A husband and wife some years ago were discussing their advancement into life’s senior years—their “fourth quarter” of life.  The wife, referring to some recurring arthritis and joint pain issues, asked her husband, somewhat facetiously, ‘How come our parents never told us that these things would be happenin’ around this age?’  As is typical of many life events, the downside,  (in this case, of aging), can seem more applicable to others, rather than ourselves—until they become ours!   The husband thoughtfully replied, ‘Oh, they mentioned them; we just weren’t listening!’   EARLY ON in life, the Spirit’s alert is well worth heeding:   “..all flesh is like the grass, and all its glory is like the flower of grass.  The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the LORD endures forever [1 Peter 2:24].”

Oftentimes we’re forewarned about our futures, on the global and personal stages of life; but as our Savior warns  in  today’s verse, many do not have ears to hear, which is why  many younger people [and  older ones, too], fail to be the best stewards of their bodies while they are functioning at peak efficiency.  They seldom give much thought to their future physiological and, most importantly, their true spiritual conditions! Youth, as our title verse says, doesn’t last always; and tomorrow is certainly not promised!
 
That said, let us take inventory on what matters most in these temporal lives of ours, so that, as the Spirit warns through Solomon, we’ll heed His admonition:   “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come…” [Ecclesiastes 12:1].

PRAYER: Father God, help us to intensify our resolve to major on the things that matter most—as laid out in Your Word.  Thank You, in Christ’s name; amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs

Father, we thank You once again for the grace that You make available to us and we thank You for the Word, for the entrance of it does give us light. It gives us light, understanding, and it brings us into an awareness of who You are in a greater way. For You reveal Yourself to us, You show us what we need to know. You give us not only history, but You give us facts. You give unto us experience so that we can place our faith on the totality of Your faithfulness, your character, believing that You are and that You are a rewarder of them that diligently seek You. So today as we gather in this place, it is truly a time of great challenge to us as a church, having to be separated in our fellowship, having to be creative in how we get the Word out. We give You honor and praise and we ask that You would do a great work of strengthening Your church in the midst of this time. This trying time that we are in would bring us to a greater confidence, a greater awareness that You are God and that nothing can shake the foundations of Your church. No matter what happens in this world, the foundation of God stands sure. Why? Because You have given us a seal and You know those that are Yours and everyone that names the name of Christ must depart from iniquity. So, bless now we pray these words to the people, amen and amen!
Pastor Wayne Cockrell
Taken from Closing Prayer When the Heart of Man is Against the Hand of God

Insurmountable battles don’t come often, but when they do they provoke a weakness in our members. We foresee the end of the thing before the battle is even fought. Sometimes, we want to throw in the towel, because this thing is too great, our adversary is too formidable, the cost to battle is too expensive and we are so small and so weak. Yet,  “God’s strength is made perfect in our and when I am weak then I am strong. weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)” If we have ready anything in God’s Word, we ought to know by now that our heavenly Father works very well with the few who face the many.

Asa, the King of Judah, who did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God, faced the insurmountable challenge of battle with a foe whose army had over a 2 to 1 advantage (1, 300,000 to 580,000).  Well, some of us would have just laid down and died if we had to face such a large adversary. But GOD! King Asa would have no such thing. He went out with all 580,000 of his troops and beseeched the Lord his God with words I’d like all of us to memorize, “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!” (2 Chronicles 14:11). The Lord answered Asa’s prayer, but you must read the rest of the chapter for yourself and rejoice.

Oh, brothers and sisters, when God allows the challenge, the impossible, the inconceivable, cry out before Him with prayer and supplication, and rest in Him. He knows our frame. He knows our weakness and only He can delivers us from the insurmountable.  Recall a few examples; Moses crossing the Red Sea, Joshua and the Battle of Jericho, Gideon and his small army, Asa and many others. My take away from these is to Honor the Lord all the days of your life, then according to Isaiah 55:5-7  “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near, let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

One more thing, as a Child of God give thanks (1 Chronicles 16:34), give thanks for the ability to come before our Father God in prayer (Nehemiah 1:11), give thanks for His pity, grace, and mercy (Psalm 103:13, 2 Chronicles 7:3), give thanks for the victory (1 Chronicles 29:10-12), give thanks that He counted you worthy to endure (2 Timothy 2:3), in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

PRAYER: Gracious heavenly Father, You have allowed the insurmountable events in our lives to show Your Lordship and sovereignty over all. Nothing has taken You by surprise. We thank You that when we seek You with our whole hearts You are there to be found. We bless Your name and thank You for the ways You deliver us. “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You,” in Jesus’ name I pray, amen!
By Sis. Paula Smith

My days have been spent fulfilling responsibilities through faith, ministry, and fellowship,
Yet, my focus should be on the effort and commitment established through a personal relationship.

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for tugging on my heart to address this ongoing condition,
You have exposed my struggle with giving the Lord my undivided attention.

Certainly, my life involves responsibilities, tasks, and circumstances,
Yet, my new life requires the Lord as a priority for His Kingdom advancement.

My deeds may be noble and honorable, and they may even contribute to ministry,
But no matter how good the work is, they cannot overshadow upward intimacy.

The wrong choice is to look for and seek responsibilities before a relationship,
If not careful, idols and the world will declare unworthy authority and headship.

So, what has caught my attention that prevents me from sitting, before I serve,
Then I remembered Mary of Bethany sat at Jesus feet, and heard His word.

Knowing my undivided attention will lead me to seek first the kingdom of God,
Not second, not after social media, not after work, and prayer is the start.

I will confess!

I have been distracted by selfish ambition, trials, tribulations, and storms,
Just like Peter, my attention moved from Christ, so fear began to develop and form.

To tell the truth!

My busy plans and agenda have influenced me to be out of order,
Yet, despite my divided attention, He remains my number one supporter.

He reminds me to abide in Him, then He will abide in me with His truth,
This connection confirms that, without Him, I can do nothing of eternal value.

Also, He reminds me, “Be not conformed to this world…” because His ways will be left behind,
Social media, entertainment, stress, and responsibilities will restrict a daily renewed mind.

Therefore, I must rekindle my first love, remembering, repenting, and returning,
Salvation can’t be lost, but my passion requires action, wisdom, and discernment.

Lord! Teach me to choose intimacy over activity and relationship over routine,
I would prefer to be busy being with Jesus rather than doing for Jesus so His glory can be seen.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, forgive me for allowing distractions, busyness, and even good things to take Your place. Help me seek You first. Quiet my mind. Remove the hunger for things that pull me away from You. Give me discipline to pray, study Your Word, and sit in Your presence. Teach me to choose intimacy over activity and relationship over routine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By Bro. Glenny Moore

Throughout centuries, people have resorted to others to aid in decision making. People within ones’ sphere may or may not be suited to addressing such needs, even though they mean well. Human advice can be valuable; however, unsure especially when not done from a Biblical perspective. Therein lies the truth -- the Lord’s wisdom and authority. Whom do we seek for decisions regarding our health, social issues, future endeavors, family and children?  Where can we turn for decision making concerning a choice of job, employment, career change, ministry direction, which medical intervention to agree to, or to buy or not to buy -- and the list goes on and on. Seeking charted formulas, spiritualists, gurus, sorcerers, horoscope readings, and even Ann Landers are still amongst the most sort after in the world -- even with many Christians.

As for Christians, there ought to be a turning to the Lord, and His Holy Word. For, there are many scriptures, throughout the Bible promising divine direction (Proverbs 3:5, 6): to instruct and teach (Psalms 32:8); to keep watch and counsel (Psalms 32:8); assuring help from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth (Psalms 121:2-4); advising to seek godly counsel, seek His guidance and remember to pray, being constant in prayer (Romans 12:12); to those lacking wisdom, to ask of God (James 1:5); encourage to approach His throne, for He is always available to listen and help (Hebrews 4:16); then be still and know that He is God and will act in His time. Beloved, keep asking, keep seeking and keep believing that the Lord will answer with the truth (Word), what is right.

PRAYER: Lord, You always have the best plan for our lives even though we neglect to seek You in everything -- good times and troubled times. For, Your divine plan for me is good, that I might have hope and a future. In Jesus’. Amen
By Sis. Novella D. Carpenter

Depression is a state of being that shows itself as persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of worthlessness. Some believe that Christians don’t or can’t get depressed. That is not true. Life can overwhelm even the believer. That is why the Lord says, “Cast all your cares on Me because I care for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Sometimes we decide to keep those cares to ourselves especially when we get sick, overwhelmed, and filled with grief. Carrying our burdens can lead to serious depression –
The Christian Blues.

I sat with the doctor, and he gave me the news;
My body was betraying me and I was confused.

The things I used to do I couldn’t do anymore;
A very small workout and my body was sore.

The blues were all over me I was feeling really low;
And the less I talked to God the lower I’d go.

As I was wallowing deep in despair;
 I heard a voice say, I’m here and I care.

I already knew what I was supposed to do;
I was supposed to seek God to kick these blues.

But I kept my troubles close to my chest;
And I wore my pain like a bullet proof vest.

I carried my burdens like a heavy sack;
 I gave them to God but then I took them right back.

The darkness engulfed me I could barely see;
But a still quiet voice spoke: “Give it to me.”

But I held on tighter to the negative thoughts;
I didn’t trust God and His plan I fought.

Instead, I leaned on my own understanding;
blaming God for my ailments and I kept complaining.

I wanted to know why this was happening to me;
Romans 8:28 maybe I didn’t believe.

I caught the Christian Blues - I just let them all in;
I refused to seek God and let the bad thoughts win.

I caught the Christian Blues and kept all of my cares;
I forgot God didn’t give me a spirit of fear.

I became discouraged as life got hard;
 I ignored His voice and my hope in God.

In my darkest moment God still spoke;
He reached out and removed my sadness cloak.

I caught the Christian Blues and they affected my moods;
 I had forgotten He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

The Lord lifted me up when the Blues had me down;
He didn’t forsake me - He turned me around.

Grace and Mercy still followed me even when I pushed God away;
The Christian Blues came but with God’s love they couldn’t stay.

I caught the Christian Blues when life got hard;
But those Blues went away when I trusted in God.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for never leaving or forsaking us even when we push You away. Forgive us when we wallow in our own despair instead of trusting You. Thank You for allowing us to cast all our cares on You. Where would we be without Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy? Please, Lord.  Continue to remind us that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light so we don’t forget that we can rest in You when our burdens get heavy. Thank You Lord for Your Son, Jesus the Christ, who died and rose so we could be free mentally, emotionally, and physically. Amen.
By Sis. Patricia Towns

SCRIPTURE: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10  

Many times, we resolve safety as the absence of trial, conflict, or struggle.  In today’s world, much of what we see around us (uptick in mental instability, political wars, and the lack of population peace), there is little evidence of the product we refer to as, safety and or security.  However, God’s people are called to set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2). We are to capture and focus our attention on our home with God in the “heavenlies.”

The believers’ greatest tool is faith in God’s inerrant Word.  Yes, the Holy Scriptures teach us clearly of where our hope, peace, and joy resides.  For they will never be found in a strong or clever nation, but only in the True and Living God.

Without the practice of diligence and intentionality in pleasing our Lord, the child of God will be shaken.  Our faith will be weakened by what we see in our streets or hear over the air ways.  It is profitable to understand what is tangible and seen with the naked eye is temporary and corruptible; but what we do not see is eternal and incorruptible (based upon 2 Corinthians 4:18).

The believers’ proclamation should be like the psalmist in Psalm 27:13, “I would have fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Also, in Solomon’s Proverbs 3, we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our heart and to acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, knowing only then will He direct our paths.  The psalmist in Psalm 20:7, proclaims, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord.”  We, the ambassadors of Christ are to raise the world’s gaze to see Him in all His Glory.  His Glory forever radiates His Holiness, Omnipotence, Omniscience, and His everlasting Love.  For He is our safety and security!  Hallelujah!

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for allowing us the opportunity, yes, the privilege to have a role in Your perfect plan for this world.  We were made fearfully and wonderfully in Your image to serve and partner with You in bringing the world to see You as Truth and the only safe place to be.  May we bow our wills and submit to You to accomplish Your good pleasure.  In Jesus’ Name - Amen!
By Sis. Lisa Williams

If we are all running, with our own style, and pace, and with differing destinations, might it be expected that chaos could happen, with people colliding into each other, tripping over each other, and getting nowhere fast? Sure. We have a calling not only to run the race and to run it well, but also to embrace unity. Unlike many races, our race is more cooperative than competitive. Collaboration is key, with every moving part coherent. The invitation to live faithfully is also an invitation to live in decency and order. God Himself leads us, and when we align ourselves with Him, blessings abound, when we obey.

The well-run race is a race run by many like-minded runners. There will come a day when we will all move in one accord. At the end is a beginning which is simply glorious, never-ending, present with Him in the New Jerusalem, in the presence of the Lord. The well-run race is run by nations, a gathered people investing time, talent, and treasure in the ways of the Lord. "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write... I know your works. Behold I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept My word, and not denied My name... I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown." Revelation 3:7,8,11

The well-run race is run by families, raised in the fear and the admonition of the Lord. The wisdom of God is as fuel for the running of this race: "Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children..." Deuteronomy 4:9

The well-run race appreciates couples: Where two or more are gathered together in My name, there will I be in the midst of them... partners, friends, as 'iron sharpens iron' ... husbands and wives, being perfected through the mutual attributes of love and respect. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toll. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9,10

"For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking in reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respects her husband." Ephesians 5:30-33
The well-run race appreciates individuals, where every part of 'the body' in the race has value: "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:26,27

So, as life offers us its 'moving parts' let us offer ourselves as moving parts, reflecting His splendor, to meet the challenges of each day, giving God the praise for every mercy, and each touch of grace, knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord... 'because He lives...', and all along the way, as Al Green would prompt, 'Let's stay together.' Lets 'continue' well, 'All to the glory of God.' Lets find in every challenge, within each trial, an opportunity to bless.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, in Jesus' name, have Your way with me. Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington

Eternal Father and our gracious God, once again as we open Your Word we ask that the Holy Spirit would give unto us enlightenment from these Holy Scriptures. I pray that the Word would make a major, major impact on all of our hearts, and that we would have clarity, motivation, that we would be driven, Father,  to do the things that are pleasing and acceptable in Your sight. We ask that You would use me again as Your servant, that I might speak as of Your Oracles and we’ll give You praise and we’ll give You thanks in Jesus’ name. Amen and amen.
Pastor Wayne Cockrell
Taken from When the Heart of Man is Against the Hand of God

Seeking wisdom? It is one question away from all of us. We simply ask the Father of lights, of whom there is no variation or shadow of turning (James 1:17) and true to His Word, He gives us wisdom liberally and without reproach. What of those times when God’s wisdom seems to be stuck somewhere in the Answer-My-Prayer tunnel? While we wait on the Lord to answer, our usual fallback is to seek counsel from a friend or seasoned saint, and prayerfully a godly one, because it shows that we are impatient or unsure, need clarity, and wisdom!

Has a godly seasoned saint ever given you counsel that made sense, but you strongly disagreed with it because it would humble you? Whether it was an expensive car/home purchase, a career choice, a church to attend, even a choice in which suitor to court?  Oh, the wisdom of the Elders of King Rehoboam, 2 Chronicle 10. The king asked for their counsel, and they obliged with common sense/sage advice. Read it for yourselves, 2 Chronicle 10:1-7, you will say out loud, “That counsel makes sense.”

Yet, King Rehoboam in his pride rejected their wisdom and instead sought the counsel of his peers, his buddies, his ace-boon-coons, “and consulted the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him. 9 And he said to them, ‘What advice do you give? How should we answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, “Lighten the yoke which your father put on us”? 10 Then the young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, ‘Thus you should speak to the people who have spoken to you, saying, “Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter on us”—thus you shall say to them: “My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s waist! 11 And now, whereas my father put a heavy yoke on you, I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!’ ” 2 Chronicle 10:8-11.

The historical account is a testimony of how to discern wise counsel as you navigate life’s challenges as God’s servant.  You will shake your head at King Rehoboam’s responses, sigh at the outcome of the people, imagine yourself in his position and ask, “Would I have done the same?” As you entreat the Lord for wisdom and counsel, humble yourself, ask in faith, with no doubt, and wait on Him. IF you enlist advice from your Christian peers, young or old, humble yourself, discern and compare their words to God’s standards and godly thinking.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wisdom. You said that the wisdom of this world is earthly, sensual and demonic. Help us to hear with godly hearing and wait on You, for the wisdom that comes from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (James 3:17) What a pattern to follow! Thank You, Jesus. It is in Your name I pray, amen.
By Sis. Paula Smith

The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”  John 15:7 says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[a] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

There are verses throughout the Bible that speak of the Lord’s willingness to provide for us. As a result many believe they can treat God like He’s a genie. Many believe they can “claim” anything in the name of Jesus and “poof” they get it. When we pray we tend to jump right to what God can do for us. Instead of thanking God for current provisions or praising God for how great He is we go right into, “God would You, could You, do you mind?”  Even in prayer, some quote verses or parts of verses in an attempt to convince God to give them what they want but forget the parts that say,  “according to His will,” “delight yourself in the Lord,” or “if you remain in Me.”

Instead, it is believed, if we say, “Lord give me a big house in Your name I pray,” God is obligated to give what is asked. This way of thinking takes away the infinite power of God and demotes Him to something like a genie. We should know that we can’t rub the proverbial lamp and “poof” God appears asking, “What do you need?”  We should know that although the Lord can and does provide for us even when we don’t deserve it (Grace) He does so according to His will. God will always do and allow what is best for us (Romans 8:28). He blesses as He sees fit. However, we must remember that blessings don’t bring about hardships (Proverbs 10:22). Therefore, if the big house and the nice car cause you to spend less time doing God’s work to maintain it, it wasn’t from God. The Lord will not “bless” us with anything that will cause us to sin to keep it or cause us to move away from Him.  Understanding that God is not a genie and that God only operates according to what lines up with His Word will better help us accept how and what He provides for us. The genie grants wishes but doesn’t care about what is needed for growth and subjecting God to such a status is disrespectful.

PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for treating You like a genie. Forgive us for wanting the desires of our heart but not desiring to do Your will. Lord, forgive us for complaining after You have rescued us because You gave us what we needed, but it wasn’t what we wanted. Remind us Lord, that our ways are not Your ways and that You not only know what’s best for us, but do what’s best for us. Thank You for providing for us even when we neglect You. Thank You for supplying our needs and wants. Thank You, Lord, for Your grace and mercy, without it we would be lost. And thank You, for giving us Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died and rose so we can live. In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.
By Sis. Patricia Towns

Or put differently "Let patience have her perfect work." Of course, Bible-centered patience is neither procrastination, nor passivity, and the need to discern the difference is all about wisdom. Not surprisingly the next verse is "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." [James 1:5]

Even though patience in the Bible is a good thing, a fruit to be cultivated through a worldly lens, where instant gratification is raised as a virtue, patience remains a whisper to the carnal ear. A 'quick fix' approach will not always fit all situations the best. Indeed, there could've been a quick 'fix' to the conflict Jesus accepted; as He was arrested, as Simon Peter denied Him, as the crowds including His own favored Barabbas, as Jesus took on punishment by His tormentors, as He was carrying the cross, and as He was crucified.

As the hymn exhorts, "He would not come down from the cross just to save Himself. He decided to die just to save me." That is patience. As Christ's ones we are to have godly patience, to cultivate it... to die to ourselves, pick up our cross daily, and follow Him. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Within this present world, the display of this will be appreciated by some favorably, and for others incite conflict, not surprisingly. From one of my favorite comedians [a Christian] comes an applicable, bible-centered sentiment: "Life will bring you people and circumstances to reveal where you are not 'free'."

Standfast, brothers and sisters, in the liberty wherewith Christ has set you free. Inwardly, have zeal for the things of God, and 'wait' on the Lord. Let patience have her perfect work, with wisdom. Abide. Amen.

PRAYER: Dearest Lord-God, sometimes patience becomes a difficult work especially within certain conversations and particular circumstances. Remind me that what You permit, can be a source for my personal growth, and an investment towards greater peace and joy, if I let it. The world will be the world, but 'greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world'. (1 John 4:4) Remind me of how patience can bring glory to You, blessing to others, and healing within troubled seasons. Help me to be so yielded, to 'turn my eyes upon Jesus'. The things of earth will grow faintly dim in the light of His glory and grace. The Lord be praised. Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington

Rebuke the idea that our past has no value, whether it involves profit or danger,
It’s a reference point of God’s grace and mercy but should never be relied on as our anchor.

The past has no merit or control concerning our present or future endeavors,
Despite past guilt or success, it doesn’t define His directions to our prize and treasure.

Guilt can keep you stuck, and success can make you complacent,
Both can stop you from springing forward with false gods and replacements.

Therefore, we must forget those things that are behind us by refusing to live there,
Purposing to reach forward to the things that are ahead so the prize will be spared.

Now, the lesson won’t be ignored, and what happened in the past won’t be denied,
But to forget is to release its control while not allowing it to shape the pursuit biblically prescribed.

So, I press on, stretching forward with effort, obedience, and discipline,
Knowing and understanding, this is a daily pursuit based on a spiritual decision.

The prize is the fullness of life in Christ, spiritual maturity, and eternal life all my days,
There’s no way to move toward it while being mentally and spiritually anchored in yesterday.

If any mistakes were made, we can’t remain condemned,
If someone wronged us, it shouldn’t define responses to her or him.

If we experienced success, we can’t rely on old victories,
I can acknowledge the past but refuse to live in it continuously.

Meanwhile, the past is a teacher, but not a master,
A memory, but not a mission to hold once captured.

An ordained period, chapter, and season, but not the whole story,
Your calling in Christ is always ahead of you, never behind you, so that we can bring Him glory.

PRAYER: Lord! We are grateful that You are in control. Whatever comes our way, we are still in Your hands. Your goodness season after season is praiseworthy. Thank You for the past, present, and future. In the matchless name of Jesus! Amen
By Bro. Glenny Moore

It should not seem strange that troubling circumstances befall us. We are to be overjoyed, not because of the circumstances, but because God is able to keep us in the midst of the circumstances. James 1:2-3 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

Our natural response is not to rejoice; therefore, the believer must make a conscious commitment to face them with joy. Joy is from Jesus and is characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit, but happiness depends on the right happenings or the right circumstances. The word “trials” here denotes trouble, or something that breaks the pattern of peace, comfort, joy, and happiness. The trial puts us to the test with the purpose of discovering that person’s nature or that thing’s quality.

God brings tests to prove; increase the strength and quality of one’s faith and to demonstrate its validity. Since every test of faith is designed to strengthen, if we wrongly respond, that test becomes a temptation to do evil. When we patiently endure, spiritual maturity will be evidenced, and our faith will have produced a deeper and greater trust in Christ.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for exercising our faith through Your specific and intentional tests. The spiritual muscle produced is enabling us to stand and having done all to stand in this evil world for Your Glory!!!
By Sis. Cheryl Torain

This morning, I was compelled to escape a mounting cesspool of pessimism. I’d been stuck over the past several days in a kind of affective quicksand and was in need of a speedy deliverance! It may have resulted from a recurrent pattern of interrupted sleep, or a lapse in quality meditation time in God’s Word. [This last possibility seems most likely].

Then the Spirit of God spoke to my heart –not audibly, of course!  His tender words seemed to be,  ‘But I am with you, daughter, when inexplicable moods sweep over your soul on occasion, remember, I am the omniscient Savior God, your Jehovah Shalom, before whom nothing that happens in you, to you, or around you ever takes Me by surprise.  In fact, sometimes I am the One sovereignly orchestrating the circumstances in your life to remind you that I am THE One upon whom your gaze must always be fixed---NOT on people [intercessory prayer for them is  excepted], NOT the threats imposed by adverse global conditions, or things as volatile as the local weather or even community crime reports. These are not to shake your focus and reliance upon Me as your most trustworthy source of joy, peace, protection, and strength—but I AM!’ [Exodus 3:14; John 8:58]

Through a quality period of meditating on God’s Word, these thoughts lifted me out of that fog of pessimism.  The next time you find yourself focusing too much on things in this fallen world—be it unfavorable economic conditions, unlovely souls in your midst, or difficulties of any description, reflect on the fact that nothing is hidden from our Lord’s all-seeing eyes. He has infinite understanding of all that touches you and me and causes all things to WORK TOGETHER for the good of those who love Him and are fitting into His purposes.  That said, let us walk in this God-given confidence that He is the sovereign God over all!

PRAYER:  Dear Abba, I praise and thank You for continual reminders that You are the omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent Savior God of all who cares about all that happens to Your twice-born people.  Help us to retain the knowledge of the fact that “….in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them [Ps. 139:16b].”  Amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs

Father, we thank You once again for Your willingness to work with us. Many of us know that the real work You have done is far beyond the exterior.  You have made us something and something different on the inside. We give honor and praise and glory to You this day.  You have shown us that how our faith can be stable no matter what happens in the world around us. You are to us who You promised to be no matter what and no one can take that or deprive us of that because that is between us and You and we thank You for that.  I pray for the gathered people today, those in this room, those that are in the in the Primary Church, those who are other places, and those who are home today. I pray, oh God, that You would do a supernatural powerful work raising us up out of our various brick pits and reignite in us a purpose and an understanding of who we are as the people of God. We'll trust You!  We will trust You, we trust what You say no matter what! Your Word is Your bond and we thank You for it in Jesus’ name
Pastor Wayne Cockrell
Closing prayer from Getting Through Bad Times That Become Worse
 

When we look at the Hebrew boys in Daniel 3, and Esther in Esther 4, we see examples of how believers are chosen for esteemed positions but are called to deny the comforts and pleasures of the world.  They are to cling to their obedience to God.  He instructs His people about the dangers of blending in with the world.  Throughout the hardships, God never leaves; no, He shows Himself faithful and strong.  He causes the believer to become aware of the meaning of their faith in Him and how significant it is that their faith be highlighted and seen.

Yes, we are still wowed at God’s humility in desiring a relationship with us; and absolutely amazed at the lengths He took to rescue us.  He, the Holy, Righteous and Omnipotent God loves us.  In His awesome Sovereignty; He shows us that He is in control of everything in and around the entire universe.  All of this brought to our attention, leads us to understand He holds the plan and He holds the purpose; and with or without our obedience, His Will will be done.

in His Son, the Lord Jesus the Christ, we have been made His ambassadors.  We are called to be loyal and carry-out His agenda.  Honor and Glory to our God!  In John 15:16, Christ states to His disciples, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…”  God in His Great and Perfect Will, gives us the privilege the opportunity  to serve Him!  Amen!

So, therefore, come what may in this life, whatever God gives us to do, we make it our aim to be vigilant to deny ourselves and answer the call as Isaiah.  Yes, Lord, send me.  We dare not hide or walk away.  No, as we submit to our assignment in Christ Name, we remain convinced of God’s Love and know He is our Lord, the Strong Tower, our Advocate; and yes, even our High Priest.  Hallelujah!

PRAYER: Lord, we thank You for how You equip us to be Your brave witness.  You command us to assemble ourselves together so we can encourage and build-up one another to be who the world needs to see.  Help us not to take it for granted.  When we are together, let the songs we sing; and the Scripture we read always be fresh and vibrant worship to You; for You have called us to align and partner with You in building Your kingdom.  Thank You, LORD!  In Jesus’ Name Amen!
By Sis. Lisa Williams

In this dear world of ours, when we hear the expression of 'livin’ large' it usually means, that our selfish desires are not only being met, but exceeded... that whatever counts as materially good, like a fly car, or whatever contributes to having 'street cred' like a fella 'getting' all the cute girls, is an outcome worthy of admiration and the highest esteem. In the business world, consistently 'closing the deal' would be a very desirable thing often followed by a raise, or a promotion, or atleast kudos from the boss. Even in the church, where a style of worldliness can creep in, and become normative, ‘livin' large’ might show as the drive to be the best singer, and be awarded the most solos, or being the biggest contributor to the ends of being applauded either figuratively or literally. A church boasting the most attendees, the most programs, and the most elaborate building, may overshadow the little storefront struggling to be faithful to the gospel call with its' few members.

The world's filter seems to neglect putting value on humility. 'Next level livin'' which elevates the Spirit's lead across the oracles of God, and the fellowship of the godly, looks very different from the world, and in aspiring toward purity, will not readily mix with the world and it's ways. Next level livin' appreciates the call to surrender, to repent, before the Lord, revival to follow!

Not fitting in with the world, is a part of the 'press' that we have, to live for God, and to have as our mission, the gospel of Christ. This press is principle to our calling, and leaves in its wake, evidence of Jesus in the living of others.

The upward call of God is the prize, which is our goal, suitable for every measure of 'press' that we bring... This upward call, which preceded us, is our inheritance. God prescribes it all, along with the freedom to embrace Him, and His.

In Mark 12, Jesus was described as observing and commending, a woman, a widow, providing out of her little bit, a big expression of faith, giving all that she had as two modest coins, mites... "this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box." [v.43]

While not a doctrinal statement, it is demonstrative of the 'press' which relies utterly on God across life's uncertain moments, where we are invited to be certain about Him. "Whatever you do, do heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men, knowing that from the Lord, you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your loving Grace and Mercy in Christ Jesus. We pray that our living aligns with Your will. Bless You Lord Jesus! Amen!
By Dea. McNeal Brockington

SCRIPTURES: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

It’s that time for a divine and spiritual spring cleaning,
I surrender all, so the Lord can conduct a heavenly screening.

Search me, O’, Lord, to identify any sinful, evil, and wicked ways,
Anxieties, uncleanliness, and unrighteousness have flooded my days.

But, there is a new day and new mercies in a new season,
Renewal, repentance, and restoration are the primary reasons.

There is an examination needed to clear the clutter for a righteous path,
The winter season carried snow, rain, and storms that disrupted my past.

Now it’s time to turn back to the Lord before I fall completely apart,
Because of the damaging hoarding, the Lord must create in me a new heart.

I have all my cleaning supplies in preparation for this transformation,
I’ve hidden His Word in my heart to address trials, obstacles, and tribulations.

It’s only because of the Lord’s mercy that I am open to spiritual spring cleaning,
The filth and sinful imprints piled up due to worldly motives and selfish ambitions.

Now, the Lord’s grace has made room for His righteous intentions,
Spring cleaning is simply a mirror of the Lord providing redemption.

Spring cleaning requires self-examination, confession, and repentance,
My prayers are for removal, renewal, and help with daily maintenance.

Spring cleaning establishes a steadfast spirit within me,
I cannot continue to ignore the trash that haunts and threatens me.

Spring cleaning leads to forgiveness and leads me to forgive others,
While I prioritize prayer, worship, and fellowship, His deity is discovered.

Spring cleaning creates gratitude in my heart,
That’s when the praise begins, and restoration starts.

Quite frankly,
I am tired of ignoring the sinful debris that lies dormant throughout my soul,
A hoarder of evil, a harborer of hate, a selfish mindset, and a carrier of the old.

Lord, Your truth is the ultimate instrument that meets my mess head-on,
Your faithfulness knows how to patiently cleanse, so I can spiritually move on.

Now, I can put on the new man that allows me to testify from a filthy to a clean story,
It’s His hands that wash me clean, so spring cleaning can bring the Lord glory.

PRAYER: Cleanse us, Father, and make us new. Make us spotless and righteous so we can be useful to accomplish what You want us to do. Thank You for Your mercy. In the matchless name of Jesus.
By Bro. Glenny Moore

It takes intentional effort for you and me to act right, change lanes, and to learn more about ourselves. Our omniscient God knows the heart of man and what it will take to show man his need of obedience to God. There must be a standard identified. Our God does this with the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden. God made Adam aware of His goodness in the garden but was careful to reveal what he should not touch. God was also careful and diligent in sharing the consequences that would follow if Adam failed to heed the set limits. Nothing has changed.

God desires obedience in our relationship with Him. He desires that we learn, know, and understand just how important our walk with Him is, especially when we align with Him and His Word.  Walking confidently, within the limits that He has set keeps us safe from the craftiness of the enemy. The Lord lets us know that if we take heed and listen to the wrong god, we shall surely die. Here lies the key to life: with the Holy and Righteous Jehovah God, there is life, light, and goodness; whereas with the evil one, there is death, darkness, and destruction.

PRAYER: Lord, we thank you for the ability to know that You are good and righteous. There is none holier than You. You knew all along that our hearts would take us to harmful places where You are not glorified and Your principles are not honored. Thank You for loving us so that once we have identified with Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, we are Yours, and You will not let us go from Your presence. We know conviction by the Holy Spirit and how You arrange situations in our lives that cause us to run back to You with the confession of our sin.   Then, once we realign ourselves with Your truth, we can be restored, delivered, set free, embrace life again. Thank You!! For we want the avenue of righteousness. In Jesus’ Name-Amen.
By Sis. Lisa Williams

We all try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack us at once. Satan tries to confuse us. We feel like our lives are being consumed with the cares and troubles of this world. Paul referred to these ideologies as fortresses in which people are imprisoned and need to be set free and brought captive to Christ and obedient to the truth.

Many times, I have said, “Will I ever have peace or enjoy any quietness of heart?” Ephesians 2:1-3 says “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”

The power that raises believers out of death and makes them alive is the same power that energizes every aspect of Christian living. Satan cannot take our salvation, but he wants to make us miserable in our salvation. but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

God will use the fires of adversity to “melt” our hearts. When the Apostle Peter wrote this epistle, it was shortly before or after the burning of Rome and at the beginning of the horrors of a 200 - year period of Christian persecution. Peter explains that four attitudes are necessary to be triumphant in persecution: 1) expect it; 2) rejoice in it; 3) evaluate its cause; and 4) entrust it to God. (The McArthur Study Bible)

PRAYER: Praise the Lord for His Great Power, Goodness, and Mercy. All that You endured for us Lord on the cross has no comparison to the assigned fiery trials of this short life, so we choose to Glorify and Magnify the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
 By Sis. Cheryl Torain

SCRIPTURE:  “Moreover brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain” 1 Corinthians 15:1, 2

Did you see that last statement of the apostle Paul’s in verse 2?  I have often thought that the worst kind of deception is that which we tell ourselves.  Many people profess that they are saved.  They  base their belief on having walked a church aisle, shaken the preacher’s hand, following that up with baptism.  Maybe their claim of salvation rests on their “P.K.” status—they’re a preacher’s kid.  Worse still, many believe their own “press”; they place great confidence in their reputation or think of themselves as a truly “nice” person.  They regularly give money to the poor and a host of other worthy causes.

As commendable as all these traits are, their possessors may yet find themselves on the receiving end of our Lord’s words found in Matthew 7:22, ---‘I never KNEW you:  DEPART from Me, you who act wickedly.’  [Talk about the telling link between our habitual conduct/ attitudes and our confession of knowing Him]!
 
 If we really know Jesus and are known by Him, we’ve been forewarned to make sure that our righteousness exceeds that of the very religious Pharisees—of both biblical and modern times. We must not forget the scriptural warning that” knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Let us avoid the devastating sin of self-deception and, instead,  aim to walk worthy of the calling with which we’ve been called. Let us wholeheartedly embrace what Christ describes as a “saving faith!”
 
PRAYER:  Dear Father, please grant us a willingness to repent of the dangerous self-deception of merely  “going through the motions,” or “playing church.”  Convict, where necessary, of the need to pursue a true and vital personal relationship with You.  Thank You, in Christ’s name; amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs

Father, we thank You for the Word You've given unto us.  We ask now, Father, once again that You would do that supernatural work in all of us. That our hearing and our thinking would be of one mind with You and that we would understand what You desire to be applied to our lives. May Your word, in Its perfection, and in the Holy Spirit, in His perfect work, accomplish these things despite the imperfection of Your servant. Indeed Father, use me to speak in accordance to the Word and we'll give you praise and thanks for we ask it all in Jesus’ name amen and amen.
Pastor Wayne Cockrell
Taken from Getting Through Bad Times That Become Worse

Whose name comes to mind when we think about a biblical upright person? Most often it is the man, Noah. There are reasons why this person is known as one who lived a life of uprightness. Noah found favor with the Lord; He remained steadfast and focused. He was not easily deterred from his mission. Noah’s blameless, upright life did not mean that he was sinless. He believed, feared, and followed God’s rules and commands. Noah walked with the Lord. Another name that comes to the surface is Job, who is said to be blameless and upright. Also, a man of integrity, who feared and trusted in God, his redeemer. (Job 1:1; 19:25). For Job is confident that his redeemer lives.

In Titus 1:6 and Job 1:1, blameless means to be a person whose life and character are so righteous that no one could bring a public charge against them. In fact, an upright person is characterized as:
. One who walks with God
. One who is obedient to God’s commands (all that He says to do)
. One who turns away from evil. (Walks in the ways of the Lord God)
. One who is gracious and compassionate
. One who fears the Lord
.One who is faithful
. One who is steadfast
. One who loves not the world, nor the things of the world
. One who refuses to compromise
. One who is committed to doing right, while the world is in chaos and sin
. One who is cleansed of all unrighteousness (repents of sins)
. One who is inclined to prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit
. One who worships the Lord God in spirit and truth

We are to intentionally commit ourselves to believe and obey God in all that we do. Repentance of sin, being cleansed of all unrighteousness makes it oh so possible to live blamelessly in a world of chaos and sin. God judges sin fiercely, and He mercifully delivers us. Those who follow the Lord and walk in His ways will experience His presence and enjoy His blessings. Most assuredly, Noah walked with. He is considered blameless and upright by every sense of the definition. What’s more “all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition,”( 1 Corinthians 10:11). Blessed be the Lord God for these examples for us to follow.

PRAYER: Lord, You know me, my going out and coming in. Nothing is hidden from You. Help me to love the things You love and to turn away from all appearances of evil. In Jesus’ name. Amen
By Sis. Novella D. Carpenter

The winter season creates an appreciation for spring,
It symbolizes renewal, resurrection, and new beginnings.

It marks the end of winter conditions and the hope of restoration,
A fresh start for new growth provided through the Lord’s salvation.

Appropriately referred to as His buds of redemption with promise,
Encouraging us to look forward to our future with reward and harvest.

The winter season causes us to rely on God’s strength when we are weary,
Learning how to trust His timing, although matters appear difficult or scary.

For as the winter rain and snow come down from heaven, God is working,
It’s meant for new growth to bring forth purification, renewal, and purpose.

Winter years of passing sin, storms, misery, and pain without new growth or fruit,
This newness involves clearing anything that threatens or jeopardizes our divine roots.

“Come away,” says the Lord, as He invites us to a new life while a hard and barren season ends,
Now we can see the Lord desired renewal, intimacy, and newness from the beginning.

Developed green figs, singing birds, tender grapes, and blossoming flowers with a sweet-smelling scent,
Experiencing all things work together for the good, as we don’t look like where we’ve been.

The Lord knew what it would take to make us exclusively beautiful,
Maturing us to blossom in the spring so we can be seen and useful.

So, we must plant ourselves in God’s Word and prayer consistently,
Ensuring we are rooted in the Lord to grow and serve overtime effectively.

Meanwhile, it’s necessary for spring cleaning for our hearts, bodies, souls, and minds.
Removing past ways for newer ways so the Light that lives in us can brightly shine.

Now, when witnesses see our journey, the spring results will resemble the Lord’s new creation,
As the season changes, righteousness and praise will spring up before all nations.

Now the world will see the fruit produced from the seeds of our heavenly Father,
A beautiful garden is prepared in the winter, but the spring reveals the Gardener.

PRAYER: Lord! You are amazing! We pray that You continue to renew us to what You want us to be. We want Your will, not ours.
By Bro. Glenny Moore