JUST IMAGINE - January 5, 2009

Greetings New Hope ,

Happy New Year!  God's Vision is alive and moving forward at New Hope .

  Just Imagine the bountiful blessing that God has for those who walk by faith and not by sight. Here we are expanding and striving to do more for the kingdom of God . This year is truly one of ultimate faith. In the face of crisis, difficulties and confusion, many of us will hear our Lord’s call to trust and believe Him in order to move New Hope to a level we have not imagined. Our Campaign starts this month and our theme is "JUST IMAGINE" - 1 Corinthians 2:9 says “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."  I pray that you embrace this journey of faith seeking the unknown blessings of God. I sincerely believe that God has more for all those that are faithful to his call and purpose. We are stretching our faith to follow God in every way.

For those who don't know, we have had over 40 leaders in training for several months with Rev. Larry Russell, Vice President of AG Financial, our financial partners in this journey. As you may recall, he preached for us last year in September. We have been trained in the area of “faith raising” not fund raising. We pray you join us in building a worship center for our campus. Our present expansion should be completed by the end of January. The children’s church, administration offices and gym will provide us more space for our vision. You will be blessed by our transitions and growth. Our children, youth and adults will enjoy the benefits of this expansion. However, we can not stop there; we need a place of excellence for worship.

Our faith must function in accordance with a new value and belief system. The impact and influences of our personal faith experiences should automatically move us forward with God's vision. Our deep seated beliefs help us live in the world of challenge by faith in God and in his Holy Word. We stand on it, live by it, pray it, and most of all, hope for it to come to pass in our lifetime.

I ask that you protect your environment. Negative people and things can affect your faith. I ask that you pray and keep credible people around you. I hope you repeat our study of the word for this month. And most of all hold onto God. You will receive a letter and other material from me this month. January 25 is our First Fruit Sunday. You will hear from our Campaign Directors and others this month. Pray now for God to be glorified in His place.

Remember these four Campaign footnotes:

Just Imagine Leaving a Legacy...

.....Where our children's children are involved in ministry, changing our community, impacting the city, state, nation and world; empowered to become self-sufficient, productive citizens of the kingdom.

Just Imagine Leaving a Spirit filled Life....

....To minister to the needs and hurts within our church family and our community in a place where Jesus is preached without reservation, and where people of all ages can experience God's love.

Just Imagine Changing a World....

.....By providing a distinctive Christian environment of educational excellence that challenges the mind and spirit of all ages to achieve their God-given potential and dreams.

Just Imagine Expanding the Kingdom of God ...

...Through the preaching and teaching of God's Word, Jesus saving grace and the Holy Spirit's power and to reveal to the world the awesome works that God is able to do.

-Pas

____________________________________________________________________________________

TRUE HEROES, TRUE FAITH -December 8, 2008

Hello New Hope

Here we are in the center of history that is being made right before our eyes, when many of our grandparents and maybe parents thought this would never happen. Sad to say that we have relatives who believed but died, will never see Martin Luther King’s dream come to life. This reminds us of the hero's in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 11:39-40 says "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us that only together with us would they be made perfect." Never forget those who built, died for, dreamed and lived by faith for this nation that will never witness this in the natural.

It is great to be an American but it is even greater to be a Christian in times like these. I pray we are not overly emotional about President Elect Barack Obama stepping into office. It is great, it is fun, it is awesome to be a part of history but remember history has already been made in that Christ Jesus died that we might have eternal life. The President is just a man and I pray that he will become a great man who will change the pace and times of this country and the world (I would warn him that those who cheer you can turn and boo you too). What we need to do is pray more than ever before for our political officials and the governing authority that run the city, county and country. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says "I urge, then, first of all, that request, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peacefully and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." We need to pray to God, our supplier, for this economy that wicked people will have no more control over our lives. We need to pray but act on spending money wisely, go back to school get degrees, we need to win the lost to Jesus and we need to train our children that anything is possible with God.

We cannot take God out of this picture. Be aware that now it’s time to work hard not because of race but because it is our right. Many of us have not used our God-given potential that will allow us to do great things for the Kingdom. Yes that's it; it is all about the Kingdom. To God be the Glory for surely He has done great things!  Hollywood is not the answer. Money is not the answer--check out the economy. The Kingdom of God is at hand. I believe it is a great time for us to reach the lost, build the new building, and affect the city and the country. Remember when we get to Heaven God will not ask any of us about our titles. He will ask “what did you do” with what I gave you.

I thank God and also congratulate President Elect Barack Obama.

-Pas

____________________________________________________________________________________

MORE ON FAITH - October 24, 2008

Greeting New Hope,
 
I pray God's favor on your life - for every area of your life. We have recently faced the news of the $700 billion dollar bailout for Wall Street. While we are facing the challenge of electing a new president that will take on the pain and pressures of a broken administration, terms like 'Socialism' and 'Capitalism' are being used like never before. The Dow Jones average is down, mortgages are foreclosing, and countries all over the world are suffering too. So what do we do in a time like this? Once again in a time of uncertainty I believe we need to turn to God. Not just to fix this situation but to bring us back to him.
 
I really think this is a great time for the church to prove God at His word. For example Psalms 1:3 says "Whatever you do will prosper." This alone refers to the faithful who cling to God and to the righteous. In the month of November, I will be teaching how the believer when submitted to God prospers under every wicked leadership from biblical times up until today. God is looking for a faithful few who will obey his Holy Word in times like these. I have been privileged in the last month to meet President Bill Clinton with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. I was also in a major meeting with local businessmen and woman, bankers and on a conference call to a major player in Washington, DC discussing the bailout plan, again with our Congresswoman (I am grateful to her for these opportunities). God revealed to me that He had an assignment for the faithful with my presence in the room. However, the faithful must not be weary in well doing. We must not be fearful with God on our side. We must not over look the fact that God supplies wisdom to all who ask and diligently apply wisdom to their daily lives.
 
New Hope I encourage you to face this time in faith. Pray like never before. Tithe and budget your money. Don't waste money or your time. Keep negative people and unfaithful people away from your dreams. Study the word and feed your mind with God-like goals. Wait on him and don't rush. This season too will pass. I am excited that during this time of when the world says and believes that we are in a recession, God is going to expand our territory:   build businesses, create new jobs, build us a larger church, and clinic. God is going to meet all of our needs!

Come and join me on this faith journey.

-Pas
_____________________________________________________________________________________

WE'VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH! - September 26, 2008
Scripture Reading James 2: 14 - 26

I remember at an early age singing this song in church. Of course young and immature I never grasped or understood faith. What is faith? What does faith do? Why do I need it when everything around me is ok? Does faith alone save me? I lived for years wondering, in this world not knowing and not understanding faith until now. I believe, if you would be honest with yourself, many of you felt just like me. Week after week, we've watched mom or dad, the lady in white on the front row or the single parent looking and wondering, kneeling and praying, hustling and bustling, working and watching.  Where's FAITH?

If, we are honest, we have made faith a magical movement for cars, houses and toys for personal pleasure. Or we have reduced faith to a form of religious rites for only the elite. Well, God never intended for faith to be a religion or a trick for our personal gains or desires. We must learn that our faith must have action, actions must match our works, and our works must match His word and will. Read James 2: 14 - 26; but specifically in verse 17: "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."  What's FAITH?

Now understanding that it's God's divine choice to move in our lives, we need to strengthen our FAITH.  God doesn't want faith to be a weekend football game or a wedding celebration. He isn't looking for weird people dressed in strange clothes. God is looking for a group of radical people, holy faith walkers, in spite of difficulties; a community of citizens on one accord meeting the needs of the community and the world. God wants a people who will be honest with Him to the core, irregardless of their short-comings, totally dependant on Him, and who will not fear death or the enemy. A people who will not run away and hide; but a people who will STAND and CALL on His Holy Name, TRUST in His Holy Word, and BELIEVE that He is able to do more than we could ever think or imagine.  Here's FAITH!

God is ready to release miracles and blessings to those who believe in the Kingdom of Heaven. Why not join me in this FAITH walk, discovering God's power through His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Knowing, no weapon formed against us will prosper. Knowing greater is HE that is within us and believing that God WILL supply all of our needs in spite of challenges, issues or whatever we do. Join me on this FAITH journey and experience God the Glorious Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as He releases revelation and wisdom to the faithful. Here's ACTION!

Ike is just a reminder that, we've come this far by Faith, leaning on the Lord, Trusting in His Holy Word, He never failed me yet.  Can't Turn Around, We've come this far by FAITH!

-Pas

___________________________________________________________________________________

BE ENCOURAGED IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM - September 12, 2008
God is Awesome!  God is all mighty, God is in control. 

New Hope family, please be of good courage and pray for Galveston and the surroundings cities that are currently being affected by the storm.  The Lord did not put the spirit of fear in us therefore do not be afraid at what is going on.  I want you to recall the story when Jesus calms the storm in Matthew 8: 23 - 27"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"  Jesus calmed the storm and reassured the disciples of the power of the Lord.    

Storms are meant to draw you closer to the Lord therefore we must trust God and not look at storms negatively.  God is the creator of all things, has all power and He is still in control.  

I am looking forward to celebrating and praising the Lord together on Sunday at what the He has done. 

I am continuously in prayer for you and your families.  Be safe adhere to all advisories from the weather services.

 Lovingly,

-Pas

____________________________________________________________________________________

THE HEART OF THE MATTER - July 19, 2008
From my heart to yours.  

Tuesday night was awesome and spirit filled - If you weren't there pick up the CD.   I recall the following scripture being read and I wanted to make sure we are all clear on what was being conveyed on last evening.  Here's our scripture reference: 1 Timothy 4:1  "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."  Being on one accord, and believing that everything that the Word of God says is truth. 

I am certain, as the spirit continues to give me wisdom and revelation (again from Tuesday Night's lesson- I read this prayer that I am praying continuously found in Ephesians 1: 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give (me)you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that (I)you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of (my)your heart may be enlightened in order that (I) you may know the hope to which he has called (me) you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for (I) us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,) on who to trust in leadership and to govern over ministries. There are certain leaders I believe I can trust and they will not try to mislead the people.

I want it very clear that while you may have the gifts of healing and laying of hands; we need to make sure everything is done in decency and order.  The Altar Prayer Ministry is the ministry for this very arena.  I have entrusted very capable leaders over this ministry and I am encouraging those that have these gifts to make sure that you are trained and not believing that you're above the leadership of this ministry.  While there some within the ministry of New Hope, you have been a great blessing to this ministry; you have also hurt this ministry.  You have been given freedom to give leadership to ministry and I do not want you to take it for granted because it is a privilege and honor to serve in the house of the Lord; understand that serving in ministry you must always be mindful of your actions, your words, and your mannerisms to the flock.    

I can not say it enough, you must get Tuesday's night message, yet another excerpt from the service - Have you allowed Satan in your heart, in your actions, in your ways and mannerism when it comes to matters of New Hope? See Acts 5:3a Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit  And the heart of the matter is do not be so easily fooled, test the spirit by the spirit, trust in the Lord and lean not to your own understanding. Let the Spirit of the Lord lead and guide you.  In closing, we need to remain in unity of the vision and
trusting God.

-Pas

____________________________________________________________________________________

FROM TRANSITION TO TRANSFORMATION - July 13, 2008

Hello people of God I wanted to share with you the transition and transformation that God is doing in my life and the leadership. I've recently finished reading a book "From Debt To Life," by Dr. Kregg Hood. This book has spoken truth into my life even though it has been painful to admits my mistakes and sins when it comes to financial freedom. I must admit that I didn't grow up knowing about budgets or even how to save money. I allowed life schemes and tricks of the enemy to cause me to use bad decisions one after another in the area of money. I have misused money, abused money, wasted money and even stolen money from God to live my dreams and pleasures.

Now we have to wake up to the reality that the economy and world will not help the believer and those living beneath the margin. I have learned that debt has made me a slave to others when God called me to be the head. Deuteronomy 28:12-13 says "The Lord will open the heaven, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend, to many nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom." Wow I wonder how far, have we fallen from what God has designed for us.
 

I do believe that God will get us back to the picture in the Bible. I trust, like me, you are reevaluating your life, budget and spending habits. By the way, I must mention that robbing God is also our problem which has led us into debt. You must declare no more slavery! Now is the time to take charge over our lives. Please trust God to change your spending. Lean and learn God's Holy Word. My prayer for my family and the church is to become debt free; so that we will not fear this economy or the attacks of the devil. That we can give generously to God but also live at the level God has called us to live. Read Click Here To Read Psalms 112 for 14 days. Confess it and believe what the word says. I pray blessings and peace into your live immediately.

No more debt!

-Pas