STRENGTH IN UNITY
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity...," Psalm 133:1 (KJV)
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Grace and peace be unto from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The month of September has come upon us by the grace of God. We pause to give God glory for His continual faithfulness. We have come through seasons of challenge, transition, growth, and celebration; and through it all, the Lord has remained our strength and our keeper.

September is a season of transition and preparation. As one season begins to change into another, we are reminded that God also calls us to examine where we are, renew our commitment, and prepare for what He has ordained next.

The work of the Kingdom requires more than titles--it requires faithfulness, humility, wisdom, unity, and service. As leaders, we have been entrusted with the responsibility to strengthen the people of God, encourage the next generation of leaders, and remain faithful to the assignment God has placed in our hands.

Our strength is found not simply in what we accomplish individually, but in what God can accomplish through us together. Let us continue to build relationships, strength fellowship, support one another, and advance the Kingdom with one heart and one purpose.
 
We invite you to attend our upcoming Zoom meeting on Saturday, September 19 @ 8AM (CST).  Bishop Kenneth Mathews will be giving words of encouragement. This will be an opportunity to corporate prayer, discipleship, and servant leadership. Let us continue to encourage one another, and build bridges of unity. As iron sharpens iron, so does one leader strengthen another.

In our last Zoom meeting, Presiding Bishop Anthony Williams admonished us to be prepared for fighting and suffering for our joy in Christ. Suffering produces the joy that is necessary to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.   

Subject: “The Suffering of My Joy"
Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NIV)
Points Taken: 
(1) As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, we don't have time to be fighting with civilians (the world). The real fight is with the enemy of our souls.
(2) Through joy, allow God to give you strength to endure sufferings and give Him glory in return.
(3) Join in the suffering of our affairs as ministers of the Gospel.
(4) Suffering prepares us to be a better fighter in the faith.

Also, Bishop Haskins shared a word of encouragement entitled, "Believe God for Bigger."

Text: Mark 7:24-29 (KJV)
Points Taken:
(1) Bigger is something that is out of your control.
(2) The heart has to be established in the belief system of God for bigger.
(3) Get your confession right; because it starts with you for bigger.
(4) Give voice to the Word of God! Confession works in the supernatural.

Bishop Anthony Williams is currently teaching a series on "Who is the False Prophet and the Unholy Trinity", during Living Vision Ministries' Bible study on Thursday at 7:30 PM (CST). If you would like to be in attendance, please logon to LVM's Bible study via Zoom, Facebook, or Youtube to following the series of teachings. The Zoom meeting can be accessed using the same link that we use for our online fellowship. 

May the Lord continue to bless every bishop, pastor, church, and family represented throughout The College of Bishops. Blessings.

In His Service,
Bishop Terry Holmes
Secretary, The United College of Bishops