“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night” (Exod. 13:21, NIV).
I was wrestling with a difficult decision. I knew what I wanted to do, but I had no peace. As I was lying in bed weeping over my decision, a friend called me up and said, “Janesta, I was having my devotions, and God told me I should call you.”
Story by LaTasha Hewitt
The Grace Pointe church in New Jersey, formerly known as the First Church of Montclair, recently hosted its first clothes drive to celebrate their community.
“We wanted to thank the community for mak- ing us feel welcome and give back to them,” says Domonique Bebohi, member and event organizer.
Approximately 40 people came through during the drive. Items—donated in perfect condition or new— included men and women’s clothes, ranging from shirts and dresses to shoes and other accessories.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, NKJV).
If someone were to ask me what the best advice I have ever received was, I would quote this verse. I have learned that the Bible is a guide, a place I can go to learn what I need to do.
Satan is the king of lies. He left heaven with that title. And there is no doubt that if he deceived the angels, he can and will deceive us. The devil even deceived me in more ways than I can explain.
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19, NLT).
Traces of this text can be easily seen in my journey with a God who consistently provides for me and my family beyond which we can ever ask or imagine. He is our Jehovah-Jireh, the Source of our provision.
At the end of my seminary experience, I was left hanging in the waiting place. With no pastoral call, not knowing what my next step would be and confined with limited resources, I kept asking God, “What’s the plan?”
“He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’” (Mark 4:40, ESV).
The disciples, several of whom were experienced sailors, had been scared to death as a windstorm brought waves crashing over the side of their boat. Water filled the vessel faster than they could bail it out. Yet, Jesus slept peacefully until the disciples woke him. After calming the storm, He asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
Peter would take this lesson to heart. In Acts 12, he endured a different kind of storm. Shackled between two guards, he slept peacefully in prison though his death was imminent.
“Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You” (1 Chron. 29:13–14, NKJV).
Near the end of his reign, King David assembled the people of Israel for what was one of his last public appearances. It was a praise service in which he recounted God’s providence and all the preparations made for the great work of building the temple of God. More than once, the Bible records that David and Israel’s leaders “offered willingly” to the Lord.
“An honest answer is as pleasing as a kiss on the lips” (Prov. 24:26, NCV).
I can imagine it is an exceptionally busy day for King Solomon. He calls his advisors together to ask for feedback on proposed strategic plans and initiatives which he hopes will enrich the quality of life for the people entrusted to his care. I imagine him turning to his counselors and asking for their opinion, only to see them glancing at each other in a hesitant and uncertain manner, wondering what answer he, the king, would
“Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time” (Heb. 9:28, KJV).
In this Bible verse, the phrase “look for” means to “wait eagerly.” The Greek translation is made up of three parts: apo (away); kara (head); and dokeo (to await). The literal meaning is very similar to a spring turkey hunter. It means to wait with the head outstretched. The prefix, apo, is a turning away from everything else, with your head raised and your eyes fixed on a single object or an object to come.
The North American Division is partnering with Howard County General Hospital to offer a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic and fresh produce giveaway this Sunday, November 21, noon-4 pm and Sunday, December 12, noon-4 pm.
The event takes place at 9705 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia Md., 21046.
Register at www.HCGH.org/vaccine.
Details: Pfizer vaccine. Open to those age 5 and older. Spanish interpreters on site. Booster doses available. Please bring your white vaccine card with you and don’t forget to stop by the parking lot and pick up some free fresh produce.
Enoch walked faithfully with God. Enoch lived a total of 365 years. . .and walked faithfully with God;
– Genesis 5:22-24, NIV
Enoch is one of those people many may not know very well. In fact, we have little information about Enoch, but we do know at least one important thing: Enoch walked faithfully with God.
Walking is a core part of the human experience. It is practical and also a powerful metaphor for the forward movement of our lives. In fact, when we talk about the story of our life, we normally describe it as journey. A long walk.
Walking with someone else takes the basic function of walking to another level.