March 2, 2025

Unshakable Confidence - Deuteronomy 1:27, “and ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.”

‭‭As the Israelites approached the Promised Land, they began to realize the challenges that was before them. They would encounter strong, well-equipped armies and cities guarded with fortified walls. As they prepared to face these obstacles, many were already talking of defeat. They complained and wallowed in their despair, thinking that God had forsaken them. You may find yourself feeling the way that the Israelites did. The opposition, the struggles of life that we face can sometimes make us feel that victory is impossible. Just as it was with the Israelites, we too have the great and mighty promise that God is with us and that He is for us! Don’t lose hope when the trials and battles seem to surround you, trust in the Lord and be assured that He will deliver and provide for our every need! As the Israelites learned, He is bigger than any wall, stronger than any army, and more powerful than any adversary.

March 9, 2025

God’s Truth - Mark 13:31, Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. We live in a world that makes less and less sense, many struggle and find it difficult to discern what’s right or wrong. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul warned that many deceivers and imposters would come claiming to know the truth, but actually living in opposition to all that Jesus taught. He reminded Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14-15, But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. God has given us His Word that leads us unto all truth. Not only has He placed this truth in our hands, but He encourages us to hide His Words in our hearts! I encourage you to read them, study them, memorize them, so that the lies and deceptions of this age will be exposed, and God’s truth to prevail in our lives. The prophet Isaiah declared in chapter 40:8, the grass may wither, and the flowers may fade, but the Word of God stands forever. When nothing else makes sense, God’s Word does! Allow His Word to establish and direct your life, it will never fail or pass away.

March 16, 2025

Put Into Practice - Philippians 4:4-13

It's not enough to acquire or retain information. We must also value and apply it. True learning changes out habits and characters. Learning is making a clear connection between the truth and the practice of the truth. In the book of James 1:22-25, he says, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of mane he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." Hearing and knowing must always be followed by doing. Just as James recorded with great conviction, this is what Paul meant when he wrote to the Philippians: "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Paul presented himself as a model to imitate, not in a prideful manner, but only as He followed Christ. He encouraged them as they sought to grow in obedience, that God would be with them, guiding and helping them along the way. His whole-hearted desire was for the church to learn and put these things into practice, having the assurance that through Christ Jesus, whatever they faced or went through, that they could overcome and do all things through Christ with strengthens them!

March 23, 2025

Darkness Will Not Retreat Without A Fight 

1 Peter 4:12-13, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. All through history, whenever God was about to move on behalf of His people, stiff opposition would come! There would be an onslaught of issues and circumstances that would arise in an attempt to hinder the people from pursuing the plan of God. This church age is no different! Physical, spiritual, mental and emotional attacks have come in an attempt to distract, to discourage and stifle the work of the Lord. Peter said, “Do not think it strange, but to rejoice” when we fight opposition as we purpose in our hearts to reach our families, our city and to reclaim godliness in our nation.” We must be prepared for the fact that darkness simply will not retreat without a fight. It’s in these times that we stand strong and be of good courage, holding to the promises of God! His word will uphold us and His spirit will prevail!

March 30, 2025

Our Praise Is Infectious

 Psalm 34:2-4, My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

The bible gives clear and precise instruction for all believers in Christ to praise God. When you begin to think about it, you will see how effective our praise is. Praise loosens the stress and heaviness of everyday life away from us. Praise honors God and encourages others. When Christian and non-Christian alike, see honest and sincere praise in good times and bad, it touches their lives in indescribable ways. Our praise naturally brings a closeness to God, it creates a bond, it generates a power that enables us to be strengthened day-to-day. Whatever you may be facing today, as difficult as it may be, praise will encourage us to carry on, the darkness will be lifted and the burdens are rolled away, the realness of God is displayed and experienced when we praise the Lord! God responds to our honest and genuine praise of Him.