Meditation From The Pew...

Authentic Missions: Being A Reflection of Christ
By Sis. Roxanne Epps

For just a moment allow your imagination to carry you off to the Christmas season when we tend to be more compassionate and kindhearted than any other time of the year. Be still for a minute and listen to the chatter and enthusiasm. "Do we have enough turkeys? Does anyone know where we put the sweet potatoes and green beans?" Take notice of the merriment and excitement during the holiday when missionaries are diligently working to prepare baskets for families in the community. There are certain seasons when we customarily go the extra mile to do something for those we consider to be less fortunate than us. Why - often we believe it makes us look good and because it makes us feel good. However, that should never be the primary reason we serve God's people. If God isn't glorified then we've missed the mark.

Missionary endeavors afford us the opportunity to represent God. God should be the motivating factor; therefore, we shouldn't lose sigh of Him. There is nothing sinful about feeling good when we have reached our objective to serve others, be it through missions, our calling, or our gift and talents. But its imperative to stay focused on His light and not allow ourselves to get caught up in the "act". Be it Jamaica, East Towson or wherever, people should see God in action through us. They should see a spirit that is humble, pure, and meek. Authentic missions should replicate a spirit that is stripped down of everything that is not a reflection of Jesus Christ. Let's remember to keep God as our focal point in our ministry of missions and Jesus Christ as an example.

A Message from Our Executive Minister

"The Harvest In Plentiful and We Still Need Laborers!"

Peace and blessings to my Mt. Calvary Family!

We are still in the dawn of a new year and there is a lot of work to be accomplished. As the Lord brings the harvest the real question is this, who will be available to gather up the crops? So if the Lord is calling you to serve, step outside of your comfort zone and say here I am Lord, use me.

We need your talents and remember no talent is too small or large to be used in kingdom work. e need kingdom workers in every facet of church life. From teachers to cleaners, from cleaners to cooks, from cooks to communicators - the Lord has need of you!

The Lord need your time, which means in 2015 we must being to reprioritize our lives so that kingdom matters have priority in our lives. We can no longer come to church on Sunday and just expect everything to be in order, especially if we have not given any time to the up building of this church. Please think of the church when you are at home, work, or even at play. Ask yourself what I can do or give to make the church even more effective?

Finally, the Lord has called for your treasure, yes beloved, the money! The church does not just operate on good wishes and prayer, but on tithes and offerings as well. Become a tither today, try God and put Him to the test in 2015. Watch God bless you in areas you were dried up and withering away. Mount Calvary, you have witnessed what your tithes and sacrificial gifts to the kingdom have accomplished: A beautiful sanctuary, a state of the are Life Center, supporting missions in Africa, Caribbean, and right here in the communities of Baltimore and Towson. Here is the truth - the best is till yet to come!

So listen to the words of Paul, "I beg you therefore, my brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, that your present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service!" (Romans 12:1)

Determined to live by faith,
Dr. Stanley

Youth Perspective on the Movie "SELMA"...

There I sat with my mom in the Cinemark,
Looking at the movie "Selma" wondering why life was so complex.
I remember reading all the textbooks
How my ancestors struggled while the other game them dirty looks.
Whips and chains because they wanted to vote.
The test they took were not a joke.
While forming lines, the marched the streets of a small town.
Those who opposed gave them several dirty frowns.
But MLK, as my generation calls him, did not stop.
 Several times, he went to the White House to voice his concerns without arguing or shout.
Peace, not violence, was the plan for you to see.
They marched and cried till they saw victory.
I ask how one man can stand the test,
But I see he had God and that was best.
They kneeled down in silence and began to pray.
His followers wondered why did he just walk away.
Finally LBJ saw the light.
Because Martin Luther King did not give up his fight.
A good eye opener for the youth to see.
A good eye opener for the young at Mt. Calvary A.M.E.

By: Jada Scruggs, Grade 10

Leave it There!

One of the greatest challenges to one’s faith is taking things to God in prayer and leaving it there! No matter how long we’ve been walking on our Christian journey, it’s natural for all of us to feel the need to be in control of our lives and destiny. When challenges arise – whether it be facing sickness, encountering a financial burden, or watching our families fall apart – we feel a need to figure out ways to fix things. It’s our natural human response, BUT in this Lenten season, we are being asked to take a step of faith and trust God with the things in our lives that we can’t fix. We are being challenged to trust God more and more on a daily basis to deliver on His promises for our lives.

What are God’s promises for your life? Do you truly trust Him with these promises? Are you willing to trust God with those things that may make you look a bit crazy?

We can’t expect God to deliver on His promises without recognizing our role in the relationship. God’s request for us is to bring our burdens to Him and leave them there. God’s request is for us to bring those things that we struggle to release from our hearts and hands to Him, so He can show us that He can meet our every need. God’s Word tells us that His yoke is easy and His burdens are light. We can find rest and giving our lives and our burdens to God. Mt. Calvary, will you be bold enough to take your burdens to our amazing God and leave them with Him, trusting that He will deliver on His promises!

Why not draw a circle around God’s promises for your life today?

You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.

Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.

​Is Your All on the Altar?
​Elisha A. Hoffman

Lenten Season 2013

Amazing Things!
The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

2 Chronicles 7:14


"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."


When Pastor Corey Brooks got fed up with the murder and mayhem that became a way of life around his south Chicago church, he drew the proverbial line in the sand. Instead of complaining about, "Those people in our neighborhood," calling the cops, or turning his head, he decided to do something about it. During the coldest 94 days of the year, Pastor Corey lived in a tent across the street from his church on top of an abandoned hotel that served as headquarters for drug dealers and prostitutes. He wound up birthing Project HOOD and raising $450.000 to tear down the hotel to make room for a new community and economic development center. I don't know if Pastor Corey read the Circle Maker, but his actions put fast feet and crazy faith to what God had spoken to him. Sometimes when God speaks to us about our purpose and our destiny it may look crazy to other people. I know that it looked downright ridiculous for Pastor Corey to hole up in a tent in the middle of the winter in Chicago, but he did it anyway. I encourage you to move on what God is saying to you this Lenten Season. Like Pastor Corey, you are not going to understand it completely, and it doesn't matter if others understand it, however, moving on what God has said shows God that you trust Him and that you believe the promises He has designed just for you. Where do you start? By listening to God and knowing His voice. How do you act? By moving to circle your prayers. When you go to Mt. Calvary this week you will see circles drawn all over the property. Get inside of a circle and pray. If that circle is too small for your problems and prayers-get your own chalk and draw one that suits your needs. Draw one that you can fit your entire family or your ministry in. Draw one that you can leave your heartbreaks or dreams in. I don't care....just draw your circle. When the rain or snow washes it away...draw another one. Will you look crazy drawing a circle with chalk and standing in it and praying? Probably so, but it felt crazy suggesting it until I read ahead to the chapter in Draw the Circle that speaks about crazy faith. God knows your beginning and your end. Get to drawing and watch God move.

The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

Lenten Season 2013

Amazing Things!
The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

2 Chronicles 7:14


"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."


When Pastor Corey Brooks got fed up with the murder and mayhem that became a way of life around his south Chicago church, he drew the proverbial line in the sand. Instead of complaining about, "Those people in our neighborhood," calling the cops, or turning his head, he decided to do something about it. During the coldest 94 days of the year, Pastor Corey lived in a tent across the street from his church on top of an abandoned hotel that served as headquarters for drug dealers and prostitutes. He wound up birthing Project HOOD and raising $450.000 to tear down the hotel to make room for a new community and economic development center. I don't know if Pastor Corey read the Circle Maker, but his actions put fast feet and crazy faith to what God had spoken to him. Sometimes when God speaks to us about our purpose and our destiny it may look crazy to other people. I know that it looked downright ridiculous for Pastor Corey to hole up in a tent in the middle of the winter in Chicago, but he did it anyway. I encourage you to move on what God is saying to you this Lenten Season. Like Pastor Corey, you are not going to understand it completely, and it doesn't matter if others understand it, however, moving on what God has said shows God that you trust Him and that you believe the promises He has designed just for you. Where do you start? By listening to God and knowing His voice. How do you act? By moving to circle your prayers. When you go to Mt. Calvary this week you will see circles drawn all over the property. Get inside of a circle and pray. If that circle is too small for your problems and prayers-get your own chalk and draw one that suits your needs. Draw one that you can fit your entire family or your ministry in. Draw one that you can leave your heartbreaks or dreams in. I don't care....just draw your circle. When the rain or snow washes it away...draw another one. Will you look crazy drawing a circle with chalk and standing in it and praying? Probably so, but it felt crazy suggesting it until I read ahead to the chapter in Draw the Circle that speaks about crazy faith. God knows your beginning and your end. Get to drawing and watch God move.

Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me

Mount Calvary On-Line Bible Study

23^rd Psalm

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me”

November 8, 2012

I thank God that we have shared in this brief study of the 23rd Psalm.  Our time together has been fruitful, informative and challenging and to God be the glory for it all.  

Finally we are at the end and David says something interesting: He says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

We have to ask ourselves what would cause David to make such a statement and what does that have to do with the sheep shepherd relationship?  Well let me share a few things and then we can let this scripture rest for a moment. 

Sure About it!

We live in a strange and confused world.  Things that were written in stone yesterday no longer hold any permanence today.  Values are in flux, ethics are flexible and honesty and integrity are lost as collateral damage.  Many ministers have been caught up in the wave of secular relativism and have allowed themselves to be compromised. These incursions into the life of the Church and believer leave some of us wondering about life and God.   Here is the question for us today is there anything that you are sure about?  Can you list at least three things that you sure about and nothing can dissuade you otherwise?

David makes this statement based on:

Key principle:

1. His relationship with the master!  

Because of what you have been through thus far there should be some things that you can stake your life on.  My relationship with the master has revealed some truths about his love for me, his care for me and his strength.

Here is what I know:

1. I am blessed!

David said that the Lord is my shepherd.  I am sure about it today that the Lord is my shepherd.  David says because of all that has occurred to me surely goodness and mercy will follow me and I will dwell in Gods house forever.  I can now look back over my life and see some things.

1. Not because of me but because of him I am blessed/ he did it in spite of me
2. My relationship with him makes me blessed/ as long as I am connected to him I am blessed
3. Because of what he has already done
4. Relationship has its privileges

Key principle:  Before goodness and mercy followed me it flowed to me!

I have experienced it and now it is a part of my character and my personality.

David would say that because of what has come my way the mercy that I received, the grace that was evident in my life mercy flowed to me before I even acknowledged it.  Think about beloved can you look back over your life and see God intervening in your affairs?  Before you ever acknowledged him he blessed you! 

Principal at work.  

Goodness and mercy do not mean that I will never have a hard time but what it does say this:

Good can come out of evil!

My confidence in him is based on the fact that he has set principles in order he has loosed them in my life.

He has declared that if it does not kill me it has to bless me.

What is following you?

And what determines what follows you?

• Watch your attitude it will determine what you see and what you say
• Your altitude will determine how and you receive.

What should follow you?

What I am asking here is this, are all the blessing of God in your life just for you?  

Why does God allow us to suffer and then survive?  

Is there a message to the motives of God?  What is God trying to say to us?

Keys to the lesson:

Manure:  This is what sheep leave behind and it is the very best manure known to humanity!  It can cultivate a dry field; turn a desert into an oasis.  .

The point is this, if goodness and mercy are following you what should be the end result of your presence in a place?

Here are a few suggestions:  

People should be blessed just-

• talking to you
• singing with you
• Working with you
• Praying with you 
• Riding on the bus with you
• Living in the house with you
• Being married to you
• Being in the same class with.

They ought to be blessed because goodness and mercy.

Final thought:

You see beloved I have come to understand that the more blessed I am the more of a blessing that I should be to others. 

What are you resolved to as a result of the goodness and mercy of God?

I am determined to stay in his house! I will never leave his pasture!