Friday, September 26, 2008
The Economic Crisis and The Believer's Response
Dear Blogger and Citadel Member,
These are some of the most challenging economic times that we've ever seen. It's amazing to see so many things happening seemingly at once! The collapse of major banking systems; storms which have crippled entire municipal budgets and good people losing their jobs and homes. These are very dire times. Yet in the midst of that, God calls us to have a very different outlook as believers. We're not encouraged to "put our heads in the sand" and ignore what's happening in the world around us. Yet, we are encouraged to think on the things that are pure, lovely and of a good report. Phillipians 4:8 states that if there be any virtue or if there be any praise, think on these things! Where are your thoughts today? As you read this blog, are you thinking of calamity or God's promise? Are you so overwhelmed that it's causing you to have fear and not faith? If this is the case, shift your thoughts away from what you see to what you don't see, but what you KNOW is promised to you by our Lord. God does not promise to give us lives free from adversity, but He does promise us peace in the midst of adversity!!!!
One of my favorite seasons of the year is Christmas. One of the highlights of that season is haring Handel's Messiah. Handel refers to the book of Revleation 11:15 when he triumphantly and musically proclaims, "The Kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. These words always stir me because it reminds me of the finality of this life and planet. Our world will always change. Kingdoms will rise and fall, but the kingdom of God will always remain. Therefore, where is the true retirement plan? Is it in markets that shift and change, or is it in eternal things that remain forever. I'm not fostering fiscal nor personal financial irresponsibility, however, I am encouraging every believer who reads this to prioritize. Give to kingdom of God causes. Sow into things that will not perish or shift.
May the peace of God rest on you as we whether yet another storm in our world and in our nation. God is sovereign and Jesus is LORD!
Blessings,
Pastor Carey
posted by Pastor Carey @ 7:34 AM
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Saturday, September 6, 2008
The BIG DAY and a New Season
Much has happened in Detroit this week. For that matter, much has happened this summer in our City. Citadel has been faithful in executing some exciting things with our summer initiatives. We have seen hundreds attend our Summer Movie Nights. We also had one of our most successful community and church picnics ever. As we do every summer, we went out in our community and shared the gospel with our Thursday night Bible Class and studies. We had one of our biggest and most spiritually impacting Summer Revivals. Finally, we saw well over 1700 people at the Back To School Rally that Citadel partners with Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corp. It's been a busy but fruitful summer. To God be the glory.
Well, this coming Sunday is our Big Day. It's where we show the community and city what the Lord has done and is doing with Citadel. We are expecting many visitors to come to our church and are expecting many to accept Christ and then others to become a part of our church family. One of the highlights of this Sunday and the new season that our church is entering is the addition of Adrian B. King (and his lovely wife, Tiffany) moved from Chicago to Detroit to take the leadership of the music ministry here at Citadel. We are excited about the great asset that he brings to our church and ministry. We're expecting God to give us one of the greatest music ministries in the world right here at Citadel. It's exciting.
As we enter into our fifth year of ministry here in Detroit, Nancy, Tiffany and I are incredibly humbled by the great congregation the Lord has allowed us to serve and shepherd. It's nothing short of amazing to see what the Lord has done. Above are some photos of what has happened this summer.
I do pray that God would allow each of you who visit our website and who are interested in our church to keep Citadel lifted up in your prayers. It's amazing to see what the Lord has done in five years. The best is yet to come!!!!
In His Service,
Pastor Carey
posted by Pastor Carey @ 12:42 AM
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Previous Posts
- Change To Reap The Harvest - Happy 6th Year Anniv...
- Happy New Year
- Nights of Terror and Thanksgiving
- The Economic Crisis and The Believer's Response
- The BIG DAY and a New Season
- Summer at Citadel