A WORD ABOUT INJUSTICE

Psalm 82:3(NLT) says... “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute"

Recently there has been a lot of unrest and uprising in Baltimore, Maryland where a young black man was arrested, taken into custody by the Baltimore Police and while in their custody sustained some major injuries which eventually led to his passing. The six officers involved have recently been charged with several criminal acts relating to the incident involving the now deceased Freddie Gray. While we still don't know all of the details surrounding this case as there is much more information that will be given after further investigation and questioning.

My personal thoughts are this, let charges be brought to those who deserve it and justice to those who deserve it. One thing I will say is that the inexcusable behavior of a few law enforcement officers is not a reflection of them all. I in fact recently ran into a Police Officer in the DC Metropolitan area, and had an opportunity to hold a brief yet memorable conversation with him. During our conversation his actions and demeanor toward me was noticeably respectful, I almost felt like he intentionally behaved that way as a way of saying to me, "all of us aren't the same".

While I honestly appreciated his humble effort to come across the way that he did, I still understand and realize that there is still a major problem in our Country between citizens and some members of their local police departments, a problem that has been long-standing and most recently become an open and more noticeable concern within our communities. My prayer is that those who misrepresent and violate the law they're called to uphold would be held accountable for their actions and that those within our communities will unite to bring a tolerable solution to the injustice that's taking place from some of the members of law enforcement. I pray that our anger moves us not to violence but to civil and righteous action, helping to restore and redeem our communities where they become acceptable and proud places we once again can call home. #PRAYFORBALTIMORE!

STAY STRONG, 

- PV

SOCIALLY CHALLENGED OR NAH

I meet people all the time that are Socially Challenged. Personally I'm a people person and love people, but I realize I don't fit every circle. There are some circles that just aren't designed to handle what you bring personality wise. I've come across some people that are Very Social on Social Media but shy and isolated in person. They will give a full conversation on Facebook but will say little to nothing face to face with you. This doesn't make them a bad person it just works out like that sometimes as some people are more social behind a computer or phone, but struggle to be that same individual in person, it's just how they're wired. Growing up as a young boy I was very shy and there were certain visible signs that pointed to this and from time to time I run into both Adults and Children who display these signs (this is not an abbreviated list): 

1) They Look down when they talk
2) The talk very low
3) They give you little to no eye contact
4) They lack affection (they don't do well returning hugs)
5) Their answers are short and their conversation is little
6) They rarely initiate a conversation


So as you read this list ask yourself "am I Socially Challenged or Nah"? Like me some will improve in these areas as they grow older.


Until Next time,

- PV

Values help to Shape the Church's Culture

CULTURE: "the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization"

It is my opinion that a set of Core Values should be incorporated in the life of the local church! Core Value help to shape that Local Church's Culture. We are sure and stand on the Biblical Truth that Jesus Christ is our Foundation and therefore our building should be upon that Truth *(See 1 Corinthians 3:11).

So then what does this Process of "Building" look like? What is it that stands out about a particular local church besides the obvious, what makes us uniquely who we are? What is that we Value as a local Church, what we Value eventually becomes part of the identity of who we are. What we Value determines the way we do life together as a local church. So our Culture is shaped by our Values, who we are is indicative of what we Value. Just a little food for thought.

Be Strong! 
@JamesVeney

A FAITHFUL GOD

TAKING RISKS

Just about everything in Life involves taking a risk, from getting married to starting a new job to buying a new car to going on Vacation in some Foreign or Domestic place, there are risks involved. There are risks involved because you enter un-chartered waters and unfamiliar territory whenever you undertake and taking on different and new ventures in life. You are for certain going to encounter times and situations of Uncertainty and it is wise to prepare for them beforehand. The way you prepare is by expecting them, for they are sure to come. What is it that you're ready to take on that's unfamiliar territory but you're afraid of the RISK Factor involved in doing so? Well here it is, don't be afraid, taking Risks are part of the Process to Growth that takes place in our lives. I will never be able to progressively move beyond where I've always been, being afraid to go where I've never been. Go ahead, take Risks! 

Be Strong, 

- PV

THE INSUFFICIENCY OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY

During the Final Bible Study of 2014 at the Church I'm privileged to Pastor @CCFC_1, I taught from the Subject: "The Insufficiency of Self-Sufficiency". I've come across several people who do a lot of boasting and bragging. They boast about their personal accomplishments and achievements as well as their future plans and goals! While there's nothing wrong with acknowledging these things, they should not be the defining factor behind who you are and they should be acknowledged with and in Humility! The truth is, based on the frailty of our Humanity we really can't take credit for the personal success we've achieved in life. My imperfections alone is a reason for me not to Boast and brag in my personal accomplishments. I believe God often times allow failure and set-backs to teach us Humility and keep us from looking to SELF only when doing and going after certain things. 

Here's what I'm getting at, never allow personal achievements to get in the way of Personal dependency on God! The Apostle Paul says this over in 1 Corinthians 1:31 "Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” God is the MAIN SOURCE of our ABILITY, not us! He gives us what we need for what we need to do and how well we need to do it! 

Finally the bible says that our strength comes from God, we need His strength we fail and falter without His strength, that's why Paul admonishes us over in Ephesians 6:10 to "Be Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might". My personal success whether it's spiritual, financial, educational, relational or professional is tied to my having a wholehearted dependence upon the Power of God working in me, for me and through me! Jesus Himself says over in John 15:5  ... "Apart from Him, we can do nothing". Listen, Stay Humble and stay with God! 

- PV

HUMAN FAITH + GOD'S TESTIMONY

HUMAN FAITH + GOD'S TESTIMONY = A Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ

1 John 5:9-11(NLT) says this... 9 "Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. 10 All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son. 11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son"

YOU CANNOT USE HUMAN WISDOM TO EXPLAIN SPIRITUAL TRUTHS

1 Corinthians 2:13 (NLT) says... "When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths" 

The Holy Spirit is a True Companion AND Teacher to the yielded and submitted Preaching Vessel and Communicator of the Gospel.

- PV

GOD'S NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE BEST DRESSED

Some wonder why some Churches have incorporated a come as you are policy, including the church that I serve/Pastor! Well, for years we've been so focused on clothes rather than the hearts of people that we've lost them to other things, as fashion has become greater than coming into a forgiving relationship with Jesus Christ. Some who don't agree with this call coming as you are "Worldly" but I respectfully disagree, because "Church clothes" are Cultural, not biblical!


I don't have a problem with folks dressing up coming to church, we in fact encourage both dressing down and dressing up, but at the same we let all who come through the doors of our ministry know that they all matter  to God and to us regardless of what clothes they have on. It's time we start focusing on SOULS and not Clothes! The "Best Dressed" doesn't get God's attention! A High-end dresser isn't necessarily Heaven-bound!  

If we only give people preferential treatment based on the clothes on their backs then we are misrepresenting what Christ stood for and how He views people, especially the least, the lost and the left out! God looks at the heart of man not the outward Appearance!


1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT) "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”



James 2:1-4  (CEV) "My friends, if you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you won’t treat some people better than others. 2 Suppose a rich person wearing fancy clothes and a gold ring comes to one of your meetings. And suppose a poor person dressed in worn-out clothes also comes. 3 You must not give the best seat to the one in fancy clothes and tell the one who is poor to stand at the side or sit on the floor. 4 That is the same as saying that some people are better than others, and you would be acting like a crooked judge"

SUICIDE

During our Mid-week ReFuel Bible study, the Lord led me to lead Part one of a discussion on the very sensitive, but real topic of "Suicide". I believe the church should not be silent on the issue, we have a voice and should be one of the leading voices concerning this Issue! During our Mid-week ReFuel bible study we and gave 7 documented Accounts of Suicide in the bible and discussed the reasoning behind them. We also took a look through the lens of scripture to gain insight on God's heart concerning "Life"!

In addition to biblical teaching, we thought it would be helpful to provide practical, insightful and helpful resources. 

Below are a few resources we hope that you (or someone you know) will find helpful. We want you to know that God values LIFE and values YOU! You are NOT Alone!

(1) National Suicide Prevention Hotline
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. By dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255), the call is routed to the nearest crisis center in their national network of more than 150 crisis centers. The Lifeline’s national network of local crisis centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals day and night.

(2) Kristin Brooks Hope Center
http://www.hopeline.com/

People in crisis generally don't have the energy or ability to take on a long search for help. Thanks to KBHC's pioneering efforts a decade ago, now when those looking for support dial 1.800.SUICIDE they are seamlessly connected to an available certified crisis center nearest to their calling location. While it’s seemingly a simple concept, behind the scenes there are significant computer and telephony infrastructures working in concert to provide help within 20 to 30 seconds of a call being placed.

(3) Hopeline
http://www.hopeline-nc.org/about-2/suicide/

Do not be afraid to seek professional help by calling Hope Line 919-231-4525 and talking to a trained crisis counselor. Hope Line operates a free and confidential crisis line and teen talk line to the local community. They specialize in providing suicide and crisis intervention, supportive and non-judgmental active listening, gentle and understanding discussion of crisis resolution, and referrals to appropriate community resources. Hope Line will work with you if you personally are considering suicide, or if you are worried about someone hurting themselves.

(4) Suicide Prevention
http://www.suicideprevention.commongroundhelps.org/

Recognize the warning signs and at-risk behavior, reduce the stigma, build coping skills….Suicide can be preventable!

(5) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://www.afsp.org/preventing-suicide/treatment

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.