Hello Calvary Family! As we wind down from yet another challenging winter, we now look toward the new possibilities. Although the transition to warmer weather seems not to be progressing as swiftly as some would like, it reminds us that transition takes time. Everything is in Divine order. We know this reality but patience is a difficult response for many of us to grasp in the middle of our personal tumult. But we must remember that God is with us throughout all the seasons.
Psalm 103: 1-2, says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits (KJV).” Notice that that before we are told to “forget not His benefits, the Psalmist twice encourages himself to “bless the Lord.”
Many times we only want to bless the Lord when we receive His blessings, but the Psalmist, David, reminds us here that we are to bless the Lord with everything we have and the sum total of who we are now and in the future regardless of the circumstance. In fact, the focus is on our attitude to bless the Lord, not our reaction to receiving His benefits or blessings.
Next, the command is to “forget not His benefits.” The majority of the benefits listed in this Psalm’s entirely have nothing to do with material gain but encompass the ways in which the Lord blesses us with righteousness, mercy, renewed health, protection, forgiveness of sin, etc. When we think back on who the Lord has been to us, we discover that our lives are richer through the blessing of His pres-ence. This revelation should make our desire for Him grow beyond wanting more, “stuff.” Things depreciate, our bodies fade away, people transition out of our lives but our relationship with Jesus continues to flourish and renew daily as we walk with Him.
Yes, there may be fierce winters and rainy springs but when we open our hearts to the Son, we bloom in His light like a flower in the summer. So, as we move into changing seasons of celebration and transition this Spring and Summer I encourage you to bless the Lord with everything within you.
Have a great summer. We will see you in the Fall!
Pastor Jabulani McCalister
Category Archives: From the Pastor
Happy New Year 2014!
Hello Calvary Family! Happy New You!
We have launched into another year of living and great opportunity in 2014. God has already begun to answer our prayers by bringing new Disciples of Jesus Christ into the family. These new Disciples of Jesus Christ and New Members of Calvary have proven to be a blessing by their presence and overall participation. This new growth reminds us to never give up on those loved ones, family members or friends whom God has placed on our hearts and in our lives. For there was a time when we were lost too. As the songstress Helen Baylor sang the question, albeit rhetorical, “If it had not been for the Lord on my side, where would I be?” If it wasn’t for Jesus saving us we would still be lost. This year, I challenge you to pray for at least one person in your circle of influence who does not know Jesus Christ and watch how God changes his/her heart (and yours).
Will you accept the challenge? I know some will decline for a variety of excuses.
Unfortunately, some of us find it hard to pray until a crisis occurs. And then, they only pray for ourselves. In our humanity and self-centered nature it is hard for us to admit we need help. Worse yet, we think we don’t need anyone, not even God. That is why the world is in such disarray because God, God’s Will and God’s Word have been regulated to a menu of a la carte options to consider. But in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5, we are instructed to practice Spirit led discipline so that we can help put things in order again. This is tough. That is why in verses 16-18, we are commanded to always rejoice, pray and give thanks no matter what (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
This commandment, when followed helps us to see that we are blessed in all circumstances because God is with us. Church, let’s begin 2014 by making prayer a life-long strategy for success!
In Christ’s service,
Pastor Jabulani McCalister
Summer 2013
Hello Calvary Family,
As Spring 2013 makes way for Summer, I pray that many of you have taken time to reflect, share, and participate in the magnificent moments of God in the life of Calvary. For example, we have studied some powerful series such as, “Living the Resurrection Reality” and “Friend of God.” Each emphasized how important it is to cultivate a daily relationship with Jesus Christ in order to reach our full potential.
As we grow, so do others whom we influence. This summer many of us will celebrate graduations, nuptials, and prepare to move our young people to their college or university of choice. We will do this with tears of joy, because our loved one has begun a new life, and perhaps from some part we played in their development. Just think how the Lord feels when we nurture our spirits through prayer and study of God’s Word, especially when we “graduate” to new levels of intimacy in Him “from Glory to Glory.”[2 Corinthians 3:18] I encourage you to think about how much your personal relationship with the Lord impacted your life and begin to find ways to give Him glory through your investment in Him.
I pray for traveling mercies for your family and you this summer. Please remember Calvary in your thoughts, prayers, and giving. For we will periodically share the Gospel and provide ministry opportunities for those who will grace us with their presence over the summer months through barbeques, outings, game nights, movie nights, etc., depending on interest and participation. Please bring your visiting loved ones to visit your church family. We would love to see you and meet them. Rest well! Play Hard! Praise the Lord!! We will see you in the Fall!
In Christ’s service,
Pastor Jabulani McCalister
April/May 2013
Pastor Jabulani McCallister
Hello Calvary Family,
I pray this newsletter finds you enjoying the warm weather of Spring! Yes, Spring is here! Although the long winter, Blizzard Nemo and additional winter storms made us wonder if better weather would ever come. I think we could learn a little something from the weather. In times of inclement weather we forget that everything has a purpose. For example, storms were present long before we arrived on Earth. Rain helps things grow and frost helps protect flowers from the freezing temperatures. . . . yes, all things have a purpose.
The beautiful thing is that we can learn from our personal storms too. Just like winter causes us to slow down, Spring reminds us that life begins again. Trees that lost their leaves rejuvenate with a new sense of purpose. The long dark days of winter are eclipsed by the glistening sunshine as we “Spring Up” and move ahead. But let’s not take the good times for granted and forget that God is good all the time. We can show that we know that God is faithful by “praying without ceasing” and continual worship and praise just for who God is to us (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Then, once we pray and shout, it’s time to put action to our faith! Calvary family, let’s get ready to see God do a new thing in us as we follow and trust Him (Isaiah 43:19)!
In Christ’s service,
Pastor Jabulani McCalister
February/March 2013
Hello Calvary Family,
As we move swiftly into the first quarter of 2013 Love is in the air. But it’s not just because Valentine’s Day is upon us. It’s nice to celebrate the love that this holiday brings with chocolates, candies, and Valentine’s greetings. However, the love we look forward to receiving is the love of God. In the Gospel of John Chapter 15:13, Jesus tells us, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (NRSV). There are no earthly treats, valentines, or trinkets that can ever compare to the quintessential embodiment of Love: Jesus died that we might live. Because He rose, we will live forever more! As we celebrate love this quarter, let us remember that God has chosen us to be His friends (St. John 15:14-15).
Let’s be in prayer during the Lenten and Resurrection Season that we draw near to the One who loved us before we were born and still loves us today (Jeremiah 1:4-5)!
In Christ’s service,
Pastor Jabulani McCalister
January 2013
Hello Calvary family:
Happy New Year! We recently celebrated our 115th year of ministry in Providence as Calvary Baptist Church with a great celebration, historical references and more. While it’s great to remember our past, we also should be excited about the wonderful things that God is doing through us now, and anticipate a great future. As we enter 2013, may we embrace the full scope of God’s love towards and God’s love for people. God loved us before we loved Him (1 John 4:19). God’s salvation for us through Jesus Christ reminds us that He was born to die that we might live. But Jesus rose from the dead that we might live forever. Praise God.
Until Christ returns or calls us home, we have a great privilege and responsibility to represent Him well by bearing much fruit that lasts beyond us (St. John 15:8, 16). One of the ways we do that is by creating new ministry opportunities to transform lives such as:
1) Sunday, January 6, 2013 11:00-12:30 p.m.: Pastor Geneva Urquhart begins her new church plant called, “Christ is The Head of the Church” in our upstairs Chapel. This continues our rich tradition of partnering with other churches to spread God’s Word.
2) Saturday, February 9, 2013: Married Couple’s Ministry’s Pre-Valentine’s Day Brunch and Movie Matinee.
This is just to name a few. Calvary I encourage you to get involved and watch God move in your life in brand new ways!
In Christ’s service,
Pastor Jabulani McCalister
August/September 2012
Hello Calvary family!
I pray you have had a wonderful Summer! As you wind down your travel season and vacation fun, I hope that you’re refreshed and renewed. New England tradition tells us that when summer comes local ministry ceases. However, in case you have not noticed, God is continuing to do new and great things through Calvary. Baptisms, Baby/Child Dedications, weddings, uniting with new members and interacting with visitors have all taken place this summer. We should rejoice when we see these new things happening because it’s God showing us that there is new life and new possibilities available to us all the time. So get ready to experience the wonderful ministry that the Lord is stirring up here at Calvary for the Fall/Winter Season. I encourage you to make time to participate in some of these wonderful ministry opportunities.
1) Calvary Bible Institute on Sundays and throughout the week, which offers a variety of classes to help us learn God’s Word such as:
*Called and Accountable: Discovering Your Place in God’s Eternal Purpose
*Experience God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God
*Kingdom Man: Every Man’s Destiny, Every Woman’s Dream
*The Fruit of The Spirit
*“I Still Do!” Marriage Retreat and Small In-home Groups
2) Minister Linda Watkins’ Ordination on Saturday, September 22 at 4:00 p.m.
3) Family and Friends Weekend from September 29th-30th.
In Christ’s service,
Pastor Jabulani McCalister
747 Broad St. • Providence, RI