WEEKLY CHURCH DEVOTIONAL
Episode 12: The Last Enemy
Episode 10: We Have the Same Father
6/20/21
Jesus was profoundly aware even as a child that although he had an earthly father that helped raise Him, He was actually the Son of God which meant that the God of heaven was His real father! He told his parents when they found him in the temple, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:49
He told His disciples, "If ye had known Me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." John 14:7 Yes, the God of us all who is Lord of all is not only known by Jesus but should be known by us all and He taught us how to pray with these first two words, "Our Father....... because He's not only the Father of Jesus but He's our heavenly Father too! And we can go to God in prayer and He will hear and answer our prayers just as surely as He would His only Son's request.
When we all get to heaven we will live in mansions within our Fathers house who Jesus Himself said He went to prepare for us! (John 14:2) One day we will see and touch our heavenly Father and actually be able to sit on His throne with Him and find our eternal place in glory, world without end. Amen!
Happy Father's Day family!!!
Episode 8: Just Graduated
June 7, 2021
My daughter, Cianna Hayden, just graduated from Takoma Academy SDA High School yesterday in Maryland! Isn't it interesting that in order to graduate you must both study diligently as well as pass your exams or tests? It's the same way in our lives before we can graduate or go to the next level we have to pass a test. Now God tempts no man (James 1:13) but it's clear from the Bible just like a good teacher He will test us.
The Bible says in Psalms 11:4 "The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lords throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids try (test) the children of men."
But also like a good teacher He will train and teach us many valuable lessons as well as ensure that if we follow all His instructions we will pass the ultimate test which will take us from this life to the next!
John 5:24 says that "Verily verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation ; but is passed from death unto life."
If you want special prayer or a pastoral visit please reply to this text.
Episode 7: The Greatest Privilege
5/30/21
To walk with God in this world is the greatest privilege we now have looking forward to the promise of reigning with Him for eternity in the earth made new! Thee original Hebrew meaning actually is to set himself to walk which shows an intentional daily seeking and submitting which allowed God to give him the power to walk with Him.
In the path of righteousness with God is peace, love, and joy! Actually the fullness of each and so much more. We will have life more abundantly now and eternal life later!
In the Bible we discover that Enoch was Adam’s great-great-great-great grandson (and Noah’s great grandfather) who lived a holy and faithful life to the Lord (Genesis 5). He also becomes the father of Methuselah, the longest-living man (Genesis 5:27).
After 365 years on earth, God “takes (him) away” Genesis 5:24 “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” It’s interesting how there are 365 days in each year so he lived for God for 365 years until he was closer to heaven in his mindset and lifestyle than the earth touching all things until God decided not to wait until the resurrection at the end of the age but to take him to heaven at that time!
And the Bible says “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” He and his family were saved from the flood and even though he didn’t go straight to heaven godliness was established on the earth for generations to come!
Let us strive to walk with God like Enoch and Noah and we will have the most blessed life and a future secured forever with the Lord!
Episode 6: The First Human Crisis.
5/23/21
The first human crisis is not that people can’t get along nor is it sin in general even though these are good answers. The fact that something wasn’t good in a perfect place after God created man reveals a simple yet profound truth that, “it is not good for man to be alone.” Gen. 2:18a in fact God Himself declared it and God Himself provided a solution! “I will make him a help meet for him.” Gen. 2:18b
This not only refers primarily to the institution of marriage and the family which was intended to be the closest human relationships on earth but in general it also includes the wider scope of interactions that also brings additional benefits and blessings. We were created to be social beings and so loneliness in my opinion was the first human crisis even before sin entered this world.
People will conform, comprise, and change their plans all because they want to be acknowledged and accepted by others. When they don’t feel connected, understood or valued they continue on their search for a less lonely place.
What if our Church can be that safe place where everyone feels welcomed and valued? A place where everyone feels a little less lonely. A healthy and happy spiritual fellowship is nourishment to the soul and helps to connects each one to their Creator! This is how God planned it and even though He said He would never leave us our forsake us, His touch is felt through healthy human Christian relationships.
May 16, 2021
Episode 5: A Promise to Prosper You
Did you know that you will always prosper when your life is in the path God has planned for you? It's both promised and guaranteed to happen because God's word has spoken it and His divine hand will orchestrate it! Psalms 1:3 says, "And he shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." But the prerequisite is that this kind of blessing comes to those who "walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sittest in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." vs. 1 & 2
Gods word must come to pass and His word will never return void! It will be in His perfect time and in His perfect way! in fact, "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." Psalms 138:8 Once your life is in the hands of God and you have His blessing on all you do, He will personally see to it that you prosper exactly as He has ordained.
Philippians 1:6 says that we, "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" This is Gods promise to prosper you! If you want a personal visit or call for prayer reply to this text. May God bless you and have a wonderful week!
May 10, 2021
Church Devotional Episode 4: A Mother's Touch!
Studies have shown the necessity of a mothers touch from birth and throughout the healthy development of the child even to adulthood. From birth the warmth of the mothers touch helps regulate the baby's body temperature and provides comfort and security that gives them a good foundation for future interactions.
Those who have consistent physical contact with their mothers in the early stages tend to not only have physiological stability but emotional and mental benefits as well. Babies not only sleep better but are less likely to cry and even get sick as often and just the right touch or hug can actually help alleviate stress and pain.
We will always remember how our mothers (natural or spiritual) presently or those who are resting in Jesus, have touched our lives. Thank-you to all of our mothers! We recognize a mother's hand and heart in everything from how we dress and care for ourselves to decorations and well prepared meals.
We are inspired by her faith in God's Word and the sincerity of her genuine prayers that touch the ears of God Almighty on His throne! Most do it with no thought of reward but the Lord honors every touch of love and we all can feel Him through the unique and meaningful ways of a mother's touch. Proverbs 31:19, 20 says, "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."
I hope you had a Happy Mother's Day!
5-2-21
EPISODE 3: THE POWER OF TOUCHING AND AGREEING IN PRAYER!
WHEN TWO OR MORE PEOPLE COME TOGETHER ON ONE ACCORD AGREEING AND BELIEVING IN PRAYER SOMETHING MIRACULOUS TAKES PLACE! NOT ONLY DO THEY STRENGTHEN EACH OTHER IN THE LORD BUT JESUS PROMISES TO BE WITH THEM THROUGH THE AGENCY OF THE HOLY GHOST AND WHATEVER THEY ASK HE PERSONALLY ANSWERS!
MATTHEW 18:19,20 “AGAIN I SAY TO YOU, IF TWO OF YOU AGREE ON EARTH ABOUT ANYTHING THEY ASK, IT WILL BE DONE FOR THEM BY MY FATHER IN HEAVEN. FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED IN MY NAME, THERE AM I AMONG THEM.” THE ASV SAYS, “THAT IF TWO OF YOU SHALL AGREE ON EARTH AS TOUCHING ANYTHING THAT THEY SHALL ASK, IT SHALL BE DONE FOR THEM OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN.”
NOTICE, OUR JOB IS TO COME TOGETHER ON ONE ACCORD IN PRAYER AND IT’S OUR HEAVENLY FATHERS JOB TO GET IT DONE. SOME PRAYERS WILL ONLY GET ANSWERED THIS WAY. WE MUST DO OUR PART (EARTHLY) WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF DOING IN ORDER FOR GOD TO DO HIS PART (HEAVENLY) WHICH HE ALONE CAN DO! THIS PROMISE IS CONDITIONAL SO GOD MAY SHOW THE POWER OF UNITED CORPORATE PRAYER (CHURCH). LET’S SEE HOW MANY BELIEVERS WE CAN TOUCH AND AGREE WITH THIS WEEK.
WEEKLY CHURCH DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
4-26-21
EPISODE 2: GOD BLESSES EVERYONE & EVERYTHING HE TOUCHES!
"SO GOD CREATED MAN IN HIS OWN IMAGE, IN THE IMAGE OF GOD CREATED HE HIM; MALE AND FEMALE CREATED HE THEM. AND GOD BLESSED THEM..."(GEN. 1:27,28A) BEFORE GOD ASSIGNED THE MAN AND WOMAN A RESPONSIBILITY OR BEFORE THEY DID ANYTHING GOD LOVED THEM AND BLESSED THEM JUST THE WAY THEY WERE. JUST LIKE THE FIRST PAIR WE WERE BLESSED FROM BIRTH AND CAN'T EARN, BUY, OR TAKE THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD THAT HE ALONE FREELY GIVES. WE CAN ONLY BELIEVE, RECEIVE AND WALK IN IT! GOD BLESSES EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING HE TOUCHES! BECAUSE HE'S COMPLETELY HOLY, JUST AND GOOD THE NATURAL RESULT OF HIS TOUCHIMPACTS US SIGNIFICANTLY AND WE BECOME INTENTIONALLY MORE LIKE HIM EACH DAY AND ARE INEVITABLY BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE. YOU CAN SAY LIKE DAVID, "NOW THEREFORE LET IT PLEASE THEE TO BLESS THE HOUSE OF THY SERVANT, THAT IT MAY BE BEFORE THEE FOR EVER: FOR THOU BLESSEST, O LORD, AND IT SHALL BE BLESSED FOR EVER!" 1 CHR. 17:27 AMEN!
Episode 12: The Last Enemy
Episode 10: We Have the Same Father
6/20/21
Jesus was profoundly aware even as a child that although he had an earthly father that helped raise Him, He was actually the Son of God which meant that the God of heaven was His real father! He told his parents when they found him in the temple, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:49
He told His disciples, "If ye had known Me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." John 14:7 Yes, the God of us all who is Lord of all is not only known by Jesus but should be known by us all and He taught us how to pray with these first two words, "Our Father....... because He's not only the Father of Jesus but He's our heavenly Father too! And we can go to God in prayer and He will hear and answer our prayers just as surely as He would His only Son's request.
When we all get to heaven we will live in mansions within our Fathers house who Jesus Himself said He went to prepare for us! (John 14:2) One day we will see and touch our heavenly Father and actually be able to sit on His throne with Him and find our eternal place in glory, world without end. Amen!
Happy Father's Day family!!!
Episode 8: Just Graduated
June 7, 2021
My daughter, Cianna Hayden, just graduated from Takoma Academy SDA High School yesterday in Maryland! Isn't it interesting that in order to graduate you must both study diligently as well as pass your exams or tests? It's the same way in our lives before we can graduate or go to the next level we have to pass a test. Now God tempts no man (James 1:13) but it's clear from the Bible just like a good teacher He will test us.
The Bible says in Psalms 11:4 "The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lords throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids try (test) the children of men."
But also like a good teacher He will train and teach us many valuable lessons as well as ensure that if we follow all His instructions we will pass the ultimate test which will take us from this life to the next!
John 5:24 says that "Verily verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation ; but is passed from death unto life."
If you want special prayer or a pastoral visit please reply to this text.
Episode 7: The Greatest Privilege
5/30/21
To walk with God in this world is the greatest privilege we now have looking forward to the promise of reigning with Him for eternity in the earth made new! Thee original Hebrew meaning actually is to set himself to walk which shows an intentional daily seeking and submitting which allowed God to give him the power to walk with Him.
In the path of righteousness with God is peace, love, and joy! Actually the fullness of each and so much more. We will have life more abundantly now and eternal life later!
In the Bible we discover that Enoch was Adam’s great-great-great-great grandson (and Noah’s great grandfather) who lived a holy and faithful life to the Lord (Genesis 5). He also becomes the father of Methuselah, the longest-living man (Genesis 5:27).
After 365 years on earth, God “takes (him) away” Genesis 5:24 “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” It’s interesting how there are 365 days in each year so he lived for God for 365 years until he was closer to heaven in his mindset and lifestyle than the earth touching all things until God decided not to wait until the resurrection at the end of the age but to take him to heaven at that time!
And the Bible says “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” He and his family were saved from the flood and even though he didn’t go straight to heaven godliness was established on the earth for generations to come!
Let us strive to walk with God like Enoch and Noah and we will have the most blessed life and a future secured forever with the Lord!
Episode 6: The First Human Crisis.
5/23/21
The first human crisis is not that people can’t get along nor is it sin in general even though these are good answers. The fact that something wasn’t good in a perfect place after God created man reveals a simple yet profound truth that, “it is not good for man to be alone.” Gen. 2:18a in fact God Himself declared it and God Himself provided a solution! “I will make him a help meet for him.” Gen. 2:18b
This not only refers primarily to the institution of marriage and the family which was intended to be the closest human relationships on earth but in general it also includes the wider scope of interactions that also brings additional benefits and blessings. We were created to be social beings and so loneliness in my opinion was the first human crisis even before sin entered this world.
People will conform, comprise, and change their plans all because they want to be acknowledged and accepted by others. When they don’t feel connected, understood or valued they continue on their search for a less lonely place.
What if our Church can be that safe place where everyone feels welcomed and valued? A place where everyone feels a little less lonely. A healthy and happy spiritual fellowship is nourishment to the soul and helps to connects each one to their Creator! This is how God planned it and even though He said He would never leave us our forsake us, His touch is felt through healthy human Christian relationships.
May 16, 2021
Episode 5: A Promise to Prosper You
Did you know that you will always prosper when your life is in the path God has planned for you? It's both promised and guaranteed to happen because God's word has spoken it and His divine hand will orchestrate it! Psalms 1:3 says, "And he shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." But the prerequisite is that this kind of blessing comes to those who "walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sittest in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." vs. 1 & 2
Gods word must come to pass and His word will never return void! It will be in His perfect time and in His perfect way! in fact, "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." Psalms 138:8 Once your life is in the hands of God and you have His blessing on all you do, He will personally see to it that you prosper exactly as He has ordained.
Philippians 1:6 says that we, "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" This is Gods promise to prosper you! If you want a personal visit or call for prayer reply to this text. May God bless you and have a wonderful week!
May 10, 2021
Church Devotional Episode 4: A Mother's Touch!
Studies have shown the necessity of a mothers touch from birth and throughout the healthy development of the child even to adulthood. From birth the warmth of the mothers touch helps regulate the baby's body temperature and provides comfort and security that gives them a good foundation for future interactions.
Those who have consistent physical contact with their mothers in the early stages tend to not only have physiological stability but emotional and mental benefits as well. Babies not only sleep better but are less likely to cry and even get sick as often and just the right touch or hug can actually help alleviate stress and pain.
We will always remember how our mothers (natural or spiritual) presently or those who are resting in Jesus, have touched our lives. Thank-you to all of our mothers! We recognize a mother's hand and heart in everything from how we dress and care for ourselves to decorations and well prepared meals.
We are inspired by her faith in God's Word and the sincerity of her genuine prayers that touch the ears of God Almighty on His throne! Most do it with no thought of reward but the Lord honors every touch of love and we all can feel Him through the unique and meaningful ways of a mother's touch. Proverbs 31:19, 20 says, "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."
I hope you had a Happy Mother's Day!
5-2-21
EPISODE 3: THE POWER OF TOUCHING AND AGREEING IN PRAYER!
WHEN TWO OR MORE PEOPLE COME TOGETHER ON ONE ACCORD AGREEING AND BELIEVING IN PRAYER SOMETHING MIRACULOUS TAKES PLACE! NOT ONLY DO THEY STRENGTHEN EACH OTHER IN THE LORD BUT JESUS PROMISES TO BE WITH THEM THROUGH THE AGENCY OF THE HOLY GHOST AND WHATEVER THEY ASK HE PERSONALLY ANSWERS!
MATTHEW 18:19,20 “AGAIN I SAY TO YOU, IF TWO OF YOU AGREE ON EARTH ABOUT ANYTHING THEY ASK, IT WILL BE DONE FOR THEM BY MY FATHER IN HEAVEN. FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED IN MY NAME, THERE AM I AMONG THEM.” THE ASV SAYS, “THAT IF TWO OF YOU SHALL AGREE ON EARTH AS TOUCHING ANYTHING THAT THEY SHALL ASK, IT SHALL BE DONE FOR THEM OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN.”
NOTICE, OUR JOB IS TO COME TOGETHER ON ONE ACCORD IN PRAYER AND IT’S OUR HEAVENLY FATHERS JOB TO GET IT DONE. SOME PRAYERS WILL ONLY GET ANSWERED THIS WAY. WE MUST DO OUR PART (EARTHLY) WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF DOING IN ORDER FOR GOD TO DO HIS PART (HEAVENLY) WHICH HE ALONE CAN DO! THIS PROMISE IS CONDITIONAL SO GOD MAY SHOW THE POWER OF UNITED CORPORATE PRAYER (CHURCH). LET’S SEE HOW MANY BELIEVERS WE CAN TOUCH AND AGREE WITH THIS WEEK.
WEEKLY CHURCH DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
4-26-21
EPISODE 2: GOD BLESSES EVERYONE & EVERYTHING HE TOUCHES!
"SO GOD CREATED MAN IN HIS OWN IMAGE, IN THE IMAGE OF GOD CREATED HE HIM; MALE AND FEMALE CREATED HE THEM. AND GOD BLESSED THEM..."(GEN. 1:27,28A) BEFORE GOD ASSIGNED THE MAN AND WOMAN A RESPONSIBILITY OR BEFORE THEY DID ANYTHING GOD LOVED THEM AND BLESSED THEM JUST THE WAY THEY WERE. JUST LIKE THE FIRST PAIR WE WERE BLESSED FROM BIRTH AND CAN'T EARN, BUY, OR TAKE THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD THAT HE ALONE FREELY GIVES. WE CAN ONLY BELIEVE, RECEIVE AND WALK IN IT! GOD BLESSES EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING HE TOUCHES! BECAUSE HE'S COMPLETELY HOLY, JUST AND GOOD THE NATURAL RESULT OF HIS TOUCHIMPACTS US SIGNIFICANTLY AND WE BECOME INTENTIONALLY MORE LIKE HIM EACH DAY AND ARE INEVITABLY BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE. YOU CAN SAY LIKE DAVID, "NOW THEREFORE LET IT PLEASE THEE TO BLESS THE HOUSE OF THY SERVANT, THAT IT MAY BE BEFORE THEE FOR EVER: FOR THOU BLESSEST, O LORD, AND IT SHALL BE BLESSED FOR EVER!" 1 CHR. 17:27 AMEN!