Forty

June 9th, 2026

Forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry- that’s what we’re celebrating in the month of June. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another when write about the when and the how Lord led each writer to Genesis! Bible Fellowship Church. Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

SCRIPTURE: "Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil." John 12:1-3

The number 40 symbolizes preparation, transformation, testing, and spiritual growth. Wisdom, being cultivated for the next 'chapter' to be had, is the bridge for refinement, purification, and readiness for new beginnings. After all, we have 40 days of deluge creating the cleansing by flood in Noah's day, 40 years of Israel wandering in the wilderness, 40 days of warning by Jonah to Nineveh, 40 days of confrontation by the Philistine Goliath to the men of Israel, and 40 days of fasting in the desert by Jesus, preceding His encounter with the devil.

Happy Fortieth Genesis! 'Shields up!'
Jesus reveals the wisdom of God, before the gaze of those whom He has called. 'Jesus is God' is wisdom for all. There is no other name by which men and women, boys and girls may be saved. With Jesus, we have the privilege and joy of serving. With Jesus, we have upon us the urge and desire to offer our praise. With Jesus, we gain a perfect and perfecting hope, and life-conferring 'rest'. Wholeness is witnessed in Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

Praise God for the adoption! Maranatha! These are the facets of resurrection, now and yet, born upon the promise. The ministries of Genesis, over its 40 years, have been about the business of preparing us, with an emphasis on the centrality of the Word in matters of faith and faithfulness. Hallelujah!

I've enjoyed twenty-plus years at Genesis and am grateful for Pastor Cockrell's vision in bringing it to fruition. No church is 'perfect' certainly not all the time, but both Debora and I are glad to call Genesis our home away from home, tailor-made for two imperfect people. Its reach continues beyond our own estimation, as the Lord lets little become much in His hands. Sooo... Thank You, Jesus, for the promise awaiting the many, which also fuels our own hope: "Jesus saith unto her [Martha], 'Thy brother [Lazarus], shall rise again'. Martha saith unto Him, 'I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.' Jesus saith unto her, 'I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?' " John 11:24-26 [KJV] May the gospel resting upon each heart, and upon our lips, continue to reach as a seed well-sown. Thank You for 'Genesis' to help us to increasingly 'Believest Thou'.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for giving us a heart for service and forgiving us into worship, with a hope that is enduring for the surety of the gospel and the counsel of the Spirit. We find peace, leaning on the everlasting arms. Thank You, for forty years and counting. Thank You for the shepherd You have placed over this flock. Thank You for spiritually-sensitive ministry opportunities within and beyond our walls. Thank You for forty years of mercy and grace. With the banner of our faith raised high, we say, Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus! Amen!
By Dea. McNeal Brockington

Would you like to share your testimony? Follow the Devotional format above and email your devotional to paula1028smith@gmail.com.