Have you ever considered how accountable many businesses want you and me to be when it comes to confirming or postponing our appointments? [This is certainly needful], Most, if not all, have long practiced charging you a fee if you forget your appointment, or fail to contact them within twenty-four hours to postpone it. Without a doubt, one’s thoughtlessness and apathy towards the greatest of all divine “appointments,” is of far greater significance. The command found in today’s title scripture reveals that our loving Lord desires His own to have assurance of our salvation. [See 1 John 5:11-13] In God’s own eyes, those whom He called or elected before the foundation of the world are already “seated in heavenly places” in Christ. Many reject this clearly taught scriptural principle,
despite its declaration in Romans 8:29, 30, Ephesians 1:5, 11, Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:4, and 2 Timothy 2:10.

The Lord has assigned us a role in seeking our own heart assurance concerning this precious gift called saving faith. He instructs us to be in earnest pursuit of godly virtues, and that we be on “the grow” in Christlikeness. (It’s why we’ve been left here after our second birth). Do you, dear reader, possess a strong ambition to increasingly look like Him who purchased you with His blood? View the list in 2 Peter 1:5-7. If we set our heart on adding to our faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love, God promises to us an abundant welcome into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter1:11). From an eternal perspective, such divinely inspired ambitions have no earthly equivalent!

PRAYER: Dear Father, we humbly ask You to renew our heart ambitions to live out loud each day, boldly and purposefully pursuing what pleases You, for Your glory and delight. Thank You in Jesus’ name; amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs

Eternal God and our gracious Father in heaven, once again, we are so thankful for the privilege You have given to us to open Your Word and to hear from You.  We do yield to the Holy Spirit desiring that He would have freedom to fully work in us as we yield completely to Him.  We pray that everything intended to be accomplished in our hearts at the hearing of the Word would be done to the fullest.  May we be brought to the place that pleases You, to the place that brings us to an awareness and enlightenment of those things you desire us and those things, Lord God, that you want us to be responsible for in these days that we’re living in.  We lift up to You all who are dealing with this time that we are struggling and wrestling with various trials. We pray, Father God, that You will continue to cause Your people to have great assurance of faith. May we have great peace and joy through the midst of these trying times, that we might, Father, also be better people as a result of this time of trial. May we the church, left in the world to go through this with the world, be a better witness. May indeed it make us more committed to be the kinds of people that You have called us to be. So, use me now, I pray, that I may speak in accordance to the Word and we’ll give You praise again, Father, we’ll give you thanks for whatever’s accomplished in Jesus’ name amen and amen.
Pastor Wayne Cockrell

David, a man after God’s own heart, experienced an unfair comparison. As David and King Saul were returning home from slaughtering the Philistines, the women came out to sing and dance with joy and musical instruments. They sang in I Samuel 18: 7-8a “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him…”

The Hebrew word translated “angry” means “to burn within” and the Hebrew word for “displease” means “inner turmoil.” As Saul did a slow burn, his stomach turned. Saul’s self-talk led him to “look at David from that day on” with suspicion. Thus, suspicion was fueled by jealousy that grew to hate. Paul’s challenge to the Corinthians was to show humility when he refused to compare himself with others or engage in self-promotion. His only personal concern was what the Lord thought of him.

When we compare ourselves with others we often need certain people to validate us. When that doesn’t happen, we tend to feel ineffective. We have to learn to operate in the sphere of our God given talents and giftedness for God’s glory and choose to please Him. The Lord can do great things through those who don’t care who gets the credit.

PRAYER Lord thank You for conforming me into Your image for Your glory and gifting me with the gifts and talents that testify of You. What a privilege to partner with You in displaying Your Kingdom agenda.
By Sis. Cheryl Torain

SCRIPTURE: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.” Isaiah 40:29

The diagnosis says cancer, so who or what do I really live for,
Certainly, the external is dying, but who and what drives my core?

Cancer touches the body and mind along with other areas of living,
It occupies fear, faith, family, pain, uncertainty, and identity.

I and others may have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have us,
We seek and trust Christ’s love, strength, hope, and presence.

Faith, questions, and medical procedures are not our enemies,
Fervent prayers, treatments, and medication are hand and hand remedies.

So, we don’t have to be consumed with doubt, worry, or fear,
This is the opportunity for us to draw to Him, so He will draw nearer.

Fear following a cancer diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean someone lacks faith,
The psalmist doesn’t say, “I never become afraid,” He says, “WHENEVER I am afraid…”

Even during a serious illness, believers were never told there will be no hardship,
However, biblical promises assure us that the Lord will fulfill our heavenly partnership.

The Lord remains in our presence through obstacles, difficulties, and sufferings,
My circumstances, whereabouts, and conditions have no power over my spiritual covering.

Hospitals, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and waiting rooms cannot be avoided,
However, in each area, there is a closet where the Lord and your prayers aren’t excluded.

Therefore, invite the Lord to be your social worker, caretaker, and physician,
He will maintain and sustain our survival throughout this complicated condition.

We must value the promises of His presence despite what we go through,
We must pray and remind ourselves at our weakest moments, “I am with you.”

Our Christian faith doesn't require someone to know all the answers,
Tomorrow is unpredictable, but He is with us while experiencing this cancer.

So, when appointments, procedures, and medication start causing stress,
Christ doesn't demand exhausted people to manufacture strength they don't possess.

So, when the challenges of cancer persist, the Lord will give strength to the weak,
Sometimes His strength may give courage for the journey, moment, day, or week.

The Lord tells us to pray without ceasing because this disease doesn’t own us,
The fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much is the divine and promised bonus.

Therefore, let’s lift all those who have been diagnosed with cancer openly,
Lord! Heal, comfort, encourage, remove, bless, and strengthen our journeys.

PRAYER: Thank You, Jesus! You promised to be with us through our trials, circumstances, and sufferings. We love You! In the name of The Son!
By Bro. Glenny Moore

In full transparency, somedays, maybe even most days, when I look in the mirror I don’t see pretty or beautiful although those words have been attached to me often. However, I have looked at pictures and have seen and do see the pretty and the beautiful others see. Nonetheless, I went through decades of my life not truly seeing beautiful. I do know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What’s beautiful to one may not be beautiful to another however there are some people that all people look at and think, “God was showing off when they made him or her”. Sadly, too often, we can miss our beauty and instead see mainly our flaws. Isn’t it good news that God does not see us the way we see ourselves; that He does not look at the outward appearance but instead sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Then there are those people who know they are beautiful and fully walk in it, arrogant, entitled, confident and alluring. These are the people whose outward appearance causes you to look twice. However, “charm is deceitful and beauty is passing but a woman who fears the Lord, shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). Men, you are not left out of this sentiment. Now, imagine a person with outward beauty, a little above average, or even plain with flare who does not recognize that they are beautiful. This person may suffer with low self-esteem and struggle with representing Christ well because they see themselves through human eyes instead of God’s eyes. Consequently, the person who sees their outward beauty may miss the importance of inner beauty.

I spent decades being these two people: not seeing the outward beauty and sometimes missing the inner beauty and then seeing the outward beauty and neglecting the importance of inner beauty. The internal rollercoaster this caused wreak havoc on my emotional and spiritual well-being, but the entire time the Lord was trying to show me my worth in His eyes. When we depend on our eyes and/or the world’s eyes to tell us what we are, God’s message can be missed. When I read that I was “fearfully and wonderfully made and that marvelous are His works” I began to think about all the time wasted worrying about not being the gold standard in the world’s eye and even the time wasted thinking I was the “bee’s knees.” I needed balance. I began to read and recite Psalms 139:14 daily and mediate on what it meant. I was mind-blown when I realized that I wasted so many years toiling over my worth through the world’s lens instead of God’s lens. Glory be to God that His Word not only guides but uplifts and educates. The Lord has given us everything we need to thrive, to succeed, and to be spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy.

PRAYER:  Thank You, Father for Your Word that gives us everything we need. Thank You for Your patience with us, and Your Grace and Mercy. Thank You for letting us know that beauty is more than skin deep. Thank You for showing us that You understand the importance of beauty and that everything You have created has beauty, worth, and purpose. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns

After the disciples rebuked those bringing the children to Jesus, He rebuked the disciples. He received the children, embraced them, and blessed them, as described. Soon afterward, we see Jesus encounter a 'rich young ruler'. In summary, he couldn't step away from his material wealth even for the sake of 'eternal life'. [Mark 10:17-22]  A passion for material gain will not get you God's favor, fellowship now, or heaven forever. Jesus put it this way, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!" speaking presumably to the disciples, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Mark 10:24,25

Jesus' message is clear, though it also astonished the disciples. The choice of the children also instructs us, as they did not run to the rich young ruler [probably to his surprise]. They had a choice, and they chose Jesus wholeheartedly. In context, Jesus, the disciples, the children and their parents, and the rich young ruler were all a part of the same unfolding scene, probably along with others. The children chose Christ. May the lesson of these ones inform us all. "...Who then can be saved?" Mark 10:26

It's up to the Savior..."Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14

PRAYER: Dear Lord, while we wait, move us with a child's heart to love You more than anything. In Jesus' name. Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington

As often as we may find ourselves in the midst of circumstances that tempt us to complain, recall the words of Job 2:10. Next, make an attitudinal U-turn, telling yourself: “DON’T----God allowed it!” Lest we be guilty of complaining against God Himself, we MUST train our minds and hearts to really give thanks IN everything—despite how unnatural or counterintuitive that seems! Life gives us numerous opportunities to practice this aspect of a “renewed mind,” does it not? We’ve undoubtedly heard many sermons over the years about the exceedingly broad topic of adversity: its inevitability and how to respond to it with the proper attitude, i.e., by embracing a godly disposition of trusting God, if we’re to GROW through it.

Despite this command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, to be thankful in the midst of trials, such circumstances challenge even those who’ve been saved for many years to look heavenward, asking our Lord ‘Why?’ Why do we wrestle so against this “staple” of the human experience? Job 5:7 says that “Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.” Most of us can quote John 16:33(b), which reminds us that in this world we will have tribulation, but that we’re to choose to be of good cheer, because in our Savior we really have overcome this world! “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?”

For an extensive treatment on “bad things happening to good people,” I highly recommend, along with the Book of Job, a book by the late Dr. James Dobson called When God Doesn’t Make Sense. For people who’ve unwittingly chosen to cherish a God of their own making, as referenced in 2 Corinthians 11:4, rather than the perfectly holy, perfectly loving, perfectly just, and absolutely sovereign God of the Bible, it makes sense to reexamine the Scriptures and firmly embrace the One who causes ALL things to work together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to HIS purposes. (Rom. 8:28)

PRAYER: Dear Lord, we ask Your forgiveness for at times failing to walk by faith or for “fainting in the day of adversity,” (Proverbs 24:10). Help us to remember that You came not to save us from all trouble, as one preacher put it, but to be IN trouble WITH us! For that we praise and exalt Your holy and awesome name! Amen!
By Denise Diggs

Our eternal Father, and our gracious God, once again as a people assembled all over the nation, we bow our hearts before you, and we open the Word desiring that You would speak to us. We do agree that the entrance of this Word gives us light. We have such a need for light in this day with information all around us abounding.  You have given unto us a Word and an unadulterated truth that we might know how we ought to deal in the daily affairs of life, even in this time of trial. So we asked God, once again, that the Holy Spirit would bless with enlightenment and that You would use me to speak in accordance to Your Word that You’ve given unto us and many great things will happen in the hearts of all those who hear this day and beyond this day, we pray this in Jesus’ name, amen and amen.
Pastor Wayne Cockrell
Taken from God Proves Again He Is

While visiting a church one Sunday, a minister began to give the invitation and he said it’s as simple as A-B-C: accept, believe, and confess. Of course, he went on to explain that you Accept Christ as your personal Savior by Believing in your heart and Confessing with your mouth. It truly is that simple. I quickly thought it doesn’t stop there, the real work begins at D. After accepting, believing, and confessing you must be dedicated to God’s word and be disciplined and diligent in your Christian walk. Too often young believers aren’t told the “rest of the story” and as a result may spend time not fully understanding salvation and what it entails. Salvation doesn’t stop at believing and confessing it also comes with change. Once we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we are changed and changed people should act like changed people. However, sometimes it takes us a while to get the message that we are different. But God is faithful and His grace and mercy keeps us as we learn to maneuver life as a new believer.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for grace and mercy. Thank you for Your faithfulness. Thank you for forgiving us and chastening us when our behavior has us looking like You aren’t our Daddy. Thank you for being patience and understanding when the change that has already happened doesn’t show itself quickly. Thank you for such a great love that while we were still sinners You died for us. What a love!!! In Jesus name, Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns

I’ve realized that everything has my attention except Christ,
Yet, I’ve convinced myself and others, He is the love of my life.

Imagine if the love I gave to Him, came right back to me,
How would I feel about my companion repeatedly ignoring me.

Everything else receives my attention, affection, time, or energy,
Yet, the blame isn’t always something bad, sin, Satan, or enemies.

I am simply having issues concentrating on what should matter the most,
The moment good deeds become more important, I miss the divine goal.

Hobbies, sports, movies, social media, and relationships can be legitimate,
But if any of them compete with Christ, it devalues and reduce His significance.

Consequently, I must determine what is a devotion versus what is a distraction,
Knowingly, what fills us eventually comes out, whether spiritual or worldly attachments.

Distraction says: “I'll spend time with God when I get everything else done.”
Devotion says: “Sure, I have many things to do, as long as Christ is solely One.”

Distraction says: “I don't have time to study the Bible.”
Devotion asks: “What received the time I said I didn't have when idle?”

Distraction slowly consumes me, while devotion intentionally chooses,
So, my time will either be spiritually maximized or religiously misused.

Therefore, distraction divides my attention, while devotion directs my attention,
My choice will establish my heavenly retirement and eternal pension.

PRAYER: Lord! You deserve so much more than to be marginalized. You are the One I seek. There is no comparison to Your deity. Forgive me for the distraction I either allowed or welcomed. Take Your rightful place, Father! In the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.
By Bro. Glenny Moore

When I speak to family and friends about church, I find that there are standards that must be met by the church of their choice. Folks say the church must have good music; they say they prefer a church with activities for the young people; while the older saints say they like a church with activities that appeal to seniors. Some even go as far as to stress that at their church the preacher must be able to keep their attention. I am finding that many persons of faith go to church looking for what validates themselves and nothing to do with what God has said.

The Word of God lays some foundations to help us narrow down what should matter about the local church we attend. In Matthew 21:13, Christ proclaimed His house shall be called a house of prayer. Then Hebrews 10:25, emphasizes the motivation in our attending as well as our purpose in assembling together. We must not fail to assemble or fellowship with those of like faith. For this is how we establish the Word of God and the practices that aide our faith in the Lord Jesus. When we assemble, we stir up love and good works with exercises, such as prayer.

Prayer is our direct communication with the Lord we say we are serving. We saw prayer
practiced by Jesus. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we read where Jesus prayed for the
obedience and strength to die on the cross. Scripture says He cried to the Father tears like
great drops of blood, even. When we see the way Jesus honored prayer, we understand that prayer should be deemed essential to our faith. It is what gives power to the believer. Without it, we become an offense and we neglect one of the great privileges of the believer. Scripture teaches we should always pray. I came to GBFC on Walker Ave., and I remember the many prayers that went forth for Deacon Williamson’s healing. Every Wednesday the saints prayed for our dear brother. Then, one Sunday before church started, he came walking down the center aisle. I knew it was the deacon in question by the saint’s cheers of praise. The saints had diligently prayed according to and in alignment with God’s Word...and because God’s promises are yes and amen; GBFC was able to see our brother raised up again, and all for the glory of Jesus. Hallelujah!!

PRAYER: Lord, sometimes we lose sight of where we should be and who should direct our choices. Forgive us. Help us to remember Psalm 119:105, “Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.” You are the One we are to trust always. That whatever may come, we believe You are the One to order our steps and You are always clear. May we believe You, Oh Lord, above what others may say or do. In Jesus’ Name-Amen!
By Sis. Lisa Williams

Elisha (II Kings 4:2) asked the widow this question, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” That’s where we all start. We say, “Lord I need Your help!” and the Lord says, “What have I already given or done for you?” The widow then said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house, but a jar of oil.”

How many times do we see, not by faith, but by sight and we see nothing but the times of great testing instead of failing to remember the many times the Lord has supplied our needs or delivered us at the 12th hour! We see nothing but blinded faith that fails to recognize the benefit of the closed doors! We see nothing when God changes our circumstances to bring healing, but we want things to stay the same.

Yes, the widow had nothing in the house but a jar of oil, but that was all that she needed!! Her trial was now an opportunity for God to add sight to her faith. We see the problem, but God sees the solution; we see the barriers, but God sees the open door; we see the giants, but God sees grasshoppers; we see “now”, but God sees everything in the eternal – yesterday, today and tomorrow.

PRAYER: Hallelujah!! Thank You, Jesus, for not leaving us in the “right now”. You began a good work in us to conform us into Your image, and You will complete it. May we grow to recognize “but this is all I have” to “but this is all you need for the Lord to be glorified.
By Sis. Cheryl Torain

SCRIPTURE: “But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Matthew 16:23  

As the fictional space-traveling vessel journeyed through space, approaching another familiar-looking vessel, the villainous leader of the former nefariously and sarcastically remarked that they were all just ‘one big happy fleet.’ His wicked plan was to blast the more benevolent and unsuspecting vessel of souls into smithereens! However, the occupants of the latter vessel, believing the occupants in the first spacecraft to be in imminent danger, did not raise their defense shields. Shortly thereafter, all their naivete quickly dissolved under the evil aggressors’ attack!

Time and experience have taught me that no matter how long one has been trusting in Jesus, we should never proceed through our days on “automatic pilot,” or with “shields down!” You may be at work, or retired, in the supermarket, or even at church—it doesn’t matter. Matthew 26:41 and 1 Corinthians 16:13 both admonish us to watch and pray, to be on the alert; [Satan’s emissaries have always hung out amongst the saints; let’s not be naïve].

In an unguarded moment, any of us can allow incoming remarks and thoughts, and a multitude of carnal acts coming from human vessels of the enemy to throw us off the Christ-pleasing pathway. Is not this to be every Christ follower’s highest goal—to live a life that gladdens, rather than saddens, the heart of our God our Savior? PUT ON THAT HOLY ARMOR every weekday morning—and SUNDAY mornings, TOO! If we, like the Apostle Peter in the title verse, are not thoughtful prior to speaking, or fail to pass the remarks or not-so-subtle offenses that others may make toward us through our shield of spiritual discernment, through our shield of faith [in ALL that our Lord has declared], we, too, may easily be blown off-course saying and thinking things that grievously misrepresent our Lord! Shields UP, saints of God! Praise the Lord!

PRAYER: Dear Father, since You’ve described us each as “fearfully and wonderfully made,” we Your twice-born children have the capacity to practice the use of spiritual astuteness every day. Help us to perfect this practice! Thank You, Lord, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
By Denise Diggs

Eternal God and our gracious heavenly Father, we bend our knees before You and look to You now to ask Your blessing upon the hearing of the Word to all who have an ear to what the Spirit is saying this morning.  That You Lord God, would do a mighty work in us bringing about the encouragement, the peace and the assurance. Fortify our faith in these times we live in, that You might give us a fresh assurance of Your control and power, protection and provision in this time.  We ask, oh God, that You would use me once again to speak in accordance to Your oracles and when it’s all said and done, our Father, we’ll be careful to give You all the praise and all the honor and all the glory, we ask in Jesus’ name. amen and amen.
Pastor Wayne Cockrell
Taken from a New Praise for a Great God

Trials are inevitable, but when they come without warning they are like a left hook. An unanticipated devastating punch which not only floors you causing embarrassment, but it also produces shock and awe amazement, mainly because you didn’t see it coming and you couldn’t even prepare for the impact. Whether it’s a common trial or a left hook trial, just know that there was a conversation in heaven about you and your trial.

Don’t believe me? “Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, (Genesis 11:7)” a conversation God had with either divine council of heavenly beings or angels, the Holy Trinity or the plural of majesty (royal we) to thwart man’s attempt in making a tower to heaven. “And the Lord said, ‘You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.’(1 Kings 22:19-23)” a conversation God had with all the host of heaven to send a lying spirit to persuade Ahab.   “Have you considered my servant, (Job 1:8)”  a conversation God had with Satan about Job. These are just three examples of such conversations.

Unlike the first two examples, it is clear that Job feels that he is under a left hook trial: Oxen, donkeys, camels -raided and gone; servants-destroyed by the sword; sons and daughters-crushed and killed; a wife who asks him to curse God and die; boils from head to toe; and to top it all off, three tormenting friends. Job is under attack, but while we are privy to God’s conversation with Satan in Job 1:6-12 and 2:1-7, Job is not. A blameless and upright man only knows his life has been disrupted by a series of horrendous trials. Unbeknownst to Job, there have been conversations in Heaven about him. He doesn’t know that God has said, “there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? (Job 1:8).” Like Job, our trials cause us to question, doubt, become angry, seek solace from close friends, demand God tells us, ‘Why?’ “What did I do to deserve this, Lord?” “Am I being punished?” Finally, we endure, maybe, at some point we acquiesce. Uncle! It is only with an encounter with Jesus that we can take a retrospective look at our trials and see how the Lord has kept us.

God knows what His ultimate goal is for our trails – to be conformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). When we do encounter trials, please realize that we were hand selected, personally recommended, and called by name. It was God approved and God allowed. So, get in the habit of not thinking that some strange thing happened to you (1 Peter 4:12). The good news is that while I have been chosen for this trial, Jesus has me in the palm of His hand and He is in the palm of the Father’s hand. Therefore, I am doubly secured, doubly protected (John 10:28-30) and greatly loved. Yes, the trial will come, and I will endure, but Jesus and my Father  already had a conversation in Heaven about it!

PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, sometimes we really don’t know why a trial has come in our lives, but let us proclaim in any trial, “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
By Sis. Paula Smith

Christ's faithfulness isn't dependent upon life's predictability, or even ours,
It gives us hope and strength in all situations through His divine purposeful power.

Life is unpredictable, but Christ is predictable according to what the scripture reads,
Not because we always know what He is doing, but because it tells us who He will always be.

We don't know what tomorrow will bring, but we know who will be there when tomorrow arrives,
Knowing His presence sustains us in all seasons while enabling us to live free and spiritually thrive.

Jesus Christ is dependable, consistent, faithful, and unchanging,
Even when circumstances are uncertain, He is the same and unwavering.

We cannot predict every move of God, but we can depend upon the character of God,
When life becomes challenging, we can predict the Lord is at the end as well as the start.

So, despite unexpected trouble, loss, blessings, opportunities, disappointments, and delays,
He is still faithful, Holy, loving, and merciful, while His Word is true and remain the same.

Meanwhile, I must prepare through prayer to grow through,
I am grateful He is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Therefore, if we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself,
The Lord doesn’t rely on people or circumstances to determine His divine help.

PRAYER: Father! Our thoughts and ways are not Yours. Your divine plan for us involves unpredictable obstacles. Yet, your presence is the Constant that we can count on. Thank You, Lord! In the matchless name of Jesus!
By Bro. Glenny Moore 

Rooted people show disappointment, anger, fear, and other emotions. In their human frailty they can waver. There are some storms that hit the rooted so hard and so quickly that their branches may bow but their roots stay grounded. Consider the disciples, they were in the midst of a violent storm, were physically with Jesus and yet they were afraid. There can be much speculation as to why they were afraid or why they should not have been afraid, but the fact is they were afraid. Moreover, these were tough men who were no strangers to the sea or its storms, yet they were still fearful. What type of storm could cause fear in such men? The scripture says, “”and suddenly a great tempest (storm, hurricane, typhoon) arose  on the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves” (Mat 8:24). So just like certain illnesses or situations can catch us by surprise, this storm caught the disciples by surprise. They were not prepared for a storm of this proportion. It doesn’t mean they weren’t prepared for storms; they were fishermen, but they were hit suddenly and hard by a storm of huge proportions.

Imagine, the waves covering the boat and filling it with water, the men trying to get the water out of the boat while the boat is being tossed to and from by waves and wind. Sails ripping, beams breaking, men yelling and trying to move about the boat while it is literally being rocked violently. If you have ever been on a cruise ship in a storm you know it is scary. The disciples were wet, cold, despondent and afraid, yet the Lord slept peacefully. The disciples were afraid despite having the Lord with them on the boat. They were afraid despite being with the Lord who had previously performed miracles in their presence. The disciples were rooted but still human. When the storm hit, they started to doubt the power and protection of Christ. Their faith had diminished a little because of fear even after witnessing the great faith of the Centurion soldier.  

Despite being fully aware of who Jesus was and what He could do they were still afraid. Did these rooted men believe Christ would let them perish? Did they doubt His power? Did they see and still not believe? Regardless of the reason, they were afraid in the midst of a storm that struck suddenly and was wreaking havoc on their boat. While this was happening, Jesus slept. Jesus, the master of the sea, was unbothered by the storm and in His human form needed rest. Nonetheless, the scripture says that the disciples went and woke Him saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” So, they knew he could save them and went to Him when they were afraid and asked for help. They acknowledged His power with that simple statement, “Lord, save us!” but also admitted their doubt by saying, “We are perishing!” Although they were rooted, they allowed fear to control them. They knew but did not believe; sound familiar? Jesus asked, “Why are you fearful? O you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked (reprimanded, admonished) the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Imagine the disciples in that boat in that storm without Jesus; imagine if they weren’t rooted. Being  rooted or rootless makes a big difference in this scenario and in life. Rooted believers can be like the disciples: on the boat, in the storm with Jesus and still afraid. Fear caused them to forget that their boat is designed to weather all storms because the One who controls the storm built the boat and is on the boat (He will never leave nor forsake you- Hebrews 13:5). Yes, the storms of life will come; death, sickness, unemployment, relationship problems, addiction and disease, and we may get dismayed, depressed, or afraid. However, the rooted believer, even when afraid or disappointed, can take comfort in that fact that although storms will come, disappointments will happen he is kept and protected by the Master of the Sea.

PRAYER: Father, thank You for rescuing us from the storms of life. Thank You for rebuking our fears ,but not our requests. Thank You for coming when we call and calming our concerns. Forgive us Father for doubting Your Power. Forgive us for knowing, but not believing in Your protection, Your goodness, Your grace, and Your mercy. When the storms of life are raging it is You who calms the troubled waters of our hearts and minds. Thank You for always being with us and thank You for Your Son, Jesus the Christ who died and rose for our sins. In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns

SCRIPTURE:  "A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, 'Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.' 2 So Elisha said to her, 'What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?' And she said, 'Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.' 3 Then he said, 'Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. 4 And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.' 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. 6 Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, 'Bring me another vessel.' And he said to her, 'There is not another vessel.' So the oil ceased. 7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, 'Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.'" 2 Kings 4:1-7

Faith is idle when circumstances are right, only when they are adverse is one’s faith in God exercised. Faith, like a muscle, grows strong and supple with exercise. It is not believing that God can, but believing that God will!

The widow in II Kings 4:1-2, referred to as a “certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets,” would not be able to comprehend the unfolding of God’s providence in her life. Her new walk of faith would require human responsibility which would stretch her understanding of the power and awesomeness of God. There arose a crisis for this woman – the death of her husband.

Death is a new place of testing that will provide an opportunity to experience the awesomeness of God’s character and His love. Whether it is a literal death, death of a marriage, death of a friendship, or death of a dream, it is a separation of what was familiar from the unfamiliar. You may have support and encouragement from others, but the intimacy of the Lord is immeasurable.

Our Great God is always reliable, but never predictable!! Death is that challenge in life that you can never predict or be prepared for. It is the darkness of the unknown and heart pain that will test the genuineness of your faith. Will you choose to still trust Him?

Prayer: Jesus, my Comforter and my peace, may You strengthen me in this new place of heart pain. You said that You would never leave me or forsake me and I choose to rest in the comfort of Your Word.
By Sis. Cheryl Torain

I once suggested to a lady who lived alone that she consider getting a  “low maintenance” pet, perhaps a cat, to keep her company.  I secretly hoped that she hadn’t seen that placard in Big Lots that said, ‘Dogs have masters; cats have staff!’  She candidly responded, ‘You know, I much more prefer the IDEA of a cat than actually getting’ one—they’re so cute and cuddly-lookin’ in pictures!  This woman had made an honest assessment of her desire for a feline houseguest.

Many people, sadly, are not as honest with themselves about their desires as that dear lady was.  They’re desirous of the IDEA of a thing, moreso than its REALITY!  The God of the universe wants to help us  choose wisely in the area of our desires.  In chapter 37 of Psalms, He describes how verse four is not merely a “blank check” for having our every worldly desire fulfilled.  Rather, He prioritizes our pursuit of divine eternal pleasures that cannot be shaken, regardless of what is happening in this world!  Hebrews 12:27. While Psalms 27:4 and 38:9 highlight the importance of the nature of our desires to our Lord, a careful reading of Mark 10:35-45 magnifies the seriousness of assessing our personal desires.  Both our motives and a counting of the costs involved should be honestly weighed, lest we find those desires misaligned with the BEST HE has for us!
 
PRAYER:  Dear Abba, in Your omniscience, You know that our human desires are often fickle, short-lived, and can even be self-destructive, if unwisely and prayerlessly pursued.  Help us to restructure our desires, so as to prefer Your best for us; grant us Your grace to dispense with the rest!  Thank You, in Jesus’ name; amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs

SCRIPTURE: "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown." Revelation 3:7-8, 10,11

So, what does it mean 'Philadelphia', to not deny the name of God, and to 'keep the word of My patience'? What does it mean to have before one, an 'open door' placed by God. The gift of each day brings with it divine appointments, as God is intentional to have 'good' show up. His patience is for 'good'.

As the lyrics from a contemporary Christian song would state, '... if it's not good, then you're not done, no He's not done with you, yet... There will be joy in the morning.'  When the soul produces favor from favor, the Lord is pleased, much like when the 'soil' receives from the heavens and is thereafter fruitful to offer a lush bounty. "For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;... 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Hebrews 6:7, 10

Our Lord is one who radically gives, and cherishes the recipient who, in kind, gives as it is right to do so. Being charitable, speaks to our wealth, in Christ. Maturing in Christ, we recognize this very thing. Declaring our good works in the world, even our giving, aligns with a faith that is alive, and 'sharp', to the revealing of grace. Practice His presence. Sharpen the edge.

"For you 'know' the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9 Dare to do so, in kind.

PRAYER: Knowing that You love a cheerful giver, Lord help us to be such each day. Such growth in grace matters much! Lead us to trust, and obey. Bless You Jesus! Amen!
By Dea. McNeal Brockington

Eternal God and our gracious heavenly Father, we bend our knees before You and look to You, now, to ask Your blessing upon the hearing of the Word to all who have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying this morning. Lord God, do a mighty work in us bringing about encouragement, peace and  assurance.  I pray that You would fortify our faith in these times that we live in,  that You might give to us a fresh assurance of Your control and power and Your protection and Your provision in this time. We ask, oh God, that You would use me once again to speak in accordance to Your Oracles and when it’s all said and done, our Father, we’ll be careful to give You all the praise and all the honor and all the glory for we ask it in Jesus’ name, amen and amen.
Pastor Wayne Cockrell taken from “A New Praise for a Great God”

We have many celebrations at work; and one subject that almost always come up is, Favorite Words.  I have never thought about my favorite word. Well, now I have claimed one. It was during a morning conversation with my manager. I expressed the gratitude that comes when I think about my identity in Christ. Yes, I went on to share that my favorite word is “Grace.”

Years ago, when I worked at W. R. Grace (no pun intended), I claimed that my favorite verse was Isaiah 30:18, “Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him.”   It would figure that Isaiah 30:18, mentions the word, “Gracious”. The verse lends itself to be a means of exhortation; to share with us the Lord’s goal and objective towards us. He is always in pursuit of us. He desires to give to us and provide within us the amazing gifts that can only be identified as His Grace. In and of ourselves we could never measure up or be able to express the height and depth of God’s Grace towards us. He gave His absolute best to those who were His enemies. Who does that? He went far beyond what we could imagine and gave His Grace, His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of Christ, we have the privilege to possess such fruit as love, peace, hope, joy, kindness, generosity, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The work on the cross is a symbol of all of the Lord’s precious Grace. We have only to begin to tap into all of His grand compassions He wants to give us, that in turn, we may extend to one another, as well. God, the Father, in His infinite wisdom, knew we needed a Savior like Jesus. One who is able to accomplish God’s purposes and exemplify the idea of seeing pass faults and offenses and giving unreachable, abounding, and unmeasurable Grace.

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your thoughts to grant us all of what is good and profitable. Thank You for granting us Your “idea” of Grace. Help us to treasure what we have in Jesus. That we may be able to rise above the matters of this life and world and possess our security which is found in only You that we may extend unrelentless grace to others. We want to always give You ALL the Honor, Praise, Witness, & Glory that is forever due Your Holy and Precious NAME…In Your Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!
By Sis. Lisa Williams

In as much as we see trials all about us, troubles inward and outward, sin seeming to abound, there is the grace of gratitude.  For a moment, Jonah was content with the plant God prepared to give him comfort. What relief has God raised up for you in your time of discomfort, misery, sorrow?  Did that reprieve bring about a lasting contentment?  Or like Jonah did you return to a spirit of disappointment? Contentment is a form or gratitude-the one who practices it appreciates where they are and asks for nothing more or less. Oh, to be grateful, Lord.

The vicissitudes of life are but a test and the goal of this test is for us to be conformed in the image of Christ.  Do you hate tests? Most of us do.  Just seeing the word “test” provokes anxiety, but “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7); incites fear, but “God has not given you a spirit of fear but of love power and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7); and causes temporary amnesia, but “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:” (Psalm 103:2).

These three, anxiety, fear, and forgetfulness-ones Jonah clearly experienced- are just responses to God approved, or God allowed trials and they are the antithesis of gratitude. Through the Refiners fire God seeks to draw off this dross of imperfection and create a heart of gratitude, thanksgiving and praise (Psalm 100). Be grateful, when trials come, God is after something and we’re right where we’re supposed to be.

PRAYER: Jesus, I thank You for the tests and trials. Even though they are uncomfortable, You know all things pertaining to me.  You desire truth in the inward parts, a walk that is well pleasing to You, and for me to look more like You!  Help me to embrace, possess, and display an attitude of gratitude, even when things in life are contrary to what I thought they should be.
By Sis. Paula Smith

What does it mean to be rooted. Rooted means to be so secure and confident that you are immovable. Being rooted in Christ means that you have unshakable trust (Proverbs 3:15), that your foundation is secure, your faith can not be rocked by false teachings and that you have peace in the storm. Rooted people produce fruit even in the droughts of life (Jeremiah 17:8b). The word is also an adverb intensifying the adjective (in this case) rooted. Example: For God SO loved the world.

While on YouTube one day I watched a video and a man said; “Be so rooted in God’s plan that even disappointment feels like divine protection. Stay rooted, steady, and planted in God’s will that when things don’t work in your favor, you recognize it as protection disguised as heartbreak.” He went on to say that failures are often fences put up to protect us. Can you imagine being so rooted?

How many storms have come into your life and you just fell apart? What about that guy or gal you liked who just wasn’t that into you or that person who broke your heart? Can you imagine being so secure and confident in God’s plan for your life that even disappointments feel like divine protection? What if you truly trusted God with all you heart and you did not lean on your own understanding would your failures seem more like fences used to protect you? Being rooted means that you know closed doors aren’t bad, they are God’s protection over your life. How many times have you asked the Lord to open the door if you should walk through it but close it if you shouldn’t just to get upset with the Lord for closing the door? Did you ever think that that particular job wasn’t meant for you; that maybe it would cost you some peace? When we are rooted in Christ; when we believe that the thoughts the Lord has toward us are thoughts of peace and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11), we are able to deal with disappointment and rejection differently.

Rooted people recognize that even in the storm God is with them and that even when we feel alone God is there. (Deuteronomy 31:8) So often believers say, “I’m blessed and highly favored,” but become devastated when things don’t go as they planned. One of the hardest lessons learned is that feelings aren’t facts. Being rooted in God’s plan means going when He says go, trusting when He says no, and not allowing emotions and fear to cause us to be disobedient or defiant. Be so rooted…

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father forgive us for doubting You. Forgive us for leaning unto our own understanding and becoming dismayed or angry when life disappoints us. Take charge of our thoughts, Lord and grow us in a way that we become so rooted in Your plan for our life that even in the storm our faith doesn’t waver. Lord, thank You for Your Word that helps plant us so securely that even in life’s droughts we still produce fruit. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus the Christ, who died and rose for our sins. In the matchless name of Christ, Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns

Hebrews 1:3 says “…who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” The Lord Jesus Christ is 100% God and 100% Man, the God-Man!!!

His emptying was an unquenchable, over-flowing, inexhaustible, exceedingly abundant climax of humiliation. Christ went to the depths of darkness and sin to obtain our salvation. Therefore, there is no height or depth of His exaltation. The exaltation was the reward for His humiliation. He was highly exalted; raised to the supreme position; exalted beyond measure. The whole Person of the Lord Jesus Christ was exalted to honor and power.
Prayer: Blessings and Honor and Glory and Power be to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever. Amen!!!
By Sis. Cheryl Torain