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"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (RSV)  John 3:16 stands as a powerful testament to the depth of God's love, capturing its essence in a few poignant words. It holds a revered position as one of the most well-known and frequently cited verses in the Bible. This verse is often prominently displayed during football games, parades, graffiti, and various other settings. Max Lucado's book entitled, "The 3:16, The Numbers of Hope", offers profound insights from influential figures: 1. CeCe Winans profoundly regards John 3:16 as the cornerstone of her faith, underlining the divine love that paves the way to salvation. 2. Jeff Foxworthy, a comedian, perceives it as a promise extending hope to the despondent, a compassionate response to human frailty met with the Father's redemptive grace. Contemplating John 3:16 leads one to reflect on the profound significance of God's love and the grace it bestows, instilling a sense of assurance among the faithful. Amen! Questions: How does John 3:16 impact you? In what ways is this verse reflected in your daily worship or journey with Jesus? Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise conveyed in John 3:16. Amen. 2023 'INTENTIONAL' "For God so Loved......"

As we transition into a new season and approach the end of the year, take a moment for introspection: "What is something in your life that you need to release, to purge, or let go of?" Before moving into a new season or progressing toward spiritual maturity, each of us will need to shed the burdens that hinder our growth. Hebrews 12:1 reminds us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.” (NLT) Amen! Beloved, when the Lord purges us, it signifies His desire to free us from sin, unnecessary burdens, and impurities in our lives. Take a moment for introspection and ask yourself: "What is something in your life that you need to release, to purge, or let go of?" (No pressure or expectation to share or text your answer). May God bless you abundantly on this beautiful Friday. 2023 'INTENTIONAL' "Reflect on the Act of Letting Go"

"The Lord keeps watch over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love." - Psalm 33:18 (NLT) Did you realize that God has never missed a single moment watching over you or me? Not one second—amen! His boundless goodness, grace, and mercy accompany us through every moment, whether we're absorbed in personal struggles, experiencing rejection, or reveling in a season of joy. As expressed in Psalm 23:1 (KJV), "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." He is the compassionate Shepherd, our Heavenly Father, guiding, caring, and comforting us—Jehovah-Rohi, our personal Protector. Reflecting on El Roi, the name signifying God watches over all, perceiving our deepest feelings of being lost or unloved, brings immense glory! Prayer: Thank You, Jesus! #Yahweh #Jehovah-Rohi #theGOODShepherd #HEcoversME #JESUS

Dear God, as each day of this week begins, help me, [Your Name], to recognize YOU above all else. Open the eyes of my heart to see YOUR work [your name] in my [your name] life. Grant me [your name] wisdom for each day and a deep desire to seek YOU above all else. Lord God, let YOUR Spirit breathe in me [your name], renewing me afresh. Thank YOU for being greater than any challenge I [your name] may face. YOUR presence goes with me [your name], and YOUR mercy and joy are my lasting strength. Glory! May I [your name] rest in YOUR covering, and may YOUR mercy and favor bring joy to my heart. I thank YOU wholeheartedly in Jesus' Name, Amen!

"What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete—as complete as God's knowledge of me". Corinthians 13:12 (GNT) 'Distortion of Faith' Inspired by Pastor Evans When a spoon is placed in a glass of water that's only two-thirds full, it appears as if the spoon is bent or broken. This optical effect is known as refraction. It's important to understand that the spoon is neither bent nor broken; this illusion occurs due to the way light behaves when passing through the water, causing a distortion. Our current world has also created a form of refraction in the way we perceive life. It has distorted our view of life, leading people to adopt a perspective defined by secular culture. This distortion results in a refracted view of reality. In reality, if you closely examine the world order, it might seem like your faith is faltering. However, it's not that your faith is broken; rather, it's the distorted view of this world order influencing your faith. As Colossians 3:2 (GNT) strongly encourages us, "Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth." Amen! 2023 'INTENTIONAL' "Stay Focused on Jesus"

"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."  Romans 10:9-10

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 (RSV)  Blaise Pascal once expressed, "There is a void in the heart of every person, uniquely designed for God, the Creator, revealed through Jesus, which nothing else can fill." Questions: (1) How has the Word influenced your heart and thoughts? (2) Is the Word still molding your heart? Lord make me and mold me into the person You want. me to be. The Bible says in Isaiah 64:8 that He is the. potter and we are the clay. Prayer: Holy Spirit, sculpt my heart to glorify JESUS! Ignite my passion for studying the Word to transform my behavior and thinking. Most importantly, may I find joy in being reshaped by the Word. Amen! 2023   'INTENTIONAL' "I'm in the Potter's Hands"

"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!!