Agape International Ministries World Wide www.aimww.org

Has He Done Anything For You ?

2009-02-16T08:41:00.005-05:00

Pastor made a comment last week in regards to praise and worship.
He, along with Pastor Vicki has said on numerous occasions that they "can't make people particpate."

Min.Lisa Winn, our praise and worship leader said just yesterday," I can't pump you"

Driving home yesterday my husband and I began to reflect on that part of service.
We, at Agape are serious about praise and worship. This is our time to exalt - together. Imagine God looking down watching his people come together on one accord and worship. What a sweet sound in his ears... I don't know about you but I want to make him proud. ( Our God )

We were created to worship... So why do we have to make people praise and worship?
Why do we force people to do it? If the people don't get it the first--10,20,30,40 minutes, then maybe they are just not thankful....

Stay Blessed

Min.Jerry & Nicole Cleveland

U-N-I-T-Y

2008-07-17T07:33:00.004-04:00

The Bikers taught us a lesson on UNITY

Scriptures

John 10:10
Acts 16:16
Genesis: 1:1

The Lord used Elder Ben on Sunday. Unity was the subject.
Everything about the message was on point.

"If we could just get unified we would be unstoppable"

He taught us that the enemy comes to "remove" and God comes to give us "MORE".
Think about it, the scripture says he comes to "kill, steal and destroy" That means subtraction. God comes to give us "life" and that more abundantly.That mean to add to something.

Message Takeaways

I actually had two take aways.

1.It's not about You!
When Elder Ben talked about this fight not being about us.
"The fight is always against God - not you. It didn't start with you and it won't end with you"

2. The welcome line from the bikers and their hunger for the things, people and word of God.It was AWESOME.

Stay Blessed & Pray Often

Min. Nicole Cleveland

God's Got a Plan

2008-07-01T08:06:00.003-04:00

God’s Got A Plan

Did you know God had a plan for you?
The bible says “ Be not weary in well doing”

“Because he has an expected end for you”.

5 Steps to Activate God’s Plan for You

1. Identify that there is a Plan
God knows that your end is GOOD. The bible says “Don’t get weary in your middle”

2.To Know that God has a Plan and not ourselves. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Just be secure that he knows what what he is doing. It may not even look like it right now. Get past the identify and now KNOW.

3.Cultivating the Plan (Romans: 10:17)
We must be still and know. You must get in a place and be taught. You may not agree with everything your leaders are saying but you must be still and hear the word of God ( not the Pastors )

4.Implement the Plan
Now that you have identified that there is a plan you must implement it.
Stop starting everything and not finishing nothing. You must step out of the boat.

5.Expect the Blessing
Why would you start a plan and not expect it to come to pass.
Expect God to do what he planned to do.

If you have not heard this message or would like to hear it in it’s entirety please contact the media ministry at Vicki Coward Agape International Ministries Worldwide. media@vickicowardminitries.com

It's Me,It's Me,It's Me Oh Lord....

2008-06-23T09:17:00.005-04:00

Sunday, June 22,2008

John 10:10
Ephesians 4:3
Luke 18:18-23

One of the main reasons we drive almost 2 hrs to church is due to messages like this.
Pastors Cliff & Vicki Coward are straight shooters. The messages deal with real life
situations. Issues that they, themselves are not exempt from.

As I listen to the CD from the service on yesterday you can hear the genuine praise of the people. It's a beautiful sound and I know the Lord was pleased. The hunger for him escapes the praise.It was heard and felt.

Psalms 34:6 reads - This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of ALL his trouble.

Listening with a spiritual ear I could ear a very distinctive sound coming from Elder Simms. It was a sound of "triumph"...His praise was intense.

My Message Take Away

The entire message was relevant but one thing hit me like a ton of bricks.
Pastor asked the question, " What in the world is stopping God from moving on my behalf? Most times the answer to that question is staring at us in the mirror.

We must acknowledge that it is that person in the mirror and get out the way.

What are your thoughts?

Min.Nicole Cleveland

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-16T08:11:00.004-04:00

We are back!

I have been convicted. I have not posted in a few months due to a sense of being overwhelmed. But if we start something we must be consistent. Especially the things of God and this blog was created to help others. And it was God Inspired! So help me be consistent. Hold me accountable. I think it's very important to hold each other accountable. And trust me I won't get offended..The same way I am building my business I must build the Kingdom of God.

The Lord has given all of us talents. What is your talent?

Anyhoo -- Yesterday Pastor was truly in his vein. It was Father's Day andhe walked us throught the book of Proverbs. Proverbs teaches us about characer & integrity.

Some scriptures include :

Proverbs 1:8
Proverbs 13:12

You know I get excited about the word and get all wrapped up in the teaching so I missed a few scriptures..Please share the rest of the scriptures.

But the part of the teaching that stuck with me was when Pastor went back to Luke 15;11 - The Prodigal Son. The scripture said "when he came to himself"(vs 17)

In 2004 I meditated day & night on this verse. I prayed this prayer
"Lord, bring my husband to himself"

And got did just that, Glory to God!

So now I have replaced the word "my husband" with "my son"

Lord, bring my son to himself"

And just like he did it for my husband he will do that thing for my son. Pastor called tevan's name out when the spirit was high, it was deliverance in the air...i felt it. You see we haven't heard from Tev in about 2 weeks. But last night a little after 11pm he called to wish his dad a "happy father's day"

I know it was the angels that went to him on yesterday...i just know it!

Make it a great day!

- Min. Nicole Cleveland

What is your drug of choice?

2008-01-06T20:54:00.000-05:00

That’s a strange topic for recapping a church sermon, huh?

I think it’s very relevant.

Proverbs 3:13 reads
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Today Pastor Coward taught on happiness. Are we really happy? What do we mask happiness with? We say we are happy but are we REALLY happy?

Some people believe they can find happiness in money. They believe all their problems could be solved if they just had enough money. But have you ever saw a mis erable rich person? I have and it’s so sad. It just goes to show you that you can’t buy happiness. It is a decision that starts with YOU.

If I am going to be happy I must first decide to be happy.

Pastor Coward shared 5 different types of happiness.

1.Sin Happiness(truth be told when you sinned it brought you a short term happiness. A feeling. An emotion )

2. Synthetic Happiness – Drugs / Alcohol that cover (mask) something to convince you that you are happy. This is always short term and will always lead to destruction and devastation if not dealt with.

3.Stuff Happiness – Material Things to cover up how we really feel. Cars, motorcycles, houses, clothes, shoes….this leads to a road of debt and will eventually blow up in your face. You will never be happy because you have created such a vicious cycle. This is very similar to the synthetic happiness.

4.Self Happiness – Me,Me,Me…I, I, I… I make myself be happy. I have to be the center of attention. It’s all about me. This will also lead to destruction as it should be about God and not yourself. I made it happen as opposed to God did it for me. Puffed up and prideful. The word says pride comes before the fall.

5.Spiritual Happiness – Next week we will elaborate on spiritual happiness

Review these types of happiness and ask yourself if your happiness falls into any of these categories.

Personally I have had my share of each type listed above. I am not exempt and if we were honest I am sure you have experienced each type listed as well.

But if the Joy of the Lord is truly our strength then why are we so easily moved? I know I have to keep reminding myself that Gods time is not my time. As Pastor Coward said, “The word MUST be the FINAL authority.”

No matter what it looks like.

Take Away Nugget: God wants you to be Happy In Him !

Selah!

Jerry & Nicole Cleveland

What is your belief?

2007-12-02T21:04:00.000-05:00

Are you living in the spirit realm or the natural realm?

Spirit Realm:
In the HolyGhost. Totally opposite of reality. Unrealistic.Things that are expected. Things that are hoped for.How God sees our circumstance.

Sense Realm:
What it looks like. The present, reality. How man sees our circumstance.

Pastor Coward taught on what we see and what we don't see. Are you living in the sense realm or the spirit realm? If you are living in the sense realm you will always be controlled by your present situation. ( things out of your control)

"Did you know",explains Pastor Coward," the world you can't see is more powerful that what you can see?"

That's the spirit realm, the faith realm he is talking about. That place where you see yourself as God sees you. Not as what people see you.

The teaching struck a cord with us as that was very tough for us to grasp at one point in our lives. We are learning to seek after that spirit realm. Not looking at what it may actually look like in our eyes. But that it is already done in the spirit. We are just waiting for the manifestaion in the natural.The spirit is way ahead of this slow world. Technology may have got us up to speed is some ways but we will never be able no catch up to Gods way. He is bigger than technology.

Take Away Nugget
If you only believe what you see you will always miss it

Take Away Scriptures
Colossians 1:16
2 Corinthians 4:18

Jerry & Nicole Cleveland

November 18, 2007

2007-11-18T21:55:00.000-05:00

Where is your focus?

Isiah 55:8

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither
are your ways my ways,saith the Lord"

The Levites ushered the prescence of the Lord into Agape. Members and
visitors both were praising in the third heaven.

"J" is for Jesus
"O" is for Over
"Y' is for You

"Jesus over you"
"Jesus over you"

Agape = Freedom
Free to jump, free to yell, free to run.......free to be you

Pastor Coward proclaims, "If you allow your circumstances to dictate your praise.You won't never have no praise.

"Amen, Pastor, I know that's right". One member said rather bodly from the back of the church.

Think about it. If you are are sitting in the church thinking about your bills, your spouse or those bad kids you can't praise God.

Pastor teaches us that whatever you focus on is where your mind will be. I don't know about you but bills,kids and other negative elements don't make me happy. They block my praise--my focus.

"You see" says Pastor Coward "the enemy decieves you with the distractions of this world."

That is so true. The cares of this life will weigh you down. But once you get to the house of the Lord all that "extra" stff should fall off.

Your Praise & Worship has got to be your survival.Pastor tells us that we've got to get to a place where we don't care what's going on around us. There's got to be a praise in us. We've got to find it, even if we don't feel like it.

One major point that stuck with me is this;

"I may not preach like others but I can love like Jesus -- Unconditionally

And you don't even have to love me back. Now that's a powerful statement.
To LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY and not want it returned.

It's human nature to love and want to be loved back. But to love & be okay with love not being returned is that AGAPE love.

We must strive daily for this type of love. We must not only change the way we think but change the way we love.

Jeremiah & Nicole Cleveland

2007-09-27T19:51:00.000-04:00

Hey Agape! and Welcome World!

I just wanted to share some of my notes from Bible study last night. Pastor has been in a powerful vein lately that is much-needed, teaching on Witnessing and Soul Winning. The Bible tells us the he that winneth souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30), but we must remember that just getting someone to visit your church, or join your church is not winning their soul. The soul is won when that person begins to make the decisions needed to change their lives and live for God. When the mind, will, and intentions of that person are changed so that there is a desire to mirror the Word of God, then the soul is won!

The night began a little differently, with a few praise and worship songs by our awesome tenor songstress Minister Cynthia Simms. She helped to usher the people into the presence of God that dwells at Agape. Pastor Coward then began to do a little review and share more of his "wisdom nuggets", (out of Matthew 5:16) pertaining to soul winning. Afterwards he released a guest (Mike, sorry I didn't catch the last name, but he's a frequent visitor) to share with us on his experience with evangelizing.What he shared was very insightful, and well received by those who were there. He shared that we must first Be Honest with those we are witnessing to. Then we must have an open mind. Not to the extent that we doubt our own God, but to be flexible enough to receive the person we are talking to so that we can understand where they are. We must also make sure that we have a willing heart. Your motive for sharing and witnessing is vital. We must develop a sincere interest in what the person is sharing, engage them with questions, and listen carefully to what is being said. I am learning for myself through my relationship with my wife, that here is a difference in carefully listening to someone, and waiting to talk! Another good point that was shared is that we must lead people to Christ, not try to BE their Christ! They should see an example of Christ through our lives, but it should not be that we should get His glory, but divert the praise to Him.

Be humble enough to share your faults so that they can see how God can forgive and restore.Don't get backed into a corner! Lean to do what Jesus did. When he was asked a question, he first discerned the motive of the heart, and then he either gave the correct answer, or he answered the question with a question- to force the person to analyze their own thinking, and allow you more leverage to avoid an argument.Learn to recognize a "fool"! Don't allow them to distract you from the point of JESUS, when you are engaged in conversation. Arouse their interest and curiosity for what you have found in Christ personally. Don't criticize, condemn, or complain. Encourage the person to talk more about themselves, and show a genuine interest in them. Know the Word well enough to be able to apply the Word to their situation or question with wisdom, instead of toting and throwing the Bible in their faces.And last, but surely not least. Remember their NAMES! This should have gone first, but I wanted to make sure you remembered this point. I pray that this helps those of you who were not there, and even strengthens those of you who were there. Be blessed of the Lord, and tell someone about the Jesus we found at Agape!

Elder Donelson

Sunday's Word (9/17/07)

2007-09-19T23:41:00.000-04:00

Pastor Coward gave us a word on Sunday, huh?

I don't know about you but my toes was hurting. He was all in my space.......

One point he made that truly hit home was when he spoke about "Being alone is a setup from the enemy". That is so true. For me when I go through I cut myself off from everybody. Don't want to be around anyone. Don't want to talk to anyone. But that's not the word. Like Pastor said, "It's in those alone times that the enemy will speak to us and attack our mind."

Thoughts will come like, "They don't want to hear about your problems, they have problems of their own" ....or "don't bother them, they are too busy"

You will start questioning God.

On Sunday I was so heavy. But when I got in worship and allowed the corporate worship and praise to engulf me I was safe. I was free. It's in those times that I say "if I can just stay in this setting I will be alright, I'm at peace, I'm out of the storm, out of harms way" Do I have to go back? Can everyday be Sunday, at this exact moment in worship? Will I open my eyes and have to face it again on Monday, better yet Sunday night? I have never experienced this type of worship before...... Only at Agape

But Monday morning (or Sunday Night) will come and I will have to deal with that obstacle.

This week the Lord spoke through our leader. Everything he said (in love ) was confirmation.

I thank God for the truth. But I heard our leader on many occasions say, "It's not the truth you know, it's the truth you apply."

What will you do with the truth? What will I do with the truth?

What did you get out of the word?

Sis. Nicole Cleveland

Welcome Agape Family

2007-09-19T22:03:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the AIM Weekly Word Discussion.

Each week our leaders, Cliff & Vicki Coward pour out their heart and God's love towards us.
They give us Godly principles to live by.

This blog is is designed to discuss what the word means to us. How are we applying it to our
day to day activities? What are you getting out of the messages?

Weekly Bible Study

Some members are not able to attend Wednesday night Bible study. They want to be there but circumstances will not allow them to for one reason or another. This blog will also give updates on weekly Bible study topics. Those not in attendance can follow via this blog at their own lesiure.

Let's share what we learn with each other.