Palm Sunday observances in churches around the world mark the beginning of Holy Week, the days leading up to and including Christ’s passion and death on a cross.

During this time of year, thousands of believers travel to Jerusalem to trace the footsteps of Jesus during the days leading to His crucifixion.

Those unable to make the journey overseas will celebrate in their churches with palm fronds, Good Friday observances, cantatas, plays and Resurrection Sunday services. This is the time of year where, despite doctrinal differences of faith traditions, Christians everywhere are unified in their recognition of the significance of this period.

I was thinking about this when I reflected upon Jesus’ influence some 2000 years after His crucifixion and resurrection. In fact, believers and unbelievers alike are being impacted by His life and teachings to this day.

A quick Google search revealed that Jesus consistently ranks at the top of surveys and determinations of the world’s most influential people. A few sites put others ahead of Him, Aristotle in one case and Mohammed in another, but the teacher from Galilee is consistently in the top rankings.

As a religious leader, Jesus was and is certainly influential, but evidence abounds that He has impacted other areas of society as well.

Nearly a third of the world’s population, 2 billion out of 7 billion people, identify themselves as followers of Jesus’ teachings. The Bible, which gives details of Jesus’ life and ministry, is consistently the most read book in the world, and a bestseller as well.

The teachings of Jesus have influenced our modern valuations of human life and dignity. In the ancient world, children were abandoned or sold into slavery. Early Christians were known to rescue newborn babies who had been left in Rome’s trash dumps. Jesus’ interaction with children, women, the sick and the poor revealed His estimation of their value. The first hospitals, orphanages and feeding programs came into being through Christians’ efforts to obey His instructions.

In the area of education, His influence is evident as well. Only the elite of the ancient world had access to education. The libraries of the monks inspired the first universities of the 12th and 13th centuries. Cambridge, Oxford and Harvard were formed originally as Christian institutions.

In America, the Puritans were the first to pass laws mandating the education of the masses, and biblical literacy was the emphasis of children’s reading texts for two hundred years. Science and Christianity seem to have a combustible relationship in the thought and discourse of many today.

It can be argued, however, that the Christian view of a rational God who is the source of rational truth inspired the possibility of scientific laws. Many of the founders of modern science were influenced by Christianity, including Isaac Newton, Louis Pasteur and Blaise Pascal.

Time and space would not permit me to detail the influence of Jesus and Christianity upon our concepts of liberty, justice and equality, or upon art, literature, music, words, symbols, holidays, our calendar and a host of other areas of life that we may take for granted.

Whether or not one agrees that Jesus was the most influential figure in human history, it cannot be denied that He has had a remarkable impact on the world. His 3 1/2 years of ministry and teaching have touched countless lives on every continent and His influence is an ongoing reality throughout the world today.

May the power of His life and teachings inspire you this season and for all time.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

There are some today who wonder why we need to observe and celebrate Black History, particularly when society has made such remarkable gains in acknowledging and embracing the worth of the Negro. “Slavery is a thing of the past,” they say. “Blacks can live anywhere, work and lead in any profession, and have access to everything needed to achieve the American Dream. We have even elected the first African American president in the history of this country. Why then,” they argue, “Should continual emphasis be given to the trials and triumphs of a people who have essentially seen the fulfillment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream?”

In response, there are those who will readily point out that all is not as it may seem in American race relations. The past few years in particular have seen spotlighted accounts of injustice and prejudice in many areas of social interaction. Incidents of unarmed black men being killed in confrontations with police or armed white men has driven many to the streets in protest. In addition, the effects of 200 years of slavery, along with decades of segregation and Jim Crow laws in the South can still be seen in the psyche of some who struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Many elders in the black community feel strongly that current generations of youth need to understand the cost of the freedoms and opportunities they now possess, and sometimes squander or take for granted.

Perhaps a more compelling reason is the same that motivates the Jews to keep the memories of the Holocaust alive in the public mindset: so that it may never happen again. History has proven, after all, that achievements and gains can be lost with the coming to power of a generation disconnected from its past.

I would add one more reason. There is something in all of us that responds positively to accounts of triumph over adversity, and progress in the face of tremendous odds. Those stories inspire and motivate us in our own unique journeys of life. Thus, we affirm Black History month celebrations.

Who could not be inspired by the achievement of Madam C.J. Walker? This entrepreneurial woman developed and sold hair care products which propelled her to become the first black female millionaire in this country. Frederick Douglass was a former slave who, mainly through self-effort, educated himself and became a prolific speaker, writer and leader of the abolitionist movement. Similarly, Booker T. Washington rose from slavery to become the most influential educator in the black community in his day. He argued for the education and self-reliance of the Negro as key to their betterment. Shirley Chisolm rode the wave of the civil rights movement to become the first African American female to serve in the U.S. congress in 1968.

There are numerous other stories of individuals whose lives have contributed to the development of our society and the betterment of all Americans. Thankfully, we have a month each year to review and benefit from the impact that they made. In the process, may all of us be equally inspired to make our own mark and leave a positive imprint for our generation and those yet to come.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

The deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown spotlighted what has unfortunately become the perspective of many in this country: that while we have made progress in the experience of racial equality and justice, we still regrettably have a long way to go.

We all saw the public reaction to the grand jury decision in the Michael Brown case. Many of us were even more flabbergasted at the decision in the Eric Garner case. From rioting in St. Louis to protests in cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, demonstrators took to the streets to voice their disapproval.

As we reflect upon the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we may inevitably wonder what he would have thought and said had he been alive to witness the current challenges we face.

While there may be some who would claim to know exactly what he would think and say, the truth is that none of us can say for sure. What we do know, however, is how he thought and what he said during the height of the struggle in his day. His words then may give us an idea how he would respond now:

“I think we have to look deeper … if we are to find the real cause of man’s problems and the real cause of the world’s ills today. If we are to find it, I think we have to look in the hearts and souls of men … The real problem is that through our scientific genius we’ve made of the world a neighborhood; but, through our moral and spiritual genius, we’ve failed to make of it a brotherhood.” –“Rediscovering Lost Values” (Feb. 28, 1954)

“Violence creates many more social problems than it solves. And I’ve said, in so many instances, that as the Negro, in particular, and colored peoples all over the world struggle for freedom, if they succumb to the temptation of using violence in their struggle, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and our chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos. Violence isn’t the way”. – “Loving Your Enemies” (Nov. 17, 1957)

“We must come to see that the roots of racism are very deep in our country, and there must be something positive and massive in order to get rid of all the effects of racism and the tragedies of racial injustice”. –“Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution” (March 31, 1968)

“About two years ago now, I stood with many of you who stood there in person and all of you who were there in spirit before the Lincoln Monument in Washington. As I came to the end of my speech there, I tried to tell the nation about a dream I had. I must confess to you this morning that since that sweltering August afternoon in 1963, my dream has often turned into a nightmare. …But, I tell you this morning once more that I haven’t lost the faith. I still have a dream that one day all of God’s children will have food and clothing and material well-being for their bodies, culture and education for their minds and freedom for their spirits … I still have a dream this morning that truth will reign supreme and all of God’s children will respect the dignity and worth of human personality. And when this day comes, the morning stars will sing together and the sons of God will shout for joy.” – “The American Dream” (July 4, 1965)

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

A popular song heard regularly over radio during Christmas is Andy Williams’ classic rendition of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The song celebrates the traditional activities that accompany Christmas, including gathering with our families, feasting, enjoying fellowship and having fun. Thoughtful lyrics and a memorable melody capture the joy and excitement that we first discovered as children anticipating Dec. 25. Although numerous other artists have recorded the song, it is Andy Williams’ golden-voiced version that has helped to solidify it as a perennial Christmas favorite.

The idea of jingle belling and swapping scary ghost stories may be foreign to modern observations of the season. Singing carols and hymns, having holiday parties and remembering past Christmases is much more in line with what we are accustomed to. Crowded shopping malls, colorful light displays, giving and receiving gifts, enjoying fruitcake and eggnog, are experiences that characterize the festive nature of the season. Though there are some who do not celebrate Christmas, there is an undeniable sense of wonder and joy among those who observe its traditions.

Beyond the sights, sounds and anticipation of gifts, however, what really makes Christmas memorable and wonderful is the reason it exists in the fi rst place. Christians celebrate the birth of the Savior at Christmas: God’s Son given to redeem mankind from slavery to sin. The Bible teaches that sin entered the human experience when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Their act of rebellion made them sinners and imputed their sin upon all of their descendants. Even when given specifi c instructions as to how to honor God and treat fellow human beings, mankind was unable to live according to the Creator’s intentions.

God could and should have visited humanity with righteous judgment, but He decided to take the penalty of man’s disobedience upon Himself by sending His Son. The incarnation refers to God becoming like man in order to save mankind. In Galatians 4:4-5, we are told “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons” (NIV). It was His love for His creation that moved Him to demonstrate mercy and grace towards us. John 3:16 indicates, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (NKJV).” This undeserved favor is accepted by believers, and motivates them to serve and to honor God by living for His pleasure.

It is very easy to be caught up with the colorful lights and the lure of sales discounts at your favorite store. Santa Claus, Frosty the snowman and Rudolph the red nosed reindeer are now established seasonal characters. And while we ought to enjoy the traditions that help to make this season memorable for us, we should never overlook the reason why there is a Christmas. The essence of the Christmas story is the Creator’s willingness to provide the remedy for our sinfulness: the life of His dear Son. The remembrance of God’s great love demonstrated in this awesome act is what truly makes this the most wonderful time of the year.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

This is the time of year traditionally given to the consideration of the family, friends, experiences and accomplishments that we are grateful for in our lives. We pause purposefully and intentionally on the fourth Thursday of November to give thanks. But have you noticed how easy it has become to rush through the year and, indeed, all of life full of expectations and even demands? The result is that we may become so selfish and narcissistic as to never display or verbalize any gratitude. The entitlement mindset has descended upon society in such a way that everything is a right, few things are regarded as privileges, and no one wants to take any responsibility.

If you are of the mind to disagree, allow me to suggest that you observe the behavior of motorists on the road the next time you are driving around. How many red light runners can you spot casually breaking the law? Does anyone yield the right of way when they are entering the highway or do they expect you to slow down? If you’re doing the speed limit, are the motorists passing you giving you mean looks or honking their horns? Don’t you think the person behind you is a little too close for comfort? Heaven forbid the light should turn yellow and they are two feet from your rear bumper.

I believe that we all should cultivate an attitude of gratitude that permeates our lives throughout the year. The ability to drive in this country is a privilege, not a right, and we are expected to drive responsibly and to be mindful of others on the road. I love road trips that enable me to see the beauty of Florida. You can enjoy views of the ocean, city skyscrapers from a distance, wide spaces of farm country, small town communities, and large urban areas. Have you noticed the differences between the palm trees of Miami and Jacksonville? I’m grateful to be able to see and appreciate all of this and more.

We all have a laundry list of things that we could complain about but why not list the things we are grateful for? There’s an old hymn of the church that encourages: Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. The apostle Paul commands believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in everything. It’s a remarkable approach and a beneficial practice. Somehow, the good always seems to outweigh the bad, and the reality is that there is someone who would gladly trade their situation for yours.

You may not have everything you desire to have, but isn’t it true that you have a lot right now? Maybe you haven’t achieved your dreams and objectives, but aren’t you still able to do something about it? So you’ve had setback and failure, but aren’t you still around to try again? You’ve lost a close friend or family member, but aren’t you glad for the precious memories that linger? Let’s make it a daily habit to be grateful and perhaps we can enjoy life more. Let the people you love and appreciate know how grateful you are for their presence in your life. That might inspire them to be grateful, in turn, to others.

Don’t forget to give thanks to God for His mercies and blessings upon your life. And take the time to appreciate the beauty around you. Why the rush? Stop and smell the roses sometime. You don’t have to be a grouch, you can be grateful. Happy Thanksgiving!

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954- 427-0302.

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

King Solomon’s observation of life and human behavior resulted in numerous conclusions which are undeniably true. This particular truth relates to the fluid nature of the human experience. Nothing remains the same, everything changes and there is an appointed time or season when change will occur. In nature, we identify the progression of time through the changing of the seasons from Spring to Summer, from Summer to Fall and from Fall to Winter. Each comes with its own unique personality and characteristics (colorful flowers, hot sun, falling leaves, frigid temperatures).

Depending upon where one lives in this country, or on this planet, some seasons are more readily seen and experienced than others. South Florida tends to be a perpetual summer experience with a brief autumn respite (in my opinion).

An awareness of the coming change in a season enables us to prepare for it and adjust to its uniqueness. As we age, we also go through seasons of life with characteristics, expectations and responsibilities that are unique to each phase. The one constant, however, is that there will be change. Nothing lasts for too long, and each season fulfills some purpose.

The varying experiences that we face (challenge, struggle, satisfaction, success etc. …) also tend to be seasonal. We would love to park at the particularly pleasant and rewarding experiences of life and live the remainder of our days there, in peace and tranquility. The inevitability of change, though, indicates that we’d do well to be prepared when our situation undergoes a transition to something else. Though we may not appreciate change, especially when it involves moving from something good to something bad, Solomon’s wisdom indicates that each season serves a purpose.

If you are favored with good circumstances (a good season), celebrate your accomplishments and enjoy your life. Be mindful, however, that things may soon change. If you are in a bad situation (season), seek to understand what lessons it may offer for your future benefit, or for others who are around you. Know that it will not last forever, and that you may well come out the better for it. Sometimes the challenges and difficulties of life are necessary to release the hidden greatness, brilliance and potential that lies in all of us. Consider that the caterpillar must go through a period (season) of isolation, darkness and struggle before it emerges as a beautiful butterfly. And oysters must endure a season of agitation and discomfort in order to produce the costly pearl.

Whatever season you may find yourself in, make the most of it by adjusting to its demands and facing it with confidence. Thank God for bringing you to it, or trust Him knowing that He will see you through it. You have not arrived at it by accident. Though you may be incapable of controlling what happens to you, the power to manage your response is all yours. Be grateful to God for His blessing or His mercy in each circumstance. He has brought you to this for a season and for a purpose.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302. The church celebrated its 90th anniversary over Labor Day weekend. 1924-2014.

The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit? Proverbs 18:14

Life’s challenges can be successfully overcome when one’s spirit, inner being, is strong and healthy.

The power of one’s inner drive is undeniable in attempting and accomplishing great feats.

Mental fortitude, control of one’s thoughts, disciplined reactions, and an optimistic outlook are traits of a healthy spirit.

Solomon’s observations about life revealed that even physical sickness cannot break down a person whose spirit is healthy. The will to live and survive often sustains the one facing an infirmity.

The importance of the spirit to our management of life however, is shown in the reality that when it is broken, life is unbearable. If a healthy spirit enables us to face unhealthy situations in life, how are we to go on when our spirit is unhealthy and broken? When the thing that you rely on for support becomes unstable, what do you do?

We live in a world where many things threaten to break our spirits. Stress from work, financial, family and personal issues are taking a toll on far too many. The pressures of life have driven some over the edge and left others teetering close to the brink.

Solomon does not offer a solution so much as make the observation, but perhaps he wanted us to consider the need to maintain a healthy spirit. Our bodies are kept in health by a proper diet and exercise. What are we feeding and ingesting in our inner being? What are we listening to that may be affecting us for good or for bad? What kind of thoughts are constantly streaming through our minds informing our attitude and disposition? What do we possess internally that will help us to address the external issues that we face daily?

It has been discovered that a common trait among successful people is that they meditate at least once a day.

The ability to sit silently, close out the world, and concentrate on one’s inner self has been proven to be therapeutic and advantageous to a person’s wellbeing. Meditating upon God’s mercies, His love, and His plans for us help believers to maintain a healthy spirit.

Solomon’s father, David, remarked in one of his Psalms, “I would have fainted had I not believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). Thinking about and anticipating God’s favor upon his life sustained David in some harrowing experiences (facing a lion, a bear, a giant, and a jealous king).

If your spirit is unhealthy or broken, you can regain vitality by feeding it with the instruction and promises of Scripture.

Connect or re-connect with God in a relationship that recognizes His sovereignty and your dependence upon Him. Meditate upon His truth and strengthen your inner man through obedience and faith. Allow your thoughts to be directed by what is good, pure, right, just, honest and lovely. Let your attitude inform you how to respond to adversity, rather than be emotionally driven by the circumstances of your life.

Live selflessly and learn to love your neighbor as yourself.

Be thankful for the good things you have experienced, for lessons learned in adversity, and for the people who bring out the best in you.

Practice kindness and hospitality daily. Laugh often and smile consistently. These are the types of activities that promote a healthy spirit.

Strengthen your spirit and transform your outlook. Transform your outlook and watch how it will affect your life.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the Pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441, 954-427-0302. The Church just celebrated its 90th Anniversary over Labor Day weekend — 1924-2014.

“Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations “(Psalm 90: 1).

Moses’ statement written for the benefit of the tribes in the wilderness is often borrowed and applied to contemporary communities of faith.

It is a declaration that beyond buildings and roofs, God himself is the abode of the believer.

In God, he puts his trust, his confidence and his faith. His offspring and succeeding generations inevitably follow the same pattern and make the same proclamation. It springs from the realization that God guides, comforts, protects and provides for those who put their trust in Him. He can be counted on to be faithful, dependable and true.

One such community of faith in our fair city is the Cathedral Church of God (365 S. Dixie Hwy).

For 90 years, the congregation has witnessed the faithfulness of God as they have served him and the community.

In August of 1924, at the corner of Dixie Highway and SW 2 Street, a small group of Christian believers proclaimed the “Full Gospel” and laid a foundation for what would become Deerfield Beach’s first Pentecostal church.

In the ensuing decades, the church would grow as many individuals and families began to put their faith in God and bear witness to the power of the Gospel. Many of the founding members’ progeny are still actively involved in this ministry of faith.

Today, the church is celebrating a rich history and legacy that has lasted for several generations. Cathedral Church of God is one of the leading congregations in the Florida/Cocoa Church of God (Cleveland, TN). It has produced numerous leaders who have served the state and national offices in administrative positions. Various other ministries and congregations have also emanated from the church.

Current community outreach includes an afterschool tutoring program, bi-weekly feeding program, and support for various social service agencies. All of which are an expression of an abiding faith in God and a desire to demonstrate that faith in service to others.

In honor of their 90-year milestone, the church is planning a host of activities for the month of August.

In addition to the dynamic worship and preaching that takes place every Sunday, there will be an outreach to the community on the church’s property August 13 to 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. each night. Activities include music, testimony, proclamation and praises, as well as distribution of bags of groceries and children’s backpacks on Friday, August 15th.

Saturday, August 30 at 3 p.m., the church will hold a celebration and homecoming service with many dignitaries (both civic and ecclesiastic), ministry partners, friends and former members.

The concluding event will be a grand banquet at the Westin hotel in Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday August 31 at 3 p.m.

The entire community is invited to come and help celebrate in any of these events.

More information can be obtained by calling the church’s office at 954-427-0302.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly,

Pastor

Cathedral Church of God Deerfield Beach