"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8–9 As Christmas approaches, many people ask, “Is there a gift for me?” We look under trees, wait for packages, and anticipate surprises. Yet the greatest gift ever given is not wrapped in paper or placed beneath a tree, it was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8–9 that s

Renewed Hope in God This Christmas According to a November 28, 2023 study by Dean Talbot of the WordsRated Report, on average, a person hears between 20,000 and 30,000 words per day. This translates to approximately 20 to 30 words per minute during waking hours. Imagine how many times we hear phrases like, “I hope I get this or that for Christmas.” Based on this average, such a phrase could be heard 20 to 30 times in a single day. The repetition of these words reminds us that

December reminds us that every life is a gift from God. As we mark birthdays and anniversaries this month, we pause to rejoice in His faithfulness, His perfect timing, and His unfailing love that sustains us through every season. Each birthday is a testimony that before we were formed, the Lord already knew us and set us apart for His purpose (Jeremiah 1:5). Each anniversary is a reminder that what God has joined together, no one can separate (Mark 10:9). These celebrations a

Good News in Troubled Times When we turn on the news today, much of what we see echoes the words of Matthew 24: wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, betrayal, deception, and love growing cold. These are indeed the “beginning of sorrows.” Families wrestle with division, governments struggle with corruption, churches face challenges, and workplaces are filled with stress and uncertainty. It would be easy to lose hope in suc

GRATITUDE IS OUR CALLING, THE POWER OF THANKSGIVING “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This verse doesn’t say “give thanks for everything,” but “in everything.” That means even in hardship, uncertainty, and waiting, we are called to give thanks, not because the situation is good, but because God is. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday, it is a holy posture. In a world filled with complaints, compar

In a world that often magnifies what’s missing, gratitude is a sacred discipline that magnifies what remains. The question, “What are you thankful for?” is not just a prompt for reflection; it is a call to spiritual alignment. Scripture reminds us, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Giving thanks is not reserved for moments of abundance or ease. It is a command that transcends circumstance. It is t

Let love lead the way in everything you do. In a world quick to expose faults, replay offenses, and rehearse division, the Word of God calls us to a higher standard, love that covers, love that restores, love that protects unity. Proverbs 17:9 reminds us that true love does not delight in broadcasting wrongs but seeks reconciliation. When love leads, we choose mercy over judgment, silence over gossip, and healing over harm. Love is not weakness, it is divine strength. It is t

We are all called to give thanks. Not just when things are good, but especially when they are not. Giving thanks is not optional, it is commanded. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We are supposed to do it. We are expected to do it. We are instructed by heaven to do it. Take a moment and sit down. Turn on the news. Look around. Matthew 24 is unfolding before our eyes, wars, famines, earthquakes, b

“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.” Jeremiah 23:21 Today is Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, and I am sitting in my office, watching the calamities on the news unfolding around us, locally, nationally, and internationally, I was moved to immediate intercession. As the news cycled from one issue or crisis to the next, I am reminded of a message from my 2020 archives titled, “WHOSE VOICE ARE YOU LISTENING TO?” BELOW YOU W

Faith is not wishful thinking, it is divine assurance. It is the spiritual anchor that holds us steady when the winds of life howl and the waves threaten to overwhelm. Faith is the unseen bridge between our present pain and God’s promised peace. It is the quiet confidence that God is still sovereign, even when chaos surrounds us. Faith matters now more than ever. These are days of shaking, political unrest, economic uncertainty, moral confusion, and spiritual warfare. Hearts

The Wisdom to Speak and the Grace to Be Silent In a world overflowing with opinions, reactions, and commentary, the Spirit-filled...

As I sit in my office, preparing for upcoming journaling and podcast episodes, the soothing sound of rain plays softly in the background. As a retired English teacher of over 30 years and a minister for 60 years, I desire to use my education, and the gifts God has given me to encourage whomever I can, through each writing, verbal encounter and life living. The sound of rain it something I often use to wind down at night, a calming rhythm that quiets the tempest of the mind an

Stand Still, Your Salvation Is in Sight Exodus 14:13 (KJV) “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the...

Remove the Tape, Your Voice Is Anointed to Speak Psalm 81:10 “Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Just a few days ago, I traveled out of state for a ministry engagement. I followed every instruction, email confirmations, text alerts, TSA protocols. I arrived early, passed through security, and waited quietly at the gate. When it was time for preboarding, I was in line, prepared and patient. But then, someone stepped in front of me and others, with a tone of entitlement

John 14:27 (KJV) — “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be...

Isaiah 58:1, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob...

Things happen in our lives that stir up a whirlwind of emotions, joy, sorrow, confusion, and sometimes even numbness. We may not all...

I was sitting at a table in Panera Bread, trying to gather my thoughts, when the noise of the world came crashing in. My ABC News app...

Let’s tell the truth: the world feels like it’s unraveling and many of us feel as if we are falling without a parachute. Sickness is...

“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down...