Church News
THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY
December 2, 2024
MAINTENANCE
THE POWER AND BENEFITS OF MAINTENANCE (Joshua 1:7-9; Matt. 17:20-21 )
Many things in this human-living world need to be maintained so that they will function properly at all times when needed. Many things in this human-living world break down because they are not properly maintained, especially when signs of trouble are ignored. Maintenance can be defined as the process or act of maintaining or preserving something in good working condition to ensure readiness when needed. That which is not maintained will deteriorate and break down, but that which is maintained in good working condition will often last longer. The three Ms of marriage, health, car, house, spiritual life, friendship, etc., etc. are maintenance, maintenance, and maintenance. Many marriages breakdown, car breakdown, spiritual life breakdown, friendship breakdown, etc., have come about because many warning signs were ignored and little to no maintenance done. For the car, regular oil change, brake and other fluid check, usage of proper octane gas, etc., must be maintained. For your marriage, respect, love, communication, responsibility, care, etc., must be maintained. For your spiritual life, prayer, the studying of GOD'S word, fasting, worship, praise, etc., must be maintained. Oh, the power and benefits of regular maintenance. GOD bless you.
December 3, 2024
“WAIT ON THE LORD!”
We are in the last month of 2024, and you might still be waiting for an answer from God. (Psalm 27:14). You might’ve asked God for something that hasn’t come through yet. Don’t give up, “Wait on the Lord”, because it’s not over until God says it’s over. Remember that our timing is not God’s timing, and “His ways are not our ways”. (Isaiah 55:8-9). Don’t get disheartened or discouraged, because Jesus never fails, He is a man of His word. As my grandfather once said, God responds in three ways 1)Yes, 2) No, or 3) Wait. If you’re still in your waiting season, stay busy while you wait. God will never disappoint you!
Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.
God Bless you!
December 4, 2024
KILL THE OLD MAN, THE NEW MAN IS HERE (Col. 3:3-5; 2 Corinth. 5:17; Rom. 6:12)
The old man self/flesh is supposed to be dead, and the new man (JESUS) is supposed to be alive in you (Rom. 8:10-11). The greatest struggle many believers have is in someone very close to them and that someone is self/the flesh. The writer says, "let me lose myself and find it all in thee (JESUS), let self be slain and find it all in thee...". Self does not like to admit wrong; pride does not like to admit wrong, and the flesh does not like to admit wrong. But thank GOD for humility, which makes us say, "It's me, it's me, oh LORD standing in the need of prayer, not my brother or my sister, but it's me...". Many people leave their rightful home because of self and listening to the wrong voices. Some say "he/she hurt my feelings "so I left". When self, the old man becomes alive again, the blame game begins. Many marriages and church fellowships would be alive today if the old man self had stayed dead and the life of JESUS' love and forgiveness were allowed to show up. The Bible says, "set your affection on things above... for ye are dead. and your life is hid with CHRIST in GOD..." (Col. 3:2-5). HALLELUJAH. “Therefore (says Paul) if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new" (2 Corinth. 5:17). So let us daily keep the old man (self/flesh) dead so that the new man JESUS can daily reign in us (Rom. 6:12). Yes, kill the old man, the new man is here (the new SHERIFF is in town). GOD bless you.
December 5, 2024
LIGHT!
Light is important to us. Without it, we couldn't live. As in the natural, so is this true in the spiritual. Without Jesus (the Light), we couldn't live. We are alive because of Him. We survive because of Him. We have provision because of Him. We have protection because of Him. We have salvation because of him. We have food, water, shelter, and clothes because of Him. We have peace because of Him. As the song says, "All In Him".
John 8:12 - Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
December 6, 2024
THE NEEDS (Philip. 4:19; Rom. 12:10)
All of us have needs beside the greatest need, which is to have JESUS CHRIST in our lives. Some of the other needs come from the niceness and kindness of one another. GOD who supplies ALL of our needs uses us to relay some of the needs to one another. That is why when GOD uses us to be a blessing to one another, we must not take the glory, but give all the glory to GOD. Even when we tell the story of GOD'S goodness, we must tell the story so that GOD gets all the glory. All of us need words of encouragement, words of kindness, words of gratitude, words of esteem, etc., etc. Philippians 2:3 tells us, "let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness (humility) of mind let each esteem other (our brother and sister) better than themselves". Let us not forget the old Jamaica saying, "self-praise is no recommendation". Let us not be like those who are quick to criticize and find faults with what you do or say but vaguely or never commend or congratulate you for all the good you do or say. It would seem like they have a need to impress and draw attention to self with negativity and not with positivity. That is a wrong spirit. Romans 12:10 tells us to "be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another". Remember to give more honor and words of encouragement to one another. "No man is an island, no man stands alone. Each man's joy is joy to me, each man's grief is my own. We need one another, so I will defend, each man as my brother, each man as my friend". GOD bless you.
December 9, 2024
GOD
EVERY GOD HAS A NAME
DO YOU KNOW THE NAME OF THE ONLY TRUE AND LIVING GOD WHO IS THE SELF-EXISTING CREATOR (MAKER) OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH? (Psalms 100:3; Acts 9:5; John 1:1-10). Colossians 1:15-17 tells us that HE JESUS "... is the image of the invisible (SPIRIT) GOD, … (and that) all things were created by HIM, and for HIM: And HE is before all things, and by HIM all things consist" (see also Eph. 3:9 and Heb. 1:1-2). Psalms 100:3 tells us, "... that the LORD HE is GOD: it is HE that hath made us...". Saul in Acts 9:5 had an encounter with the same LORD and Saul asked, "who art thou LORD"? And the LORD gave him HIS name "I am JESUS whom thou persecutest... "Therefore, the LORD who is the GOD in Psalm 100:3 is JESUS the GOD in Acts 9:5. Yes, every God has a name and the name of GOD in the dispensation of grace is JESUS. Do you know HIM? GOD bless you.
December 10, 2024
"BORN TO DIE"!
The songwriter penned it, "Christ came on earth He was born for a purpose. Just to be the highest, just to be the greatest, just to be the mighty God of our salvation." Before Jesus came on earth, it was already preordained for Him to die (John 13:19). Jesus knew He was entering the world to be the final and ultimate sacrifice for sin. His body had been divinely prepared by God specifically for that purpose. Jesus was going to die for the sins of the world, and He knew it. Moreover, He was doing it willingly (I Timothy 1:15). While we are in this season let’s not forget that Jesus is the reason for the season. Jesus is the best gift that anyone can receive. He might not have been born during this season, but as believers, we know why Jesus came.
Ephesians 3:20 - Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.
God Bless you!
December 11, 2024
JESUS THE HEALER (Luke 17:11-17)
TELL WHAT JESUS HAS DONE FOR YOU
Many of us have experienced the healing power of JESUS CHRIST in our bodies. But some of us do not tell the story of JESUS' healing like we should. Neither do some of us express gratitude (thanks) to GOD for HIS healings as we should. Whether large or small healings, GOD is to be praised, thanked, and glorified for all HIS healings to us. We must NOT act like it is because of our titles or who we are, why we were healed. We must tell the story so that GOD only gets all the glory. Psalm 100:4-5 tells us to “be thankful unto HIM (JESUS) and bless HIS name (JESUS) for the LORD (JESUS) is good; HIS mercy is everlasting and HIS truth endureth to all generations". The leper who was healed by JESUS with nine others "turned back and with a loud voice glorified GOD and fell down on his face (worship) at HIS feet giving HIM (JESUS) thanks..." (Luke 17:11-18). Not much is said about this leper's loud voice, but he is telling us to vocalize our praise and gratitude to GOD loudly (testify) for HIS healing power. Yes, JESUS had healed me from many illnesses including prostate cancer twenty years ago and HE has healed my broken heart and its valve and brought me back from the dead about two years ago. I say again with a bowed head in worship and with a loud voice THANK YOU JESUS!! HALLELUJAH!!
God bless you.
December 12, 2024
BE STRONG!
In the times we are living in, we have to be strong (not mild or weak). This strength is not in us, but only with the help of the Lord (Jesus). We have to read His Word, study His Word, and we have to believe His Word. We have to attend Church services for fellowship and encouragement. We also have to communicate with the Lord in prayer, and He will help us, sustain us, and strengthen us. We don't know what life will bring our way. So, Be Strong.
Ephesians 6:10-12 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
December 13, 2024
BE LIKE JESUS (Matt. 5:48; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 4:17)
Many of us have been blessed to have either lived with or know personally of some wonderful loving people who have set some great examples for us to follow. But some after a while because of situations displayed some failures. Why we may ask? Because they are humans. It is important for all saved believers, especially leaders, to set good examples in every areas of our lives. Paul says "...ye have us for an ensample" (Philip. 3:17). However, we are humans who when we fail to abide in GOD we do or say unexpected things though not necessarily sinful things all the time. The safest one we must all strive to be like and follow HIS examples is JESUS CHRIST. We must put off the old self man daily, and keep on the new man JESUS CHRIST daily also (Eph 4:22-27). Let us so live that JESUS can be seen in us 24X7. "...as HE is, so are we in this (present) world" (1 John 4:17). Yes, BE LIKE JESUS. GOD bless you.
December 16, 2024
PART 2
BE LIKE JESUS (Luke 14:11; Luke 2:12; John 13:14, 34-35)
The writer says, "humble yourself and the Lord will draw near you... GOD will not walk with the proud or the scornful...". JESUS is our ultimate example of humility. HE had what it takes to come to earth in great splendor with an angelic entourage, but instead HE came in the womb of a little-known virgin named Mary. HE was born in an animal stable. HE had no crib and had to be laid in a manger (animal feeding container). HIS home in heaven is better than all the mansions on earth put together, yet HE never sought a house on earth, and HE never boast about HIS heavenly mansion, but gives all men the invitation to come live there (John 14:1-3). HE wore simple modest clothing like HIS disciples and could not be identified as the chief and holy one. HE sought after no big religious titles like men today. HE was never arrogant, and HE maintained a humble, modest, and a low estate of HIS own importance. OH, TO BE LIKE JESUS. HE is the owner of all lands (property) on earth. Yet man will kill another over a little piece of GOD'S land. Hospitals will charge you for a little container of oxygen and saline water, but GOD let us breathe oxygen and drink HIS river and well water for free. HIS word let us know that HE will supply all of our needs (Phil. 4:19) and we must follow HIS example and help those who are in need. HE loves us unconditionally and we MUST love one another the very same way (John 13:34-35). GOD bless you.
December 17, 2024
“NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES!"
At birth or a few days after birth, a child is assigned a name that identifies who they are. We can all be identified by a title, but when your name is specifically called, then you have direct communication. When the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, and gave her the specific name of the child she was carrying she didn’t understand it, but she was carrying THE child that had a name above all names (Luke 1:31). He was and still is JESUS the Savior of the world. At the mention of Jesus’ name, demons tremble and have to flee. At the name of Jesus, the storm is calm. At the name of Jesus, blind eyes are opened, the deaf hear, the dumb speak, sickness have to flee, and life is back after days of death. The name of Jesus is precious, the name above every name, Glory to God!! (Phil. 2:9-11. Isaiah saw it, and said, “… Behold, the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Emmanuel (JESUS/God with us). (Isaiah 7:14, Matt. 1:23, Isaiah 9:6).
Matt. 1:21 - And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
God Bless You!
December 18, 2024
PART 3
BE LIKE JESUS (Luke 6:46-49; Matt. 7:21-23; John 13:34-35)
"No ands, no ifs, no buts, it is a must", WE MUST BE LIKE JESUS in order to go to heaven (1 John 4:17). It is not enough just to love one another as we love ourselves. There is an upgrade. We must now love one another the same way as JESUS loves us. JESUS said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have love you, that ye also love one another (the same way) (John 13:34-35). We must be holy for (as) GOD/JESUS is holy (Leviticus 11:45; 1 Peter 1:16). The writer tells us in Hebrew 12:14, that we must "follow peace with all men, and holiness without which no man shall see the LORD". We must be holy like JESUS at death or at the rapture in order to go to holy heaven. OH, TO BE LIKE JESUS. Our years of being in the church are no guarantee for heaven. Neither is our title a guarantee for heaven. We must be holy like JESUS at death or at the rapture. Talk is cheap, but living the life of holiness is what really counts. No sin can enter holy heaven. No unforgiveness can enter heaven. No unsaved person can enter heaven (John 3:5). We must forgive one another just like how JESUS has forgiven us. Matthew 6:15 tells us, "But if ye forgive not... neither will your father (GOD) forgive (you)...", see also Matthew 18:35. The church consist of people who behave and conduct themselves like JESUS. Let us not be wrapped up in ourselves or in our titles, but rather, let us be wrapped up in the lifestyle of JESUS CHRIST. GOD bless you.
December 19, 2024
LOVE!
Love (the fatherly concern of God for humankind). God loves us so much that He created this world for us. He created vegetables, fruits, and water for us. He created oxygen for us. He created animals for our meat and their fur for our clothing. He put on flesh and called that body Jesus and lived among mankind, showing mankind the perfect way to live and love. He healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind; healed the lame; cast out demons; and raised the dead. He died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Lastly, He's coming back to take us to live with Him forever. As the song says, "Such Love, Such Wondrous Love".
1 John 4:16 - And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
December 20, 2024
CHRISTMAS
(CHRIST MASS)
Christmas originates from a pagan celebration tradition of believing that the sun was reborn at this time. The Romans and their church took it over to keep their members from joining up with the pagans. So out of it, a mass called Christ Mass began and then to the name Christmas. The birth of JESUS CHRIST has nothing to do with Christmas. No one knows when JESUS was born, but the fact remains that HE was born and HIS birth is the beginning of the gospel of JESUS CHRIST. The wise men brought gifts to JESUS when he was born. This is where the giving of gifts for Christendom began and continued to this day. Giving is part of the Christian believers' practice even to this time of the year. GOD so love us that HE gave HIS SON JESUS CHRIST to save those who believe on HIM (John 3:16). We at Mt Olivet Church use the word Christmas because it is the understood word for the holiday season and not because of it's pagan roots celebration, which has no connection to the birth of JESUS CHRIST. The 25th of December was selected by the Roman Catholic Pope Julius as the birthday of JESUS to keep the members from celebrating with the pagans. The 25th of December is not a factual date of JESUS' birth. No one knows when JESUS was born. We at Mt Olivet can preach and teach the birth of JESUS now or at any time of the year. So let us not be distracted at this time of the year or lose focus of the power of JESUS' birth where He came to save the lost. GOD bless you.
December 23, 2024
ONLY
THE POWER OF THE WORD ONLY. (1 Samuel 7:3; Matt. 4:10; Luke 4:8)
As believers, the word ONLY where our worshipping and the serving of GOD/JESUS CHRIST is concerned takes in the fullness of our relationship with HIM. That means we have no other GOD besides HIM (1 Sam. 7:3 ). It also means we have an exclusive relationship with JESUS CHRIST as our GOD and HIM alone. It means JESUS CHRIST comes first in our lives, and there is no second place god in our lives (Luke 4:8). There is just ONE. There is no other. HE alone is KING and sits on the throne of our lives and in the CHURCH. GOD bless you.
December 24, 2024
"THE GIFT YOU SHOULD NOT REFUSE!"
During this season, gifts are shared or exchanged between family, friends, coworkers, and/or neighbors, but there is a gift that we should never refuse, that gift is the “Holy Ghost!”. The wisemen brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh to Jesus when He was born. However, the ultimate gift that we can receive is the precious gift from God - the “Holy Ghost”. Jesus promised that He would send the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost. (John 14:26). You can refuse certain gifts, but the gift of the Holy Ghost shouldn’t be one of them. The Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) is a priceless, precious, and promising gift for all mankind. It was paid for by the blood of Jesus, so all we have to do is to open up our hearts to receive Him. The gift of the Holy Ghost is essential for Salvation and Eternal Life (John 16:8, Titus 3:5, Rom. 8:15).
Acts 2:38 - Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”.
God Bless you!
December 25, 2024
HOLIDAY GREETINGS
I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Mt. Olivet Churches Organization family and the Mt. Olivet friends all the best for this Holiday Season. On this day, many believe that it is the birthdate of JESUS, but we believe that no one knows the date that JESUS CHRIST was born. We also believe that Christmas has nothing to do with the birth of JESUS, and it has a pagan celebration original background. However, the fact still remains that JESUS CHRIST was born of a virgin named Mary and that HIS birth is the beginning of the gospel of JESUS CHRIST. Like the Angels, the Shepherds, and the wise men, we rejoice also and worship HIM right through the whole year. May you have a great fellowship with your family and friends during this holiday season, and I also hope for all of you a happy, pleasant, and a productive new year. I am also taking this opportunity to thank all of the pastors, officers, members, and friends of our churches for your kindness to me and my family over the year 2024. I thank GOD and to HIM be all the glory. Thank you, thank you, thank you. May GOD'S blessings be with you always. I LOVE you all.
Bishop HOPETON MAIR, SR
December 26, 2024
STRIVE IN 2025!
We tend to make New Year's resolutions at the beginning of the year, some we may keep, and others we may not. In order to keep those resolutions, we have to Strive (make great effort to achieve or obtain something) to keep them. It would be a good idea for us to Strive to have a closer walk with the Lord (Jesus) as one of our resolutions. As the years come and go, we are getting closer to death or the rapture. We have also put off things that we would like to accomplish. The only way these things are going to get done is that we have to do them, because before you know it 2025 will be over. Life is short, so we have to make the "most" out of our lives.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
James 4:14 - Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
December 27, 2024
ONE GOD
ONE CHURCH, ONE BODY, ONE HEAD. (1 Corinth. 8:6; 1 Corinth. 12:12-31; Eph. 1:22-23; Eph. 4:5-10; Eph. 5:23; Deut. 6:4)
Every God, Lord, father, and every son has a name (John 5:43; John 10:25; Matt. 1:21; Acts 9:5). It is a fact that there is only one true and living GOD who used several names in the Old Testament, but in the dispensation of Grace (New Testament) GOD the father Spirit of all used only one saving name which is JESUS. Deut. 6:4 tells us that "...the LORD our GOD is one LORD". Psalm 100:3 tells us "Know ye that the LORD HE is GOD: It is HE that has made us...". And in Acts 9:5 Saul asked the LORD for HIS name and the LORD identified HIMSELF and said, "I am JESUS...". I recommend that when you are praying you should identify and address the GOD you are praying to by saying first the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob you are the only omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent self-existing creator of the heavens and the earth. Then you proceed with your communication (prayer) with the only GOD who sees everything, hears everything, and who knows every language and dialect. Millions of dialects and languages can speak to HIM at the same time, and HE gives everyone individualized attention. Hallelujah!!!. Oh, what an awesome GOD whose name is JESUS (1 Tim. 3:16; Psalm 100:3; Acts 9:5; John 1:3,10). GOD bless you.
December 30, 2024
2025
Keep your heart, mind, and soul alive in 2025.
Many will make plans for 2025, but some will not live to see the new year come in. The LORD could also descend from heaven for us HIS children who are holy ready before 2025 (1 Thessa. 4:14-18). The greatest or the most important plans anyone can ever make is the soul readiness plans of repentance, baptism in GOD'S name (JESUS), the infilling of the HOLY GHOST and to stay holy ready 24X7 for death or for the rapture (1 Corinth. 2:9-16). JESUS can come back with lightning speed and so also can death come suddenly (Matt. 24:27). "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the SON of man cometh" (Matt. 24:44). If you are soul holy ready for death or the rapture, you are ready for 2025. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36). GOD bless you.
December 31, 2024
“OH GIVE THANKS!"
It’s truly a blessing if you’re reading this. God has truly been good to all of us! God has kept us for three hundred and sixty-five days of the year 2024, and we owe Him thanks, praise, and adoration. “O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 136:26). If you’re still alive, you have to thank Him. If you have the activity of your limbs, you ought to give God glory (Psalm 150). If you have all of your five senses, you must give God thanks. If you’re not hooked up to any kind of machine to help you to function, you should be praising God right now, right where you are. We have so much to be thankful and grateful for. God has kept us despite challenges such as losing a loved one and other circumstances, but God is still good! “We are here today, because God kept us”. “God's mercy kept us!!”. Thank you Jesus!!!
Psalms 136:1 - O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever”
God Bless You!
TFTD Ministry
Mt. Olivet Apostolic Churches
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