Father's Day

Tomorrow marks the United States Annual Recognition of Fathers.  Churches across America will hold special events and messages geared to the Earthly Father. I am appreciative for my biological father & grandfather. They have taught me many things in life. Some things they taught be by showing me what to do and other things I have discovered by see what not to do with my life. My father was addicted to Alcohol during my formative years. This caused me to make sure that whatever steps I needed to take that this would not be a part of my children's life. Yes, I did partake in my early stupid years of life, but gave my life over to God for his service and put away the childish ways of my early life. I have learned from my father that even though you have made mistakes in life it is never too late to go back and do your best every day to make right what you made wrong. From my grandfather who also was very instremental in bringing me up, I learned that providing and showing dedication to what I did was important. He showed me for. 36 years how to work hard and provide for my family at whatever cost. Family was # 1 to him and I have tried to do the same. As a minister of the gospel I have failed many times in this area of my life, but have always tried to provide financially for them. I have also always tried my best to teach my 2 daughters that they are important and should never let any man treat them differently. I have tried to love my wife the best way I can to show my son how to treat women the way they should be treated. Have I been perfect in my example in either way, no, but I have tried my best. Whether you have or are the best example of a Father there is one who we can look to for ultimate example. This Father's Day lets celebrate Jesus as our Heavenly Father. With his example in our life we may never be perfect this side of Glory but you'll be a whole lot closer with him than without.

Book Review: The Children of Promise (Who Will Inherit?) by Alexa R. Olson

This book was life changing for me about 13 years ago.  I received this book within a year of coming to the Apostolic Faith.  I was struggling with leaving my home church and embarking on the unknown.  It ministered to me in a great time in my life.  When I was going through my book case recently, I pulled this book out and re-read it this week.  Sis. Olson in a story she begins to discuss a prayer she made to the Lord to ask him if the Apostolic Faith, doctrine and holiness-separation was necessary for salvation.  As she watched the charismatic movement grow by leap and bounds as their church struggled to grow.  God took her to the story of Abraham.  That he had two children one of promise and one illegitimate.  I would recommend anyone struggling with their faith and questioning things of apostolic importance to read this book. I wish I could afford to purchase this book and give it to everyone in my church this Christmas.  I know you would be blessed by this book.  If you are a Trinity Pentecostal this book will give you insight into the doctrine and understanding of Apostolic - Oneness Pentecostal Doctrine.  Listed below is the Table of Contents for this book.  Please enjoy.  You can order books by writing: Church of Pentecost Post Office Box 551020 Jacksonville, FL 32255.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1.)  A Divine Revelation
2.)  Called Out
3.)  Born After The Flesh

4.)  The Desolate Hath Many Children

5.)  The Persecuted

6.)  Cast Out The Bondwoman

7.)  The Covenant of Baptism

8.)  A Strong Delusion

9.)  The Inheritance

10.)  The Children of Promise

Humbly Submitted,

Pastor Troy G. Reynolds

David: A Man After God's Heart

David was a great example of what a child of God should be. When looking at all of David's short comings he was always repentant of what he did.  He was faithful in everything he did.  He served his father well and he served the heathen king, Saul even after being anointed king himself  Status and anointing did not change David  after he was anointed King he returned to work in his father's fields.  When many would have asserted themselves to their rightful place he took the back seat and served his father and king like nothing had ever  changed.  He feared the Lord even in his sin he was quick to call out to God when his sinful ways were revealed by the prophet Nathan. David was a man full of grace  when other kings would have been busy destroying those in power under the former king, he was looking for someone to honor.  Because he extended grace to Saul's descendant he received grace from the Lord when he fell.  So if you and I desire to be a man or woman after God's own heart then we need to be faithful, fear God and freely give grace and forgiveness to others as we receive it in out lives.

Humbly Submitted,

Pastor Troy G. Reynolds

Book Review: Intimacy with the Almighty

This book written by Charles R. Swindoll in 1996.  I purchased the book sometime before 1998 and enjoyed he reading of the book.  However, it didn't mean as much to me as during this time in my life.  While we are involved with so many ministry items we are missing out on an intimacy with God.

Swindoll in his 80 page book discusses the need for us to have an intimacy with God.  In finding intimacy we need to made some decisions and establish some disciplines.

He discussed our need to make four decisions and establish some disciplines in our way to se

1. Recording One's Private World: The Principle of Simplicity.

2. Being Still: The Discipline of Silence.
3. Cultivating Serenity: The Discipline of Solitude.
4. Trusting the Lord Completely: The Discipline of Surrender.

I relate to a lot of the things in this book.  It is interesting how the Lord planned about 14 years ago that I would need the material in this book.  The Lord after prayer would lead me to pull this

 book off my shelf to read.  If you are dealing with overload and need to stop and think about life in general this is a great book. 

Humbly Submited,
Pastor Troy G. Reynolds

Dying While Saving Others

Well, tonight I will be transparent with you as I finally was with the Lord.  I have been so consumed with sickness, situations at church, wrestling with peoples lack of commitment to God and I was dying on the inside.  I found myself cooking dinner for the family tonight and we baked cookies for the kids to decorate.  However the kids were in one of those moods tonight.  I began to get stressed and very tired.  I went to lay down for a little bit and while I was trying to rest and get my strength back the kids kept on being mischievous.  I woke up and realized that I had forgot to do something that should have been taken care of and was too late to do now.  I got very stressed over it and felt I needed to leave the house and go be alone.  I went to the church and prayed for some time and I began to realize that I needed help.  I had been helping everyone else, but I was bleeding to death spiritually while I was putting the uncut on everyone Else's wounds.  But I thank God that tonight I had a great time with the Lord other than a few family members God burdened my heart to pray for I didn't pray for you or anyone else.  I just prayed for myself.  Because I realized tonight that my salvation is more important than saving the world.  So if you find me tending to my wounds and not yours at any point it is because I realize that I can't save any lives until I have first saved my own.  Thank you God for the great visitation of your spirit tonight.  My apologies to the janitorial staff, I used a lot of tissue tonight.

Thank you Jesus for touching me tonight, I needed it and you knew it.

Humbly Submitted,
Pastor Troy G. Reynolds

Book Review: Teach us to Pray by Kim M. Johnson

This book is a quick read. I read the book in a couple of hours  it has 90 pages to it.  I read this book several years ago. However, As I have desired a more intense pray life and fasting more in the last several weeks I was drawn back to reading some old books I had in my Library on fasting and praying.

The book was published in 1997 by Moeller Printing in Indianapolis, IN. The author was born in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois.  She received an experience with God at a young age and learned to pray using such prayers at the "Lord's Prayer".  Later in life she came to know the Lord in a more personal way.  She came to receive full Bible Salvation as described in Acts 2:38.  

The book contains 11 chapters on topics such as:

1. The Divine First of All

2. What is Prayer?

3. The River Principle

4. Discipline

5. Consecration

6. Entering In

7. Repentance

8. Petition

9. Supplication Praying

10. Intercession: A Lifestyle

11. Closing Comments

Probably one of my favorite chapters in the book is Chapter 3, "The River Principle".  It discusses our prayer life is like a river  as it bends, curves, narrows, widens, gets deeper and more shallow at times.  When we are praying and nothing really seems o be moving our prayer life is deep.  It doesn't mean that our prayers aren't moving its just that the spirit is running deep, but its still moving.  Then at other times our prayers are shallow and fast moving like the white waters of a river and we can definitely see God moving and churning in us.

I would recommend parts of the book and other parts I found it showing in interest.  if you like a book that is backed by scripture this is the book for you.  i felt hat at some points to much scripture was used and slowed the flow of the writers thoughts.

Humbly Submitted,

Pastor Troy G. Reynolds

Book Review: The Church in the Wilderness by Albert Friend

Acts 7:38 - "This is He, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sina, and with our Fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

     Albert Friend, now in his 80s and retired from ministry, has written a wonderful book for that student who is intrigued by the tabernacle in the Old Testament.  Mr. Friend does an outstanding job tying the Old Testament Tabernacle Plan to the New Testament Plan of Salvation.  As he takes you through the Tabernacle one step at a time you learn about each article of furniture and their spiritual significance and their directive pointing to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

     As you enter the doors of the tabernacle into the Outer Court you are ushered to each piece of furniture on your way to the Holy of Holies.  First the Brazen Altar or Sacrifice, then the brazen Laver.  As you pass into the Holy Place (Inner Cour) you are greeted by the Golden Candlestick, Table of Shewbread, and Altar of Incense.  Then last, but not least he takes you beyond the third veil into the Holy of Holies into a place on communion with the Lord. 

     The book is brought to a close as his wife, Jean Friend takes you through the books of the Bible and reveals Jesus in each book of the Bible..  For instance...

In Genesis - He is the seed of the woman.

In Job - He is our Ever-lasting Redeemer

In Matthew - He is the Messiah

In Jude - He is the LORD coming with 10,000 of His saints.


     An average reader can read this 100 page book in just under 4 hours.  Some a little less and other a little longer.  For that one that just loves to read it can easily be read in one setting of slowing digested over several days.  I hope you enjoy this great book and bless the ministry of a retired minister.  God bless you.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rev. Troy G. Reynolds

Book Review: The Greater Cause (Studies on the Family from Matthew 19)

This book written by Steve Pixler, Pastor of the Cornerstone Apostolic Church in Fort Worth, TX is a great book for those seeking to build their Christian household.  This book is not for the casual reader.  In some placed it is very pointed and directed at the reader.  It was very thought provoking to say the least.  It has placed me in a place that I desire to study this subject some more.  The discussion of marriage is a life long debate and this book nails down many things that have been debated for years regarding scriptures such as Matthew 19. 

The Greater Cause is a unique study on the family drawn from Matthew 19 (Jesus' powerful teaching on divorce and remarriage).  This work does not push into areas of controversy, but shines a light on some of the underlined subject matter of Matthew 19.  This book is written from the perspective of a pastor to a saint of God.  It is written to strengthen families who seek to build up the Christian household and rear up a godly heritage of the glory of God.  For that one that is looking to be offended this is not the book for you.  However, if you are the one who is always looking for material to help you grow in God this book will give you some things to take to prayer.  The book can be purchased online from http://www.continuumministries.org/ or by visiting http://www.amazon.com/ .

Book Review: The Bait of Satan

On several attempts I have tried to read this book. It is a book that every person in America should read. It is a hard book to read especially, if you read it in the spirit it was written in. You should not ready this book with the outlook of looking to see who this book is talking about, but reminding yourself this book is examining your own life. This was the hardest part of reading this book. It brought up a lot of feelings of people who have wounded me through the years. Being in the ministry I have been wounded deeply many times by people who claim to love and appreciate me and my ministry. I think ministry can be exposed to this bait of Satan more so than any other group of people. I have met many on the road of ministry that have allowed this bait to affect their lives and future relationship because they are unable to release all bitterness and malice that has creeped in because of the offences gained. Again I wish I could buy a copy of this book for everyone I know and force them to read it. We are missing out on so much in live because we have allowed Satan to bait us and we are in his trap and he is sitting back enjoying what he has done. I have allowed the Joy of the Lord to be taken from me many times because of offences people have done toward me. I have also watched those that I have ministered to through the years experience the same thing. I know the hardest thing about the spiders web is to let go of it. You try, but it keeps stilling to you. If is time that we lay the offenses of our past at the feet of Jesus and forgive those who have offended us and allow us to get on to the dreams that we have of doing great things for God. John Bevere is an excellent writer and had gotten to the core of many things in my life through this book. Am I cured, No, but I strive to allow this book to help me lay down all the offenses in my own life and I encourage you to read this wonderful book and allow God to help you also.

John covers many topics in his book dealing with this bait of Satan, Offense.

1. Me, Offended?
2. Massive Offense
3. How Could This Happy To Me?
4. My Father, My Father!
5. How Spiritual Vagabonds Are Born
6. Hiding From Reality
7. The Sure Foundation
8. All That Can Be Shaken Will Be Shaken
9. The Rock of Offense
10. Lest We Offend Them
11. Forgiveness: You Don't Give - You Don't Get
12. Revenge: The Trap
13. Escaping the Trap
14. Objective:L Reconciliation

Then as his book comes to a close he asks those who are reading it to take action on what God has revealed to them through the reading of this book. I encourage you to get a copy of this book, buy it, borrow from Library or a friend and just read this book.

Book Review: The View From The Back Of The Pulpit

I first read brother Jordan's book in September 2007.  I purchased it at the 2007 General Conference of the United Pentecostal Church International.  I read most of the book on the flight home.  It was a very good book however, being 4 years ago I decided to re-read the book.

Rev. J. Mark Jordan is a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church.  He pastors First Apostolic Church in Toledo, Ohio.

Below are two recommendation for this book: 

'Nothing is missing! It is the most complete book for ministers that I have ever read. For the minister just starting out, to those who like me are nearing the finish line, this book answers every question and provides for every need.' -the late Cleveland M. Becton (Former General Secretary of United Pentecostal Church, International)

'I spent a decade under Pastor Jordan's leadership: what I know today of practical ministry was learned under his direction.  His godly insight is clear, succinct, and incredibly well communicated.  Reading this timely book is an opportunity for minister to glean as I have from his experience and wisdom'. - Travis Miller (General Home Missions Secretary of United Pentecostal Church, International)


This book is very enlightening.  As I enjoyed it's reading in 2007, I again enjoyed it this time around.  Rev. Jordan is a very qualified man to write on the following topics due to his almost 40 years of ministry. 

- The View from the Back of the Pulpit
- Where Will You Go? What Will You Do?
- The Firebird Stage
- Does a Preacher Need a License?
- The Minister's Self-Image
- Of Saints and Reprobates
- Respect
- Shepheds or Sheep Transporters?
- Surving Church Storms
- That Vision Thing
- Walk with Me
- Who Are These People?
- Communication: Beyond the Basics
- You Can't Just Change One Thing
- Read Writers and Right Readers
- The Power to Destroy or the Power to Redeem
- Expensive COnvictions
- When Leaders Sin
- Issues in Retirement for Pastors

I would recommend this book to any person aspiring to the ministry or any current minister regardless of their age.

Humbly Submitted,
Pastor Troy G. Reynolds

Book Review: The Fear of the Lord.

From the Author of the best selling book, The Bait of Satan comes the book "The Fear of the Lord."  I read this book a month or so ago and wish that I had written the review when my mind was a bit fresher, but I really enjoyed the book and it's content.  I will attempt to give it an adequate review.  I have read two of the author's book and my wife has read another.  The writers style seems to be easy to read and enjoyable subject matter for those who are interested in the spiritual things of life.

The book has 198 pages.  It contains 14 chapter with an epilogue.  I will attempt to share quotes from the book in an attempt to show the content of the book without revealing the entire book to you.  I would recommend this book along with others written by John Bevere. 

Holy fear is the key to God's sure foundation, unlocking the treasuries of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. 

Chapter One - Wind From Heaven

Do you think the King of kings and Lord of lords is going to come into a place where He is not given due honor and reverence?

Chapter Two - Changed Glory

There are people who are quick to acknowledge Jesus as Savior, Healer, and Deliverer ... yet they reduce His glory to the level of corruptible men by their actions and heart attitudes.

Chapter Three - The Sermon of the Universe

The more extensive our comprehension of God's greatness ... the greater our capacity for fear or reverence of Him.

Chapter Four - Order, Glory, Judgment (Part 1)

Before God's glory comes, there first must be divine order.

Chapter Five - Order, Glory, Judgment (Part 2)

We cannot expect to be admitted into His presence with an attitude of disrespect.

Chapter Six - A New Sanctuary

Jesus makes it clear that to follow Him, we must first count the cost ... The price is nothing short of our lives.

Chapter Seven - An Irreverent Offering

If you desire the praise of man, you will fear man.  If you fear man, you will serve him - for you will serve what you fear.

Chapter Eight - Delayed Judgment

The greater God's revealed glory, the greater and swifter the judgment of irreverence.

Chapter Nine - The Coming Glory

Where we have been and where we are is not where we are headed!  We must raise our eyes to the horizon and look for His coming glory!

Chapter Ten - The Restoration of His Glory

Prepare the way of the Lord by making His people ready for His glory!

Chapter Eleven - The Ability to See

A person who fears God trembles at His Word and in His presence.

Chapter Twelve - From Glory to Glory

The fear of the Lord will keep us from compromising God's truth for the pursuit of personal gain.

Chapter Thirteen - Friendship with God

To fear God is to believe God.  To believe God is to obey Him.

Chapter Fourteen - The Blessings of Holy Fear
Holy fear gives God the place of glory, honor, reverence, thanksgiving, praise, and preeminence He deserves.

John writes of our overwhelming need to find a new fear and respect for the presence of God.  We should find a reverence in our worship, service, and daily life for the Lord.  God wants you and I to know him and there is only one way to get into this knowledge of him.  It's by deep intimacy and experience.  If you read this book with an open heart you will walk away with a new honor and reverence for the presence of God.

Humbly Submitted,
Rev. Troy G. Reynolds,
Senior Pastor

Book Review: Character Counts by Cindy Miller

I have been a bit behind on my goal of 50 books in 2011, so I picked up a couple small books to read so that I can catch up.  One of these book was an interactive Bible Study by Cindy Miller.

The title, "Character Counts - An Interactive Bible Study".  It is available from many sources, but easily obtained from the Pentecostal Publishing House or www.letstalkministries.net (Cindy's Ministry Website).

The small book is an easy read.  It took me just over an hour to read it from front to back and that included a couple breaks in the middle.  The book has 6 lessons or chapters is 64 pages in length.  And is easily written for any reader to comprehend. 

Lesson 1: The ingredients of Character

The word Character has been defined as "the person you are when no one is looking."

A person with little character is someone who cannot be depended on to do what is right.  Individuals may "talk a good talk," but, in the moment of decision, may choose to serve selfish interests first and give the leftovers to those they claim to love. 

Person with little character jump on the bandwagon of blaming others instead of taking responsibility for their choices in life.  A person lacking character repeatedly ignores and quiets that internal guiding voice that we call conscience.

"There was a wise man that always had the right answers to some of life's tough problems.  A young man approached him to ask a question designed to stump him.  "Sir, is the bird in my hands alive or dead?" he asked.  Of course, he planned that the old man would be proved wrong at all counts, for, if he said the bird was alive, the young man would simply squeeze the bird to death, and if he said the bird was dead, he would open his hand and how it was alive.  The old sage looked at the young upstart and replied, "My son, it is whatever you wish it to be." (McHenry, 37)

Lesson 2: God's Principles vs Man's Philosophies

Moral perfection is impossible but striving for moral excellence is an attainable goal.

How does a person change?
How does a person build character?
How does a person know what is right?
What is the first step?

Lesson 3: Your Conscience: Listen To It

The Voice of conscience is so delicate that it is easy to stifle it; but it is also so clear that it is impossible to mistake it."

The greatest tormentor of the human soul is a guilty conscience.

Lesson 4: Your Convictions: Act Upon Them

Dante said years ago, "The hottest places in hell are reserved for those whom, in a period of moral crisis maintain their neutrality."

"Conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct". - Thomas Carlyle

What are the ares of your life where you speak the Christian conviction but your behavior is not consistent with your belief/conviction?  Do you talk the talk but not walk the walk?

Convenient Convictions - Strong convictions still stand even if the situation changes.  convenient convictions are when values about sex, honest, abortion, or truth become optional.

Lesson 5: Your Courage: Activate It

General Omar Bradley defined courage as "the capacity to perform properly even when scared to death."

John Wayne said, "Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway."

Andrew Jackson encouraged others with these words, "One man with courage makes a majority."

"I learned very early in my life never to take counsel of my fears."

"Courage puts a new face on everything." Emerson

Lesson 6: Commitment to Character

An immature person believes emotion is reality but a mature Christ-centered person turns to the principles of God's Word to learn what a person of string character would do.  "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel-that will stand" (Proverbs 19:21).

Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it.

The word crisis, when written in Chinese, is composed of two characters.  One represents danger and the other represents opportunity.

A diamond is a chunk of coal that performed well under pressure.

Remember, it is decision based upon character that determine your destiny.

We write our own destiny.  We become what we do.  Madame Chaing Kai-Shek


I would recommend this book as a quick read and it will make you consider some things in your life.  Enjoy the quotes from the book.  Enjoy the book also. (FYI: The book cover I have looks different from this, so I'm not sure which is the current version.)

Humbly Submitted,
Rev. Troy G. Reynolds
Senior Pastor

Book Review: The Five (5) Love Languages

Recently, my wife brought home a book that she had brought home from a friend.  She was reading and the title caught my attention, so I had to investigate.  The book was on lone so my wife bought a copy from the local retailer for our home.  I picked it up and began to read the book.  I wasn't to sure that I would enjoy the subject matter nor did I really think I would learn anything from the book.  But once I picked up the book and began to read the stories of the individuals that were featured in the book and saw their lives and how the things in this book made a difference in their homes and marriage, I have to admit, I got lost in the pages of the book. 

Dr. Gary Chapmn writes in this wonderful book that there are 5 Love Languages that are spoken by every person.  Each of us have a Primary Love Language that makes us feel loved and good about ourselves. I have copied and pasted the discriptions from the website http://www.5lovelanguages.com/ for you to see what each of these Love Languages are:

Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

Quality Time

In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

Acts of Service

Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

Physical Touch

This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.
 
There is a test at the back of the book that you can take and it helps you identify your Primary Love Language.  Some individuals like me have two Primary Love Language meaning I am Bi-lingual.  When I took the test it showed me that I was Bi-lingual and my Primary Love Languages were "Quality Time and Acts of Service".  As I stopped and thought about it that is really what makes me happy when my spouse is spending quality time with me as we do Acts of Service together.  I recommend this book to every married couple.  It has really helped our lives in the last couple of weeks.  My wife's Primary Love Language is "Words of Affirmation".  Her Secondary Love Language is "Physical Touch".  Once we had learned each others love languages we have focused on doing what makes the other one happy and not what we thinks makes them happy.  I was even shocked about mine results and so was my wife. 
 
Humbly Submitted,
Rev. Troy G. Reynolds
Senior Pastor SSPC/SEIRC
 

Communication With The Lord

I was recently with my mom during her surgery and for a short time during her recovery. While I was at her house I helped do the dishes and laundry and just be there to keep her company. She called me a couple days ago just wondering what I was up to because I hadn’t called or updated my status on Facebook for a couple days. She in turn wrote on her page, “There is a time when our babies/grandbabies are totally dependent on us for everything. Then somewhere along the way, roles reverse-they take care of us and we are much more dependent on them than they are on us.”


Just as my mom was worried because I hadn’t talked to her for a couple days, Jesus also wants our communication. He also gets worried about us when we don’t talk to Him on a regular basis. So many people say they just don’t know how to pray, or what to pray about. When I feel that way, I just imagine God pulled up in an easy chair, leaning forward, propped on elbows, just waiting for me to talk to Him, just like a best friend would be so excited to hear what’s been going on in your life since the last time you talked. There’s a song that says “I miss My time with you. Those moments together. I need to be with you each day, and it hurts Me when you say you’re too busy. Busy trying to serve Me. But how can you serve me when your spirit’s empty? There’s a longing in my heart, wanting more than just a part of you. It’s true, I miss my time with you.” Let’s catch up with God, or maybe let Him catch up with us.

Guest Blogger,
Sis. Kayla J. Reynolds
First Lady of SSPC/SEIRC

Who Am I That You Are Mindful Of Me?

Who am I that You are mindful of me, and You hear me when I call? Is it true that you are thinking of me, that you love me? It’s amazing!


These words keep running through my mind tonight. I know that God knows me and my fears, worries and insecurities and has my best interest at heart.

This weekend at the Prison Ministry Conference I was supposed to preach at the Decatur Women’s Correctional Facility. I believe I know what I was supposed to preach about and I had everything prepared and ready to go in, but there was just an uneasy feeling in my spirit. I was not afraid to go into the facility and be among the prisoners, for I believe that they have a greater freedom of worship and inhibition behind bars than some people do in our churches today. Anyway, the closer we got to the prison, the more anxious I got. I had even joked that if the rapture took place like it was predicted, I would get out of doing this! I hated to feel like this because I believe that if Bro. Chapman, the district chaplain, had felt to ask me to preach; it must have been what God wanted me to do.

When we got there, a guard stopped us and said the prison was on lock down and we couldn’t go in. I honestly felt a relief in my spirit. This doesn’t mean that I won’t ever preach there, but it just wasn’t supposed to be this time. This may not be significant to anybody else, but it just reaffirms to me that God cares for His children and will always make a way.

Guest Blogger,
Sis. Kayla Reynolds
First Lady of SSPC/SEIRC

Prison Update 05/22/2011

On Sunday, May 22, 2011 we were privilaged to minister at the Robinson Correctional Facility in Robinson, Illinois.  We were excited that we had 134 in attendance.  If we grow much more they will have to start setting out more chairs.  I think they have seating for approximately 150 inmates.  We worshiped the Lord and preached the Word of God to these "hungry" men.  We ministered on the "Fourth Man in the Fire".  We had several men respond to the altar, however there wasn't enough time to minister to them all individually.  Please pray some other avenues of ministry will open up at this facility that we can minister to the men for a longer time period.  Thank you in advance for your prayers.

Humbly Submitted,
Rev. Troy G. Reynolds
Senior Pastor