22 BOCNEWS.com AUGUST 2018 Can You Pass God's Test of Authority? When God raises you up from obscurity, and then you begin to lose focus on Him, you'll hurt those around you- because when you focus on your spiritual fruit you'll develop a cocky attitude. When you develop a “cocky spirit,” then get ready for a fall. We live in a day and time when believers don't want our fruit to be checked. Many in the body of Christ today don't have spiritual mothers or fathers…. They're raising them- selves in the Spirit, and do not sub- mit to spiritual oversight. We need to be nurtured in spiritual matters. Too often, Christians change churches when a spiritual father or mother tries to bring correction. Your “fruit of the Spirit” will never mature until you hum- ble yourself to be in the right relationship with others in your church. You won't grow until you become part of what the church is doing. God has given you fruit to release ministry from you, so you must be willing to help wherever you are needed. You also need to get close enough to your spiritual oversight, so that they can see when you need a “spiritual fruit check.” You can say to yourself and always be convinced that you are wonderful….. but your fruit will never grow to maturity as long as you are not submitting to spiritual oversight. What has happen to experience mature men and woman in the ministry mentor- ing others that are coming up in the ministry? Nowadays, men and women coming up in the ministry have good fruits of the spirits but don't want nobody giv- ing them correction… that's a mistake! On a new job career you have on the job training with someone giving you oversight supervisor and when some- thing is not done properly – we get cor- rection for learning purposes. Saints as you grow in the ministry none of us know everything. It's to your advantage to have a spiritual mother or father in your life for spiritual oversight. They can and will give you correction that otherwise you might not received from a friend, family members or church members. What was that, you have a beauti- ful attitude and don't need a spiri- tual oversight person… We'll the parking lot ministry might see you differently. When the attendant in the park- ing lot says go left for parking but you see a spot you always like to get by the front door going right. Suddenly does your spirit change and you say; “I don't want to go left, I want this spot instead of following their direc- tions? Or how about that favorite seat in the sanctuary where you have proclaimed it your seat for the year. However, this certain Sunday the usher tells you, today you can't sat there and directs you elsewhere. Do you turn into a person in the flesh? What about this outfit you just bought for yourself and you fill great and look great in this new outfit and when you get to church one of the mothers of the church approach you and say; “Minister A, this outfit is too tight for you. I suggest you rethink wearing an outfit this tight in the future.” God bless you now. Do you give her a piece of your mind in the flesh? If so, you might say; It's time for a fruit check! The devil is a liar! Remember, when you lose focus on God, you start try- ing to make things happen for your- self, and it's all about you, not God. Suddenly the parking lot attendant, the usher and others that get in your way and start hindering you from wor- shiping God. That's when the enemy can convince you that God is telling you to change churches. When God ain't told you nothing. The problem you will see is when you go to another church some of the same scenario plays out again. Stop and check your fruit! You're the problem. Imbalanced fruit creates chaos in the kingdom. Those scenario could very well be a test of authority from God. We can never know it all and spiritual over- sight is good for us all. So will you or have you pass the test that have come your way about authority? Bodyof Christ News AUGUST 2018 VOLUME 29, ISSUE 12 BY THE WILL OF I AM THAT I AM — Exodus 3:14 COMPLIMENTARY bocnews.com COLORADO SPRINGS & PUEBLO: PM WYNN FOR AD INFO – PMWYNN9@MSN.COM COLORADO SPRINGS Designating Colorado State Highway 85/87 as the James H. Mcmearn Memorial Highway “Atowering figure” was the description given by Colorado State Representative Pete Lee on the House Floor. During the February 16, 2018 session, Colorado State R e p r e s e n t a t i v e Tony Exum Sr. and Representative Lois Landgraf, presented a resolution to desig- nate Colorado State Highway 85/87 as the James H. McMearn Memorial Highway. Pastor McMearn’s family, church fam- ily and some of his closest friends gathered as House Resolution 1011 (HR18-1011) des- ignating Colorado State Highway 85/87 as the James H. McMearn Memorial Highway was adopted with a unanimous vote the day before his 78th birthday. The resolu- tion received joint approval dur- ing the Colorado Senate Session on February 23rd. This was indeed a historical moment for his family, our city and our state. Representative Exum stated dur- ing his remarks that Pastor Emeritus James H. McMearn had a mindset to work collectively for the betterment of life of the entire community. His stewardship, guidance and insight made a difference amongst every- one he touched. He emphasized the importance in developing of rela- tionships amid influential commu- nity, religious, government and law enforcement leaders. His passion and desire for service forged the opportunity for many recognitions, awards and honors to be bestowed upon him over the many years during his life and even now as his legacy continues to be honored. The Life, the Love and the Legacy of Pastor Emeritus McMearn contin- ues to be a staple amongst those that he touched. Pastor McMearn received the Drum Major’s Award from former President Barack Obama during his invitation to the White House. In 2017, he was inducted in the Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Room at El Pomar Foundation, which he had a pivotal role in establishing. To continue in honoring his legacy, The James H. McMearn Legacy Foundation is being founded to carry-out Pastor McMearn’s passion for community service, civic engagement and the advancement of religious studies. To commemorate the auspicious occasion, the community is invited to gather for the unveiling of the Memorial Highway sign on August 18, 2018 at 10am at the First United Methodist Church located at 1003 N Santa Fe Ave. Fountain, CO 80817. Rev. Dr. PM Wynn Grove and her husband Pastor Lee Grove are Associate Pastors at the Potters House of Denver. They are the Founders of Heavenly Sent Ministries. Dr. Grove can be reached at pmwynn9@msn. com By Rev. Dr. PM Wynn Grove Your “fruit of the Spirit” will never mature until you humble yourself to be in the right relationship with others in your church. OBITUARY Maurice Prater August 26, 1932 – July 14, 2018 Maurice Prater of Colorado Springs passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 14th. Maurice was born in Starkville, Mississippi to Albert Prater and Fannie Young on August 26, 1932. Maurice is survived by his wife of 63 years, Josie; daughters Arlene (Roger) Benniefield and Virginia Ann (James) Wallace; son Steven M. (Karen) Prater; brother George Prater; sister Annie L. Wilson; 7 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.