Father in heaven, we thank You so very much that we can rejoice today in our salvation. You have been the God of our salvation.  You and Your wisdom determined how You can be the Just and the Justifier. You can judge and yet at the same time willing to forgive those who will come by faith through the shed blood of the gift of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Father, for those who are tuning in, for those who are listening, those who will be tuning in for years to come, oh God we pray for mighty work of Your Spirit, causing hearts to bend, to bow, to break, to seek after You, especially in this season.  When man is brought to the end of themselves, please cause souls to come to Jesus. Cause people to look beyond themselves and realize that we need a Savior. One who can secure our souls beyond the limitations of the world we live in, but a Savior who can not only save us from physical death ultimately, but who can also save us from spiritual death eternally and we'll get the praise for that. In Jesus’ name, amen and amen.
By Pastor Wayne Cockrell
Taken from When You can’t Look Around Look Up

SCRIPTURE: “God is our refuge and strength, very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear,” Psalms 46:1

The word refuge takes on a meaning of an abiding place, which gives the thought that God is our abode, our spiritual home. There is sweet satisfaction and comfort associated with that definition. Our home can be thought of as a place that is dearest to us and a place where we may retire to, to get away from it all --no matter how modestly furnished or if, laid out like the Kings’ palace and or perhaps a cottage on the beach. Far dearer is our blessed God, in whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). It is at home where we feel most safe. We can attempt to shut out the world about us and dwell therein in a quiet peace and for the most part quietness with security.

 When with God, we ‘fear no evil.’ He is our shelter and retreat, our refuge. At home we take our rest and repose after being beat up by the world or from being fatigued or from toils and the troubles of the day. In God our heart finds rest after we have been confronted with life’s troubles. When we turn to God, our soul rests with ease. At home is the place of truest happiness for most, yet it is in God that our hearts find true delight. We have joy in Him, which far exceeds any other joy. Our home is where we labor to perform many tasks for family with purpose. On the other hand, God is our home (our refuge). His love alone strengthens us. We see the person of His dear Son. The suffering of our Redeemer constrains us to continue to labor in His cause. We must work and work, for there are yet many to be saved.

PRAYER: Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. You have protected and sustained me for Your divine purpose. To You I give praise!
By Sis. Novella Carpenter

The description of character is presented in the Bible,
My behaviors should resemble and imitate who I follow.

Beyond what I say, walking in the spirit is the proof,
Exhibiting Galatians 5 will attract others to His fruit.

Salt and light of the world should be my persona,
My character should activate a sweet-smelling aroma.

No matter the challenges, no matter the task,
How I respond in the on-site Christian will last.

I have the responsibility to be a joy-bearing agent,
The Lord is behind my kindness, joy, peace, and patience.

After all, the Lord didn’t bless me only for the benefit of myself,
The joy and peace that He provides are a witness for someone else.

The imprint and impact of His grace and mercy eliminate barriers,
The Lord demonstrates His glory and hope through our character.

So, as I grow in the knowledge of my Father throughout my days,
I will walk in a manner worthy of Him, and please Him in every way.

Prayer: I am Your instrument, Lord! Forgive me for only considering myself. I’ve failed to acknowledge how important my character is to You. I’ve kept Your favor a secret. Have mercy, Lord! Renew my spirit, actions, and words. I desire to imitate You so that Your goodness is on display. Shine through me, Lord, and I will be careful to give You all the glory. In the name of Jesus! Amen!
By Bro. Glenny Moore

Understanding directions is quite a blessing, and not having it, can be a frustrating thing. To help we've read the stars to help navigate, compasses to lead us, and of course conventional maps so that our drive to Nashville doesn't end up in New York. Modern man has always had his maps, and with each generation the capabilities seem to grow. We can figure the trajectory from one place on earth to another place on the moon, so certainly we can do the work to get to heaven and be in the presence of God. Right?  

But how do you navigate from natural to spiritual, from imperfect to perfect, from common to holy? There must be a recipe for getting to heaven---the use of ingredients that will render us acceptable to God now and hereafter. There must be a 'GPS'. "Be holy for I am holy." (Leviticus 11:44-45)  That is quite a tall order! Yet it is a constant from the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament. Some would diminish, marginalize, or even delete the holiness piece, such as to make the presence of God more attainable, more 'politically correct,’ perhaps even to let the love and kindness of God excuse us from being necessarily 'holy.’  But then would God continue to be just, and if unjust, would not His own holiness be lessened? Hmmn. That won't work. He must then make a way-- for the way that He requires of us-- that we draw near in time and in eternity. The way made is a choice, made freely.

The message of the gospel is the answer. Jesus paid it all! To believe the following is to be saved!  "God sent not His Son into the world, to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17)   "...I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6)   "...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation... 'Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.'" (Romans 10:9-11)  To believe this is salvation, bringing the perfect Christ to the imperfect world, Jesus paid it all!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for Your gracious giving, and for baring Your heart on the cross, that my life might begin. I bless You now, and evermore! Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington

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

At the foot of the Cross is where salvation happens! It does not matter whether your color, age, gender, or any other human classification. The foot of the cross is the only place where man’s heart can be reconciled with the true and living God. God is not willing that any should perish; therefore, He, before time, determined this Holy and sacred place. Jesus, God the Son, demonstrated His love for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8).

I have seen some tragedies, but the 9-11 terrorist event in NY has to be my most tragic observance. The entire nation witnessed (live on the news) those who were trapped in those burning buildings jump from high altitudes to their death to escape the great heat of fires. Once the structural remains were cleared, the place was referred to as “ground zero.” Ground zero was where many would grieve, weeping with clasped hands and great comfort for one another. God made it so that regardless of your political alliance, ethnicity, social status, etc., we, as a nation, experienced intense sorrow.
 
The 9-11 tragedy was indeed gruesome; however, as God also determined, there was an even more tragic scene and horrendous death. Yes, our innocent Savior’s crucifixion on the cross. He was killed for the sins of the world (John 3:16). Man-kind is born into sin; and is called to see his need to be saved by Jesus, the Redeemer (John 3:17). “There is none righteous; no not one” (Roman 3:10). “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Therefore, “the foot of the cross” is where believers must initially gather. It is our “ground zero”, yes, our holy and sacred place. No matter your financial or political status, race, gender, etc. Here we share a common ground. In 1st John 2:2, we read, “And He Himself (Jesus) is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the world.”

Jesus, the Christ, dying on the cross gives the believer a new beginning. “For whosoever believes on the Name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 16:31). Christ’s work on the cross and our confession of faith places us in a relationship with the Holy God of the universe. The great exchange occurs; whereby, Christ takes our place (with all of our sin) and suffers the wrath of God while also imputing to us His righteousness. Hallelujah!! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” ( 2 Corinthians 5:17) Glory to our God!!
 
PRAYER: Lord, we thank You for Your everlasting Love towards us. For You determined before time to level the ground and give us the opportunity to choose Life; and we know now there is life in no other but Your Son, the Christ. We thank You for Your Spirit who caused us to see our need for Jesus and all He has done and still is doing for us. No matter our social status, gender, race, etc; we all must come humbly believing Jesus. You, oh God, through and by Your Son wondrously and miraculously make our hearts right with You and place us on our personal journey to grow in His likeness; and for that we say, thank You. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen!!
By Sis. Lisa Williams

We must change our past thinking process if we are going to grow into Christlikeness. Romans 12:1-2 says “I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 
 
If our experiences, environments, and educational attitudes are negative, then the beliefs about ourselves, others and life will be on the negative side. By renewing the mind with God’s Word, we develop new beliefs, which become safety filters to strain our thoughts, emotions, and actions. God uses faith to integrate this new potential into our new belief system.
 
We are now enabled to think differently about ourselves from God’s perspective. II Corinthians 10:5 “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” God ’s Words + Right Thinking+ Right Emotions = Right Actions. A bridge is now developed from our old perspective to a new potential, being more Christ-minded, and well pleasing to God!
 
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, may I choose to discipline my heart with Your Word to think right, even when I don’t feel right to do and obey Your will.
By Sis. Cheryl Torain

An account given by a retired police officer described how thieves often use distraction to rob unsuspecting storekeepers.  They enter as a small group, then split up.  One group kickstarts a “disturbance” in one part of the store, causing most eyes to be diverted to the source of upheaval.  Some time later-- perhaps hours or even days later—the storekeeper learns of his victimization, but by then it’s too late!

What a brazen method of operation, and yet how easily we, too, can become distracted by the Evil One.  Satan and his unwitting human vessels—those in Adam as well as unguarded souls who are in Christ-- can unwittingly permit a diverse set of distractions to remove our focus from the Lord’s unique and divine purpose(s) for us.  Oh, but don’t divert your eyes from God’s unique purposes for you, beloved.  Each of His twice-born children are precious in His sight, and rest assured, He does not practice favoritism, says Galatians 2:6.

Each child of the King is specially appointed to stay on track and undistracted for His glory’s sake.  That said, keep His divine agenda for you at the forefront of your heart and spirit! Take time to nourish your spirit with the Bread of Life each day. Its necessity cannot be overestimated.  Time alone with the Lord makes all the difference!  Avoid the enemy’s attempts to distract, confuse, steal, kill, and destroy.

PRAYER:   Thank You, dear Father, for reminding us that greater are You who is in us than he that is in the world.  I praise You for having given us access to divine spiritual armor wherewith we can withstand all the distractions that the enemy of our souls may launch. AMEN.  
 By Sis. Denise Diggs

PRAYER: Our eternal Father in heaven, we thank You once again today for the great gift of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  We are thankful for the precious blood that cleanses us from all sin, and You have given unto us this great privilege to gather in this place as a people with the full assurance of faith knowing that we are saved because of Him. So our hearts are filled with freedom to praise you; freedom in this relationship that You have given unto us. Even now Father, we open Your Word we realize that this Word gives light to our thinking. You help us to see matters from Your own perspective. You help us to correct those things that are wrong, and You direct us to what is right. So we ask Your favor upon this servant, that once again You may use me this day to speak in accordance to Your Word so that this people may leave this place having remembered what You have said to them and when it’s all said and done, Father, we will give You praise for the marvelous work of Your Word in the hearts of all who hear in Jesus name, Amen!
Pastor Wayne Cockrell

Whether materially wealthy or materially cruel, physically capable or physically impaired, situationally well-off or situationally challenged, God permits this life as the platform by which He is received as our ultimate treasure. The hand of blessing grants an invisible work upon the heart and soul of a man, by which we contend with our preferences and earthly passions. Knowing that God is faithful, we yield to the call, intentionally reaching for Him more than all else.

The rich young ruler, of Mark 10, found the invitation of Jesus to be a greater challenge to the righteousness he presumed of himself. He could not reason to do what Jesus asked, and so he left Jesus, returning to his stuff, and the things of the world. Even the mechanics of religious application failed him, though an acceptable fit within society. Civility and manners benefit the community, even piety, but God desires the heart, and its ultimate expression of faithfulness; the secret places of the heart are not exempt. “For you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” [Exodus 34:14] “The Spirit which He has made to dwell in us jealously desires us.” James 4:5

 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
As such, through Christ’s poverty His riches are given to us freely, upon believing, upon trusting in Him. God is exalted and Christ glorified. And so, should we possess little, or much, it is all about what we permit to possess us. Let us all purpose to daily pause before the cross, and let our foundation and our banner be, ‘Him crucified’ and ‘Him risen.’ Let us rejoice in, “my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:20 God has defined our wealth, and it is in Him...it is in His Word. Accept no substitute.

PRAYER: This heart, this heart so prone to slide requires Thine in which to hide ... so prone to fall, fix my embrace to joy the lighter chains of grace. On being taught, this will I keep, throughout this season til I ‘sleep.’ Pray understanding guard this gaze, my heart abounding with Thy ways... On being caught, let me stay so, with every righteous stop and go. Let understanding guard and guide, the wild transformed to now abide. And should life’s testing find me slight, permit me rest upon Thy might, to tarry with faith past my own, with hope to lift me, as I’m grown. Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington

In the Muslim culture, prior to making prayer (Salat) or touching the Quran (their holy book) Muslims must make mandatory ablution (Tahara), which is the formal, often religious, act of washing oneself. Salat is five ritualized prayers performed at certain times throughout the day and night.

This is part of the obligation for every adult Muslin so that a connection with Allah is made. Muslim men, women, and children must do this ritual before making Salat. There are two types of ritual ablution, Wuda and Ghusl and they encompass both physical and spiritual cleaning. Wudu is partial ablution it involves daily washing of hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, ears, and feet. Ghusl is full ablution this is a full-body bath required after major impurities like sexual intercourse or menstruation.
 
Prior to Salat the following mandatory Ablution rituals must be observed. Water actually touching the skin so that anything on the skin can be washed off completely. This procedure includes:
1. mentally preparing to purify for the sake of Allah,
2. saying in “In the name of Allah” before starting,
3. washing both hands up to the wrist 3 times,
4. rinsing the mouth and nose 3 times,
5. washing the entire face from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear 3 times
6. washing both arms up to the elbows three times starting with the right arm
7. wiping the head with wet hands once from front to back and back to front.
8. Cleaning the inside and outside of both ears with damp fingers once
9. Washing both feet up to and including the ankles making sure that water goes between the toes

In the Christian faith, a believer can talk to God whenever he/she wants. The work done at the cross by Jesus Christ was done for all of humanity. However, when you accept Christ as your personal Savior you are made clean. The blood of Christ, confession of sin, and the work of the Holy Spirit is how believers are made clean.

The personal relationship with Christ allows for direct communication with God. And although you should be in a proper mindset when praying, prayer can be made at any time and any place.   1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."   1 John 1:7 states "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from sin."

While we do not practice the ritual of self-purification,  we should be pure of mind when we pray,  the ability to come to the Lord in prayer in the mist of sin is a wonderful thing. In the mist of sin there may be conviction that causes immediate pause and communication with the Lord. Physical cleaning of the body does not cleanse the heart, because the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9).
 
It is during our darkest hours that the Lord says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). Moreover, internal cleaning is done by the Lord and shows itself on the outside in the way we act, dress, and talk. The Lord says in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together...Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”  You can approach the Lord dirty, smelly, covered in sin and He will accept you, forgive you, and make you clean.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, 'come as you are' is a form of grace that we often take for granted. Thank You for seeing pass my filth and seeing the best of me. Thank You for being obedient even to the cross so a sinner like me could be made whole. Thank You for cleaning up the inside so that my outside reveals Your love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
By Sis. Patricia Towns

I have to take every thought CAPTIVE,
This mind of mines is frequently ACTIVE.

My mind accepts all thoughts, if I ALLOW,
The ones that are pure, also the ones that are FOUL.

Thoughts have been collected since the day I was BORN,
My development is shaped around thoughts that are STORED.

These thoughts have left an everlasting IMPRESSION,
Thoughts arise, but they should be carefully EXAMINED.

Either way, thoughts are persistent and CONSISTENT,
When each thought come, it's difficult to resist IT.

Even in prayers, while making PETITIONS,
Thoughts interrupt by tugging for my ATTENTION.

Regrettably, I’ve allowed thoughts to compete with my SPIRIT,
Questioning whether I should disclose the thought or conceal IT.

While praying to keep my mind on HIM,
Thoughts are commandeered and directed to SIN.

Persuading my perspectives, actions, and FEELINGS,
Altering pure thinking for what’s fleshly APPEALING.

Godly thoughts are stolen, worldly ideas ARISE,
Evil persists, tempting me to COMPROMISE.

So, I must rely on preventive measure to avoid thoughts being high JACKED,
Immediately comparing and evaluating ideas with scriptures ATTACHED.

The Word of God strongly commands us to take every thought CAPTIVE,
2 Timothy 3:16, rebukes and corrects unwarranted ideas to be RETRACTED.

PRAYER: Lord, help me police these thoughts. Even unintentionally they pop up. It’s clear, I can’t do this alone. Thank You, Lord, for Your scriptures. I can compare what my thoughts and ideas suggest. I will hide Your Word in my heart to contend. Consume my mind Lord with biblical precepts. You are worthy to be praised. No wavering. Never changing. And you promised to be with me when I am attacked. I love You Father!
By Bro. Glenny Z. Moore

I had the opportunity to “Home school” my great nephew.  It was a great challenge for both of us.  My overall assessment of my nephew throughout the entire experience is that when a subject became difficult, he wanted to give-up and stop learning.  Just like in this Christian journey, when hard times come, many times our first thought is to stop and just quit; however, we as believers know Christ wants us to grow in our knowledge of Him.  To know Him as He is, the True and Living God!  He calls us to be strong in the Power of His Might!! (Ephesians 6:10)

Life with and in our Lord Jesus requires us to live by faith.  Living by faith is a definite threat to just existing.  God unapologetically brings us trials.  These trials and loads happen to be strategically assigned to progress us from the milk of His Word to feasting upon the meat of His Word.  Our faith becomes more than mere words, but it becomes genuine and the means by which we are found to be steadfast.

In our experiences, God calls us to look up and realize from where all of our help comes.  Ephesians 2:10, states, “We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  He desires us to bring Him pleasure with our obedience to what He has said in His Word.  We are to ultimately bring Him glory.  Hallelujah!!

Our lives, yes, our testimonies, are used to propel others (believers and potential believers) in the realization and revelation of Christ; He is the hope of glory.  The hard knocks we live through are absolutely necessary.  Jesus stands ready and able to blow our minds with His Power, Provision and Protection.  For He made us and not we ourselves. (Psalm 100:3)  Our earthly success depends solely upon His three P’s previously listed.  Therefore, our stance should never be to quit; there is just too much at stake.  We are called to submit and yield to His omnipotence, omniscience and great direction.

PRAYER: Lord, help us to always know we desperately need You.  That with You, all things are possible.  Help us to walk in Your strength as we follow Your path in all of what You desire. That we may have good measure and success as we progressively get to know You and understand our purpose in advancing Your kingdom.  In Jesus’ Name!  Amen.
By Sis. Lisa Williams

There are two general types of clay, based on how the substance reacts when mixed with water. Expandable clay swells when water is added to it. Expandable clay can absorb so much water that the clay itself becomes a liquid. Non-expandable clay, however, becomes soft but not liquid when mixed with water.
 
Non-expandable clay is used in making pottery, bricks, and tile. For example, pottery makers mold moist clay into almost any shape and bake it in hot ovens called kilns. Heat removes the water from the clay, which becomes permanently hard and cannot be softened by adding water to it. Jesus Christ is the “living water” who desires to mold us into His image.
 
The Samaritan woman of John 4 drank from the fountain of living water and was transformed from non-expandable clay to expandable clay in the Master’s hand. When He announced that He was the Messiah, she believed and immediately left her water pot to share the Good News with others. Now the expandable clay hurried to tell others about Jesus and became a conduit of salvation for many.
 
If the heat of trials does not absorb the “water of the Word,” we become non-expandable clay and hardened. But as we willingly absorb “the water of the Word,” we can become expandable clay and channels for others to drink of the water of life through Jesus Christ.
 
PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for hardening my heart and becoming unusable. Thank You for Your loving chastening to make me expandable clay for the building of Your Kingdom.
By Sis. Cheryl Torain

SCRIPTURE:  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 4

You never outgrow being a mom—or a dad, for that matter.  Once you become a mom, thoughts of your children, no matter their age and how they’re faring in the world, never completely vacate your heart!  You are always praying, as Third John verse 2 says, that they will prosper in all things, and enjoy good health-- spiritually and physically.  This mothering role, as author Elizabeth George wrote, is “an assignment from God which He uses…to make us more Christlike by giving us countless opportunities to die to our self.”  I am hard pressed to think of any other role in life that brings you more quickly to the realization that your life is no longer all about you, your own wants and goals.  We can “have it all,” sisters—just not all at the same time!

It’s one of life’s marathons from which you are never completely finished until He calls you to your heavenly home, and if you had a few miscalculations or oversights in leg one of this marathon, there’s always the second leg—grandparenting!   To the extent, however, that we  seek His wisdom and emulate Christ while lovingly and patiently offering needed counsel to both generations [when the need is obvious].  We’ll never have any insurmountable regrets upon reaching the  finish line of our own race.  Best of all, we will have the great assurance—no matter what choices our adult children make down the road of life-- that we ourselves have followed the wise and godly counsel of our heavenly Father as best we could.  We must persevere in prayer for them, leaving the final outcome in our Savior’s hands.
 
PRAYER:  Dear Father God, as mothers and grandmothers, give us a renewed focus on the profound significance of this divine calling, from both an earthly and an eternal perspective.  Thank You, in Christ’s name; amen! 
Sis. Denise Diggs

SCRIPTURE: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:” Proverbs 31:28

As we look to God’s Word, a quick brief word to mothers, it is Mother’s Day and certainly, we want to give honor to all mothers for the role that they are playing in the transmission of God’s truth from generation to generation. We’re thankful to God for His invention and creation of the concept of motherhood, whereby women have been given the distinct and unique privilege to not only conceive, but also to be those who protect the child in utero, transferring to them important things like protection and trust. So, we thank God for mothers and even grandmothers. In this age we live in a number of grandmothers are doing double duty and for whatever circumstances they are pulling up responsibilities in the mothering aspect. So, we give a word of encouragement to grandmothers, who are embracing the role, stepping in or filling in the gap, so that the transmission of truth is not being lost for whatever challenges the actual mother faces. So Happy Mother’s Day. May the Lord bless you. I hope that those around you, children, spouses find creative ways to make mothers feel very special today. Let’s face it, mothers, women are very important in the world, and we give honor to God for that.  In Jesus’s name, amen and amen.
Pastor Wayne Cockrell
Taken from “Obedience is Also About Attitude”

SCRIPTURE: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: 3 that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

SCRIPTURE: “Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:” Proverbs 31:25-28

The words and presence of a mother weigh heavily on her children,
Her strength and dignity are significant tools for Kingdom building.
 
She demands endearment by demonstrating love, sacrifice, and faith,
Her ways comfort her family with nurturing deeds that make them feel safe.
 
Mothers are the first point of attack as the household’s spiritual influencer,
She is the go-to, the finisher, the mender, and the person who remembers.
 
Certainly, fathers are impactful, but what mothers provide is so much different,
The scripture says honor your father and mother, which makes each legitimate.
 
However, her tone, conduct, and words echo throughout the family’s generations,
Mothers are the source that the Lord created to help with life details and information.
 
Mothers are worthy of praise because of their endless duties and dedication,
A mother’s wit nurtures the household as she guides by her instruction.
 
So much wisdom in her words, which breeds kindness and compassion,
Her strength exudes love while completing tasks with purpose and passion.
 
Therefore, from generation to generation, all mothers have something to say,
Let’s enjoy the quotes, Mother’s wit, words to live by, and wisdom on Mother’s Day.
 
“Keep somethin’ and put it up for a rainy day.”
“Everybody ain’t your friend.”
“Speak when you come in a room.”
“Stay in a child’s place.”
“Watch how you talk to grown folks.”
“Yes ma’am and no sir will take you far.”
“Hard heads make soft behinds.”
“Don’t start none, won’t be none.”
“What’s done in the dark will come to light.”
“You reap what you sow.”
“This too shall pass.”
“Everybody smiling in your face ain’t your friend.”
“Don’t let temporary feelings make permanent decisions.”
“An education is something nobody can take from you.”
“Don’t burn bridges—you may have to cross them again.”
“I’m not one of your little friends.”
“Don’t touch nothin’ in this store.”
“You got McDonald’s money?”
“I brought you in this world, and I will take you out…”
“Act like you got some sense.”
 PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for all the mothers around the world. They matter to You, and they play an important position the family and church. Continue to lead women in the way they should go by teaching them your expectations and ways. Fill their hearts with biblical instructions. In the matchless name of Jesus.
 By Bro. Glenny Moore

I have a dear sister in Christ and friend who texts me every now and then just to build me up in the things of our LORD JESUS.  She sets out to pour in me God’s truths, wisdom and even His humor.  For all intents and purposes, I refer to her as one of my fountains.  After I read her texts, I am built up in my attitude, and I am led to praise our Lord.  With praise and thanksgiving, I realize that we, the body of Christ, are granted the privilege to pour into one another.

God’s Word is a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).  Many times in our life walk, we require reminders and exhortations.  They test our walk and our readiness to turn away from sin. They cause us to align our behaviors with the God we say we love.

With all the layers of noise and distractions our lives encounter, no wonder, God commands us to be strong only in His might and to put on His armor.  He urges us to resist the devil; and if we do, the devil will flee from us.  We are called to be alert and vigilant in our walk so much so that we guard our minds in Christ Jesus.

We answered the call to salvation to bring our God pleasure and glory.  Therefore, we want to be that one who will encourage those around us to the point that they are gripped and pulled to see Jesus in whatever situation they may find themselves.  The goal is that they may know that their current trial or challenge is not a coincidence or an accident, but they were chosen to ultimately bring glory to the Father.  Amen & Hallelujah!!

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for our salvation and our call to point others to You.  Lord, may we never see our service to You as routine or mundane.  Oh, that we would be excited to be used as Your mouthpiece.  Yes, that we would be Your love letter to all those You have entrusted to us.  Lord, we thank You for Your Great Power, yes, Deliverance in all life’s storms and experiences.  In Jesus’ Name-Amen!
By Sis. Lisa Williams

SCRIPTURE: “And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father’s household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.” Joshua 6:25 - 25

There are so many imperfect people in the Bible who were used by the Lord. Abram/Abraham lacked faith and was once governed by fear. Fear caused him to lie and say Sarai was his sister instead of his wife (Genesis 12). Lack of faith caused him to doubt God and lean to his own understanding when it came to believing God’s promise of an heir (Genesis Chapters 12, 15, and 16). Despite these shortcomings, Abraham was used mightily by God and is known as the Father of Faith.

Moses was also imperfect. He was ruled by anger and lacked confidence not just in himself and God. Growing up as the Pharoah’s grandson (Exodus 2:10) with all the benefits that came with it didn’t stop him from becoming a murderer. Moses knew he was Hebrew because he was nursed and raised by his own mother for about 4 years (the formative years) before moving into Pharaoh’s home (Exodus 2). So, when Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, he became angry and he killed the Egyptian and hid his body (Exodus 2:11-12). Moses thought no one saw but the Hebrew slaves saw and Moses fled from Egypt (Exodus 2:13-15). Although Moses did not believe the Israelites would follow him (Exodus Chapters 3 and 4) and even though his anger often caused him to represent God poorly (Exodus 32, Numbers 20). God still used him to deliver the Israelites out of bondage. Despite his shortcomings he is known as a humble and great leader who God spoke to
face to face (Exodus 3).

The sins of Abraham and Moses seemed more like character flaws instead of active sins. Can God use those who have a lifestyle of sin? Yes, He can. God, because of His sovereignty, can use anything and anyone for His purpose. God has the power to convict, heal and save to the uttermost. The truth is God shops in the gutter. He’s not looking for the perfect but the imperfect.

Consider Rahab the prostitute. She was a sex worker, liar, and opportunist (Joshua 2). Jericho was fortified by gates that closed the city at night, but Rahab’s home was built into the town wall. She would let down a scarlet rope and her suitors would enter by the rope through her window. Joshua’s spies entered that way. Contrary to some beliefs, it wasn’t Rahab’s sin that put her in a position to honor God (sin does not honor God), but it was her belief and faith in God that made her usable despite her sin. God’s sovereignty over all things including Rahab’s sinful lifestyle, protected the spies (it wasn’t odd that they were there). The King felt Rahab was loyal to him so when she lied about the men not being there the King believed her. Rahab had heard of the Lord, the parting of the Red Sea and how they had overtaken the other Kings. She knew and believed the power of God and used her faith as an opportunity to save her family. So, yes, she was a prostitute, but her belief and faith made her usable despite her sin (Joshua 2).

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for selecting and using us despite our sins. Thank You for showing us that our shortcomings aren’t deal breakers for You. Thank You for the examples of sinners used by You in the Bible, Peter, Paul, Moses, Rahab and others. Thank You Lord for Jesus the Christ the one who makes sinners usable. Amen.
Sis. Patricia Towns

A group of women in a Bible Study wanted to know the refining process of silver. So, one of the women called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him work. She didn’t mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond sharing her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver in the middle of the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot. Then she thought again about the verse, “He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.” She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man said yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver in place, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver were left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?” He smiled at her and answered, Oh, that’s easy – when I see my image in it. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is conforming us into His image. Our pain is becoming our praise and purpose! Our tests are confirming our testimony. Our suffering is producing service!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord as we continue as a work in progress through Your refining process. We thank You Lord that the pain of our hearts and the contrition of our soul truly bring a “rich fulfillment.” I now read Psalm 66:10-12 as follows: “For You, O God, have tested ME; You have refined ME as silver is refined. You brought ME into the net; You laid affliction on MY back. You have caused men to ride over MY head; I went
through fire and through water; but You brought ME out to rich fulfillment.”
By Sis. Cheryl Torain

The Bible, across its contents, informs us that the adversary is permitted to exist and roam and he isn't always so obvious or unfriendly.  "Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field..." (Genesis:3:1), existing in the midst of all else. Additionally, unlike the other beasts of the field which God had made, the serpent was uniquely relatable through language. Eve fooled around and found out. Like a chameleon, the serpent could blend in, and escape detection while nearing...all the while being vigorously self-motivated. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Even the devoutly religious are not exempt, even the pious are not 'safe'. "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them." (Job 1:6)

At a time when the kings were expected to show up for battles [2 Samuel 11:1]David stayed at Jerusalem. For unexplained reasons, he was still sleeping in his bed into the evening, when a series of curious things happened. We are not told why he wasn't with his fellow warriors, away from where he was expected, not doing what was expected, but when he awakens, he gets an eyeful of Bathsheba, freshly awash. Sometimes a look lingers and becomes more.  “We wrestle not against flesh and blood,” (Ephesians 6:12)

Whether he was fatigued [arose from his bed ] or distracted [walking on the roof], it appears he is certainly vulnerable, sinking to pursue what he shouldn't, and from that fallen position, crafting folly, coveting another's wife, being adulterous, and causing the violent death of a loyal subject and husband to Bathsheba, seemingly without remorse. David would've known better, just from the Ten Commandments, but he forged his own path. For that moment, he departed from God! Let my will be done!

One could conclude he was neither prayerful in this nor faithful in any sense. "But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord." (2 Samuel 11:27) So, we see the story, we observe the results, and the assessment is that a great sin showed up through God's man. Before we wrongly conclude "I would've never...,' let's be careful. Pride precedes the fall.

This is offered for our learning: "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:14-17 Be filled with the Spirit, brothers and sisters! Do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Resist the devil, and he will flee. Let all doing abide in the remembrance of Him... knowing He is risen! Put on the whole armor of God [daily].

Happily, despite the gravity of his depravity, David repented (see Psalm 51). None falls so deeply as to be removed from the love of God. Great is His salvation. Great is His reach. His ways are not our ways. Amen.

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for Your graciousness, Your Mercy, and a love which never fails. May the peace of God, and our peace with God, through Christ, be our banner. In this, we are a new creature! Hallelujah! Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I will confess!

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

To tell the truth!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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