Welcome Back to GBFC's Daily Devotionals! September prepares us for the next season leaving behind wonderful memories of Summer.. Let's begin with today's Devotional by our Sis. Denise Diggs!

SCRIPTURE: “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. “ 1 Corinthians 2:12

Dear Christ follower, are you laying claim to those things which have been freely given to us as children of the King? [I am not endorsing in any way the foolish and presumptuous “name it, claim it” teaching of false prophets]. Rather, I’m reasserting that we Christ-followers have been given a divine right to what our Father has freely bestowed upon us. If you are not accessing these spiritual blessings by faith, it’s a bit like being one of those people to whom unclaimed money is owed by a financial institution, but for some reason it was forgotten about or otherwise left behind by the owner! Failure to access what is freely provided to us as God’s redeemed children is comparable to living under a cloud of “spiritual pauperism.”

In light of what has been freely given to those who belong to Christ, we must remain committed to living daily with our eyes on HIM—NOT on our feelings, NOT on conditions totally beyond our control, or the ungodly antics of carnally-minded persons in our midst! God knows EVERYTHING, says Matthew 10:26 and Hebrews 4:13—and has made all for Himself; yes, EVEN THE WICKED for the day of doom [Proverbs 16:4]—precious things to know, saints!

Things freely given to us include (1) the very MIND of CHRIST [1 Cor. 2: 14], (2) powers of discernment in spiritual matters [v. 15], (3) the guiding principles and promises of His Holy and immutable Word, (4) an earnest longing to APPLY that Word to every situation. For these gifts to mean anything, of course, one MUST be born again, pursuant to John 1:12 and 1 John 5:12. Just like the above-mentioned person who forgot he had unclaimed money, what “King’s kid” is content with living like a spiritual pauper?

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul; thank You, Lord, for making me WHOLE! Thank You, Lord, for giving to me, Thy GREAT SALVATION, so full and FREE! I LOVE YOU, LORD; AMEN!
** Song lyrics for “Thank You, Lord,” are by Seth Sykes & Bessie Sykes
By Sis. Denise Diggs

Welcome Back to GBFC's Daily Devotionals! We pray you had a wonderful Summer 2026. Let's Dive into today's Devotional with our Min. Lawrence Carpenter!

I was forty years old while traveling down a pathway of destruction, when the name of Jesus was clearly revealed to me. (John 1:12). I made it to my house. This passage of scripture lead me to my knees. While I kneeled to pray in my bedroom, I cried out to the Lord (Jesus) to save me. He heard and He answered and set me on a “path of life.”  Over the next few years, Jesus showed me that the “path of life” is open to all who would believe on His Name. This “path of life” is the only pathway that leads from earth to heaven.

I’d heard the gospel message several times as a youth. Yet, this forty-year-old man is a slave to sin…blinded by unbelief. (John 14:6). Jesus speaks to Thomas concerning the way...” truth and life” and that “no one comes to the Father except by Me.”  As a traveler, on the “path of life,” Jesus called me and placed me into His Ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). This causes a faithful servant to stop along the way home.

Therefore, being lead by the Holy Spirit, Jesus promised (John 14:21) …I stopped passed Genesis Bible Fellowship Church (building). I heard a familiar a familiar voice coming from a man, as he said, “I greet you in the wonderful name of Jesus.” I immediately recognized this voice. It was from a local Christian radio station where a man by the name of Pastor Wayne Cockrell taught the Word of God weekly…line upon line and precept upon precept. I’d consistently listened to his messages for several years. I was privileged to be a traveler in the area of GBFC at this particular time in my life.

Several years passed while I myself, spent many years preaching and teaching the Word of God, line upon line, precept upon precept. This time, I proposed to travel to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church for morning worship service. I have grown and continue to understand that my home is in heaven. I am just traveling through.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we are so thankful for your glorious ministry that You have given unto us. In Jesus’ name.
By Min. Lawrence Carpenter

DEVOTIONS WILL RESUME ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026. Until then, get caught up and enjoy our past devotionals!

It's Quiz Time! 

N__ is there s_____ in any ____, for t_____ is no o_____ n____ under h______ given a_____ men by w_____ we m_____ be s_____.
A_____ 4:12

A__ l__ u_ c_______ o__ a_______ i_ o____ t_ s___ u_ l___ a__ g___ w___,
H________ 10:24

n__ f______ t__ a_______ o_ o______ t______, a_ i_ t__ m____ o_ s___, b__ e_______ o__ a____, a__ s_ m___ t__ m___ a_ y__ s___ t__ D__ a___________.
H______ 10:25

It is so good to come into the House of the Lord and see the saints. You refresh our day, make us smile, alleviate the burden from the week prior, make us forget about trouble for a moment, remind us of others who need our help and our prayers, put us to shame when we complain. Yeah, seeing you all on Sunday does that and that's before we even hear the WORD!  Let's Commit this scripture to memory.

not f______ the a_______ of o______ together, as is the m____ of s___, but e_______ one a____, and so m___ the m___ as you s___ the Day a___________.
H______ 10:25

This is the accountability of a One Another Mindset - Encouraging one another. How can we grow into this mindset if we stay away from one another? The Day of Jesus' return is nearer than when we first believed. Keep repeating this scripture all day!

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25

This Sunday, put this scripture into practice. All it takes is a smile, a "hello," and "it's good to see you!"  Watch what will happen to the one who receives it!

And l__ us c_______ one a_______ in o____ to s___ up l___ and good w___,
H________ 10:24

As a church with a One Another Mindset one of our goals is to encourage you in your faith walk so that you may encourage others. It is in this way that God is glorified and the body of Christ edified!  Visualize the moment you enter the church, the smile that greets you and the "Hello" that meets you and meditate on this scripture.

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
Hebrews 10:24

Jesus is the way , the truth and the life! There's no way you can bypass Him to get to glory! Did you commit this scripture to song?

N__ i_ t____ s_____ i_ a___  ____, f___ t_____ i__ n__ o_____ n____ u____ h______ g_____ a_____ m___ b__ w_____ w__ m_____ b__ s_____.
A_____ 4:12

Truth be told, many of us use to think that there was more than one way to be saved and that Jesus was not the ONLY way! Then we discovered we were believing a lie! That's why we have to commit this to memory, so we can earnestly contend for the truth!  Try putting this verse to song and sing it ALL DAY! 

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

Let's put all three verses together for a powerhouse scripture and awesome reminder!

 “D_____ n__ l_____ u__ f___ y_______________ t_____________ o_ e________, w____ m____ a__ r______ d______ a___ w________ t________ b_____ i_ a_____ s_______;
M__________ 6:19

b__ l__ u_ f__ y_______ t________ i_ h______, w____ n____ m___ n__ r___ d_____ a__ w____ t_____ d_ n__ b____ i_ a__ s____.
M__________ 6:20

F__ w___ y___ t_____ i_, t____ y___ h____ w___ b_ a____.
M__________ 6:21

God already knows you have treasures that compete against Him. Here's the question, do you know?  Let's practice this one over and over again.

For w___ your t_____ is, t____ your h____ will be a____.
M______ 6:21

Here's the third part of this scripture and it is convicting. Take a look inward and ask the Lord to examine you. Here's another memorization reminder:

Author Jenifer Flanders recommends : 

1. Set the verses to music

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21

Here's the second part to this amazing scripture. Commit these directions to memory, put them in practice and just wait until you get to heaven. My goodness, all the treasure you will have stored in glory! Remember this memorization tip:

Author Jenifer Flanders recommends :

1. Put the verses in prominent places

but l__ up for y_______ treasures in h______,
where n____ moth nor r___ d_____ and where t_____
do not b____ in and s____.
M____ 6:20

Now we are told where to lay up treasures and the location lets us know that this is no ordinary treasure! Let's stay in the book of Matthew and commit these verses to memory. May this memorization tip work for you:

Author Jenifer Flanders recommends :

1. Write the verses out by hand

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves
do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:20

Day 20 and this warning is so on point, because the loss of a coveted thing can hit us so hard that it can bring us to tears. God is so good at getting our attention. Commit this verse to memory! Remember this tip?

Author Jenifer Flanders recommends :

1. Put the verse in prominent places

 “D_____ not l_____ up for y_______________ t_____________ on e________, where m____ and r______ destroy and w________ t________ break in a_____ s_______;
M______________6:19

Saints, it's Day 19 and studying God's Word for VBS has warmed us up for this beauty. Practice reciting this verse today and think about all the treasure you have laid up!
Remember this memorization tip:

Author Jenifer Flanders shares the following tip:

1. Write the verses out by hand

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;
Matthew 6:19

It's Time for the VBS Scripture Quiz! Can you get them all? God, Pastor and Sis. Mina will be so proud of you! 

MONDAY'S VERSE
F____ I c_______ t_______ t_______ s______ o__  t____ p_______ t_____ a____ n___ w________ t_  b_ c________ w____ t___ g_____ w______ s_______ b_  r_________ i_  u_____.
R__________ 8:18

TUESDAY'S VERSE
L__ u__ h_____ f_____ t____ c__________ o___ o____ h______ w________ w________, f____ H___ w____ p_________ i____  f___________.
H_________ 10:23

WEDNESDAY'S VERSE
T_________ i_  t___  S_____ m______ y____ f_____, y____ s______ b___  f______ i_______.
J________ 8:36

THURSDAY'S VERSE

I__ H___ w_  h_____ r______ t_________ H____ b_______, t_____ f__________ o__   s______, a_____________ t___ t____ r_________ o___  H_____ g__________,  E____________ 1:7

FRIDAY'S VERSE
T______ H___  w____ s____ o___ t____ t______ s______, “B_______, I  m______ a____ t________ n_____.” A____ H__  s_____  t___  m___, “W_____, f___ t_____ w_______  a____ t_______ a_____ f__________.”
R______________ 21:5

You're almost there! Add this last scripture to your Scripture tank and may the Holy Spirit bring it back to your remembrance in His appointed time!

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5

T______ He who s____ on the t______ said, “B_______, I  m______ all t________ new.” And He s_____  to me, “W_____, for these w_______ are t_______ and f__________.” R______________ 21:5

T______ H___  w____ s____ o___ t____ t______ s______, “B_______, I  m______ a____ t________ n_____.” A____ H__  s_____  t___  m___, “W_____, f___ t_____ w_______  a____ t_______ a_____ f__________.”
R______________ 21:5

It’s Day four of VBS and we hope that you are purposing to memorize each day’s VBS scripture. This week you are in the accelerated course. Take a few minutes out of your day to commit these to memory.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace Ephesians 1:7

In H___ we have r______ through His b_______, the f__________ of sins, a_____________ to the r_________ of His g__________,  E____________ 1:7

I__ H___ w_  h_____ r______ t_________ H____ b_______, t_____ f__________ o__   s______, a_____________ t___ t____ r_________ o___  H_____ g__________,  E____________ 1:7

It’s Day three of VBS and we hope that you are committing these VBS scriptures to memorize each day. This week you are in the accelerated course. Take a few minutes out of your day to commit these to memory. It’s a little verse with a BIG Bible Truth!

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36

T_________ if the S_____ makes you f_____, you s______ be f______ i_______. J________ 8:36

T_________ i_  t___  S_____ m______ y____ f_____, y____ s______ b___  f______ i_______. J________ 8:36

The second day of  VBS and we hope that you are purposing to memorize each day’s VBS scripture. This week you are in the accelerated course. Take a few minutes out of your day to commit these to memory. Heads up, Min. Arnell Carter will be awarding prizes for those who memorize these scriptures. Prizes include, but are not limited to, bubbles and stickers!

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23

L__ us h_____ fast the c__________ of our h______ without w________, f____ He who p_________ is f___________.
H_________ 10:23

L__ u__ h_____ f_____ t____ c__________ o___ o____ h______ w________ w________, f____ H___ w____ p_________ i____  f___________.
H_________ 10:23

In preparation for VBS we will purpose to memorize VBS's daily scriptures. This week you are in the accelerated course. All three days of memorization are rolled into one. Take a few minutes out of your day to commit this scripture to memory.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18

F____ I c_______ that the s______ of this p_______ time a____ not w________ to be c________ with the g_____ which s_______ be r_________ in u_____.
R__________ 8:18

F____ I c_______ t_______ t_______ s______ o__  t____ p_______ t_____ a____ n___ w________ t_  b_ c________ w____ t___ g_____ w______ s_______ b_  r_________ i_  u_____.
R__________ 8:18

Day 12 of our GBFC's Summer of Scripture Memorization and it's REVIEW TIME. Let's Go, Genesis!

F___ I k_______ w_______ I h_______ b________ a____ a_ p_____________ t____  H_______ i_  a_____ t__  k ________  w____ I h______ c_____________ u____ H_____ a____________ t______ d_____.  
2 T_________ 1:12

“B__ I s___ t_ y___ w__ h_____: L____ y____ e__________, d_  g_______ t_  t______ w__  h______ y___,” L_____6:27
B______ t_____ w___ c_____ y___, a___ p_____ f__  t____ w___ s_______ u___ y__."  L___ 6: 28

Day 11 of our GBFC's Summer of Scripture Memorization and it's QUIZ TIME. Let's Go, Genesis!

“B__ I s___ t_ y___ w__ h_____: L____ y____ e__________, d_  g_______ t_  t______ w__  h______ y___,” L_____6:27
B______ t_____ w___ c_____ y___, a___ p_____ f__  t____ w___ s_______ u___ y__."  L___ 6: 28