pour, spread, or rub oil onto something or someone. For instance, Genesis 28:18 says, “So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and sat it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it” (ESV). In other words, he anointed it. Then he consecrated the place (28:19) and made a vow to the Lord (28:22-24).

Literally, anointing is about oil. But it is spoken of three different ways in scripture. First, there is a physical anointing for healing (James 5:14-15), cosmetics (Ruth 3:3; Matt. 6:17, hospitality (Ps. 23:4; Luke 7:46), or burial (Mark. 14:8). Likewise, there was a ritual anointing. This was a symbolic act that was applied to people, places, and objects. As it relates to people, prophets (1 Kings 19:16), priests (Exod. 28:41) and kings (1 Sam. 10:1) were ritually anointed for consecration (Exod. 20:26-29; 40:12-15), empowerment (1 Sam. 16:13), and protection (1 Chron. 16:22, Ps. 105:15). Thirdly, there was a spiritual anointing. And this spiritual anointing requires that we draw a distinction between the anointing in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.

Seven passages in the New Testament refer to this spiritual anointing. Four of these seven passages refer to the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38; Heb. 1:9). The other three passages speak of the anointing in the life of Christians. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 says, “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 1 John 2:20 says, “But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.” And 1 John 2:27 says, “But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie – just as it has taught you, abide in him.” These three passages make several points about the place of the anointing in the New Testament church.

The anointing is a sovereign act of God. God anoints people. People do not anoint other people. These biblical statements make it clear that God is source, Jesus Christ is the means, and the Holy Spirit is the agent through which believers receive the anointing. And it is non-transferable. So having “Bishop Big-Shot” lay his hands on you will not allow you to share in his so-called “anointing.” And having “Rev.Wanna-Be” put oil on you will only make you greasy!

The anointing is universal. That is, all Christians are anointed. There are not some Christians who have the anointing and some who do not. If you are a Christian, you have been anointed. Period. And, by the way, scripture gives no indication of different levels of anointing. So saying that someone is “so anointed,” is as uselessly redundant as saying that someone is “so Christian.” God perfectly and equally anoints every believer. The only difference would be in how we walk in this anointing, I guess.

The anointing is automatic, permanent, and continual. The New Testament does not teach that Christians receive the anointing. Rather, it teaches that you have already received it. We don’t need to pray for it or tarry for it or anything else like that. The anointing is standard equipment of salvation that everyone receives when they place saving-faith in Christ. Likewise, you cannot lose the anointing. When, I was a boy preacher, an older woman warned me that the devil would try to use women to steal my anointing. And her warning scared the daylights out of me! But I now understand that, while she may have had godly concern and sincere motives, her terminology was wrong. Maybe she should have just exhorted be to be holy and warned me about the divine consequences of sin, rather than confusing me about the anointing. There is no evidence in the New Testament that true Christians can lose their anointing.Sin, people, and disobedience cannot steal your anointing any more than sin can steal your salvation!

The anointing is directly connected to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The anointing is not about where you are in God. It’s about where God is in you! Primarily, the anointing is a positional reality, not an experiential one. It’s about your standing in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Paul declares, “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” With these words, scripture directly connects the anointing with the sealing and guarantee of the Holy Spirit. In other words, to have the Spirit is to have the anointing.

The anointing is for spiritual understanding. This is the point of 1 John 2:20 and 2:27. But it is often neglected. Don’t misunderstand these two verses. John is not ruling out the necessity of human teachers. That would contradict what the New Testament teaches in other places, affirming the important role of sound and godly teachers. It simply means that we have an internal source of spiritual understanding in the person and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives that frees us from being slaves to human teachers, theories, or traditions.

The New Testament doctrine of the anointing is meant to warn and encourage the church to stand firm against false teachers. Unfortunately, I really don’t hear those who speak so much about the anointing give this explanation of its meaning and place in the believer’s life. Many take passages from Isaiah to define the anointing as the “yoke-destroying, burden-removing, power of God.” Indeed, the power of God is as real now as it was then. But in the New Testament, access to this divine power is directly connected to a person, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Anointed One. It is not about a feeling, experience, impartation, gifting, or blessing. The fact is that every true believer has been indwelt by the Spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9b). And we live with the power of the life-giving King dwelling on the inside. And he is there to give us understanding of all that is ours in Christ Jesus so that we may live out the life of the teachings of our faith (John 16:13-15; 1 Co. 2:14-16).

We often speak of the anointing in terms of empowerment. Maybe we should start thinking and speaking of it in terms of understanding. Let me say it as clearly as I can: If you are in Christ, you do not need to be anointed. You are anointed! May this biblical truth and wonderful reality give you confidence as you read, study, listen to, embrace, and obey the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

I pray that this post has both blessed you and empowered you with more information. Continue in the faith. F. Demond

Rev. H.B. Charles - Mt. Sinai M.B.C. Los Angeles, CA
http://www.msmbc-la.org/ * www.myspace.com/hbcharlesjr
*He is available for conferences, workshops, revivals, seminars etc.......