No matter the challenge, obstacle, test, trial, or situation, we are thankful that THE LORD hears us.  REFLECTION IS NOT LIMITED to past events. We thank HIM for our past, we thank HIM for the present, and we bless HIM for our future. He heard us BEFORE, he hears us DURING, and he will hear us AFTER the Pandemic.  Saints of The Most High God, in your time of reflection, remember not only to look back, but also to look forward in sincere appreciation.  

Prothaniel Harris 

Nov 5 ~ KNOWING THE GOD WHO HEARS: PRAYER, THE ULTIMATE WEAPON AGAINST FEAR

Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

It was Thursday, January 23, 2020, when my faith, my trust, and my confidence in God was tested.  My wife and I were informed that our son had a mass on his brain that was causing blurred vision and recurring headaches, and it needed to be removed immediately!  As the surgeon explained his diagnosis, my chest began to tighten up, the room began to spin out of control and fill up with fear, doubt, worry, and anxiety, BUT GOD!!!  In this focus verse, the Apostle Paul was advising the Phillipians not to worry about life circumstances, but to pray and make their needs known unto GOD!  When we are facing the uncertainties of life events, don’t focus on the circumstances, focus on prayer because it is the ultimate weapon to overcome fear, anxiety, and doubt.  Saints, let us not forget that we have a God that is able to do EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY, above ALL that we ask!

Cedric Love

Nov 4 ~ KNOWING THE GOD WHO HEARS:  TRUST THE GOD WHO KNOWS BEST

Isaiah 55:9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

We see people dying from COVID-19, fires burning out of control, tropical storms, and injustice due to police brutality.  With all the troubles in our world, it is easy to get distracted and get our minds away from the Word of God.  But let me remind you that we serve a God that is sovereign, who has not lost any of His power, and knows what is best for us. Don’t be troubled by what you see because this world is not our home! I encourage you to seek those things that are eternal, keep the faith, and trust God because He knows best.

Darlene Allen 

Nov 3 ~ KNOWING THE GOD WHO HEARS: NO GREATER LOVE THAN GOD

Matthew 11: 23-24 “And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.”

Saints, it’s important that we live a life that pleases God. God is calling for us to be honest and pure because no sin will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. I encourage us all to be strong and continue to stay before the face of God because he knows our troubles and our struggles. He is merciful, forgiving, and his love for us amounts to no other greater love. Stay encouraged saints!

Jordan Haywood

Nov 2 ~ KNOWING THE GOD WHO HEARS: BELIEVING FOR REAL

Mark 11:23 “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

Times come when we say, “I trust God.”  But to really trust God is to not have a doubt in your mind. Whenever you come to God in prayer and have the right motive for what you are praying about, God will hear you. Follow God’s guide (The Bible) and through His Word you will understand there’s nothing too hard for Him.

Donald Barker

Nov 1 ~ KNOWING THE GOD WHO HEARS: THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD

I John 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:”

How is it that man can take a tree that he himself cuts down, carves, paints, brings into his home, places it on his table and calls it his “god?”  As far-fetched as it may seem, we see a society of people creating gods out of their automobiles, spouses, children, jobs, and even out of themselves.  There are many small gods, but these gods can do nothing about your situation or problem.  But when you know who and what you know through an intimate relationship with God, you can ask anything according to His will and He hears you.  Today, take advantage of the privilege you have to talk to the only One who can both hear and do something about your situation.

Pastor Michael Bender

Oct 31 ~ THE NEW LIFE SHOULD NEVER GET OLD:  PUTTING ON THE NEW MAN

Colossians 3:10 “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”

When we are saved, we put away the old self, full of worldly, sinful behavior and put on the new man in Christ Jesus.  As new creatures in Christ, we live differently from the world.  The way we look, talk, and walk now reflects Christ who is in us.  We are designed to grow in Christ and be like Him.  As we read His Word, pray, and fast, we conform to His image and His way.

Tana Covington

Oct 30 ~ THE NEW LIFE SHOULD NEVER GET OLD:  NEW LIFE

Colossians 3:9 “ Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;”

We have been blessed by our Pastor Bender’s teaching on the Beatitudes.  As saints of God, we must take on His attitude and pull off the old man.  Colossians 3:9 reminds us that we are no more liars; this is an attitude that reflects the old man.  But we as new creatures in Christ, must replace lying with showing love one to another.  Because God is love and we have God in us, we can love others knowing that everything else will fall in place.  

James Moorer

Oct 29 ~ THE NEW LIFE SHOULD NEVER GET OLD:  THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A CHANGED LIFE

Colossians 3:8 “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”

In the prior verses of this text, Paul urges believers to “put to death” sins and ungodly behaviors such as wrath (the act of revenge), malice (the desire to harm or hope for harm of another person), slander (putting down other people or speaking lies, harsh speech, or gossip against others), and obscene talk (speech that is vulgar and intended to be offensive).  If we’re not careful, the root of these behaviors can start with unchecked anger.  God clearly states that vengeance is His, and we must be careful to allow Him to handle His business.  Our business is to yield to HIM and to recognize that in order to walk as joint-heirs with Christ, you can no longer live the same lifestyle prior to Christ. Be free of past weights and sin, because the Christian life is truly a changed life!

Priscilla Christian

Oct 28 ~ THE NEW LIFE SHOULD NEVER GET OLD:  GRATEFUL

Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Serving our illustrious God is very fruitful for the believer.  In fact, the more I serve and worship Him, the more I want to call upon that great name, JESUS!  There is power, love, healing, joy, kindness, peace, whatever you need in Him.  Psalms 121:4-5 states, “Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.”

Aloysius Colin