Contributor: DEACON SUSAN GROENEVELDT

GUIDANCE, ABUNDANCE, PROTECTION AND RESTORATION

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. Psalm 23:1-6 NKJV

Psalm 23 is familiar to many of us You may have learned it in Sunday School as a child or an adult. It is arguably one of the most well-known and beloved scriptures of all time. So much so that we may even take it a bit for granted. 

The psalm positions God as Shepherd. The role of a shepherd is to guide, protect and provide for his flock. We see that in our daily lives. If we look to God, He will guide us, order our steps and supply all our needs. 

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

I especially love these 2 verses; they speak to the restoration and revival only God can provide. 

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me

His protection is so complete, we can face anything, even something as formidable as the promise of death. His promise is to never leave us or forsake us. He fights the battles we may not have the strength to fight. That knowledge alone is so comforting. As the saying goes: Don’t tell God how big your storm is, tell the storm how big your God is! 

He is our protector.

The psalmist David is a shepherd speaking to God. He is acknowledging the nature of his relationship to God. I don’t know any shepherds. I understand that they still exist but certainly not as much as they existed in David’s time. Yet this psalm has remained relevant for centuries. While I don’t know any shepherds, I do know many of us who work or have worked a variety of roles and functions in this modern world.

Though we may not be near pastures daily, God can lead us to righteousness and rest anywhere. He can restore our soul wherever we may be.

Whether we are at work, at home, or in our vehicle, He is there guiding protecting and providing. His love endures, forever. Though this psalm is so familiar, let us remember to fully appreciate this message of God’s deeply personal and protective relationship to us, His flock.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, Thank you God, Thank you for being there, and for providing for us every day. Oh God. Thank you for guiding our steps and for standing in the gap to protect us time and time again. So often, we come close to danger or even disaster, and you just yank us out of that problem, that issue, that dark place. It is you God who saves us, not because we deserve it, not because we’ve done anything special. It is because of Your grace that we are protected and provided for. And we remain so grateful oh God. 

Thank you Father. 

In Jesus holy name,

AMEN.

SUBMITTED BY DEACON SUSAN GROENEVELDT

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Scripture: Esther 4:15-16 (NKJV)

Fasting with Purpose

Queen Esther realized that her life and the lives of her people, the Jews, were in great danger. At the prodding and plotting of Haman, a wicked official in the king’s court, King Ahasuerus had issued a decree, and letters had been sent in his name into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, and to plunder their possessions. This was to happen in one day, determined by lot, on the thirteenth day of Adar, which is the twelfth month of the Jewish calendar.  

Esther was the young, beautiful cousin of Mordecai, who had been among the Jews exiled from Jerusalem under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter. He advised her to keep her identity as a Jew hidden. Mordecai was loyal to the king, even exposing a plot to assassinate him. Haman hated Mordecai because Mordecai refused to bow and pay tribute to him like other men did. In a rage, he sought not only to have Haman killed, but all of the Jews throughout the king’s empire.

After hearing of Haman’s plot to have the Jews killed, Mordecai urged Esther to go to the king and plead with him on behalf of her people. She was reluctant to go, because it was against the law for any person to go into the king’s inner court without first being summoned by the king. This “crime” was punishable by death, except only if the king held out his golden scepter, that they might live. Esther had not been called into the king’s presence for 30 days. 

Mordecai sent word to Esther:

Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Challenged by the words of Mordecai, Esther told Mordecai to go gather all of the Jews who were present in Shushan, the capital city of ancient Persia, and fast for her, to neither eat food nor drinking water for three days.

After fasting for three days, Esther went to the king and found favor in his sight. He held out to her the golden scepter that was in his hand and granted her requests. The plans of wicked Haman were overturned and the Jews were delivered. In the end, Haman and his sons were hanged from the very gallows that Haman, in bitter rage, had prepared for Mordecai. The king gave Esther Haman’s house. The king’s ring, which had been given to Haman, was taken from Haman and given to Mordecai, and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman. The letters devised by Haman to annihilate the Jews were revoked, and at the command of Mordecai, letters were sent out in the king’s name permitting the Jews to gather together and protect themselves, to annihilate all the forces of any people that would assault them, and to plunder their possessions. On the very day that had been appointed to annihilate the Jews, the Jews overpowered their enemies. 

We learn from Esther that, If the people of God humble ourselves in fasting and prayer, with unity and purpose, God will move with great power on our behalf. As He did with Esther and the people of God in the days of ancient Persia, and He has not changed. He can cancel the plans of the enemy and cause the people of God to overwhelming triumph. Ps. 50:15 “in the day of trouble you will call upon me, and I will answer you and you will glorify me.” Today is certainly a day of trouble. Let’s call on God by fasting and praying, united with one purpose—to see God arise, His enemies scattered and His people delivered from every evil plan of the enemies of our souls. He will hear our prayer and move mightily on our behalf and on behalf of all of those who love Him. 

SUBMITTED BY REV. DENNIS HENDERSON

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Contributor: ELDER ELAINE HINDS

SPEAK UP AND TAKE ACTION!

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8–9 (NIV)

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this charge was given to King Lemuel by his mother—but it is also God’s charge to us today. My heart is heavy because everywhere we look, people are being taken advantage of. People who have no voice. People who are powerless. And too often… the world stays silent.

As followers of Christ, what is our role?

Do we just sit in church, sing Hallelujah, and read our Bibles?

No. That is not enough.

Empathy is not enough.

Feeling bad is not enough.

Silence is definitely not enough.

Proverbs 31 tells us plainly: Speak up. Stand up. Defend.

When we stay silent, we unintentionally add to someone’s suffering. God’s Word pushes us past our comfort zones, past our affiliations, past our excuses. It calls us to advocate for the poor, the needy, the powerless, the overlooked, the mistreated, and the forgotten.

Jesus Himself took action. He defended the poor, the widows, the orphans.

He confronted injustice. He never said, “Someone else will handle it.” He became their voice.

So if we want to help those who cannot speak for themselves, we must first listen. Listen so we can seek God for what to say and how to say it. Listen so we can understand the pain of “the least of these.”

Then we must pray—and sometimes even fast. We need to ask God to remove our apathy, our insensitivity, our comfort, our ignorance.

We need to ask Him, “Lord, how can You use me as Your agent of love, justice, mercy, and grace in this moment in history?”

Because my brothers and siters, we cannot advocate without preparation. We cannot speak up without spiritual grounding. We cannot take action without God’s direction.

But once we seek Him—once we hear Him—then we must move.

We must do what is fair and just.

We must be compassionate and sincere in love.

And we must remember: our neighbor is anyone in need.

Let us pray:

Father God, we thank You for Your Word—Your Word that stirs our hearts and calls us to speak up, take action, and defend those who cannot defend themselves. Lord, help us step out of our comfort zones. Make us bold. Make us compassionate. Make us Your voice for justice.

We pray for leaders in this country—that they will seek You and understand their responsibility to protect the powerless and the oppressed. And we pray that we, Your followers, will rise up with courage, with love, and with conviction to stand for the poor, the needy, the destitute and the voiceless.

In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

SUBMITTED BY ELDER ELAINE HINDS

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Contributor: ELDER IAN ANDERSON REID FRANCIS, SR. 

EMBRACING SACRIFICIAL LOVE

“He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.”

Mark 8:34-35 (NRSV)

Good Friday presents us with the perfect example of Sacrificial Love. On the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, He demonstrated that even though we may not be worthy of His sacrifice, Jesus Christ loved us so much that He sacrificed His mortal body to save us.   

How often do you ask yourself what is worthy of my sacrifice? Is your first answer your children, your spouse, your home or even your lifestyle…?  

During the Lenten season, we should spend time reflecting on how we got to our current destination. We should also visualize how we plan to move forward.  

When you look at your past, you will remember the people that made sacrifices for you and said prayers for you. Our parents and grandparents made several sacrifices to provide stable and safe homes for us. The prayers of our family, friends and church members protected us from the harms and dangers of life. We’ve all benefited from the prayers of others. We should learn to appreciate the prayers that were said on our behalf by our loved ones. Our memories should guide our faith as we move forward. 

When we look forward, we must ask ourselves what examples we are setting. Are we loving our neighbors? Are we visiting the sick? Are we showing God’s love?

Jesus Christ showed us what Sacrificial Love looks like, by dying on the cross. We must live a life of faith that shows the light of Jesus and allow that light to draw others into God’s Love 

Matthews 5:14-15 (NSRV) – “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.”

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You for demonstrating Your love for us. I pray that Your presence in our lives will shine through so that others may see the joy in following You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

PRAYERFULLY SUBMITTED

BY ELDER IAN ANDERSON REID FRANCIS, SR. 

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Contributor: ELDER IVAN O’CONNOR

EMBRACING RENEWAL AND GROWTH

I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.

       Psalms 119:67-72 NLT

This passage reminds me of my path of renewal and growth that God has led me on. Here’s just a snapshot of my journey. Maybe your journey was or was not similar, but in any case, I believe we can glean some godly insights from it.

I was a “goody two shoes” until my teenage years. Then I wandered off and got with bad company and did what my self-indulgent heart desired. I went to church, got baptized, but still the streets were calling and I answered.  

I lost myself in a world of so-called friends until one day the Lord knocked me down and got my attention. Let’s say it was a close call to ending up in a detention center. I prayed and the Lord heard my cry.

The Lord told me that in order to grow, I had to let go. Let go of people, places and things. The so-called friends didn’t it like it when I wouldn’t indulge in their schemes anymore. They now were spreading lies about me. They called my good evil. The places I used to go to I didn’t go any more. The things I used to do I didn’t do anymore. This was and is my process of renewal and growth. I am not where I am going to be, but, thanks be to God, I am not where I used to be. I remain on the Potter’s wheel being constantly reshaped. Philippians 1:6 states: "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." During this Lenten season and beyond, be assured that God initiates and completes a transformative, spiritual work within us, believers, until Christ’s return.

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, order our steps in your world. Let your word so shine in us so that it will transform us and those that we encounter. Let us decrease as You increase in our lives, speech, walk and talk. As Your new creation, help us to embrace Your direction of love through discipline which leads to growth. Your word says that You discipline those You love. Thank You, Lord, for making us Your children and heirs to Your promise of being with You for eternity.

It is in the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

SUBMITTED BY ELDER IVAN O’CONNOR

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Contributor: SIS. DONNETTE WILLIAMS

EMBRACING SACRIFICIAL LOVE

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5–11 

In the work of caring for others whether in ministry, social work or simply walking alongside people in their struggles, we often witness moments that remind us what love really looks like.

I remember sitting with a student who was having one of the hardest days of their young life. They were frustrated, overwhelmed, and carrying burdens much heavier than a child should have to carry. They didn’t need a lecture, and they didn’t need discipline at that moment. What they needed was someone willing to sit beside them, to listen, to understand, and to remind them that they mattered.

So I just sat there quietly for a moment and slowly their shoulders began to relax.

Sometimes love shows up quietly. Sometimes it shows up in patience. And sometimes it simply shows up in presence.

Love doesn’t always look like grand gestures. Sometimes love looks like sitting beside someone when they’re hurting and listening when they feel unheard…

Those moments remind me of what Paul writes in Philippians 2:5–11 - that Christ showed us a love so powerful, He was willing to lower Himself so that others could be lifted.

And perhaps that is the invitation of Lent for all of us: to love in a way that is willing to kneel, so that someone else can stand.

Let us pray:

Gracious and loving God, we thank You for the example of Christ, who showed us what true love looks like - humble, selfless, and sacrificial. In a world that often encourages us to seek power and recognition, remind us that the greatest strength is found in serving others.

Lord, give us the mind of Christ. Teach us to walk with compassion, to listen with patience and to stand beside those who are hurting or overlooked. Help us to set aside pride, control and comfort when they prevent us from loving as You have called us to love.

During this Lenten season, shape our hearts so that our lives reflect Your grace. May our words bring encouragement, our actions bring healing and our presence remind others that they are seen, valued, and loved.

And as we embrace sacrificial love, may we become instruments of Your peace in the lives of those we serve. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

SUBMITTED BY SIS. DONNETTE WILLIAMS

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Contributor: ANTHONY LUCKY

EMBRACING THE WAY OF THE CROSS

Scripture Verse: Isaiah 53:1-12 (NIV)

Centuries before the event (the crucifixion of Jesus Christ), the prophet Isaiah painted a portrait so vivid, so specific, that it reads like an eyewitness account. But it’s not a portrait of a conquering king riding majestically on a great white stallion. It’s a portrait of a suffering servant. This is the image at the heart of Lent: the way of the cross.

The passage begins with a lament that could have been uttered on Good Friday: "Who has believed our message?" (v. 1). The way of the cross is not the way the world envisions victory. The world looks for power, strength, and beauty. But the Servant? Who wants to be the “servant?” Jesus is depicted as growing up "like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground" (v. 2). There was nothing in his appearance and posture that we should desire him. He was, as Isaiah writes, "despised and rejected by mankind" (v. 3).

This is the first and most challenging aspect of embracing the way of the cross: it requires us to rewire our understanding of power. God’s power is not revealed in force, but in self-giving love. The Servant doesn't impose his will; He bears our burdens. "Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering" (v. 4). The way of the cross is a way of substitution. He stands in our place.

Verse 5 is the theological heart of Lent: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." This is the great exchange. Our sin, our rebellion, our wandering - Jesus took it all upon Himself. He didn't just sympathize with our human condition from a distance; He entered into it, absorbing the full weight of its consequence.

Why would anyone embrace such a path? Because it is the path of love. It is the path that leads to true life. The world tells us to save ourselves, to promote ourselves, to protect ourselves. The way of the cross calls us to lose our lives for His sake, to find them (Matthew 16:25). It’s in laying down our rights, our pride, our selfish ambitions that we discover what it means to truly live in Him.

The final verses (10-12) reveal the victory hidden within the suffering. "After He has suffered, He will see the light of life and be satisfied" (v. 11). The cross is not the end of the story. It is the door to resurrection. Because of His willing sacrifice, He will justify many, and He will divide the spoils with the strong. The way of the cross, which looks like utter defeat to the world, is, in God’s economy, the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil.

Embracing the way of the cross means accepting that our own lives will have moments of pruning, sacrifice, and suffering. It means choosing humility over pride, forgiveness over revenge, and service over being served. It means looking at the pierced hands of Christ and saying, "He did that for me. And now, I will live for Him."

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, you are the Suffering Servant described by Isaiah. Forgive us for the times we have looked for a different kind of Savior, one who fits our worldly ideas of power and prestige. This Lent, open our eyes to the magnificent beauty of your sacrifice. Help us to understand, even in a small way, the depth of love that led you to the cross. Give us the courage to embrace your way - the way of humility, sacrifice, and self-giving love - in our own lives. Thank you for bearing our sorrows and purchasing our peace. By your wounds, heal us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SUBMITTED BY BROTHER ANTHONY LUCKY

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Contributor: Elder Lissa Nelson-Neal

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

~John 20:24-27

Question: When does your THOMAS show up?

The disciple Thomas is often called the “Doubting Thomas”. We should not judge him because truth be told his story reflects ours. When do you doubt God’s living presence in your life? Do we lean on our own understanding? Do you lack the faith in God’s unfailing hand? Jesus reaches out to us individually and extends his hands. His hands touch our individual & unique situations. Jesus knows your heart and he speaks to your doubts and said, “put it into my side.” So, do you focus on the holes in your life? Do you see holes in your finances, qualifications, professional connections, health, fears, parenting skills, marriage and job status? Reach out and put your hands in Jesus side. Notice, Jesus enters the room through the locked doors of the world. Have faith, Jesus will take you through the locked doors. Jesus enters doors that are locked to us and offers peace. The first thing he offers is peace. Have faith, let him unlock the doors for you. Reach out your hands to Jesus. Let him heal your holes and take his peace. Leave your Thomas at the door. 

Prayer:

You are the God of resurrection. You are the God that comes through the locked doors and barriers of the world. You are the God that invites us to put our doubts away and put our hands to your side. You are the God that offers us peace in exchange for our doubts and fears. You are a God of peace and healing. This Lenten season let us put away our limiting thoughts that hold us back. You have commanded us to “Stop doubting and believe”! Holy Spirit help us turn our fear into faith and leave the Doubting Thomas version of ourselves at the door! Thank you, Father for extending your hands and mercy in our lives! 

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Contributor: ELDER ROBERT LEWIS

SURRENDER – THE GATEWAY TO MERCY

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.   

Jonah 3:10 NIV

Lent invites us to examine our hearts and ask:

Where have we resisted God’s call?

What habits, attitudes or patterns must wesurrender?

What would true repentance look like in our lives?

These questions involve deep thought and sincere actions. During Lent, we give ourselves time to consider ways we’ve fallen short in our relationships with God and steps we need to take to deepen our connection with the Lord.  

We admit that we often miss the mark, but the story of Nineveh assures us that no situation is beyond God’s Mercy. When God saw that the people of Nineveh turned from their evil ways, He relented. Judgment gave way to grace.

God is not eager to punish us particularly when we genuinely repent. God is always eager to restore. Repentance moves the heart of God because repentance reflects a heart that has surrendered.

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, Thank You for being the God of second chances. Just as You called Jonah again, call us again into obedience. Give us the humility to surrender the areas of our lives that are not aligned with Your will. Help us to turn away from what harms our relationships with You and with others. Create in us a repentant heart and remind us that Your mercy is greater than our failures. In this Lenten season, teach us to walk in surrender, knowing that our giving up leads to renewal and restoration. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

SUBMITTED BY ELDER ROBERT LEWIS

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Contributor: ELDER ROBERT LEWIS

THE POWER OF A SECOND CHANCE

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything. Do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened.

Jonah 3:1–10 

One of the most profound words in this passage is “again.”  The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. Before Jonah ever reached Nineveh, he had already failed. He ran from God’s calling. He resisted the assignment. Yet God did not discard him. God called him again. Lent reminds us that God is the God of second chances. When we surrender, God does not dwell on our past failures; He renews His call. Jonah obeyed and delivered a simple message of warning. But the miracle of the story is not Jonah’s preaching; it is Nineveh’s response. The entire city surrendered. From the greatest to the least, people humbled themselves. The king himself stepped down from his throne, removed his royal robe, and sat in ashes. Authority yielded to humility. Power yielded to repentance. True repentance always looks like this:

Humility before God

Turning away from destructive ways

Calling urgently on God for mercy

Repentance is not merely feeling sorry. It is turning around. Nineveh shows us that when people surrender sincerely, God responds with compassion. Let us pray:

Dear Lord, Thank You for being the God of second chances. Just as You called Jonah again, call me again into obedience. Give me the humility to surrender the areas of my life that are not aligned with Your will. Help me turn away from what harms my relationship with You and with others. Create in me a repentant heart and remind me that Your mercy is greater than my failures. In this Lenten season, teach me to walk in repentance, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SUBMITTED BY ELDER ROBERT LEWIS

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Contributor: APRYL REDWOOD

WHAT’S GOT YOUR GAZE?

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

Have you ever noticed how easily your eyes get pulled in a hundred directions? One minute you’re checking an email, the next you’re deep in someone’s vacation photos, and suddenly you’re staring into the refrigerator like it holds the answers to life. Our eyes wander, and whatever captures our gaze often captures our thoughts, emotions, and eventually our choices. Just like voices compete for our ears, images and distractions compete for our eyes. They want attention and more importantly, influence. What we consistently look at shapes what we desire, what we fear, and what we pursue.

Scripture urges us to guard our vision. Psalm 101:3 states “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.” And Psalm 119:18 states “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things…” Some of us have been staring too long at the wrong things — the news, the drama, the comparison, the uncertainty. No wonder our peace feels thin. Lent invites us to redirect our gaze. To look away from what drains us and look toward the One who restores us. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, distractions fade, clarity returns, and hope grows brighter.

And that’s why the hymn still speaks with prophetic clarity: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of the world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” The things that occupy our mind and time will dim — not disappear — just lose their power to overwhelm. When Jesus becomes our focus, everything else finds its proper place. When we turn our eyes toward Him, He turns His face toward us with mercy. When we lift our head, He lifts our heart. When we look up, He brings us out.

So ask yourself: What’s got my gaze? And today, turn your eyes; lift your head; look up again. Because the God who sees you is the God who forgives you. The God who watches you is the God who welcomes you. And the God whose eyes never leave you is inviting you to fix your eyes on Him.

Let us pray:

Father, thank You for being the Light that brings clarity and peace. Help us guard what we place before our eyes. During this Lenten journey, redirect our focus. Teach us to fix our eyes on Jesus and see our lives through the lens of Your grace. Your face, Lord, we will seek. Let everything else grow strangely dim in the light of Your glory and grace. In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

SUBMITTED BY ELDER APRYL REDWOOD

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Contributor: ELDER ANDREA HOUSTON

EMBRACING SACRIFICIAL LOVE - Agape Love

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him: For if when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”     

Romans 5:6-11

My life has been an interesting journey, as a parent and grandparent during which I, without a thought, have sacrificed many of my personal needs for the love and development of my children and now, in the position of caregiver, I graciously sacrifice for the comfort of my mother in her golden years.

I often joyfully place the needs, well-being and happiness of my loved ones above my own selfish desires. This unconditional action-oriented love is often referred to as "agape" love, serving without expecting anything in return.

This unconditional service can sometimes develop weariness BUT GOD sacrificed His ONLY Son which continues to be my strength and motivation. I try to emulate the generous and selfless love God the Father showed me in sending Jesus and will continue to endeavor to express my love for those in my circle as long as I am blessed with breath.

Let us pray: 

Hallelujah, thank you God for the demonstration of the ULTIMATE sacrifice. When I have fallen short, You sent Your Son to die for me. THAT’S LOVE! I am grateful for you always course correcting whenever I may get weary. Looking towards the cross constantly reminds of your sacrificial love and gives me an example to follow. Thank you, Lord, Amen

SUBMITTED BY ELDER ANDREA HOUSTON

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Contributor : Deacon Jerlene Crayton

EMBRACING THE FAST THAT TRANSFORMS

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on his Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

   Luke 4:16-21 NIV

This passage of scripture follows a period where Jesus had fasted in the wilderness and had been empowered with the Holy Spirit. Fasting causes physical weakness but results in spiritual strength. The Holy Spirit gave Jesus victory over Satan in the wilderness and lead him to Nazareth. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus entered his hometown synagogue, selected a portion of scripture from Isaiah which declared the fulfillment of the scripture, proclaiming Him as the Messiah.

The wilderness acted as a proving ground where Jesus’s identity as the Son of God was tested and refined. By experiencing extreme hunger and vulnerability, Jesus transformed his ministry into one of love, compassion and empathy. This season allowed him to understand human struggles from a position of shared experiences qualifying him to be a Savior who understands our weaknesses. He had conquered temptation and was ready to embrace the purpose for which the Father had sent him.

Fasting was a way to declare mastery over his human nature so that he would live every moment directed by the “power of the Spirit”. Testing precedes mission, Jesus walked out of the wilderness in the power of the Spirit, showing us that our hardest seasons, when surrendered to God, are often the very seasons that prepare us for the work He’s calling us to do next.

Jesus anointed us with the Holy Spirit so that we can continue His ministry to bring good news to the poor. During this season of Lent, let us allow the Holy Spirit to guide us into a deeper relationship with the Father so that we may be transformed into better servants.

Let us pray: 

Holy and merciful Father, we thank for your love,mercy, and grace. During this season of lent, help us to be your hands and feet ministering to your people: encouraging the poor in spirit, comforting the broken hearted, speaking freedom to the bound, and shining a light of hope in dark places. Help us to realize that your freedom, healing, and hope is available for us here and now. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

SUBMITTED BY DEACON JERLENE CRAYTON

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Contributor: DEACON CATHY BEASLEY

EMBRACING RENEWAL AND GROWTH

1.“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

JOHN 15:1-8 NIV

Thought

In John 15-1-8, Jesus tells a story about a grapevine to explain how much we need Him to grow spiritually: Spiritual growth depends on us remaining connected to Jesus the source of life, while allowing God to renew our minds by pruning away distractions and sins. We must surrender and trust that God’s pruning is for our benefit.

Like a gardener God uses the process of pruning as a path toward growth and renewal. When God prunes the following happens:

• Removes the Deadwood: God carefully trims away the “dead” parts of our lives that are preventing us from growing and glowing. 
• 
  
• Strengthen the Core: Even though it might seem scary (painful) to lose some of our branches, it’s a way to renew the tree. Pruning makes us stronger and helps us grow even more fruit than before.
• 
  
• Pruning renews our minds and helps us get rid of "overgrowth" like bad habits or selfishness, and unforgiveness so we can have a fresh start and grow even stronger in His love. 

Just like a real branch needs to stay " connected" to the vine to grow grapes, we also need to stay connected to Jesus to grow "spiritual fruit". This fruit isn't physical fruit like apples or oranges; but spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we stay close to God through prayer and scripture, His life flows through us, helping us grow into better, kinder, loving, people. 

Let us pray: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of this new day and the opportunity to be renewed and to grow in your world. Lord, I confess that I have often tried to grow in my own strength, knowing that apart from You, I can do nothing. Today, I ask for spiritual renewal. 

I surrender to Your pruning process. Though it may be painful, I trust Your hands. Remove the the deadwood in my life—the habits, distractions, and worries that hinder my growth. Strengthen my core by the power of Your Word, so that I may be a healthy branch, capable of bearing even more fruit. Renew my mind and teach me what it truly means to be connected—to the vine. As I remain connected to you, let the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, and peace—grow abundantly in my life to bring others to your kingdom.

In Jesus name, Amen!

SUBMITTED BY DEACON CATHY BEASLEY

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Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:2–3

Contributor: ELDER PAUL SAMMS

EMBRACING WILDERNESS

2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 8:2–3 (NKJV)

In Deuteronomy 8:2–3, God reminds Israel that the wilderness was not random. He used those years to humble them, test what was in their hearts, and teach them that they needed Him more than comfort or control. In my own “wilderness” moments—when life feels heavy, uncertain, or not going to plan—God is still training my heart to depend on His character and His word one day at a time, not just on what I can manage or see. As I look back, I can see that I didn’t carry myself here—God did, and that gives me confidence to trust Him with whatever comes next.

Let us pray:

Lord, thank You for leading me in every season, even the hard and confusing ones. When I feel pressure, stress, or anxiety, help me to turn my trust back to You. Remind me of Your faithfulness and teach me to live not by what I see and hear, but by every word that comes from You.

As I keep walking with You, let every wilderness moment draw me closer to Your heart and deepen my trust in Your sustaining presence. Amen.

SUBMITTED BY ELDER PAUL SAMMS

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Contributor: PASTOR SCOTT WILLIAMS

SO YOU WANT TO BE A DISCIPLE?

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?  

Matthew 16:24-26 NIV

During this Lenten season, we’ve been challenged to give things up that matter to us, things that bring us joy and satisfaction, things that have become part of our routine. But when we surrender certain creature comforts, we become resentful, agitated and bothered. We begin to ask ourselves, “Why are we doing this? Is it just a ritual? Will we get anything out of this period of denial?” All reasonable questions. And I believe this text from Matthew’s Gospel addresses our mid-Lenten queries.

After Jesus taught some powerful lessons, He challenges His learners (and us modern day disciples) by saying if they really wanted to hang with Him and learn from Him, they had to do three things:

1. Deny themselves. This is important to us on this Lenten journey. If our desire is to be close to Jesus, we must say “NO” to ourselves!
2. Take up their individual crosses. Jesus had a cross that He suffered on. Each of us will have crosses to carry. And while suffering is part of being a Christian, Jesus showed us how to deal with the crosses of this life
3. Follow Him. He is our Leader. Following Him is not optional. It is mandatory. And when we consistently and intentionally follow Jesus, we’re assured of recurring success 

Let us pray:

Gracious Lord, we thank you for the challenge you have laid before us. We want to be near you but we also know that along with that desire, we must deny, understand that suffering is part of our call and that followship is a necessary part of discipleship. Help us to be good disciples. In Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen.  

SUBMITTED BY PASTOR SCOTT WILLIAMS

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Scripture:Psalm 62:5-8

Contributor: E. Magalene McClarrin, CRE

I WILL REST IN THE LORD

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”

Psalm 62:5-8

I am not my own; my soul cries out to her Creator, “You are the source of my strength and the strength of my whole being”. Father God, where can I go and You are not there? You are my universe; my world revolves around Your Son. Who can I turn to when despair overtakes me, fear overwhelms me, and hopelessness pounds me senseless? Whom do I turn to? If not the Rock of my salvation? If not the Author and Finisher of my faith? 

You, Lord, You alone keep me from drowning in the vicissitudes of life, from the quicksand of each new day’s uncertainty; from the shattering frailty that lurks in every decision contemplated and every action taken.

Yes, my rest is in You and You alone. My hope is wrapped in the loving arms of my Savior; my honor and my heart are kept safe in the fortress of my God. Hallelujah that You love me. Praise Your holy Name, my Father, my Brother, my Redeemer and Friend, the Guide who leads me down the paths of righteous. Amen and Amen.  

Let us pray, “Oh, heavenly Father, hallowed is Your name in all the earth. You are the Rock of our salvation. The Stone of shalom, the Precipice of peace and comfort. You are righteous in Your judgment and merciful in justice. Thank You, Lord, for loving us by giving Your Son, our Savior, Jesus the Christ, who abides with us by the power of the Holy Spirit”. 

AMEN.

E. Magalene McClarrin, CRE

Pastor, Presbyterian Church in Garden City

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Contributors: DEACONS STEVE AND TANYA MCCALLUM

EMBRACING SURRENDER AND REPENTANCE

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 18:9-14 NIV

As we prepared for this devotion, we asked ourselves, "What does it mean to truly surrender?" In today's scripture, Jesus told the parable of The Tax Collector and The Pharisee. The Tax Collector's prayer came from a posture of total arrogance. The Pharisee's prayer came from a posture of great humility.

As we embrace surrender and repentance, The Lord wants us to come just as we are: raw, with all of our flaws and imperfections for He already knows the matters of our hearts, ready to meet us at the point of our needs. Most importantly, when we enter into His presence, let us come with a heart of reverence and humility, for those who humble themselves will be exalted.(v.18)

Let us pray:

Lord God, as we enter into your throne room of grace and mercy, help us to decrease so that you 

may increase. Help us to release 

our need to control the outcome, placing all of our trust and faith in you. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

SUBMITTED BY DEACONS STEVE AND TANYA MCCALLUM

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Contributor: Deacon Chioma Okoro

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12: 1-2

Thought

To embrace renewal is to release what no longer serves us like, old mindsets, wounded narratives and patterns that quietly hinder our Becoming. Growth begins when we courageously examine the lens through which we view our lives.

There is a saying: “Change the way you see things and the things you see begin to change.” For a long time, I struggled to understand that truth. I considered myself optimistic, yet I had to confront that even optimism can be misinterpreted sometimes used to silence truth or diminish purpose. In those moments, I would retreat inward, questioning my adequacy and wondering if I had failed. I felt like both the villain and the victor in my own unfolding story.

Renewal began when I embraced reflection instead of resisting it. I realized that the light placed within me by Christ could not be extinguished unless I surrendered it. That revelation shifted my perspective. I began renewing my thoughts, adjusting how I interpreted interactions, and changing how I spoke to myself after difficult moments. I resisted the urge to internalize the shortcomings of others and instead focused on refining my own growth.

My optimism was not denial it was endurance. It carried me through grief, through unanswered questions, through the pain of losing my mother too soon and navigating a world that did not understand my sorrow. Renewal did not erase the pain; it transformed my posture toward it. God did not remove the weight, but He strengthened my spirit to carry it with grace.

Through Christ, I learned that renewal is a daily surrender. It is allowing God to reshape my understanding, refine my responses, and restore my joy. It is choosing to align with His light even when shadows linger. And in that alignment, growth becomes not just possible it becomes inevitable.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging that You are the Author of renewal and the Giver of growth. Lord, I lift up every person who reads this devotion. You know their private struggles, their silent griefs, their unanswered questions, and the burdens they carry behind their smiles.

Lord Jesus, renew their minds where doubt has settled. Restore their confidence where disappointment has weakened resolve. Heal the tender places shaped by loss, misunderstanding, or weariness. Teach them how to release what no longer serves their purpose and to embrace the transformation You are cultivating within them.

Loving God, help them to see their lives through Your perspective. When they are tempted to internalize rejection or personalize the frailties of others, remind them of their identity in You. Strengthen their spirits to endure, not in denial of pain, but in the assurance of Your sustaining grace.

Father, awaken within them the courage to grow. Let Your light illuminate areas that need refining, and grant them the humility to surrender daily to Your shaping hand. Where there is heaviness, breathe fresh hope. Where there is confusion, bring clarity. Where there is fatigue, pour out renewed strength.

May Your promises anchor them. May Your love steady them. And may Your Spirit empower them to walk in continual transformation, reflecting Christ in both their joy and their trials.

We trust You to complete the good work You have begun in them. In Jesus name, Amen.

Submitted by Deacon Chioma Okoro

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Contributor: ELDER NORMA HAUGHTON

“Here is the way I want you to fast.

“Set free those who are held by chains without any reason.

    Untie the ropes that hold people as slaves.

Set free those who are crushed.

    Break every evil chain. 

Share your food with hungry people.

    Provide homeless people with a place to stay.

Give naked people clothes to wear.

    Provide for the needs of your own family.

Then the light of my blessing will shine on you like the rising sun.

    I will heal you quickly.

I will march out ahead of you.

    And my glory will follow behind you and guard you.

    That’s because I always do what is right.

You will call out to me for help.

    And I will answer you.

You will cry out.

    And I will say, ‘Here I am.’

“Get rid of the chains you use to hold others down.

    Stop pointing your finger at others as if they had done something wrong.

    Stop saying harmful things about them.

Work hard to feed hungry people.

    Satisfy the needs of those who are crushed.

Then my blessing will light up your darkness.

    And the night of your suffering will become as bright as the noonday sun.

I will always guide you.

    I will satisfy your needs in a land baked by the sun.

    I will make you stronger.

You will be like a garden that has plenty of water.

    You will be like a spring whose water never runs dry.

Your people will rebuild the cities that were destroyed long ago.

    And you will build again on the old foundations.

You will be called One Who Repairs Broken Walls.

    You will be called One Who Makes City Streets Like New Again.

Isaiah 58:6-12 NIRV

Why do I Fast?  Fasting deepens my connection with God and enhances my spiritual awareness. God instructs us on how to feast, emphasizing the importance of faith and action.

Isaiah 58 stresses that true fasting involves kindness and fairness to all, not just abstaining from food. God instructs us to prioritize treating the poor and weak over our religious beliefs.

Faithful action promises a life-changing transformation. God breaks oppression, sets us free, and brings light, healing, and protection. He guides us, gives us strength, and transforms our lives into thriving gardens that can withstand any challenge. 

Let us pray:

Gracious Lord, you’ve shown me that true fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food, but about breaking the chains of injustice in my life and others. 

Heavenly Father, I humbly seek your guidance in demonstrating compassion and sharing my resources with those who are in need.  

Lord  I want my life to be a beacon of light in the darkness. As I serve the oppressed and honor You, I ask for Your promises to be fulfilled in my life. I pray for quick healing, like a well-watered garden or a spring that never dries. Lord, protect and guide me and my people. 

In Jesus’s name,

Amen.

SUBMITTED BY ELDER NORMA HAUGHTON

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Contributor: Deacon Sergio Spencer

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.  Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”  Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Thought:

This passage gives us a lot of reasons to be hopeful, mainly that Jesus defeated death for all of us. It gives other examples of how Jesus can show up in our lives. Jesus appeared to Cleopas and an unnamed person. It doesn’t seem like either one of these men had significant social standing. It's encouraging to know that we can connect with Jesus regardless of our status. Jesus met these men while they were distressed in the aftermath of the crucifixion. Verse 17 said the men’s faces were “downcast.” Jesus listened to them and guided these men as they were processing what happened. This reassures us that Jesus knows our burdens and listens to us when we reach out to him. The men didn’t realize they were walking and talking with Jesus because they “were kept from recognizing him.” Even when we’re not kept from seeing Jesus, we can get so caught up in our own world that we can’t see him at work in our lives. We have to be intentional about seeking Jesus, and looking past the distractions of life. Later, Jesus challenged the men for not believing the prophecies about him. But, when they get to the village and invite Jesus to stay, he accepts. Jesus is always ready to accept the invitation into our lives. Even if we’re not considered important… Even if we’re distressed…. Even when we show a lack of faith…. We have hope because we can still invite Jesus into our situations and he will be there.

Prayer:

Father God, Thank you for sending your son to pay the cost for our sins. Thank you for meeting us where we are. Thank you for revealing yourself to us through your Word. In the name of Jesus, Amen.  

Submitted by: Deacon Sergio Spencer

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Contributor: Deacon Juanita Dingle

MINISTERING TO THE LEAST

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:31-40

In this passage, Jesus divides humanity into two groups based on their actions.

The "Sheep" represents the righteous who cared for the needy.

The “Goats" represent those who fail to show compassion.

The righteous in this scripture didn’t even realize they were serving Christ; they simply responded to the needs of those who were hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, or imprisoned. 

They took the time to slow down to notice and to look beyond being inconvenient. They started a “Movement of Compassion”.

No matter how much we repent, fast, or pray, we cannot leave out compassion in our daily lives.

During this season can we start a visible movement of Love and Compassion? 

By feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and welcoming strangers 

Demonstrating generosity by being a modern-day Good Samaritan 

Asking for forgiveness from those who have hurt us. 

Being a listening ear to that neighbor or coworker, rather than passing judgment 

Serving without recognition 

Sending an encouraging text

Offering a ride to church, to medical appointments or treatment

Cooking a meal for those on our sick and shut in

Jesus in not asking us to seek Him in just our spiritual experiences (Sunday service, conferences, or concerts). He wants us to actively seek him through meeting the tangible needs of “the least of these”.

Let us pray:

Dear God,

As we continue to journey through this season of Lent, search our hearts and purify our motives. Teach us that devotion is not only spoken in prayer but demonstrated in acts of love.

Helps us to be mindful of those who are hungry, thirsty, sick, or imprisoned, and that showing compassion matters.

Open our eyes to see you in unexpected places. Open our hands to give freely. Open our daily agendas to make time for those who need. Open our hearts to love unconditionally. 

Transform us so that we can recognize Your Voice, Your touch, and Your Grace so that we do not miss you when you come disguised “as the least of these.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

SUBMITTED BY DEACON JUANITA DINGLE

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Contributor: DEACON GRACE SMALL

“The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer Him sacrifices.”

Proverbs 21:3

Life Application Study Bible

Sisters and Brothers,

I often wonder if I’m doing enough as a Christian, to please God. Do I tithe enough, do I attend enough church events, do I pray long enough?

Our good deeds and offerings are not bribes to make God overlook our character faults or points to scores to make Him love us more. His love for us is complete. He sent his only Son to die for our salvation. That was the greatest sacrifice.

Like the people of Israel, are we trying to appease God by our works? Good works and rituals are not what God wants. He requires changed lives. He wants us to be just and to do what is right. Honor Him with our whole being. God wants sincere people who come to Him for everything.

When we take time to feed the hungry, say a kind word to a stranger, smile with an unhoused person, love someone who’s done us wrong, God is pleased.

In this Lenten period, let us fill our Treasure Chest with love, justice, mercy. Let us walk humbly and please our God.

Let us pray:

Our Heavenly Father,

Teach us to honor You with sincere and selfless actions, not with false sacrifices. In our personal and business lives we want to be fair, we want to please You. We come humbly before Your throne asking for forgiveness for the times we acted with wrong intentions.

We love You Lord,

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

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Contributor: Deacon Selena Washington  

KEEP RUNNING THE RACE

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.   Hebrews 12:1-3

Hebrews 12:1–3 uses the metaphor of an athletic race to describe the Christian journey of faith. It emphasizes endurance, the removal of distractions, and the ultimate example of Jesus' own sacrifice. 

Encouragement from the Past: The "cloud of witnesses" refers to Old Testament heroes (like Abraham, Noah,   Moses, Enoch) whose lives testified to God's faithfulness.

Laying Aside Weights:  means getting rid of anything—even things that aren't "sins" but are just distractions or bad habits that can slow you down.

Casting Off Sin: This is specifically sin which encircles you, that trips up the runner, calling for a life of active repentance. 

How do we do this? Hebrews 2 tells us to look unto Jesus. He is our example of perseverance. 

The core instruction is to look away from your sinful nature, focus on Jesus, and endure the marathon of a Christian life. 

When you feel like giving up, think about what Jesus went through. Comparing your "hills" to His "mountains" gives you a reality check that helps you find the second wind you need to keep moving. Keep your head up and "lock in."

Let us pray: 

Father, I come before You, thanking You for the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds me, reminding me that I am not walking this journey alone. Lord, I ask for Your strength and grace to lay aside every weight and the sin that clings closely to me.

Help me to run with perseverance the race that You have set before me, not looking to the distractions of the world, but fixing my eyes solely on Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for being the author and perfecter of my faith. May I walk in constant obedience and dependence on You, living as a faithful witness, until I reach the finish line.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen. 

SUBMITTED BY DEACON SELENA WASHINGTON

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Contributor: ELDER IVAN O’CONNOR

Embracing Renewal and Growth

16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once

regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in

Christ, the new creation has come: [a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is

from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry

of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not

counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of

reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were

making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled

to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin [b] for us, so that in him we might

become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 NIV

Just imagine that there is a ledger in heaven that has kept a record of all of our

transgressions, whether committed by thought, word, or deed. This ledger will be taken

to our trial and used against us to show that we should not go on to glory.

But thanks be to God, He sent His Son to give us a “tabula rasa” (Latin for “blank

slate”), washed in His blood, if we fully embrace Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross and

acknowledge that He rose from the dead and make Him our Lord and Savior. Now that

old ledger is gone, and can’t be used against us. God through His Son made us a new

creation, and as a new creation we see through new eyes as ambassadors of Christ

commissioned in the ministry of reconciliation.

Since God is not a respecter of persons, what He has done for you and me is offered to

all. It is with great joy that we embrace our new life with Christ. As we grow in grace,

our cup runs over and we want to implore the world to reconcile with God, so they can

enjoy this hope and joy of salvation that we have, which the world can’t give and the

world can’t take away. Jesus is the only way, truth and life; no one comes to the Father

except through Him.

Let us pray: Gracious God, I pray that my fellow ambassadors of Christ embrace

our renewal and growth in the Lord. May our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

continue to order our steps, and may we continue to lift Him up, so that He can

draw all men, women and children until Himself, In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

SUBMITTED BY ELDER IVAN O’CONNOR

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Contributor: ELDER VALERIE O’CONNOR

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.

For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.

Lamentations 3:22-33

It is such a comfort to focus on God’s embrace during our most difficult times. Our instinct is to be held. We were held in the womb. When we are born, we are wrapped tightly in those hospital blankets to mimic that feeling of being held tightly. Just like a crying baby that just wants to be held, we seek to be held by God when we are in distress. God does not cast us away but wraps us in His steadfast unfailing love. 

No matter how the situation looks we must wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. We must trust God’s timing for all of our situations. While we are waiting on the Lord we still have hope. The Lord is good to hose whose hope is in him. His mercies are new every morning. There is hope after devastation. Hope in our seasons of grief. Hope in our pain. When we are suffering it may seem like God is far away but know that he is near. 

Let us pray.

Lord God, we thank you for your new mercies every morning that you open our eyes. Great is your faithfulness oh God. All of our hope is in you. We are so thankful for your compassionate presence during our suffering.  We trust in your Lord God, we wait on you, Lord God. Your timing is perfect. We praise you our ever present God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

SUBMITTED BY ELDER VALERIE O’CONNOR

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Contributor: DEACON VERA TRENCHFIELD

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary

went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down

from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was

like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they

shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know

that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. “He is not here; he has risen, just as he

said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciplines: “He has

risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, “Now I

have told you.” So the woman hurried away from the tomb afraid yet filled with joy, and ran

to tell his disciples. “Suddenly Jesus met them,” Greetings, “he said, they came to him,

clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid, Go and tell

my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Matthew 28: 1-10 NIV

In Matthew Chapter 28: 1-10, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approached the tomb

carrying sadness and fear, expecting to tend to a dead body, knowing that their teacher had been

crucified. Instead, they experienced a violent earthquake as an angel of the Lord came down and

said, “He is not here, “He is risen.” As they saw the tomb was empty, they knew their Savior

lives. What they thought was the end was actually the beginning. The women felt fear and great

joy at the same time.

Resurrection hope is the confidence and assurance that death does not have the final word. It is

believing that even when something looks buried, we know God has the final say. The stone was

rolled away, not just from a tomb but from, fear, despair and hopelessness.

How often do we experience a closed door, a broken relationship, a dream deferred, a delayed

promise? These things may feel permanent in our life but resurrection hope will let you know

that it is NOT over. The stone may look heavy, but God is mighty and strong. We are not alone.

Our risen Savior will meet us on the road, speaking peace to troubled hearts, and turn mourning

into joy.

Let us pray:

Lord, our eyes are tainted with the injustice, violence, and sickness in the world. As we struggle

with many disappointments, and closed doors and feel like the stone is closing in, remind us of

the empty tomb. Help us trust that You are still working in places that we cannot see. Replace

our fear with faith and our sorrow with resurrection hope.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

SUBMITTED BY DEACON VERA TRENCHFIELD

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Contributor: ELDER ELAINE HINDS

28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV) 

In Jesus’ time, people carried heavy loads—personal struggles, religious pressures, and daily challenges. Today, our burdens may look different, but the weight can feel just as real. Stress, worry, grief, responsibility, and the constant noise of life can leave us weary.

Yet Jesus extends the same invitation He offered over 2,000 years ago: “Come to me.” When life overwhelms us, when anxiety rises, when we feel stretched thin, He invites us to lay those burdens at His feet. He does not offer the temporary peace the world gives, but deep, inner peace and rest for our souls.

Jesus uses the image of a yoke, a wooden beam that joins two oxen so they can pull a load together. He is saying, “You don’t have to carry this alone. Join yourself to Me.” When we trust Him, obey Him, and walk with Him, the weight becomes lighter because He is right beside us, carrying what we cannot.

Jesus is gentle. He is humble. He is compassionate. And He models the life we are called to live. When we follow His teachings with our whole heart, He strengthens us for the trials we face. He promises a path marked by peace, a lighter burden, and true rest.

So, during this Lenten season, will you give your burdens to Christ? He has already paid the price. He is waiting to carry what is too heavy for you to carry. Just let it go and trust Him!!

Let us pray

Father God, we thank You for Your Word and for the promise that when we give You our burdens, You give us rest. Help us to trust You fully so we may experience the peace and rest for our soul that only You offer. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

SUBMITTED BY ELDER ELAINE HINDS

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Contributor: DEACON NANCY SAMMS

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

GALATIANS 5:22-25

Renewal is not a one-time event; it is a daily embrace. Growth is not accidental; it is cultivated. In Galatians 5:22–25, Paul reminds us that spiritual growth is the natural evidence of a life surrendered to the Spirit of God. Just as fruit grows from a healthy tree, renewal grows from a heart rooted in Christ.

When we speak of embracing renewal, we are choosing to allow the Holy Spirit to reshape our attitudes, reactions, and relationships. Love replaces resentment. Joy rises above circumstances. Peace quiets anxious thoughts. Patience steadies us when growth feels slow. Gentleness softens our responses. Goodness guides our decisions. Faith anchors our trust. Meekness humbles our strength. Self-control guards our choices. These qualities are not self-manufactured; they are Spirit-produced.

Growth requires surrender. Verse 24 tells us that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh—meaning we intentionally lay down old habits, harmful patterns, and prideful tendencies. Renewal often feels uncomfortable because it requires releasing what is familiar in order to receive what is better.

Verse 25 challenges us further: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Living speaks to our identity; walking speaks to our daily conduct. Renewal begins inwardly but must be demonstrated outwardly.

To embrace renewal and growth is to say:

I will not remain who I used to be.

I will allow God to mature me.

I will reflect Christ more today than I did yesterday.

After years of experience, whether in ministry, career, or life, we can still grow. In fact, maturity should deepen our fruit, not diminish it. Growth is lifelong. Renewal is continuous. The Spirit is faithful.

Let us pray: Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Help me to embrace renewal in every season of my life. Cultivate in me the fruit that reflects Your character. Teach me to surrender what hinders my growth and to walk daily in alignment with You. May my life show evidence of love, joy, peace, and self-control. Renew me, grow me, and use me for Your glory. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SUBMITTED BY DEACON NANCY SAMMS

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Contributor: C.R. Elder E. Magalene McClarrin

A HEART RENDING EXPERIENCE

“Even now, declares the LORD, return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping

and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He

is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from

sending calamity.”

Joel 2:12-13

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Contributor: Elder Mary Martin-Sweet

Embracing What God Requires

“What can we bring to the Lord? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow

before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? 7 Should we offer him

thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our

firstborn children to pay for our sins? 8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is

good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to

walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:6–8 NLT

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Contributor: Eld. Apryl Redwood 

Say Yes and Start Fresh

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from

your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12 ESV

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Contributor: Eld. Rev. Dennis Henderson

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the

devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was

hungry.”

Matthew 4:1-2

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JUST TO BE CLOSE TO HIM

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from

you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. 

James 4:7-8 NIV

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Scarred, broken, brutalized, and scorned, He watched from the cross alone. With an agonized gaze, He looked upon the vicious mockery of ignorance that was born out of an illusion of lustful power, as they stood crazed by their crime, but their plight touched Him still. With lifted head in the midst of hurtling shouts of ridicule and contempt, he shouted “Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani”. God turned His back on His Son who voluntarily became sin when He embraced God’s will and not His own. The earth fractured, the sun refused to shine, and time stood still as sobs were silenced, tears froze; minds were bewildered; hearts were assaulted: what has happened here? Blood mixed with water streamed down a pierced side moved a complicit infidel to become a converted believer amid the chaos and fear.

The death of hope mourned the living for three days while defeat lay wrapped in cloths too insubstantial to hold the power of life. Up from the grave He arose carrying the keys of death; riding on the wings of eternity, He ascended to the heavens to sit on the right hand of God Almighty, to judge the quick and the dead. Jesus, the One who came to save His people, all people, from the power of sin and death rose as the bright morning Star, our Horn of salvation who redeems the lost, our Deliver who comforts the downtrodden, the Bread of Life who feeds the hungry, the Vine who offers the water that forever satisfies.

Oh, King of glory, the victim turned Victor, the scorned turned Savior, the abused turned Abba, the ridiculed turned Redeemer, the resurrected One is the Divine; we worship You. Amen and Amen.

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                                                                                                       John 14:27 NIV

A soft breeze. A gentle touch. A warm embrace. A heartfelt “I love you.” All of these give us a sense of peace, calm and comfort. Peace is something that can’t be overstated. It helps us to navigate through difficult waters. It sustains us through trying circumstances. It steadies us during times of loss and despair. And it surrounds us when living life on life’s terms becomes unsettling. It’s so good to know that, in times of turmoil and seasons of upheaval, the source of lasting peace, Jehovah-Shalom, is right there to dispense a measure of something that we can’t fully comprehend but we willingly embrace. So today, I invite you to enter into the cocoon of peace our loving Lord has prepared for each of you.

Let us pray:

God of all peace, we thank you for the space that You have provided for Your people – a space of tranquility in the midst of turbulence, calm in the face of confusion and stillness in the eye of the storm. Remind us, during times of trouble, that You are our peace and that we can resort to You at any time. This we pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Lenten lesson: Be Still

In a world filled with so many things competing for our attention: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The latest posts, call us from a place of stillness, where we can “recognize the time of God’s coming”.

In our focus Scripture above the writer points to a punishment, “a dashing to the ground” and “no stone being left one on another” for failure to recognize. A remedy for this busyness is setting aside quiet reflection upon God’s word and prayer. In this place, we pull away from all the distractions of our day to spend time reading, reflecting, and listening for the move of God. In this Lenten season, we can become so focused on attending services, making sure we get right our “Lenten sacrifice” that we fail to just be still with God.

”He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).

Let us pray:

Dear Lord during this holy season let us choose to be still so that we don’t miss you moving in our lives.  In Jesus’ name, Amen

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Psalm 16:7-11 New Life Version

In this sacred Lenten journey, we focus to be connected to the very heart of God, the essence of true soul wellness. More than a brand or ideal, it is the reality of abiding in Christ Jesus our Lord. Though connecting with Him deeply may not come naturally, we can take intentional steps to return to His loving embrace when we stray. For He is ever near, patiently waiting wrap His arms around us and give us His peace that surpasses understanding. When our hearts grow tired and we lose our connect, we need redirect ourselves to the One who endured the cross to redeem us. He did this in order that we experience abundant, everlasting life in Him. Let us linger in sweet communion with our Savior, that His joy may become our strength for the journey ahead.

Let us pray:

Most Heavenly and Gracious Father, we feel the longing in our souls for deeper intimacy with You. Draw us close. Help us to know that we are under Your wings. Help us to focus our spiritual senses to Your still, small voice, that we may clearly hear You. In the chaos of this life, remind us to return to the One who calms the raging storms with a word. Give us the discipline and the delight in studying Your Word, that we may know You more. We surrender again to Your loving authority over every area of our lives. Thank You for paving the way to restored relationship through Christ's finished work on the cross. Lead us in the everlasting way, that we may experience fullness of joy in Your presence, this day and for all eternity. In the name of our Risen King we pray, Amen.

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Have you ever found yourself in a space where you noticed you were in a dry season – a period of time where joy and happiness began to fade.  A time where peace was now becoming scarce or a time where provision became challenging.  Unfortunately, these patterns are a part of life but thank God they are temporary!  Oftentimes, such situations lead us to a greater level of prayer or deliberately spending more time with God.  Usually, that increase in prayer and time with God allows us to become more sensitive to His voice or to His intervening in our situations. He often gives us instructions just as He did to Elijah in the passage above.  God’s instructions always lead us to a place where we are safe in Him – a place of provision, of healing, of peace, of joy or whatever we’re in need of.  It is through our relationship with God that we are able to create that place called “There.”  Today, there’s no brook called Cherith for us to run to but our place called “There’” can be in our car, in our kitchen, at our desks, during our morning walk or any place we take time to seek His face and the plans He has for us.

Let us pray:

Gracious and eternal Father, we look to You today and we thank You for being our God.  Thank you for creating us and for loving us.  As we navigate through life, we ask that Your Holy Spirit will continue to direct us in all of our ways.  Lord, when life presents its challenges, teach us to trust You.  Teach us to seek You for direction wherever we are (physically, spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically).  Help us to find that place that we meet you and talk with you daily; that we may have a place called “There” where we can have an encounter with You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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                                                                                                            Psalm 62:1

As a new elder at Memorial Presbyterian Church, there are so many things to learn about the responsibilities of the role and how to best serve the church, the congregation and the community at large. There is always more that needs to be done as we listen, engage and respond to needs of this faith community.

In order to do more, there are times you actually need to do less to avoid spreading yourself too thin and risk being less effective because you are too busy to focus on the highest and most urgent priorities. Our faith and our devotion are the most important priorities. God wants and needs us to be in the Word and steadfast in deepening our faith.

Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld: have faith in His prophets and you will be successful.                                                    2 Chronicles 20:20

Let us pray:

Thank you, God. You are a good God and have allowed us to draw nearer to you, oh Lord. You have provided us Holy scripture to allow us to understand what You would have us do. Romans 5:1 tells us, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” All honor and glory goes to you, oh Lord. Thank you for all that you have done for us and all that you will continue to do to lead and guide us. We honor you and magnify your name. Amen.

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It is in our human nature to expect the best gifts to come in large, and expensive packages. The Jews in Biblical times were awaiting the Messiah to arrive, but they expected him to come riding into town on a majestic horse, wearing heavy armor, and “looking like the king who has come to reign.”  However, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey – one of the simplest animals during that era.  Horses were seen as a sign of prestige. Why would Jesus want to make his triumphant entry on a donkey?

Our Lenten theme, “Doing Less, Becoming More” ties with this verse from the book of Zechariah, which foretold how “our” king would enter Jerusalem.  This is the beauty of Jesus!  He could have chosen any animal to come riding in, but he chose to come in on a donkey, the lowliest of animals.  This symbolizes how Jesus can and will use what society sees as insignificant to make the biggest impact.  As you go through this Lenten season, as you look at yourself, and think that you might not be doing enough, or you are messing up, or things just aren’t falling right for you, remember that Jesus “chose” you. Yes, you!  With all your imperfections, and flaws. He “sees” you, just as he saw the donkey that others would simply have passed on.  We are valuable to him. That is the reason he died for us on the cross.

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for choosing me, for seeing me despite all of my flaws, all of my imperfections, and for loving me still.  I pray that, during this season, you help me to keep my mind fixed on remembering that You’re not looking for me to be perfect, but simply remembering who You are and what You did for me on the cross. Thank you, lord, for Your loving mercy, kindness, and your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. 

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Have you ever been on a boat, a ferry or a ship and felt contrary winds, disturbing waves or uneasy waters? Well, this could be an unsettling experience to any of us. But that is a similar feeling we have when we doubt. Many of us have taken the first step and asked the Lord for a particular thing. But we fold doubt into the request and send our mind on an uncertain journey, complete with unnecessary turbulence and unwarranted confusion. My sisters and brothers, I challenge you, on your Lenten journey and after, to trust the Lord who has our tomorrows in His hand, believe even when you can’t see and depend on the captain of the ship we find ourselves on to safely get us to our destination.

Let us pray:

Dear God, help me to receive the guidance and love of the Holy Spirit. Strengthen my faith to be able to quiet my waves of self-inflicting injuries that whip my soul with the winds of my own fear. Allow the Word of God to calm my sea of insecurities. Strengthen me with your power to grow in faith and calm the sea of my soul. I thank you, Father, in advance for what You are already doing in my life and hearing my prayer. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

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When we are faced with challenges, we must remember where our strength lies. Our Lord provides us with protection from dangers seen and unseen.  So we must continually speak with Him. Time with our heavenly father will strengthen our faith so that when the challenges come, we are prepared and do not crumble under their weight.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we come to you asking for your guidance and protection as we go forward. We pray that you will order our steps and shield us from harm and danger.  I ask that You will always have Your hedge of protection around us as we navigate our day-to-day living.  This we pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

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                                                                                                        John 15:9 KJV

No matter your education, occupation or socioeconomic status, everyone needs love.

From the nicest to the meanest person, we all want and need to be loved. Many may not acknowledge or accept that fact. They may scream loudly, "l don't need anyone and l don't need to be loved" but underneath they do.

In today's meditation, we’re reminded of just how much we are loved. Jesus compares His love for us to how much The Father loved Him.

"As He has loved Me, so have l loved you.” What a comforting thought. As you go through your day, as you face life's challenges, as you encounter negative attitudes remember that you are loved and that this love is forever.

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the way you love me. I am grateful that l will never be without it. Ours is a "forever relationship" and I appreciate your continuous presence in my life. Help me to be present for others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. 

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I chose to fast from some of my favorite carbs for Lent.  Sometimes, I intensely crave them, and I'm tempted to break my fast. Then I remind myself of Jesus's ultimate sacrifice in love for me and I'm encouraged to stick with it.  In addition to eating less carbs, I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to be more obedient to Jesus’s command to love others, as He loves me.  Truth be told, I'm not always obedient to His command to love everyone.  Jesus blesses me with His sacrificial, unconditional love, even though I am unworthy and at times unlovable.  And He  commands me, as His disciple, to show the same kind of love to everyone, even those who are not easy to love.  Ouch!!  Loving everyone is not an option if I want to be known as a disciple of Jesus.  I am to give to others, the same love, mercy, and grace, that I receive from God.  Living out this command is a challenge.  However, it can be achieved with the help of the Holy Spirit.  I will strive to be more obedient to God’s command to love others by praying for the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to help me show unconditional love, mercy, and extra grace to everyone.

Let us pray:

Dear Abba Father, to You be all glory, honor, and praise.  Thank you for your great mercy, grace, and love.  Keep us mindful of your amazing unconditional love demonstrated for us through Your Son and our Savior Jesus, and His sacrifice on the cross.  Thank you, Jesus. Empower us through Your Holy Spirit to love others unconditionally, as You love us. Help us to grow and increase our love for others, especially our enemies.  In Your awesome name, Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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Our Lenten theme is, “Doing Less, Becoming More.” The scripture above is from a letter written by Paul telling the Ephesian Church that God’s purpose is doing more than we can imagine. It’s not for our worldly success but for his glory.

During this Lenten season and beyond, we must challenge ourselves to do more, and trust more in God, pray more, dream more and set more goals and expect Him to go above and beyond our wildest dream. We should stop focusing on circumstances or obstacles around us that might be blocking our paths. Remember “He who is in me is greater than he would is in the world” and if something is in His will, it will be done.

Let us pray:

Dear Father, I want to thank you for all you have done. Father God, I ask that You help us break our limitations and help us to see the unimaginable, unthinkable power You have instilled in us. Give us the strength to understand that we are more because of You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen

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Thought:

In life when facing trials and tribulations, it’s easier for some of us to give up or walk away.  I’ll be the first to tell you, that I’m quick to walk away from a situation where I feel conflict or constant upset.  But just as quick as I walk away, I feel regret because I gave up, simply put I lost faith that this too shall pass.

You see in James 1:2-4, James says “Whenever” YOU face trials, not “IF” you face trials. So, in other words, we’re going to face trials, sometimes daily.  In fact, some of us are enduring trials right now but we must do what James says and “Count it all joy!”  When our world is in disarray, and those closest to us are suffering and in pain, one cannot begin to fathom how to see joy amid it all. True joy doesn’t derive from our circumstances, but rather from our trust and relationship with Jesus Christ.  James isn’t saying that we must pretend there’s no pain in the trial.  But what he is saying is that we should practice patience in action and look for the positives in the situation and most importantly PUSH THROUGH!

Recently, I challenged my 3rd-5th grade scholars to create a self-affirmation to motivate them when facing academic challenges, and when I read James 1:2-4, all I could hear the Holy Spirit say is that “God’s word never comes back void”. In our session, my scholars came up with Push Through, Persevere, and Never Back Down!  So, my dear brothers and sisters, I challenge every one of you to PUSH through those trials, PERSEVERE in your circumstances, and NEVER back down from situations.  You MUST have faith that God can and will carry you through it all, pray fervently, and praise God in advance for what He’s about to bring you through!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your grace is sufficient for every trial and difficulty that we will face in our lives.  May we be ready and willing to patiently learn the lessons that You would teach us in each situation in life, knowing that we are being perfected in the process. Help us to learn to patiently endure with joyful thanks. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

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As a young person, showing kindness toward another person seemed very easy. Becoming a part of the world’s version of growth by developing the mindset of “I’m better than” and sharing negative gossip about another person’s character is not of God. Once I was exposed to the actions of the world, it became a little difficult to show kindness to those that were unkind towards me.

During this season of Lent, reflecting on our theme, Doing Less, Becoming More, I’m reminded not to repay negative with negative. I’m required to be my brother’s & sister’s keeper and show kindness. We’re all going through something and running an errand for someone who is unable to get out of the house or allowing a person to go ahead of me in the checkout line, or simply saying have a good day seems easy enough. The reactions to these gestures have been remarkably interesting, almost shocking. I never know if my act of kindness is the only version of Christ a stranger, family member or friend will experience for the day, but God said to do this, so I do it.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing back to mind the ways of my youth, like having a compassionate heart and patience with others. You never said this walk would be easy, however by intentionally being committed to doing less complaining and negative thinking allows a reset, with Your continued guidance, to be more like You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

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When I was growing up, my parents had a very special friend who would always promise to take my sisters and I to the amusement park. We would get dressed and wait for him by the window. Unfortunately, most times he never showed up. Although he had good intentions, as children the feeling of disappointment surfaced every time. As children of God, we know that life's journey will bring us moments of disappointments. Sometimes, these moments leave us disheartened and questioning our faith. The good news is that during these moments, we can hold on to the unshakable conviction that our God is sovereign and he has a plan and purpose for our lives. We can also take comfort in the fact that whatever He has for us will be worth the wait!

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for being a sovereign God. A God who not only knows all things but who loves us with an everlasting love. Thank you for being with us and loving us during our moments of victories and our moments of disappointments. Help us to wait on you so our strength can be renewed and we can soar as eagles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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When I was a child, television was black and white. There were six channels. At the end of the broadcast day, at 12:00 a.m., you saw the American Flag and heard the National Anthem. Shortly after that, the screen turned to static. Broadcasting didn't resume until 6:00 a.m., yet now we have programming 24 hours a day seven days a week. Hundreds of channels and streaming content is available online to individuals of all ages. We have to make a conscious decision to turn off electronic devices and tune in to God's Word. Jesus took time to find a quiet place to commune with His Father. By drawing near to God, He will come near to us. May we seek him early each day before our busy day begins.  

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your son's sacrifice for our sins. May we be ever mindful of it and help us to live lives that are pleasing in your sight. Protect us as we travel today and may we return home safely. Give us a word to share with someone who doesn't know you today. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. 

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As we watch television, read social media fact and fiction information, talk to family and friends we often feel anxious, afraid, worried and stressed. So many wars, so much poverty, health issues, so much conflict in our country and our neighborhoods. It’s frightening. We sometimes forget to look to the only One who can calm our worried minds and hearts, the One whose mighty hand we are under.

Friends, we can feel secure because our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally. Regardless of what is happening in the world, in our country or in our personal lives, we must strive to do less worrying and become more dependent on God.

Let us pray:

Holy and precious Father, we thank you for never leaving or forsaking us. When we are going through stress, hardship and grief, please help us to remember that You hold the universe in Your hands. You will get us through. We trust you Lord and we thank you.

Amen.

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We’re constantly being challenged in life whether it is financially, mentally, or physically. On life’s journey, we’re not created to walk alone. God sent His son Jesus, in the form of human flesh to die for the sins of mankind. He has sent the Holy Spirit to guide us on all of life’s journey. Every day, we should make time from our busy schedule, go into our closet or find a quiet place and talk to God about our concerns and ask for continual guidance. He has promised to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. All we need to do is ask and have faith because He is able.

Let us pray:

Father God, I humbly come before you to ask that you walk with me in this life. I pray for your hedge of protection as I navigate my day-to-day living. You will always be my constant companion who will not leave me nor forsake me. I will wait patiently to hear from you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

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As an avid fisherman myself, I love this scripture.  I can imagine myself in the boat with Simon and Jesus. Please give me grace so that I can use my imagination to paint a picture of what I’d be experiencing at that moment. My story begins – Well, you know I’m just a hired hand on this boat. Just an ordinary oarsman that Simon hired to row the boat to the fishing grounds. I really don’t know this man, Jesus, other than he’s a friend of Simon’s and his teaching that I just heard stirred my heart, but you know I fish these waters every day except on the sabbath and there ain’t no fish to be had today.  I wanted to tell Jesus this but he was talking to Simon and I better mind my place, but I was thinking it.   Besides, I’m tired because I was rowing all over this lake all night long. Then Simon tells me and the other oarsmen to row out to the deep water…AGAIN! Doesn’t this Jesus know we’ve fished these waters for years and the fish just aren’t biting today? Nevertheless, Simon listens to Jesus and we headed out to deep water. Okay, I say to my tired self, what a waste of time. When we finally make it to the deep water, and we let down our nets, You wouldn’t believe what happened!  In mere minutes, our nets were bursting with so much fish that we started to sink!  How could this be? How did He know? Who is this man named Jesus? Then Simon yells to his brother and the other boats on shore – “we need help, our nets are breaking!”

From that day forward, I joined the crowd that followed Jesus. I’m now glad to just be in the number to hear Jesus speak. I witnessed ‘A Nevertheless Faith’, in Simon, and witnessed  that Jesus honored this type of faith, which gives me strength to this very day.

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father we pray that even if we don’t understand the things that are happening around us, or to us, or to our friends and families, that You will grant us that mustard seed faith to trust in You and say “ Nevertheless, Lord,“ we will do what You say to do. Help us, Lord, to not allow our pride or “know it all” attitude to get in the way of your blessings in our lives. Grant us, Lord, a changed mind, a willing heart and open ears to hear your voice and follow your directions. It’s in the matchless, majestic and mighty name of Jesus, we do pray, Amen!

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                                                                                                                    2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV                           

Some of our earliest memories are “don’t touch that,” “stop,” “leave that alone,” “don’t hit,” etc. These warnings and admonitions are spoken by our loved ones who are there to protect and guide us.  They help us develop a sense of safety and of what is right and wrong.  As we grow older, we learn to rely on their teachings and find comfort and support in following their instruction. However, somewhere during adolescence and early adulthood, many of us start to believe we know it all and we no longer need their guidance.  We think “I got this,” and frankly, we often resent the advice given from others, and we barrel headfirst into disastrous situations.

Unfortunately, some of us continue along this path for many years and sometimes decades, often turning from one thing to the next seeking answers and advice. We wonder why our decisions aren’t yielding the desired results and why our lives are in turmoil. Finally, we ask, what do I do now? 

The answer is Jesus.  When we turn to Jesus and earnestly seek and study the Word of God, we become better equipped to run the race of life. I challenge you to listen to God’s voice as it is shared in Holy Scripture. 

Let us pray:

Dear God, please help me to lean not on my own thoughts and ideas but to diligently seek and study your Word daily for guidance and direction and serve in spirit and in truth. In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen.

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       TITUS 2:13

THOUGHT

So many predictions of the end of the world have come and gone. These predictions are unsettling and often fill people with fear. Yet the Bible does refer to a time called "the day of the LORD" when He will return. It will happen but only God knows when.

It's a day that Jesus’s followers can look forward to. Considering that time to come, the apostle Peter tells us how the believer can live with joyful purpose (2 Peter 3:10-18). We can look upward by living Christ-honoring lives. We can look inward by making every effort to be found at peace with God. And we can look outward by being on guard, so we aren't carried away by the wrong influence of others.

How do we do this?  By "growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." When we grow in character through His written Word, we begin to relate more closely to Jesus, the Living Word. The Holy Spirit take God's Word and guides us in the way to live.

The day of the Lord shouldn't be a fearful day for Jesus's followers. Our King will return to make all things right and to rule forever. We wait for that time with great anticipation.  It is our "blessed hope."

Let us pray:

Jesus, thank you for your guidance as I interact with others during this 40-day Lenten season and beyond.  Help me to recognize their needs and concerns.  Even when I'm with others, I ask to be attuned to You and to Your guidance – to know when to listen and when to speak.

Your grace is sufficient for me when I am afraid to share or don't have the perfect words to say. Especially in my weakness, You have room to work through me, so I thank You for going before me in every interaction, empowering me to carry out the good work which You have planned for me in advance.

May you be glorified in and through each of us as we serve you, our King! May we gladly yield to Your rule in our lives now as we look forward to the day when You reign for all eternity.

In Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen!!!

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A Thought: 

In today’s current time, we are bombarded with stories of people, ideologies and governments that commit unkind acts against others. The lesson of loving one another must continue to be taught to the younger generations. There is strength in being righteous. It is not an easy path because all parties around you will not be excepting of deeds done in the light. The sacrifices of the father must always be taught to all believers and non-believers, especially the young. 

Let us pray:

Gracious and Merciful Father, 

You have blessed us with the ability to exercise free will. May Your word be the catalyst to clear and righteous thinking and action. The path of our daily walk can be filled with pitfalls of evil disguised as the easy road to the things that we may desire. Guide us with your eternal light Lord so that we may make the right decisions on this road we call Life on Earth.  In YOUR name we pray, Amen. 

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Peas and carrots . Pancakes and jelly. Grandmas and hugs. The list of go-together is long and sadly not all is warm and fuzzy as the few listed here. Jealousy and selfish desires just naturally go with all kinds of bad things. Can’t have one without the other.

None of us wants these things. I don’t know of anyone who wakes up and says, ”Today is the day I’m going to be jealous and try to hurt everyone who has something I want”. NO, these things creep into our lives slowly, but if you are not careful, they take over. They become who you are whether you want to admit it or not.

But don’t be fooled. These character traits are not what GOD desires and expects of us. When these things are present in your life, there are some things that won’t be….that cannot be. You can’t have the peace and contentment of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit cannot reside with these things.

What negative and sinful thoughts and feelings are you harboring? How are they affecting your relationships? Your job? Your intimacy with God? Ask God to lessen these things and increase them with joy and contentment.

Let us pray:

Eternal Father open me to be more like you and less of self during this lent season in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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Recently, a hot water heater tank leaked in my basement. It made such a mess. I had to call the insurance company and get things cleaned out. Finally, I was able to have my basement remodeled. It looked lovely. I enjoyed admiring the new fixtures, including the freshly painted walls and flooring.

The boiler and water heater are in a room off to one side in the basement. The boiler room was not part of the remodeling. As I was putting away some things in the boiler room, I was struck by how much clutter and filth there was. The dust seemed a mile high. I said to myself, "I don't like this part of the basement." So I tidied it, dusted, washed, and removed some old stuff.

As I was cleaning this unsightly part of my basement, the Lord brought this verse to my mind – "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me." I started thinking about how I have some clean areas of my life that I let everyone see -- I come to church, get dressed up, smile, help out, and give financially to God's work.

But when I come down to it, I believe that parts of my heart are probably just as dirty and dusty as my basement's boiler room. These include feelings of resentment, holding grudges, jealousy, and disobedience. It takes time with God to identify the areas in my heart that need cleaning. God gently exposes those things to me gradually as I study the Bible, meditate on His Word, and pray. God uses the power of the Holy Spirit to cleanse and remove those "dirty" elements of my heart as I confess my sins to Him.

Let us pray: Thank you, O God, for the power of your Holy Spirit that convicts, cleanses, and restores. I confess my sins to you. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen.

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       Exodus 23:1-2 NKJV

God insists on honesty, irrespective of who it may be. One should not be partial or show favoritism or by any means pervert the court of justice by taking sides with the majority or speaking falsely against someone. It is better for us to stand alone than to take part in such practices.  The Scripture reminds us that our Heavenly Father is not pleased with such behavior. Standing with God is always better than following the crowd.

Let us pray:

Dear God, we thank you that You love us and we ask You to forgive us of our sins.  Help us to understand your will and ways so that we will represent you in a better way. Grant us your peace and teach us to respect humanity by treating everyone equally just like You do.  In your name, we pray, Amen.

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Often when we think of Jesus, we don’t always acknowledge all the characteristics of His humanness in our thoughts. He, our Lord and Savior purposely, willingly, took on human form so that we would know that He could relate to every aspect and facet that we journey through in this life.

We think of the physicality of Jesus during this time of Lent because Jesus is being harmed and physically bruised by the nails in His hands and feet or the piercing of His side. We celebrate the blood streaming down because we know that this blood was the atonement for our sins. However, do we think about the psychological challenges that Jesus was facing?  Those challenges are not far from the mental challenges we face daily.

One of the aspects that we encounter is our emotions. Emotions are the open awareness of psychological and physiological outcomes of expressions towards events and experiences that life has to offer. 

I believe Jesus experienced a barrage of emotions during the final days of His earthly experience. Just the thought of the coming days and weeks of an impending end to His walk on earth, His thoughts had to be daunting. Jesus saw and heard the schemes that people were plotting against Him.  Can you imagine knowing that people, friends, and foes, are speaking ill of you?  How many emotions can you conjure in your heart at just the thought of such an awful experience?

Can you imagine knowing that in days you are going to die? The cascade of emotions would be overwhelming.  While the physical pain Jesus felt was taking place, imagine how emotionally battered He was seeing people that He loved watching Him endure such pain.  Remember, Jesus was human so I am imagining a wellspring of emotions that plagued Him during those difficult days.

But God…Our loving Father has not made us weak and He does not want us to fear because He is God.  We are His children and we can call on Him for power and love to help control every emotion that we’re going through in every situation.  Our Father has prepared us even for the most difficult days that we can have.  When life is taking us through twists, and turns, and trauma is building all around us we have an egress. It is choosing to accept the presence of God in our life, living with His word hidden in our hearts, and truly loving God, ourselves, and the people in our lives.

Let us pray:

Father God, help us to acknowledge our most vulnerable moments when life has broken us down to the point when even our mental wellness is challenged.  Be our strength, God, and help us to find rest in you. Father, help us to be aware and kind to those who don’t know You and find it difficult to be present in the reality of their lives. Give us all peace and take us to a place where we can acknowledge You as Lord and Savior of our lives. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

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In a world full of uncertainty, it's hard to know how to feel about the future. While we all hope for brighter days ahead, many times the present seems to speak of only impending darkness. When the world around us causes us to lose hope, that's when we must look to the words of

the One who knows the future and has it in his hands.

The words of Jeremiah 29:11 were not only words of comfort and confidence from the prophet to the captive Israelites, they are also God's message for us today: "I know the plans I have for you " declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God knows the future and wants us to trust him for the journey ahead. No matter how bleak the circumstances, God promises "hope and a future."

Let us pray:

Holy and Merciful Father, we thank You for the blessings of this day. We ask forgiveness for

those times we've fallen short of your will for our lives. As we prepare spiritually for this season of Lent, I pray that You are a presence of peace, healing, hope, and grace in our lives. Help us to keep our focus on You, realizing that You are the source of our living hope. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen 

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Thought:

Faith is a gift! The scripture tells us that everyone has been given a measure of faith and that faith grows as we hear the word of God. That’s why we have to make time every day to read and study His word because you’re feeding your faith. If we want to please God, we must have faith in Him and acknowledge that He exists. The more you feed your faith, the more you know Him and understand His goodness.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us faith so we can be pleasing to You. Thank you for filling our hearts and minds with Your truth. Transform us into your image and let everything we do bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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As I’ve meditated on our church’s Lenten theme: Doing Less, Becoming More, I said, “Lord, this seems simple enough, yet how do I do this? I have so many things to do, my plate is full.” Then my answers came: Pause…be still. Be intentional with your prayer and devotional time. Be humble. Be kind. Bless others and give love.

My desire is to be in alignment with where the Lord would have me to

be.

May you be blessed and inspired on your spiritual journey during this

Lenten season.

Prayer:

Lord, please provide us with wisdom and guidance as we seek to

decrease so that you may increase. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

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Micah 7:18 NIV

There is no one whom compares to God. God will break the power of sin so it will not rule over us. He shows us mercy, although we repeatedly fall short from his grace. Even in his displeasure, he does not hold onto his vexation endlessly. For this, we are forgiven and for this, we are grateful.

Let us pray: 

Father God,

 We pray and repent from all of our iniquities. We ask you to remove any thing in our spirit that is not edifying or in accordance to your Holy Word. We come to you humbled and thankful, asking for your forgiveness and mercy. Graciously we bow at your awesomeness. Teach us to become more like you – forgiving spirits and full of grace towards others. 

Thank you for your love and kindness.

In the name of Jesus. Amen 

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Thought: Five Ways to Make Christ Greater:

1.    Have An Understanding of Who He Is

2.    Forgive As We Have Been Forgiven

3.    Love As We Are Loved

4.    Become Students of The Word

5.    Live A Life of Prayer                        Marlowe, 2016

Prayer: Dear Lord, Please Forgive Us for The Times We Tend to Make Ourselves Greater Than Who We Really Are. May We Remember the Increase That Is Needed in Our Life, Is Your Son, Jesus Christ Who Will Lift Us Up, As We Lift Him Up. In His Name, We Pray, Amen

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                                                           1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Thought:

Often when we encounter challenges we run from the Lord.  But it’s during these times that we need to pray without ceasing.  Prayer is a conversation with God that involves speaking and listening.  Be sure to listen more than you speak. Don’t allow your obstacles to prevent you from praying and giving thanks.  We must pray more and expect more.

Let us pray,

Just as I am Lord, I come to you. You know my hurts, pains, problems, and needs; I lay them down before you. You promise to prosper and not to harm. I thank you in advance for what you are about to do in my life. I am expecting a breakthrough. I am expecting more in 2024. Thank you for this and all things, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Thoughts:

As we start this season of Lent, let’s start with “Thank You.”  According to the dictionary, “thank you” is a polite expression used when acknowledging a gift, service, or compliment, or accepting or refusing an offer. During this time as we rededicate, affirm, repent, fast and pray, let us remember to say, “Thank you.” It’s because of God’s gift to mankind, Jesus, that our sins have been forgiven. Thank you, Lord!

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for

you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV

THANK YOU

T - Testify of the goodness of God

H - He alone is worthy of all the praise

A - Able, to do all things but fail

N - Never, leave or forsake us

K - kindness,

Y - Yet, He loves us still

O - Oh give thanks to the Lord for he is good

U - Ultimate sacrifice Jesus

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is worthy to be praised. Psalm 113:3 KJV

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for your loving kindness that’s better than life.

Lord, help us to be disciples of your word as we draw closer to you during this season of sacrifice. May we be renewed, transformed and our hearts filled with gratitude, that it is because of Jesus that our sins have been forgiven. Thank you, Lord. Help us Abba, to be obedient to your will, and your way. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus who is our Savior, and Redeemer, Amen.

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Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither, in all that he does, he prospers.

Have you ever become sluggish, tire very quickly, short tempered, preoccupied with everyone and everything that you forget your priorities such as: early rising moments spent with GOD, pausing throughout the day to breathe, give thanx, smile, read and meditate on scripture to speak and share it with another? These are indicators that we need peaceful rest in HIM to be restored, revived, thankful, energized, focused and so much more. In our busyness we cannot properly hear the voice of GOD in our spiritual growth and direction. Each season is about letting go, continuing to build up and inclusion of newness. Doing this brings refreshing strength, clarity in HIS wisdom and direction, peace, increase joy, humility and our souls being restored.

Prayer

GOD, you are our eternal hope in trials as well as celebration. Because you love us so much that you sent/gave/blessed us with your son Jesus to save us. Thank you for each day given to rest, bless and honor you. We release all our concerns, worries and strongholds to you allowing growth on our spiritual journey. We know that prayer changes everything which allows us to do less so that we become more in your service. We will flourish because of your water nourishing us in each season to rise, revive and thrive. In Jesus Precious Name, Amen.

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“Come with me to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31b)

           As Christians, we wake up in the morning thanking God for a new day and presenting our prayers and petitions to the Lord. At night we pray for a peaceful rest and for the privilege of a new morning. What happens between these two points of time? - Business or busyness.  

           Most of us have a calendar of specific tasks to accomplish, appointments to keep each day, whether in the business world or at home. This helps us to maintain order in our lives. But we can become so busy that life becomes strenuous . When the disciples returned from the task Jesus assigned them, to go out to the villages and preach repentance, cast out demons and heal the sick, many peoples followed them around. Jesus called the Twelve away. “Come with me to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31b). Rest helps us to recharge our bodies and give us time to think. We can use our rest time to meditate, pray, find answers in the Bible, memorize passages, to walk and admire nature, to connect with family.

           At the age of twelve, Jesus responded to His earthly parents, when he was told that they were anxiously searching for Him: “…Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2 KJV) . Let us be about the Lord’s business instead of much busyness. 

Let us pray,

Heavenly Father, help me to set aside busyness and to stop and rest in Your presence. Help me to devote more time to Your word. Help me to make it my business to live according to your ways, allowing the Fruit of the Spirt to grow in my heart. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

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Our hectic, busy lives often leave us feeling tired, anxious, and unfulfilled. We find ourselves trying to meet time deadlines, satisfy others or just trying to get through the day. At the end of the day, we look back and wonder where the time went and what did we really accomplish. We were doing things but were sometimes left feeling that we didn't do enough. We pondered the past, worried about the future, and let the present slip through our fingers.

One strategy that is available to us, is the practice of Mindfulness: a meditative tool that allows us to focus just on today. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said: " Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.” In order for us to have more satisfying lives that provide us with the opportunity to grow spiritually, to live peacefully and to love genuinely, we need to REST, RELAX, REPLENISH AND RELEASE. In other words, we need to let go and let God have His way in our lives and He will bless us exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think. " God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”                                                         2 Timothy 1:7

Let us pray:

Dear God, help me to become more: more loving, more generous and more productive by focusing my energies and time in being present and talking to you in prayer. When I spend less time in wasteful activities, I can become a stronger, more useful member of your Kingdom. I ask this in the name of your son Jesus Christ. Amen

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Sometimes it seems like we have very little to work with. There is so much to do at home and at work and our resources are stretched thin. There is so much at work and then one of your best staff members resigns. There is so much at home with family responsibilities and maintaining our home. Then there are the unexpected repairs and work that has to be done. There never seems to be enough time or resources to accomplish what needs to be done. During these times when we seem to have so little, we just have to trust God for more. This is when we spend more time in God's word. This is when we spend more time in prayer. This is when we spend more time praising Him. God is able to do immeasurably more, or, infinitely more as the Bible says in the New Living Translation. We know that God will show up with more than we could even ask for or imagine. There is no limit to how God can answer our prayers because he is able to do more than we ask, dream or comprehend. Even though we are expecting more our prayers can't even conceive God's more. Our limited imaginations and prayers cannot limit the richness of God’s gifts. When we recognize how God has blessed us with so much more we can only be in awe of His goodness and glory.

Lord God, I know that you are a God of more. I know you are able to give me more than I can ever ask or imagine. I thank you in advance for what is to come. I trust that you will replace what has been taken away. Thank you for your goodness and grace towards me. I give you all the glory.  In Jesus name, Amen!

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Our Lenten theme, “Doing Less, Becoming More,” reminds me of Mary and Martha, the sisters who invited Jesus into their home. Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made—the cleaning, the cooking, the table-setting, I imagine. Mary, on the other hand, was sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to what he said.  Exasperated, Martha came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” But Jesus answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things,” but only one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen what is best.

In this Lenten season, let’s choose what is best. Let’s put away busyness, or other things that cause us to worry or be upset, or that distract us from being our best selves. Let’s lay aside our self-righteous efforts to please God by our own works, which only lead to frustration.  Like Mary, let’s take time to sit at Jesus’ feet, spending time with him, hearing his words, seeing his face, and basking in his love. We’ll receive more: more peace, more love, more joy, more grace. We’ll become more—more like Jesus!

My Prayer:

Dear Father, help me to spend time sitting at Jesus’ feet during this Lenten season, so I might receive more, and be more. In His name I pray. Amen

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You cannot trust unless you believe you are loved. To grow in God and be changed, you must trust Him. Often, He will lead you in ways you cannot understand. During those times, you must have a tight grip on His love for you. The apostle Paul was convinced that nothing would ever be able to separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. You need to have that same absolute assurance of God’s undying love for you.

Accept God’s love for you and make that love the basis for your love for others. Receive His affirmation, knowing that you are changing and becoming everything He desires you to be.

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me trust in Your unending love for me, as I continue to grow in my faith. Show me how to use Your love as an example of how to show my love for other people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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“The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever!”    Isaiah 40:8

Thought:

This is one of my favorite verses in the bible because although it’s a short verse, it carries a lot of power. The Prophet Isaiah was tasked with delivering a message of hope and comfort to God’s people while being held in captivity in Babylon. As we all know, grass and flowers tend to dry up, shrink, wilt, lose their freshness, brilliance of color and vitality.

In a similar fashion, the human experience is like grass that withers and flowers that fade.  The travails of life can beat down one’s spirit and self-esteem leaving you feeling defeated, depressed, and devoid of life. Problems on the job or in the home can zap one’s energy and zest for life making you feel shriveled up, discouraged, and disappointed.

The Prophet Isaiah was given the assignment of providing hope to Israel, letting them know that despite their captivity in Babylon, that the Great Shepherd of Israel and God of all creation would comfort and save his people.  Great historical leaders and great empires like Babylon are here today and gone tomorrow.

Amid the fragility and instability of the human experience, there is only one thing that remains forever and stands the test of time. That is God’s Word. People, places, and things are transient, temporary, and fleeting. The Word of our God is permanent, eternal, and undying. 

The Word of God is powerful, reliable, and unswerving. God is a promise keeper! “Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything He had spoken came true!” (Joshua 21:45).

Let’s rejoice and take comfort in our collective faith that is based on the solid rock of God’s unfailing Word that stands forever! 

Prayer:

Father God, we thank you for your unfailing love. We thank you for your goodness, graciousness, and everlasting mercy. We pray that we can be reflection of your love now and forever more. In Jesus’ name we pray.  

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"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." 

Lamentations 3:25-26 NIV.

Thought: 

Why does God make us wait?

We know that God gives us the opportunity to place our faith and trust in Him, to be grateful for His provision, and to recognize His divine plan. God wants us to remain in a state of faith, trusting Him and relying on Him. We know He is faithful, and He will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing, just like He did with Joseph.

Prayer:

Lord God, please grant us patience, and guide us toward what you have planned for our lives. Allow us to understand that when we surrender to you, our efforts will not be in vain, and the glory will be yours. Amen.

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“Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25, New Living Translation.

Thought:

I recently had an encounter with someone I had newly met who had observed my random act of kindness and was very much aware of my generosity. That person shared with me that I wasn’t going to get a thank you note or a Christmas card from those that I had given to. I didn’t get upset because one part of me was grateful for her courage and honesty to warn me. And that she even cared. However, I didn’t and I haven’t shared my personal story because sometimes we don’t know other peoples’ stories and their truths. 

There was a time when I was divorced, working two jobs, and barely making ends meet. I felt that time would never end. I prayed a lot and promised God that when He blessed me that I would bless others. I also promised God that I would be in a church every Sunday and that I would support that church and participate in some church activities.  That was over 50 years ago. I was 28 years old back then and since that time I have seen fully and became aware of God being good to me. Therefore, I want to keep my promise to God. There are people who mean well but don’t understand your calling. Therefore, they can discourage you, which ends up with them not doing anything and neither are you. And nothing gets done. 

I love Charles Stanley and I have listened to him since 1983 until he recently passed away. One of his encouragements was to “obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.” I heard and I know that when God places something on my heart, I must comply.  Like in encouraging someone or to give at a particular time. Because I desire with all my heart to be a follower of Jesus and not a fan,  I choose to be obedient. God has rewarded me in so many ways; I am truly grateful to Him which is why I do what I do as I feel obedience is better than sacrifice.

God, you are a promise keeper. You have enabled and strengthen me to keep my promises to you - be it small or otherwise. For your Word tells me that you always bless obedience and nothing good would you withhold from those that walk uprightly before You. I am a witness to this.   (Joel 2: 25 – “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.)”

Let us Pray:

Father God, it is my prayer that you make yourself known to us and that we may be willing to surrender to your calling. The Bible says that we will be known as Christians by our love. May it be so for each of us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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James 1:12, NLT

We often get upset when someone’s not treating us right or lets us down, when a relationship disappoints us, or when incorrect assumptions are made about us or our motives. We all face situations where things don’t go as planned, and it’s easy to become frustrated when circumstances just don’t seem to be improving.  But much of what we face in life is a test. We don’t really know what’s in us until we’re put under pressure. It’s easy to have a good attitude when people are being good to us and doors are opening. But how about when it’s just the opposite?

Before Jesus was crucified, Peter told Him, “I will lay down my life for You.” Peter’s heart was right, and that statement was easy to make at the Passover meal in an atmosphere of faith. But when the heat was turned up and Peter was confronted about being Jesus’ disciple during His trial, Peter denied he knew Jesus three times. Pressure usually brings to light weaknesses in our character. If we’re willing to change, to make adjustments, to start passing those tests, God will trust us with MORE of His favor, as He did Peter. God doesn’t give up on us when we fail.

Following Christ is a marathon with hardships, obstacles, and unexpected turns. As a follower of Jesus, giving up is not who we are; God equips us to finish strong. Even when we don’t see it or feel it, He’s working….working things out for our good. 2 Corinthians 11:22-28 describes all the apostle Paul endured for Christ, yet he did not quit. Why? Because of His awareness that God was with Him. Like Paul, we must keep on keeping on. The awareness of His presence will take us through things that nothing else will. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!

 If we believe that what God says is true and that He is true to His word, then we know there is MORE in store if we endure. Our season of preparation will lead to promotion. So, let’s press on, for we are guaranteed victory, joy, and eternity with Him.

Father, thank You that You are using the pressure of challenges and temptations to make us stronger and grow us up. Thank You that every test of our faith is preparing us to overcome and persevere, to go higher and increase. We believe that if we endure, we will be rewarded. On this Lenten journey, help us to remain faithful, to trust and obey, and to stand on Your word. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”

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Lent is an interesting season – one of self-denial, penitence, prayer and reflection. I often wondered why we, as Christ’s followers, needed to fast for 40 days. Is this merely a ritual that we’ve become accustomed to observing or is there any significance to this discipline? Well, if we look at the life of Jesus, he fasted for 40 days after being baptized by his cousin John the Baptist and before he began his earthly ministry. He refused to eat things that would typically sustain his human form because he was preparing for another level of service. Jesus, the Godman, was doing less and becoming more. I challenge each of you who’ve begun this journey of doing less to understand a few things:

1.    Saying no to something that gives you pleasure (like food) has tangible and intangible benefits

2.    Your period of restricting yourself is not a forever proposition. This too shall pass

3.    After it’s over, like Jesus, you’ll be tested in the areas of passion, power and praise

4.    When you pass these tests, angels will be dispatched to minister to you

5.    The test prepares us for other levels of service

6.    The Lord is always with you

So, family, take full advantage of this time of testing, understanding that when you pass the test of doing less, God has more in store for your life!

Let us pray:

Gracious God, we thank You for this season of doing less. We ask that You would be present for every one of these Lenten days. Remind us that, after our testing, our more is on the way. Give us the wherewithal to handle our more, to walk in our more and to enjoy the more You have in store. This we pray, in Jesus’s name, Amen.

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         17 To Adam he said, “because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you will return.“ ~ Genesis 3:17-19 NIV

         Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent reminds us that we are from dust and return to dust. It also reminds us, that we will die and face the consequences of sin. Lent is an invitation to reflect, repent, and renew our commitment to living a life of faith.

         As we look back on our Christian journey, we may notice that there have been hills and valleys. Nevertheless, we know that true repentance brings about forgiveness. Our receiving of ashes is a sign of penance. 

         Ashes have a place of prominence throughout the Old Testament. Ashes were used by Job, Daniel, Jeremiah, and the king of Nineveh to denote penance. The Lenten season is supposed to encourage spiritual growth and deeper faith. For some it means giving something up for the entire forty-day period, while others engage in acts of giving and service.

         What does it take for your faith life to be renewed? Only you and the Lord know.

Lenten Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide us through the season of reflection, repentance and renewal. Lord, you know that we are in the midst of dangers seen and unseen. We cannot face them in our weakness. Grant us strength and grant us protection. Support us in all danger, and carry us through all temptations. We offer this prayer in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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O God, you are my God; I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.

David pens this prayer while on the run from Saul in the wilderness of Judah. Judah means praise the Lord and David is running for his life while landing in a place with a name to remind him to give God praise in all circumstances. But what is particularly striking is this longing for the presence of God that is described as physical longings - thirsting and fainting. Yet there is a memory of worship, a recalling of the presence of God and His loyal love that encourages the heart of the fugitive, the man on the run to the point that he moves from being in a place of praise to actually offering God a praise. As we are in this final week of Lent, Passion week, let us seek to lean into Christ so that we too may be a praise unto God. 

Heavenly and loving God, may we seek your presence with greater intensity, may we long to draw closer to your bleeding side and May we always remember that your love is loyal and faithful. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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It was not until AFTER the fast, that Jesus was tempted by Satan, when Jesus might have been His most vulnerable. It was then, that the power of the Lord was most apparent. It was then, that the REAL work began. Jesus’ ministry started in earnest AFTER His victory over these snares that had been set by the devil.  

We must be careful not to let our guard down AFTER we end our period of fasting and prayer. The devil continues to prowl in search of our vulnerabilities. We cannot become complacent when we pass through these trials, we must remain strong and resolute because when our fast is over…. the REAL work begins.

Dear Lord, help us to remain strong and faithful to our pledge to you. We know that we need to persevere during our time of fasting, but help us to continue to be strong, after, our fast when our guard may be down. Lord, protect us and provide us with the strength of character you modeled to us through the scriptures. We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus our Lord, Amen. 

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The world grovels at the feet of people who are high achievers in finance, or those from the music theater, or movie industries, or from sports or dance; you name it. We laud praise and honor on the “flavor of the month.” We prostrate ourselves at the altars of the glamorous, the beautiful, the influencers.

A new acronym has entered our jargon: G.O.A.T., the Greatest Of All Times, which  identifies people who have excelled in their fields, like Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback in the NFL; Pele, the greatest soccer player of all time; LeBron James, the greatest NBA player (now that he has surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for career scoring record, he surpasses Michael Jordan; for some that is still a “maybe”); Serena, greatest female professional tennis player; just her first name is enough for people to know who she is. We have Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy as the greatest female and male screen legends. In dance we have Anna Pavlova, a ballerina, and Michael Jackson as the all-time greatest dancers. In the world of finance and money, we have Jeff Bezos, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates.

But at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that the REAL G.O.A.T is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. A man who is the living Word, the Logos, very God from very God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light. His sacrifice, not just the bloodied dying on a cross but the separation from His Father, “My God, My God why have You forsaken Me?” has given me, you, and all humankind the redemption that only His death and resurrection could achieve. Only God could pay the penalty that the righteous, just God of the Hebrew people demanded, the very God whose name is so precious and sacred that He is  YHWH, the Elohim of our salvation, the bright and morning star, the Yes and Amen, the Alpha and Omega, the One True God, King of kings and Lord of Lords, the mighty Counselor, the Prince of my peace and your peace, the Lamb of God. The great I AM.

Pray with me:

Lord, You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Abide with us this day; capture our hearts and imaginations so that during this Lenten season, all we see is You and who we truly are in You.  In Your precious, forgiving, loving, restoring, redemptive Name, Jesus the Christ. Huzzah! So Be It.

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This is a promise from God! It is so reassuring to know that our God is always there to guide us!

We need continual direction from God so we should always seek him so we don’t miss our way or go off course. When we don’t understand something, we should first go to the Lord for wisdom. God is the only one that has all of the answers. He is the only one that can satisfy us. We may look for different things that give us satisfaction – money, a job, people but none of those things will last. We could be waiting on something – healing in our body, a spouse or that next promotion or job. These things can be a burden to us. So, in those rough times when it seems as if we are in a drought, we need to pray and have faith in God so we can break free from these burdens. He will give us what we need. He is our strength! Jesus Christ is the unending fountain of water that we can drink from and never be thirsty again.  He will surely sustain us and give us water to drink. Seek him and we will be like a watered garden – healthy and satisfied as only God can satisfy us.

Lord, I thank you that you are always there to guide me. When I don’t know which way to go, I can look to You for direction. You are the only wise God. You are the lifter of my head. When I feel weak, you strengthen me. Thank you, Lord, for helping me with every decision, big and small. Thank you for continually guiding us in the way we should go, and teaching us all things, through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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This scripture is the conclusion of the account of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, what we now refer to as Good Friday. However, when you read the story there doesn't seem to be anything good here: Jesus carrying the cross on the journey to the crucifixion, the mocking on the way, the beating, being pierced by a crown of thorns and His ultimate death. We can only imagine the grief and horror of those that had been close to Jesus - His family members, His disciples, His friends. Even though the scriptures had prophesied AND Jesus taught that He would rise again, it was a very dark day, with sadness and anguish. People had lost hope because they believed that Jesus would be their Redeemer and become their Earthly king, freeing them from oppression of the Roman government. His death left many with feelings of hopelessness and despair.

We as believers now call that fateful Friday Good Friday but that's only because we know how the story unfolded. When Jesus said "It is finished", His earthly ministry had come to an end but it certainly was not the end of the story. The prophecies were being fulfilled. The full story is Jesus suffering, death AND resurrection! When Sunday came the gift of Salvation was made available to us all. This was a gift not just for the moment or the season, but for eternity and for us all who would believe!

Now thinking back to what those moments on Friday must have been like and the responses of the people all around. I also think about today when we are going through things, our deepest darkest hours of grief, times of challenge, times of conflict.  

Sometimes it might be difficult to call a day “good” because of what we can see in front of us.

It might be difficult to recognize:

…that later (maybe three days, maybe more or maybe less) that something good is coming

…that God is working out a bigger plan that we can't see in that moment. 

When we remember that on Resurrection Sunday the goodness, and the prophecy, and the promises of Jesus were being fulfilled, then we are reminded that God is continually working out his plan for our lives. We can in those moments (in those Friday moments) remember that Sunday is coming. Deliverance is coming. Resurrection is coming. Salvation is coming!

Lord help us to always remember that your plan is always at work and still at work even when we have confusion, despair, or just not enough information about what's coming next. Help us to remember that your plan is always at work even when we feel uncomfortable, sad or grieved. Help us to remember that your plan is at work and bring us to a place of peace knowing that you are in control and you're working it out for the good of us, those that love you Lord. We thank you, we praise you.

In Jesus name, Amen

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I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation also called Afib at 23 years old which is sometime ago. Afib is an irregular heartbeat. I don’t have it all the time. It happened more frequently when I was younger. Before last year -2022, the last episode was in 2015. When that happened – long story, short – I ended up in the hospital for a week and was cardioverted. Basically, I describe cardioversion as the way they shock dead people. Doctors don’t describe it that way, but…

When I had another Afib episode last year, I decided I didn’t want to be shocked again or be in the hospital for a week. My new cardiologist was on board. She had a drug that could get me back into sinus rhythm, which is a regular rhythm. To make this happen, I needed to spend sometime in the hospital and they would watch me to see if the drug actually worked.

I got to the hospital relatively early. I was hoping that it would be quick. The nurse practitioner told me I’d be out before lunch. Of course, that didn’t happen and I had a great hospital lunch. (I also have jokes.) What I was doing was just lying in the hospital bed waiting. I was checked pretty regularly. My doctor came by a few times too. On her second or third visit she seemed a little disappointed, but not really surprised that it wasn’t working. I gathered that the usual protocol was to try this pill and when it didn’t work roll the patient into the area where cardioversions take place.

The next check on my blood pressure gave a result of 85/40. Clearly, I don’t suffer from white coat syndrome. Hospitals and doctors don’t raise my blood pressure. My normal blood pressure runs from 90/60 – 110/70. This extra low blood pressure is one of the reasons I ended up in the hospital for a week in 2015. After the Nurse Practitioner left from checking on me, I could see my heart rate was bouncing all over the place. 97, 114, 78, 123. This is actually unusual for me. When I’m in afib, my heart rate is typically a regular irregular of less than 60 bpm.

The only thing for me to do was wait, think…and pray. I remembered Dr. Khaalida Forbes speaking at a Healthy Churches 2030 conference a few years ago. She said something about letting God heal you the way He wants. She was really talking about mental health and how some of us don’t get the help that we need and is available. You know that sometimes we ask God for something and tell Him how to do it too. Not our job. In this moment, I knew this applied to me. I wanted to be healed, my way. I just wanted the pill to fix it. In that next moment I decided that whatever way I needed to be healed, I would take it. If I had to have a cardioversion or any other process or procedure, I would be ok. I’d be healed. Then I prayed that God heal me whatever way He wanted. Almost instantly, I felt my heart go back to a normal rhythm. I looked at the monitor to see if I was just kidding myself. I wasn’t. I saw a pretty steady 64.

I just laid there for a little while and waited for the Nurse Practitioner to come back. She was talking as she walked toward my bed. I could hear in her voice that she wasn’t expecting success. When she finally got close enough to look at the monitor, she said excitedly, “You’re in sinus rhythm.” “I know,” I replied rather coolly. Next she said, “You better praise God.” .

I’m still praising Him.

Btw, my blood pressure was 90/60 on that next check and I was free to go home.

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~ 1 Kings 19:11-12 KJV

Have you ever been out to a baseball game?  The crowd is roaring the game is exciting, and your team is winning!  People are sitting all around you and various activities are going on. A family with three, energetic kids is sitting near you.  The parents are watching the game, aware of every move of each kid and working to keep their entire family engaged in the game.  Behind you, a group of guys sitting together and yelling across the bleachers at another party of guys for fun and laughs.  Does life sometimes seem just as loud and chaotic as the events surrounding a baseball game?  Like the parents, we try to manage and control people, and things around us. Like the guys, we find time to relax, laugh and let our guards down.  As Christians, we are constantly looking to see where God is in all of this.  It is when we spend time with God that we get to know Him more.  It is when we read God’s word, we get to hear Him more.  God wants us to spend time with Him in prayer and the reading of His word. This will help strengthen you as you go through life.  No matter how loud life gets, God will speak to you.

Lord, thank you for Your word today, a word of life and of hope.  We ask that You continue to guide us in all that we do.  We ask that You reign over every area of our lives.  We thank You for being mindful of us and for Your word that speaks to us.  Thank you that in chaos You continue to speak to us and in peace, we are able to hear you.  Thank You for loving us and for keeping Your word alive in us. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen

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2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

Acknowledging weakness is viewed negatively by the world. I was always taught and told to be strong and  independent, not to show weakness. However, scripture says‘…God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.’ (1Corinthians 1:20 NLT). God allows trials, temptations, and afflictions, or ‘thorns’ in our lives to strengthen our faith in Him. As we go through our weaknesses, the Lord is waiting for us to seek Him and rely on His divine strength and power, not our own.

The apostle Paul pleaded with Jesus three times to take away his troubling affliction, the thorn in his flesh. Jesus did not remove his thorn. Instead, He told  Paul “…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9a). In response to Jesus’s words, Paul said he would gladly boast about his weaknesses so Christ’s power would rest on him. Paul trusted the sufficiency of the Lord’s grace and experienced Christ’s perfect power. Through boasting about his weaknesses, Paul gave Jesus, the source of his abiding strength, all the glory and not himself. Paul knew it was because of the power he had through Jesus’s grace that even in weakness, he was strong.

Jesus said “…Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart,  because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT). Like Paul we can also experience Christ’s all sufficient power and give the Lord the glory by boasting about our weakness. We can break free from fear of weakness due to life’s struggles, temptations, trials, or any ‘thorn’. We don’t have to do it alone, in our inadequate strength. Our weakness becomes the place where we experience Christ’s power. So, acknowledge your weakness, turn it over to the Lord and trust in His divine grace and power. The Lord may not remove your thorn, but He has promised, “...Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So, we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” (Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV)

Abba Father, when we are faced with the thorns of life, help us to seek you as our ultimate source of strength and power. Help us to break free from fear of our weaknesses and see them as opportunities to experience your perfect power and glorify Your name. Thank you for always being with us and for being our strength. To You and you alone be all glory, honor, and praise. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. 

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                                                                                                                                  Ephesians 1:4

Before the trees full of leaves swaying in the breeze

Before the wind blowing and swirling in the air

Before the clouds billowy and white

Before the sun flaming bright

Before the grass growing plentiful and green

Before the oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams

Before the birds singing their songs and dreams

Before the ground expansive and strong

Before the flowers unfolding their soft and delicate beauty

Before the stars illuminating in the sky

Before the light of day and the night so deep

Before the water filled with every creature powerful and unique

Before the plants and seeds to nourish and feed

Before the animals walked the earth to roam and lead

Before the foundation of it all, we were all woven together in the Spirit of the Lord.

He imagined what our face, hair, hands, feet, arms, legs, and total being would be.

We were all created in his love before anyone created could see.

What we should see when we look at one another is an amazing sister and caring brother.

God made all of us for His purpose and plan.

All living together throughout the world on every land.

Dear Lord,

We are reminded thankful that you are love and created us before the world began. We choose your way, your will, and your plan. We choose to live together in your love sent from heaven from your heart above.

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In this world, there will be trials and tribulations. Burdens of illness, burdens of financial hardship, burdens of Marital problems, burdens of grief and so on. Burdens small or large but one of the ones that affects us the most is the burden of FEAR, specifically fear  of the unknown. In this passage, our God tells us not to be afraid or worry. He is our Sovereign Father and when there is a need, He will help us, strengthen us and uphold us with His Righteous Right Hand.  For this love affair to be complete, we must read His word, believe in His word and pray consistently. 

Lord, Your finished work on Calvary by faith has awarded us the freedom, knowing that we can come before your throne at any time without FEAR but with boldness and humility.  Even our Savior was afraid of the unknown on the cross but He gave it all to His Father who was with him to the end.  Heavenly Father, give us the grace to know that we are not alone. We have a loving Father who is always ready to carry our burdens if we allow Him to.  In Jesus’ Mighty name l have prayed. AMEN AND AMEN. 

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                                                                                                   Romans 12:12 ESV

Do you feel defeated and helpless? Are the trials of this life, beating you down...

such as trials with unexpected failing health, sudden loss of a love one, lack of finances to meet your needs, disobedient children, and the list can go on and on?  But there is good news.  Our consistent prayer and daily scripture readings, in the presence of God, can strengthen and uplift our downtrodden and crushed spirits and give us a spirit of hope and victory, rather than hopelessness and defeat.

Consistent prayer with God and daily scripture readings allow us to see the heart of Jesus.  God has a divine purpose for those who love him. He wants His children to be victorious over the trials of this life. The scripture tells us to cast all our burdens upon the Lord, for He cares for us. Consistent prayer with God allows us to build a strong and intimate relationship with him.  This is where we meet him early morning or at any time of the day, to lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus.

Please join me in a few affirmations:

Affirmation #1: I will acknowledge my faith and trust in God. I am sure of this: God is with me always, even unto the end of the earth.

Affirmation #2: I will praise the Lord for the help of my countenance when my soul is downcast, because I trust He will help me to have victory over defeat in my life.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, our service is committed to you. Heal our broken hearts and rescue our crushed spirit from the cares of this world. Show us how to overcome defeat and be victorious through Christ Jesus. IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WE PRAY, AMEN.

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Surviving chaos is a burden that many of us live with today. When you turn on the news, you see the direction the world is headed. A war in Ukraine, earthquakes in Turkey, shootings in schools, men convicted of murdering their families and unyielding racial social unrest. As witnesses to the pressures of the world, we not only carry the burden of caring for the well-being of ourselves but for our loved ones as well. We struggle to imagine a day when peace will prevail and we will be free from hurt, pain and calamity.

In Micah chapter 7, we see a similar type of chaos unfolding around the prophet, as the Israelites are surrounded by dishonor, evil and confusion. The faithful have been swept from the land; not one upright person remains. Everyone lies in wait to shed blood; they hunt each other with nets. Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes... (Micah 7:2-3) Nevertheless, Micah, a man of God, leaned into his faith, and was assured that if he waited on the Lord that his desires to be delivered would be heard. Micah teaches us a valuable lesson in how to Break free from the burden of surviving chaos. Put your hope in the Lord. Wait for him and he will hear you. It is the same blueprint that Christ would come to use as he followed the path to salvation. As we reflect on Christ’s journey to the cross, may we be encouraged to break free from the burden of surviving chaos, by laying our burdens at the feet of God and trusting that God will hear and answer.

LORD, you are our hope, our joy and our peace. You love us and have called us to release our burdens to you. As we go through our burden of survival, help us to remember that You will never leave nor forsake us. And even in our pain, if we put our hope in You, that You will NEVER fail. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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Have you felt alone, lost, confused, unwanted, depleted, annoyed with others or self, experiencing financial hardship, loss of life, sickness, loss of job, self-confidence, feeling JUST stuck? Fear Not ‼️  REST IN HIM 👆🏾

GOD reminds us to trust HIM and do good and  continue on our journey in spite of obstacles. HE is El Roi – the GOD who sees us, knows us and got us.

What is the spiritual meaning of trust?

Having faith is having trust. You have to trust with your entire being that God has your back that he will help you and take care of you. He knows what is best, but to truly embrace what He has planned for you, you have to fully trust. Our trust is not foolish, for our God is both faithful and good.

The enemy wants us to stop praying because it seems as if nothing is happening or taking place in our lives especially for complete healing of infirmities, mental illness, diseases and sickness.

BUT, don’t stop‼️  Trust HIM ‼️ Keep pressing through. Be vigilant and focus on and in seeking HIS face.

Brothers and Sisters, let us call on HIM at all times and release our thanksgiving with a grateful heart. HE forgives our sins - intentional and unintentional, our laziness, those crunchy moments with others and self, our unwillingness at times to let go and allow HIM to lead and grow us, when we are slow to make time to sit in HIS presence and listen, replacing our Bible study time with the tv, shopping or, social media, when we can go to the club, pub, picnics, our school homecoming, or choosing bedside Baptist over attending our church service on time and in person or YouTube. Please forgive us GOD.

Resting in HIM allows us to quiet ourselves before GOD and revives our mind, body, and spirit.

Resting in HIM is when we recuperate, rejuvenate, and re-center ourselves so we can better serve HIM and HIS very own.

Again, I encourage all of us to begin and for others to continue to Trust HIS word and process. Trust that HE will make all things new.

Father, we humble ourselves before you to thank you for your greatness, loving kindness, favor, protection, discipline, direction, blessing of life and calling us into your assignments each day. Thank you for calling and equipping us, allowing us to reflect and pause to share our concerns and ask you questions. Your constant presence gives us strength, life and assurance which is needed for renewal, repentance and revival. Even in the midst of challenges and hardships, You, dear GOD, are there to whisper, embrace, direct and carry us through. You have turned our sadness into gladness and unspeakable joy, those cloudy thoughts into clarity and great faith.  We honor and love you richly. Have your way in us and through us.  In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen

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                                                                                                                                    Job 34:29a

When we look around us, we find so much trouble. Trouble in our bodies where we, who have been healthy our entire lives, are now experiencing aches and pains that we don’t recognize. Trouble in our homes in which spouses are at war with one another, parents can’t seem to stay on the same page as children and in-laws have become outlaws. Then we turn on the radio or watch our televisions or open our newspapers and we find trouble in our communities where the constant refrain has become, “Things like that have never happened in our neighborhoods” but the increase in gun availability, illegal substances and lack of resources have caused spikes in violence, unusual behavior and upticks in crime. Then we hear about trouble in our government where politicians are lacking civility, inciting violence and speaking without thinking. Yes, we can find trouble in so many areas of our lives. And that may be bad news to some of us. But I’m so glad that we have a Lord who liberally dispenses peace in the midst of our storms, calm in the middle of our tornadoes and quiet in the center of our noise. And even when trouble seems to be in every corner of our lives, God makes sure to place us in the eye of the storm so that if we just depend on Him, that trouble, though present, won’t cause us to lose focus or be completely overwhelmed.

Let us pray:

Gracious Lord, we bring the trouble in our lives to You. We ask You to address all of these challenges and grant us Your peace that transcends all human understanding. Thank you for giving us quiet in the midst of the white noise and making us able to keep our eyes on You, in Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen!  

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                                                                                                           John 1:1 NKJV

Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12) and he is the Word that is a lamp to our feet (Psalms 119:105) guiding us in the path and purpose for our lives. He is the Son of God who makes a way where there seems there is none (Matthew 7:7-8). When we think Jesus is not near to us the Word of God tells us Jesus has always been there from the beginning and he is the remedy for our lives.

Our Lord Jesus is our answer for everything. Jesus was the remedy for the woman at the well, he was the remedy for those that were blind, he was the remedy for the woman with the issue of blood, he was the remedy to feed the five thousand who were hungry, and he was the remedy for those who were lost and needed to be found. Whether we are looking for a remedy for our marriage, our finances, or an illness we are dealing with – Jesus is the remedy. Whatever we are facing Jesus is the one that is near to listen and will never leave us to ourselves (Hebrews 13:5).

We can call on Jesus and there is no 24-hour hotline, voicemails to leave, call-back numbers to give, and referrals to use. All we need to give is our heart, sharing it all with Jesus.

Dear Lord,

You are everything and when someone is looking for someone to help - before we reach for anything or call someone on the phone – we can say a prayer, read your precious Word, and get ready knowing in our hearts you have heard, and are answering the call because you are Jesus, Lord of our life and our remedy. Thank you for being there for us always, in Jesus’s name we do pray, AMEN!

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This scripture resonates with me because I am in the season of waiting. I am waiting and learning to silence my anxiety, babbling, and impatience. I am learning to be still, and I am asking the Holy Spirit to help me to be silent and wait for the voice of God. He is the rock and my ultimate Fortress. I know that if I am obedient to his will and I align my will to His will, my life’s purpose will be fulfilled. I am in a season of waiting! I am waiting and wanting to fulfil God’s purpose.  If you find yourself waiting also, remember who God is and you too will be steady during this challenging season.

Let us pray:

Holy Spirit, guide me! Help me to silence my desire to speak more than to listen. Help to demolish my own agenda and pursue God’s plan. Help me to be silent, to be still and be connected to my Savior. This I pray, in the name of my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

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Kevon drove up to the school and parked in front of the building so he could quickly run to the door and pick-up his 6-year-old nephew, Dennison, by 3pm. His brother had sent him at the last minute since he was stuck in a meeting and wouldn’t be able to get his son. Kevon told him, “No problem,” since he hadn't spent time with his nephew in a while and it would give him a chance to find out how school was going with the boy. 

The dismissal attendant released the child to his uncle once he identified himself, on schedule. But imagine her surprise when she made her way to her car 45-minutes later and was asked by the man if she could give his car a jump because it wouldn't start. Sitting in the backseat was Dennison.  “Hi!,” the child exclaimed. How could she say no to the uncle of the little boy who’d been at school all day and was anxiously waiting to get home. “Do you have cables,” she asked? “I do,” Kevon replied. 

    The woman pulled her vehicle alongside the stalled car, close enough for the cables to reach from her battery to his. A school custodian had been watching nearby and eventually came over to help. “Do you have heavier cables?” he asked Kevon. The uncle said he did not. “Well, then they will have to do,” the custodian said matter-of-factly. After raising both hoods, a connection was made from her power source to the opposite end of the cables attached to his battery. She started her car, giving it a little gas to increase the flow of electricity going through the cables. After some adjustment of the connections, a complete circuit was formed and the weakened battery in Kevon’s car started up. Grateful, the man thanked both the lady and the custodian for their help and drove off with his nephew happily in tow.

      Similarly, when Jesus went to the garden in Gethsemane, he went to connect to His power source, the Heavenly Father. Although he took along Peter and two other disciples, his primary purpose was one thing: to connect to the power source He would need to withstand what was about to happen to the human side of Him. And what would be Jesus’s jumper cables? The same as ours – Prayer. Three times Jesus went back to His disciples and asked them to watch his back and pray, while He went to pray to His father in heaven. Jesus understood that not only would He need the power from His father to endure the suffering to come, but that He needed to make that connection with the Father for us; so that when we pray to God, Jesus would be our “jumper cables” through which the eternal connection would be made. And, we would be “in the Father” because Jesus was in us, making the connection one… a completed circuit through which all life on earth and in heaven is given.  

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A few weeks ago, I was thinking about what thing in my life I would like to abstain from during the Lenten Season. I look forward to Lent as an opportunity to work on removing things that might hinder my walk with God.  I eventually decided I would give up sugar.  I settled into the idea, knowing that giving up sugar would be hard enough to do, making it a sacrificial act.  But also knowing that it would be good start to a developing a healthier lifestyle. 

“I can do this, I thought. Then it struck me: My morning tea with no honey?!!  How can I possibly go 40 days with no honey? I mean after all, I had already swapped my daily cup of hot delicious coffee for this healthier tea!  But I had purposed this in my heart, and settled into my days with no sugar.

This Lenten Season has made me think about how we have so much, and how easy it is to become bound by those things.  We have beautiful cars, homes and TVs with 200 sports channels. We can travel from coast to coast of the US in a just few hours. We carry the information of the world in our hands every day, in our cell phones. We live lives our ancestors could not even dream, as they prayed and hoped for a better life.

While none of these are harmful in themselves, how much more important is it to have God’s Love? How much more beneficial is it to walk closely with Our Lord?  How soul satisfying it is to be able to commune with Him and to be able to hear from Him  There is no job, no car, no vacation spot or cup of honey sweetened tea that is sweeter than the love of God.  

Enjoy the gifts from God, for He wants you to have abundance. But do not let any one thing become greater in your life than Him. Take time to hear from God, read the Word, spend time in his presence praying and worshipping. Give thanks continually. Any good thing you have is a gift from God. Just be careful not to allow these gifts to become a barrier between you and the promise of eternal life with Him

Let’s go to the Lord:

Heavenly Father, you are so good to us-even better than we deserve. Thank you for your grace and your mercy. Thank you for the sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to turn to you and not let the things of the world become louder than your voice, Oh Lord. Help us to keep our walk with you strong. We need you paramount in our lives -now more than ever. Help us to make you first. We ask these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

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Many years ago, during a Women’s League Ministry meeting, we were asked to name our favorite book and verse in the Bible. At the time I didn’t have a favorite Bible chapter or verse. I had just joined MPC and started attending Bible study and Sunday School. I don’t know why I chose that Psalm, but I remember I had read a verse in Psalm 103, and verse 17 stood out. My children were younger at the time and they were always on my heart and on my mind. I was always anxious about their whereabouts, and as I was going through the MPC Museum, I saw this Psalm and verse 17 stood out in my memory. “But from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness, and with their children’s children.”  I looked up this Psalm and started reading and praying this Psalm. Verse 1 opened my heart and mind for prayer. Praising the Lord is what I want to do every day, and I understand that is what God created us to do.  Verse 8 tells us, “The Lord works justice for the down trodden, and oppressed,” AND reminds me that God looks out for people of color and the marginalized. His compassion, grace, and abundant love is what I have experienced and know in my heart, this is the God I serve. I don’t fear God, but revere, respect and admire Him. Verse 17 tells me God’s love will outlast my time and my children’s time on this earth. That is why I praise my God!

Father God, I come to you today thanking you for the gift of this day. This scripture has strengthened my faith and opened my eyes to the blessings of the Lord. I’m grateful that You care for those who others look down on and thankful for everything You have blessed me throughout my life. I pray that others will discover this psalm and it will minister to their lives as it ministered to mine. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen

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God answers our distress call with freedom.  When we are desperate, or in a place where we see no light or just lost our direction, that is when God steps in.  He will move us to a large space and show us that there is more to life than the limited choices that we see due to the “blinders of desperation” that are blocking our view. We must remember what God did for David, when he delivered him from all his troubles, and then placed him on the throne of Israel and gave him rest from all his enemies. 

Our Father who art in Heaven, thank you for being our refuge and strength in the time of trouble.  Father God, help us to remember that you do hear and answer our prayers, in your time and not ours.  I pray that we remain in the constancy of your Grace. I will look back and thank you God and I will look forward and trust you God.  In Jesus’ name, Amen 

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 Psalm 55:22 NIV

I remember as a child watching the cartoon Tooter Turtle. The main character was a turtle named Tooter that would go into the woods to visit his friend’s house, Mr. Wizard the lizard. Mr. Wizard could send Tooter anywhere in time and space. On this one occasion, Tooter had seen a movie about pilots in WWI and Tooter thought he could be an Ace pilot too, so he could shoot down the Red Baron. Mr. Wizard warned him this could be dangerous and wasn’t “child’s play” but Tooter insisted so he sent him. Tooter was doing okay until he ran into the Red Baron. The Baron shot Tooter’s plane from under him and he had no parachute – because pilots didn’t have them yet. As Tooter was tumbling to earth headed for certain destruction, he called out to Mr. Wizard saying, “SAVE ME” and Mr. Wizard did and brought Tooter safely home. Every week, Tooter would be on a new adventure and the Wizard would have to save him every time and bring him back home.

I marvel sometimes how much I am like Tooter. I think we all have some Tooter tendencies.   Not heeding warnings, wanting to do things our way, biting off more than we can chew, and getting into situations and troubles that only God can get us out of. Does this sound familiar?

Sometimes the chains we need to break free from are of our own doing. It’s a constant battle between my flesh and my spirit. My spirit doesn’t always win. “The things I don’t want to do, that I do.” But thanks be to our Lord and Savior that He has chosen us to be His children and that we have accepted this call. For as a child of God, we have an inheritance bought by the blood of Jesus. Part of that inheritance is our ability to talk to our Father at any time and bring our cares and concerns to Him and He hears our cry. We might not always get the answer we want, but He always answers.

Thank you, Lord, for always answering our prayers, supplications and petitions and always being there for us. Sometimes we wander off the path you have desired for us.  Sometimes we have a “good idea” but not a “God Idea” and we follow our own desires. Help us, Lord, to listen and obey your voice. We know your voice because we are your sheep. Please help us to remember to bring everything to You in prayer. Help us to hear You in our decision making, so that we may break free from the shackles that bind us. For this, we give you all the praise, honor and glory, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Consider it pure JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds  James 1:2

When I think of the word “joy,” I smile, remembering the gift of a newborn healthy child, squeals of laughter when I played games with my young children, good times at the park and getting together with family and friends. Joy is synonymous with good times.

Word came to Nehemiah that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates were burned to the ground. He prayed to God that King Artaxerses would give him permission to go and rebuild the walls and gates. Permission granted. However, those who opposed the rebuilding sabotaged the work in every way. They plotted to stir up trouble among the workers. The Jews complained that they were being overworked and were being forced to borrow money at high interest rates to live and pay taxes in order to rebuild the walls.

The apostle James said consider it “joy” when you face trials of many kinds. Remember Stephen? The Bible says he was “a man full of God’s grace and power and did wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” He was stoned to death for his faith in Jesus Christ. Remember Paul? At first, he was zealous in persecuting Christians; then Jesus called him to take the gospel to the Gentiles. He was persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, threatened in every way.

What Joy is there in persecution, opposition, ridicule, war, wrongful imprisonment or beatings?

There is no joy in these actions. The joy is in the mercy of God who Himself provided a sacrifice for our wrongdoings, His Son, Jesus the Christ, who willingly gave His life for all who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

Nehemiah prayed to God throughout this ordeal asking God to “remember him with favor”, and God did. The project was completed. The people celebrated with sacrifices, offerings and reading the law. Stephen died, but the believers were scattered all over, taking the gospel message wherever they went. Paul was ridiculed, beaten, shackled and placed in prison, but he persevered in his mission, to take the gospel message to the Gentiles. The end result, “JOY” for all who received the message.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus Christ. I pray that your Holy Spirit will be in my mind and in my understanding and that the words that I speak will not cause pain. Give me joy in the midst of every situation. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

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When we as Christians feel burdened and encumbered, and at times, simply overwhelmed, we often feel as if we want to give up, … throw in the towel, and wonder what good is any of my continued efforts achieving? When I’m in this space, this is what I suggest:

Turn to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the promises that God has made to me, and that His plans for me are not to “harm me, but to prosper me and to give me a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).  So whenever I feel as if I can’t go on, I meditate on the promises of God, and that no matter what I’m going through, I will keep a smile on my face because I know I’m already spoken for, and that whatever is currently burdening me, through God’s grace and my perseverance, I will break free and fully realize my maturity in Christ, being complete and not lacking anything.

Almighty Father, my preserver and benefactor, I heartily thank thee for the manifold blessings you bestow upon my life daily. If it be your will, continue to sustain me and increase my faith. Keep me steadfast in the face of all adversity. Remind me not to be anxious about anything, but bring everything through prayer, petition and with joyful thanksgiving to You. And no matter what burdens life brings my way, I know that I am already free from potential harm, because You told me of the plans that You have for me. Thank You for guarding my heart and mind forever.  I thank You for setting me free. I know I’m free indeed.  In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

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In facing the daily storms in this world of humanity, we are sometimes distracted from our God. The storms of grief, finances and health are the temporary distractions that others are facing as well. The adversary’s goal is to cause us to become stuck, so our faith and our strength given to us by God is weakened. Each of our storms are reasons to refocus on breaking free from the adversary. The Word reminds us to give our storms over to God, while staying alert and praising God so that He gets the glory on the other side of the storm.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the wisdom to know the challenges that I face daily are temporary, even when they seem permanent. You remind me that you are covering me and there will be glory on the other side of this storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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“Why am I going through these situations?  Why do I keep hurting?  When will this pain go away?”  Sometimes it can feel like we’re alone in this thing called life. We try to live the right way; we go to church and still we face troubles and heartache. It’s easy to ask, “where is God?”  It’s easy to feel that he doesn’t care about what we are going through.  But it’s during those hard times that God is there the most.  God cares about our hurts and pains.  He cares about the troubles we go through.  Keep in mind that God took on the form of a man so that he could feel all that we feel – pain and all.  As we go through the Lenten season, let’s remember that because God cares so much for us, He was willing to take on all of our sins. Let’s remember that He cried out to the Father in pain and agony for us.  So, when you’re feeling down, when you feel that you can’t take anymore heartache and the load is too much, let’s cast all of that anxiety, worry and pain onto Him, because He is there and he does care.  

Lord God, thank you for loving us so much.  Thank you for your mercy, your grace, your loving kindness.  Thank you for being our rock when we are not strong.  Lord God, help us to remember how much you love us.  Help us to remember what you did for us on the cross. Thank you for taking our sins, our burdens, our pain and our hurt on the cross with you.  We thank you, merciful father, and ask you for strength as we go through this season.  Help us to remember, Lord God, that You’re always in control even when everything is out of control.  We love you; we give you all the honor and praise, in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

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 Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

In the spring of 2019, I woke up with a fever. I hadn't been feeling well for a few days prior to that. Instead of going to the doctor, I took a fever reducer and went to work. By mid-morning, my fever was back and I was ordered bythe nurse at my job to leave work and NOT return until I felt better. I went to the doctor and ended up having an Upper Respiratory Infection. I was given several prescriptions and was told by my doctor....to just rest. I waited until my body in complete shutdown mode to find rest. 

The great news is we don't have to wait. During this Lenten season, may we find rest, peace and comfort in HIS word- through prayer, meditation,fasting- however we are lead and guided by The Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord, when we find ourselves weary and heavy ladened on this life journey, please give us your peace and comfort and help us to  find rest in your everlasting arms. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen!

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Many people read self-help books when they feel overly burdened. But the Word of God informs us of ways we can relieve and release ourselves of things that weigh us down. Here are some effective strategies we can use to break free from our burdens:

   1. Throw your burdens on Jesus

   2. Ask Him for comfort and compassion for you and your family

   3. Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, lovely, and admirable.

   4. Set boundaries around self-care

   5. Let Go and Let God

But you O Lord are shield around my glory, who holds my head high.  Thank you for being my protector and defender.  There are many days my head is down because I am so burdened. But you are the lifter of my head.  You help me look up and beyond my worries and when I cried you answered. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for helping me break free from my burdens, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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The boy was epileptic and suffering greatly, often falling into the fire and often into the water. His father brought him to Jesus’ disciples, but they could not cure him. Then Jesus came. He rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was cured from that very hour. 

The disciples came to Jesus and asked why they could not cure the boy. He rebuked them for their lack of faith, but added “However, this kind does not go out but by prayer and fasting.”

We’re facing some “this kind” of conditions and challenges in this season. Sickness abounds. Many are facing financial hardships and other personal struggles. War and political, economic and social turmoil have disturbed our peace. 

The Lenten season calls us to prayer and fasting, so that our faith may be increased and our spirits strengthened and renewed. We fast and pray that we might receive power from on high to defeat the enemies of our soul.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, grant us that faith that moves mountains and, as we fast and pray, strengthen and renew us so that we can defeat every enemy that we face, even the demons from hell. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Pastor: God is good

Congregation: All the time

Pastor: And all the time

Congregation: God is good.

If you’ve been in church for any period of time, you are very familiar with this call and response. We have been conditioned to respond automatically. Of course, God is good. You hear it all the time. But do you respond affirmatively because it is expected or is your response based on your intimate understanding of who God is and His favor and grace upon your life?

God has already abundantly blessed us. We should not take for granted the everyday blessings we receive; the breath we take over 20,000 times a day, the food and shelter he provides, the safety of our family and friends. These are all things we don’t give a second thought to most days. Add to that the “big” things; the job that you got even though you were the least experienced and credentialed of all the candidates, the healing that you had been praying about for years, the financial blessing that only God could have orchestrated. All of these reflect God’s goodness in our lives time and time again.

God wants to do good things for His children. As a loving father, He enjoys blessing us as any loving parent would. We all love showering gifts on our children. Matthew 7:11 tells us “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him”. The Message version ends by saying “So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?”

God also wants us to ask Him for the things we want AND expect Him to give them to us. The preceding verse to Matthew 7:11, verse 7 & 8 tells us “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” We have not because we ask not. Are we afraid to ask God for what we want? Do we worry that we are asking for too much or it’s too big? Or do we feel we are not deserving of what we want? All of these things are just not true. Do not let the devil fill your head with these lies. There is nothing too big for God. Do you know that anything you want is small compared to our God? If He can part the Red Sea so His children can walk on dry land, feed the five thousand with five loaves and two fish and calm a storm with his words, He can certainly answer our prayers.

Are you trusting God enough to allow Him to be good to you? Whether it is a BIG ask or a routine, everyday item, bring all your requests to God. He is waiting to bless you.

God, you are a good, good Father. Do not let my lack of trust block my blessings. I know you have wonderful, amazing things in store for those who trust in you. You are just waiting for me to ask. So, Father, I humbly ask for your favor and blessings on my life and may I use those blessings to bless others. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!

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The Lenten season is a time of fasting and reflection on Jesus’s sacrifice. We should also take  time to be still, resting in His presence and the knowledge of who He is – our omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God. During Lent, let’s break free from busyness and spend quality time alone with the Lord.

Stillness isn’t easy to find in life’s busyness, so we must be intentional.  Schedule time as you would with other priorities to focus solely on the Lord.  It is in our stillness in God’s presence that we come to know Him intimately and grow in our relationship with Him. I have learned that when I devote time to being still in God’s presence, I reap considerable benefits…peace, joy, strength when I feel weak and weary, encouragement, direction, and guidance. After spending time with God, my heart feels lighter and my day always goes better.

Be still in His presence and reap the benefits.  Commit to spending at least 15 minutes every day with the Lord; read scripture, pray and be still to hear His voice.  Open your heart and mind by focusing on Jesus and being in awe of who He is.  When we know God intimately, we can cease striving because we know that He is our strength, refuge, provider, healer, deliverer, and all that we need.  We can find freedom from all our struggles, burdens, and cares as we trust and rest in Him.

Abba Father, help me to be intentional and commit to spending quality time alone with You each day. Lord, help me to be still in Your presence and know that you are Almighty God. I stand in awe and reverence of who You are. Give me the grace and strength to “stand empty” before you, relying on you, casting my worries, burdens, and fears on you, trusting you. To You be all glory, honor, and praise. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

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                                                                                                           1 Thessalonians 5:18

This verse speaks to me because recently, I lost an uncle who was dear to my heart. He was more like a brother than an uncle. Probably because we were close in age.  I reflect on the last time my uncle was in New York.  I asked him if there was anything he needed. His response was no.  He already had what he wanted and that was to see his sister (my mom).  A few days later, before he left New York, he expressed the desire to see a baseball game. I told him that the next time he visited I would take him to a Yankee or Mets Game. Sadly, this never happened.

My uncle transitioned on November 30th of last year. My mother visited my uncle shortly before his transition.  During her visit, his energy picked up and he was able to do some things for himself such as brushing his teeth and sitting up in bed.  My uncle requested that his family come to the yard for a huge family gathering. He was able to dance with his wife and to see the love everyone had for him.  My uncle expressed the importance of FAMILY.  I am eternally grateful that my mother was able to see him prior to his passing.

Lord, even in the trials and tribulations of life, I give you thanks for your blessings. Thank you for the lessons learned during these stressful times. I will praise your Holy name in every situation.  Lord, I thank you for the gift of family and the bond that family represents. 

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Have you ever had a thought of why God chose to bless you? At some point in our lives, God has shown us favor at major milestones in our lives. Those blessings cannot be mistaken as acts of man. Sometimes, the origin of the blessing cannot be explained by conventional thought. You may even realize that you haven’t even asked for it but God chose to give you His provisions.

Theologians in some circles identify the believer as being in the enviable position for receiving God’s provisions (favor) – as being an extension of His grace. The Four Blessings of God according to the scholars are: Divine Prosperity, Divine Health, Fruitfulness and Long Life. Blessings within the Bible have been documented from the beginning. The book of Genesis (1:28) “Be fertile and increase, fill the earth and master it.” This was one of the first blessings of God on behalf of man and so it was. We must remember that, as part of God’s creation, we are positioned to receive the gift of God’s blessing. So get ready, God’s best is on its way to YOU!

Gracious and merciful Father,

Thank you for the extension of your grace over our life. Your divine kindness mercy and goodness IS our Blessing. You have given us deliverance from the grasp of sin through the ministry of Jesus Christ. All praises, honor and glory go to you. May our deeds thoughts and actions be acceptable in your sight.

In your precious name we pray, AMEN.

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The writer of this scripture is telling us turn from our wicked ways and give our whole heart to the Lord through prayer and fasting, He indicated that God is not so concerned with our outer appearance but more so with the condition of our hearts. The Lord wants us to come to him with pure and clean hearts. The prophet Joel is saying we need to return to our God because He is gracious, merciful, kind and not easily angered and in so doing He might just leave us with a blessing.

Let us pray:

Merciful Father I come before you with thanksgiving and repentance in my heart. I asked dear God that you forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Restore in us a clean and pure heart. Help us father to share Your goodness and love with all whom we come in contact with. This I ask in the mighty and precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen

Submitted by Deacon Carmen Campbell

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A few days ago, I attended a program honoring a deceased friend. During the program, a soloist sang one of my friend’s favorite songs, “You Are My Strength,” by William Murphy. The song, while comprised of a very few words, speaks to the power, strength, and grace we receive from God - his ability to revive us, to lift us up!  Like the song, the soloist’s rendition was simple yet powerful and enticed many in the audience to join in. This experience transformed the event into a moving testimony of the presence of God in one’s life.

Oftentimes, we sing songs depicting God’s words and assurances to give us the strength to persevere through life. King David gave us many to choose from. (See the Book of Psalms.) My friend endured many challenges during her lifetime, but her joy-filled spirit empowered her to break free of her burdens and live a life full of God’s goodness and favor.

Let us pray:

Dear God,

Thank you for my friend’s life and the example she set for us. Please help us to nurture our faith and trust in you. Help us to focus on sharing your goodness and fulfilling our purpose in life, not on the hardships and burdens we may carry. Let us find joy, hope, rejuvenation, and strength in your presence.    

You are my strength, strength like no other. Strength like no other reaches to me. [x4]

In the fullness of Your grace, in the power of Your name, you lift me up, you lift me up. [x2]

You are my strength, strength like no other. Strength like no other reaches to me. [x2]

In the fullness of Your grace, in the power of Your name, you lift me up, you lift me up. [x3]

You are my strength, strength like no other. Strength like no other reaches to me.

(By William Murphy)

Amen.

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When you hit a setback it’s okay to tell God you’re mad, sad, or depressed. It’s okay to express all your feelings to God, but don’t get bitter. Bitterness is saying you don’t trust God when trouble comes. It’s like a poison that will tear your life apart if you let it. Job experienced all types of problems. He lost his family, his fortune and his health. But instead of becoming bitter, he focused on God’s goodness. Job knew that God was still in control even though everything seemed to be falling apart. When setbacks come, and they certainly will, you must focus on the fact that God has the big picture in mind. Many things will change in your life. A perfect life is not promised to anyone. 

No matter what setbacks you face, remember that God will never stop loving you. He has a plan for you that is good, and He cares about all of your life. When everything falls apart, don’t get bitter, find reasons to praise God. It’s not easy, but He is worthy.

Let us pray:

Dear Father,

Your holy word tells me to pray without ceasing. In all things large and small, at all times, happy or sad let me seek your wisdom and your strength in prayer. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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Let’s face it, this earthly world is not a very pleasant place these days. There are wars and rumors of wars, pandemics, epidemics, death, sickness, injustice, hunger…a myriad of seemingly insurmountable issues. However, we as believers must not be concerned nor become overwhelmed by all the minutia associated with this earthly life. We should place our hope in our Creator who is faithful, holy and righteous and can do anything but fail. There is no reason for us to be downcast and/or disturbed. When we trust in our Father who is sovereign over all things in heaven and on earth, there is nothing to fear. Our hope in Him and the heavenly life that is promised is reason to give Him praise. Therefore, when we become down and distressed, let’s remember His awesome power and faithfulness that never fails. Let’s praise him at all times. Hallelujah…

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, as we struggle to traverse the difficulties and burdens of this earthly life and become distressed and afraid, remind us that our hope is in You. Sometimes we forget that you are ever-present with us at all times. May your loving kindness and compassion that are new every morning remind us to give you ceaseless thanks and praise. When we praise you, Father, our strength is renewed, we are reminded of what you have already done and encouraged to pray and not worry. To Your Glory, in Jesus’ Name, Amen

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Do you feel that it’s too great of a sacrifice to yield all to Christ? Ask yourself what has Christ given for me?  The Son of God gave all, His life for our redemption.  He desires to bring us through his grace and invites us to give ourselves to him that He may work His will in us. Every moment of our lives we have been blessed to partake of Jesus’s sacrifice.  In giving ourselves to God, we must break free from all that separate and hinder us from serving him. In everything you do, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

Let us pray:

Lord, you are the chain breaker. Break whatever is hindering us from you lord and draw us into a closer walk with so that that we may dwell in your presence like never before. This we pray in Jesus’s name, Amen.

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Life’s opportunities and creativity increase or decrease based on your ability to harness your imagination. Imagination is the natural product of meditation. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination is endless. Think of imagination as a door that opens to a world of possibilities. Intentions and actions are the keys that unlock that door. With imagination there are possibilities, but commitment brings success.

Let us pray:

Holy Father let the Holy Spirit inspire my imagination day by day. Let me have prophetic dreams and visions that are pleasing in your sight. I know that with you nothing is impossible. In Jesus’ name, Amen

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We all face obstacles that can cause us to shrink back, rather than push forward. We each have mountains that we have to climb. They can be overwhelming and daunting. These mountains can be of sickness, depression, financial woes, grief, and personal relationships. But the Lord promised us not only will he help us climb these mountains but overcome them as well, and in the midst of our pain, we can have confidence in knowing that the battle is already won.

An important part of facing our mountains is using our faith to speak to our mountains. Because if you don't have enough faith to move your mouth and speak God's Word, you won't have enough faith to move your mountain. The word tells us, "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ" (Romans 10:17 NIV). Something amazing begins to take place when you speak God's word over any situation in your life. You become focused and renewed in the Spirit. God has given us the power and authority over our lives, so we can't live our lives thinking we will be defeated. This power and authority give us the right to command our mountains to move with our faith.

Remember you need strength to climb this mountain, but it's not physical or mental strength, it is the strength God gives to us. It's not by might or power, but by the Spirit of the only wise God.

I encourage you to speak to your mountains. Climb them in faith knowing that the Lord takes every step with you and will see you through to the other side of that mountain. When you do that your mountain then becomes a place of learning, renewed prayer, strength, and healing. 

Lord, today I will let go of any fear, guilt, pain, and challenges in my life and place them in Your hands. Allow my faith to grow stronger in Your teachings and Your Word so that You can reveal Your Spirit to me. Let this be a season that makes my faith in You stronger. Lord, help me to declare that my mountains will be moved in the mighty name of Jesus. I place my trust fully in You knowing that all things are possible through You. In Jesus' name, I pray Amen. 

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     Galatians 5:16-24

This passage reminds us that there is a constant battle going on inside of us. We have a part of us that wants to be led by the Holy Spirit and serve God. Then, we have our flesh or our physical body that’s in the world and vulnerable to temptation. Praying and fasting can help us resist the desires of the flesh. Through prayer, we can share our struggles and weaknesses with God and ask for His help. Fasting pushes us to set aside our own desires and submit to God. Lent is a great opportunity for us to focus on feeding the desires of the Spirit, instead of the desires of the flesh. 

Lord, forgive us for when we put our own desires ahead of your calling for our lives. Give us the strength to turn away from temptation and submit to your will. Show us how to be led by the Holy Spirit in every area of our lives. We ask for all of these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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We are imperfect people loved by a perfect God. Yes, we are sinners saved by grace. Sometimes we forget that we are imperfect, that our accomplishments are not of our own merit.  We sometimes forget that we have a Savior and his name is JESUS.  That God so loved the world that he sacrificed His only son Jesus to save the whole of humanity.  So, the next time you think you are greater than or judgmental of others, or have an unforgiving heart, remember that God loves us despite our imperfections. God’s love is greater, forgiving, unmatched, gracious, eternal, unconditional, unchanging, never failing, and complete. That’s the awe of God’s love.

Challenge: I challenge each of us during this Lenten season to spread the love of God.

L - Listen

O - Obey

V - Value

E - Embrace

Let us pray:

Thank you, Father God, for your awesome love that’s better than life.  Help us to embrace that love You’ve extended to each of us and show that love to all we encounter. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

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Proverbs 12:22, NLT

What is truth? You would think that with easy access to information and expert opinions, we would know the truth, but the opposite is true. We have trouble recognizing real news from fake news and the reality is we’re living in an age when a lot of people believe that truth doesn't matter. They believe there is no such thing as objective truth; you can have your truth, and I can have mine.

But God surely cares about truth and commands us to tell the truth. In the Ten Commandments, we are told not to bear false witness against our neighbor (Exodus 20:16) and that we should not lie to one another (Leviticus 19:11). Jesus embodies the truth; He is the truth. To believe in Christ is to be firmly fixed on knowing the truth, sticking with it, living it out, and teaching it. The truth always matters to God, and it ought to matter to us.

Jesus came to us full of grace and truth (John 1:14). He described himself by saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). And Paul wrote to the Ephesians that the message of truth is the gospel of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13). If we know His foundational truth, the Word, and trust Him, we’ll grow in separating the truth from the lies around us. And as Scripture fills our mind, our ‘monitoring system’ is sharpened. Then our thoughts and actions are filtered through the grid of God’s standard for right and wrong. The truth is that the truth always matters!

Father, we want to delight you by being truth-tellers.  We know that it’s only with the power of the Holy Spirit that we can speak the truth and live consistently by it in all areas of our lives. On this Lenten journey help us to abide in You, recognize Your leading, discern Your voice and understand Your direction. Our desire is to be led by Your Spirit of Truth. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

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He probably was testing Jesus, doubting Jesus knew what He was talking about because Jesus was from that unremarkable and insignificant town of Nazareth. The people of Nazareth, in fact all Galileans, had a low reputation among the elite, the educated, the higher class. Even Nathanael asked Philip: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” That was until he met the man named Jesus. Wanting to challenge Jesus because he wanted to be justified in his own beliefs, the law expert asked who is one’s neighbors, believing as some did that only righteous people were one’s neighbors not sinners or Samaritans, or non-Jews. Because if one is a sinner, then the person can’t be a “neighbor” of a righteous person. But Jesus obliterates his small-minded, prejudicial, and hateful view of who is righteous or who is a neighbor. 

Who is our neighbor? To whom do we give our time and talent, our resources, our love, and compassion? We are to go beyond the walls of our church and seek those who need our help without expecting anything in return. We are to look beyond the familiar and comfortable and stretch ourselves to embrace those who are unapproachable, to love the unlovely, to welcome the reprobate, the unlikeable; we are to serve the unappreciative, the hateful, the ones who throw our kindness back in our faces. Those are our neighbors, too.

In 1 Peter 4: 10 Peter speaks of the manifold grace of God that He has bestowed on all of us. And we are to do the same. Just a little grace goes a long way in establishing the kingdom of God. Each of us has grace to give to those we know and to those who are “strangers.”

God tells us His grace is enough for us because His power is made perfect in our weakness. If God gives us grace, as His body, we are privileged and obligated to extend grace to each other and to others outside our intimate circles. 

I just need a little grace, as I offer you grace.

Lord, we dedicate this day and our lives to You, to Your service. All that we have is from You; all that we give and receive is by Your bounty and Your grace. We thank You for loving us and giving us of Your Holy Spirit so that we may graciously carry out the mandate Jesus left us to do Your work while it is still day. Amen.

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Psalm 91:14-16

Many years ago, I had a longing to move from my current home.  It was a constant tugging on my heart because I sustained an injury at work; I couldn’t work anymore. Therefore, I wasn’t in a position to insist upon this move with my husband. Nonetheless, this constant nagging was like a persistent itch that wouldn’t cease or go away. 

One day when I was reading my Bible, I came upon Psalm 91.  I read it in its entirety, but verses 14, 15 and 16 really spoke to my heart. In reading these verses, I immediately recognized that God was directly speaking to my heart. He was assuring me in my heart that I was at the right place and at the right location to receive His blessings.  Over the years I have seen that this was the right place for me. Because my husband got older, the taxes are affordable, and the house was suitable for just the two of us. And while I look at the original cost of purchasing this house, if I were to sell it now, I would make a nice profit. And since we are getter older, we are going to need those funds in the future when we do sell the house.

I thank God for the peace of where I have been living for the past 40 years.  I have had a peace of mind here; I don’t have to worry about paying exorbitant out of pocket expenses.  This is particularly important as we are senior citizens and living on a fixed income. 

I would encourage all believers to pray about your situations, trust God and recognize His voice when He speaks to your heart.  For great is His faithfulness.

Let us pray:

Gracious God, I thank you for the peace You give in every situation. Help us to rest in the calm of Your voice and follow where You lead. In Jesus’ name we do pray, Amen.

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~ Romans 12:1

Today marks a wonderful and challenging time on our church calendar. Ash Wednesday begins the season we call Lent, a time of self-denial, self-reflection and penitence. During Lent, we follow the example of Jesus and fast from specific things – foods, activities, routines, etc. But why do we abstain from these things that give us so much enjoyment? Because we’re taking the time to intentionally connect with our Creator. The Lord has been so wonderful to us and allowed us to enjoy the bounty He has provided. During the next 40 days, I’m encouraging each of you to say “No” to some of the things that give you pleasure and “Yes” to a deeper connection with God, “Yes” to purposeful periods of prayer, “Yes” to bountiful blessings from the Lord and “Yes” to breaking free of those burdens that had you bound.  While we are all different, we all have access to the same Jesus. He’s able to hear and answer your prayer at the same time He’s hearing and answering my prayer. I challenge you to walk this Lenten journey with me as we break free from burdens. I’m certain that, as we submit to this process, the Lord will meet us right where we are and transform us into who we need to be. Let’s trust Him and watch Him perform mightily in our minds, bodies, homes, communities and His church. Let us pray:

Good and Gracious Lord, we come to you in humility and confidence, asking you to be with us as we begin this Lenten walk. Give us strength to say “No” and ears to listen to Your still small voice and arms to embrace what You tell us and feet to walk in Your light and hearts to love You more dearly. This we pray, in Jesus’s name, Amen.  

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