Pastoral Transition

Pastoral Transition Prayer & Meditation Focus for the Week of September 24, 2018

Greetings Family,

Ponder these thoughts from the author of the book, “Draw the Circle”.

“The God who gives the vision is the same God who makes provision. “ (Page 80); Author: Mark Batterson

For this week (September 24 through September 30), we beseech you to ‘pray’ and meditate on the prayer themes and the scripture verses.

If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Believe, God has the answers
  • Psalm 25:4-5 (NKJV): ⁴ Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. ⁵ Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Psalm 5:3 (NIV): ³ In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Psalm 9:1: ¹ I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Romans 8:26-27 (NIV): ²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • John 14:26 (KJV): ²⁶ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
• Sunday School Lesson (9/30) – God Creates, Humans Sin
  • Genesis 3:8-24 (KJV): ⁸ And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. ⁹ And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? ¹⁰ And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. ¹¹ And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? ¹² And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. ¹³ And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. ¹⁴ And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: ¹⁵ And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. ¹⁶ Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. ¹⁷ And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; ¹⁸ Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; ¹⁹ In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. ²⁰ And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. ²¹ Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. ²² And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: ²³ Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. ²⁴ So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Please come join us, as we wrestle with and discuss this week’s Sunday school lesson

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to not only incorporate our Scripture & Meditation Focus into your daily life via the weekly newsletter insert, but also the entire archive on the Church website (Allen-Temple.org; click Pastoral Transition on the top blue bar of the home page), but to also join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule
Thursday, October 4 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, October 18 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, November 1 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, November 15 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, November 29 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

God Bless!!!

Pastoral Transition Scripture & Meditation Focus for the week of August 27, 2018

Greetings Family,

Ponder these thoughts from the author of the book, “Discerning The Voice Of God”.

“So as we get ready to dig in, let’s say a prayer that God will bless what He’s about to give us, and that He’ll open our hearts, certain beyond a doubt that we’ll hear from His Word and His Spirit.“ (Page 13); Author: Priscilla Shirer

For this week (August 27 through September 2), let’s consider the following bible passages on prayer, in collaboration with the “#BeEncouraged - Bible Passages That Share Encouragement” from our Allen Temple website. We beseech you to ‘pray aloud’ and meditate on the prayer themes and the scripture verses. If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Believe, God has the answers
  • Psalm 5:3 (NIV): In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Psalm 54:2 (NIV): Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Psalm 9:1 (NIV): I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Daniel 9:3 (KJV): And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.
• Sunday School Lesson (9/2) – God Created the Heavens and Earth
  • Genesis 1:1-13 (NIV): ¹ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ² Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. ³ And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ⁴ God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. ⁵ God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. ⁶ And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” ⁷ So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. ⁸ God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. ⁹ And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. ¹⁰ God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. ¹¹ Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. ¹² The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. ¹³ And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

Please come join us, as we wrestle with and discuss this week’s Sunday school lesson

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to not only incorporate our Scripture & Meditation Focus into your daily life via the weekly newsletter insert, but also the entire archive on the Church website (Allen-Temple.org; click Pastoral Transition on the top blue bar of the home page), but to also join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule

Thursday, September 6 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, September 20 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, October 4 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, October 11 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, October 25 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

God Bless!!!

Pastoral Transition Scripture & Meditation Focus for the week of August 20, 2018

Greetings Family,

Ponder these thoughts from the author of the book, “Draw the Circle”.

“The God who gives the vision is the same God who makes provision.“ (Page 80); Author: Mark Batterson

For this week (August 20 through August 26), let’s consider the following bible passages (in collaboration) with the “#BeEncouraged - Bible Passages That Share Encouragement” from our Allen Temple website. We beseech you to ‘pray aloud’ and meditate on the prayer themes and the scripture verses. If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Believe, God has the answers
  • 1 Chronicles 16:29: Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Romans 10:9: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Psalm 9:1: I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Philippians 4:6-7: ⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
• Sunday School Lesson (8/26) – Practicing Justice
  • Colossians 3:5-17 (KJV): ⁵ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: ⁶ For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: ⁷ In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. ⁸ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. ⁹ Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; ¹⁰ And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: ¹¹ Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. ¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. ¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Please come join us, as we wrestle with and discuss this week’s Sunday school lesson

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to not only incorporate our Scripture & Meditation Focus into your daily life via the weekly newsletter insert, but also the entire archive on the Church website (Allen-Temple.org; click Pastoral Transition on the top blue bar of the home page), but to also join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule
Thursday, August 23 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, September 6 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, September 20 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, October 4 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, October 11 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

God Bless!!!

Pastoral Transition Scripture & Meditation Focus for the week of August 13, 2018

Greetings Family,

Ponder these thoughts from the author of the book, “Discerning The Voice Of God”.

“So as we get ready to dig in, let’s say a prayer that God will bless what He’s about to give us, and that He’ll open our hearts, certain beyond a doubt that we’ll hear from His Word and His Spirit.” (Page 13); Author: Priscilla Shirer

For this week (August 13 through August 19), let’s consider the following bible passages (in collaboration) with the “#BeEncouraged - Bible Passages That Share Encouragement” from our ATBC website section [“Love Note from Senior Pastor J. Alfred Smith, Jr.”]. We beseech you to ‘pray aloud’ and meditate on the prayer themes and the scripture verses. If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.  

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Believe, God has the answers
  • Psalm 13:5 (NIV) But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) ⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV) ²⁰ Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, ²¹ Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
• Sunday School Lesson (8/20)
  • 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (KJV) ⁷ But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving. ⁸ I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. ⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. ¹⁰ And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. ¹¹ Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. ¹² For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. ¹³ Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. ¹⁴ At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, ¹⁵ as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

Come join us, as we wrestle with and discuss this week’s Sunday school lesson

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to not only incorporate our Scripture & Meditation Focus into your daily life via the weekly newsletter insert, but also the entire archive on the Church website (Allen-Temple.org; click Pastoral Transition on the top blue bar of the home page), but to also join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule

Thursday, August 23 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, September 6 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, September 20 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, October 4 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, October 11 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

God Bless!!! 

Pastoral Transition Scripture & Meditation Focus for the week of August 6, 2018

Greetings Family,

Ponder these thoughts from the author of the book, “Discerning The Voice Of God”.

“So as we get ready to dig in, let’s say a prayer that God will bless what He’s about to give us, and that He’ll open our hearts, certain beyond a doubt that we’ll hear from His Word and His Spirit.“ (Page 13; Author, Priscilla Shirer)

For this week (August 6 through August 12), let’s consider these bible passages (in collaboration) with the “#BeEncouraged - Bible Passages That Share Encouragement” from our ATBC website section [“Love Note from Senior Pastor J. Alfred Smith, Jr.”]. We beseech you to pray and meditate on the prayer themes and the scripture verses by inserting your name and other names where it states, (Fill-in Name). If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.  

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Believe, God has the answers
  • Romans 12:2 (KJV) - (Fill-in Name), 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
  • I John 5:1-5 (NLT) - (Fill-in Name), 1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ] has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 (NRSV) 5 Trust in the Lord (Fill-in Name), with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways (Fill-in Name), acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
• Believe, God has the answers
  • Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV) - (Fill-in Name) 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
• Sunday School Lesson (8/12) – Global Economic Justice
  • 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (KJV) 7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

[Come join us, as we wrestle with and discuss this week’s Sunday school lesson]

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to not only incorporate our Scripture & Meditation Focus into your daily life via the weekly newsletter insert, but also the entire archive on the Church website (Allen-Temple.org; click Pastoral Transition on the top blue bar of the home page), but to also join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule

Thursday, August 9 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, August 23 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, September 6 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, September 20 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, October 4 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

God Bless!!! 

Senior Pastor Position Announcement

Senior Pastor Position Announcement
Allen Temple Baptist Church
8501 International Boulevard, Oakland, CA  94621
Email Address:  PastoralSearch@allen-temple.org

As a result of the retirement of our Senior Pastor, J. Alfred Smith, Jr., Allen Temple Baptist Church of Oakland, California, established in 1919, is seeking an inspired, visionary, servant leader to continue its legacy and provide spiritual guidance in the role of Senior Pastor.  Allen Temple is a well-established church with a history of international prophetic social justice and community service.  We are focused to welcome the one chosen by God into our church family, to support and follow this chosen leadership, and to worship and minister together for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

A candidate who has the passion, skills, and abilities with inspired vision, spiritual leadership, and a heart for congregational care and service to reach across multiple generations and continue the work of service in God’s vineyard is greatly desired.

HOW TO APPLY:

Read more: Senior Pastor Position Announcement

Pastoral Transition Scripture & Meditation Focus for the Week of July 30, 2018

Greetings Family,

Ponder these thoughts …

“Whatever the need of the moment, the answer is to be found in Scripture, if we take the time to search for it.” (Page 1 - The Bible Promise Book)

For this week (July 30 through August 5), we beseech you (once again) to ‘pray and meditate on the prayer themes, scriptures, and the words from these beautiful songs. Trust and Engage. If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Believe, God has the answers
  • Hebrews 12:28 (NRSV) 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe

Before The Throne
Before the throne is where we come
To offer praise and seek wisdom
You have torn the veil that separates
No more outside now in Your grace.

Before the throne is where we come
To offer praise and seek wisdom
You have torn the veil that separates
No more outside now in Your grace

So we bow as we enter the throne room
And we cast ourselves down at Your feet
We cry holy, thou art holy, there is none like thee.
In Your presence is where we must be

Prepare our hearts for service now
When we fall short please show us how
Guide us with Your truth, ancient of days
Renew our hearts and cleanse our way

So we bow as we enter the throne room
And we cast ourselves down at Your feet
We cry holy, thou art holy, there is none like thee
In Your presence is where we must be

So we bow as we enter the throne room
And we cast ourselves down at Your feet
We cry holy, thou art holy, there is none like thee
In Your presence is where we must be.
Credited to Shekinah Glory Ministry

• Believe, God has the answers – Submission To God's Will
  • Psalm 143:10 (NIV) 10 Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
  • Romans 12:2 (KJV) 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
  • Ephesians 6:6 (KJV) 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

Give Me A Clean Heart
Give me a clean heart
so I may serve thee.
Lord, fix my heart so that I
may be used by thee.
For I'm not worthy
of all those blessings.
Give me a clean heart,
and I'll follow thee.
Author Margaret J. Douroux, 1970

• Sunday School Lesson (8/05) – God’s Justice
• Romans 2:1-12 (NRSV) 1 Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. 2 You say, “We know that God’s judgment on those who do such things is in accordance with truth.” 3 Do you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 For he will repay according to each one’s deeds: 7 to those who by patiently doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 while for those who are self-seeking and who obey not the truth but wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be anguish and distress for everyone who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality. 12 All who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.

[Come join us, as we wrestle with and discuss this week’s Sunday school lesson]

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to not only incorporate our Scripture & Meditation Focus into your daily life via the weekly newsletter insert, but also the entire archive on the Church website (Allen-Temple.org; click Pastoral Transition on the top blue bar of the home page), but to also join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule
Thursday, August 9 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, August 23 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, September 6 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, September 20 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, October 4 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

God Bless!!!

Pastoral Transition Scripture & Meditation Focus for the Week of July 23, 2018

Greetings Family,

Ponder these thoughts …

“Rely on the Bible as a blueprint for daily living as you learn how to walk in obedience and trust Him daily.” (Page 46 - “Farther In And Deeper Down”; Author: Dr. E. K. Bailey)

For this week (July 23 through July 29), we beseech you (once again) to ‘pray aloud’ and meditate on the prayer themes and the words from these beautiful songs. Trust and Engage. If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.  

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Believe, God has the answers – [Hebrews 12:28]

Before The Throne

Before the throne is where we come

To offer praise and seek wisdom
You have torn the veil that separates
No more outside now in Your grace.

Before the throne is where we come

To offer praise and seek wisdom
You have torn the veil that separates
No more outside now in Your grace

So we bow as we enter the throne room
And we cast ourselves down at Your feet
We cry holy, thou art holy, there is none like thee.
In Your presence is where we must be

Prepare our hearts for service now
When we fall short please show us how
Guide us with Your truth, ancient of days
Renew our hearts and cleanse our way

So we bow as we enter the throne room
And we cast ourselves down at Your feet
We cry holy, thou art holy, there is none like thee
In Your presence is where we must be

So we bow as we enter the throne room
And we cast ourselves down at Your feet
We cry holy, thou art holy, there is none like thee
In Your presence is where we must be.

Credited to Shekinah Glory Ministry

• Believe, God has the answers – [Psalm 51:9-12)]

Give Me A Clean Heart

Give me a clean heart
so I may serve thee
Lord, fix my heart so that I
may be used by thee.
For I'm not worthy
of all those blessings.
Give me a clean heart,
and I'll follow thee.

Author: Margaret J. Douroux (1970)

• Sunday School Lesson (07/29) – Parable of the Great Dinner
  • Luke 14:15-24 (NLT): 15 Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!” 16 Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. 17 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ 18 But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ 19 Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ 21 “The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. 24 For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’”

[Come join us, as we wrestle with and discuss this week’s Sunday school lesson]

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to not only incorporate our Scripture & Meditation Focus into your daily life via the weekly newsletter insert, but also the entire archive on the Church website (Allen-Temple.org; click Pastoral Transition on the top blue bar of the home page), but to also join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule

Thursday, July 26 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, August 9 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, August 23 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, September 6 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, September 20 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

God Bless!!!

Pastoral Transition & Meditation Focus for the week of July 16, 2018

Greetings Family,

Ponder these thoughts from the author of the book, “Jesus Calling”

“Relax in the knowledge that the One who controls your life is totally trustworthy. Come to Me with confident expectation. There is nothing you need that I cannot provide.” (Page 132); Author: Sarah Young}

For this week (July 16 through July 22), we beseech you (once again) to ‘pray aloud’ and meditate on the prayer themes and the words from these beautiful songs. Trust and Engage. If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.  

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Believe, God has the answers – [Jeremiah 18]
  • Have Thine Own Way, Lord

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

Author: Adelaide A. Pollard (1906)

• Believe, God has the answers – [John 17:22-23 (NRSV)]
  • Make Us One Lord

Make us one Lord, Make us one

Holy Spirit, Make us one

Let your love flow, so the world will know

We are one, in You

Credited to Carol Cymbala

• Believe, God has the answers – [Revelation 5:12]
• Before The Throne

Before the throne is where we come to offer praise and seek wisdom
You have torn the veil that separates
No more outside now in Your grace.

Before the throne is where we come to offer praise and seek wisdom
You have torn the veil that separates
No more outside now in Your grace

So we bow as we enter the throne room
And we cast ourselves down at Your feet
We cry holy, thou art holy, there is none like thee.
In Your presence is where we must be

Prepare our hearts for service now
When we fall short please show us how
Guide us with Your truth, ancient of days
Renew our hearts and cleanse our way

So we bow as we enter the throne room
And we cast ourselves down at Your feet
We cry holy, thou art holy, there is none like thee
In Your presence is where we must be

So we bow as we enter the throne room
And we cast ourselves down at Your feet
We cry holy, thou art holy, there is none like thee
In Your presence is where we must be

Credited to Shekinah Glory Ministry

• Sunday School Lesson (07/22) – Entering God’s Kingdom
  • Luke 13:22-30 (KJV): 22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: 26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. 28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. 29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

[Come join us, as we wrestle with and discuss this week’s Sunday school lesson]

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to not only incorporate our Scripture & Meditation Focus into your daily life via the weekly newsletter insert, but also the entire archive on the Church website (Allen-Temple.org; click Pastoral Transition on the top blue bar of the home page), but to also join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule

Thursday, July 26 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, August 9 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, August 23 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, September 6 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, September 20 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

God Bless!!

Pastoral Transition & Meditation Focus for the week of July 2, 2018

Greetings Family,

Ponder these thoughts from the author, Cindy Trimm, found in her book, “The Prayer Warrior’s Way”.

“… You are God’s child, and He wants to have a relationship with you like a father to a son, a daddy to a daughter. God wants to hear your prayers and see that prayer develop in you the power of an overcomer. “ (Page 16)}

For this week (July 2 through July 8), we beseech you (once again) to ‘pray aloud’ and meditate on the prayer themes and the words from these beautiful songs. Trust and Engage. If possible, let's pray together during the 7am morning hour, 7pm evening hour or 12:00 noon time-frame.  

Prayer Themes and Scriptures

• Believe, God has the answers – [1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16]

Sweet Hour of Prayer (verse 1)

Sweet hour of prayer
Sweet hour of prayer
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father's throne
Make all my wants and wishes known
In seasons of distress and grief
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter's snare
By Thy return, sweet hour of prayer

Credited to William W. Walford, 1845

• Believe, God has the answers – [John 1:32]

Spirit Of The Living God

Spirit of the living God,
Fall fresh on me,

Spirit of the living God,
Fall fresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall fresh on me.
Credited to Daniel Iverson, 1846 (African American Heritage Hymnal)

• Believe, God has the answers – [2 Corinthians 12:9]

Your Grace and Mercy

Your grace and mercy brought me through
I'm living this moment because of You
I want to thank You and praise You, too
Your grace and mercy brought me through

Your grace and mercy brought me (brought me through)
I'm living this moment (I'm living this moment)
Because (Because of You) of You
I (I want to) I wanna thank You
And praise You (and praise You, too) praise You, too
Your grace (Your grace and mercy) grace and mercy
Oh, Lord, yeah, brought me through

Thank You for saving a sinner like me
To tell the world salvation is free
There were times when I, I just didn't do right
But You, You watched over me
All day and night

Your grace (Your grace and mercy)
Brought me through (brought me through)
I'm living this moment (I'm living this moment)
Because (because…

Your grace (Your grace and mercy)
Brought me through (brought me through)
I'm living this moment (I'm living this moment)
Because (because of You) because of You
I (I want to) want to thank You, Jesus
Thank You, Jesus
(And praise You, too) and praise You, too
Your grace (Your grace and mercy)
Brought me (brought me through), brought me through

Credited to Franklin D. Williams, 1993

• Sunday School Lesson (07/08) – Unjust Leaders

Matthew 23:1-8, 23-26 (NKJV): 1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

[Come join us, as we wrestle with and discuss this week’s Sunday school lesson]

As we continue seeking the will of God and His discernment through the processes of prayer and meditation, we invite you to not only incorporate our Scripture & Meditation Focus into your daily life via the weekly newsletter insert, but also the entire archive on the Church website (Allen-Temple.org; click Pastoral Transition on the top blue bar of the home page), but to also join us at our Thursday Pastoral Transition Prayer Hours in the Sanctuary. The Prayer Hour will be followed by Thursday Evening Bible Study taught by Pastor Smith and Reverend Olu Bereola. Dates and times are:

Pastoral Transition Prayer Hour Schedule

Thursday, July 12 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, July 26 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, August 9 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, August 23 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, September 6 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, September 20 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, October 4 – 6:30pm to 7:30pm

God Bless!!!