Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, “Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.”

Then the second tree said, “Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.”

Finally the third tree said, “I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and GOD and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.”

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, “This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter,” and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest

At the second tree the woodsman said, “This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.” The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if the woodsmen cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, “I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,” and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenter’s, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and HE stood and said 'Peace, be still' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to GOD as was possible, because JESUS had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that GOD has a plan for you. If you place your trust in HIM, GOD will give you great gifts.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don't always know what GOD's plans are for us. We just know that HIS Ways are not our ways, but HIS ways are always best. Isaiah 55:8-9

Time to Let the Water Roll Off Your Back: Proverbs 23:15-18

I wonder, have you ever realized that ducks have a special oil on their feathers that does not let water soak in? Whether they’re swimming above water or taking a dip under the water, the bottom line with a duck is that the water will fall off their backs. They can’t get weighted down by rain, excess water, or even snow when it falls upon the water. There’s a lesson we can learn from the duck as it relates to people speaking to us about things we think are either critical or not in a tone we like.

First recognize there is what’s called constructive and destructive criticism. The first is intended to help you, and the second is meant to harm you. Whether constructive or destructive, from someone you like or dislike, whether you respect them or have contempt for them, never forget to just concentrate of what’s said and not who said it. The goal for you is to be the best you that you can be. God said to be ye perfect (Matthew 5:48), so they’re in their own weird way helping you achieve God’s goal for your life.

Second, stop being offended by every comment that someone says to you that you don’t like. Understand that a biblical offense by definition is when one either (1) intends to hurt you, (2) intends to trap you, or (3) intends to make you slip. If the individual didn’t do any of these things, biblically speaking, you can’t say you are offended! So instead of being offended, we must begin to mature like growing people of God (1 Corinthians: 1-3).

Then finally, stop looking just for people who say what you want to hear. If we could be honest with you, they are not really your friends, but people who will hinder you from becoming complete (finished and whole). Solomon’s son, Rehoboam began listening to so called friends, and people who said what he really wanted to hear. He created a disaster for the people of his nation, and things haven’t been the same since (2 Chronicles 10:6-8, 18-19). Learn from others mistakes!

When someone says, "Ah, let it go like water off a duck's back," it means that you aren't letting negative comments or whatever may be bugging you "soak in" and get to you, much like the oil on duck feathers won't let the water soak in. Remember that the next time a storm of complaining, criticism, or controversy comes your way. Simply say four words: let it roll off!

It’s Time to Step on the Enemy- Joshua 10

It’s time to step on the enemy- Joshua 10

Have you ever thought about how we act towards animals that God has given us dominion over (Gen 1:27)? We are not only scared of the king of the jungle (Lion), but we are also scared of other animals in the jungle as well; animals such as rhinos, tigers, and boars. But I found that it is not only the large animals that we are scared of but also snakes, piranhas and even animals as small as mice. If that doesn’t seem to be enough, we are even scared of some insects. Come on now, you know when you see a bee, it will make many of you run! But consider that if you are fortunate enough to knock him down, you don’t just allow him to stand there, but you step on him, smashing every part of him. You want to make sure that he has no chance of returning to attack you.

Well it should be no different in our spiritual lives. In the same way that you finished off that bee, Joshua, now a courageous man (Jos 10:7) goes and attacks five different armies and brings forth victory to Israel. Not only did they retreat, but he placed the five kings in a cave (v17-18) with a boulder closing the cave. Here’s an application for you, sometimes when you get an opportunity you need to corner and close off the leader who’s attacking you while pursuing other adversaries. You can’t fight two spirits at the same time. Sometimes to deal with less is more! You can come back and deal with this other matter at another time.

So after ridding themselves of the other enemies, they went back to deal with the kings! Now they didn’t just kill them, but placed their feet (per Joshua’s command to his commanders v. 24) on the kings necks, which symbolized they had more power and their God had given them the victory. It is important for you to understand that you are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:37) and that your enemy knows that you have more power than him. Sometimes it’s even more important that you know that you have more power than anything that comes against you (1 John 4:4). Joshua realized and I hope now, you will begin to go home and step on the necks of those things that they had you tied up (debt, bitterness, single parenting, and the more) but now are about to get smashed.

GO ahead, it’s time to step on the neck of the enemy!

Pastor Smith

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

There's always something about a new year which gives people hope and excitement about what potentially will be! My prayer is that your New Year is already lining up to be one of your greatest on record!

God wanted the same for his children, so as he brought them out of Egypt (bondage and slavery) and was bringing them into the Promised Land (a place of increase and freedom), he told Moses to prepare his people for something wonderful. BUT THERE WAS A PROBLEM! His people wouldn't listen and ended up walking around in the wilderness (a barren land and uncivilized place) for 40 years. Now you may be thinking, “well how far was Egypt compared to the Promised Land?” An 11 days journey! Their unwillingness to follow God's voice had them turning an 11 day journey into 40 years; and it would have taken longer, but God told Moses to tell them y”ou've been waiting on this mountain long enough” (Deuteronomy 1:6-7).It's now time to Show You how to get to the Promised Land.

We believe we are walking into God's Promised Land for our lives and are hoping you come and hear the directions to ensure the journey there for you is a short trip.

We are excited because we are bringing what we think will be an exciting and much needed ministry into the Brentwood area. It's called 'KOINONIA' and will focus on building individuals’ faith, not on building a church or a particular ministry within the church. It will be different from what we are accustomed to seeing in our traditional church setting: No ushers, No particular clothing requirements, No membership or giving expectations. But what will remain the same is the impactful, motivating, and inspiring word from God that He's given us!

What else is Koinonia going to provide? A non-church atmosphere, but the opportunity to still meet and fellowship with good, quality people in your community every time that you come. How? Because I am bringing his unconditional love with me. We will have up tempo, live worship music with a great band, a relevant message which is applicable to our time, and refreshments at the close of the 1 hour service. YES only 1 HOUR!

It is our hope that you will meet us every Thursday, beginning this coming week to experience Koinonia. Service begins at 7 sharp! We look forward to seeing you there!

Your brother in the faith,

Pastor Kirkland A. Smith
Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Fellowship

Let's Go There!

Let's go there: Luke 5:4

Ever complained about your old car and how badly you needed a new one, but couldn't pull the trigger to buy one right now due to your financial position?

Ever ordered something at the drive thru and when it was time to pay, you had to go to the ashtray and scrape up a few coins because you didn't have enough money in your pocket?

Ever got a return check notice from the bank and vowed never to pay that $25-35 fee again; only to become so frustrated later with your finances that you just began writing checks and swiping your card without regard for your actual balance or fee assessments?

In the same way that you are challenged with your financial plight, others are trying to teach their kids about how blessed they are compared to others:

Philosophers bring things into perspective which otherwise might not have been thought of. From a biblical philosophy, this literally means being full of wisdom! Jesus was the master philosopher- a man who imparted wisdom regularly. From His early years in the synagogue, Jesus astounded (Luke 2:46-47) the teachers of the law and had an impact on the regular people who were going thru trials; Jesus was God's gift to mankind.

However, how many times has God sent the "Bread of life" to feed empty souls and men chose to find food (sustenance) for themselves?

See in Luke 5:1-2, some were fed by God while others were trying to feed themselves. How can someone be that close to God, but still try to find their own food after God has already provided food for them? STOP trying to provide for yourself, especially when you are so close to Jehovah Jireh.
** many in the church will experience worship with God (Sunday's), but will never truly experience eternal nourishment that comes from being fed and satisfied by Him!

Some were being taught by him, while others were fishing in a nearby lake. He then begins to talk to the ones (Peter) on the boat than those seeking to be satisfied.

- when Jesus is talking, where is your focus? If you are going to miss Jesus, it's better to be far away from Him than being so close to Him that you can see Him, but not experience his blessings. Thanks be to God, that when we don't have sense enough to come to Him, He is merciful enough come to us.

Jesus wants you to go there. Therefore, sometimes He will get in your boat.
- but when you are in His boat, He may ask you to go (v3) a little further than you expected to go.

After He asks you to go further than you expected to go, He will also asks you to sail out in the deep waters and let down your nets for a catch (v4).

- recognize that being deep in Christ will always bring forth deep sacrificing blessings (Gen 2:21). God caused Adam to go to sleep to bring forth Eve

(v5) Simon initially questioned the Lord, but eventually submitted because he recognized who was telling him what to do.

- it's like telling the Colonel how to make chicken.
- it's like telling Bill Gates how to work an IPAD.
- or like telling Steven Spielberg about movies.

Simon doubted, but obeyed; he was tired, but he trusted, he was analytical but was anticipating.
- we've got to learn to trust God at His word

And when Simon obeyed, (v6...yes...let's go there) a great catch was realized.

We need to go there when we are going thru and the Lord says keep going when we are ready to quit

We need to go there when we don't want to give, and the Lord says to keep giving.

We need to go there when God says praise me in advance for what I am about to do, and you can't see it yet.

Which one are you a Trick or a Treat?

In the Medieval times, The Celts tried to appease the evil spirits: ghosts,
goblins, and demons. Huge "Samhain" bonfires were built to light the way for
all the spirits to find their way into the world of the living. The people
of the town would leave out food, hoping that this would appease the spirit
world. If they did not leave anything for the spirits, then hence, the
spirits would/may play evil "tricks" on them. In some cases, the tricks even
resulted in death.

In today's time, "trick or treat" meaning is a request made by children on
Halloween; they pass from door to door asking for goodies and threatening to
play tricks on those who refuse. Regardless of how eerie this holiday may
seem, everybody knows this is just a fun day and a fun time. But just like
in Medieval times, today there's an enemy that either expects you to satisfy
him with treats (hate, bitterness, gossip, selfishness, discouragement, etc.)
or he'll give you a trick.

Ever considered how so many things we thought were ok, yet have caused
destruction in our lives? For example, " social drinking" has created
alcoholics, " casual sex" has caused unwanted pregnancies or sexually
transmitted diseases, or " petty grievances" have caused many people their
lives. The devil is crafty and is a master at his craft. He often gets
credit for calamity that he didn't even cause.

The people of God must make up their mind that the enemy (spirit god of this
world) is getting neither a trick (mischief or deception) nor a treat (some
pleasure) from them. Resolve that you are closing your door to his schemes
and tactics, because we are not unaware of his schemes (Eph 6:11). So this
Month make sure that you put on your full armor early so that you won't put
on the enemy's custom any time this month.

Let's put on our full armor so we can stand against the wiles of the devil!

Prayerfully submitted,

Pastor Kirkland Smith

What's Your Excuse?

This month we are going to try and encourage everyone we know to come out and worship the Lord at least one Sunday. Saturday and Sunday, September 10 /11th is “Back to Church Sunday”. I know that habits are hard to break and we want to encourage our family and friends to come out to Grace and experience God one Sunday this month. What will you say to them if they bring an excuse to you about their inability to come for some particular reason? Well, I thought I would jot down some humorous responses you can give them. Enjoy!


1. Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, “Sunday is my only day to sleep in.”

2. There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel that our chairs are too hard.

3. Eye drops (Visine) will be available for those with tired eyes from watching TV late Saturday night.

4. We will be providing steel helmets for those who say, “the roof would cave in if I was to ever come into the church.”

5. The fire extinguishers will be at the end of every pew (along with the Fire Department parked outside) for those who say, “the church would probably burn down if I step foot in it.”

6. Blankets will be furnished for those who think the church is too cold, and fans for those who say it is too hot.

7. Score cards will be available for those who wish to list all the hypocrites present (make sure you count yourself - smile).

8. For relatives and friends who specify that they can’t go to church and cook dinner too, we have vending machines!

9. We will distribute “If you don’t ask, I don’t have to say NO” buttons for those that feel the church is always asking for money.

10. One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature.

11. Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick sometime on Sunday.

12. The sanctuary will be decorated with both Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who never have seen the church without them.

13. We will provide hearing aids for those who can’t hear the preacher and cotton balls for those who think he’s too loud!

14. We will have representatives from the finest clothing stores for our weekly giveaway, that’s right… free clothes and accessories, for those of us who have nothing to wear.

*** So now what’s your excuse, ‘cause we can add that to the list too!

Hope to meet your family and friends sometime this month.

Pastor Kirkland A. Smith