Pastor T. A. Smith Sr's Blog (5)

At the outset of this blog, let me say that those who know me closely often remark that I am such an "old man" in my demeanor and in my way of thinking and reasoning. Some say that I come across as being older than my age because I have such a great measure of wisdom. I'm not quite so sure of that, but I do know this: I am thankful for whatever I am. God, in His grace and mercy, has seen fit to use me as a vessel to preach His word. I only pray that at the end of the journey, I will prove to be… Continue

The Lord desires that His people (the church) be a place and fellowship that demonstrates unity and oneness just as heaven is a place of unity and oneness. There should be no division in the family of faith. Often we do not measure up to this standard. We tolerate too much division and friction in the church. Consequently, we prevent the free flow of Christ's Spirit within the church. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

How do we obtain unity and oneness in the church? The key is… Continue

We run the risk of being alienated and distant from God without truly being conscious of our condition.



I fear that the pews of our churches are filled with people who attend church on a regular basis, but who are not in good fellowship with the God they profess to praise and worship. We must recognize that salvation is not weekly event we attend, but its a daily lifestyle we live. If we are not daily living for Jesus, and consciously experiencing His presence through prayer and… Continue

In the prophetic book of Jonah, we read these words:



"Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.' But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. he went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." (Jonah 1:1-3)



It… Continue

Periodically, I experience Sundays when I leave the pulpit feeling a deep sense of frustration. Today was one of those days.



As I sit here at my desk in the study reflecting on what just happened in today's worship experience, I really just want to scream. In fact, my flesh just wants to say, "This is it! What's the use? I quit!" I mean nothing seemed to flow as it should and ought. What we just went through had no sign of worship at all. Praise and worship was weak. The choir sang… Continue