Greetings to all. As this week ends, trust God's power to guide and sustain us. Even when we face challenges, God's strength is greater than any man. At times, the world can feel overwhelming, especially when people misuse their power. When others control or influence our lives, we can trust that God is still in control.  In moments when we are hurting, and life feels like it is falling apart at the hands of others, we can rest in the assurance that God remains sovereign over

Greetings to all. This grateful Thursday, let us come together with grateful hearts to recall and reflect deeply on the experiences of sorrow that have blossomed into joy. Just as the early church passed through the valley of Baca “weeping” on their way to Zion, so we journey through life: we will pass through the valley of places of heartbreak, loss, and longing on our way to blessings. The tears we shed as we go through our valley of tears help strengthen our faith and our

Greetings to all. As we journey through this hump day, Wednesday, let us embrace each challenge with gentle strength and a calm, steadfast spirit. Life brings many trials, calling for meekness and a quiet spirit. As we follow Christian values, our inner beauty shines through our actions and words. Let us also remember to notice and celebrate the beauty in others. 1 Peter 3:4 (GW) 4 Rather, beauty is something internal that can’t be destroyed. Beauty expresses itself in a gent

Greetings to all. Start this Tuesday by protecting your peace and setting a positive tone. As we move through life, we are expected to grow and mature, but not everyone does. The sooner we understand our position as children of God, the sooner we will lay aside some things. We understand that negativity kills our spiritual growth. If we have matured, it is especially important to avoid the drama and negativity of those who have not. By studying God’s word, we choose a path th

Greetings to all. As we start this week, let us let go of the past. Life always offers a fresh start and a chance to grow, whether we are prepared or not. We would like to think that we will be ready when a fresh start with new opportunities comes. However, we have an enemy who helps us to struggle in our minds to start over or to repeat. The enemy does not want to let us go, yet there is always hope for renewal and improvement. No matter what we face, God promises to support

Greetings to all. As we gather this Sunday, let us renew our purpose and remember that life is meant to be lived with God. As we reflect on our journey, we realize our purpose depends on God. Yet even with faith, we can hinder ourselves by pursuing our own desires instead of waiting on Him, or by trusting the world over God. John 15:5 (MSG) 5“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relationship is intimate and organic, the harvest i

Greetings to all.  As we prepare to rest this weekend, let us trust that we can always return to God, who anchors our identity and well-being. Sometimes, loving others distracts us from our identity as loved and enough. Then, we must journey a long way back to who we are. Yet even then, we never need to doubt God’s everlasting love. God’s voice assures us: we are cherished and rooted in unchanging love. God’s Love will never let us go. Jeremiah 31:3 (NRSV) 3 The LORD appeared

Greetings to all. As we come to the end of another week, let us continue to stay awake and stand. Staying awake, or 'woke' as it is affectionately known by many, has now come to represent something negative. However, Scripture has always encouraged the church as a physical body to awake and stay awake, standing fast in faith. Because of the challenges of staying awake and standing strong in faith, it takes courage. This encouragement especially resonates with those who lead.

Greetings to all.  On this grateful Thursday, let us remember that God always answers our prayers, even if the answer is not what we expect. By trusting God, we have come this far by faith. Sometimes we may not receive what we ask for, but God always hears us and answers according to His plan. From the psalmist, we learn about God’s faithfulness in hearing and responding to our prayers. Psalm 116:1–2 (NKJV) 1 I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my supplications

Greetings to all. On this hump day, Wednesday, let us never forget the things we have gone through and the ways God has brought us through them. While we may want to forget the things we have gone through, we cannot deny that it is worth remembering and sharing the ways God has brought us through them to help others flourish on their journey. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV) 11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the

Greetings to all. Stubbornness in the face of sin can distance us from what matters most. Let us strive to turn away from this and seek growth as we continue through life. Sometimes we sin and forget God, but God's love remains constant, even when we are unfaithful.  Ignoring God leads to stubbornness, which concerns Him. Still, God is concerned, even when we stray, ignore Him, and remain stubborn. Hosea 4:7 (GW) 7The more priests there are, the more they sin against me.  So

Greetings to all. As we begin this week, let us trust in the power of our faith and be open to the possibilities that lie ahead. There is a great need for faith. Even as God’s people, we will have difficulties.  With weak faith, we will find ourselves asking, “How is this possible?” However, there is still hope in weak faith. Despite the difficulties we face, we are called to be unshakeable, not only to stand strong in doubt but to move forward in faith and not let fear hold

Greetings to all.  This Sunday, let us reflect on how we live out our faith every day. There are those who think that only preachers should live a biblical lifestyle, a life free from sin and the ways of the world. It is not only those who preach from the pulpit who should live holy. As Christians, we are called to live a biblical lifestyle by walking faithfully every day. Each day gives us a new opportunity to represent Christ through our actions and choices. 1 Peter 4:11 (N

Greetings to all. This weekend, let us focus on embracing peace and joy and continue to please God. There are misunderstandings about what it means to please God and belong to His Kingdom. Our flaws and past choices do not bar us from experiencing joy, peace, or acceptance. Although we are imperfect, we are still welcomed in God’s kingdom. Romans 14:17–18 (GW) 17God’s kingdom does not consist of what a person eats or drinks. Rather, God’s kingdom consists of God’s approval an

Greetings to all. As we come to the end of this week, let us take a moment to reflect on the ways in which God’s purposes are being fulfilled in our lives. There is certainty in God’s words, and they are always true and powerful. If He even thinks of it, it will happen. God has predestined everything, reminding me of the saying: “Say what you mean and mean what you say.” His promises never fail, and His purpose stands firm, even when our plans do not. Isaiah 14:24 (KJV 1900)

Greetings to all. This Thursday, let us thank God for the blessings, plans, and increases He has graciously provided, reminding us of His care and appreciation for us individually and collectively. It is important to trust and worship the one true God who provides. While there are no guaranteed worldly increases in scripture, God's promises of supernatural and spiritual growth, righteousness, and faith are sure to inspire hope and trust through obedience, good works, and our

Greetings to all. On this hump day, Wednesday, if we must choose who we will walk with in life, let us make sure we choose to walk with the wise. When we do not choose good company, it can be easy to be deceived by those who do not have our best interests at heart. The foundation of the Christian life is standing on good morals and making wise decisions today that have a great impact on our lives tomorrow. 1 Corinthians 15:33–34 (GW) 33Don’t let anyone deceive you. Associatin

Greetings to all. In these times, it is vital to maintain affection for one another, as declining compassion is a sign not only of troubled times but also the end of time. Jesus warns in scripture that declining affection and compassion will be a sign of the end times. To see this unfolding, we only need to observe how some people treat each other. Matthew 24:10–12 (GW) 10Then many will lose faith. They will betray and hate each other. 11Many false prophets will appear and de

Greetings to all. As we begin this week, let us launch into the week with appreciation. Let us start this week with gratitude. Too often, we start the day with unrealistic expectations that leave us disappointed. Instead, cherish each moment and strive to be a blessing. Luke 6:35–36 (GW) 35Rather, love your enemies, help them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward. You will be the children of the Most High God. After all, h

Greetings to all.  On this Sunday, as we worship, may we escape the pain and sorrow that plagues us and the world. In our troubled world, many people, rich or poor, experience different forms of suffering. Not all wounds are visible, so some pain may be unnoticed. Thankfully, the word of God offers healing that begins within and touches every part of us. Luke 4:18 (KJV 1900) 18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he