It is my prayer that the love of Christ fills your heart and everyday you find a new reason to be grateful for the mercies and graciousness that has been bestowed on us.  To all unbelievers, everywhere, I greet you with love and my prayer is for you as well.  Now that we’ve gotten the niceties out of the way, Christians, we have a problem.

I have come to the inescapable conclusion based on numerous conversations and Facebook© discussions that many of us are mentally limiting God.

I have seen believers state with complete sincerity and reasonableness that God does not help Tim Tebow because God does not care about football.  God does not have a preference for players or teams.  That would be unfair.  God has absolutely nothing to do with football.

God is in charge of everything.  Let’s start with the easy stuff.  We are urged in Psalm 103 by King David to bless the Lord and not to forget all of his benefits.  In case you’ve forgotten, David lists them from verse three to twenty-two.

He forgiveth all our iniquities, healeth our diseases, redeems our lives from destruction, and crowns us with lovingkindness (yes, all one word!) and tendermercies.  He satisfies our mouths with good things, executes righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.  He made himself known to mankind, is merciful and gracious and slow to anger, plenteous in mercy.

Now, that’s just to verse eight!  What does it mean?  Well, he forgives ALL our sins.  Yeah, how many people have YOU forgiven?  If you can remember all the people you have forgiven, then you haven’t forgiven that many.  Multiply that worldwide since time began.  That’s a lot of sin.

He heals our diseases.  Yes, some people do die from disease, but I want to you to ask yourself when the last time was someone you knew was diagnosed with polio.  How about measles?

I know of an infant who had heart surgery before reaching six months.  He’s strong as an ox now.  So, yeah, God is all about healing diseases, whether through the miracle of modern medicine or supernaturally.  He’s a healer.

He redeems our lives from destruction.  So, know any alcoholics or drug addicts in recovery?  I know a few.  Some of them are 20+ years sober.  What about any people who have survived some rough spots in their marriages?  I am sure we know some folks who are still together against ALL odds.  Not just together, but together and loving one another, flaws and all after devastating personal choices that almost destroyed their families.  That’s God.  Redeeming.

He is lovingly kind to us and crowns us with tender mercies.  How many of you survived one, two, three rounds of layoffs at your job?  How many of us are still working right now and know more than three people who are not?  That is some loving kindness and tender mercy.

He satisfies our mouths with good things – come on, how much weight did you gain between November and January?  He executes righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.  Have you been watching the news?  There are a lot of interesting developments all over the world in nations of every type.  Are you paying attention?  Oppressed people get tired and then they rise up. #IJS

He has made himself known to us, first through Moses and the children of Israel and now through apps.  We can download the Holy Bible in a variety of translations right to our smart phones.  We can get free scriptures and spiritual music online.  We can watch church on TV, Ipads™, mobile phones, listen to it on the radio, buy compact discs or go to Half Price Books™ and buy classic sermons.

The God of Psalms 104 who covers Himself in light, makes the clouds His chariot, walks on the wings of the wind and laid the foundations of the Earth and whose voice is as thunder is the Creator and Ruler of all things.  He sends springs into the valleys, which run among hills and give drink to every beast of the field.

By these same waters the fowls of heaven have their habitation and sing among the branches.  Grass grows and feeds the cattle and herbs grow to feed us and wine comes from the vine to make our hearts joyful and oil makes our faces shine and bread strengthens our hearts.

The moon is appointed for seasons; the sun knows when to go down.  In the darkness He made, beasts of the forest creep forth.  Young lions roar after their prey and get their meat from God!  The sun rises and the lions lay down in their dens.  Then Man goes forth unto his work to labor until the evening.

This is just to verse 25!  There are ten more to go!  God runs everything.  Football and Tim Tebow’s arm are nothing to Him!  He’s already created galaxies and the universe, man and beast, time, light and countless cycles by which the Earth runs.  Football is for fun!  Do you think we are having fun on this Earth He created outside of His will and dominion?

Does God care about football?  Does God care if Tim Tebow wins?  Hello!  God CREATED football, the grass they run, throw, catch and tackle upon, the cow that died so there would be leather for the ball and he CREATED the players and GIFTED them with their talent.  He INSPIRED the coaches so they could create plays.  He BLESSED team owners so they could afford to own stadiums, and employ all the coaches, players, and personnel it takes to fill them.  He PLANNED ALL of this.

So yes, for whatever reason, God did something awe inspiring with Tim Tebow.  Yes, He cares if Tebow wins.  I do know this; a whole lot of people are asking themselves, “Is God really blessing the Denver Broncos?”  To me, this leads them quite naturally to wonder if God will really bless them, because somewhere along the way I think we got confused.  I think we believe God is only concerned about important stuff.  *MIC CHECK* YOU ARE THE IMPORTANT STUFF.

Don’t worry about, “Why Tebow?”  The better question is, “Why not, YOU?”  There is greatness in you.  It may not be athletic.  It may not make billions, entertain millions, employ hundreds of thousands or result in a trophy.  There is greatness in you.  Tim Tebow knows it’s in Him.  Do you?

Nature Sargent is a graduate of Skyline High School, and currently teaches in the Dallas Independent School District.   She holds a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and an EC-4 certification with the State of Texas.

Dr. William Watley, Sr. Pastor of Saint Philip AME Church, Atlanta GA

The African American Pastors Coalition (AAPC) announced today their 2012 plans for the 17^th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration set for 11 a.m. Monday, January 16 at the Christian Chapel “Temple of Faith” CME Church, 14120 Noel Rd. in Dallas.

The annual celebration will feature internationally renowned Author and Preacher Rev. Dr. William Watley of Atlanta, GA as its keynote speaker.  Dr.Watley is Senior Pastor of Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta.

This year’s theme, Breaking the Chain:  With our Voice, Our Vote and Victory will allow the largest Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Color in North Texas to continue to inform, unite and mobilize its more than 20 thousand members to continue the work of empowering the larger community.

“Our mission and goal since our inception is timeless, in that as an organization we continue to seek ways to network with our more than 90 Churches to create an ongoing atmosphere to effect change in our community and in the lives of our congregations and families, explained Dr. Jerry Christian, President of AAPC and Senior Pastor of Kirkwood Temple CME.

While the MLK Celebration is an annual highlight for AAPC, the organization has a significant influence and presence in issues that impact the City and the State of Texas.  Its leaders can be found in the quest to improve relations between the Dallas ISD and the community, raising issues of financial equity in lending practices through its ongoing partnership with Dallas Telco Federal Credit Union.

The organization continues to provide proactive leadership in the awareness of voter mobilization and elected official accountability.  The organization’s most significant accomplishment has been the development of a 300 Home housing community known as Unity Estates located in the Southern Sector of Dallas.

The annual MLK Celebration hosted by AAPC has hosted some of the most prolific and prophetic voices over its 17-year history, including the late Dr. E.K. Baily, Dr. Floyd H. Flake, Bishop, Dr. Claudette Copeland, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes and so many other legendary Theologians and Scholars.  All with one purpose -  to allow us to Remember, Celebrate and Act.

Eleven senior citizens in royal blue cap and gowns walked down the isle of Southern Bible Institute (SBI) Thursday December 8, 2011 to receive their certificates. Family and friends applauded the graduates as they turned the blue and white tassels on their caps simultaneously.

65-year-old Mary Sterling plans to use the Bible knowledge she gained from earning her Basic Bible Certificate in her senior ministry. “It prepares me to better do the work of God as I minister to elderly who are sick in the hospital or shut-in at home,” said Mary Sterling. Sterling told her classmates during the ceremony, “It makes no difference whether you are in the pulpit or the kitchen, you need to understand God’s word whether you are teaching others or setting an example.” Sterling earned a Basic Bible Certificate.

Travis Allen, Meralyn Boyd, Irene Brooks, Jearlean Coleman, Annie Hurd, Geraldine Palmer, Cassie Turner, and Gloria Wallick also received their Basic Bible Certificates. “We have arranged for you to use your gifts immediately by sharing your Bible knowledge at the local nursing home starting in January,” said Dr. Martin Hawkins, president of Southern Bible Institute.

Joan Pipkins and Carol Wilson earned their Certificates in Primary Bible. Pipkins and Wilson will be able to do teacher aide work at SBI. This is the second year that Southern Bible Institute has provided a program for senior citizens.

Meanwhile registration for the Spring 2012 semester continues through December. For more details call 972-224-5481 or visit www.southernbible.org

Rev. Michael Waters

Joy Tabernacle A.M.E Church will celebrate their 3^rd church anniversary, December 7^th thru December 11^th, 2011.  ”This is the year of manifestation,” said Pastor Michael Waters, “and our time has come!”

The anniversary celebration will start on Wednesday, December 7^th, with the Manifest Revival. Presiding Elder James Ford of the Greater Dallas District will be the guest speaker. On Thursday, December 8^th, the Reverend Sylvester D. Patton, III, of Smith Chapel A.M.E Church, will close out the two night revival. Services for both nights will begin at 7 pm.

On Friday, December 9^th, PowerSource ministries will present Life Through Art. Life Through Art provides an opportunity for individuals to worship God through their artistic abilities. 2012 Stellar award nominee, Selah and Evangelist Chelsea Sheffield, also known as Blessings, will be the featured artist for the night.

Doors open at 7:30 pm and the experience will begin at 8 pm.

Joy Tabernacle A.M.E church will close their anniversary celebration on Sunday, December 11^th. The morning worship celebration will start at 10:45 am. Pastor Mike will bring the message. Joy Tabernacle is humbled to have The Honorable Dr. Zan W. Holmes, pastor emeritus, Saint Luke “Community” United Methodist Church as the guest speaker for the 3:30 pm service.

All anniversary events will be held at the new home of Joy Tabernacle A.M.E. Church, located at 3203 Holmes Street, Dallas, Texas, 75215. All events are free and opened to the public.

On November 19, 2011, Concord Church will plan to saturate the Oak Cliff community and provide acts of kindness and services to a variety of all segments within the area. In one single day, we will reach out and touch the lives of individuals around us who are often overlooked.

The kick off will begin at 10:30am at Southwest Center Mall. Join us as we Make A Difference in the lives of men, women and children throughout our community! For more details, visit www.ConcordDallas.org.

Salem Institutional Baptist church will observe its 58th Annual Women’s Day on Sunday, November 27th in the 10:45am worship, with the theme: Christian Women Living by God’s Word On A Daily Basis.

The women of Salem have worked diligently under the leadership of Women’s Day Chairperson, Brenda Wheeler-Scott, Co-chair, Karen Jackson, Program Chair, Lucy Cain; and Co-Chair, Rhonda Jones.

The speaker for the morning is Mrs. Carrie Holmes, a commercial real estate agent and wife of Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr.  Mrs. Holmes is a member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church where her husband, Dr.  Holmes is Pastor Emeritus. Everyone is encouraged to join us in celebrating and appreciating the women of Salem, their service and their witness.

The morning service will also feature a memorial tribute to Salem Women Who Have Blazed the Trail.  Salem Institutional Baptist Church is in the heart of Sunny South Dallas at 3918 Crozier St., directly behind Charles Rice Elementary School.   Under the leadership of  Rev. Todd M. Atkins, Salem continues to live out its enduring legacy of over 120 years,  by proudly ministering to the hearts, souls, and minds of its members and the community .  For more information, please call the church office at 214-428-3797.

Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu will speak at St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church on September 25^th in the 8 and 11am worship celebrations in observance of Laity Sunday.  These very special worship celebrations will observe the theme Celebrating Disciples, Transforming the World Through Gifts.  

Ms. Tutu came to age in apartheid South Africa and has used the challenges of growing up black and female to inform her work in human rights.  Her passion for human dignity, combined with humor and personal stories are used to speak as a champion for the dignity of all.  A much sought after speaker, Ms. Tutu is a graduate of Berea College in Kentucky, and has taught at Brevard College and the Universities of Hartford and Connecticut. She is the co-founder of Sister Sojourner, an organization committed to dealing with issues of race and racism.

Ms. Tutu continues to lead workshops on Truth and Reconciliation for groups dealing with conflict in all areas.  All are welcome and encouraged to come and hear Ms. Tutu as we celebrate the many gifts of laypersons and how they transform the world.  For more information, please contact the St. Luke church office at 214.821.2970.

Salem Institutional Baptist Church will observe its 123rd  Church Anniversary on Sunday, August 14, 2011. The theme for the celebration is United as One Body in Christ.

The Church Anniversary Committee of Salem has worked diligently under the leadership of  Chairperson, Partice Kizzee and Co-Chair Karen Jackson.  The speaker for the 11:00 a.m. service is Rev. Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr., Pastor Emeritus of  St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church where he served as pastor for 28 years.

A highlight of the morning service will be a memorial tribute to Salem ‘s  founder and organizer Father J. S. Sims who blazed the trail.  The speaker for the 3:30 p.m. service is The Rev. Fabian Jacko, Pastor of the Greater Golden Gate Baptist Church, Dallas.

View Larger Map

The Salem Institutional Baptist Church is located at 3918 Crozier St. (directly behind Charles Rice Elementary School) is in the heart of Sunny South Dallas, proudly ministering to the hearts, souls, and minds of its members and the community for 123 years. Under the leadership of  The Rev. Todd M. Atkins, Salem continues to live out its enduring legacy. For more information, please call the church office at 214-428-3797.