GBFC's Summer of Scripture Memorization-it's Day 3! With help from our fellow Devotional writer, Sis. Denise Diggs, we have comprised a list of scriptures that must be added to your brain and heart's database! Since this is a shortened week, we'll study one verse with a quiz on Saturday and Sunday! Let's Go, Genesis!  Here are some more memorization tips:

Author Jenifer Flanders shares the following tips:

• Record your own voice reading the verses
• Use a dry erase board

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

Day 2 of our GBFC's Summer of Scripture Memorization! With help from our fellow Devotional writer, Sis. Denise Diggs, we have comprised a list of scriptures that must be added to your brain and heart's database! Since this is a shortened week, we'll study one verse with a quiz on Saturday and Sunday! Let's Go, Genesis!  Here are some more memorization tips:

Author Jenifer Flanders shares the following tips:

• Set the verses to music
• Learn the verses in context
• Recite memory verses aloud

For I k_______ whom I have b________ and am p_____________ that  H_______ is able to k ________  what I have c_____________ unto Him a____________ that d_____.  
2 Timothy 1:12[ KJV]

On the heels of our 40th Pastoral and Church Anniversary comes our GBFC's Summer of Scripture Memorization! With help from our fellow Devotional writer, Sis. Denise Diggs, we have comprised a list of scriptures that must be added to your brain and heart's database! Since this is a shortened week, we'll study one verse with a quiz on Saturday and Sunday! Let's Go, Genesis!  First, we'll share some tips:

Author Jenifer Flanders shares the following tips:

1. Pray for God’s help in memorizing
2. Write the verses out by hand
3. Put the verses in prominent places

(more tips tomorrow)

Our month of celebrating our church and pastoral anniversary comes to an end  and we pray your hearts have been encouraged. If these devotionals caused you to recall the reasons you came to Genesis, we pray that it will lead you to give thanks and praise to Jesus for the great and mighty things He has done. We are so glad that Jesus led you to this branch of Zion!  Happy Anniversary, Pastor C and Genesis Bible Fellowship Church!

There are times in our lives when things appear to be moving in the best direction for us. Even so, one still can be at the mercy and will of the Lord. For, the Lord knows best for each of us. I was a part of a large ministry family, feeling comfortable serving in what I considered my spiritual gift. Departing was far from my mind.

While serving, it became obvious that things were changing. The Holy Spirit was doing what He does best as His crucial role in guiding (John 16:13) and teaching (John 14:26) believers, providing insight, understanding, and a reminder of God’s truth revealed in Scripture. My husband started the discussion of leaving the church family where we’d served for many years. He was led to believe the Lord was guiding him to minister to the inner-city community. What did this mean for me and my family? I began to pray continually. The time came when our intent was announced and a date was set for our departure.

June 2004, we worshipped with the Genesis Bible Fellowship family as they were located in the Woodlawn High school temporarily. I’d followed my husband, as he followed the Lord’s leading. That Sunday: I heard the truth preached. The Holy Spirit had guided me to this ministry and I listened intently. We returned Sunday after Sunday plus mid-week Bible Study. My husband and I have been with this ministry family for 22 years. Happy 40th Anniversary, Pastor Cockrell.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for Your leading. You never lead us contrary to Your Word. Your plan for our short life is not disrupted as You direct our paths. Everything You do in the lives of believers is for our good and to Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
By Sis. Novella D. Carpenter

We pray your hearts have been encouraged, that your minds have recalled the reasons you came to Genesis and that both of these would cause you to give thanks and praise to Jesus. Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!  Happy Anniversary, Pastor C and Genesis Bible Fellowship Church!

I found a church that I love and the Word of God has kept me in Baltimore during the times I thought about moving back to North Carolina. My spiritual Growth was important, and I knew this was where the LORD wanted me. Not liking Military life, I was blessed to get out on an honorable discharge. (Not knowing they had cut orders for me to go to Korea!) Thank You Jesus!!!!!

Shortly after I began working at a place called South Baltimore Family Health Center in 1983. This was where I met Pastor Cockrell. He started working there as a nurse. After our conversations, knowing we had something in common (JESUS), he began to teach me the Word of God every day on my lunch break. I looked forward to his teaching and could ask all the questions!!! I was so hungry for the Word! I met his family and visited churches where he would preach. I visited the League of Handicap when the church moved there.

In October of 1989: I was baptized at Genesis Bible Fellowship on Walker Avenue. On June 8, 1991: I completed the New Membership class, received my New Membership class certificate, and my Right Hand of Fellowship. In 1992 the Lord touched my heart to do plays. I started doing plays through the Drama Ministry. I eventually began to write, direct, and produce plays at Genesis. I loved the committed, faithful team the LORD gave me to work with including Bro. Tom Forman, Bro. Spencer, Sis. Barbara Weedon, and many COMMITTED Christians, who had a heart for the ministry. MOSTLY, I loved and enjoyed the fellowship with the LORD sitting up late as He ministered and spoke to me as I wrote.

Genesis has been a blessing and there has also been pain and hurt, but through it all the LORD has been faithful and I would not want to be any other place where I still look forward to the teaching and preaching of Pastor Cockrell.

PRAYER:  TO GOD BE ALL GLORY!!! Thank You Jesus!!!!!
By Sis. Lee Doris Palmer

Just a few more days of celebrating Pastor Wayne Cockrell and  Genesis Bible Fellowship Church's 40th Anniversary. We pray your hearts have been encouraged, that your minds have recalled the reason you came to Genesis and that both of these would cause you to give thanks and praise to Jesus. Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

How I came to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church?

In 1998, I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior,
I began searching for a Bible-based church with like-minded members and neighbors.

My wife told me about a relatively young preacher who teaches strictly from the Bible,
I was fatigued from visiting churches that were culturally driven, popular, or condoned visible idols.

So, we took a visit to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church, and immediately, we were hooked,
We were impressed by the greeters and ministries that demonstrated a passion to align with the Good Book.

Immediately, we bonded with church members who welcomed us with open arms,
Families like the Rowlettes, Cheeks, Millers, Torains, Bucks, Jenkins, and Caurthornes.

We got a taste of the GBFC Choir, who sang songs that clearly ministered with Christ-driven content,
Far from culturally based presentations and performances that are motivated by music with worldly consent.

Genesis offered ministries that provided great leaders and gifted servers who mirrored God’s Word,
From Primary Church to Vacation Bible School, the Lord’s message is seen, felt, and heard.

Over the years, after becoming a member, my personal growth and maturity increased tremendously,
Although I haven’t arrived, my impact within the body has influenced my wife and family effectively.

After all, I was married here, my child was christened here, and my daughters received the right hand of fellowship,
My gifts have been made available at Genesis, while I have been blessed with building personal relationships.

Through marriage, music, devotional, and men’s ministries, I have submitted my gifts for service,
My maturation, wisdom, and testimony matters to this body of believers, who live by bible verses.

From financial, marital, or family obstacles, difficulties, and ongoing problems,
GBFC has become my most important family that seeks the Lord in prayer to resolve them.

Although there have been sad and painful moments shared for instance,
My father and mother-in-law’s home going services were conducted at Genesis.

So, almost 30 years of my life have been influenced and experienced through my church home,
It was one of the best choices I have ever made, because Genesis Bible Fellowship Church stands alone.

And it starts with the bald guy in the pulpit who confronts us with God’s truth week to week,
Certainly, Pastor Cockrell is one of the Lord’s greatest shepherds who convicts, serves, and leads.

Therefore, I was led by the Spirit to choose GBFC for every season, from summer to winter, from spring to fall,
In 40 years, all things work together for good to those who love God, because all means all.

Prayer: Thank You Lord for providing for me a family through faith. In the matchless name of Jesus.
By Bro. Glenny Moore

A few more days remain for celebrating forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry through our devotionals. Thanks to all who shared their testimonials! We pray that ever heart was enriched with God's Word, God's Will, God's Work, for His Glory!

Happy 40th Anniversary, Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. Less than a week to go, thank you for celebrating forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another while we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

As we celebrate 40 years of ministry, I am reminded of the steps in my journey that lead me and my family to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church.

It all started with conversations (or should I say debates) with Deacon Charles Hall, as we were working together sometime around 1998. The date is not as important as what was planted in me from those conversations. Fast forward to April 2003, while overseas, in support of Iraqi Freedom; one morning, I heard the voice of the LORD tell me to leave the church my family and I were attending. Several times in those early years I would lay prostrate and pray that the Lord would guide our family to a ministry where the teaching aligned with what I was reading in His Word. With five children I knew that it was essential for us to be planted in a ministry with sound doctrine. On this particular morning, the Lord’s prompting was crystal clear. “Leave” Lord when? “As soon as you get back!” And go where? “I will show you.”

When I spoke to my wife, Angie, I told her what the Lord impressed upon me and I expressed to her that the church we were at was a safety net and protective covering for her and the children while I was away, but as soon as I returned we were leaving. When I returned, I went to the Pastor within a day or two and informed him that my family and I were leaving the church. At that time I still didn’t know where we were going. I started recalling the conversations Deacon Hall and I had and was moved to try the church that he attended because I remembered that the doctrine was sound. To my disappointment when I went to the church, there was all sorts of construction apparatuses around and at that moment I thought the church was shuttered.

On Saturday night, I still did not know where we were going and I began thinking, as sound as the doctrine was it can’t be closed. So, I got up early enough to drive from Northeast Baltimore to Northwest Baltimore, to prayerfully find a sign or something, and get back to the family in time for us to make it to wherever the services are held. I just couldn’t fathom that this church was closed. It turns out the services were being held at Woodlawn High School!!! At the time I didn’t know if this was the church we would attend, all I knew was that He didn’t tell me to leave.

PRAYER: Father, thank You for working out every detail of our lives. You’ve continued to show us Your faithfulness as we walk the paths You’ve laid before us. No matter what, we will trust in Your sovereignty, as You conform us to the image of Your Son. May You continue to shine Your face upon us, as we continue this journey. Amen!
By Bro. Carlos Brown

Less than a week to go, thank you for celebrating forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Would you like to share your testimony? Follow the Devotional format above and email your devotional to paula1028smith@gmail.com.

Happy 40th Anniversary, Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. Less than a week to go, thank you for celebrating forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another while we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

SCRIPTURE: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

I accepted the Lord Jesus as my Savior in 1976 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. There I began to grow as the foundational truth of God’s word took root in my heart. I was active in youth ministry and had many Christian friends to hold me accountable in my growth.

In 1986, I married my husband who had been a member of Manna Bible Baptist Church. At the time, I had not considered the possibility of leaving my home church where I was comfortable and secure. As time went on, we visited Genesis Bible Fellowship Church where Tyrone had been visiting. It was a new ministry and very new to me. I wasn’t used to folding up chairs. The atmosphere wasn’t what I was accustomed to either. Then, Tyrone said we had to make a decision. I knew we could not as newlyweds attend separate churches. So, the last Sunday in November I spoke with my pastor who fully understood and gave me his blessings. With tears, I said my goodbyes to my Mt. Pleasant family.
 
The following Sunday, December 1986, we joined Genesis. It took me some time adjusting, coming from my previous church. I was use to a choir marching down the aisle opening worship. I was use to carpeted floors, stain glass windows and pews. Each Sunday, I would turn to these thoughts. Then one Sunday the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. The true church is not about any of those things. It’s the people, the body of Christ that makes up the church. That settled it for me. I had to grow up and accept the new thing the Lord was doing. No regrets, no turning back. The Word of God, as taught by our Pastor Cockrell, has anchored me through the good times and bad. I am so grateful to the Lord for my Genesis family who are truly armbearers! 40 years, Glory to God!

PRAYER: Father, thank You for beginning and continuing the new work in me. I’ve decided to follow Jesus, no turning back. No turning back. Thank You for Genesis Bible Fellowship Church, and our Pastor Cockrell. In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen
By Sis. Toni Lawson

 Less than a week to go, thank you for celebrating forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Would you like to share your testimony? Follow the Devotional format above and email your devotional to paula1028smith@gmail.com.

Happy 40th Anniversary, Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. June 15 is a time to celebrate forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

In 1994 the Lord led my mother to Genesis at Walker Avenue. We originated from Manna Bible under Pastor Brown. She always remembered Pastor Cockrell when he was teaching there. I remembered her telling me that she knew that he was going to be preacher because of how he took time and broke the Word down. So we started visiting Sunday after Sunday. As my husband later came, it was so clear that this is where the Lord was leading us. The Word was so clearly explained and how passionate Pastor was about teaching the Word. As I looked at the ministry and saw how good it was also for my two young kids at the time, our family had grown with two more. Then as I looked around and saw how the men were so involved in ministries and more family oriented. This was definitely the place where we wanted to bring up our family.

As time went on, I appreciated and loved the one another mindset of our church family. Starting with Pastor, it is exemplified to the fullest as we connect with each other. I love how God calls us to bear each other’s burdens and this was done in the body of Christ at Genesis.

As for our Pastor Cockrell. When I say anyone can be a preacher, but it takes a lot to be a shepherd over your sheep and that is who he is to us as his congregation. “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalms 90:17

I pray as we start another year that our church body will continue to encourage and build up each other because, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” I Corinthians 12:12 We need each other.

I thank God for my mom who followed the favored feet, because she trusted Pastor with the teaching of His Word and the love for the Lord.

PRAYER: Lord I thank You for directing our steps and placing us under Your true Word. Thank You for Pastor and Genesis Bible Fellowship church. To God be the glory for the great things he has done. Amen!
By Sis. Sentka Buck

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

Happy 40th Anniversary, Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. June 15 is a time to celebrate forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

In 1986 we were the last house on U.S. Postal worker, Clyde Lyles’ route, and without fail he’d dig into the blue mailbag and pull out his Bible and for three years he planted and watered the seeds of salvation. I never made a profession of faith and that did not stop him. A few years later he suggested that I check out this church on Walker Avenue and this young Pastor by the name of Cockrell.

Fast forward to 1994, the fullness of time had come, and God gave the increase by using a coworker to explain Matthew 6:15 and why I had to forgive. Scales fell off my eyes, and the miracle of salvation took place. I knew my life had changed. Soon thereafter, my co-worker and her husband recommended Genesis as a solid Word church. The daunting, disappointing search was on for a Bible believing/teaching church, because Derald and I wanted someone to explain the Word of God. We did not want to turn to our neighbor, give a high five, speak in tongues, get popped in the head, walk on broken glass, say a hail Mary, handle a viper! We just wanted to understand what the Bible said, so until then Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah, and Tony Evans were our teachers that prepared us for Pastor Cockrell and Genesis Bible Fellowship Church.

One Mother’s Day we visited Genesis and Pastor Cockrell preached from John 15:1-5. It was a miracle; the eyes of my understanding became enlightened.  I had an unexplainable thirst and the Holy Spirit removed the veil, the obstacle that kept me from comprehending and simultaneously quenched my thirst!  Oh, you want more and more. That’s when we knew, we had to keep coming to Genesis to learn God’s Word and by 1997 we joined. What a wonderful journey to be apart of 40 years of Biblical Teaching, a deepening relationship with Jesus, spiritual growth that included joy and pain, exercising our Spiritual Gifts! A marvelous journey of walking alongside our Pastor that’s like walking with your Spiritual Dad! Oh, one more thing, on that Mother’s Day visit each mother received a gift bag of makeup and other little items that were so sweet, but the greatest gift was The Word!

PRAYER: Oh, heavenly Father, thank You for this journey. You sent the mailman to deliver news about my eternity, patiently waited for my salvation, and lovingly guided my husband and me to this body of Christ that nurtured our growth, all for Your glory!  We give You praise, honor, and glory for all You have done, for Your name sake. Thank You, Jesus. I love You! Amen.
By Sis. Paula Smith

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

Happy 40th Anniversary, Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. June 15 is a time to celebrate forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

SCRIPTURE: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

My first time coming to Genesis was with Zee on Family and Friends Day. At that time I rededicated my life to Christ and listened to the pastor preach. He stood on the Word. Through the years I watch him stand on the Word. Even when things were not going right, he did not break. He did not stop. He just kept preaching the Word. It made me understand that life is very important to pleasing God no matter what may not go our way. Pastor married me to my best friend (Zee) and we give this dedication to you. We love you, pastor, and appreciate everything you have done for us.

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

It's Genesis Bible Fellowship Church's anniversary month and we continue to celebrate forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Join us as we receive daily encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

Unforgiveness makes us feel angry, bitter, and resentful. The impact of unforgiveness can be physical, mental, and spiritual. Yes, we may feel justified in our anger, yet we must choose to either be obedient, or disobedient based on what the Lord has already told us about forgiving others. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable about a man who refuses to forgive someone even after he has been forgiven. Jesus describes the consequences of unforgiveness as being like torture. When we don’t forgive, we decide to hold on to the offense. We focus on our pain, constantly reliving the offense, thus keeping ourselves in bondage without even realizing it.

I’m a man who knows a little something about unforgiveness. Throughout various times in my life, from my younger days into adulthood, I have shown unforgiveness to others. My selfish desires only allowed me to focus on myself, and my circumstances. I rarely even gave it a thought to forgive others, just as I have been forgiven. I chose to go against the Word of God about forgiveness, while in the same breath asking him for it. After many years of this unjust behavior, the Lord decided that the only way for me to come back to Him was in the form of personal pain. Hard lessons had to be learned from a hardened heart in my life.

I came to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church in January, 2019 as a visitor, finally with a desire to change. After 16 weeks of New Members class, I knew this Bible preaching, Bible teaching institution was the place that would allow me to grow apart from my selfishness. The relationships, the ministries, the accountability groups have all been part of my personal growth. The Lord guided me right where I needed to be, placing people in my path who told me what I need to hear instead of what I want to hear. The Corporate body of Genesis Bible Fellowship Church has been a Revelation to me and my family.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come respectfully to Your throne of Grace, thanking You for the tests, trials, and tribulations You placed in my path for correction. Thank You for all that mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love that You have given to me that I didn’t, and still don’t deserve. Please help me to make it my aim to be well pleasing to You, so that You can use me for Your purpose and Your glory. I give You all the honor, and all the praise, for it’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
By Bro. Alvin McCoy

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

That's right, we're still celebrating 40 years of Ministry in the Baltimore.  Happy 40th Anniversary, Genesis Bible Fellowship Church and Pastor Wayne Cockrell. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion! 

I grew up in a family church. We enjoyed lots of good singing and shouting. When it was time for the Word, there was very little biblical teaching. After growing up and getting married I felt a need to learn more of the Word. We attended many conferences and seminars where the Word was taught and found that we needed to study more. Some of our ministers and members started attending Bible schools. One of the ministers at our church encouraged us to go to Baltimore School of the Bible. My cousin and I enrolled at BSOB and really enjoyed learning the Word of God. We met lots of ministers and pastors who taught there.

There was a 15-minute chapel time every school night. All students were encouraged to come and hear a 10 minute message from the Word of God. The speakers were any one of the teachers who taught there. Pastor Cockrell was one of the teachers. The first time I saw him he was the speaker at chapel time. Pastor spoke a 10 minute message that had me wanting to hear more. That night my cousin didn’t go to chapel for some reason. I went back to her telling her all about the awesome Word I heard from Pastor Cockrell. She didn’t believe me. I started searching the school’s schedule to see when I would be in his class. Unfortunately, when it was our time to attend his class he would be in school and not teaching (Pauline Epistles) that semester. That was disappointing, but I sat in his class a few times when time permitted.

Our church started going through a change in doctrine and we could see it because we were now in Bible school. We invited one of the teachers to our church for a revival. We shared with him some of what was going wrong at our church. We asked him to pray for our Pastor and our church, and he did. My cousin and her husband started visiting other churches looking for a new church home. I told her if I was to go to another church it would be Pastor Cockrell’s church wherever it was. She did some research and found out where it was. They visited Genesis on Walker Ave and really enjoyed it. Every Sunday she would call and tell me what an awesome time they had there. I visited Genesis on Walker Avenue one Sunday and felt a pulling away from my church. I went back to my church feeling a longing to be at Genesis. One Sunday, she told me that Genesis was moving to Reisterstown Road. I said, “When?” She said, “Very soon!” I said, “Wow! I am there.”  After they moved to Reisterstown Rd, I told my husband I was visiting the church around the corner. He had heard of Pastor from listening to WRBS. I visited GBFC and couldn’t stop.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for leading and guiding me through this life. Sometimes we don’t know which way to go, but all we have to do is ask and You will show us the way to go. I thank You for my husband, my Pastor, my family, my old church family, and my Genesis family. Thank You for a church with a one another mindset. Please continue to bless our ministry. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
By Sis. Belinda Bryson

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

Happy 40th Anniversary, Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. June 15 is a time to celebrate forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

I have been reading God's word since my preteen years, trying to understand, with the help of the Holy Spirit, how to apply His word to my life. I don't always get it right, but I am willing to learn and to keep trying to be a doer of His word, not just a hearer. My husband and I were faithful members at our previous church of about 17 years. I taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, attended Bible Study sessions, and developed meaningful relationships. As time went on, I had come to realize that the Word was being compromised to satisfy those who chose to live in darkness, and as a Sunday School teacher, this was very unsettling in my spirit.

As I grew spiritually from reading the Bible, I found that what was being preached in the pulpit was not aligning with what I needed to hear, to be challenged more in my walk with Jesus, and draw closer to Him, to come out of darkness, and into His light. I had outgrown the church spiritually and all the "feel good" messages and services weren't enough for me anymore. Hebrews 4:12 says "...the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit. of joints and of marrow. And is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

We met with our pastor at the time, and shared our thoughts with him. Before leaving the church, we wrote letters to the ministries we served on, expressing why we decided to leave the church, with biblical references. Whether or not they read the letters did not matter. We felt responsible to at least explain why we stepped away.

We have been friends of the Mosley’s for many years, and had visited Genesis a few times, so we were familiar with Pastor Cockrell and how he really preaches the Word. As we continued to visit Genesis, it amazed us how every sermons seemed as though God was speaking to us through Pastor Cockrell. We have been members for 22 years, for which we are grateful, and I can honestly say that we have both grown (and continue to grow) spiritually as a couple, and individually.

PRAYER: Lord God Almighty, thank You so much for Your word that never changes, for Your faithfulness and Your love that never ends. As we seek You first in all things, and Your kingdom, thank You for providing a secret place, where we can abide with You, and for being our covering, our refuge, and shelter, in the precious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen
By Sis. Debora Brockington

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

Happy 40th  Pastoral and Church Anniversary. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

I joined Genesis Bible Fellowship church with my two children after I attended Mana Bible Baptist church, and my kids attended Berean Christian church and school. God has led me here to grow deeper in my faith and strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ. Through the faithful preaching and teaching of God's Word, I have been encouraged, challenged, and equipped to mature spiritually. I am especially grateful for the leadership of my brother Wayne, who serves as Pastor, and for his commitment to shepherding the congregation according to biblical principles. His guidance has helped me better understand God's purpose for my life and encouraged me to pursue a closer walk with the Lord. Genesis is truly a church with one another Mindset.

I also joined Genesis because of the genuine Christian fellowship that exists among the members. The love, support, and unity within the church family reflect the body of Christ and have been a blessing to my spiritual journey. Being surrounded by believers who pray for one another, encourage one another, and seek to honor God together has strengthened my faith and provided a community where I can continue to grow in grace and truth. “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” [Ephesians 5:1]

Most importantly, I joined Genesis church because I desire to serve God faithfully by using the spiritual gifts and abilities He has entrusted to me. I believe that every believer is called to contribute to the work of the Kingdom, and I want to be an active part of the ministry and mission of this church. My prayer is that God will continue to shape me, use me for His glory, and allow me to serve alongside my church family as we seek to worship Him, make disciples, and advance the Gospel.
 
PRAYER: Most gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for always being there for me as I continue to grow in my faith, always trusting  in You as You encourage me to love one another and help where I am needed. Show me new possibilities and give me guidance and hope to move toward them. IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN.
By Sis. Sandra Koger

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

Happy 40th  Pastoral and Church Anniversary. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

SCRIPTURE: “And You Shall Seek Me and Find Me with All Your Heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

I was Saved in 1978 by God's Grace and Mercy at Mercy Hospital Baltimore, Md. I cried out to God that I knew I had to come through Jesus. He heard my cry and blessed me with slow healing and everything I needed on this journey. After seven years of growing in the Lord, I knew I needed to find a Bible believing church.

To Search is to look carefully to find something. The need for a Bible believing church was my focus. My mother and I were on a mission. Visiting AME and Baptist churches all over Baltimore for well over a year. Investigating and seeking to find a home church was our goal. A friend and member from Berean Bible Church advised me to visit Genesis Bible Fellowship (located at the League). So we did. We visited other churches and continued back and forth to Genesis. We returned now more often to Genesis.

To Examine  is to carefully investigate. We studied closely as we heard the Word of God being taught plainly and in great detail by Pastor Cockrell. It was moving us to make a decision to join Genesis.

To Find is to locate what you have been looking for. As we continued to visit, we continued standing up every time visitors were asked to stand. By now we were at Genesis every Sunday. Pastor Cockrell stated, “YES, stand every time, maybe you will join us.” By the way, it was OK with me to keep folding chairs after Sunday Service.(L.O.L.) A decision was made and we joined Genesis Bible Fellowship Church in 1988.  

I am thankful for God's Word, seeking, and finding with all my heart.  I have experienced knowing the True and Living GOD, A Church Home, A Church Family, and Church Love.

PRAYER: Thank You Father for salvation and growth in Christ Jesus. Praises for Your Word of truth in leading and guiding me to find and accept Your Everlasting Love, Pastor Cockrell and the Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. AMEN & AMEN !
By Sis. Gwen Marshall

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

Happy 40th Anniversary, Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. June 15 is a time to celebrate forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

SCRIPTURE: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5: 14-16

As I reflect on my life’s journey, I thought about the year I was looking for a church to worship and grow as a Christian in God’s Word. On my job, I worked with a few Christians. But there was one young lady, Lee Doris Palmer, who showed a special enthusiasm not only for her church, but her witness for Jesus. Sister Lee became a positive influence in my life to visit Genesis.

Through Sister Lee’s conversations on the job, I became interested in her church, Genesis, and the ministries offered to fit my family’s spiritual growth and needs. Genesis was located on Walker Avenue at the time. My first visit blessed my family and I with a welcoming, friendly, family hospitality. I especially enjoyed the weekly Sunday social treats and fellowship before service and Sunday School. From one light shining for Jesus on a job to a church encouraging growth in God’s Word gave me reasons to become a member.

PRAYER: PRAYER: Dear Lord, teach us to be vessels of light that others see a testimony of Your love through everything we do and say. May our witness for You be glorified in our everyday life that others see Your good works and glorify our Heavenly Father. Holy Spirit, strengthen us to be a bold witness in our faith. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
By Sis. Camille Tomlin

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

Happy 40th Anniversary, Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. June 15 is a time to celebrate forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

I came to Genesis after leaving what I call a “traditional Baptist Church”. I was disgusted with the “days”: Men’s Day, Women’s Day, this anniversary, that anniversary. I had been looking for another church for about six months. Sis. Lee was working at the same school with Camille. Camille would often talk about this secretary who worked at her school was always talking about Jesus. One Sunday she brought home a tape of Pastor Cockrell. I heard him on the radio a few months before. Camille said the preacher was from Sis. Lee’s church. We decided to visit Sis. Lee’s church.

When we walked into the lobby there was the church calendar for the year. I looked over it. Camille asked me what I was looking for. I told her if I see any of “those days” I was going to turn around and leave. What really caused me to stay was the preached Word, line by line, precept upon precept.

On Walker Avenue, between service and Sunday School coffee, donuts, and pastries were served Past would announce at the end of each service, “Join us downstair for Delicious Treats Prepared Especially for You.” That was the icing on the cake. The rest they say is history!

PRAYER: Most Gracious Heavenly Father, help me to always remember that I represent You wherever I go and that the eyes of the world and other Christians are watching.  Let my light shine brightly in a dark world in order to draw someone close so I can share the Gospel.  In Jesus name, Amen
By Dea. Cliff Tomlin

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

Happy 40th Anniversary, Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. June 15 is a time to celebrate forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

On Sunday, June 15, 1986, the Meadows family visited the League being invited by Pastor Robert Williams, and his beautiful wife, my friend, Marsha Williams. Even though this was our first visit hearing the young Pastor Wayne Cockrell preaching from the Holy Word of God, we personally knew that we would be coming back to the League. Sunday after Sunday, the Meadows family was led to visit Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. We loved participating in praise and worship plus giving to the general offering for the new church. The Holy Word of God was being preached, precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little there a little as written in (Isaiah 28:10-13). Our Sunday visitations were so frequent that several members knew us by our name.

The Lord continued to impact our hearts with the challenge to leave our former church and become members at Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. We sought the Lord earnestly in prayer, seeking Him for guidance regarding our decision to leave our former church. Obedience to the Father’s will was far more important than to remain with our family and friends at our former church. The decision was final, the emotions were there however, we left our former church and became members of Genesis Bible Fellowship Church, October 1986, because there was work to be done.

Saints, the scriptures teaches us in 1 Samuel 15:22(a) “to obey is better than sacrifice.”  The LORD led Moses to the Burning Bush however, it was necessary because there was work to be done.(Exodus 3:2-5) The LORD spoke personally to Abraham led him out of his country because there was work to be done (Genesis 12:1-4) The angle of the LORD spoke to Gideon, gave him a sign, because there was work to be done. (Judges 6:21-28) Jesus personally visited Martha and Mary’s home, led Mary to sit at His feet, because there was work to be done. (Luke 10:38-41) The LORD led Paul to the Damascus Road, placed him down on his face, spoke to his heart, because there was work to be done.(Acts 9:1-6) .
The one act of obedience has caused us to experience many years of personal change and growth . Serving in several ministries within the church, watching and seeing several descendants come to a saving knowledge of accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord . This has been the highlight of our faith, If you ask us why did we come to Genesis the answer will still remain the same, it was necessary because there is still work to be done.

“He leadeth me, O blessed thought
O words with heavenly comfort fraught
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me
He leadeth me, He leadeth me
By His own hand He leadeth me
His faithful follower I would be
For by His hand He leadeth me
Author Joseph H Gilmore"

PRAYER: Our Abba Father, in the name of our King of Glory Jesus, we bow before Your Holy presence. Mere words can never describe our 40 years of experience being members at Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. Personally knowing You has led us to participate in Your work for Your Glory. To love You is to serve You, to serve You is to
love You.
Bro Bobby and Sister Debbie Meadows.

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

The month of June has a very special meaning to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. We celebrate the founding of this ministry and this year we celebrate forty years of Pastoral and Church Ministry. Join us as we receive encouragement from one another as we read about the when and the how the Lord led each writer to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church! Enjoy today's devotional and may it remind you of when you were led to this branch of Zion!

SCRIPTURE: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 

Pastor Cockrell has made the statement that Genesis Bible Fellowship Church is a healing church and it seems as if God sends people to GBFC to be healed, especially from “church hurt”. I count myself in that number. At my former church I was worship leader, choir director, and for five years I was employed on staff as Youth and Young Adult Pastor. Through God’s plan and leadership, the ministry grew from 6-10 kids on Friday night to approximately 25-35 teens every Friday. The ministry was vibrant. The kids and their parents were reaching out to relatives, friends, and neighbors, letting them know about this great ministry. They agreed that it was a place to help their kids grow and it was a safe place for their teens to be on Friday nights.

It happened one year when we took the kids to the annual Youth for Christ Teen Conference in Ocean City, MD, that an incident occurred between a pair of teens. As per protocol, I always kept one chaperone in each room with 5 teens. However, even with chaperones in the room this incident occurred and upon  my investigation I discovered the truth and told the Pastor, elders, and parents of the teens. The angry parents of one of the teens involved demanded action-my removal from ministry and firing from church staff. Though I did everything I was supposed to do, I was released from ministry and fired. I was collateral damage. Other parents and teens, who knew the truth was totally different from the story told by the teen, came to my defense and advised me to obtain a lawyer and fight, because I did nothing wrong. This started to divide the church. I wanted no part in dividing God’s people, so I thanked my supporters, thanked the leadership, and left the church. It was very painful to leave my ministry, children, and families I had come to love. It really crushed me knowing I did nothing wrong, followed protocols correctly, and was still fired. I even protected the teen who lied and didn’t pursue exposing them. I didn’t want all who were involved to experience a lingering hurt and pain. I didn’t want the division that was starting to get worse.
 
Desiring not to keep my young family without a church home for too long, my wife and I prayed decided on which churches we wanted to visit. After all, Kim and I were members and married in a church that preached the Word! The pastor didn’t do all that whooping and show. He exegesed the Word of God. He not only preached it, but he also taught it. He emphasized Bible study and outreach. We were also big watchers of minster like Tony Evans, David Jeremiah, Charles Stanley, so we knew what real preaching and teaching looked like. We had both gone to Bible college, so we knew what we were looking for. After a few months of visiting churches, we came to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. Wow, the preaching and teaching were just what we liked and knew we needed. There was also great children’s ministry going on, too. This was very important to us because we had two teenagers, and kids eleven, four, and a newborn. There was even a nursery was in place, and my wife could be relieved of the baby and could enjoy the sermon. But what really did it for me was I looked around and saw men working! They were even teaching primary church. After a couple visits, we knew this was the place for our family.

God has said in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Through our Christian walk we will go through valley experiences, but remember God has a plan for you. God leading us to Genesis restored my faith in Him. Over time He healed my pain and restored my ministry. To God be the glory for the great things He has done!

PRAYER: Lord God, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for Your grace and forgiveness. Thank You for saving my soul. Lord, I pray for souls who are lost and lives who are in pain. May they come to know You as savior that You may heal them as You have done for me. Thank You for Pastor Cockrell and the ministry of GBFC. To God be the glory for the great things He has done!

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

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

SCRIPTURE: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
SCRIPTURE: "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth." Psalm 127:3-4   

After serving in ministry with my husband at our former church for many years we
sensed that the Lord was giving us the green light to begin a new season and seek a
new church home. Together with our children we visited several congregations that
were strong in teaching the Word and committed to serving the community and while we
appreciated those qualities, we felt that something important was still missing.

In addition to being a church that is Word centered, and community focused it was
important for us to find a congregation that also provided a strong community for our
children. We desired opportunities such as Awana’s ministry, children’s church and
other age-appropriate ministries that would partner with us as parents in nurturing and
developing our children in their faith. We were looking for a church family where both we
and our children could grow spiritually and be supported in every stage of life and that’s
why we chose Genesis Bible Fellowship Church over 20 years ago.

PRAYER: Dear Lord thank you for a Pastor who had a vision to meet the need of the
whole family and for the body of believers who have helped me to pour into my children
for your Glory and their good.
By Sis. Kim Carter

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

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

Stop thinking you are in control. The Lord is sovereign. Many of us thought that we chose Genesis Bible Fellowship Church as our home. In 1995, my young family and I were looking for a place to grow and call home. Three-points, sound familiar, learned at Genesis under the Leadership of Pastor C.

1. I didn’t choose Genesis; God placed me here. Many things drew me to Genesis—the teaching of the Word, my brokenness, and the example of believers faithfully walking with God through life’s highs and lows.
2. Why? For His pleasure and glory. Over the past 30 years, I have grown in Christ within His body. I came broken and hurting, but through God’s Word and the leadership of Pastor C, I learned, served, and became a testimony of His grace. Through life’s highs and lows, we remained committed to rightly dividing the Word of God. In all things, it is for His pleasure and His glory.
3. What has it produced? The growth of my family and me. I learned how to become a man of God, love my family, and lead them according to the Lord’s will, Word, and way. This led me to our family verse:
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Was it truly my choice, or was God leading? Praise the Lord for Pastor Cockrell’s 40 years of ministry and for his faithfulness in staying the course despite the spiritual battles around him. Keep pressing on for Christ.

PRAYER: Lord, help us understand that this life is about Your pleasure, not our own. Lead us by Your Spirit, not by our flesh. Let Your will be done. To God be the glory. Amen.
By Dea. Melvin Buck

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

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

After graduating from college, I moved to Baltimore. Soon after, I accepted a job offer and settled in. Later, I met my future husband, got married, and started a family. We were attending a church where my husband’s family members worshipped. As time passed, I met some Christian co-workers who befriended me. One of those friends who attended an exercise class at her church on Walker Avenue asked me if I would be interested in coming to the class. After attending several times, she later invited me to attend a morning worship service there.

My husband, daughter and I skipped our regular church service and went to Genesis Bible Fellowship Church where the renowned shepherd was Pastor Wayne Cockrell. That was the day that changed our lives. The way that Pastor Cockrell taught the Word of God ended our games of “WORD” search and the “CROSS WORD” puzzles that had become a part of our weekly routine of seeking to quinch the hunger and thirst of belonging to a Bible believing church. By the end of the worship service, it was now extremely evident that this was where we needed to be to Learn, Grow and Live a life that is pleasing to God. “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7.

After the church moved to Reisterstown Road, we decided that we would become members and enrolled in the New Members class. What an exciting experience that was!! To have Pastor Cockrell teach us one-on-one was a highlight that inspired our spiritual growth as a family. To see him express his genuine concern for our souls, having the desire to teach us and make us accountable for the memorization of scriptures was another. My husband (who had grown up in a different religion) accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized after having heard the gospel preached by Pastor Wayne Cockrell. Afterwards, we both joined ministries and became active members of Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. To God Be The Glory For The Great Things He Has Done!!!

PRAYER: All Wise and Everlasting Father, thank You for knowing the path that’s set before me, and for paving my way to this branch of Zion – Genesis Bible Fellowship Church. Thank You for allowing me to have a Pastor that teaches as of the oracles of God. As we honor Pastor Cockrell and celebrate the church’s 40th Anniversary, please strengthen him where he feels weak and build him up when he feels torn down. Please bless our Genesis church family in the way that only You can. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Blessings!
By Sis. Starletta Brewington

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

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

When I was young the only church I attended through my younger and older years was what we  considered our family church. The first members of my family to attend this church were my great grandparents, and then down through the generations. In fact, the only time I went to any other church was when I became a military wife and attended the chapels made available to the families. When I married Greg, I assumed I would continue going to my family church, but as our years started to build I realized just how important it was to attend service together. When I first decided to join and fellowship at Genesis, I continued to go to my family church, but as I listened and became educated about many important things at Genesis, I realized I didn’t agree with how things were being handled at the family church and made the very big decision to leave. I joined Genesis and to this day I continue learning so many things, and in addition I also came to realize the importance of attending church with my husband and any other family enabling us to share such an important and wonderful gathering.

We all should realize going to the same church helps the couple/family to grow closer to each other and God, along with the children learning about Jesus.
6 Benefits of Attending Church Together as a Married Couple:

• A Deeper Connection
• Unified Devotion to the Lord
• Stability in Marriage
• Chance to Grow in the Community of Believers Together
• Established a Foundation for the Future
• A Happier Relationship

“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 CORINTHIANS 16∶14 (ESV)
“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” 2 THESSALONIANS 3∶5 (NIV)
A PRAYER FOR UNITY IN MARRIAGE: "Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." Philippians 2: 1- 2
By Sis. Denise Kelly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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