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Showing posts from May, 2026

Bible

Abound in Knowledge

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Good morning  Scripture reading: 2 Peter 1: 1–10 Worship song: Worthy   Meditation:      In addition to staying pure from worldly corruption and being diligent, Peter's letters outline several specific attributes of good stewardship. He advised us to add these attributes to remain fruitful and fertile. He describes a process for developing spiritual maturity. His guidelines instruct believers to adopt Christ-like characteristics intentionally, behave in a righteous and godly manner, utilize their gifts to serve others, practice cheerful hospitality, and remain humble.       We must actively use the resources God has given us to guide our actions and achieve our purpose. The more knowledge we have of God, the closer we get to Him, and the more we learn to apply the steps necessary for spiritual growth, of which the greatest attribute that we need to obtain is love. When we forsake all to follow Christ, the word of God empowers us and...

Into Their Desired Haven

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Good morning Scripture reading: Psalms 107:23-308 Worship song: We Give Thanks   Meditation:      What was intended to be a relaxing Thanksgiving retreat turned into a harrowing ordeal when James Michael Grimes mysteriously fell from the Carnival Valor into the Gulf of Mexico on the night of November 23, 2022. After gaining consciousness in the ocean, Mr. Grimes survived by treading the water for approximately 20 hours before being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Mr. Grimes testified that it must have been a supernatural power that kept him afloat while he was unconscious and also after waking up stating that he was not able to float on his own with assistance.       If you encounter difficulties and see no apparent solution, remember that God is a God of impossibilities. When you pass through waters, God assures us He will be with us; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when thou walk through the fire, you shall not be...

Tale of Survival

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Good morning Scripture reading: Acts 27 -28 Worship song: Survivor   Meditation:      On November 8, 2018, Nichole Jolly, a Surgical Nurse was on shift at the Adventist Health Feather River Hospital in Paradise when the Camp Fire broke out. Once all patients were safely out, Jolly fled the facility in her own car. Trapped in thick, choking smoke and flames, Jolly called her husband to share what she thought were her final words. Urged by her husband to get out and run to save her life, she abandoned the car and ran on foot through a perilous landscape of collapsing power lines and burning trees.       Despite surviving multiple near-death experiences and suffering from minor blisters and singed clothing, Jolly chose to return to treat other fire victims. The biblical account of Apostle Paul's shipwreck and Nurse Nichole Jolly's experience reflects an unwavering courage to protect the vulnerable in the face of peril, accompanied by miracu...

Made Perfect In Weakness

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Good morning Scripture reading: Isaiah 40:28-31 Worship song: His Strength Is Perfect   Meditation:      Spiritual weakness refers to the profound exhaustion that results from attempting to navigate life's challenges by relying solely on our own understanding and limited human effort. The Apostle Paul's acknowledgment of his own weakness confirms that true human strength derives entirely from complete reliance on God. Recognizing our spiritual and physical limitations prompts us to shift our focus from our own independence to relying entirely on God's divine strength.       As the Creator, God grants power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increased strength. Conquering spiritual weakness is possible not by our limited strength but when we rely on divine strength from the Eternal God who gives to all liberally. The Psalmist affirms that human endurance has its limits; however, in our deepest moments of exhaustion, when we f...

Your Mental Diet

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Good morning Scripture reading: Philippians 4:8 Worship song: Whatever Is Lovely   Meditation:      A proper spiritual diet is essential as it provides vital benefits that will fuel the mind, safeguard our thoughts, and promote long-term physical and mental well-being. It is necessary to maintain a healthy spiritual diet rooted in God’s Word to foster spiritual growth and strength. The Bible functions as a spiritual filter, guiding individuals to replace toxic, anxious, or unwholesome thoughts with truth and peace thereby preventing believers in Christ from becoming weak and weary.       Spiritual nourishment is obtained through daily reading and meditation on scriptures. You can consciously choose wholesome, uplifting thoughts and intentionally filter your meditation by focusing on things that are holy, true, just, honest, pure, and lovely. Apostle Paul encouraged us not to be conformed to this world: but to be transformed by the renewi...

Internet Connectivity

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Good morning Scripture reading: Romans 8: 38-39 Worship song: Royal Telephone   Meditation:     If a man-made network can provide highly accessible services by removing geographical boundaries to allow instant access to essential daily tasks and limitless knowledge, imagine the possibilities of being directly plugged into the ultimate divine source of all resources. Free access to Jesus Christ offers a profoundly personal, spiritual, and eternal connection, accessible anywhere and at any time, without interruption. Prayer serves as your direct access to God’s presence; therefore cultivate a continual prayer life and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).       Deepen your relationship with Christ by reflecting on scripture and nurturing your faith through persistent spiritual fellowship and communication with Him. Your connection becomes stronger the nearer you are to the router. So draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (James...

The Scapegoat Ritual

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Good morning Scripture reading: Leviticus 16 Worship song: By His wounds   Meditation:      A scapegoat is a goat used in a biblical ritual, described in Leviticus, to facilitate atonement and purification for the Israelites. On the Day of Atonement, the people's sins were symbolically transferred to the goat, which was then sent into the wilderness to carry their transgressions away. The ritual that was practiced before Christ's sacrificial offering was that the priest would lay both his hands upon the head of a live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the sins of the children of Israel upon the head of the goat, and then send it away by the hand of a competent man into the wilderness and release it in the wild.       Today, we are humbly invited into the presence of God's grace to confess our sins before our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter; it was for our transgressio...

The Great Revival

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Good morning Scripture reading: Acts 2:1-16 Hymn: Revive Us Again   Meditation:      The Welsh Revival in 1904   resulted in over one hundred and fifty thousand people being converted and added to churches and chapels in Wales. There was a supernatural outpouring of the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the people of Wales. During the revival, lives were transformed, homes and families healed and churches were packed and on fire with a zeal and desire for God. Some entire communities were changed when men and women found themselves drawn into a powerful experience of God. The sparks from their spiritual awakening were so powerful that they caused more than twelve countries to become spiritually ignited.       The Apostle Luke recorded in the book of Acts 2, that on the day of Pentecost many were gathered in the same place praising and worshipping God when suddenly, there came a sound from heaven as a mighty rushing wind, and filled the ...

No Greater Love

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Good morning Scripture reading: St. John 15:9-16 Worship song: Where The Timbers Cross   Meditation:      Reflecting on the unconditional love and faithfulness of Jesus Christ to humanity, as documented in His sacred word, concludes the verse in our scripture that states there is no greater love than that a man lay down his life for his friends. The Word of God affirms that there is no greater gift than amazing grace. The measure of love is not found in what one receives, but in how much one is willing to give. Jesus demonstrated His love through his voluntary sacrificial life for our iniquities.       The scripture details His intense persecution and the shedding of His blood, which was essential for humanity's redemption. He was nailed to the cross, His life freely given for us so unworthy of the blood, and yet He died to set us free from the penalty of our transgressions. When Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, we were entirely undes...

Change The Rhythm

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Good morning Scripture Reading: Psalms 40:1-5 Worship song: God Is Good All The Time   Meditation:      What tune are you dancing to this morning? Maybe you are entertained by a song that is robbing you of your joy, and peace of mind. Perhaps it is robbing you of hope, happiness, and contentment, causing you to be angry, grumpy, miserable, depressed, bitter, and cold-hearted. Outside of Christ, this is the music you dance to, played to tunes of hatred, grief, adultery, fornication, drunkenness, envy, strife, wrath, and idolatry. If this describes you, now is the moment to consider changing that soundtrack. Swap those old records for new songs of praise and embrace the rhythm of love, joy, peace, contentment, patience, and meekness.       Too often, we choose the wrong music and dance to the rhythm of the blues, rocking with the devil. Still, we are reminded to purposefully surrender our hearts to God, replacing the old, worldly rhythm wi...

Remember The Lord Your God

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Good morning Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 8:7-20 Worship song: Blessed Be Your Name   Meditation:      Moses issued a stern warning to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land cautioning them not to allow future wealth, comfort, and success to cause them to forget that God is the true source of all their blessings. The human tendency is to become prideful and forget the God who delivered them out of hardship and desperate circumstances. People are swift to negotiate with God during times of difficulty, earnestly pleading for relief, but they often break their promises once their circumstances improve or stability is restored.       Never boast that your success is the result of your own strength and hard work. Always acknowledge that your wealth comes from God. Remember to give thanks, for it is the Lord who grants you the ability to prosper. Whatever we build in this life is empowered by God. If He is not the foundat...

Better Awaits You

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Good morning Scripture reading: Revelation 21 Praise song: Jerusalem   Meditation:      This world is unpredictable and full of trials, sadness, and disappointment; nevertheless, we hold firmly to the divine promise of restoration through our Lord. A time is coming when suffering will cease, and God will bring an end to all sorrow, sickness, and death. While we look forward to the future, our focus should be on serving God wholeheartedly and living according to His commandments and precepts. This life is a journey, not our final destination.       For those who place their trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, eternal life is assured. The dead in Christ shall rise first, and those who are alive when he shall return shall be caught up together in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and be with him forever. As we serve the Lord with gladness, and worship Him in spirit and truth, let us be prepared to meet Him. If you have not yet r...

Move Mountain

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Good morning Scripture reading: St. Matthew 17:14-21 Worship song: Who Are You Great Mountain   Meditation:      The emotional story of a desperate father's concern for his son's well-being serves as a reminder that faith is not about evidence; it is about believing and hoping for a favorable outcome despite uncertainty. Jesus demonstrated that faith is sustained by hope, not evidence. At Jesus' command, the tormenting spirit immediately departed, bringing an end to the boy's emotional suffering. The comforting message of Jesus reveals the power through faith to overcome obstacles that seem impossible.       Jesus used mountains as a metaphor to compare the daunting, seemingly impossible obstacles in life, illustrating that with even a tiny amount of unwavering faith, we can overcome challenges that block our path. With a faith anchored in God's power, like a tiny mustard seed, we can overcome the mountain-sized obstacles that disrupt ou...

Called to Serve

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Good morning Scripture reading: Matthew 10:1-20 Hymn: Just as I am   Meditation:      Jesus Christ selected ordinary individuals to serve as his disciples; He also endowed them with authority over unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal all kinds of sickness and diseases. Among those Jesus chose as his disciples were tax collectors and fishermen. As Jesus commissioned his disciples for service, He provided precise instructions to take the gospel to willing listeners and to the lost sheep.       The disciples were informed that they would encounter some stubborn, self-willed persons, who would reject the gospel. They were sent among the vilest of sinners and advised to exercise wisdom, be harmless, and remain focused on their mission. They were also warned about the persecution they would ultimately face. If you are called to serve, do so with a willing heart, knowing that you are serving a mighty God who keeps His promises. Do not w...

If God Be For Us

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Good morning Scripture reading: Romans 8:31-39 Worship song: If God Is For Me   Meditation:      With God on your side, no enemy can truly triumph over you, even when it seems they are succeeding during persecution or tribulation. It may look like they are succeeding when they mock us or threaten us, but God's purpose and support for us are far greater than any force against us. Though we are oppressed and chastised by our adversary, we shall overcome for we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.       Apostle Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amidst human rejection, we can draw strength from the knowledge that God's love is beyond measure and without condition. Do not be dismayed or fear those who are against you for God will never leave you. He will strengthen you and uphold you with His righteous right hand. If God be for us, tell me who can triumph a...

Leave With Urgency

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Good morning Day of Testimony- Leave With Urgency And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. St. Matthew 2:13 Praise song: Nearer My God To Thee   Testimony:      The biblical account of the angel instructing Joseph to flee brings to mind a vivid dream I had. I recall waking up feeling frightened, confused, and perplexed because, in the dream, I was commanded to leave my home immediately and take absolutely nothing for the journey. I was not given a destination, only instructions to leave now. Months later, the purpose and mystery of the dream unraveled, becoming crystal clear. Throughout scripture and history, God has used visions and dreams to communicate His plans, warn believers, and reveal what is to come. In Joel 2, the Lord promised ...

Comfort and Hope

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Good morning Day of prayer - Comfort and Hope Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. St. Matthew 5: Worship song: Even When It Hurts   Let us pray:      Merciful, Savior, blessed redeemer and Friend, I am profoundly grateful for your loving kindness, tender mercies, abundant grace, and your unwavering faithfulness towards humanity. I thank you, Lord God, because of your great love, we are not consumed, and your compassion never fails. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness, O God. Lord, take me beyond my fear and despair to the safety of your protective presence.       It is me again, Lord, with a burden and I need your divine intervention. Hear my cry, O God, and attend unto my prayer. From the ends of the earth, I cry unto you, O God. Father, I lift to you, the brokenhearted, those battling health issues, the bereaved families, those struggling to overcome fear, those facing difficulties, and those ...

Spiritual Discernment

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Good morning Scripture reading: 1 Kings 3:16-28 Worship song: He speaks - wisdom Meditation: Solomon employed divine wisdom to settle the dispute between the woman justly by discerning the truth from deception. Rather than asking God for riches, long life, prosperity, and power to defeat his enemies, Solomon instead asked God for wisdom to lead the people of Israel effectively. God was pleased to grant him more than he requested. Solomon's careful analysis of the critical situation resulted in sound judgment, which in turn informed his decision. The act of falsifying information was with the intent to mislead Solomon into accepting a lie. However, despite their conflicting claims, Solomon used the spirit of discernment to determine the truth. Solomon's wisdom is a divine gift that comes solely from God. In an era where falsehoods are often presented as facts, it is essential to actively seek divine wisdom to evaluate all matters accurately. The narrative reminds us t...

Promise Revealed in a Dream

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Good morning Scripture reading: 1 Kings 3:5-15 Worship song: Grant Me Wisdom   Meditation:      God appeared to King Solomon in a dream at Gibeon and offered him whatever he desired. Reflecting on his new role as a young king and acknowledging the vast responsibility of leading a vast nation, Solomon requested wisdom to govern the people justly and to discern right from wrong. The Lord was delighted with his unselfish request and blessed Solomon with exceedingly more than he asked for. God bestowed upon Solomon wisdom, wealth, and honor that surpass all other rulers before and after him.       Furthermore, God promised to extend Solomon's lifespan on the condition that he walk in His ways and keep His commandments as his father, David. By asking for wisdom, Solomon unexpectedly became the wealthiest king in the land. Those who seek wealth without obtaining the wisdom to manage it often face rapid loss, and personal ruin. According to Pro...

There Is Hope In God

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Good morning   Scripture reading: Daniel 6 Praise song: He's Able   Meditation:      Several methods of divine protection are documented in Scripture regarding how God protects His people, and many of us can testify to how the Lord protects us from victimization. The narrative of Daniel serves as a reminder that God is always in control, even when it is not immediately evident. King Darius appointed Daniel as the chief administrator over the princes and the other presidents. However, this decision did not please the others, and therefore they plotted against Daniel. When they found no fault regarding the handling of the estate, they determined to scrutinize his private life to uncover the reasoning behind his religious conduct.       Daniel was not intimidated by the concocted scheme his enemies had plotted against him. Daniel's enemies desired to dethrone him, but he was not bothered by their plot and scheme because he knew the God...

That Your Joy May Be Full

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Good morning Scripture reading: St. John 15: 11, St. John 16:24 & St. John 1:4 Worship song: Joy In My Heart   Meditation:      We habitually seek various forms of entertainment to uplift our spirits when we are struggling with despair or feeling downcast. However, this temporary joy cannot fill the void within our lives. Joy is a spiritual gift that offers lasting happiness and unwavering contentment amidst trial only attainable through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. The joy of the Lord signifies divine lasting happiness that cannot be accomplished through material possessions or worldly wealth. In God's presence, there is fullness of joy which cannot be stolen or destroyed by circumstances.       According to St. John 15, complete and lasting joy is achievable through maintaining fellowship with God, dwelling in his presence, obeying His commandments, and loving others as Christ loved us. Jesus encourages all believers to ...

Mothers – God’s Masterpiece

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Good morning Happy Mother's Day   Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31: 10-31 Worship song: Building Bridges   Meditation:      Mothers are extraordinary gifts from God. A loving, caring mother selflessly sacrifices her own needs to fulfill the needs of her children. They stand steadfastly by their children through hardship and triumph, ensuring their little bundles of joy have everything necessary to thrive in society.  A responsible mother goes above and beyond to guarantee that her child(ren) feel safe, secure, and protected. The love a mother has for her child(ren) cannot be truly defined or measured by words. It is limitless, knows no boundary, and is unwavering.       It dares all things and crushes down without regrets all that stands in its path. Mothers are the backbone of the family, providing encouragement and support no matter the odds. Their influence on the lives of their children is immeasurable. Mothers are magnific...

Candidates for Supernatural Strength

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Good morning Scripture reading: Isaiah 40: 28-31 Worship song: We've Got The Power   Meditation:      Although exhausted, weary, and faint from fighting, Gideon and his 300 men continue to pursue their enemies. This small, vigilant group, according to Judges 7, used only torches, jars, and trumpets to confuse their enemies' territory, leading to a massive victory. Rather than relying on their human strength they trusted in God's supernatural power. Apostle Paul testified that when he was weak, he was made strong, as God’s power was made perfect in his weakness. He further assures us in 2 Corinthians 12, that the weary find rest and strength in God’s divine grace.       We are reminded in Psalm 46, that God is our refuge and strength. Sometimes we get overwhelmed, burdened, and cast down by the cares of life, but we are reminded that there is hope for the weary. Jesus extends an invitation to cast our cares upon Him for He cares for us. H...

The Lord Shall Be My God

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Good morning Scripture reading: Genesis 28:10-22 Worship Song: The Lord My God   Meditation:      Following a divine promise revealed through a dream at Bethel while fleeing from Esau, Jacob made a conditional vow to God. He pledged that if the Lord would be with him, provide protection in unfamiliar territory, sustain him with necessities, and enable him to return safely to his father, he would fully embrace the Lord as his God and consecrate the stones he had anointed as a place of worship. Additionally, he committed to offering a tenth of all his blessings back to the Lord as an act of thanksgiving. The covenant established by the Lord and Jacob's declaration marked the turning point in his life.       Having returned from Haran with substantial prosperity, Jacob honored his vow by building an altar at Bethel. He commanded his household to renounce idol worship, discard all foreign gods, purify themselves, and dedicate their worship t...

Keep Your Heart Clean

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Good morning Scripture reading: Psalm 51:7-12 Worship song: Clean Heart   Meditation:      In accordance with safety protocols to prevent illness, it is advisable to regularly sanitize, disinfect, and wash our hands. Equally important is keeping our hearts clean and pure. Our heart, however, does not need physical cleansing but spiritual cleansing. Our heart reflects our true inner nature. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? Consequently, it requires divine purification.       We must diligently guard and nurture our heart, which is the source of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. We must be vigilant and careful about what enters and takes root in our hearts, by preventing negative influences from inevitably shaping our lives. Matthew 5:8 says, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Although the inner workings of our hearts may remain hidden...

The Waiting Room

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Good morning Scripture reading: 1 Samuel 1:7-20 Worship song: I Will Wait   Meditation:      Prolonged waiting can often evoke physical discomfort and mental distress, particularly when uncertainty surrounds the wait. Prolonged periods of waiting may lead to increased anxiety, stress, frustration, and emotional exhaustion, especially when the surrounding atmosphere is laden with negativity. Today's scripture provides insight into Hannah's experience in the waiting room. She was deeply distressed by her inability to conceive and the persistent taunting from Peninnah. Nonetheless, her sorrow and barrenness compelled her to seek divine intervention through prayer at the Shiloh Temple.       Hannah encountered uncertainty, doubt, and despair, yet she remained steadfast in her faith, trusting in God's promises. The act of waiting is not solely measured by its duration, but rather by how it is perceived and endured. Waiting upon God can yield ...

Patience is a Virtue

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Good Morning Scripture reading: James 5:7-11 Mediation song: Be Still My Soul   Meditation:      Patience is a vital attribute that enables individuals to maintain self-control during periods of waiting. It allows us to steadfastly and persistently pursue our long-term objectives, despite encountering various adversities. Although cultivating patience may be difficult, it is an invaluable skill that can be developed over time. This virtue empowers us to endure frustration, illness, pain, provocation, and financial hardships without succumbing to despair or irritability. Those who persevere through difficulties and trust in God's divine timing are better equipped to cope with life's struggles than those motivated by arrogance or anger.       As Ecclesiastes 7:8 reminds us, it is crucial to cultivate patience, depend on God's timing, and avoid the quicksand of pride. Upon reflection, we can recognize the extraordinary patience that Go...

Covered With A Mask

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Good morning Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:30-32  Worship Song: Here's My Heart   Meditation:      A minister once said we mask bitterness as memory, defend it as justice, and store it as debt owed. Bitterness is like residue that builds up over time from accumulated anger, resentment, pain, or perceived unfairness, ultimately leading to unforgiveness. Consider bitterness as a plant with its leaves looking green but its root is rotting from fungal infection. Eventually, the entire plant will collapse. You can be called, gifted, and anointed, ministering and winning souls for the Kingdom of God, but still foster a heart of bitterness.       The Apostle Paul boldly urges us in Ephesians 4:31 to put away all bitterness and wrath. He further advises us to reject and renounce our former ways, which are tainted by sinful habits. The Holy Spirit will not manifest in a heart striving for bitterness and unforgiveness. Neither will he dwell ...

Angels On The Wall

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Good morning Scripture reading: Nehemiah 4 Worship song: The Battle Is Not Yours   Meditation:      Angels On The Wall is a nonfiction book by Pastor Wallace Brown and his wife, Mary, about their unexpected ordeal when they moved to a poverty-stricken area in Birmingham, England, to pastor at a synagogue where membership was rapidly decreasing. What they did not know before their arrival was that the church grounds were used by gangs and the home where they were to reside was used as the gang's headquarters. The gang was determined to intimidate and terrify them by hurling stones at the windows, burning the fence, and threatening to harm their children but their evil demise did not startle the pastor. The Browns, along with their children, and some congregation members circled the building multiple times, praying for divine angels to serve as protectors. The gang jeered and mocked, but one by one they retreated and gave up terrorizing the community.  ...