Good evening brethren, I felt in my spirit that someone needed this word of exhortation, Not just the obvious ones… but the subtle ones we don’t always call out. The pressure to have it all figured out. The need for approval. The hustle that slowly replaces trust. The backup plans we cling to instead of faith. Sometimes it’s not that we stop believing in God we just start relying on other things more. This has been a personal check for me lately: What am I leaning on when things feel uncertain? What gets my first attention, my first trust, my first response? I’m learning that surrender isn’t weakness it’s alignment. So I’m praying this, and maybe you are too: Lord, let every other god fade away every distraction, every false source of security, every silent idol. What’s one thing you’ve had to consciously release or realign lately? Feel free and Let’s talk about it and I believe God will grant us a peaceful response at the end of it. Amen

“Do I Really Need More Stuff” “Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”” ~ Luke 12:15 NIV Actress Shannen Doherty who passed away from stage 4 breast cancer once said that her battle with cancer had changed her perspective on her physical possessions. She told People magazine (July 15, 2024) she accumulated a lot of antiques, but they were sitting in storage. “I’m not enjoying it and others aren’t enjoying it, and do I really need any of it? Do I need to have three dining room tables? The answer is no, none of us really need all the stuff that we have.” We’re living at a time ancient kings couldn’t conceive. A time when inventions, devices, technologies, and new products are coming at us on a daily basis. How do we keep our perspective? When we give the first ten percent or more of our income to the Lord, it helps us find balance. Our best way to deal with life of materialism is by gifting to others. Giving always connected with money, materials, and properties. There are some more things we can give to others such as, love, compassion, mercy, tender care, thanks, forgiveness, time and fellowship. We can invest our talents and knowledge in others. The knowledge grows when we share with others. “There is nothing wrong with me possessing riches. The wrong comes when riches possess men.” ~Billy Graham “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” ~2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV Amen…

“This Is The Day God Made!” “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. ~Psalms 118:24 NIV Every day is a new day which has been given to each of us by our Heavenly Father, God our Creator. What a beautiful gift. A new day to behold His creation, to enjoy loved ones in our lives, to praise and worship God in the morning, the afternoon and the evening. Truly, let us rejoice and be glad for all God has done for us, will do through us and who will walk beside us daily. Praise be to God! How do we serve God in our lives? We can turn to Scripture to find out. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it. Let’s start by reading these chapters: Psalms 113 - 118, yes it’s going to take a minute. Psalms 113-118 comprise a wonderful 6 psalm praise to God called the “Egyptian Hallel” (Hallel meaning praise in the Hebrew.) These 6 psalms were sung during the main Jewish holidays, Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of the Tabernacles. Traditionally, Psalms 113 and 114 were sung before the Passover meal and Psalms 115 through 118 afterwards, reflecting on their deliverance from Egypt. Psalm 118 was most likely sung by Jesus Christ Himself and the disciples before they left the upper room in Jerusalem the night He was betrayed. The two challenges to joy are adversity and ingratitude. It takes a choice to rejoice; I WILL be glad and rejoice in it! Circumstances don’t determine joy, it comes from the Lord, in spite of circumstances. “It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow... Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today.”~Robert J. Hastings “You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” ~ Psalms 118:28-29 NIV Amen…

A while back, I caught myself thanking God only after things worked out. But one season, nothing seemed to move. Prayers felt quiet. Progress felt slow. And honestly, I didn’t feel very, thankful. One day I decided to thank God anyway, not because everything was perfect, but because I realized He had already been faithful before and that hadn’t changed. Slowly, my perspective shifted. The situation didn’t change overnight, but my heart did. Peace came first. Clarity followed. Then momentum. Thanksgiving has a way of realigning us. It reminds us that even in waiting seasons, there’s still something to acknowledge, learn from, and grow through. Curious to hear from you fellow brother and sister in Christ, What’s something you’re grateful for right now, even if life isn’t exactly where you want it to be? Has gratitude ever changed your outlook in a tough season? Let’s share and encourage one another.