August has been a great Youth Month and a strong kick-off for New Creation’s Physical Fitness focus! We’ve been praying for revival and reconciliation amongst the youth and the whole church body! I praise God for all of the inspiring testimonies of God’s goodness and power in the lives of many of our youth! Young people are laying hands on people for healing, serving those in need, and loving like they’ve never loved before!
On August 15th, Pastor C reminded us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Our bodies belong to God, so it’s our job to do the proper Temple Maintenance: exercise (at least 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes), be careful what you put into it (foods as well as music, conversation, entertainment), and be sure you’re making healthy connections with each other (stay around encouraging people, love others with your actions and words, talk to God by praying on the regular).
Satan is trying to kill us with the lie of “busyness!” We always seem too busy to exercise, cook a meal, or spend quality time doing quality things. I decided to follow Pastor’s advice, and last week I ran and did calisthenics on three days. I feel stronger, more energetic, less stressed, and ready for the next level! I have also made a habit of calling at least one true friend each day to encourage them and let them know that I love them. I force myself to start each day with genuine prayer, where I’m just talking to God, and waiting to hear His voice. These things have forced me to slow down. I can think more clearly, and I feel confident that the most important things in my life are being taken care of! It’s a daily struggle, but I’m so glad that I’m in the fight with a God who is greater than any enemy I will ever face (including myself)!
I also want to encourage you to be very careful about what you put into your temple! Jesus very passionately declares that God’s house is to be a house of prayer. Are you pouring prayer, words of life and positivity into your temple and the temples of others? Think hard about the people in your circle, the conversations you have, the music you listen to, the movies & T.V. you watch. Could you boldly share these with Jesus Christ? Are you dragging death and foolishness into God’s temple or are you making its walls stronger with positive, loving, God-honoring messages and thoughts?
If you feel that you have failed at temple maintenance, do not let the enemy hold you down with guilt! Go to the Temple Owner, ask Him to forgive you and give you another shot. He ALWAYS does! He will give you perfect instruction, wisdom and strength to do what you have to do to grow strong. Remember Bishop’s message from Sunday, August 22, taken from Exodus 2: 23-25. God knows you and loves you, and when you cry out to Him, He WILL remember you.
Remember, the REVOLUTION starts here, and it starts with YOU!
With Christ’s unending love,
Bro. Sonny