Eternal God and our gracious Father, again this morning we bow in Your presence as we open the Word, desiring that You would speak to us from It. That It would bring about in our hearts something new and refreshing, instructive, filled with wisdom, and guidance for our lives. We ask Your favor upon me, Father, that once again You would speak this Word by Your Spirit through me and may indeed Father this Word become powerful and vibrant in the hearing of people. That for many there would be the acquiring of a fresh glimpse of who You are. For others of us, maybe there is a conviction, a sense of neediness to repent, because we have fallen in our perception of You. Please do the Work that only You can do, Lord God. We will give You praise, and we will give You thanks in Jesus’ name, amen and amen!
Pastor Wayne Cockrell

Will your doors be shut tight, lights off on your porch and in your home or will you leave your home altogether on October 31 to avoid those pesky trick-o-treaters?  That’s an evangelistic opportunity coming straight to your door-so give 'em Jesus!!!  Does God want you to let your light so shine only on 364 days, but not October 31? Can children and their parents see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven on October 31?  Yes, they can, for October 31 is also the day that the Lord has made.

“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; [a]and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.” (Romans 14:5-6).   When we say that we do not observe that day, aren’t we really esteeming it, albeit negatively? I get it, we don’t want to be seen rewarding children for wearing disguises and begging for candy on what has been called, “The Devil’s Day.”  While we do understand that the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one (1 John 5:19), we can still overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21); the Good News about Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Romans 3:23- for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the [a]gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:9-10 - that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
1 Corinthians 15: 3-5 - For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen,

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day You have made, we will be glad and rejoice in it. Please give us wisdom, discernment, and a desire to share the Good News to the audience who choose to ring our doorbells on October 31. While they may want candy we desire to plant or water the Gospel seeds of salvation, and we’ll trust You to bring the increase. It is in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
By Sis. Paula Smith

As Christians grow in their faith, we are introduced to the various names of God and we’re sometimes perplexed, I mean, we’ve only known Him as “GOD!” You mean there is more?  “The God Who Heals” also known as, Jehovah Raphe is found throughout Scripture: Exodus 15:26, Numbers 21:4–9, Psalm 103:3, Jeremiah 30:17, and much more.  Jehovah Raphe: The God Who Heals is the character and grace of God seen through the relationship with His children. Take a moment and recall, in your own life, can you find examples of healing from Jehovah Raphe? When you do, praise God and “give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” (Psalm 107:8)  Why? Because HE “forgives all your iniquities, heals all your diseases, 4  redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5  satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:3-5). I’d say that’s worthy of a “Hallelujah, thank You, Jehovah Raphe!”

The grace of Jehovah Raphe meets us and sustained us when we need physical and even spiritual, emotional, and mental healing from the things God assigns or allows.  Moses illustrates what we should do in times of trials and desperation- cry out to the Lord. Yes, cry out to Him! “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4).  Saints,  “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:28). Our heavenly Father knows what we stand in need of and is never exhausted by our seeking Him - in fact, I’d say, He loves our seeking Him.

Now, take a look at this “If-then” conditional phrase of Exodus 15:26 - it is a reminder to listen and obey the Lord before the trials come, so that when trials come, “do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;” (1 Peter 4:12). God is after something, so listen and obey. Remember His faithfulness in times past. Repent when you are off track and give thanks to the Lord for He is good and He is Jehovah Raphe, “the Lord who heals you.”

PRAYER: Jesus, oh that we would be diligent to listen and follow Your directions. This flesh always rises to do what is right in our own eyes and forgets that we have been purchased with a price and that is to glorify our Father in our body and spirit.  When our journey of faith becomes rough and our sicknesses and trials seem to abound, remind us that Your grace aboundeth Much More! Thank You for being, among Your many names, The God Who heals. May we seek You, call on You, pour out our hearts before You, for to You belongs power and mercy. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
By Sis. Paula Smith

There are times when we may feel God is not listening. And although we know feelings aren’t facts we begin to lean on our own understanding. Our lack of patience when we want things done causes us to become inpatient with the God that has been nothing but patient with us. It seems when things are going well our prayer life is regular, consistent, and on point. However, one little misstep and we are throwing in the proverbial towel. Praying, “Father, can You hear me; it’s your child? Remember, when I prayed asking you to make so and so understand where they were wrong? Lord, did you hear me because they are at it again?”

“Father, can You hear me?” sounds like, ”Lord, I think You are moving too slowly. Lord, I know that Your ways are not my ways and Your thoughts are not my thoughts (Is 55:8) but can You consider my ways, can You move quicker? “ This faulty thinking occurs when things go array in life. Our mind twists the scriptures. We erroneously think that we can control a sovereign God or that we know best.

What should we do when we think God is moving too slowly? What should we do when we think God does not hear our prayers? First, don’t stop praying but maybe consider the prayer. Is it filled with I’s, is it self-centered, does it focus on what you want instead of what the Lord desires?

God: Cast your cares (worries) upon Me; for I care for you (1Peter 5:7)
Man: Lord, I know you said not to worry and trust You, but it does not seem like You hear me.

God: Trust in Me with all your heart and lean NOT to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Me and I will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Man: Lord, I do trust you with all my heart; my heart is what is telling me that You need some help.”
 
God: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the
Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:9 -10). Sigh, Lord, are You saying that I can’t trust my heart?
God: My child, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)

PRAYER: Dear Lord, forgive me for talking back and trying to justify why I handle situations on my own, even the situations I have given to You. Thank You, Lord, for showing me the error of my ways. I know sometimes I disappoint You, but You continue to show me grace and mercy. Lord, although I don’t care for pruning, I appreciate the learning curve. Thank You for Your Word that if read guides, enlightens, and educates. Thank You for Your Son Jesus the Christ who died for my sins and justified my freedom in His rising. Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns

I was at the Baltimore School of the Bible when one of my professors proclaimed, “there is no life without the blood.” I was on the floor at Franklin Square Nursing Home when a wound nurse explained to a group of nursing students that a particular wound diagnosis was tissue death as there was no blood flow within the bed of the wound. These two instances about blood and life have stuck with me because it was with these truths I began to gain an understanding of why Christ’s bloody act of love on the cross was so essential. His blood gave us life!

Truths shared in the classroom or in regular conversation can serve to enlighten and bring about deeper understanding and even conviction about matters of our life in Christ. They can shine greater light to enhance our faith, security and assurance. Lies served to us by our enemy can be demolished with the truths we choose to grasp. For example, we can have a brief misconception that a thought or deed can not be forgiven by our Holy God. However, in Scriptures, God has confirmed His everlasting love for His children (those He call His own) and declared we are already forgiven. God determined redemption before time; and in the fullness of time Christ died for us; and we are His for all time.

Ever coming to the truths of our Father’s provision in the Person of our Lord, the Christ, brings us freedom and joy. Christ proclaimed with the authority of the Father that He is the way, the truth and the life, and no one can come to the Father but through Him (John 14:6). Peter referred to Him as the Son of the Living God. He is our Master, yes, Redeemer, and Friend. There are known testimonies of our Lord’s death and resurrection. He lovingly came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). Who will believe the report of the Lord (Isaiah 53:1)?

Who would reject such a great love as our Lord’s? No one who is looking for absolute
freedom, security and joy. It is by the shedding of His blood for the sin of the world that we
have such things as atonement, justification, redemption, access to the Father, forgiveness of sins, life in the beloved. Thank You, Jesus, for we believe that Your death, Your resurrection makes us Free Indeed!!

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for Your prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, where You made it known that You came to accomplish Your Father’s business. Thank You, for suffering through the Roman soldiers’ relentless licks and whippings. Thank You for enduring the guards’ piercing Your side, hands and feet. You died for me personally; and for that, I say, “Thank You!!”  I am grateful for the proof of Your determination to rescue me from the darkness of sin  and delivered me into Your marvelous light! For You, Jesus, becoming sin in our place has made us free, indeed! - In Your Name we pray-Amen!
By Sis Lisa Williams

Christ is the source of our divine inheritance. Before the earth was formed, God sovereignly determined that every elect sinner, however vile, useless, and deserving of death - by trusting in Christ would be made righteous. The word translated “works” is the same one in which “energy,” “energetic,” and “energize” are derived.

When God created the world, He gave it sufficient energy to begin immediately to operate as He had planned. It was not simply ready to function but was created functioning. As God works out His plan according “to the counsel of His will,” He energizes every believer with the power necessary for his spiritual completion. (MacArthur Study Bible) We were made by God and for God’s purposes and pleasure.

I remember the night when I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart. The blinders fell from my eyes, and I felt a spiritual energy because I knew that I was forgiven. I am an optimist by nature with an outgoing and energetic personality, so my salvation added to me a new level of sufficient energy to function. Saints have told me that I am sometimes like “the energizer bunny” for Christ, even at my age!

God never asks about our ability or our inability – just our availability.

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for working in us to work through us for Your glory.
By Sis. Cheryl Torain

Besides yourself, dear child of the King, have you ever known someone who was lost but was later found by the Lord Jesus? I have. It was a former co-worker of mine. I believe that she is with Christ now, having died several years ago. At some point in life she’d had an encounter with the living God and had run by faith into Christ’s arms, trusting in His redemptive act on Calvary’s cross. She had begun trusting in ALL He has revealed in His Holy Word. This ostensibly world-weary lady had once been an avowed naysayer, a true mocker and a cynic as it pertained to the things of Christ.

Then, after I returned to that agency, following a twelve-year hiatus (to rear my children), I ended up assigned to the same unit as the forementioned woman, and behold, she’d been changed! When the conversation lent itself to spiritual matters, she was unashamed to humbly declare who her source of righteousness was, and that her Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ had become her Redeemer, Advocate, and Friend, having taken away ALL of her sins! While it was not my habit to “overhear” others’ conversations in that cubicle-lined office space, I felt compelled to proclaim an audible “AMEN” to her comments which I one day heard her sharing with someone.

Observing such a changed individual must be what it was like for those in the apostle Paul’s day to be an eye-witness to the profoundly new creation that he became following his encounter with the living Christ on the road to Damascus. [See Acts 9:1-22, chapters 22 and 26] What changes about you, dear reader, can others attest to or give testimony? Are you examining your pattern of spiritual growth as you reach for the goal of His upward call in Christ?

PRAYER: Dear Father, while it greatly inspires us to see the evidence of changed lives in our midst, we remain thankful that it is not primarily the observations of others that authenticate the changes You’ve effected in us who believe on Christ. Heighten our determination to be true and living “epistles” You’ve redeemed us to be. In Christ’s name, amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs

Those who are true friends of the Lord Jesus are to also be friends with one another, and that friendship is to be based on the spiritual capacity to love that we have received from Christ Himself. He speaks to his 12 disciples about his commitment to those who are His friends, but he also teaches them, as well as us, that to be Jesus's friend carries with it a great responsibility, because of who He is and what He has made those that He chose to be his friends. For Jesus to have us as His friends He had to show the greatest act of love toward us by sacrificing His life for us, by dying on the cross for our sins.

He did it not only to save us so that we who believe can be forgiven for our sins, but He revealed the example that is expected from us, who are His friends, toward one another when required. This is also the teaching that is given to us in 1 John 3:16,  “By this we know love because He laid down his life for us.  And we also Ought to lay down our lives” for our brothers and sisters in Christ. The active experience of our friendship with Jesus and one another is called fellowship and it is characterized by our sharing of His life and receiving His love as we walk together with Jesus and one another. 1 John 1:3.

The first expectation He reveals to his friends is that we are to obey what He commands (14). It reminds us that though Jesus calls us into this friendship, and does not call us his servants, does not mean that He relinquishes His position of authority in our lives. In sacrificing His life so that we could be His friends,  He assumes personal possession of all those whom the Father has given Him (John 10:29 and 17: 24). and personal ownership of all who believe on Him (Acts 20: 28 and Ephesians 1:14).  True friends of Jesus are mindful that He expects obedience from us. Being our friend does not mean Jesus is less “Lord.”

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank you for saving us through faith in Your Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and giving us to Him to have to hold and share His life with Him. Grant us greater revelation. That we may know you and him so much better. As we live for you in this world In Jesus name, Amen.
By Pastor Wayne Cockrell
Taken from “The Pastor’s Heart” Family and Friends Day Newsletter No. 22- Vol 8, October 2018

“And more, much more than this,  I did it my way!” The velvet voice of Frank Sinatra sang those words after each stanza of his song My Way. Sinatra’s song talked about not having regrets about doing things his way. Elvis Presley to Nina Simone to Jay-Z have done versions of this song. And ironically, they all have probably lived their life by doing “it” their way. “There is a way that seems right unto a man, but its way leads to destruction” (Provers 14:12).

How many times have you frustrated the Holy Spirit by doing things your way? Have you gone through life telling God your plans instead of heeding His direction? Is your way the best way? We serve an all-knowing, all-seeing God, but we often make the decision to do things our way instead of His way. “There is a way that seems right, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 16:25). This statement is in the book of Proverbs twice. Culturally when someone says something twice it is for emphasis. For example, if a person tells you that it is raining-raining, they are letting you know that this isn’t normal rain and maybe you should stay inside. If a guy says he likes-likes a girl, he’s telling you that that girl is definitely the one. We atomically understand the impact or emphasis made with those double statements, but neglect to understand the emphasis that God is making when he tells us twice that our way is not the best way.

Honestly, I like the song My Way and have belted out, “I did it my way” a time or two, but as I grow in Christ I realize that I should be singing, “And I Did it God’s Way” because doing it God’s way is the best way. Ironically, Sinatra’s life was not an easy life, and I don’t know if he was a believer. What I do know is God’s way is perfect and that my way may seem right but its end leads to destruction.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for direction even when we don’t follow it. Forgive us for disregarding Your way and doing it our way. Forgive us for embracing flawed people and singing their songs with great resolve while throwing Your Words to the side. Lord, please continue to lead and guide us so we recognize Your way as the best way. Thank You for daily mercies and multiple opportunities to get it right and do it Your way. In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns

Lord!
I’ve been spiritually wandering while attempting to love and serve You from a distance,
I miss your presence as I stand with sorrow, conviction, confession, and repentance.

My realization stems from your faithfulness, grace, and mercy,
You’ve granted me chances to realign myself, although I’m undeserving.

My faith is a journey that requires spiritual discipline, obedience, and a renewed heart,
A broken relationship can be mended once the renewal and restoration season starts.

Lord, what must I surrender, change, or obey so my life will reflect Your presence, purpose, and glory?
Transform my attitude, habits, decisions, and relationships to mark Your servant and territory.

Search me, O God, and know my heart while cleansing what offends You,
I am aware of my spiritual conditions, so I am removing any potential excuses.

So, let me address those sins that are obvious that are a hindrance,
Pride, selfishness, disobedience, spiritual laziness, and unforgiveness.

I can’t do this alone, so I invite you Lord to examine and point out any unhealthy fixtures,
Meanwhile, I will ask the Holy Spirit to expose attitudes and behaviors that contradict Scripture.

A Kingdom-focus must be established to live under God's authority,
I cannot afford to live independently of You by looking like the majority.

The goal is to live beyond feelings and emotions to establish true repentance,
Allowing the Lord to change my thinking and direction without any resistance.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me,
Correct my character and my mind so I will not be my own enemy.

My greatest need is not an improved reputation, relief from consequences, but a transformed heart,
Spiritual renewal must reach deeper than outward circumstances, but to surrender my sinful faults.

Now, restore me from this season of prayer that felt dry, repetitive, or empty, but true,
I’m grateful that you don’t require me to manufacture excitement before approaching You.

Therefore, I come boldly to the throne of grace, that I may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need,
Restoration and renewal rest upon the shoulders of honesty, sincerity, and consistency to those who take biblical heed.

PRAYER: Fix me Lord like only You can. I realized my walk isn’t aligned with Your expectations and commandments. Once again, Your mercy reeled me back in to walk Your way. Lead me, Father! In the name of Jesus, Amen!
By Bro. Glenny Moore

Paul uses the analogy of a runner to describe the Christian’s growth. The believer has not reached the goal of Christlikeness, but like the runner in a race, he must continue to pursue it. When we get to heaven and into God’s presence, we will receive the prize which has been an unattainable goal in this earthly life. (MacArthur Study Bible) However, unrealistic, or unreasonable expectations in this life will make you feel “locked in” to someone else’s self-image only to eventually weaken and destroy any positive concept you may have.

Many of us place unrealistic expectations on others. The Lord Jesus has given each one of us spiritual gifts in which to edify the body of Christ and give Him glory. The discovery and development of our spiritual gifts will be a signpost directing us to God’s will for our lives. When we understand areas that we are gifted, responsible and empowered to do, we will not be so quick to fulfill the purposes of others instead of the purposes of God. Remember, the mighty oak was once a little nut that stood on its ground.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for giving me the privilege of stewarding the gift You assigned me in eternity past. May I keep my focus on pleasing You in every opportunity given for Your glory.
By Sis. Cheryl Torain

SCRIPTURE: "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27

To be honest, both our walk and talk, our 'conversation', represent just what we treasure in our hearts, the thing we express when we feel unobserved... although, we are always observed. It's the thing we show when we are relaxed, and the mask is off. It is our naked, raw goodness, once we lose our paint job. Our 'conversation' offers its proofs through how we spend our time and with what or whom, where we spend our monies and on what, and how we share our talent within the world.

Jesus' insistence is that we impact the world, or at least 'our world', that our lifestyle declares the new creation that the touch of the gospel has brought. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?... You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16
The call is both personal as well as corporate. It is meant for me, and for you, and for us all...that are of His 'body'. We are called to work it out together, united for the cause, by faith. "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same, one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10

We are called to "stand fast" as one, and to be "striving" together. Unity matters. The Spirit of Christ, draws us to be together in fellowship, to be fruitful through it, and to declare His righteousness, and His love. What should be 'dearest' is our willingness to please Him, having the capacity to do so. What should be 'earnest' is the risk we take to heartily please Him, from an authentic place, and despite the contrariness of our near worlds, seen and unseen, chosen and unchosen.  'Beloved'. Bless God. Share the Word, and walk the talk...all to the glory of God!

PRAYER: Lord, as You offer us 'one to another' moments, guide us within it to bare our better selves to the winning of souls, and the encouragement of each other. Through it all, I pray that You might be pleased. Hallelujah and Amen!
By Dea. McNeal Brockington

SCRIPTURE:  “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8

As those who are Christ’s, we’ve been divinely authorized to stand firm in recalling whose we are, to maintain a realistic perspective that this world is not our eternal home. By God’s grace, we have been given the capacity to REST in all that He has promised us as those who are “seated in heavenly places.”  One such point of rest for me over the decades has been 2 Timothy 2:19—“…the firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness.”  To this end, 1st John 1:9 is wonderfully renewing!  Have you committed to memory some of God’s Word to help you stand firm when the world, your flesh, and/or the devil [and his emissaries scattered throughout this planet] challenge your spiritual convictions?
                                                                        
The best thing that we can do, whenever our thought channels encounter fleshly, satanic, or worldly interference, is to replace those “darts” with portions of God’s truth and promises; commit as many as will be helpful to MEMORY!    Such memorization is time WELL SPENT!  Oust the enemy’s lies and replace them with God’s truth!  We who truly love Jesus and desire to strengthen our inner being, must firmly resolve to press in even closer to Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith!   Let us form NEW GROOVES, intensify our divine gatekeeper skills—i.e., our determined yieldedness to His Spirit--and thereby glorify Christ in our thought lives!  We must, without hesitation, replace those negative “grooves” with God’s affirmations of the truth as it is in JESUS!!

PRAYER:  Father God, I  desire to consistently obey Your command to let the mind of Christ indwell me; this is but one area, among so many, that demonstrates our love and obedience to You, as it affirms that our hearts are truly under Your lordship.  Thank You, Father, in Christ’s holy name; amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs

SCRIPTURE:  “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Scientists some time ago revealed that every repeated thought we have physically alters our brain, causing certain trains of thought to form actual grooves in our mind over time! God said it first, eons ago in His Holy Word! So, how is your thought life these days?  Are you daily guarding the gates of your mind, filtering out the toxic stuff? Whether it’s related to regrettable past events, people outside of your fan base, or just life in general?  Are you proactively being the gatekeeper of your mind, or have you forfeited all obedience to this divine command?  Are you guilty of habitually allowing anything and anybody to permeate, and if possible, completely breach the walls of your peace? -- which is your divine birthright as a Spirit-indwelt child of the King? I confess occasional guilt in this area, but I’m making progress, praise the LORD!

Have you permitted God’s truth in all spheres of life to wear a ‘groove” in your mind (heart) or thought processes?  You know that our Lord commands that we do this very thing---read again our title verse; meditate a bit on it!  Our LORD, due to His omniscience, is the undisputed Expert on what opposes this discipline of controlling our thoughts.  As our omniscient Savior God and Great High Priest, the LORD indeed sympathizes with our weaknesses, and was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin, says Hebrews 4:15. Rehearse these truths in your spirit when the enemy’s darts and an assortment of adversities common to this earthly life threaten to steal your joy in Christ!

PRAYER:  Dear Lord, give us a truly strong desire to please You with every thought and with every word we utter!  In and of ourselves, this is impossible, but with You ALL things are possible!  In Christ’s faithful name—thank You and AMEN!
By Sis. Denise Diggs

Father, we thank You, once again for the Word You have given unto us. I pray Father, again, as I did before and again, before the witness of people, that You would speak deeply and greatly even beyond my limited ability with words. As the Word has been read and proclaimed, I pray that Your people would have great enlightenment to the degree that it is pleasing to You. I pray that the saints would be edified, built up, and encouraged in these times that we live, unbelievers would come to Jesus. May Your Word touch them and spark in them the work that only You can do of wooing and drawing and bringing them to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our prayer, that in this season souls would come to Jesus. It is in Your matchless name I pray, with thanksgiving, amen and amen!
Pastor Wayne Cockrell, taken from God Proves Again He Is  

Hour of Power Starts this Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 7a.m. on ZOOM!
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A popular Halloween movie line: “I ain’t afraid of no ghost” is known by many. The fun and witty movie entitled Ghostbusters was not centered around serial killers attacking teens at a campsite or in their dreams or cannibals luring people into their cabin because of a wrong turn. Instead, this movie was about the supernatural, and it is labeled comedy and not horror. Halloween, second only to Christmas, generates the most revenue in the USA. As All Hallows Eve approaches children and parents get excited about costumes, candy and accompanying or sending their children out to the homes of strangers asking for a TRICK or treat. As parents we give the speech, no eating the candy until I check it, or you go to your
church’s event where you can’t dress as ghosts or goblins but still dress up and get candy amongst people you know and trust. The latter seems like a fair compromise, right?

Nonetheless, this day is full of cute kids, some dressed as harmless butterflies, while others are dressed as the undead or serial killers asking for tricks or treats. No one really wants a trick. And those tricks can be cruel and deadly. Halloween has also grown large with many adults decorating their homes with huge and scary creatures. Truthfully, I’m amazed at some of the creativity. However, I can’t shake the thought that those people are inviting Satan to their homes. Crazy, I know because they ain’t afraid of no ghost. But are they afraid of demons? Do they even believe demons exist?

In a Disney movie, the Haunted Mansion, the main character when realizing the mansion may be haunted exclaimed, “Dark spirits – Don’t make no dark spirits come out!”  I thought exactly, don’t play with dark spirits. Demons are real. Many have a demon or dark spirit following or attached to them. We call them different things now: mental illness, addiction or crazy. As Halloween grows the minimization of Satan's power grows and this minimization gives Satan a foothold in the world. Not believing Satan exists and willingly inviting him to your home and mind is dangerous. Demons are real. The Bible speaks of demons often. Matthew 8:29, demons asked Jesus "have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?" Mark 1:34 talks about many demons being cast out. Ephesians 6 :11-12, tells us to put on the full armor of God so we can stand against the schemes of the devil. Moreover, it tells us that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, against the rulers of darkness and against spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly places." Spiritual host of wickedness sounds like dark spirits to me. So, as this season progresses remember that demons are real, should not be taken lightly and "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father bring to our remembrance that demons are real. Help us not to conform to the world and become complacent when it comes to Halloween, Satan, and his minions. Your Word speaks of demons and their power, but we know Your power is greater. Lord, convict the spirit of Your children who choose to celebrate darkness and make light of the power or realness of demons. Forgive us for compromising. Protect us Lord from these angels of darkness as movies get more and more horrific, as life, all too frequently, imitates art. Thank You for Your grace and mercy and for Your Son, Jesus the Christ who died for our sins. Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns

The battles of life may threaten to be lethal and even fatal to our testimony. However, all the reins are held by our God. All power belongs to Him-Hallelujah!! Therefore, He intentionally sends unforgettable glimpses of His great mercy. We are able to realize that this life is not all about making us comfortable. God wants us to know He is sovereign and His desires and purposes go far past the comforts of this life. He sent His Son, Jesus the Christ, to die for the world; and bring whoever will into a relationship with the Father.

If we are not careful, trials will disqualify us. The enemy’s job is to misalign and deter us, cause us to drift away from the Father and what He has said in the scriptures. Under the pressures and the loads of life, we may forget even our Lord’s faithful promises. He has shared that He has specific intentions for us. He desires to prosper us. He wants us to be strong in Him and rise above the fiery darts. We are called to be prosperous in our walk and our usefulness to His Kingdom. I am so grateful for our Lord’s care in all seasons of life, but absolutely ecstatic when I realize the wonders of His love while in a storm.

2 Corinthians 4:8 reads, “we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken.” It may appear that we come near to being destroyed, but the grace of God takes us up and causes us to land in His loving arms. We share our experiences not only for ourselves, but to take another mightily from faith to faith.

Becoming mature in life has more to do with just age, but more to do with how much we learn to lean and depend upon our Lord. God desires we become all His. Our strength is from Him solely. Without Him we are nothing, but with Him we can do all things. Yes, we can heal, recover, and encourage another. We can render trials as mere lessons learned to fatten our faith in our Lord. No trouble will ever separate us from our King and the very source of our strength. Amen and Hallelujah!!

PRAYER: Lord, we thank You for bringing us to and through our storms. We believe Your Word in Romans 8:28, “all things work for the good of them who love You and who are the called to His purpose.”  We want to be used by You; therefore, help us to walk humbly and answer the call to our assigned load. We want to forever realize that come what may, You are with us and we shall be triumphant. In Jesus’ Name-Amen!
By Sis. Lisa Williams

Transformation begins when I surrender my right to always be right,
Living through my limited views while rejecting the Lord’s insight.

After all, my thoughts, perspective, goals, and desires are not His,
No longer do I live for me, so who am I to determine how I should live.

The greatest challenge in changing is not always recognizing what is wrong,
It’s surrendering to what feels right, despite it prevents us from adhering to God.

We cannot become more like Christ while appeasing what the flesh prefers,
His desire is to transform our hearts, renew our minds, teach us love, and mature our character.

One of the greatest barriers to spiritual maturity is believing that because our feelings are real, our interpretations must be correct,
However, we can’t preserve and protect views and emotions that causes God’s purpose to become compromised or rejected.

The question becomes, am I defending my perspective because it is biblical and truthful?
Or am I refusing to admit another perspective would require me to change and become heavenly useful?

I can’t afford to trust and lean on my own understanding in daily life,
Who has the authority? ---my feelings, my history, my pride, or Jesus Christ?

Therefore, I will pray to have the mind of Christ in life trials, obstacles, and lessons,
Choosing His way over my way will bring honor to Him before my personal preferences.

PRAYER: Lord! These are the moments I see Your patience and mercy. Granting us opportunities to see Your way, needs to be the way that we choose. Thank You, Lord! In the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.
By Bro. Glenny Moore

In order to think right, we have to be transformed (metamorphosized) by the renewing of our minds. We have to change the way we think now that we are in Christ. The word “transformed” denotes that on a daily basis what is going on inwardly in our hearts is what should be displayed outwardly in our actions. Let’s stop the masquerade! This world system is already infiltrated by Satan who infects us with ungodly beliefs and values through television, the internet, ungodly literature, and a world system that is totally against God. I John 2:15-16 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world.”

Remember, if experiences, environments, education, and attitudes are negative, then beliefs about oneself, others and life will be on the negative side. Transformation is from the inside out because God is working in us to eventually work through us for His glory.

Even in the Church we see these ungodly beliefs and values expressed in many ways. We see this mindset in how we serve the Lord through our ministry (we give the Lord whatever is left over); we see it in our lack of commitment to truth; we see it in how we treat one another in our fellowships, and we see it in the unbiblical choices we make. Therefore, by renewing our minds through the Word of God, we begin to think like the Bible. This kind of transformation can only occur as the Holy Spirit controls our minds through consistent study and meditation of Scripture. The renewed mind is one saturated with, controlled by, and empowered by the Word of God.

PRAYER: Lord, please convict and check me when my thinking is infected by this world system. Thank You for the pruning and refining me to grow me to be more like You!!!
By Sis. Cheryl Torain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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