OUTHSIDE SCOOP WEEKLY
IT’S FALL YA’LL!
15 OCTOBER 2023
EDITION 37
BULLETIN
FRESH DEW
Alert and Present By Sis. Ricki Fuller In focusing on ‘Reset’ this month, our Leadership has given us the following scripture and definitive statement to help guide our
thoughts
regarding
life
resetting
(individually
and
collectively): Isaiah 43:18-21; “To make room for GOD’s
800 Elmira Avenue Durham, NC 27707 info@sside.org | www.sside.org 919.688.3535 Staff Orlander R. Thomas Senior Minister William A. Stephens Minister Emeritus Wiley Shearin, Jr. Elder Emeritus Ricki Fuller Women’s Counselor Candice P. Blount Church Administrator Quentella Williams Executive Assistant
resetting of our lives for our good and His greater glory.” According to Verse 19 of Chapter 43 in The Message Version, Isaiah related GOD’s intention thusly: “Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?” ... In times such as we are experiencing today, many people seem to find it challenging to be aware of GOD. For them, it is as though these are the last days because of ‘wars and rumors of wars’ (Matthew 24:6; Mark 13:7). Many are, especially, troubled by the overflow of news coverage everywhere-all day-everyday about the active conflict/war occurring between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas. It’s scary and disconcerting to those families who are directly affected. Also, it is frightening to people who are allowing their minds to be inundated by mass media reports. Plus, in this country, there’s nasty political bickering, economic despair, and rampant social inequities that are being thrust into the consciences of citizens causing them to worry. But thanks be to GOD, further reading/understanding of those Matthew and Mark Scriptures offers reassurance due to Jesus having told His audience (and us now) to “keep your head and don’t panic,” because “this is routine history,” not a sign of time ending. He pretty much said these are regular human occurrences that will continue until people adhere to GOD’s Love commandments. Intrinsically, Jesus told the people then (and it fully applies to us today) to place their minds on Him. Look at how gently, yet emphatically, He guided their minds to reset making them alert/aware/woke to His unadulterated Truth. That Truth is encapsulated in Paul’s advice found in Philippians 2:5-11 (think like Jesus did). Jesus Christ’s strong, yet, gentle message is demonstrated in another of Paul’s writings found in Romans 12:2 (focus on GOD and you’ll be changed from the inside out. Then quickly respond to His desires, and not to the
Deacons John Alcox Anthnoy Green, Sr. Arthur Hackney John Mathis Chester Mayfield, Jr. Roger McDougal Joe Williams Keith Wright
customs of the world around you). Subsequently, doing such is sure to usher Christ believers/followers/receivers into being ‘present’ because we will know who we are and Whose we are (John 1:12; Galatians 4:6; I John 3:1-2)! Therefore, it stands to reason that as we recognize/appreciate the powerful Love relationship GOD has established with us through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we would desire to be in close and constant communion with Him. Such intimacy with GOD yields us to be alert and present so we may enjoy being His children through whom He bursts. His shining through us gives people the opportunity to see that He Is Present in our lives. And, consequently, His intent is to alert them that He will be present in their lives also! Don’t you see, it’s fresh/new for them and for us?
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