THE SCOOP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
February 18, 2024 / Vol. 7 Southside Church of Christ 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 D’Andrea Fanning Director of Ministry Operations & Non-Profit Candice P. Blount Church Administrator Quentella Williams Executive Assistant DEACONS John Alcox Anthony Green, Sr. Arthur Hackney John Mathis Chester Mayfield, Jr. Roger McDougal Joe Williams Keith Wright
WEEKLY WORD
Overcomers, C’mon, See Your True Self! By RICKI FULLER Being absolutely made in the express image of GOD (Genesis 1:26-28) is, at times, a hard pill to swallow. Even though it is the best and truest news to hear and to learn, it is hard/difficult for many of us to believe/accept. On some level, it is understandable that many of us are leery of accepting such an elevated opinion of ourselves. Life here on earth is filled with troubles, disappointments and so forth. Hence, many times in our lives we seem to feel helpless, insignificant, and useless (to name a few). Yes, it is easier for many of us to think lowly of ourselves due to the twists and turns we have experienced throughout the years due to the subconscious indoctrination of social, educational, and political mores which have constantly been before us. Yet, GOD has been patiently waiting for us all these years to awaken from the stupor of self-denial. self-pity and self-hatred. Our Lord knows the hellacious traumas that we have slid into causing us not to be able to see the forest (GOD & His Image) for the trees (societal lies and norms thrust upon us every day). Yet, now is the time for us to start walking with our heads held high so we may see the greatness invested within each of us. In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul’s first chapter spells it out beautifully for those who read and comprehend the eloquent message and promises of GOD to each of us who believe/trust/expect Him (see verses 3-14). For those who recognize that we are called according to GOD’s purpose as stated in Romans 8:28, it pleases GOD and us to acknowledge the strength and the depth of that purpose. Scripture indicates that GOD’s purpose for His people is that all should reach repentance (Ephesians 3:9).
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Paul took it a step further by wording a prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 for those who love, believe, trust GOD’s ability to guide them into transforming the way they think about Him, their selves, and others. We are so special and endeared to GOD that He has made everything available to us to succeed at overcoming all obstacles. Therefore, it is our job to joyfully enter into having our minds renewed, cleansed as alluded to in Romans 12:1-2. Once our minds are renewed and cleansed, we can see more clearly who we are and Whose we are [Praise GOD!]. Then, we surely can see that Jesus Christ’s declaration is infallibly true! That proclamation is that with GOD all things are possible (Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27). The carnal/worldly man (which we all were before salvation through Christ) believed/believes that overcoming various traumas was/is impossible. But Jesus implicated – not so for His followers! Instead, everything is possible with GOD PERIOD! C’mon now, decide/determine/declare in your mind to see yourself as you are seen by GOD – loved, free, powerful HolySpirit endowed releasing trauma, reflector making GOD known to others around you!
“So God created mankind in his own image” -Genesis 1:26
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