Michael Patterson… Good Samaritan dies after rescuing stranger

Michael Patterson - The Good Samaritan

Read: John 3:16-19

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in will never die.  John 11:26

WWJD

What would you do if a stranger was in need? Would you sacrifice yourself and help? Would you think twice before diving into a creek to rescue a drowning person or would you be a noisy bystander?  

The Good Samaritan

June 8, 2013 was a sunny day filled with laughter, fun, and food. Michael Patterson and his son were enjoying the park when he noticed a young child struggling in a near by creek.  Without given it a second thought Michael Patterson dove in and rescued four year old Javaeh Jones and within seconds their lives would change forever.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a powerful illustration of how a stranger took time to help an injured man who had been beaten. During our life journey we may never encounter situations as dramatic as the beaten traveler or a drowning child as did Michael Patterson but if a person was in need would you sacrifice yourself or just walk away?

Michael Patterson’s will to help came with a price. After diving into a creek, he broke his neck, back, and was paralyzed from his chest down.  His complications got worse. Despite his injuries Mr. Patterson’s mother said she knows her son would do it again because that is the type person he was.  God so loved the world that he gave his only son.  Jesus came to earth in human form.  He was crucified, died, buried and rose from the dead for the sins of man.

Mixed emotions

Earlier this week Mr. Patterson succumbed to his injuries.  When I heard the news the first thought that came to mind was “Michael Patterson paid the ultimate price – died for someone else so that they could live.” I am sure there were mixed emotions from both families – a father and husband is now dead. A mother asking what if you were not in the creek this man would be still alive. Are you willing to die for someone? "I will die for you..."

But there is a lesson to be learned. Romans 8: 12-13 we have an obligation if we live by the flesh we will die by it. But if we live by the spirit we will put away misdeeds and live.  I believe in my heart the noble actions of Mr. Patterson is an example of putting way selfish needs and thinking of others.  Though he died in the flesh surely he will live in eternity with Christ.

A family in need

There is a need for us to help Michael Patterson’s family.  At the time of his injury he had just started a new job and did not have any medical insurance.  To compound matters the family now faces burial expenses on top of medical bills.  The following link is how you can assist the family

Let us pray

Father God in heaven thank you for Michael Patterson and his will to sacrifice his life for someone else.  Lord though we will never understand why this man suffered and died I ask Lord that his death not be in vain.  My Christians and non-Christians alike learn from his sacrificing that this man loved a stranger as if they were his own.  Lord Bless his family may your spirit comfort them during this time of need provide for them everything that is needed. keep them covered with your grace and mercy now and forever more.  Father may I learn to have a spirit of helping and sacrificing just as Michael Patterson.  These things I pray in your son Jesus Christ name. Amen.

The power of the tongue… a positive attitude

Death and life of the tongue

Read: Genesis 37:1-11

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

Death and Life of the tongue

How important is a positive attitude? What are the affects of a negative attitude? These questions are raised daily by millions.  Overtime negativity can out weigh positivity. Adverse thoughts tend to lead people in blaming God for their situation Today I want to focus on three key steps that can help motivate, invigorate, and stimulate the greatness within that God gave us all.

A friend gave me a copy of The Game of Life and How to Play It.  It was the most thought provoking book about the game of life I've read.  It was not because the author had any new revelations or some supernatural way of dealing with life, the book, written by Florence Scovel Shinn, in 1925 spoke on facts that most of us already know. It was bible based with common sense affirmations and a reminder that there is power in the words we speak – positive or negative.  There is power in the tongue.

        "Whatever man feels deeply or images clearly, it is impressed upon the subconscious mind and carried out in the minutest detail.” 

Keep they heart [or imagination] with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life Proverbs 4:23.  Be careful of what you say! Having a positive attitude can help a person deal with pitfalls. Or deal with a life time of misery. Death or life is in the power of the tongue – which one do you choose?

Joseph’s dream

We all have dreams. In our youth we dream of meeting that special someone, accomplishing are goals or becoming successful (whatever that means). As with most, there are setbacks.  If you read this week’s scriptures we learn that Joseph had a dream though at the time his dreams did not make sense.  Because of his visionary thoughts and dreams his brothers did not want them to come into fruition. To make sure, they got rid of Joseph (Genesis 37:12-36).  Despite Joseph’s life changing encounter never did he waiver from dreaming.  Even after being sold into slavery by his brothers, casted into prison, and promised to be set free he never lost hope or vision.  For many, when life throws a curve ball and it appears you struck out, negativity evades the thought process. During the trials and tribulations that is the time to reaffirm faith and speak positive into negative situations.

Positive thinking 101

Life is no fairy tale. You cannot control the past but you can manage your thoughts and how you respond to it – regardless your age. “How important is a positive attitude?” What a man thinks or verbalizes, sooner or later come to life?  At some point we all will face setbacks and pit falls. The words that come from our mouth lay the foundation of our future.  If you speak negative you will reap negative results - I don’t have any money”, “Why is my life so terrible”  “I don’t like my job.”   Even if you speak positive and prepare for failure you will get the situation that was prepared for – failure.

Everyone can develop positive thinking. To get you started on the right path, there are 72 positive thinking verses in the bible. By renewing your spirit with uplifting affirmations [scriptures] one will find it becomes medicine for the heart. Here are three positive thinking steps which can lead you to a happier way of living:

When negativity strikes: the more you try to control or not think of something the more you think of it. Find a song, word, or affirmation to speak daily – biblical and secular. I know there is nothing to defeat God; therefore, there is nothing to defeat me. – Florence Scovel Shinn.

Being positive help your body heal: Researchers say mental attitudes have an affect on our health life. Speaking negative can make you sick! A cheerful heart is good medicine Proverbs 17:22

Positive people are fun to be around: No one likes to be around negative people they zap energy. It can even affect you getting a job. Find people to encourage you or encourage yourself even if it hurts

What is holding you back? Why is your soul down trodden? Get a positive attitude. Speak it daily. God’s word can lift a down spirit.  Look unto the heavens and find the strength, speak words of affirmation and watch your life change before your eyes!

Let us pray:

Dear heavenly father I understand that there is power in the tongue.  Help me to recognize when I am speaking negative and also learn how to speak positive into my life.  I am reminded that I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. So there is no way I can fail if I walk in faith and speak positive in my life – even when it appears to be bad.  Thank you for your healing words, grace and mercy. Amen.

PRAYER REQUEST:

People are experiencing hardship, distress, doubt, and worry. To combat the perils of life The Souls Remedy offer comfort through prayer. Your life concerns are important to us. Click the link to be added to The Souls Remedy Prayer List 

The most hated creation of God...Fathers

World's Greatest Dad

Read: Proverbs 23:10-26

Honor thy father…. Exodus 20:12

Loving or Hating Dad

Love or hate your father, God tells us to reverence, obey and honor our parents. This is notated in both the Old and New Testament (see Eph. 6:1-3). Despite your feelings about dear old dad how do you show your love toward him – by word, action, deed, or nothing at all?

Father's Day is 6th 

Thinking of dad is typically an after thought or a last minute rush to the store. Of celebrated holidays, Father’s Day is ranked 6^th on the biggest holidays for spending list. I guess that is why thoughtless gifts of mugs, ties, socks underwear, and “world’s greatest dad” T-shirts top the gift list.

Dad may not be the most fashionable, or his appearance the most appealing. His face my show signs of worry or a stare lost in space. His words may be stern yet he listens and comforts you when in pain. For years he hustles around to get things together never once has he complained?

Fathers are unique

Fathers are unique creatures that God created and are often misunderstood. These men give their all to smooth the way for a small child. He is called upon in times of distress taking up the slack with a generous spirit. There are times humility shines bright.

Father's imperfect qualities 

Fathers have values – be it right or wrong they stand by them. Some have fallen short or did not meet your expectations. But to receive the full blessings of God we, as His children, have to heed the words of Solomon – my son do not forget my teaching, keep my commands in your heart for they will prolong your life Proverbs 3:1.

These imperfect qualities make dad loved and respected and sometimes hated. Regardless as to how you feel about your dad remember him on Father’s Day. Call, send a card or stop by to say hello. Because without Dad there is no you!

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all earthly fathers, dads, and pops.  For without their union with mothers there will be no me!  I thank you for the fathers those who are doing their part and for those still trying to get it.  Lord Bless each man give them the wisdom, knowledge and power to overcome short comings, doubt, fear, and disbelief.  Help me to encourage and uplift them so they can be all the man you want them to be in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

PRAYER REQUEST:

People are experiencing hardship, distress, doubt, and worry. To combat the perils of life The Souls Remedy offer comfort through prayer. Your life concerns are important to us. Click the link to be added to The Souls Remedy Prayer List 

Empty jars of faith

Jars of faith

Read: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you Luke 6:38

A prophetic word in disaster

Envision facing a situation that is certain to have an adverse outcome.  You down to your last two hundred dollars, home lost in foreclosure, or church destroyed in a tornado. You receive a prophetic word from your pastor, or woman of God telling you to “collect jars.” Would you do it?

Spring of 2010 New Morning Baptist church, in Tallulah, Louisiana was destroyed by tornado. All spirits were crushed and no one believed the church could rise again. Except for Ms. Connie Harris and her one jar of faith, she believed the church could be rebuilt.

Believe God word in a crisis

When facing life’s crisis are you bold enough to do the unthinkable – believe in God’s word?

Elisha told the widow to do something far-fetched – “go ask your neighbors for empty jars and don’t ask for just a few.” What makes this story extraordinary is this woman’s faith to believe in Elisha and not question the assignment.

The widow filled jars with olive oil. The Bible does not say how many jars she gathered but what if she had a half hearted approach. Oppose to collecting 100 jars she got 50, 25, 10 or just one. If there was any doubt or little faith her blessings would have been cut short. The oil flowed until the jars ran out. The widow had enough oil to payoff her creditors and more than enough to live on for the rest of her life. From God’s word Elisha turned the widow’s small something into immeasurable blessings.  

Empty Jars of faith

Ms. Connie Harris faced life’s devastation with an empty jar. She set out to collect money to rebuild New Morning Baptist Church – she had the faith like the widow. God will provide a solution in tragic situations. But we often question his word. “How is this going to work” why am I doing this oppose to something else?” The lack of faith edges God out. Blessings are often missed because people question and cannot see extraordinary outcome through carnal eyes.  

What are your empty jars? What is God calling you to do despite the fact you don’t have the resources. Is God calling you to start a business, teach, preach, or help others? Whatever the calling get the jars and do it in the name of Jesus even when it don’t make sense.  God will provide a way to fill them just as he did for the widow.

Bountiful blessings

On October 7, 2012, Pastor Eddie Fountain preached his first sermon in a new sanctuary which was built out of empty jars of faith. Today, the jar Ms. Connie Harris used to collect money rest next to the pulpit as a reminder of what can happen when a person walk in faith. The congregation donates the money each time the jar is filled to a needy family. God’s blessings are endless.

Go, gather and place your jars where God has directed. Begin filling them in faith and watch God turn small blessings into bountiful provisions.  With faith the size of a mustard seed, believe just as Ms. Connie Harris and God will open the windows of heaven and pour out endless blessings.

Let us pray

Most gracious Father your love, grace, and blessings are endless. I will continue to praise, honor, and bless your holy name. Anoint my head with your Holy oil and may my cup overflow with your blessings. With all you give my I bless others. Allow others to see the goodness they possess and believe there is nothing to hard for you! This I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

PRAYER REQUEST:

People are experiencing hardship, distress, doubt, and worry. To combat the perils of life The Souls Remedy offer comfort through prayer. Your life concerns are important to us. Click the link to be added to The Souls Remedy Prayer List