Sermonettes for a Sunday Morning

By Pastor Novella Harris

Approximately four years ago, Ia healthy, energetic, independent womanbecame so ill that I was practically bedridden. I needed assistance for all the things I took for granted in my daily life.

Before my illness, I exhorted Sunday morning service, preached Gods Word, and ministered to the congregation. I had always been considered hyperactive. I worked out four days a week. I tried to be the dedicated wife and mother that God had instructed women to be. I worked as a public school teacher and as executive director of Sure Foundation Child Care Inc.; I maintained an immaculate house and the Grace Cathedral International complex.

I pastored along with my husband, Bishop R. W. Harris. We were a team. We were visionaries. With Gods help, I would make sure I encouraged, not hindered, his visions for the ministry, and he did the same for mine. God moved in miraculous ways for us.

It was difficult for me to comprehend suddenly becoming so ill I could barely function. This illness (that has yet to be completely determined) became what I thought at the time, a sour lemon in my life. I never asked God why but what. What do you want me to do in this situation? I was inspired to make sweet lemonade with my sour lemon.

God allowed me to write this book in my limited physical condition. Because I was not able to stand and preach from the pulpit, I wrote a sermonette for the Sunday morning bulletin each week. Some of the sermonettes were a series that covered several Sundays. God has blessed me to use those weekly sermonettes for this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9781546210658

Pastor Novella Harris

Pastor Harris became a VIP member of the National Association of Professional Women (August 2011) and was selected by the VIP Division as the 2011/2012 "Professional Woman of the Year." Pastor Harris received the Sojourner Truth Award from the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women's Club. (August 2011) She is a lifetime member of the NAACP. She is a member of the NuConcepts Drama Guild and the American Cancer Society. She is a past PTA President, Girl Scout Leader, and former member of 100 Black Women. Pastor Harris received an NAACP award for "Changing The Lives of Children in 2008. She became a member of Who's Who Among America's Teachers from 2004-to 2005. She received the NAACP " Educational" Award in 2004. The Woman Substance honored Pastor Harris as The Woman of The Year in 2003. She received the 2002-2003 Teacher Of The Year Award for her Outstanding Commitment And Dedication To The Children Of The Malverne School District." She became a member of Who's Who Among America Executives for her successful work in organizing a Nationally accredited Child Care Center, servicing over 80 children. (1998) She published her first book, 'Sermonettes For A Sunday Morning' in 2017.

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© 2017 Pastor Novella Harris. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   10/13/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5462-1064-1(sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-1066-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-1065-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017915072

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New Living Translation (NLT)

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Contents

Foreword

Dedication

Prologue

Sermonette 1     Stuff Happens In Garden

Sermonette 1     Such And Such

Sermonette 2     Our Prayer Posture

Sermonette 3     Ishi

Sermonette 4     Heavy Baggage/Surviving On Broken Pieces

Sermonette 5     Blessed

Sermonette 6     May The Works I’ve Done Speak For Me

Sermonette 7     Blessed Through Our Test

Sermonette 8     Immediate Obedience Brings Instant Results

Sermonette 9     Faith

Sermonette 10   What Do You Do When You Don’t Know What To Do?

Sermonette 11   When Bitter Becomes Better

Sermonette 12   Dont Give Up The Fight

Sermonette 13   Can I Handle It

Sermonette 14   Wrong Answer To A Question

Sermonette 15   God’s Faithfulness And Mercy

Sermonette 16   It’s Time To Release Foolish Desires

Sermonette 17   Anger

Sermonette 18   Beware Of The Spirit Of Korah

Sermonette 19   The Way

Sermonette 20   Contentment

Sermonette 21   God Is Always In Charge

Sermonette 22   Neglect Can Be Dangerous

Sermonette 23   Come Our Of Hiding

Sermonette 24   Good Parenting Skills

Sermonette 25   Let That Disobedient Spirit Go

Sermonette 26   Do It For Yourself

Sermonette 27   Everybody Becomes Something

Sermonette 28   God Is Doing A New Thing

Sermonette 29   Faith And Salvation

Sermonette 30   What’s Love Got To Do With It

Sermonette 31   Stop Wasting Time

Sermonette 32   Tongue Of A Slanderer

Sermonette 33   Can I Be A Leader?

Sermonette 34   It’s Not Enough To Make Me Quit

Sermonette 35   Handling Great Necessities

Sermonette 36   What Is Wisdom?

Sermonette 37   Why Should We Pray?

Sermonette 38   Dont Be Tricked

Sermonette 39   It’s Just A Little Thing

Sermonette 40   Tell God About It

Sermonette 41   God Wants Us To Ask For It

Sermonette 42   I Am Says I Can

Sermonette 43   Watch What You Say

Sermonette 44   We Can Live Holy

Sermonette 45   Don’t Partake

Sermonette 46   Time Is Winding Up

Sermonette 47   Jesus Is The Man

Sermonette 48   Looking Backward

Sermonette 49   When God Seems To Lock Down

Sermonette 50   God’s Blessing Is A Gift

Sermonette 51   Release Negative Emotions

Sermonette 52   What’s Your Motive

Sermonette 53   Affliction

Sermonette 54   Satisfaction Requires Discipline

Sermonette 55   Fear God

Sermonette 56   God’s Special Place For Us

Sermonette 57   How Did Solomon Do It?

Sermonette 58   Hidden In A Tent

Sermonette 59   Why Did Noah Curse His Grandson?

Sermonette 60   Our Attitude Affects Our Altitude

Sermonette 61   A Fool Can’t Go To Heaven, Five Already Tried

Sermonette 62   Unforgiveness Can Block Our Prayers

Sermonette 63   Enough Is Enough

Sermonette 64   Excess Baggage

Sermonette 65   Waiting, Wating, Waiting

Sermonette 66   There’s A Spiritual Bully In Me

Sermonette 67   God’s Time Clock

Sermonette 68   Dont Lose Your Blessing

Sermonette 69   A Moses Breakdown

Sermonette 70   The Spirit Of An Armor Bearer

Sermonette 71   God’s Choice

Sermonette 72   God Sees Me

Sermonette 73   Mountain Climbing Faith

Sermonette 74   An Ambitious Mother

Sermonette 75   Get Ready Because A Change Is Coming

Sermonette 76   Just Another Test

Sermonette 77   Does The Devil Have An Anointing?

Sermonette 78   Can We Receive An Incorruptible Crown?

Sermonette 79   Provoked To Pray

Sermonette 80   Summoned To A Feast Of Love

Sermonette 81   Prayer Of Thanksgiving

Sermonette 82   Attitude Of Gratitude

Sermonette 83   You Can’t Go To Heaven Without A Bath

Sermonette 84   Locked In The Ark By The Rock

Sermonette 85   Break The Chain

Sermonette 86   There Is A Balm In Gilead

Sermonette 87   Which Little Pig Are You?

Sermonette 88   Drop The Baggage And Push

Sermonette 89   Struggling With Private Issues

Before A Public Blessing

Sermonette 90   Pass The Grapes

Sermonette 91   Out Of The Wreck I Rise

Sermonette 92   Willful Deception Brings Public Shame

Sermonette 93   I’m Doing A Great Work; I Cant Come Down

Sermonette 94   Looking For A Miracle?

Sermonette 95   In All Things Give Thanks

Pastor Novella Harris, Aas, Ba, Bre, Th. B, Mse

FOREWORD

"For in Him we live and move and have our being; as also some of your own poets said, For we are also his offspring.

Therefore, since we are the offspring of GOD, we ought not to think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. (Acts 17:28-29 NKJV)

I chose this scripture as a tribute to our good friend Pastor Novella Harris. The Apostle Paul was quoting Aratus, an Athenian Poet who lived almost 300 years before he skillfully and apologetically explained to the Athenians who their unknown God really is. Verse 29 utilizes art materials to define further who we are in CHRIST. Pastor Novella Harris is a sculptor and is able to use her creative skills to bring clay to life. As a minister of the gospel, she utilizes the same creative skills to articulate the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. She is an entrepreneur (Sure Foundation Child Care Inc.) a life long dream of establishing an intellectual oasis for children to learn and grow and matriculate into adulthood. Pastor Novella Harris is an educator who has achieved at every level.

James Metz BA; MBA; M.RE; M.Th.

I have known Pastor Novella Harris for over 30 years. In that time, I can attest that she has been an educator, mentor and spiritual advisor to countless men and women. GOD has blessed Pastor Harris with keen insight into the Scriptures that enable her to extract the heart of a passage and make it relevant to her readers while keeping its hermeneutical value intact. Certainly, as she gave her congregation nuggets of spiritual wisdom each week over several years, it was a heavenly decree that a literary migration of her Biblical revelations gather into one volume where parishioners could feast on its contents again and again.

For the Christian, this work provides conduct and conversation for everyday living. In this challenging world that vacillates with every whim of doctrine, fashion, and trend, her words remain steadfast, inspired and continuously relevant. It is a necessary read for the serious Christian.

David Sweet AAS, BA, BRE, MSED

Minister/Senior Deacon/Trustee/Friend

This book is a unique compilation of biblical truths designed to encourage your spiritual growth. It is a glimpse into the heart and mind of a powerful woman of GOD. Rarely during our human existence do we find a person who will make themselves completely transparent for your betterment. However, this book does exactly that. Her selection of mini sermons will touch every aspect of your life with biblical truths. Realizing the emphasis of this work is spiritual, it contains much that will be of interest to anyone with a desire to know GOD personally and intimately. These messages represent only a small sample of her many inspiring sermons that I have heard preached. I have sat as a spiritual daughter gleaning knowledge of JESUS from her for over twenty plus years. They amply illustrate knowledge from her study and life experiences of walking and depending entirely on GOD. HE is a fountain of living waters which can provide all that we need to survive our earthly existence. I believe that the author, Pastor Novella Harris, my spiritual mother has created a full work of spiritual knowledge concerning, faith, testing, victory over trials and enduring the tribulations of life. Each mini sermon is packed with high-value substances, and you will have an incredible journey as you travel through each page. It is her human intelligence and love of GOD that will help you to discover new depths, but most importantly you will be encouraged to continue your walk with CHRIST.

Linda C. Pyatt Jr. Deaconess, Financial Administrator, and

Armour Bearer at Grace Cathedral International.

There comes a time in everyone’s life where their faith is tested. Trials and obstacles that arise that will cause us to call on Jesus. Have you ever been backed up against the wall to have no one to turn to? In Pastor Harris’ book, Sermonettes For A Sunday Morning, you will learn how to use your faith to get you through those obstacles.

This book will show you step by step how her vision changed her life while changing others’.

While traveling through the collections of Bible stories you will learn and imagine what the great theologians have experienced. This book is written in clear, concise words to grasp your understanding of what it is to have a relationship with God. It will compel you to use your faith. Pastor Harris tries to convey through writing many examples of how faith was used in her life and in the lives of others to make life-changing events. For example, a traumatic event occurred from 2012 through 2015 for Pastor Harris when she became confined with an illness that immobilized her capacity to move from her bed. During that time she prayed and meditated earnestly to the LORD, and HE whispered in her ears to write Sunday messages to the parishioners at Grace Cathedral International.

Finally, these excerpts are blended to increase your desire to stay in the Word. The various components are woven together as an integral aspect of the Bible. They are refreshing, encouraging, and healing. Pastor Harris; faith was tested, and she claimed the victory for healing through her writings.The book will change your life as it did hers.

Gladys Watford, Mother, Teacher,

Mentor at Grace Cathedral International

In the past couple of years Novella Harris, who also serves as Pastor of Grace Cathedral, has been very busy writing her first book. I cannot tell you the countless hours she has spent, both early mornings and late nights putting these Sermonettes and prayers together.

What is unique about this book is that she intersperses prayers with the Sermonettes.

As you read thru this book, you immediately sense that the author is a great prayer warrior.

The Sermonettes are prophetic, and I am reminded of 2nd Chronicles 20:20 KJV, …Believe His prophets, and you will succeed.

GOD rewards the faithful servant. Novella has been successful in her life. This book is a continuation.

Many have cried out for a life changing collection of Sermonettes and prayers.

I believe this to be that book. If you are hungry for more of GOD, this is the book.

As you read these Sermonettess and prayers, you will be transformed by a feeling of GOD’s presence as you allow the words to permeate your spirit. This book encourages you to proactively and aggressively pursue an intimate relationship with your SAVIOR. GOD gave Novella exactly what to write to motivate real and lasting change.

She writes to inspire women and men to realize all that GOD called them to be.

The Body of Christ today is becoming more acutely aware that there is a thirst and deep need for a new dimension of worship. This book brings us closer to fulfilling that desire for greater intimacy with GOD.

If you are ready to experience a greater outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT, this book is a must read for you.

It was delightful to be able to write this foreword for my wife of 53 years.

Bishop R.W. Harris, AAS, BRE, BA Prelate,

Grace Cathedral International

DEDICATION

I thank GOD for maintaining the purpose in my life.

I want to thank all those who supported me with words of encouragement in making this book a reality.

Bishop R.W. Harris, Prelate, allowed me to publish my Sermonettes in the church bulletin.

Linda Pyatt, and Martha Pinkney, supplied needed corrections.

Lady Caroline Williams gave me the inspiration to complete this book.

Pastor Joyce Clarke showed me by her example that I can do all things through CHRIST, who strengthens me.

Reverend Barbara Metz and Apostle Elise Banks surrounded me with an unbroken circle of prayer.

Darlene Mc Cabe shared the information needed to begin the publishing process.

Jalana Harris and Jermaine Rucker’ valuable assistance contributed to finalizing the book.

PROLOGUE

Approximately four years ago, I, a healthy, energetic, independent woman became so ill that I was practically bedridden. I needed assistance for the all the things I took for granted in my daily life.

Before my illness, I exhorted Sunday morning service, preached GOD’s Word and ministered to the congregation.

I had always been considered hyperactive. I worked out four days a week.

I tried to be the dedicated wife and mother that GOD had instructed women to be.

I worked as a Public School Teacher, Executive Director of Sure Foundation Child Care Inc., maintained an immaculate house, and the Grace Cathedral International complex.

I Pastored along with my husband Bishop R.W. Harris. We were a team. We were visionaries. With GOD’s help, I would make sure I encouraged and not hindered his visions for the ministry, and he did the same for mine. GOD moved in miraculous ways for us.

It was difficult for me to comprehend becoming suddenly so ill I could barely function.

This illness (that has yet to be completely determined) became what I thought at the time, a sour lemon in my life. I never asked GOD why but what?

What do you want me to do in this situation?" I was inspired to make sweet lemonade with my sour lemon.

GOD allowed me to write this book in my limited physical condition.

Since I was not able to stand and preach from the pulpit, I wrote a sermonette for the Sunday morning bulletin each week. Some of the Sermonettes were a series that covered several Sundays.

GOD has blessed me to use those weekly Sermonettes for this book.

SERMONETTE 1

STUFF HAPPENS IN GARDEN

Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being (an individual personality); the last Adam (CHRIST) became a life-giving Spirit [restoring the dead to life]. [Gen. 2:7.] (1 Corinthians 15:45 AMP)

Adam walked with GOD in the cool of the day. The sin of disobedience occurred in the Garden of Eden. And to Adam HE said, Because you have listened and given heed to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, saying, you shall not eat of it, the ground is under a curse because of you; in sorrow and toil shall you eat [of the fruits] of it all the days of your life… Therefore the LORD GOD sent him forth from the Garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken" (Genesis 3:17, 23 AMP) Once Adam sinned, his relationship with GOD was broken. From that point on, sin has separated us from GOD.

The Bible tells us that while the disciples were sleeping, JESUS was praying to the FATHER, … if it is possible, let this cup pass away from ME; nevertheless, not what I will (not what I desire) but as YOU will and desire. (Matt. 26:39 AMP) It is in the Garden of Gethsemane we find JESUS agonizing over what HE would soon experience at the cross. HIS suffering is so intense that,…HIS sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:44 KJV)

Nothing stopped JESUS from going to the cross. It was prophesied that the Messiah would be crucified and would rise again on the third day.

GOD’s unconditional love could not stand for a man to be separated from HIM because of sin. GOD made a way of reconciliation for us. In the Garden of Gethsemane JESUS prayed and received strength before HE would take on the judgment for all humankind. HE paid the price for sin. JESUS had to endure punishment, torture, and death for our sins.

Now in the place where HE was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. (John 19:41 KJV) In Golgotha was the garden of victory. JESUS had just conquered sin and satan at the cross. In the Garden of Golgotha, JESUS becomes victorious over death by HIS resurrection. JESUS conquered death. O Death, where is thy sting? O grave, where thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55 KJV)

He who has an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT saith unto the churches. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of GOD. (Revelation 2:7 KJV) The Paradise of GOD is the Garden of Eternal Life. The curse of the fall in the Garden of Eden is forgiven, and all true believers can walk with Christ through all eternity.

Stuff happens in the garden. We find sin, suffering, victory and finally eternal peace all happening in the garden.

SERMONETTE 1

SUCH AND SUCH

To reach the such and such of prosperity, fame, and fortune, we have to accomplish the such and such of preparation, experience and obedience to the will of GOD.

In 2 Samuel chapter 11, we read that David, in the Bible, committed adultery with Bathsheba. Bathsheba became pregnant. David had her husband, Uriah (one of his mighty men) killed so he could cover his sin and marry her.

Nathan the prophet came to admonish David for his sin. We read in (2 Samuel 12:8 KJV) And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.

Immediately we all jump to the conclusion that such and such is what we all are striving for in life. Some even claim that they are already in such and such. Many interpret such and such as going beyond what we already possess, beyond our needs and acquiring all the desires of our hearts. We believe that money and possessions can buy us all the happiness we are seeking. It is true that money can buy us things that can temporarily make us happy but money and possessions can’t buy us true love and peace of mind. Money and possessions can’t keep us from experiencing poor health, heartache, heartbreak, and death; if that were so, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston would still be alive today.

Often success comes with a price. Many find themselves working endless hours, spending sleepless nights, plotting and scheming to stay ahead. Some individuals sacrifice peace of mind to maintain the status that they have acquired and sometimes sell moral and ethical values to do so.

Spiritual success also comes with a price. The Bible tells us, But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33 KJV) Delight thyself also in the LORD, and HE shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

(Psalms 37:4 KJV) Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (3 John 1:2 KJV) My acronym for such and such.

Such And Such

Suffer until change happens

Approachable not disagreeable

Stand under challenging circumstances

This such and such will lead us to the peace of mind that surpasses all understanding. This such and such will take us beyond this temporary life here on Earth to eternity with GOD. GOD possesses all the riches of glory.

To obtain such and such, we have to prepare ourselves. We need to obtain an education, acquire a skill, have a strong work ethic and apply ourselves passionately to what we have chosen to do. We must stop just trying to get by and presenting our finished product in a haphazard and not worthy of praise manner. Such and Such just doesn’t happen automatically. It requires hard work, determination and lots of effort to achieve.

SERMONETTE 2

OUR PRAYER POSTURE

Have you ever heard people say, It’s not what you said, but how you said it? So it is not so much what we say when we pray but our attitude and the respect we display when we pray. It baffles me why some Christians, especially those who have unanswered prayers or unmet needs just don’t get it. I have learned that the posture in which I present my prayer requests to GOD is key to GOD answering me. We quibble over minute things. Should women cover their heads in the sanctuary? Are we supposed to lift our hands when we pray? Is it proper to kneel or lay prostrate when we prayer? How often should we pray each day? Do we set aside a special day and consecrate it totally to GOD? Why should it be necessary to wear respectable attire in the sanctuary? How significant is that to argue about when we want GOD to meet our needs in prayers?

When I went to the Vatican in Rome, I had my sweater around my shoulders, and the usher stopped me from going inside until I covered my shoulders. When Bishop and I traveled throughout Europe, the Cathedrals were a major part of our tours. We could not enter unless we were appropriately dressed. When we were in Israel, the same standard was upheld. On our recent trip to Abadabi, we visited the Sheik Mosque. I wore a long dress with lace-covered sleeves, but they would not let me in. I had to join the long line of other visitors and give my drivers license to get a borrowed garment that covered me from head to toe. The process was made more wearisome because I was in a wheelchair and Bishop was pushing me in 103-degree heat. I said to myself, Is it worth all this? Then I began to reprimand myself and say. Wow look how much the people respect their place of worship. I could hear the prayers being called out during certain times of the day, and I watched the prayer posture.

We had to wait two days to tour the Mosque because you couldn’t visit on the holy days.

I pondered over the years why individuals in some denominations genuflect when they pass the cross. I finally got it. It was a way of saying, "GOD I honor YOU. I am grateful to YOU. I magnify YOUR name. When I see the cross, YOUR place of suffering for me, I bow.

SCRIPTURES FOR THOUGHT WHEN PREPARING TO PRAY

Let us lift up our heart our hands unto GOD in heavens. (Lamentations 3:41 KJV)

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the LORD. (Psalm 134:2 KJV)

I will praise YOU as long as I live, and in YOUR name I will lift up my hands. (Psalm 63:4 NIV)

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (1 Timothy 2:8 KJV)

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matthew 5:23-24 KJV)

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear me: (Psalms 66:18 KJV)

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV)

Preparation is needed before we pray.

1. Respect

When we develop a mature relationship with GOD, we will respect and reverence HIS house. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve GOD acceptably with reverence and GODly fear: for our GOD is a consuming fire."

(Hebrews 12:28, 29 KJV). The Bible gives instructions to the people of GOD. Ye shall keep MY Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary: I am the LORD. (Leviticus. 19:30, 26:2 KJV) Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; (Romans 12:10 KJV) We should be respectful to everyone, whether we agree with them or not. Showing respect, even while disagreeing, is what we all must strive for. No one can take our self-respect from us. We have to give that away. Whitney Houston sang, No matter what they take from me, they can’t take away my dignity. Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all. The dress code for both men and women should show at least as much respect for GOD as we would expect to show in the presence of the president or the pope. Mature Christians will naturally show more reverence and respect for GOD’s presence.

2. Choice of Music

The music we choose for worship should take into consideration the different generations that attend service. We must extend patient forbearance to music that is not our personal first choice. "With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the SPIRIT in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3 KJV) The test of our selection of music in the church should be: are people being edified and