Liberation Ministries- "Where Religion Meets Relevance"

Sermon Recap: Sunday, May 24, 2009

2009-05-26T22:34:00.000-07:00

Sermon Topic: Open Your Will

As we continue the "Open Me" Series we explored the notion of opening our will. As you say yes to who you ultimately are, you say yes to limitless possibilities for your life. As we read the 6th chapter of the book of Isaiah, we explored Isaiah's call. At first Isaiah was adamant that he was a man with unclean lips, surrounded by a people of unclean lips. Despite the fact that he was having a vision of being in the holy of holies he was still stuck with an image of himself that was unclean. What you think about yourself dictates how far your "will" can be stretched. Every time you say I cant, or I wont, the thing you are called to do gets farther and farther away from your grasp.

Once the angel told Isaiah that he was indeed clean, his whole world and perception changed. When the Lord asked, who can I send? He answered, "here I am Lord send me". He was now ready for his next step, he was now ready for his next direction. After you throw away your notion of limits, and your understandings of your own boundaries, you become more and more aware of God's possibilities. What a journey the Lord had for Isaiah, we are still reading and reciting his words today. What a journey the Lord has for you if only you could simply say, "here I am Lord, send me".

I am opening my will to prosper, to be successful, to have healthy and whole relationships. I am opening my will to believe in myself and those around me, to trust that Liberation is truly a loving and welcoming space. I am opening my will to know that I will, even in my darkest hour say YES!

Sermon Recap: Sunday, May 17, 2009

2009-05-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Subject: Sermon Recap

Open My Mouth!
This is what we are asking God to help us do as we continue with the Open Me Series in the month of May.
We are yearning for a closer relationship with God yet we are not communicating openly and consistently with the one we want a relationship with.

The scripture lesson for this Sunday was Mark 5:21-42. In the word we met the woman who had an issue of blood but saw fit to communicate openly what she needed and sought Jesus to heal her. We also found Jairus who's daughter was thought to be dead. He also sought the help of Jesus and chose not to listen to those around him who believed there was no help for his daughter even from God.

Many of us have issues we believe are beyond God's help because we either have had them for so long or because we accept what people tell us to be true. We should ask God to Open our Mouths so we can begin to communicate with our Creator more openly and allow God to be God in our lives.

Open your Mouths and know that God is listening always.

Min. Austin Anderson

Reflections on Sunday, April 26, 2009

2009-04-27T21:07:00.001-07:00

The scripture lesson this week was found in the book of Luke 10:38-42. The bible shares with us the story of two sisters; Mary and Martha. As the story begins, Martha is described as welcoming Jesus into her home. How many of us have welcomed Jesus into our homes (lives, experiences, situations)? That is usually how our own journey begins, we are excited about an encounter with the Lord, and we welcome him in with joy. The testament however is what happens after Jesus has been welcomed in? The scripture then shares the next encounter Martha has with Jesus. She is asking why he is not noticing that her sister Mary (who is seated at the feet of Jesus listening to his teaching) is not helping her with her chores. Jesus says, Martha, Martha you are so troubled with many things. Like Martha we are troubled with our lives, the situations we are experiencing, we are even troubled trying to fix our own lives though we have invited the Master physician into our midst. Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen the better part... Can you find time to truly sit at the feet of Jesus? Can you truly discover the wonder of really allowing him into your life?

Revelation 3:20:
20Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with me.

Series for the Month of May: "OPEN ME!"

Reflections On Sunday, March 8, 2009

2009-03-08T22:05:00.000-07:00

Who are you pretending to be and Why?

This is the question we were all faced with today in Break-Through Part 2. God has created us as whole beings, fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image. However we allow the noise from outside to overshadow the voice of the genuine in ourselves. As a result we end up living lives of pretense as opposed to existence. The time we are spending pretending to live pushes us farther and farther away from being our unique and individual selves. When we end this cycle of oppression and suppression our life truly begins.

The scripture lesson today was found in Joshua 6: 1-6. We were presented with Joshua being told that the city of Jericho would be delivered into his hands. Then he was told exactly what to do in order for this feat to come to pass. Joshua understood that in order for the Jericho walls to come tumbling down there would be a process and some work on his part. Nevertheless, after the process and the work was accomplished on the seventh day the walls indeed came tumbling down.

We all have some Jericho walls in our lives that need to be broken through and come tumbling down. Let us use Joshua as an example:

1). Trust that God will bring your Jericho walls down.
2). Listen to the plan that God has for you to assist your walls coming down. God is a simple God with simple and explicit instructions.
3). Follow the process, your six days may be six months or six years but God will not fail you. Trust the process.
4). Shout when you triumph over your Jericho walls.

People of God, Walk Whole, Live Whole, Worship Whole and see you at Liberation next Sunday!

Pastor Darrell

Reflections On Sunday, March 1, 2009

2009-03-02T18:46:00.001-08:00

Sermon Recap

Break-Through Part I

This week the sermon asked the question, "What is your name?" and "Who are you?" As we look at our lives we see that we have allowed so many of the noises from the outside (family, friends, rules, regulations, limitations, benefits) to cloud and muffle the voice of God in our lives. Our true selves are screaming within, for us to be more and more of who God has created us to be. We must believe and accept that we are truly created in the image of the almighty God.God does not make trash, low self-esteem, unhealthy lifestyles, depression and detrimental self-images. When we accept these labels and names, we are essentially devaluing who and what God is in our lives.We look at God in the mirror and say your image is flawed, imperfect, and not whole. As we listen to the genuine in ourselves, your true voice, your true name emerges. Challenge: This week we will all think of one thing that we know is truly US, something that we have chosen not to do because of the noise, and do that thing! For some of us it will be to SING, others DANCE, and then for others, show more CARE. As you hear what the YOU is calling you toward, try it and the walls that have closed the YOU in will surely tumble down!

Pastor Darrell

Next Week: Break-Through Park 2: The Walls of Jericho

Reflections On Sunday, February 22, 2009

2009-02-23T15:31:00.002-08:00

Liberation,

This month we have looked at the different aspects of wellness. I am so so excited we had the chance to talk about Mental wellness. I am reminded that what I plant will indeed grow.

What am I thinking?

What am I planting?

What am I nurturing?

What ever is happening in our lives today,We had to think it first (good or bad). That is the good news. For if you don't like where you are today, you can change it right now with the thoughts you think.

Take a good look at the 5 folks you spend the most time with, ask yourself do they have what I want? Change your thoughts and watch what happens.

If you remember only one thing from yesterdays message, remember that God is the only power in my life. If God is our Source then what else can happen but life abundantly. That is the central truth, so if I am not experiencing that, then I must have my arms full with something else.

Take time this week to write out you blessings, and abundance put a list of them in your car, have them at work, put them on your mirror at home. When you think a thought that says you are anything less that a perfect expression of God simply say STOP!!! Then thank God for one of your many blessing. Try God and see.

God is good All the time.

With Great Love
Rev Allen
I feel profound gratitude for all I am and all I have
sent using Positive Affirmations
Created with Positive Affirmations

Reflections On Sunday, February 15, 2009

2009-02-23T15:31:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday at Liberation was full of the love and the presence of God. We prepared for the WORD of Liberation by inviting God into our hearts, minds, spirits, and circumstances. It is amazing how simple it is to quiet our minds and merely say, "Lord you are welcome" as one says this over and over again, our hearts and minds open more to the presence, the love, and the blessings of God. The sermon topic was Social Wellness. This is the third installation of our four part series on wellness.Central to the Word this week was Jesus' words found in Matthew 22:37-39: Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself".

We live in a world and society that promotes unceasing individualism. This notion of individualism often negates the fact that as human beings we are interrelated and interconnected. Our lives are linked by various systems, and so the more we love one another, the more we essentially love God and ourselves. Our connection to one another mimics the spider web, the spider knows when something is wrong because the whole web moves. When one of us is hurt, angry, sad, or joyful in essence the whole web of creation moves. Our inability to see how we affect the world around us, limits how easily we connect to our brother and sister.

Being Socially Well invites me to realize how I affect others and how they affect me. It invites me to ask the simple question of my partner, friends, family and myself: "What do you expect from me?". This question allows us to hear the needs of those we are in relationship with and to decide whether or not we are capable of meeting those expectations. As we learn what we need and want, we also learn what we can give. We learn to honor those in our lives by investing in the relationships that add and removing those that merely take value.

This week we are challenged to ask the question, and act accordingly. Social wellness encourages us to:
-Set boundaries
-Express what we need and do not need in a relationship
-To ask what is expected of us, and share what we can actually give
-To remind ourselves that we are eternally connected to one another

The service ended with each person writing a love letter to themselves that will be mailed in the coming weeks and months back to them. There is still time to write your letter. Remember your church is investing in you, so please invest in your church.

Next Week: Mental Wellness

Love, Pastor Darrell

Reflections on Sunday, February 8, 2009

2009-02-09T07:31:00.001-08:00

Today was another miraculous worship experience at Liberation. The house was FULL-of energy, passion, and an openness to the WILL and WORK of GOD in our lives. The sermon today was a continuation of this month's wellness series. Last week we discussed physical wellness, as our bodies are temples of God, how might we take care of our body that we may truly be a vessel. This Sunday we focused on emotional and spiritual wellness. As we find balance in our lives we realize that making sure we are WHOLE is a priority not an option.

As we think about spiritual and emotional wellness, it is important to be reminded that GOD has already begin the work for us. God has provided us with emotions to be emotionally well. Experience all of the emotions God has given you, Joy, Peace, Anger, Sorrow, but let none of these emotions be your master. Also do not let anyone take control of your emotions. No one makes you mad, happy, or sorrowful, those decisions happen within you first. Simply be human, be real, be balanced.

In terms of our spiritual wellness, God has also met us half way! The spirit of the Living God resides in us. We are asked to simply nurture it. What we invest is what we will yield in return. Liberation has invested in you by creating a weekly bible study, Sunday morning worship, prayer services, and meditation opportunities. The more you participate in these opportunities the more you invest in your spiritual health. Your spirit is calling out for you to feed it,and nurture it, how will you answer that call?

Wellness Options:

1). Find more time for prayer
2). Meditate
3). Imagine yourself relaxed.
4). Drink Hot Tea
5).Love Someone

Next Week: Social Wellness

Pastor Darrell

Reflections on Sunday, February 1, 2009

2009-02-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

It is amazing to ponder that at one time the Lord chose to dwell in a building that was brick and mortar. The temples of old were beautiful, outlined with silver, gold, bronze and the finest of all things imaginable. The Lord however chose to no longer dwell in these building made by hand, but through his spirit has chosen to dwell within me and you.

We are now the temple that the Spirit of the Lord has chosen to dwell within . As temples it is our responsibility to take special care of our physical bodies. This is not a mandate about exercise, diets, rules, regulations, shoulds and should nots. I am asking you to ponder this principle:

If Your body is the temple of God.
a. Be careful where it goes.
b. Be careful what it does.
c. Be careful what it ponders.
d. Be careful how it reacts.
e. Be careful what you put into it.

Today, we all made individual commitments to do one thing that will more aptly prepare our physical body as God's temple. My personal commitment is to make sure that I eat a home-cooked meal once a week. This is not a life or death mandate, but as I prepare my own meal, I can incorporate healthy vegetables, carbohydrates, and protein.

What commitment will you make,

- to sleep more?
-to exercise?
-to pray more?

Whatever it is God is delighted as we prepare the way for the Spirit!

Next Week: Emotional, Social and Mental Wellness

Pastor Darrell

Reflections on January at Liberation

2009-02-02T06:55:00.000-08:00

January has been a month of revitalization at Liberation. We began by considering the year gone and the year to come; the season of limits is gone; “behold the season of increase now has opportunity to flourish.” (Pst. Goodwin) As is says in Chronicles 4:10 Jabez cried out ‘Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory and keep me from harm… and God granted his request.’ We are in a new season of empowerment, growth and renewal in Spirit.

We see this at work in the new partnerships we are forming, the increase in community and new relationships with one another and those in communities around us. The MLK service mid-month was a powerful demonstration of unity and strength, just one day before the momentous inauguration of our first African-American president. We are certainly in a time of increased opportunity. I pray that we would all see and recognize the moment for what it is, a moment of new freedoms.

At month end we began to do the work of reaching in and recognizing that this revitalization is based in renewed relationship with God within us and individuals and community together. “By nurturing the spirit within us we are therefore nurturing the God within us all.” We have the unique wonderful gift of seeing each other as the Spirit sees us, renewed by his grace and blessed by his Word.

Tamara Cooper

Reflections on Sunday, January 25, 2009

2009-02-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

On Sunday January 25th the word from the Lord was Blessed by Association. Through the message we learned the importance of nurturing our internal associations with ourselves. By nurturing the spirit withing us we are therefore nurturing the God within us all. By nurturing these relationships we will begin to grow and attract external relationships and community with people who have also been nurturing the creator within themselves further creating a cycle of Blessed Associations in our lives.

Min. Austin Anderson

Sunday, January 18, 2009

2009-01-20T11:04:00.001-08:00

On this past Sunday, God has showed us the possibilities of where we can and will go as a congregation . There was a time when inclusive churches were isolated, alone, and disparate, but Sunday we were able to bring a couple of hundred people together to worship in our unique multicultural and charismatic way. This is still not the experience of all those who seek an inclusive worship space, but we are moving forward. The stronger we are, the more cohesive, and on one accord, more loudly will the voice that "God Loves All" permeate our society.

My eyes welled with tears looking at the crowd, humbly thanking God through whom all things are possible! I knew that Dr.King would be proud that at Liberation we are attempting to materialize his dream.One of the key memories of Sunday was that we are all a part of one body in Christ and that through this connection 1 Corinthians 12:26: "If one member suffers we all suffer, if one member is honored all rejoice together with it".

As our nation inaugurates our First Black President, as the First Gay Bishop prayed at the Inaugural Festivities and as Liberation Ministries hosted our First Madrona MLK service, lets remember our connections, our call, and our voice. We as Dr. King, and President Obama are also paving the way for a future society and church.

Stay Blessed,

Pastor Darrell

Sunday, January 11, 2009

2009-01-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

Jesus took time out to be alone with God and get re-charged. It is so important that we take time out for solitude and prayer in our daily lives. We need that sense of renewal and also release from the 'sticky' energy of other people's attitudes and negativity, as well as re-alignment of our own! Also, how you invest your time and energy in everyday life is crucial. Remember, every choice counts! And, we each have to discern what is really ours to do - - we can't meet needs when our own spiritual tank is on empty, and in God's abundance, there is always enough time and people to take care of all needs - - you don't have to do it all! Do what Spirit reveals to you as yours and let that be enough! Scripture says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. That means staying balanced and healthy on every level and in every way takes priority ... and when we make alone time with God daily a priority, people in ours lives will notice the difference ...

Rev. Cheri Starchman

Sunday, January 4, 2009

2009-01-13T07:02:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful day at Liberation! I just wanted to remind you all how beautiful and powerful the work and will of God is in all of your lives. So often we can allow moments of frustration to define our path, but I ask that you allow your GOD to be too BIG for that! The season of limits has ended. The season of boundaries has ended. And behold the season of increase now has its opportunity to flourish. Today we burned our limits and as the words you wrote turned to ash so also will everything that stands in the way of your promise, your destiny. I walk in increase, you walk in increase, we walk in increase.

Stay Blessed for the Power and Will of God has been made manifest another day in our lives,

With Love and Service, Pastor Darrell

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T06:45:00.001-08:00

Dear Seekers of Liberation,
I thank God for another year that we have been blessed to give honor and praise for the birth of Our Savior. The Word of the Lord says, "There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger. At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him." (Luke 2:11-14).

From this blessed moment, the birth of Liberation began; the opportunity to create and establish a church without limits and without boundaries. Liberation Ministries began its freedom worship experience in March of 2007, and as we look upon God’s grace on our community as we are now at the close of 2008, we can clearly see where the blessings of the Lord have flowed and continue to flow unceasingly upon our ministry and our call. As we reflect on our year in service together, we have found that there is much to be grateful for. We thank God for the service of our 2008-2009 Leadership Team: Sis. Donna, Bro. Rob, Min. Austin, Sis, Annette, Min. Cheri, and Min. Kiantha; and are thankful for the continuation of God’s vision through our forming 2009-2010 team: Sis. Donna, Sis. Richenda and Bro. Tony. We also welcomed Bro. Danny Long to the Liberation staff as our new church administrator. This year we have added two new ministers to the ministerial staff at Liberation: Minister Cheri and Minister Allen. We thank God for their leadership and willingness to serve us all as a congregation and church family. The blessings of the Lord have been abundant in our ministries; we established the beginning of a Worship Team that has changed our worship experience through Bro. Terry, and under the direction of Minister Cheri. We have also developed and grown our Men’s Ministry through the faithfulness of Minister Allen, established a Women’s Ministry through Sis. Czarina and Sis. Richenda, as well as created a Non-Traditional Recovery Ministry under the leadership of Sis. Donna.

This year we also began our weekly Bible studies, and the Lord has truly opened and broadened our horizons—communally and spiritually. We also celebrated our first Church and Pastor’s Anniversary with guest speakers from Boston and Los Angeles, and our first Church Consecration Service and Vision Meeting. We were tremendously blessed by our first Gospel Concert, which continued to show the work of God through our Minister of Music, Min. Anderson, and our friends at St. Luke’s in Bellevue. The blessings continued as we hosted the Seattle Pride church service and celebrated our first Women in Ministry Month. The Lord met us every Sunday and continued to show Liberation the power of the feminine voice. We closed this year with our first Annual World AIDS Day, where as a church we made an individual as well as a congregational commitment to the global fight against AIDS.

As a small and growing church community we have given thousands of dollars to help our local and global communities. These blessings range from aiding a small village in West Africa to build a water supply, to providing grocery, bill and rent assistance to our church community members, and the establishment of a book scholarship for a student of color at Seattle University; and the faithfulness to be a blessing to our community and to our world continue strong. As a result of these door openings, God has continued to bless us with our worship space at Epiphany Parish, a wireless mic and sound system, and the opportunity for personal growth and enrichment as the Men’s Group, Ministerial and Leadership Team staffs went to visioning retreats at the close of this year.

As we look forward to 2009, the year of “No Limits & No Boundaries”, it is our hope that we will began seeing a stronger and more robust communication system at Liberation, including a new website and communication opportunities. We will see a more unified ministerial staff and church leadership team, the establishment of new ministries such as Lifeline our new HIV/AIDS ministry, and opportunities for congregational growth through a church retreat. As Bro. Danny said a few Sundays ago, “the Liberation train is moving,” and I am inviting you all as the Pastor to get on board and move forward with us. We thank God for all those who have gone before, and those who will come after, may the Light of God shine every so brightly in you.

In your humble service,

Pastor Darrell L. Goodwin
Happy Holidays 2008

Sunday, November 9, 2008

2008-11-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

Liberated Reflections:
A CALL TO WORSHIP
“...a time is coming, and now is that time when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” -Jesus

It is undeniably certain that a paradigm shifting of worship is being cultivated at Liberation. This was evident on this past Sunday worship service. As the minds and spirits of the people grow, coming into an understanding of what true worship is, we are beginning to see a change in spiritual directives that is evident in how we individually and corporately seek the face, mouth, eyes and heart of God. In search of our own salvation, in fear and admonition, fellow congregants are beginning to take responsibility of how we engage in liberating worship corporately. This is not a call to worship as my much as it is the call to become worshippers. The scripture suggest that the Father is seeking Worshippers who worship, and the idea that Jesus presents to the woman at the well is that of a people who become and live out “worship” as a reasonable life service unto the Father; a people who truly recognize that God is all that WE need. Liberation, God through our worship is cultivating a place of refreshment for the oppressed, restoration for those who have sown endlessly in love but have reaped in heartache and intolerance. ‘Life worship’ He says, ‘will cultivate an atmosphere for corporate change’. “Worship Precedes Change” says the Lord, and that’s His “blessing to us”: a place to belong truly belong for all.

UPSIDE DOWN BLESSINGS [IN AN UPSIDE DOWN WORLD]
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account ” …but whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

How easy it is to forget how blessed we are as men and women of God, when in our world, our experiences are often those that come with some degree of hurt or pain—suffering, humiliation, condemnation, rejection, deception, and abandonment—life tends to bring us seemingly unbearable crosses to bare that challenge our faith, our love, and our dreams of success; everything that we know seems to instantaneously *poof* away when the cross and burial seem to outweigh the “blessings” of redemption and resurrection. Sunday service was amazing; the guest Pastor, Reverend Kelle Brown brought a well-seasoned and transforming word that we were able to relate to our lives both individually and corporately. We were indeed blessed and challenged in our community of love, faith and hope.

The title of her message was “Upside-down blessings” and she spoke from Matthew 5:1-12, “The Beatitudes.” Her message was for a person (or church) living in an upside down world in the midst of unfamiliar and fearful transition due to a failing economy, an abusive relationship, heartache and pain, confusion, racial, moral and ethical strife; whatever or wherever you saw yourself on the path of liberation, there was a word for you, and the word was: “You’re blessed” despite. You’re blessed going in and you’re blessed coming out. The fact of the matter is none of what you’re going through has taken God by surprise. He was there even before you stepped foot into the furnace, and He will be there when you come out as “pure gold, refined several times in the fire.

The process of living the “blessed life” however is one of faith and total dependency upon the word and promises of God spoken over us, and has very little to do with the material world. You can have houses and lands, and still have the same worries and be just as miserable as you were when you had a shack and alley; for in truth, only the “blessings” of the Lord can make a man rich and sorrow free. Make no mistake about it beloved, the blessing is more than a mere tangible possession. The idea that it is, breeds status quo righteousness and religiosity that suggest that God’s exchange for heart and soul is house and land, and God is too BIG of a god that He would have to limit himself to consumer interests and liability.
The sad reality is that so many of us are sitting in a pool of sorrow because we assumed that the “blessings of the Lord” that “makes you rich” was that brand new Mercedes and garage to put it in, when in fact it was simply “knowing Christ” way before you even got the Benz. He is the blessing! Who else can heal your body and save your soul; restore your hopes and dreams and give you life? Now, after the locust has eaten up everything you esteemed as your own, you question God’s wisdom in given to you only so that he could take away from you. Who am I taking too??? Beloved, when everything is eaten up, there still remains something to rejoice about—the fact that you know Jesus. I’d rather have Jesus any day over the house that I live in or the office I work in; because after everything fades away, Jesus still IS. He’s all that I need.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Paul’s message to the church in Philippi. In the later part of his letter, he says: “Whatever gain I had, I count as loss.” First, understand the message in context; Paul was standing in a hard an unfamiliar place in his life. He was defending a faith that was considered “pagan” amongst his own people which ultimately brought him persecution, rejection, imprisonment and even death. Paul in our text, was simply saying to the Philippians: “They can take my freedom and imprison me if they will, run me out of the land of my ancestors if they so desire, keep me from my family and turn them against me because they very well can, but know this: despite everything that that can and ultimately will be take from me, they will never be able to take away from me the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ”.

Wow, the “surpassing worth” of knowing… Knowing what Terry? Okay, so now ya’ll trying to make a brotha’ preach: Knowing that when He rose from the dead, you rose up too—out of shame, out of condemnation, out of humiliation and frustration—when the power of death was defeated over Jesus, so it was in your life, so that even as he lives, you live and are able to move and have your being through Him. Death has lost its sting, the grave has lost its grip; let the weak say I am strong and let the poor say I am rich, why? Because you know Him in the “power of His resurrection”; just take a moment, lay hands on yourself and just say “live.” Get out of your grave clothes and live!

Okay, so I think I need thirty seconds for myself, so hold that thought…
Kelle’s message was simple: “Blessed are you,” despite what was, has or is going to happen in your life, your inheritance is sealed in the assurance that you know Jesus. You are blessed! The young man or woman living with AIDS; you’re blessed! The family whose income has been effected by the shift in our countries recent financial crises; you’re blessed! Though you walk through the valley and shadows of death; you’re blessed! Lift up your head, you’re blessed, you’re blessed, you’re blessed! Trust and be assured that God has not forgotten you; He loves you so much that He sent Rev. Brown for such a time as Sunday, November 09, 2008 to remind you that you are blessed and that He hasn’t forgotten your brokenness, your hurt, your pain and neither your shame.

Beloved, the simple truth is that often time we get so caught up in the material gain that we forget that we are seekers first of the kingdom—the house and car is the addition. We are seekers first, and the “blessing” of the seeker is actually finding whatever it is that he or she has been searching for. That’s why Paul was able to write, “Indeed, I count everything as “rubbish” because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.” Paul understood that: “because I know Him, I shall have. Liberation, true worship will happen when we realize that Jesus is all that we will ever really need. In Paul’s version of the beatitudes, the blessing was to know Christ in His suffering. In the midst of watching everything he held dear being devoured by the locust, all he wanted was Jesus. Liberation, may we too now come to a place in our worship where our hearts cry is not ‘Lord, give me, give me, give me,’ but ‘Lord, I need you, I need you, I need you.’ Be blessed.

Bro. Terry Kelly

Reflections on Sunday, May 18, 2008

2008-05-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We are all in a battle for our lives, and though on occasion we may ignore the sounds of war, and we may even blind ourselves to the violence surrounding us, nevertheless the fight goes on. This past Sunday the sermon was "In it to Win it". The theme provided us an understanding that we are in a battle for our spiritual lives, and its important to understand the enemy that we are fighting to have Victory over him.

Characteristics of the Battle:

Ephesians 6: 12-18 (The Message Translation)

A Fight to the Finish

10 -12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

13 -18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Characteristics of the Enemy:

John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

Luke 22:31
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

Weapons the enemy is using:

Doubt, Fear, Restlessness, Ignorance, False Love, Addiction, Etc.

Our weapon:

"Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15).

Saints and friends, the Battle is the Lord's and we have been equipped to have the victory. Continue to put on the whole armour of God and withstand the temptation of the enemy. Though he may come to take, destroy, prevent life, the Lord has promised us that he comes to give life and that more abundantly. (Please come to Sunday Afternoon Services for the Full Sermon Text.

Pastor Darrell

Reflection on Sunday, May 11, 2008

2008-05-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Dearest All,
I speak to the one in all: God. The living Spirit in All that gives life & breath & direction to our internal=eternal Spirits. For we are not, as they say, humans having a Spiritual experience but Spirits having a human experience. We forget this, at times, as we rush through the daily grind of living a "human" experience. We forget that we are actually Spirits having a human experience, made human to bring in the flesh God's love & presence on Earth through our actions & deeds. We forget to touch base with our inner Spirit where God & love & truth reside.

Well, if you are like me, & I am sure there are more like me me than not, you need to be reminded from time to time. And I found one such place on my journey through Seattle Washington. I speak of Liberation Ministries, which I want to give praise & testimony to. For it is a new, young & vibrant, church where one can go to be one with God & to feel the Spirit rise from within in a mighty crescendo of inclusive love & harmony. For it is truly a church where one can go to remember that you are a living breathing manifestation of God on Earth. For your Spirit aligns with God's spirit, in such a divine way that I just gotta testify.

You see I came to Seattle to visit my beloved friend Allen Mosley. Now Allen had spoken of Pastor Darrell & his church & how I just had to come & experience his loving ministry. Well, talkin about it & experiencing it are 2 very different things! For I was not ready for what I was about to experience in the way of "inclusiveness" one experiences at Liberation Ministries.
You see my experience with Liberation Ministries started on Tuesday May 6TH with the Praise & Worship Choir ( See Photo Above). Allen, asked me to come to rehearsal with him where I was immediately asked to sing with the choir on Sunday, as I am a professional singer. In fact Cheri, the choir accompanist, or should I say the Rev. Cheri, who gave a most divine sermon on Sunday(see photo below), asked me if I would also sing a Ricki Byars song with her called "Use Me".

Now this song speaks of being of service to God which is what I humbly try to to do every day of my life & in my music. But, I had not planned on singing only on enjoying Allen's joy for his church. So, I took a moment to go through my mental but but butts. As we are often apt to do when we are asked to rise up out of our comfort zones to be present. BUT, I believe in being of service & rising to the occasion whenever God speaks through others, to be there & to give. So, I pushed aside the thoughts running through my head: But Lisa, you haven't sang this song before, but Lisa you have no time on this trip to rehearse & decided I would be apart of this inclusive church, that was beckoning me to rise up in praise to God.

So, Sunday I came to church knowing & trusting that God would be the way maker for my weary soul to sing her song into life. For we had been on 4 ferries in 5 days & traveled some 300 miles. And I am here to testify what God can do through us when we step out of the way., and give God the reins. For, like me, Rev. Cheri was weary, she had played piano in another church only that morning & fought through traffic to be there, run a rehearsal with choir, & give her 1rst sermon in 4 and a half years! WOW! And what a sermon it was.

For she chose, like me, to push aside her thoughts, her mortal mind, & her "human" trepidations to be a vessel/a channel for God's voice. And what a magnificent voice she was. For she included every single member of Liberation Ministries in celebrating Mother's day. No small act when you think most of the congregation was of the male persuasion! But she spoke of us all inclusively being Mother's, being there for the children in the world, & for one another. And how we must push aside our "human" experiences, the ones that keep us from our Spirits, & be still & know that I am God. BE STILL & KNOW THAT I AM GOD!!! Be still & know God in you. And in doing so know God in all things. For God is the way maker.

God certainly was that day for both Rev. Cheri & I. And anyone that was there that day can testify, as well, that Rev. Cheri was indeed a divine manifestation of God in word & in deed. For what made Rev. Cheri's sermon so "relevant" & timely is that she reminded us all that we all can be God in action & behold the Christ in us all when stop to be still & know that I am God dwelling in you. And that is just what I was able to do in being a member for a day at Liberation Ministries.

Now I have sang all over & at many churches but never ever have I been made to feel so included, never have I been asked to rise up, in such a way & be the face of God in action as I was at Liberation Ministries. And as so many of you, as members of Liberation Ministries, are being called into service to be the face, the eyes, the ears the embodiment of God in action. For me this is what the teachings of Jesus were all about! And what a divine opportunity you all have being apart of Liberation Ministries.

Really when you look at it so many of us go to hear the voice of God at a church through others, but are not asked to be the face, the voice of God in action & that is what makes this church so special. For you all truly are, as the church motto says where "religion meets relevance".

So thank yous go out to all of you for being so relevant & for making me feel apart of something special. It was a blessing & and honor to be a member of your church for the day, for you are a very special church. It's not every church that lets you be apart of bringing God to human form-to be GOD in action!

I especially want to thank Minister Austin for his divine direction of the Praise & Worship choir & for welcoming me with his warm & loving heart. To Rev. Cheri for asking me to minister with her through song & for her divine sermon which is still teaching me the truth of God. And that is to be still & know that I am God. And a BIG BIG thank you to Pastor Darrell who is a shining light of God's love on Earth, and who asked me to rise up today and be the voice of God through this blog. Thank you Rev. Darrell & all the congregants of Liberation Ministries for having a church where all are one with God, where all are included. You all keep being the face of God! And God willing, I will join you again...Till then

Love & Bless Sings,
Lisa Cohen
http://www.lisacohenmusic.com

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Reflections on Sunday, April 20, 2008

2008-04-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we had a great opportunity to revisit the presence of God in our lives. As we think about our day-to-day lived experiences, our weeks and month, we are confronted with the question, "Where is God in my life?" The reality is that the Spirit of the Living God is always present and waiting to be more involved in our natural experiences. But as busy, time conscious people, we must learn to make space for the spirit of God to fall fresh on us. The Lord asks that we move the clutter, pain, sorrow, depression, worry, and doubt of the place that belongs to HIM and him alone. Someone asked, pastor What would my life look like if I truly allowed the spirit of the Lord to fall fresh on me? The scripture that summarizes it for me is found in Psalms 1 (The Amplified Bible Translation):

1[a]BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

2But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.(A)

3And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].(B)

4Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away.

5Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor [b]sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].

6For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, allow the Spirit of the Living God to fall fresh on you and in you and blessed will you be among all the nations.

Enjoy the beautiful song attached,

Pastor Darrell Goodwin

Reflections on Sunday, April 6, 2008

2008-04-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

We had a very special service this past Sunday at Liberation Ministries. It was a Consecration Service for all who have committed to serve in a certain position within the church and to God. There were many who were in attendance for the first time. We all felt the spirit of the Lord from the wonderful singing of the Praise Team and the congregation. We sang my favorite song, “You Alone are Worthy”. I love the song because it reminds me again as to what this is all about...why I got up, got dressed and am standing there singing.

As always, I really enjoyed the service, just being in the presence of God, praising Him and worshipping with the L.M. crew. What’s really amazing is that you can look into the faces of everyone else there and see that they are enjoying the service, ALL OF IT, as much as you are. That’s just gravy for me!

We heard a great message from Pastor Micah Daniel, who led us in reading from Jeremiah 18: 1-6 and 1 Timothy 4: 11-15. The first of the scriptures teach us that God is the Master Potter and we are his clay that can be reworked, reshaped and remolded into what God created us to be. The second scripture instructs us to not let anyone look down on us because we are young, that we are to be examples for others in our speech, our lives, our faith and in purity. I took this scripture to mean that we shouldn’t let anyone look down on us for any reason (mostly because I’m not that young!). We should just be about the business of serving God and living for Him and doing what we know He wants us to do in the unique and special way that He has blessed each and every one of us. That brings me to the last part of the second scripture. Pastor Daniel read and spoke about not neglecting our gifts, which was given to us by a prophetic message. He said that we should honor what our pastor tells us when it comes to what we are capable of doing for God, and that because he is our leader, God reveals to him things that we are gifted with. Pastor Daniel had jokes throughout the message and kept us laughing as we listened to God’s word.

I had never been a part of a consecration service before. In the churches that I grew up in, if you wanted to commit to being a part of the service or the church or God, it was something you acknowledged internally and then to one or two church officials in the church and that was it. It was usually during the altar call, after which you would be asked what you wanted to do in the church, and before you could answer someone would say, “we’ll find something for you to do”! There was no ceremony to recognize your commitment to the church or to God. It was good for me to stand and hear the words from Pastor Darrell and Minister Austin as to what it is I am saying I will do for God, my church, my church members and the congregation, even though I have personally done that within. I also felt encouraged by the part of the service where the congregation was asked to support us. When I think about the kind of “vessel” I am, sometimes things like chipped, cracked, broken, and leaking come to mind. But in the presence of my church yesterday, I felt as though it’s okay to be those things within my church family while God is working on what will someday be a finished work that will glorify Him.

Liberation Ministries is a great place of worship and a great place to come and discover who God is and who you are in God.

Sis. Annette

Reflections on Sunday, March 30th, 2008

2008-04-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those Sundays where when church is over you just wanted to keep that feeling going. I feel sometimes I get a different prospective being on the praise team. When you look out in the congregation and see people worshiping it just makes your spirit fly. It reminds me of that old church hymn “I fly away”.

Brother John Ray continued the praise and blessed us with an amazing Sermonic Solo. The talent that is within our church is amazing. God is a Good God.

Yesterday was testimony Sunday; as I sit there listening to each person speak, I listened to each person telling my story. There are times in life when I feel that I am the only person going through things, and that everyone’s faith is so much stronger than mine. Yesterday I was reminded that no matter what happens in our lives God can, and does use it for his glory. I would also like to take the time to share my personal journey with each of you. Feel free to look at my blog spot that talks about my walk with God through cancer. http://tantso.blogspot.com/ I encourage each of us to share what God is doing in your lives. We are all God's angels.

I heard over and over again that no matter what, “God is an ON TIME GOD”. When you don’t see how you can fix the relationship, job, living situation, give it to God. Watch God work it out. When you feel that everyone has walked out, and left you all alone know that in those times God picks us up and carries us. Know that you can only breathe for yourself, and no one else can breathe for you. Nothing that is going on in your life is larger than the love of God.

At Liberation Ministries we have a belief that everyone is a minister. Yesterday I can say that I witnessed that in person. I had the honor of spending time with some folks who where visiting for the first time. They stated “I haven’t felt anything like that in a long time, I just didn’t want it to end.”

Praise God the good news is it doesn’t end. Praise Team meets on Tuesday, Bible Study on Friday, and Church on Sunday. Church is not the same with out YOU there.

See you this week.

Love You

Brother Allen

Resurrection Sunday- March 23, 2008

2008-03-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone enjoyed the service this past Easter Sunday at Liberation Ministries. I know I enjoyed it and was uplifted by the whole service. Service was open by a great trio number by Minister Kiantha, Austin, and Pastor. The praise team did an amazing job as usual and Jared shined in his solo. Bro. Alan also gave us a mini concert. God truly has so many talented people at our church.

The sermon was good and I am blogging about what I personally took from it. I dont know if some of you feel like this, but I think the ministers are peaking in our diaries LOL. Pastor had two words for us. GET UP. He first talked about the meaning of Easter and how God got up. This really reached me because I have been going through my own personal demons. God endured all , suffered all just as us humans, but he got up. So that I can live, and when I had to think about that I was like WOW if GOD got up through everything than I should be able to also. Pastor talked about having stones always being in the way, and how you have to continue to get up, to learn, to keep going foward. That most of us will sit up, but wont fully get up, waiting for proof from God that he is really there instead of fully believing in our hearts that God is really there. I thought this was such a great message because as humans we think that some things are just so painful and that we can never get through them, but you can make it through anything with God, and through remembering that when you have no one he is there. I was telling Pastor and i will put my business out why cant God not give me a break I have seen my father get shot and killed in front of me. I lost my grandmother my best friend and number one supporter. I suffered through abusive relationships where I was thrown down a flight of stairs and then had my jaw broke. Went through deep depression and a suicide attempt.. and then when i feel like Im doing everything right getting back to the church. Im striked with another stone, and he was like God is not done with you the stones are not done.

I learned from this that I also have to believe in God through the good and the bad in my life. That just because I love god, believe in God, and have faith doesnt mean that he is going to make my life a petal of roses, because that is just not his plan, but he has prepared me to handle everything and anything. I am giving option and choices. I may have endured all this so one day I can help someone from suffering the way I have. God suffered to but he got up, and he continue to do what he did even with the stones in his way.

As God was given the choice I am given the choice to either GET UP and keep moving, and living, inspiring, developing, and growing. Or I can stay lay there and continue to be defeated due to my own inability to GET UP and have that courage and strength that God, had . So as pastor said when your feeling depressed GET UPPPP.. when your feeling stressed GET UPPPPPPP. when you feel like you cant go on GET UPPPPPPP. and then when you need inspiration as pastor said look at Alex or a baby, and they are young and there is something in them that want to GET UP and do their thing as GOD did even in the midst of the bad.

Remember as the praise team sang our GOD is an Awesome GOD. I also wanted to share that my alter prayer was one of the most powerful things I had experienced. I was hurting bad and wasnt even going to come to church at all on Sunday, but then decided to come because I didnt want to be alone and I wanted to be with my church family, but I was like Im going to go but Im not going to feel anything. That was completely impossible, because if God is going to reach you he is going to reach you. My heart opened the minute I stepped in the church, and when I went up for alter prayer this time was different. I felt like GOd was using Pastor to say the things he wanted me to hear. I felt as if Pastors voice was vibrating and going right into my heart, and I couldnt help but to release that pain and hurt in the moment and let it out and cry.It wasnt about looking a mess or having my mascara smear, I was truly in the house of the lord, and I felt it from head to toe.

Liberations Ministries is doing amazing things for me and for so many people in our church. I need it, it helps give my life balance, it centers me it gives me the comfort that I need sometimes. The messages are bible based, and relevant to what is always going on in my life. I truly believe that Pastor is a beautiful gift from God, and he gave Pastor to all of us as an extension to show what we can be and do, and how we can be ministers just as he is to us, and we need to take what he gives us and pass it along to other people who may need the word in there lives.

In conclusion i also want to say thank you to the Pastor on behalf of myself, and Im sure the other members who attended the lunch at Bluewater Bistro, and that two days have gone by now so I hope that you GET UP.. and SURVIVE.. Get UP.. and INSPIRE.. GET up and show God that his life and his ability to GET UP is not invain because you are using him as the example. I know I was ready to GET UP the moment service was over.

Bro. Jonray

Reflections on Sunday, February 24th, 2008

2008-02-27T14:11:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday was, as always, a remarkably emotional rollercoaster filled with signs of God’s grace and mercy for His people. From our sad unfortunate loss of Eddie and Jeremy to sunny California to the story of a crazy drive of the Pastor despite God’s signs, any person in the congregation would have thought it was all planned out in advance to make such a great cohesion of a service. Part of Jeremy’s departing words included the notion that he “never went to a church where he felt like every sermon was directed right at him.” I believe that is what makes Liberation Ministries unique in essence of the words shared and the community in the congregation: religion is translated for relativity. I, too, after every sermon since the first one I attended last year felt like God through this church was speaking directly to me; His grace and mercy is felt every single Sunday and that is what drags me still out of bed on time despite going to sleep the night prior to at 3a.m.

Signs; we see them, we acknowledge them, but yet we still ride against the grain every single time and avoid the path they appear to lead to. Pastor Darrell’s story of ignoring every single sign to stay inside and not drive/fly/travel anywhere, but still doing so was a clear example of this. Recently laid off, I feel like it was a sign from God that it was now my time to move back home to the islands. So many things are pulling me there; my parents are getting a divorce leaving behind a distressed mother, my brother who has a newborn son (*my God child) is leaving for Officer school, and my younger brother is graduating. These are all obvious signs to me, but sometimes I have to wonder if it’s the not-so-obvious signs that I should truly follow. One of my favorite songs’ lyrics say “do I really want a God that I can understand, still I close my eyes and try to reason why, but since when does my desire dominate The plan.” Sometimes I just want to scream out loud “JUST TELL ME! I’M TIRED OF PLAYING THESE GAMES!” (*And in games, I refer to throwing me through all these trials and tribulations). At the end of church though I realized, our choices truly define who we are, thus innately we all will not follow “the signs” the same way.

Pastor Darrell hits the black ice, the car slides, turns, glides in circles over the slippery ice….Flashes of a lifetime of memories, of his family, of his choices dawn on him…Suddenly the “killer” ride slows the circling and the bumper simply “taps” the railing halting the life-threatening experience. The end of the Pastor’s story expressed one extremely important point that if misconstrued can be taken in an extremely wrong manner: God’s grace is always there. No matter the choice you end up making, He shows mercy, He shows grace, and helps guide us to humility and progression. This is not to say that we can make as many unjust/bad choices in our life and receive no punishment, but know the one and only judge in our life decides how He is there for us. We have no control over the omniscient. The one thing I do strongly believe in though; God speaks to us through our core: our heart. If we follow our heart, God will bring us to and through all of our crazy rides. Like the title of my favorite song from the Praise team: “God is Here.”

Reflections on Sunday, February 10, 2008

2008-02-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

What I got out of Sunday's service is that we should be thankful for what God has done for us especially the ability to wake up! Pastor Darrell used a scripture in his sermon and it was Acts chapter 16 verses 16-38. He also gave us a recipe for Praise so that we might get closer to God!

In my personal experiences in life I can honestly say that I wasn't close to God, but yet he was still blessing me and I thought I was the one taking care of me! I remember when I had just had my 11 year old and we were traveling to Alabama around February and it was around 1-2am and I was driving. We had a Ford explorer at the time. My ex-husband had taken my newborn and my toddler out of their car seats and we had word because of this, but he didn't put them back! Out of nowhere I hit black ice and started to spin out of control I tapped the break and did what I remember seeing in the drivers manual. While we were spinning I saw this 18 wheeler that I had passed about 2-3 miles back vastly approaching. We hit the left side guard rail and slide all the way to the right side of the road and we stopped. During our sliding a car was coming up and they almost slammed into us. We got out of the truck to see the damage and the 18 wheeler was just passing us. The only damage we had was a slight bend in the bumper. When we got back in the truck we noticed that some of the bags we had had shifted to the front and where in the children car-seat. Now, that I think about it I didn't even praise God or say thank you for what he saved me and my family from! I would have been devastated if my children's life would have been taken that morning. Until I started attending Liberation Ministries I was a lost soul, but now I thank God or try to everyday! I give God Praise and he blesses me in return! I wanna thank Liberation Ministries for helping me to accept God into my life, my heart and my home! I love all of you!

Sis. Shantae Sharp

Reflections on Sunday, February 3, 2008

2008-02-06T21:53:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday I had the honor preaching to the faithful few about a topic that is near and dear to all our all hearts and minds. The sermon was simply titled, “The Potter’s House”. In our human experience there is a constant opportunity to listen to the voice of God and allow the move of God to be evident in our lives. In order for this to take place in its fullness we must allow the space for God to continue to mold and shape us.

Jeremiah 18:1-12 gives us a synopsis of a conversation that God has with the prophet Jeremiah in relation to the children of Israel. God instructs Jeremiah that in order to hear his words he must go down to the Potter’s House. When Jeremiah arrives the potter is sitting at a wheel, working with the clay that is within his hands. As the clay is marred, the potter continues to reshape and remold it into its correct form. God reveals to Jeremiah that we are indeed the clay and he is the Master Potter. Every now and again we all must take a trip to the Master Potter and be reworked, restores, rejuvenated and revived.

Fortunately, the potter is waiting consistently and patiently for us to allow ourselves to be molded back into what God created and intended us to be. Nevertheless, there are a few questions that might hinder our journey:

1) What will God think of me, if I ask for a remolding?
2) What will the church think of me, if I am honest that I need God’s help?
3) Will I disappoint everyone that I told I had a new relationship with God?
4) What if I make the same mistake again?
5) What if I like doing what I am doing, feel bad about it, but ain’t planning on stopping no time soon?
6) What if I am just so broken that I cannot make it to the potter’s house?
7) I don’t know the benefits of the potter’s house! So what’s the use of going?

At the end of the day; these reasons are all pointless when confronted with the majesty of God. We are constantly in the hands of the Master Potter. God knows who and what we are. God is the almighty, the omnipotent and sent his Son, Jesus to cover a multitude of transgressions. By denying ourselves access, to the potters house, we are actually denying the reason Jesus came and sacrificed HIS life. Simply stated; not accessing the Potter’s House ignores the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross.

We all have the privilege of serving a God whose hand is not short, not is his ear deaf, but all power is in HIS hand. Allow this power to continue to shape and mold your life TODAY!

-Pastor Darrell L. Goodwin