Week of March 30, 2025 – 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9 10 kjv
Many of us have been to a place, either by choice or circumstance, that we have been brought desperately low. A place where you feel as though you do not deserve redemption. I’ve visited this place more than a few times.
God has used these low points in my life to open my eyes to my weakness and showed me the painfully beautiful truth that my weakness was an open door to allow His unending grace, power, and provision to enter my life. He was not waiting for my success. He was waiting for humility to open my heart up to Him.
If we pray for the ability to humbly embrace our weakness, trust Him to sustain us, and open our heart to His grace, He can supply an abundant amount of grace to meet our every need. His power is most evident and effective in our moments of weakness and vulnerability.
Week of March 23, 2025 – 8He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. 9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Isaiah 25:8-9 kjv
This scripture gives us hope and comfort, with the promise that God will bring an end to pain and sorrow and give us peace and joy.
The day that we come face to face with our Savior, Jesus Christ. We will rejoice in our salvation and spend eternity with Him. There will be no more death, tears, sadness, or sin we will forever reign with everlasting joy.
We will have mountains in our path in which we won’t know how to get around them or go over them. We may at times feel that God has abandoned us, but we must continue to trust that He is with us through our troubles.
God understands our pain, sorrows, and suffering and offers us comfort and healing. One day God will remove those mountains. It may be during your life here on earth, and if not, it will be in heaven, but it will be removed. God will save us from bad experiences and attacks for eternity if we trust Him.
We can celebrate today because we know that we will be saved from all troubles in the end. Praise God when you see His hand at work in your life. Celebrate in the salvation He provides for you. He offers us eternal life and restoration. Let this inspire confidence and hope to share this with others who need His love and salvation.
Week of March 16, 2025 – “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 kjv
This world is constantly changing and only temporary. The flowers, grass and leaves on the trees fade away as time goes by. Even as humans, we grow old and our external beauty changes. What we do and say, and how we look will fade away and forgotten over time. Life’s beauty and struggles undergo changes, but God’s word remains constant and never changes with the passing of time.
God’s word is the source of our faith and the guarantee of our existence. It provides us with guidance, comfort, and hope. It is an unshakable, rock-solid, foundation that exceeds the limitations of time, building a bridge to our eternal life with Him in heaven. His Word gives us the direction and purpose of our lives. It is a guarantee that we can rely on God’s promises never to fail us. His Word is always true!
The things of this earth all fade away, but the Word of God lasts for all eternity
Week of March 9, 2025 – Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5: 6-8 kjv
Humility is not only a great grace that needs to develop in new Christians. It is a fruit of the Spirit that should be the goal of all Christians. God grants grace, wisdom, faith, understanding, and holiness to the humble, but He resists and opposes all those who are proud.
We please God whenever we overlook hurts and forgive the sins of others done to us. In forgiving them, it builds character in us. We are to be humble and hopeful, and to show love and concern for everyone. We are to be on our guard and watchful in this increasingly godless world. We are to be calm, determined, and to remain spiritually alert to the lures of the devil.
We need to be clear headed and watchful in these last days before Jesus returns. Satan is prowling around seeking to destroy our witness and cause us to stumble. We should rely on God in all things so that we do not stumble and fall but stand fast each day.
Week of March 2, 2025 – Praise, ye the Lord. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise him, O ye servants of the Lord. 2Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. 3Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. Psalm 135: 1-3 kjv
This scripture gives us the invitation to praise and worship God. Our praises should reflect our faith in moments of gratitude, love and joy. As we accept God’s goodness, we develop a deeper relationship with Him while uplifting those around us.
As Christians, our worship should not just a ritual but a lifestyle. We need to make it a part of our everyday actions. It can be singing a song, taking moments to reflect on His goodness, or stating our thanks in prayer. In doing any of these things we are creating a significant connection with God. We should always remember to lean into our faith, surrender our worries to God, and celebrate His goodness in every aspect of our lives.
Week of February 23, 2025 – Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5: 1-5 kjv
Being a Christian is hard. We are called to live a life that is different from the world, and this can be a challenging task with various obstacles getting in our way. Being a Christian does not free us from trials and tribulations. But being a Christian we can live freely by God’s Spirit that gives us access to His grace, which strengthens us when we are at peace with God. Because of God’s grace we can face each day with the peace of God being with us.
God empowers us to our Christian life of righteousness through Christ in our everyday lives. Because we have access to God’s grace through Christ, then we can face suffering and adversities with joy. Trials and tribulations build our faith and endurance in God and gives us the opportunity to experience God holding us through those times.
When faith and trust in God becomes a way of life for us then that is when our character beings to be built in Christ. Relying on Christ will never lead to disappointment because God demonstrated his love for us by the gift of the Holy Spirit which dwells in us.
Rejoice in your sufferings, adversities, and disappointments because in these problems, through Christ you’ve got hope! In this hope you’ve got God’s love in your heart.
Week of February 16, 2025 – “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 kjv
We are encouraged to prioritize others, go the extra mile, make sacrifices without expecting anything in return. Doing this emphasizes the depth of love and sacrifice that is the heart of the Christian faith.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 kjv
God loves us so much. He knew our sins would separate us from Him. There was a debt that needed to be paid. Instead of God letting us pay it ourselves, He gave His Son, Jesus, to take that debt upon Himself. Jesus took our place and paid the price we deserved to pay. He prioritized and sacrificed His life for us.
What greater love can any give?
Week of February 9, 2025 – And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35 kjv
Jesus stated that HE was the bread of life, and when we come to Him and believe on Him, we will be eternally satisfied, never hungry or thirsty again.
Our focus and our desire must be to get closer to and become more like Jesus. Once we have the desire to get more like Jesus, we will read our Bible. We will want to pray to communicate with Jesus. We will want to attend church to fellowship with other believers. Our focus should be simply on Jesus, and that is where it should be. We will do whatever it takes to get closer.
We don’t have to do these things; it is a privilege that we get to do these things.
When we obey God by seeking first His kingdom, His righteousness, carrying out His will for us, by trusting Him to provide for our daily needs, this will fill us in a way that is more satisfying than physical food, as we promote a deep and loving relationship with the one who created us for Himself and for His glory.
Week of February 2, 2025 – Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) Hebrews 10:23 kjv
Have you ever been faced in a situation where you began to think that holding on was harder than you imagined, and you honestly wanted to give up? I have when Bryan was on the ventilator. Every day there were so many obstacles thrown at me. I was so tired and wanted to just say that’s enough, but God! In that moment when He said, “No, not yet”, I began to hang on with every ounce of faith and every prayer that I had in me to just trust in Him, that He would provide a way for Bryan to pull through. I decided I wasn’t letting go or giving up.
We are told to hang on to our faith and believing in promises that are found in God’s word. We are encouraged to hold on to these things and not let go even when things get tough. The reason we can hold on so tightly is that we know that God is faithful. He is a good God and keeps His promises, so He deserves our trust.
Week of January 26, 2025 – For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness Psalm 18:28 kjv
We all have times when we feel heavy emotional burdens that make us anxious, depressed, and stressed to the point that our physical health takes a toll.
What we believe creates our habits. What we speak has the power to help or hurt. What we believe about ourselves will either create heaviness or strength to conquer the challenges of life. If we ask God to shine His light on the area of our mindset that needs to shift to bring healing and health to it. It’s in these very moments that God’s love shines the brightest.
God doesn’t just remove the darkness; He changes it. He takes our fears, doubts, and difficulties, and turns them into opportunities for growth, wisdom, and deeper faith. What once seemed so dark, and overwhelming becomes a place of intense revelation and intimacy with God.
Let’s allow God to lighten the burdens of this world off our shoulders by turning our circumstances over to Him. This world needs the light of Christ and kindness so much.
Week of January 19, 2025 – 23The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. 24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. 25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalm 37: 23-25 kjv
God will not put you in unbearable situations, but he may put you in situations that seem unbearable. He does this so we will remember to turn to Him. He does not give His strength to use in advance but only when needed. We will always have what we need, so we can proceed each day with the confidence, hope, and joy that He is with us. We may, and probably will, stumble along the way, but we will never completely fall if we turn to Him. Carrying your cross will be hard if you do it alone. Remember to always turn to Him.
If you are tired of your sin, run to the cross. If you want a new start in life, run to the cross. If you feel like a failure, run to the cross. If you fear the future, run to the cross. If you need hope and encouragement, run to the cross. If you want to meet Jesus, run to the cross.
Week of January 12, 2025 – 3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed in thee. 4Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:3-4 kjv
It is a known fact that daily our trust and faith will be tested. We all want to have the “fleshly” guarantee that we will be safe from all unpleasant events. When we are faced with an unpleasant event, that is the time that we need to start praising God and know that our safety is in Him.
The God that can, is the God that will deliver us from those events in His way and His time. He loves us and will not leave us on our own to deal with anything.
No matter what you are going through today, stay focused on God and His promises. If we let Him take over by having faith, then He will work miracles in our lives.
IWeek of January 5, 2025 –18Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43: 18-19 kjv
With all the evil doings in the world in addition to the individual struggles we personally go through, it’s hard to imagine new things happening that will be a blessing or valuable lesson in our lives. Society seems comfortable with the gloom and doom that happens and puts more trust in themselves than in God. We need to keep God first and foremost in our lives and trust what He has in store for us while in this world until we reach the heavenly eternal blessings with Him.
Week of December 29, 2024 – 22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness… Ephesians 4:22-24
The “old man” that we need to put off is our previous way of living. If it is not completely gone, let’s do so by having faith in the living Spirit. It takes no time to eliminate bad habits, thoughts, speech, and other unworthy behaviors. Let’s do more than that, lets “put on a new man.,” The idea is to have the likeness of Jesus who was created God through His life, death, and resurrection. To live this life, we need to have the help of the Holy Spirit every day.
A friend from school posted this on his Facebook:
“Today will never come again. Be a blessing. Be a friend. Encourage someone. Take time to care. Let your words heal, and not wound. As one year ends and another begins, I challenge you to try and do at least one random act of Kindness each day, even just a smile to a stranger, a kind word in passing, a hug to those that are hurting will change lives forever…. especially Yours !!!”
As the New Year begins, I challenge each of you to make this a routine for 2025.
Week of December 22, 2024 – “The Christmas Story”
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the hoWee ose and lineage of David:) 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2: 1-14 KJV
Let’s not get so caught up in gift giving that we forget that Jesus is the greatest gift of all. As we string the lights, let’s remember that Jesus is the
light of the world. As we decorate our trees let us remember that Christ gives us everlasting life. Let’s remember to thank God for the gift of His son, who is the only reason for the Christmas season. Mainly, let us all remember that without Christ there is no Christmas and there is no salvation. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I love you but Jesus loves you more.
There is no Christmas story without CHRIST!
HE is what Christmas is all about.
Let’s not get so caught up in gift giving that we forget that Jesus is the greatest gift of all. As we string the lights, let’s remember that Jesus is the
light of the world. As we decorate our trees let us remember that Christ gives us everlasting life. Let’s remember to thank God for the gift of His son, who is the only reason for the Christmas season. Mainly, let us all remember that without Christ there is no Christmas and there is no salvation. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I love you but Jesus loves you more.
There is no Christmas story without CHRIST! HE is what Christmas is all about.
Week of December 15, 2024 – “The Most Miraculous Birth”
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1: 18-23 KJV
There are numerous “miracle baby” stories that we all have heard, but there is not one that can match the one found in these verses. A baby conceived by the Holy Spirit of God, inside an earthly mother, producing on earth the Son of God.
He was fully Man: a baby that His mother could be “with child”, and gave birth to like one would any other baby, but He was also fully God; conceived “by the Holy Spirit.”
We all have dark days when God feels so far away. The days when just taking the next step takes all the strength you can gather. We all have those days when you wish you could rest instead of fighting a battle. It is on those days the word Emmanuel has a whole new meaning: God with us. He is with us even when it doesn’t feel like it, even when we wish we were on a different path than what He has planned for us, even on those dark days, He is with us!
The purpose of the most miraculous birth was to bring Jesus into this world to be your Savior, so that you can always know, that “God is With You”! THIS is what this miraculous birth is all about. It’s what Christmas is all about.
Week of December 8, 2024 – “The Miracle of Christmas”
26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1; 26-38 KJV
Mary proclaims herself to be “the servant of the Lord” and courageously accepts God´s will. Mary, a teenager, knowing that by saying yes to the Lord meant losing her life as she knew it to be, but she said yes anyway. It is a remarkable example of faith, love, obedience, and humility. I remember my first time visiting NAMBC, December 1, 2019. Pastor Tommy Muncey preached on the Annunciation to Mary. His message and the way he delivered it made a significant impact on me. I knew at that moment that God had led Bryan and I to this church. I desired to have faith, love, obedience, and humility like Mary. It all comes down to following and trusting in God during my everyday chaos even though I don’t know where that will take me. I struggle with letting go and letting God at times, but I am getting better at it. I hope you are too.
Week of December 1, 2024 – 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 5-7 KJV
Our Christian Walk should not be done in secret. Godly qualities should be clear and evident in our lives. Christian should be so good at it, that it shines through without us even trying. We need to communicate with God daily, several times a day, through prayer. Give all our anxieties, fears and worries over to Him. That will be when the peace of God will be shown to us, and He will keep, guard, and protect, our heart’s emotions and mind.
Week of November 24, 2024 – 17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3: 17-19
We need this reminder today, especially during a holiday that is focused on blessings. Unlike the world’s emphasis on being thankful only when situations are going well the Bible shows us that we can rejoice and give thanks even in difficult times. During times that we have financial difficulties, health issues, family problems, loss of a loved one, feelings of being overwhelmed, we still need to acknowledge that we can still find joy in the Lord, who was our strength. Circumstances in life may not always go well. Yet, even then, we can take heart and rejoice in the Lord. He is our good Savior, no matter what happens.
Week of November 17, 2024 – “Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Deuteronomy 4:39 KJV
This verse invites us to broaden our connection to God. It encourages us to examine our faith and commitment to Him. It also wants us to consider the significance of having a personal relationship with Him and to contemplate how our beliefs influence our actions and worldview. How does acknowledging God as the single divine being impact the way we live our lives and treat others?