My Items

"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart."
Proverbs 27:19 Please read about the new series that we will be starting called "An Understanding Heart." https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:c7ceae87-18df-47ee-82e9-545ae92e5b50

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever." - Psalm 107:1 In a recent article by Beth Dalbey of Patch Staff titled "As We Approach The Holiday Season, What Are You Thankful For?" she highlighted the health benefits of expressing gratitude, citing research that shows its positive effects on both physiology and psychology. Expressing thanks not only improves sleep, mood, and immunity but also reduces depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and the risk of diseases, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dalbey emphasized that despite our brains' natural tendency to focus on problem-solving rather than appreciation, the practice of gratitude offers immense benefits. It's a joy that stems from within, enabled by Jesus, allowing us to see beyond the ordinary and embrace His promises fully. Regardless of the season or the challenges one faces, there's always reason to praise Him. Even amidst personal achievements and the best moments of life, the joy radiating from within should unequivocally direct all praise to Yahweh. "So, as we approach the holiday season, what are you thankful for?" Reflect on:  "Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms." Psalms 95:2 (NKJV) Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am abundantly thankful for YOU done. Thank You! Amen. 2023  'INTENTIONAL' #DeeplyThankful #JesusThankYou #athankfulheart #Thanksgiving  #continuePraise4Him

"The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” Lamentations 3:25-26
Beloved these verses speak volumes to our soul, or to the spiritual part of our being. The author illuminates the slender of a soul that rests and HOPES in the Lord. Literally, being in silence and abstaining from all complaining. Resting with confidence, faith and joy waiting on the Lord. Glory! Let’s keep going here, it is a good thing and wonderful experience to HOPE in the Lord of things unseen, our future. To remain hopeful as one processes through difficulties, setbacks, cancellations and yet possibilities. Loved ones, HOPE is essential to faith and not wandering away from it. YES! If at any time HOPE becomes impatient, faith can be extremely challenged to believe in and continuing. Nevertheless, may this devotion provide a shot of renewed hope! Praise God! Question: how is your HOPE in Christ? How does your HOPE meter read? Is it 'low' or high? My brother inspired me with, I'm quietly depending on the Lord for strength and deliverance. He continues to show His grace and although I don't deserve it, He continues to offer mercy. Amen.
2022 'INTENTIONAL'
"My HOPE is in Jesus"

I once read a story that expressed the following: "What if you told your son, "I put 100 dollars in the bank for you." And he said, "Are you sure? I want to see the deposit slip." You say, "Son, you've got to believe me!" The boy answers, "Well, maybe I can just withdraw it look at it and put it back. Dad, can you give me some proof?" Question: "How would you feel?"
Thomas said, "I need some proof that God keeps His word." He asked to see the sign of the nail marks and wound in his side. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and believe." Beloved, while reading different commentaries, books and listening to sermons, there are quite a few people who talk negatively about Thomas. I’m not one who subscribes to that line of thinking. If we really take in account time, the threats (both from religious leaders and government) and having your faith rocked by death, there could be legitimate reasons to ask for evidence. Sometimes I ask myself the question, how would I have responded? Faith can grow and mature. All Believers are in different places of their faith walk and thus it is imperative that we remain sensitive towards others as they seek understanding of faith. Keep in mind as we coach others, that large faith isn't required. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." This is a season of coaching, mentoring and inspiring many to simply trust God. There are people who need their faith reignited. Be kind, gentle and ready to give an answer. Praise God!!
2022 'INTENTIONAL' "Steadfast FAITH in Jesus"

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16
Happy Friday beloved. I pray that all is well with you and your loved ones. I'm pretty sure that you have heard the statement, 'truth hurts'. Well it does, however during my life I never witnessed the Word (truth), harm anyone. Pastor Kerry O'Neil stated once, "There is a wonderful book entitled "Boundaries" in which the authors differentiate two words - Hurt and Harm". Pastor O' Neil continued to explain the differences between hurt vs harm. Think of these examples. If I were to eat an entire 2 pound bag of peanut M&M's (which I sadly am fully capable of doing!) would it hurt me? No, it would feel great! Would it harm me? Yes, it would harm my health, my teeth, etc.
How about visiting the dentist? Would it hurt? Yes. Would it harm? No, it will keep me from harm.
A good parent will allow his child to be hurt in order to keep them from harm. Listen, would it be cruel of me to pull my daughter's hair to save her life as she was about to step into the path of a bus? It would hurt her, but save her from harm. A benevolent parent would 'NEVER' harm his child! But to avoid harm, we must allow our children to experience some hurt. Be encouraged, let the Word perform its work in you. It wouldn't harm you! Let dwell in you richly.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You! For the Word heals and doesn't seek to harm us. Amen!
2022 'INTENTIONAL' The Word Heals!!

Pastor Mark Eberly stated; "Learn from others. Learn from their mistakes. Learn from their advice". Pastor continued with, "There was a guy named Ray who was too self-centered to do that. He wouldn’t seek advice only looking for people to tell him that what he was thinking was right. He didn’t really want his father’s advice to help instead wanting him to agree with him. Ray remained un-teachable. He couldn’t accept the teachings of others because he was the king". May we remember and learn from Solomon who in the beginning was very teachable. When looking back on my life and the different experiences, I can see how I started out great by requesting help but drifted due to my confidence canceling out thoughts in asking for assistance. Solomon did not know what to do at first, so he asked, "Help me, God, to know what is right and wrong.
In 1 Kings 3:3, Solomon is described in the following positive terms: “Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father.” One night, the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask what I shall give you” (verse 5). In response, Solomon answered, “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (verse 9). May we always remain teachable. Ray on the other hand wanted nothing, but to help himself.
2022 'INTENTIONAL'
"Lord, May I Remain Teachable"

by Elder Pascal and PL When I was a child, my siblings and I traveled to different places that included New Orleans, Louisiana to visit relatives. My parents would gather us up to experience Mammoth mountains, beaches, parks, and amusement parks.
Not only then, but even today, I am convinced that nothing could separate the love they had for each of us. Their love and care for us was paramount. Listen, even as we care and assist in my mom's recovery, I still witness her love for us.
"I AM CONVINCED!!" Beloved, through all that we have gone through, we should hold in our hearts Romans 8:38-39. The verses express the following: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears of today nor our worries regarding tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Are You Convinced? A great song by Richard Smallwood says, "Oh how He loves you and me...Oh how He loves you and me. He gave His life, what more could He give, Oh how He loves you and me."
Have a fantastic weekend.
2022 'INTENTIONAL' "Steadfast FAITH in Jesus"

Prayer: Lord, let me live from day to day in such a self-forgetful way that even when I kneel to pray, my prayer shall be for others. Dear Lord, there are many that need encouragement and real assistance, so my eyes remain open and heart sensitive. May You bless my hands and task that You’ve ordained when helping others. YES and praise Your Name. Jesus, thank You for speaking into my heart in view of others. Proverbs 19:17 says; "Those who are gracious to the poor lend to the Lord, and the Lord will fully repay them." The Good News: In many ways, the mere act of being charitable is its own reward. But as this verse notes, being compassionate to people who are less fortunate is also something that God will reward." Glory 2022 'INTENTIONAL' "Steadfast FAITH in Jesus"

by Dr. Larry Petton Dr. Larry Petton expressed how the following chapter in David Platt's book, "Radical", entitled, "Beginning at the End of Ourselves -- The Importance of Relying on God's Power" (Subsection entitled - “Dependent on Ourselves or Desperate for His Spirit?”) convicted him as a Pastor.
Dr. Petton admits that he is a part of a system that has created a whole host of means and methods, plans and strategies for doing church that require little, if any, power from God. He continues, "I am frightened by the reality that the church I lead can carry on most of our activities never realizing that the Holy Spirit of God is virtually absent from the picture.”
Prayer: Father God, it is our laser focused request that Your Holy Spirit remain favorably active in every area our ministries (that includes all churches and ministries operating in Jesus' Name, not just wscog.net ). Father God, may the Holy Spirt rest in and throughout our outreach/ evangelistic and missions' movements for Your glory. It is our prayer that no one perishes. May we remain eagerly waiting for His promptings now and in years to come. Amen
2022 'INTENTIONAL' "Steadfast FAITH in Jesus"

For you that are non believers, what's the reason you've decided to live your current lifestyle or whats opposed you to Christianity?
We really want to know and honestly curious about your decision.
#GettingToKnowYou2022

I once read; "A church that has a passion is a church where "Discouraged folks cheer up, dishonest folks moral up, sour folks sweeten up, closed folk open up, gossipers shut up, conflicted folks make up, sleeping folks wake up, lukewarm folk fire up, dry bones shakeup, and pew potatoes stand up! But most of all, Christ the Savior of the entire world is lifted up." YES!
But today we work with, live near, and rub shoulders with people who lack the revelation of God's truth, love and His Word that provides power to live abundantly. Also, for a lack of better words, there is a disdain for the church for various reasons, still, looking for the church to be the church. They aren’t religious, they have no church background, they don’t know what the bible says, and frankly, they don’t care - they really have no interest in spiritual things. Yet, more importantly, may your spirit become encouraged to remind ourselves that 'WE ARE THE CHURCH'! AMEN.
We are the folks that offer kindness and help to the helpless. We are the church that prays for situations that we are not living, but with compassion, we pray. We are the church. We are the church that after worship service, we approach each day with the joy of the Lord and to be open for His use. The beauty of our faith is that it delivers and transforms us to be reflectors of God's goodness. So with excitement, may we "Be the church when the worship service is over". Folks are struggling with mental challenges in large numbers, so let’s be the church that seeks to offer real help and comfort. In our authentic approach in God's calling do not be afraid or apprehensive in being the church. Matthew 16:18 encourages us with these words, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it".
Be the church, after service is over! Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for empowering me to live beyond the walls. Amen.
2021 'INTENTIONAL'
"We're ALL In"

There are a number of people that are only interested in Jesus' function as a sin-sacrifice or miracle worker, but do not want a relationship with Him. There are Believers who submit to His callings partially, but not 'FULLY' active, however not living a devoted life that brings honor to His Name. With careful and consistent review of our daily walk and viewed 'NOT' from our prideful lens, may we fearlessly open our heart to be transformed into a disciple of Christ. Amen. Catch this, we invest into our spiritual lives, because we understand our 'SELF-WORTH'. It is the enemy who works overtime to throw us off of our destiny. Glory!
Take note, what we carry out for the kingdom is important, however walking in obedience to the Word of God is absolute. Let's punch this out a bit more. When it is finished, the moment folks take their last breath and cross over into eternity, the following will be witnessed. Matthew 7:21-23 says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers". Are you ready? The questions that I ask myself, are you caught up in accomplishing goals, more than drawing even closer to Jesus? Am I submitting to HIM daily?
Be greatly encouraged! You are loved, valued beyond human understanding and pursued by Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will Provide daily. Glory! Verse of the day: Romans 10:9-10
(NKJ V), 9 "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for not giving up on me. Lord, may I draw closer to You through the Holy Spirit's promptings and the revelation of the Word. Amen
2021 'INTENTIONAL'
#IknowmySelfWorth #preparing4Hisreturn #walkinginobedeince #repentingisGOOD