Liberation Ministries- "Where Religion Meets Relevance"

Reflection on Sunday, May 11, 2008

2008-05-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Dearest All,
I speak to the one in all: God. The living Spirit in All that gives life & breath & direction to our internal=eternal Spirits. For we are not, as they say, humans having a Spiritual experience but Spirits having a human experience. We forget this, at times, as we rush through the daily grind of living a "human" experience. We forget that we are actually Spirits having a human experience, made human to bring in the flesh God's love & presence on Earth through our actions & deeds. We forget to touch base with our inner Spirit where God & love & truth reside.

Well, if you are like me, & I am sure there are more like me me than not, you need to be reminded from time to time. And I found one such place on my journey through Seattle Washington. I speak of Liberation Ministries, which I want to give praise & testimony to. For it is a new, young & vibrant, church where one can go to be one with God & to feel the Spirit rise from within in a mighty crescendo of inclusive love & harmony. For it is truly a church where one can go to remember that you are a living breathing manifestation of God on Earth. For your Spirit aligns with God's spirit, in such a divine way that I just gotta testify.

You see I came to Seattle to visit my beloved friend Allen Mosley. Now Allen had spoken of Pastor Darrell & his church & how I just had to come & experience his loving ministry. Well, talkin about it & experiencing it are 2 very different things! For I was not ready for what I was about to experience in the way of "inclusiveness" one experiences at Liberation Ministries.
You see my experience with Liberation Ministries started on Tuesday May 6TH with the Praise & Worship Choir ( See Photo Above). Allen, asked me to come to rehearsal with him where I was immediately asked to sing with the choir on Sunday, as I am a professional singer. In fact Cheri, the choir accompanist, or should I say the Rev. Cheri, who gave a most divine sermon on Sunday(see photo below), asked me if I would also sing a Ricki Byars song with her called "Use Me".

Now this song speaks of being of service to God which is what I humbly try to to do every day of my life & in my music. But, I had not planned on singing only on enjoying Allen's joy for his church. So, I took a moment to go through my mental but but butts. As we are often apt to do when we are asked to rise up out of our comfort zones to be present. BUT, I believe in being of service & rising to the occasion whenever God speaks through others, to be there & to give. So, I pushed aside the thoughts running through my head: But Lisa, you haven't sang this song before, but Lisa you have no time on this trip to rehearse & decided I would be apart of this inclusive church, that was beckoning me to rise up in praise to God.

So, Sunday I came to church knowing & trusting that God would be the way maker for my weary soul to sing her song into life. For we had been on 4 ferries in 5 days & traveled some 300 miles. And I am here to testify what God can do through us when we step out of the way., and give God the reins. For, like me, Rev. Cheri was weary, she had played piano in another church only that morning & fought through traffic to be there, run a rehearsal with choir, & give her 1rst sermon in 4 and a half years! WOW! And what a sermon it was.

For she chose, like me, to push aside her thoughts, her mortal mind, & her "human" trepidations to be a vessel/a channel for God's voice. And what a magnificent voice she was. For she included every single member of Liberation Ministries in celebrating Mother's day. No small act when you think most of the congregation was of the male persuasion! But she spoke of us all inclusively being Mother's, being there for the children in the world, & for one another. And how we must push aside our "human" experiences, the ones that keep us from our Spirits, & be still & know that I am God. BE STILL & KNOW THAT I AM GOD!!! Be still & know God in you. And in doing so know God in all things. For God is the way maker.

God certainly was that day for both Rev. Cheri & I. And anyone that was there that day can testify, as well, that Rev. Cheri was indeed a divine manifestation of God in word & in deed. For what made Rev. Cheri's sermon so "relevant" & timely is that she reminded us all that we all can be God in action & behold the Christ in us all when stop to be still & know that I am God dwelling in you. And that is just what I was able to do in being a member for a day at Liberation Ministries.

Now I have sang all over & at many churches but never ever have I been made to feel so included, never have I been asked to rise up, in such a way & be the face of God in action as I was at Liberation Ministries. And as so many of you, as members of Liberation Ministries, are being called into service to be the face, the eyes, the ears the embodiment of God in action. For me this is what the teachings of Jesus were all about! And what a divine opportunity you all have being apart of Liberation Ministries.

Really when you look at it so many of us go to hear the voice of God at a church through others, but are not asked to be the face, the voice of God in action & that is what makes this church so special. For you all truly are, as the church motto says where "religion meets relevance".

So thank yous go out to all of you for being so relevant & for making me feel apart of something special. It was a blessing & and honor to be a member of your church for the day, for you are a very special church. It's not every church that lets you be apart of bringing God to human form-to be GOD in action!

I especially want to thank Minister Austin for his divine direction of the Praise & Worship choir & for welcoming me with his warm & loving heart. To Rev. Cheri for asking me to minister with her through song & for her divine sermon which is still teaching me the truth of God. And that is to be still & know that I am God. And a BIG BIG thank you to Pastor Darrell who is a shining light of God's love on Earth, and who asked me to rise up today and be the voice of God through this blog. Thank you Rev. Darrell & all the congregants of Liberation Ministries for having a church where all are one with God, where all are included. You all keep being the face of God! And God willing, I will join you again...Till then

Love & Bless Sings,
Lisa Cohen
http://www.lisacohenmusic.com

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Reflections on Sunday, April 20, 2008

2008-04-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we had a great opportunity to revisit the presence of God in our lives. As we think about our day-to-day lived experiences, our weeks and month, we are confronted with the question, "Where is God in my life?" The reality is that the Spirit of the Living God is always present and waiting to be more involved in our natural experiences. But as busy, time conscious people, we must learn to make space for the spirit of God to fall fresh on us. The Lord asks that we move the clutter, pain, sorrow, depression, worry, and doubt of the place that belongs to HIM and him alone. Someone asked, pastor What would my life look like if I truly allowed the spirit of the Lord to fall fresh on me? The scripture that summarizes it for me is found in Psalms 1 (The Amplified Bible Translation):

1[a]BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

2But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.(A)

3And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].(B)

4Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away.

5Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor [b]sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].

6For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, allow the Spirit of the Living God to fall fresh on you and in you and blessed will you be among all the nations.

Enjoy the beautiful song attached,

Pastor Darrell Goodwin

Reflections on Sunday, April 6, 2008

2008-04-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

We had a very special service this past Sunday at Liberation Ministries. It was a Consecration Service for all who have committed to serve in a certain position within the church and to God. There were many who were in attendance for the first time. We all felt the spirit of the Lord from the wonderful singing of the Praise Team and the congregation. We sang my favorite song, “You Alone are Worthy”. I love the song because it reminds me again as to what this is all about...why I got up, got dressed and am standing there singing.

As always, I really enjoyed the service, just being in the presence of God, praising Him and worshipping with the L.M. crew. What’s really amazing is that you can look into the faces of everyone else there and see that they are enjoying the service, ALL OF IT, as much as you are. That’s just gravy for me!

We heard a great message from Pastor Micah Daniel, who led us in reading from Jeremiah 18: 1-6 and 1 Timothy 4: 11-15. The first of the scriptures teach us that God is the Master Potter and we are his clay that can be reworked, reshaped and remolded into what God created us to be. The second scripture instructs us to not let anyone look down on us because we are young, that we are to be examples for others in our speech, our lives, our faith and in purity. I took this scripture to mean that we shouldn’t let anyone look down on us for any reason (mostly because I’m not that young!). We should just be about the business of serving God and living for Him and doing what we know He wants us to do in the unique and special way that He has blessed each and every one of us. That brings me to the last part of the second scripture. Pastor Daniel read and spoke about not neglecting our gifts, which was given to us by a prophetic message. He said that we should honor what our pastor tells us when it comes to what we are capable of doing for God, and that because he is our leader, God reveals to him things that we are gifted with. Pastor Daniel had jokes throughout the message and kept us laughing as we listened to God’s word.

I had never been a part of a consecration service before. In the churches that I grew up in, if you wanted to commit to being a part of the service or the church or God, it was something you acknowledged internally and then to one or two church officials in the church and that was it. It was usually during the altar call, after which you would be asked what you wanted to do in the church, and before you could answer someone would say, “we’ll find something for you to do”! There was no ceremony to recognize your commitment to the church or to God. It was good for me to stand and hear the words from Pastor Darrell and Minister Austin as to what it is I am saying I will do for God, my church, my church members and the congregation, even though I have personally done that within. I also felt encouraged by the part of the service where the congregation was asked to support us. When I think about the kind of “vessel” I am, sometimes things like chipped, cracked, broken, and leaking come to mind. But in the presence of my church yesterday, I felt as though it’s okay to be those things within my church family while God is working on what will someday be a finished work that will glorify Him.

Liberation Ministries is a great place of worship and a great place to come and discover who God is and who you are in God.

Sis. Annette

Reflections on Sunday, March 30th, 2008

2008-04-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those Sundays where when church is over you just wanted to keep that feeling going. I feel sometimes I get a different prospective being on the praise team. When you look out in the congregation and see people worshiping it just makes your spirit fly. It reminds me of that old church hymn “I fly away”.

Brother John Ray continued the praise and blessed us with an amazing Sermonic Solo. The talent that is within our church is amazing. God is a Good God.

Yesterday was testimony Sunday; as I sit there listening to each person speak, I listened to each person telling my story. There are times in life when I feel that I am the only person going through things, and that everyone’s faith is so much stronger than mine. Yesterday I was reminded that no matter what happens in our lives God can, and does use it for his glory. I would also like to take the time to share my personal journey with each of you. Feel free to look at my blog spot that talks about my walk with God through cancer. http://tantso.blogspot.com/ I encourage each of us to share what God is doing in your lives. We are all God's angels.

I heard over and over again that no matter what, “God is an ON TIME GOD”. When you don’t see how you can fix the relationship, job, living situation, give it to God. Watch God work it out. When you feel that everyone has walked out, and left you all alone know that in those times God picks us up and carries us. Know that you can only breathe for yourself, and no one else can breathe for you. Nothing that is going on in your life is larger than the love of God.

At Liberation Ministries we have a belief that everyone is a minister. Yesterday I can say that I witnessed that in person. I had the honor of spending time with some folks who where visiting for the first time. They stated “I haven’t felt anything like that in a long time, I just didn’t want it to end.”

Praise God the good news is it doesn’t end. Praise Team meets on Tuesday, Bible Study on Friday, and Church on Sunday. Church is not the same with out YOU there.

See you this week.

Love You

Brother Allen

Resurrection Sunday- March 23, 2008

2008-03-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone enjoyed the service this past Easter Sunday at Liberation Ministries. I know I enjoyed it and was uplifted by the whole service. Service was open by a great trio number by Minister Kiantha, Austin, and Pastor. The praise team did an amazing job as usual and Jared shined in his solo. Bro. Alan also gave us a mini concert. God truly has so many talented people at our church.

The sermon was good and I am blogging about what I personally took from it. I dont know if some of you feel like this, but I think the ministers are peaking in our diaries LOL. Pastor had two words for us. GET UP. He first talked about the meaning of Easter and how God got up. This really reached me because I have been going through my own personal demons. God endured all , suffered all just as us humans, but he got up. So that I can live, and when I had to think about that I was like WOW if GOD got up through everything than I should be able to also. Pastor talked about having stones always being in the way, and how you have to continue to get up, to learn, to keep going foward. That most of us will sit up, but wont fully get up, waiting for proof from God that he is really there instead of fully believing in our hearts that God is really there. I thought this was such a great message because as humans we think that some things are just so painful and that we can never get through them, but you can make it through anything with God, and through remembering that when you have no one he is there. I was telling Pastor and i will put my business out why cant God not give me a break I have seen my father get shot and killed in front of me. I lost my grandmother my best friend and number one supporter. I suffered through abusive relationships where I was thrown down a flight of stairs and then had my jaw broke. Went through deep depression and a suicide attempt.. and then when i feel like Im doing everything right getting back to the church. Im striked with another stone, and he was like God is not done with you the stones are not done.

I learned from this that I also have to believe in God through the good and the bad in my life. That just because I love god, believe in God, and have faith doesnt mean that he is going to make my life a petal of roses, because that is just not his plan, but he has prepared me to handle everything and anything. I am giving option and choices. I may have endured all this so one day I can help someone from suffering the way I have. God suffered to but he got up, and he continue to do what he did even with the stones in his way.

As God was given the choice I am given the choice to either GET UP and keep moving, and living, inspiring, developing, and growing. Or I can stay lay there and continue to be defeated due to my own inability to GET UP and have that courage and strength that God, had . So as pastor said when your feeling depressed GET UPPPP.. when your feeling stressed GET UPPPPPPP. when you feel like you cant go on GET UPPPPPPP. and then when you need inspiration as pastor said look at Alex or a baby, and they are young and there is something in them that want to GET UP and do their thing as GOD did even in the midst of the bad.

Remember as the praise team sang our GOD is an Awesome GOD. I also wanted to share that my alter prayer was one of the most powerful things I had experienced. I was hurting bad and wasnt even going to come to church at all on Sunday, but then decided to come because I didnt want to be alone and I wanted to be with my church family, but I was like Im going to go but Im not going to feel anything. That was completely impossible, because if God is going to reach you he is going to reach you. My heart opened the minute I stepped in the church, and when I went up for alter prayer this time was different. I felt like GOd was using Pastor to say the things he wanted me to hear. I felt as if Pastors voice was vibrating and going right into my heart, and I couldnt help but to release that pain and hurt in the moment and let it out and cry.It wasnt about looking a mess or having my mascara smear, I was truly in the house of the lord, and I felt it from head to toe.

Liberations Ministries is doing amazing things for me and for so many people in our church. I need it, it helps give my life balance, it centers me it gives me the comfort that I need sometimes. The messages are bible based, and relevant to what is always going on in my life. I truly believe that Pastor is a beautiful gift from God, and he gave Pastor to all of us as an extension to show what we can be and do, and how we can be ministers just as he is to us, and we need to take what he gives us and pass it along to other people who may need the word in there lives.

In conclusion i also want to say thank you to the Pastor on behalf of myself, and Im sure the other members who attended the lunch at Bluewater Bistro, and that two days have gone by now so I hope that you GET UP.. and SURVIVE.. Get UP.. and INSPIRE.. GET up and show God that his life and his ability to GET UP is not invain because you are using him as the example. I know I was ready to GET UP the moment service was over.

Bro. Jonray

Reflections on Sunday, February 24th, 2008

2008-02-27T14:11:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday was, as always, a remarkably emotional rollercoaster filled with signs of God’s grace and mercy for His people. From our sad unfortunate loss of Eddie and Jeremy to sunny California to the story of a crazy drive of the Pastor despite God’s signs, any person in the congregation would have thought it was all planned out in advance to make such a great cohesion of a service. Part of Jeremy’s departing words included the notion that he “never went to a church where he felt like every sermon was directed right at him.” I believe that is what makes Liberation Ministries unique in essence of the words shared and the community in the congregation: religion is translated for relativity. I, too, after every sermon since the first one I attended last year felt like God through this church was speaking directly to me; His grace and mercy is felt every single Sunday and that is what drags me still out of bed on time despite going to sleep the night prior to at 3a.m.

Signs; we see them, we acknowledge them, but yet we still ride against the grain every single time and avoid the path they appear to lead to. Pastor Darrell’s story of ignoring every single sign to stay inside and not drive/fly/travel anywhere, but still doing so was a clear example of this. Recently laid off, I feel like it was a sign from God that it was now my time to move back home to the islands. So many things are pulling me there; my parents are getting a divorce leaving behind a distressed mother, my brother who has a newborn son (*my God child) is leaving for Officer school, and my younger brother is graduating. These are all obvious signs to me, but sometimes I have to wonder if it’s the not-so-obvious signs that I should truly follow. One of my favorite songs’ lyrics say “do I really want a God that I can understand, still I close my eyes and try to reason why, but since when does my desire dominate The plan.” Sometimes I just want to scream out loud “JUST TELL ME! I’M TIRED OF PLAYING THESE GAMES!” (*And in games, I refer to throwing me through all these trials and tribulations). At the end of church though I realized, our choices truly define who we are, thus innately we all will not follow “the signs” the same way.

Pastor Darrell hits the black ice, the car slides, turns, glides in circles over the slippery ice….Flashes of a lifetime of memories, of his family, of his choices dawn on him…Suddenly the “killer” ride slows the circling and the bumper simply “taps” the railing halting the life-threatening experience. The end of the Pastor’s story expressed one extremely important point that if misconstrued can be taken in an extremely wrong manner: God’s grace is always there. No matter the choice you end up making, He shows mercy, He shows grace, and helps guide us to humility and progression. This is not to say that we can make as many unjust/bad choices in our life and receive no punishment, but know the one and only judge in our life decides how He is there for us. We have no control over the omniscient. The one thing I do strongly believe in though; God speaks to us through our core: our heart. If we follow our heart, God will bring us to and through all of our crazy rides. Like the title of my favorite song from the Praise team: “God is Here.”

Reflections on Sunday, February 10, 2008

2008-02-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

What I got out of Sunday's service is that we should be thankful for what God has done for us especially the ability to wake up! Pastor Darrell used a scripture in his sermon and it was Acts chapter 16 verses 16-38. He also gave us a recipe for Praise so that we might get closer to God!

In my personal experiences in life I can honestly say that I wasn't close to God, but yet he was still blessing me and I thought I was the one taking care of me! I remember when I had just had my 11 year old and we were traveling to Alabama around February and it was around 1-2am and I was driving. We had a Ford explorer at the time. My ex-husband had taken my newborn and my toddler out of their car seats and we had word because of this, but he didn't put them back! Out of nowhere I hit black ice and started to spin out of control I tapped the break and did what I remember seeing in the drivers manual. While we were spinning I saw this 18 wheeler that I had passed about 2-3 miles back vastly approaching. We hit the left side guard rail and slide all the way to the right side of the road and we stopped. During our sliding a car was coming up and they almost slammed into us. We got out of the truck to see the damage and the 18 wheeler was just passing us. The only damage we had was a slight bend in the bumper. When we got back in the truck we noticed that some of the bags we had had shifted to the front and where in the children car-seat. Now, that I think about it I didn't even praise God or say thank you for what he saved me and my family from! I would have been devastated if my children's life would have been taken that morning. Until I started attending Liberation Ministries I was a lost soul, but now I thank God or try to everyday! I give God Praise and he blesses me in return! I wanna thank Liberation Ministries for helping me to accept God into my life, my heart and my home! I love all of you!

Sis. Shantae Sharp

Reflections on Sunday, February 3, 2008

2008-02-06T21:53:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday I had the honor preaching to the faithful few about a topic that is near and dear to all our all hearts and minds. The sermon was simply titled, “The Potter’s House”. In our human experience there is a constant opportunity to listen to the voice of God and allow the move of God to be evident in our lives. In order for this to take place in its fullness we must allow the space for God to continue to mold and shape us.

Jeremiah 18:1-12 gives us a synopsis of a conversation that God has with the prophet Jeremiah in relation to the children of Israel. God instructs Jeremiah that in order to hear his words he must go down to the Potter’s House. When Jeremiah arrives the potter is sitting at a wheel, working with the clay that is within his hands. As the clay is marred, the potter continues to reshape and remold it into its correct form. God reveals to Jeremiah that we are indeed the clay and he is the Master Potter. Every now and again we all must take a trip to the Master Potter and be reworked, restores, rejuvenated and revived.

Fortunately, the potter is waiting consistently and patiently for us to allow ourselves to be molded back into what God created and intended us to be. Nevertheless, there are a few questions that might hinder our journey:

1) What will God think of me, if I ask for a remolding?
2) What will the church think of me, if I am honest that I need God’s help?
3) Will I disappoint everyone that I told I had a new relationship with God?
4) What if I make the same mistake again?
5) What if I like doing what I am doing, feel bad about it, but ain’t planning on stopping no time soon?
6) What if I am just so broken that I cannot make it to the potter’s house?
7) I don’t know the benefits of the potter’s house! So what’s the use of going?

At the end of the day; these reasons are all pointless when confronted with the majesty of God. We are constantly in the hands of the Master Potter. God knows who and what we are. God is the almighty, the omnipotent and sent his Son, Jesus to cover a multitude of transgressions. By denying ourselves access, to the potters house, we are actually denying the reason Jesus came and sacrificed HIS life. Simply stated; not accessing the Potter’s House ignores the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross.

We all have the privilege of serving a God whose hand is not short, not is his ear deaf, but all power is in HIS hand. Allow this power to continue to shape and mold your life TODAY!

-Pastor Darrell L. Goodwin

Reflections on Sunday, January 13, 2008

2008-01-15T23:43:00.000-08:00

The sermon today was “HOLDING ONTO THE END OF YOUR ROPE”. While Minister Austin was preaching he asked us all “had we ever been or felt desperate”? Now that question particularly reminded me of a place and a time when I was so spiritually and emotionally bankrupted that I was DESPERATE for God to intervene in my life. I know what it feels like to be in a place where there’s no one or nowhere you can turn to and get help. Even if someone wanted to help me they couldn’t because I put myself in a place where only God could help me. I grew up in church as a child of a pastor. So I knew the bible and thought I knew God. I found out later in my life I really didn’t know God for myself.

I used drugs for a period of fourteen years of my life and thought I could and would run from God and would live my life without rules or someone telling me what to do. I found myself “DESPERATE” and calling out for God to help me and to heal me from my addiction. Now I have to be real my journey down this self-destructive path didn’t start out bad. It didn’t get bad until I was spiritually bankrupt and couldn’t remember how to call on God and at that point I didn’t believe he would or could help me. After all everyone I knew in the church told me I was going to hell anyway simply because of the person I happened to love. What I know now is God had another plan for me and it was about me understanding that God loved me and would forgive me but he wanted me to have a personal relationship with him. I went through a spiritual warfare for what seemed like a lifetime. Actually that time period wasn’t really that long but I had to humble myself, I had to cry out and ask God for his help and he didn’t let me down. I had to work to seek him out with all of my heart and he heard my cry.

Now when the blind man cried out to Jesus and asked him to heal him, I believe that parable was created so we will always realize no matter how low we get, we can and should call on Jesus for help. He’s just waiting for us to call out and ask him for his help.

The sermon brought me back to the reason why I come to church. I come because I need to hear something that will continually remind me that I need God and I can’t do this all by myself.
I thank God for the Minister’s at Liberation Ministries and I thank God for Min Austin letting God use him to deliver this message.

Sis Adrienne

Scripture text: Luke 18:35

Reflections on Sunday, January 6, 2008

2008-01-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

The sermon Reverend Goodwin delivered, struck me funny this week. It was hard work. It was about relationships. It was about believing that in all relationships a person deserves to be treated well, respected, affirmed, and loved with the best meaning the word love. It was also about me believing in myself, about me loving myself, about me understanding I deserve better. I cringed a number of times during his delivery. How many times have I denied my own good feeling of myself simply because, I didn’t think I had the right to feel good about me.

But I know I had no reason to cringe; the unofficial cornerstone of Liberation Ministries is the belief that we are beautifully and wonderfully made by the maker’s hand. Every sermon spoken here, always finds it way to self love and self acceptance. There is a reason… there is a reason. Yes there is. God has bestowed us love for ourselves in order for us to give love away abundantly. We all know, that we can’t give love, if don’t have love within. Oh yes we can serve the church, temporal, physical and of our bodies. But… but if there is no love from which, the magic, and mystery of life flows from; we are then acting as hollow spirits. Well actually I should say I am. It’s all right though because when I love myself in the right way, in the right way. Something right happens inside me. See if I am loving myself in the right way, I can find a way to get church not on time but get there just the same, no matter how bad I feel in my mind, in my body, and soul.

I might have to drag myself in, but see love seeks love. Love inside the doors, love calls me on in like I never left home. I walk inside knowing somebody loves me. Somebody is glad to see me. And you know I have learned over the years, I would be the biggest kind of fool to refuse that love, believing I don’t deserve it.

The other thing that happens is my empty cup is no longer empty. In fact it is so full, it is running over. But love is something too precious to waste. It might hit the floor, but not for long. If I humble myself and pick it up…that overflowing love makes the perfect gift for someone else. And guess what? Just as I do give it away, my cup is over filled again. I was once told, love like God, is a conscious act. Love like God is alive and like all things living movement is necessary. Movement of the heart, mind, and soul is God’s way of keeping us spiritually strong. Spiritually fit. For me that has meant finding my way to Liberation Ministries and unrestrictedly worshipping the God I know loves me, with the people I know love me. I trust both to tell me I am worthy of love. I trust both to tell me I can only keep love if I keep giving it away.

For me it is not worthy to ask do I deserve? for me it is better to ask what I can do? My relationships are direct correlations of my spiritual fitness. My willingness to love openly and not caring what that love looks like, because I know for a fact love can be downright messy, just as messy as it is sweet. Nevertheless, love of self, is the cornerstone of spiritual health.

It seems to me the more I come to Liberation Ministries, the more I learn what true liberation is. . The liberation of the spirit and the belief that with God all things are possible. And the true belief that God is love and all of us no matter who we are or what we have done are not only deserving, but worthy of God’s love. And that is the sole reason for me, God is worthy to be praised.

So in concluding, the experiences of Liberation Ministries have indeed enriched and enlightened my life. A curious thing was asked of me the other day. What would I add, and what would I take away from the sermon. The only possible answer for me then is add myself, and take nothing away from the sermon but the truth it gifted to me. For the truth has set me free.

Bro. Lary Darby

Reflection on Sunday, December 16, 2007

2007-12-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

My view on Sunday's service.

We had 3 members from church come forth and share one story in their own personal lives with us. Out of the 3 stories, there was one that really touched me. Ryan's testimony was basically a mirror of what I have been feeling and have been struggling with. He mentioned how he's been to a few churches before Liberation Ministries and they are not accepting. He mentioned how he needs to have God in his life more. And how he was actually invited to church.

I have been struggling for some years now in wanting to have God in my life, but not finding an accepting church to attend. Just as Ryan attended a few other churches, so had I. But like him, these churches I attended judged and shamed me for being me. So when I found out about Liberation Ministries through Minister Austin, I figured if he says its as accepting as he makes it sound, why not try it? So I came and have been enjoying it ever since. Its like Minister Austin was sent to find me that one day and invite me to church.

I just really want to say how thankful I have been and lucky to have found Liberation Ministries.

Bro. Rolando

Reflection on Sunday, December 9, 2007

2007-12-12T15:17:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday’s message, mass, praise, worship, and ambience in general reminded me, like it does every week, as to why I keep coming back to Liberation Ministries. Asst. Pastor Kiantha each week asks during offering, “Who is excited to give to receive so much more in return?” and to be honest each week I feel like I am cheating the church because I get so much out of it. I find each week the message to be relatable to my life, guiding me towards more justified decisions, and making me want to be a better person.

The sermon was mainly based around the topic as to what we as human beings are willing to surrender for God and what things in this world do we hold stronger relationships with. What things in life do human beings value more than God and their relationship with God? What have we as beings of this earth dragged through only to accept defeat half way along the journey? Or what does surrendering your life for God really mean? All these questions, enigmas, mysteries set the parameters for the sermon.

What was so interesting about the journey of stories Pastor Darrell shared was that they all were translatable to each person’s life in the congregation. We all in our life have gone through trials and tribulations in which we felt the world is falling down on us and our only option is to surrender and accept defeat and in that, accepting despair. I have been dragged, stomped on, and then kicked some more this year from a best friend taking her own life to my parents getting a divorce that I really felt like the only option I had left was to surrender my own life. I felt that I needed to live in depression. I am a stern believer that there is a lesson behind every obstacle and hurdle in life and behind the ones where you just can’t seem to see the lesson, there lies the greatest ones. I learned this past Sunday that the one thing you should never sacrifice and let go of is your faith in God. At the end of the journey, at the end of struggle and strife, and at the end of your lesson: He will be there.

While we may each define the word “surrender” in each of our lives differently; universally in dictionaries a few definitions you’d find are: 1-to give up or agree to forgo to the power or possession of another, 2- the acceptance of despair, or 3- a verbal act of admitting defeat. We innately believe in each decision towards despair or surrender that the prevalent options are the only options. However, when we scrutinize at the situation and remember He who guides us, we should really realize that He who brings me to it, will bring me through it. We were made in his image and therefore hold the strength, the power, and His glory to make it through any thing this world can challenge us with.

Surrendering is a choice that is made among many options. Never let anyone make you less than you are. No matter the situation, there is nothing too big He can’t handle.
I have found that this church has truly been an outlet to, from, and for life; from rocking out with the praise team to simply sitting back and enjoying the “lesson” of the day, I am truly blessed to call Liberation Ministries my church home. Alike this past Sunday I have learned so much and continue to go home craving more.

Bro. Jarett

Reflections on Sunday, October 28, 2007

2007-10-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

The message I took from Church today was that even those things that make no sense now will make sense in time, because every single part of our lives is constructed from perfection...from God.

I used to, and still complain when things go wrong...we all do, but the more I understand and grasp the power of God in my life, and believe that all and every second of every day is part of a larger plan, then ultimately even the worst things that happen in life happen for the best. It is my free will that allows me to interpret a situation. I was in a car accident years ago, and all I could think was I will never drive again....now I barely remember being in a car wreck because so many positive things (including a better car) manifested themselves as a result of that situation. A car being wrecked?, your wallet being stolen?, you losing your job? you breaking up with your partner? your gaining 10 pounds?....these to me are minor tragedies. To some including myself they can at present seem like the end of the world....but they are a part of something blessed....God's perfect plan.

I was born in India where my family had a life of wonderful wealth and prosperity....but it took a tragedy of the worst kind for God to kick my family out of our place of comfort to a new life here in the US. At the time it made absolutely no sense. My family fell from a place of prosperity to a time of extreme violence where we literally faced death the day before our departure to the US...had I stayed one more day my family would have been killed including myself. Here I am 25 years later 10,000 miles away from my homeland living a life I could not have dreamed. I look back now at my life in India and thought....had I remained in India I would have been better off dead...I would have lived a fake life....married a woman....had children...and my soul would have died slowly with this fake life. And with this self-destruction I would have lost my faith and connection to God. It took a kick from God to a new land 10,000 miles away, for me to be living the life I'm living now....the happiest today I've ever been in my entire life. What I thought was prosperity and wealth as a child really meant nothing. How was I to know as a six year old child engulfed in unjust violence why my family's life was ripped to shreds for no reason? I didn't understand the next month, the next year, or even in the next 5 years. But 25 years from that day today sitting in Church I can honestly sit back and say that the tragedy of the worst kind was for the best.

As Pastor spoke today I reflected on the big tragedies, and the miniscule ones, and realized that as long as I choose to use my free will in the light of optimism...a reflection of God....only then will I prosper in the life I was meant to live. At times the road twists and turns in this crazy path we call life...but in the end from Above it is a wide, open, and beautiful path.....God's perfect plan.

with love,
Harnik

Reflections on Sunday, October 21, 2007

2007-10-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

There is a strange phenomena called “ Anticipatory Grief” that I have been wrestling with for two years now. It is grief ones experiences for a person who has not died yet, but is dying. Both my parents have suffered with Cancer of kidney, and breast. I thought I would lose my father, but prayer pulled him through, and every holiday, I wonder if this is my mom’s last. So Kiantha’s sermon and personal testimony really brought me to my knees and turned me inside out. I have never met anyone so young who has been through what she has gone through and have such faith!

For someone who has never stepped foot in Seminary, her understanding of the word of God, and the will of God is crystal clear. Sis. Duncan Woods spoke about how we need, and demand a Miracle! “Did you understand me?” She would say, “ I said demand, not request a miracle!” That’s me to the core…demanding a miracle, begging God to ‘Make this happen!” or “ please God, make her love me!” or, “ Please God, Bless my Finances!, pay these bills!” I am guilty, as we all are of demanding a miracles, and not paying attention to ‘all the miracles He provides each and every day!”

Sister Kiantha defined a miracle as being “When your need is GREATER …than your seed!” When it is totally outside your power to make this come to pass. It was the Lord speaking directly to me about how his has been with me and still is no matter how difficult life is. If my parents die, God is still with me. I can stop all my ‘anticipatory grieving’ and focus on living. What I love about both our Pastors is that they speak in a language that I can understand, that I can relate to, that I speak myself when I’m home behind closed doors. This Sunday was no exception. Alter call was made and we in need of special prayer came quietly and discreetly forward while the Choir sang softly in the back ground the song “Anointing, fall on me.”

If you haven’t come to worship with Liberation Ministries, consider coming. You can be as private as you need to be. You can dress the way you want to dress, and you can praise God in silent humbleness or out loud with voice, or you can sit quietly and cry like T and I do, out of gratefulness of his love and his goodness. Do what you do, and don’t worry about being caught up in things that make you uncomfortable. It’s not a game or a show, it’s a place you will be welcome, accepted and loved, by your just doing you.

Mercedes Nicole

Reflections on Sunday, October 7, 2007

2007-10-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Anchor

In times like these, we need a Savior.
In times like these, we need an anchor.
Be very sure, be very sure.
Your anchor holds, and grips the Solid Rock.
The rock is Jesus, yes He’s the One. This rock is Jesus, the only One.
Be very sure, be very sure.
Your anchor holds, and grips the Solid Rock!

This past Sunday my sermon was entitled “Building on a Solid Foundation”. We used the following scripture as a reference for our journey:

Matthew 7:24-29
24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

The song, and the scripture coupled together provide a beautiful imagery and road map as we navigate this thing called life. They are both a sermon within themselves, as the song writer encourages us to make sure that Jesus is our anchor and that we are holding onto him strongly gripping the key to life. The parable that Jesus provides gives us the pros and cons of having a strong foundation, and it is with this example that we are encouraged to examine our lives and deeds.

We are reminded that as we survey our environment we must also take inventory about what “grounds” and “centers” our existence. It is this foundation that will ensure our success or ultimate failure.

Rev. Darrell Goodwin

Reflections on Sunday, September 30, 2007

2007-10-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

"Welcome!" Is what God said to me as I stood inside Liberation Ministries for the first time this past Sunday. God's presence was there and He invited me in for fellowship. The Holy Spirit moved in a unique and marvelous way as Pastor Darrell charged everyone with the scripture: "They overcame by the Blood of the Lamb and the words of their testimony;"

Then Pastor Darrell began to call on members to victoriously share how they overcame some of the most difficult trials of their lives.

With great conviction a member stated how she overcame the piercing pain of rejection from her former church, suicidal thoughts and a broken spirit by accepting God's unconditional love for her as she is through hearing the preaching at Liberation Ministries.

Another overcomer shared how through prayer, patience and showing the love of Christ to an "enemy" at work, the person was won over.

As the anointed testimonies continued one liberated member joyously proclaimed how God led her and her family to this church-A place where a person can be loved for who they are and as they are with no judgment.

The last victorious warrior called on, testified about how through unquenchable faith in God's ability to heal her, the cancer that attacked her body as a teenager, has been in remission for twenty years and counting! Praise God!

Through these great testimonies God is telling His people that He is [able] to deliver, provide, guide and heal us all. He is no respecter of persons. If He can do it for them-He can do it for you and me too! Amen

-Bro. Regi Owen

Reflection on Sunday, September 23, 2007

2007-09-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

Fighting the Wrong Battle

This past Sunday Pastor Darrell delivered the word “Fighting the Wrong Battle”. Pastor Darrell’s word challenged us to examine the reasons we are fighting the battles we fight. We say we are on the battlefield for our lord but are we really? Using the text Acts 9:1-20, Pastor Darrell makes a comparison between “church folk” and Saul. We have spent time judging others for sake of masking our own problems. As I listened to the word being preached I thought of Jesus himself saying in Matthew 7, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your eye? How can you say to you brother ‘let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own.”

Each one of us has a different battle to fight, but irrespective of our own battles when it comes to the greater war we should all be on the same side. Jesus said “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” We are all God’s children and we should be standing together unified on the battlefield. I have no desire to continue trying to divide the kingdom of God because of my own internal stuff that God already sees, hears, and knows, in spite of me pointing the finger at other people.

There is a poem I know titled “Is It Too Late, Lord?” I’ll share just a few lines.

Is it too late, Lord? Have I waited too long?Is my life finished? Have I sung my last song?Have I traveled along life's twisted road?Whose lives have I offended, as unheedingly I strode?Why wasn't I more aware of all the good things I could do?But as I hurried on my way, how quickly those years flew!I didn't mean to be so unconcerned. and I gave many times to the poor...But where did I show real love when so many knocked at my door?Where was I when the lights went out? With neighbors dealing with fright...It seemed I had nothing to offer, in that darkest night.So many times I have tried so hard to be kind.So many have needed a warm smile...But as I near the end of this road,please bless this last, long mile.

If you have been fighting the wrong battle the Lord is saying it’s not too late. It’s not too late to step on over to His side. An old song said “Where will you stand? Who is on the Lord’s side?” I’m ready, willing and able to sing loud “I’m on the Lord’s Side!” Will you?

-Min. Austin M. Anderson

Reflections on Sunday, September 16, 2007

2007-09-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Minister Austin’s spirit-filled sermon, “The Inner Me,” inspired a lot of reflection on my part concerning my own spiritual journey: point being - is of the necessity to look inside one’s self to really overcome the challenges and fears in one’s life, including the devil.

Oftentimes, what we’re calling the devil is our own inability to confront the truth about who we are.

In the NY Times article, Austin made reference about a woman who had a mastectomy based upon hereditary factors or possible genetic abnormalities. It really brought home for me concerning the extent we humans will go to avoid supposed obstacles in our lives.

Lance Armstrong, in an interview said, his testicular cancer was the impetus of him achieving his goals, making him a household name and world cycling champion. Essentially, Lance had the faith to confront the obstacles in his life, opening doors he couldn’t even imagine.

In Roman 4:16 (the text used on Sunday) it talks about Abraham’s faith. But what is this faith Abraham had in scripture?

In Roman 4:3, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Therefore, you have to imagine…that there were no books or the Ten Commandments, in Abraham’s day. He trusted God and the spiritual journey he was to embark upon; essentially, leaving everything he had known - to go into a strange and unfamiliar territory God had promised, without a roadmap or a deed.

I’m sorry but Abraham clearly had chutzpah! (Definition: boldness coupled with supreme self-confidence) Or, faith!

My uncle said to me many years ago, “Son, your faith is only as strong as your self-esteem.” As a result, one’s self-esteem is only strengthened by the courage to look inside one’s self to embrace the inner you in all of its beauty, and at times, its ugliness.

As I’m challenged by this past Sunday’s sermon, I also want to challenge Liberation members and others to look at our inner selves and embrace the grace given to us through the Cross, allowing us to confront the challenges ahead of us with dignity and by faith. You remember the old song, "We have come this far by faith...leaning on the Lord."

Like Lance Armstrong and Abraham, (Philippians 3:14) “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Let’s pull out all the stops concerning our faith in God and the possibilities ahead of us as a people of God. It takes chutzpah to look inside of one self, all the while, having the faith to confront our tomorrows!

Blessings,

Rev. John Garlington
Director of Teaching Ministries
Liberation Ministries

Reflections on Sunday, September 9, 2007

2007-09-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

Love a word that comes and goes but few people really know what it means to really love somebody"

One thing that I am learning about service at Liberation Ministries is that somehow Pastor D has a way of bringing a message that seems to be speaking directly to me every week. The interesting thing about that is at least five people said to me in conversation after service on Sunday September 9th that they felt like he was speaking directly to them, (go figure)!

The message this week challenged us to think about two major points. The first being how we love ourselves, our spouses and partners and families. The second and greatest challenge came when we were asked to look at how God in all his Mercy loves us. We were encouraged to see that if we were not in a place spiritually to be loved by God and love God more then it would be impossible for us to love any of the aforementioned people fully.

We so loosely use the word love in our everyday lives but the truth is unless we love God and realize God's love for us at all times, in all ways all we are doing is "liking" those in our lives. God's love is what enables us to love others. God's love for us should serve as the ultimate guide to loving others. God is patient with us, forgives us and is what keeps us in times of despair and loneliness.

What if we were to actually live in the greatness of God's love for real? What would our relationships look like? Would we have a greater peace in our daily lives? Would we be able to love those people who get on our last nerves? Would we respect and take care of ourselves and our bodies better? I believe so.

I know that at best I walked away wanting to realize the presence of God's love in my everyday life so that I am able to love those around me better.

Sis. Kiantha Duncan-Woods

Reflection on Sunday, September 2, 2007

2007-09-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

The service on Sunday, September 2nd, 2007, was very important and touching for me. All of the service including music, sermon, praise dance and individual prayer/blessings made it a meaningful experience for me that will carry me easily through the week. The sermon "God Wants A Yes", was one that I dearly needed to hear on Sunday. Giving a half-hearted and fearful "yeah" is so easy to do, since living in fear is what I basically learned/lived for much of my life without even realizing it. Hearing that God wants aresounding YES was just what I needed, along with the reminder that if I am fearful of living my own life, God never has the chance to handle the things that are my needs in the way that he desires. Knowing that God is always there with his commitment to where I am going, and whatever I am doing, before I have begun to make up my mind, is yet another reasurance of his love. I will remind myself that God is there to take care of all my needs, and that if I will trust/love him enough to let that happen it will be so much easier/lighter for me.

Sis. Celestine

Everyone is Welcome at the Lord's Table

2007-08-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

We are so excited that after six months of freedom worship Liberation Ministries will be moving to worship services every Sunday in the month of September. If you are still looking for a church home, our arms and hearts are wide open. Join the Liberation Family on:

Sunday, September 2, 2007
1805 38th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122

http://www.liberationministries.net/

Reflections on Sunday, August 19th, 2007

2007-08-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

GOD IS NOT THROUGH BLESSING YET

The sermon began with a song titled God Is Not Through Blessing Yet. Pastor Goodwin asked us to close our eyes as he sang:

If you're looking for a blessing and it seems it just won't come; doors are shut and friends are few, and it seems you're all alone…

In the sermon we were reminded ways we get in the way of blessings from God. It is difficult to break away from old teaching and ways of thinking. Thinking that because we have not been to church in years, because we did something wrong in our past, or because we don’t fit into this idea of being “churched” that we cannot have faith or a relationship with the Lord.

Song goes on to say:

You've been waiting on deliverance and it seems it just won't come; body sick, pains everywhere, and it seems nobody cares….

There are many reasons and excuses for why we lose sight of the blessings God has for us. In the sermon we were also told how we don’t need the pastor or leader within the church to decide if and when you are called by God. Maybe you should give the sermon one Sunday, maybe you should be the one to lead a special prayer and maybe you should be the one to sing that song of worship and praise.

The song ended with the refrain:
God is not through blessing you. God is not through blessing you, so don't ever, ever give up for He is able to do; my God is not through blessing you. God is not through with you yet.

So, what did I take from this Sunday’s sermon? Well, if I close my eyes and re-interpret the lyrics to the song. I would sing:

God is not through blessing me. That God is not through blessing you. God is not through blessing Liberation Ministries yet.

- Brother Brown

Reflections on Sunday, July 29th, 2007

2007-08-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

As I process the sermon from Pastor John last Sunday, I left challenged by the concept of inclusiveness in the church. I reflected upon my own upbringing and how my relationship with God at times became clouded by others interpretation of Christian ideology and “appropriate” lifestyles. “A good Christian is”…fill in the blank. Faced with the checks and balances associated with that, I recognized that I never quite experience joy for God in its purest form – a devoted believer who connects with a higher power.

So I take this idea of radical inclusiveness and apply it to my life today, my family, friends, and those I have yet to meet. I am a believer who is supportive and respectful of each persons walk toward faith and spirituality regardless of their background, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and much more. I take an active role in surrounding community because I am a want to help mold the environment of which I live. And look I attempt to set forward an example of advocacy and support for all God’s people.

-Sis. Czarina Ramsay

ALL ARE WELCOME

2007-07-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

We will be worshipping with the Epiphany Parish Community:

Sunday, July 15, 2007
1805 38th Ave
Seattle, WA

9:30 A.M.

This worship will be in plac eof our normal 1:30 worship experience time.

Reflections on Liberation Ministries - Sunday, July 1, 2007

2007-07-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

These are the reflections of the members of Liberation Ministries for how the opportunity to worship in freedom has impacted them thus far:

"I have received a welcoming pace to worship God!"

"Perspective and spiritual nourishment - God, thank you!"

"Spirituality through the pastor and minister's words. Love and hope through everyone and music."

"I receive so much love from this ministry."

"The Word. It's easy to forget who I am in Christ when I am attacked by the enemy. Hearing the word each time each time allows clarity and the opportunity to apply it to my life. More life armor against the enemy. "

"I've really been able to apply everything I hear to my life. I feel happy, peaceful and a sense of spiritual warmth."

"Really enjoyed sermon on processes. I can relate."

"I really needed some uplifting and to be around same-positive people in a very difficult time in my life. Tamu said, come and you will feel better and uplifted. I enjoyed the service today!"

"For the first time in my life I found a church family and feeling that folk going going to church."

"I take a sense of community (spiritual) from liberation Ministries. I have an appreciation for fellowship."

"Received the feeling acceptance and family in my restoration process."

"I enjoy the word and that is so well thought out and studied. It lifts me up."

"I have received inner peace as a result of this ministry."

We thank God for all of these reflections and more to come!

Pastor Darrell