32 Things I Have Learned In 32 Years

What's Up Family,


Today I turn 32 years old.  I am so grateful to God for another year.  I thought it would be good today to blog about somethings that I have learned and picked up over my 32 years here on the earth.  I hope it blesses you!!!


1. Obey God at all cost

2. Marry your bestfriend - I did!!!!

3. Raising kids is one of the most important assignments you will ever do - take it seriously!!!

4. Obedience produces favor (undeserved blessings)

5. 80% of greatness involves favor

6. Sometimes following God means hurting people's feelings

7. Don't allow other people's opinion to stop you from doing what you need to do

8. God created me to help people

9. Preaching & teaching is my passion

10. Who you are under is more important than who you are over

11. Never feel bad for giving to God

12. Be a tither - it really works!!!!

13. Don't take yourself to seriously

14. Never allow people to make you bitter

15. Laugh -  real, real, real, real hard at least one time a day

16. The Holy Spirit is the most important person you need to meet

17. Integrity is crucial to long-term success

18. The churches that God will raise up in the 21st century will be led by pastors who have integrity

19. Be different

20. The message of grace will be the most important message in the church in the next 10 years

21. Faith involves action

22. 1 out of 12 people in your life will betray you - I call it the Judas principle (very accurate)

23. Your enemies are designed to push you toward your destiny

24. Telling the truth pays off long-term

25. You can learn something from anybody - even a fool (lol)

26. Your prosperity is found in your passion

27. Giving into the kingdom of God produces supernatural financial increase

28. It's better to trust God than to put all confidence in men

29. Try not to judge people, always show grace and mercy toward people - you may need it one day

30. Honor your mother & father

31. Always strive for excellence

32. Be a life learner


Hey, thanks for listening.   I can't wait to see what I will learn this year.  We will talk soon. 


Pastor Moses~

A Review of Sunday - 2/10/13

What's Up Family,

I pray everybody is doing well in 2013.  This year has already been amazing for me.  The same can be said about the great church I pastor, Faith Movers Church.  What God has been doing at FMC is just unprecedented.  We have experienced the presence of God all year long in such a magnificent way.  Such was the case this past Sunday at FMC.  I wanted to blog about this yesterday but after service I watched Lebron beat up on Kobe and the Lakers.  Then I played with the kids and after that it was off to sleep.  I also wanted to do it this morning but today was a busy day.  I try to make Monday my day of rest, but today it just did not work out like that.  So tonight, I said I have to blog and share what God did at FMC on 2/10/13.

On yesterday we begin a new preaching series called, "WORTHSHIP: Understanding Real Worship".  Well, the presence of God showed up so much that I could not even complete the message.  The Bible speaks of how in the temple the presence of God would be so thick that the priest could not minister or stand.  Well this is what happened Sunday at FMC, God interrupted our service and blessed us with his "Shekinah" glory. 

I have learned over the years as a pastor that when God shows up, get out of the way and let him do whatever he wants to do.  Last time I checked it is still his church and we are still under his control. By the time we got to the middle of the second point of the message, people were stretched out at the altar in complete worship to God.  It was a beautiful and spiritual thing to witness and behold.  Because of that fact, I was not able to finish the message on yesterday, so I wanted to share the rest of the message by blog. 


The name of the message was "God's Been Looking For You", taken from John 4:20-26; with an emphasis on vs. 23 and the last clause of the verse:  But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.   Within the message we focused on the fact that Jesus expressed that God is looking for people who will genuinely worship him.  We extracted from the text, 3 types/kind of worshippers that God is looking for.  Due to an overwhelming outpouring of God's presence, I was only able to get through two of the types and was not able to mention the last type.  So tonight, I want to give a quick overview of the message and share the last type of worshipper God is looking for.

According to John 4:20-26, there are 3 types of worshippers that God is looking for:


1. An Anywhere Worshipper

In John 4:20-23, a woman, who is often referred to as the woman at the well confronted Jesus about the proper place to worship God.  Jesus responded to the woman by telling her in so many words that real worshippers don't need a certain space or place to worship God but true worshippers understand that they can worship God "anywhere." This is a critical concept about worship because worship is not restricted to a certain place or a certain day of the week, but worship should be a lifestyle.  Wherever we are we have the right and the responsibility to worship God.  Because we serve a God who is everywhere, we can worship him anywhere.  God seeks worshippers who are not ashamed and afraid to worship him, but will worship him anywhere.

2. An Anointed Worshipper

Secondly, we discovered that God is looking for worshipers whose worship is anointed.  In John 4:23-24, Jesus expressed that our worship should be done in "spirit and truth."  The first way Jesus said worship should be demonstrated is in the spirit.  Which means our worship should be spirit-filled or anointed.  Anointed worship is worship that values God and knows his worth.  Now in order for our worship to be anointed it means it must have gone through something.  The anointing process is a painful one.  In order for the anointing oil to be produced there must be a pressing and crushing of a virgin olive.  Although the process is painful to the olive, at the end it produces the anointing.  The same can be said about anointed worship because it is birthed from going through crushing and pressing situations, but through all of what we go through we discovered that God is our keeper and sustainter.  So as a result of that, our value for God increases which in return increases our worship.  God is looking for worshippers who have gone through crushing and pressing situations but know through it all God has been faithful and brought them out.  When this is our reality we have a worth and value for God that makes our worship of him anointed.  This is the kind of worshipper God is looking for.

3. An Authentic Worshipper

Finally, God is looking for worshippers who are authentic.  Notice the last part of Jesus' famous statement about worship he said,  "...the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth".  Jesus suggests that our worship must not only be done in the spirit (anointed) but it must be done in truth or with no pretense.  Real worship is authentic; there are no games or buffoonery involved in it.  It is a worship that has a lifestyle to match its action.  Too many people in the church today are worshippers on Sundays and plum fools on Monday.  God wants our worship to be sincere and real, so that his kingdom is not embarrassed but embraced.  This was the point that Idid not get to because God had another idea in mind.

Man, I tell you God is truly moving at FMC.  I cannot wait to preach the rest of this series on worship.  I believe that the presence of God is going to move mightyly at FMC every time the doors open during the month of February.  I am so honored and excited to be apart of what God is doing.  If you are anywhere near Chicago get to FMC every Sunday & Wednesday in February and be apart of what God is doing in his kingdom through Faith Movers Church.  I can't wait!!!! Stay strong.


Pastor Moses~
 

Day 23 - HAPPY NEW YEAR

What's Up Family,


Tonight all I got to say is HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!


See you soon, stay strong!!!

Pastor Moses~

Day 22- Sunday Review

 

 



What's up my family,

Well, we are drawing close to the end of 2012 and the end of 23 days of blogging with Pastor Moses.  I have had a wonderful time sharing with you about many different topics from my perspective. It has been great to be able to interact with you all through these blogs!

Today, I just want to recap our worship service.  We had a high time at service!  We talked about "What to do with a second chance. "  Have you ever wondered how do you handle a second chance?  How do you move forward in life with your second chance?   Well today we looked at a second chance that was given to the woman caught in adultery.  The entire story gave us some hints that helped us to not only answer the above questions, but gave us some other implications for our lives.  When given a second chance, we have to first accept it.  Understand that a second chance is a gift that is freely given by God.  If he did not want you to have it, he would not have given it to you.  Accept the gift! You have to also appreciate it.  Be thankful for being given a second chance.  Be grateful for the grace God extends to you and give him glory for it!  Lastly, take advantage of the second chance.  Use the second chance as an opportunity to not do whatever it was that got you in trouble.  Then on top of that make sure that you tell someone of your deliverance.  God is so good that he give us second chances, but it is up to us how we handle them.  Wow! We serve such a loving, gracious God!  

We had such an awesome time today, but we are looking forward to an even greater time tomorrow night as we enter into our Watch Night services tomorrow at 10 pm inside of the Bloom High School.  We are going to have a wonderful worship experience.  We are going to thank God for 2012 while giving him glory for 2013.  I can't wait for the FMC Watch Night Party to start.  Ain't no party like and FMC party because FMC party don't stop! Well, until tomorrow, stay strong!  See you at Watch Night service tomorrow!

Pastor Moses~

Day 21- Song of Worship

What's up my family,

Well just a few more days left in the year, and just a few more days left to blog.  As we are nearing the close of the 23 days of blogging and the new year, let me encourage you to finish the year strong.   You still have a couple of more days to do any last minute things that would make this year count.  It is just about time to say, "Goodbye 2012!" and "Hello 2013."  Get ready for the transition that is about to occur.  What a time to close a chapter and begin afresh! I know that on Day 18, I encouraged you to prepare for the new year.  While preparing for the new year, get your expectations up for the new year, praise God in advance for what he is about to do, and know that your best days are ahead of you!  With that being said, listen to this song of worship below and be blessed.  Enjoy and stay strong.

Pastor Moses~

Day 20 - 5 Most Surprising Things of 2012

What's Up Family,


We are approaching the end of our blogging journey and we are also approaching the end of another year.  What can I say about 2012?  This year has been a year of many surprises.  As usual, every year is filled with ups and downs.  There are good days and then there are bad days, but our testimony is that through it all, we made it!  So as we get ready to leave one year and enter into another year, I thought about some of the things that happened this year that really caught many of us by surprise.  So here goes the top 5 surprising moments of 2012.




5. The Death Of Whitney Houston

On February 11, 2012, America lost one of the most gifted singers that ever lived in the death of Whitney Houston. I must confess, I did not see this coming.  Many of us knew that Whitney had some issues but I do not think anyone thought it could go this far.  It goes to show you never know what a person is dealing with or going through.  We will miss Whitney and the wonderful music she left with us. R.I.P - Whitney!!!



4. The Re-election of President Barack Obama


The re-election of Barack Obama was quite a surprise to many.  With a bad economy and many disgruntled people, many thought that President Obama would not be re-elected.  However, President Obama did it again and beat the odds and was re-elected president of these United States.  It was a major accomplishment for him to be re-elected being the first African American president in the White House.  We have come a long way.

 

3. Killing of Trayvon Martin

Although we have come a long way, the killing of Trayvon Martin was a reminder that we still have a long way to go.  Trayvon Martin was a young black male who was killed by a neighborhood watch guy by the name of George Zimmerman.  The killing appeared to be unnecessary and uncalled for.  At the time of his death he was wearing a hoodie over his head and was eating a bag of skittles.  His death promoted many people and even churches to speak out against the injustice of his death and reminded everyone we have not yet overcome.



2. Hurricane Sandy


Who knew that Katrina had a sister named, Sandy?  Hurricane Sandy was a major hurricane that hit the northeastern region of America.  Many people were affected in the states of New York and New Jersey. 

This storm was a reminder to many that we have to appreciate the life we live and value the things we have.  We are still praying for the people of the in New York and New Jersey.



1. Mass Killing In Connecticut


Right before the Christmas holidays our nation was hit with yet another tragedy in the killing of innocent young children and adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Once again we were reminded as a nation that evil is still present and around us.  These kind of events teaches us the importance of cherishing our families and to continue be prayerful about our surroundings.  Although this event were unfortunate, as a country we will not to be moved or swayed by such evil acts.  Through it all, we will prevail!!!



Well, after looking at these 5 surprising events in 2012, it should make us more appreciative about life.  Although we have had some rough spots this year, through it all we have made it to the end of another year and about to enter a new year.  So instead of complaining let's all be grateful for what we have and who we have.  God is good....can I get a witness (lol)!!!   Well that's it for tonight.  Until tomorrow, stay strong!

Pastor Moses~

Day 19 - A Blog Rerun: Confessions of A Pastor

What's Up Family,


 I want to share with you a blog I wrote a while back on pastors and pastoring.  I hope this particular blog encourages someone to honor and even bless their pastor the next time they see him or her. Enjoy.....


Today, I want to blog about an issue that is dear to me and that is the issue of pastoring. I believe wholeheartedly that the pastor is a gift from God to the local church. Jeremiah 3, prophesies that God will give us pastors after his own heart who will lead the flock of God with knowledge and understanding. Pastoring is something that I have always wanted to do. It is what I bleed and think about all day, every day. It is truly a calling that is not for everyone. A person must know that God has called him/her to pastor before he/shes takes on the responsibility of being a pastor. With all the stress and pressure that comes with pastoring, a person must be called or the pressure of pastoring will crush them. Therefore, with all the pressure that comes with pastoring, itself, it is double trouble when you have outside issues that add to the stress of pastoring. The reality is that this is the case with most pastors.

Recently, I had the privilege of sharing my story of pastoring and transitioning from a denominational church to an non-denominational church. Pastor R. A. Vernon gave me the privilege to join him on his national television broadcast and share my story of how I made a "faith move" and became the pastor of FMC. After appearing on the broadcast many pastors have reached out to me nationwide expressing how they can relate to my situation. As a pastor, they feel that they are not empowered to pastor or lead their congregation as God gives them instruction and vision. Many pastors stressed how they suffer from depression and anxiety because they are in a system that is not conducive to doing kingdom ministry. Many shared how they felt like just giving up and walking away from ministry all together. As I stated earlier, pastoring itself is difficult but it is ten times more difficult when you are part of a system that will not allow you to follow God's leading.

So tonight as a pastor, I come encouraging believers of all races, denomination, and cultures, to please pray and support your pastor. Your pastor is crucially important to you getting to where God wants you to be. God has put your Pastor in your life to help you get to where HE (God) is trying to take you. So, here are 5 quick things you can do to help your pastor's assignment much easier:

1. Commitment to pray for your pastor daily.

No, for real though, at least once a day stop what you are doing and pray for your pastor's strength, family, integrity, and peace of mind.

2. Let your pastor know you support him by "word and deed."

Most pastors know who are their genuine supporters and who are not. Don't assume your pastor knows you support him or her. Let them know

3. If you don't understand or agree with your pastor, don't talk/gossip about him/her.

First pray and ask God for clarity. Secondly, approach your pastor privately and ask him/her to explain what they are thinking or their process. Communication can clear so many things up.

4. Don't let anyone put their mouth on your pastor.

If people feel comfortable coming to you talking about your pastor, it is not a compliment. Trust me, it's an insult.

5. Do something nice for your pastor.

If your pastor has truly helped you in any way, do something nice for him/ her and their family. It does not always have to be monetary, but a letter, card, food, cake, gift card, hug, etc. Pastors love those things and it is a great encouragement for them.

I absolutely love being a pastor and I thank God daily for him giving me a second chance to pastor a church I absolutely love...Faith Movers!!! I love God, my family, and I am crazy about my church. Remember pastoring is not easy, but if you do your part you can make it a little easier for your pastor. That's all folks. I am Moses Herring and I approved this message!

Pastor Moses~