Antioch Missionary Baptist Church€¦ · 21/01/2019 · PAGE 3 | 21-DAY FAST AND PRAYER DEVOTIONAL Prayer - The Christian’s Privilege Let me begin by saying, prayer in the lives

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church21-Day Fast and Prayer DevotionalJanuary 5, 2019 to January 25, 2019

VISION BEYOND RESOURCES | PAGE 2

21-Day Fast and Prayer DevotionalJanuary 5, 2019 to January 25, 2019

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church is a ministry whose purpose is “to promote Christ Jesus above all”. We provide a sound teaching and preaching ministry.

Guidelines for Fasting During the 21-Day Fasting Period:

(For all those with a medical condition that does not allow adherence to the Fasting Hours Guidelines, abstaining from other

activities that you would consider sacrificial, will suffice during that time frame.)

Fasting Times: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM - Fluids OnlyFasting Times: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM - Fluids Only

See page 4 for guidelines for the Daniel Fast.

Antioch Missionary Baptist ChurchPastor Charles Jones311 East Broadway Street

Oviedo, FL 32765Telephone: (407) 365-5341Facsimile: (407) 365-9951

http://www.antioch-mbc.org/

PAGE 3 | 21-DAY FAST AND PRAYER DEVOTIONAL

Prayer - The Christian’s Privilege

Let me begin by saying, prayer in the lives of many believers has been minimized to being nothing more than a “religious activity or responsibility” instead of being the vehicle that touches the heart of God. When we lose sight of the fact that we are communicating or calling upon an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent Creator who is God of the universe, who also happens to be “our Father”, we can become overwhelmed by the severity of our situation.

We must understand that we are not calling upon another human being or some distant, disinterested deity, but our Father who has no limitations. If I can find it in His Word, and agree with what He has said, the facts of my situation will have to line up with the truth of His word. We that are saved by faith in Jesus Christ have a great inheritance because of our relationship with Him. Sometimes we allow our blessings to lay dormant because we fail to claim them by prayer.

Listen to John the Apostle in 1 John 5:13-15:

13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Let us be reminded that facts change every day, but the truth never changes. Here is a key to answered prayer: we must decide to believe the truth above fluctuating facts. Considering that, we must also realize that we do have a legitimate expectation of manifestation (answered prayers) in our lives when we pray. Prayer is more than religion or a believer’s responsibility, but a relationship with our Father!

A Word From Our Pastor


What is the Daniel Fast?

The Daniel Fast is based upon the prophet Daniel’s fasting experiences as recorded in the Bible. Scripture gives us some insight (such as in Dan. 10:3) into what he ate and didn’t eat; however, we don’t know his complete menu. What we do know is this: In Daniel 1, Daniel chose not to eat the royal food that he was being served and ate only vegetables and drank water.

The Daniel Fast Guidelines Try not to get too hung up on what you should and shouldn’t eat. Remember, the most important part of the fast is that you deny yourself physically so that you may seek the Lord in prayer and grow closer to Him. Your particular fast may look a little different than someone else’s, but that’s okay. These food guidelines are meant to be just that – a guide. They are given to help you create boundaries for your fast.

The Daniel Fast Food List All fruits and vegetables – fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned. All whole grains – amaranth, barley, brown rice, oats, quinoa, millet, and whole wheat. All nuts & seeds – almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds; unsweetened almond milk. Nut butters are also included. All legumes – canned or dried; black beans, black eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans, and split peas. All quality oils – avocado, coconut, grape seed, olive, peanut, sesame, and walnut. Beverages – distilled water, filtered water, and spring water. Other – unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, or soy milk; herbs, spices, salt, pepper, unsweetened coconut flakes, seasonings, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, soy products, and tofu.

Foods to Avoid on the Daniel Fast All meat & animal products – beef, buffalo, fish, lamb, poultry, and pork. All dairy products – butter, cheese, cream, eggs, and milk. All sweeteners – agave nectar, artificial sweeteners, cane juice, honey, molasses, raw sugar, syrups, stevia, and sugar. All leavened bread & yeast – baked goods and Ezekiel bread (if it contains yeast and honey). All refined & processed food products – artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, preservatives, white flour, and white rice. All deep-fried foods – corn chips, French fries, and potato chips. All solid fats – lard, margarine, and shortening. Beverages – alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, energy drinks, herbal tea


The story of the boy from Mark 9, demonic possession was responsible for the boy’s seizures. Because the disciples did not fast while Jesus was with them but were expected to do so when He left them (Luke 5:33-35), they were unable to cast out a certain kind of demon. Like for both Job and Daniel, there are times when our prayers or something we desire are “held up” due to the resistance from certain demonic forces. Ephesians 6:12 describes demonic forces and since they are spiritual entities we must use prayer as our spiritual weapons in combat against these forces to release what is being held up.

When in battle with an enemy, reinforcements are sometimes needed to win. However, 2 Corinthians 10:4 states “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” As Jesus explained to his disciples, sometimes in spiritual warfare, our prayers will need to be strengthened with fasting in order for something or even someone to be released (Mark 9:29). God said he would not withhold any “good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11).” So, during a time of delay, do an inventory of yourself to ensure sin is not the reason for the delay. If so repent. If not, continue praying and fasting for your breakthrough.

You may wish to apply the C.A.T. principle taught by Reverend Dr. Eversel Griffith of Mount Carmel Holy Church, Montclair, NJ:

C- Command the devil to let go of whatever it is he is holding back from you!A- Ask the ministering spirits to bring you the resources you need!T- Thank God for providing it!

The last three places we resided were moves that would improve our living conditions. Needless to say, somewhere in the moving process of each move, we experienced challenges. Our family prayed and fasted through our struggles while utilizing C.A.T. principle and our testimony is that each time, God made a way out of no way and provided them to us.

Whether healing, deliverance, provision, or breakthrough in your relationship, pray and fast while exercising your authority. Utilize C.A.T. and watch God, in His timing, turn your test into your testimony.

Releasing What Belongs to You!Ref Mark 9:14-29

A Prayer & Fasting Testimonial By Pastor Ronald and Sister Mia Wolfe


God SenseBy Kayreen Sheen

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for

those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

~ 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

As a child, my parents would say “why can’t you be like that person,” or “why can’t you behave that way.” Their words became the eyes in which I saw myself; I constantly rehearsed their words in my ears and their words became written on my heart. Their words made me believe that who I was, was not enough. It wasn’t until years later that I discovered that the words they said to me, was words they heard spoken over themselves as a child. And, it wasn’t until we accepted Christ that our sense of worth was made new.

A story had been written for our life that far exceeded anything we were told. God’s word destroyed every lie that we saw, heard and every lie that we felt in our heart about ourselves. Today, God’s words are the only subscription we renew every day. If our eyes, ears, and heart cannot comprehend what God’s plan for our life is, what makes us think man knows. Allow God to show you through His eyes, His ears and His heart who you are.

Father, thank you for you for accepting us. Thank you for showing us that we are more than what we see, hear or feel about ourselves. Lord, there are days that we struggle with who we are but we will not allow how we feel to dictate what we know. We know that we are victorious in Christ Jesus our Lord. So, today and every day we stand on the promises of God for our lives. In Jesus name. Amen!

DAY 1 - Saturday, January 5, 2019


Temporal vs. Eternal SustenanceBy Deacon Ken Battles

Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.

~ Genesis 9:3

Genesis describes the creation of the world and introduces critical truths about salvation.

As humans, we can only survive a few minutes without oxygen, a few days without water, and a few weeks without carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

God our creator (ELOHIM) and our provider (YAHWEH-JIREH) created the earth and designed it in a way to sustain human life. We thank Him for this. Our part is stewardship over his creation and healthy choices towards the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.

But we have other important choices to make:

• The pursuit of God as the primary function of our lives (Matthew 6:33)• Acknowledge that what God has given us in the gospel greatly exceeds

every other provision and care we could ever seek from him (James 1:17)• Seek comfort in God’s provision and care for us in eternity (1 Peter 2:9)

What choices are we making daily towards our physical, mental and spiritual sustenance that will lead to a meaningful earthly legacy and eternal rewards by God’s grace?

Lord God, we thank you for air, water, food and every earthly provision. But more importantly, we thank you for providing eternal life to all who believe in and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. This provides eternal sustenance in your Kingdom. Help us Lord to understand that our home here on earth is temporal and that we will not understand the full measure of your provision until we join you in eternity. Thank you for loving us so much to provide this opportunity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAY 2 - Sunday, January 6, 2019


Proof in the FruitBy Valerie Aristor

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that

whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

~ John 15:16

When peeking at a garden full of labels, I realized: (1) someone had to choose what to plant and where to plant it and (2) I cannot tell what was planted, until I see what the garden produces. God plants us somewhere every day, whether, in a family, a classroom, at a place of employment, a specific neighborhood - the list is truly endless. “Go” is a command that implies action and motive —intentionality. “Bear” suggests that we are to reflect and show. Show what? Fruit - proof that emulates what we say we are or instead Whose we are.

Jesus asked us to “go bear fruit” - to intentionally reflect His Spirit and character everywhere we find ourselves, such that when we leave a place, we are leaving a trail that ultimately points to Him, like fingerprints. Yes, we do have a part in His choice, and it is by no means re-payment for our place in Him. For that is truly a gift. Our response to our Father’s choice should be active obedience rather than reactive, and we cannot do it apart from Him.

When peeking at a garden, I realized, it was intentionally kept.

Lord, thank You for choosing, planting, and keeping me. Help me to dwell in You, in thoughts, acts and deeds, such that You alone will be reflected and magnified. In Jesus name. Amen!

DAY 3 - Monday, January 7, 2019


Abide in HimBy Maggie DeClou

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

~ John 15:7

Do you remember when we were children and our parents would sometimes say, “If you listen to me and do as I say, then you can get something you want?” Getting what we wanted was based on the condition that we listened and followed their instruction. God means the same thing in this verse; it has two stipulations. We can ask for what we want, and it will be done for us, but we have to be in Christ, and His words have to be in us. The two expectations are intertwined, one in the same, peanut butter and jelly (so to speak).

There isn’t anything that our Father wouldn’t do for us. However, it’s conditional. When He’s asking that we abide in Him, He’s saying be one with Him. When He says that His words should be in us, He’s saying that His words flow through our veins. Once that happens, our wants begin to mirror His wishes. Our thoughts align with His thoughts, so therefore when we pray for something, we are of one accord because now we are like Him. He’s not asking for perfection. Just trust and have faith in him. He will not lead us astray.

Lord, help me to be one with you and let your words flow through my veins the way that blood flows through my entire body. Let my desires align with your will for me. In Jesus’ mighty name.

DAY 4 - Tuesday, January 8, 2019


Thou Art with MeBy Anonymous

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they

comfort me.~ Psalm 23:4

In different degrees, everyone struggles when they hear the word death. As I’m writing this, our pastor is teaching on the series, “The Struggle is Real.” Even as we ponder and meditate on Psalm 23:4 – Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, death is real. Death is something none will escape unless you are living when Jesus returns then you will be caught up to meet Him in the air.

Psalm 23 is one of the most loved and the most memorized of the Psalms. Therefore each of you reading this knows the first verse states, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Even in the moments of death: the death of a spouse, child, friend or even our demise God is calling us to remember His faithfulness to us. He is calling us to remember His promises of the Bible.

Although we face many circumstances in life, including death, the Good Shepherd is there with us. Jesus cares for us, and He will guide us through every situation. We must believe and live as if we believe this is true. I wrote in my notes from Pastor’s sermon on the struggle; God prepares us for our encounter with Him. The Good Shepherd even prepares us for death. I challenge you to truly depend on the Shepherd in all things, including death.

Father God, teach us your way and we will walk in your truth. In Jesus name. Amen!

DAY 5 - Wednesday, January 9, 2019


Make It Plain!By Jay Robinson

Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it

tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

~ Habakkuk 2:2-3

Having grown up in a Baptist church that was predominantly African-American, I would regularly hear the phrase “Make It Plain!” When the preacher was breaking down a biblical principle, occasionally some congregant would shout “Make It Plain!” This statement is just what God is telling us about vision in this passage from Habakkuk – Make It Plain! A vision must be clear and understandable to anyone introduced to it. Anyone should be able to read it and run with it also.

If you have traveled to Washington, D.C., you probably saw pictures of the White House, the Capitol, or the Washington Monument well before you ever set foot there. That didn’t mean that you were instinctively capable of navigating the streets of Washington, D.C. You needed a map or a GPS - something with clear insight that a few pictures could not provide; something that could direct you from monument to monument without fail.

If God has given you a vision for your life, or family, or business, or church – then write the vision and make it plain enough for anyone to read it and run with it.

Father God, thank you for the vision that you provide. I will write the vision. I will make it plain. I know that your vision will manifest itself in its time. In Jesus name. Amen!

DAY 6 - Thursday, January 10, 2019


Do Not Waver in UnbeliefBy Anonymous

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who

diligently seek Him.~ Hebrews 11:6

Have you ever questioned your faith? Have you ever been confused about faith? People in today’s society use the word faith in various ways. Some believe it is wishful thinking. George Michael’s song “Faith”, believed it was trusting in a relationship with his uncertain significant other.

Hebrews 11 presents us with a photo album of men and women who were justified by faith or through faith. The chapter shares the spiritual journeys of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Rahab, and others as they provided us with the necessary elements of faith: truly believing that God exists and God rewards all who seek and obey Him.

These people were introduced to the great I AM and believed the promise maker; if He said something would happen, they took what He told them as good and true. Ephesians 2:8 states, “ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (NKJV)Will you obey God’s call even though you do not have a full view of how things will turn out? Take some time and read Hebrews 11, see how they trusted in God, see how they believed God and took Him seriously.

Father, strengthen our faith. Thank you for the indwelling Holy Spirit, and we are fully persuaded that You have the power to do what You’ve promised. In Jesus name. Amen!

DAY 7 - Friday, January 11, 2019


What Jesus Did! - The Principle of GenerosityBy Anonymous

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For

with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

~ Luke 6:38

The two areas where many of us can be the stingiest are money and forgiveness. So after all that Jesus taught about graciousness and generosity, he now sums it up with these two summary principles: 1) our blessings will be based upon our willingness to bless others, and 2) our measure of treating and judging others will be the basis used for measuring and treating us by others and by God.

Jesus didn’t just espouse this radical new ethic, he lived it and he died practicing it. The rule of the world and of Judaism was “the law of retribution” and “reciprocity.” It is still the prevailing attitude of most people throughout the world. Almost everyone can quote Exodus 21:24, even though they do not know the reference: “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” Our sense of justice demands that scores be settled. However, when struck, Jesus did not strike back. When scourged, he did not seek to get even. When crucified he prayed for those who were mocking and killing him, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:34) He returned blessings for curses.

Father God, forgive my miserly forgiveness in the past. Forgive my previous condemning attitude toward others. Open my heart to share your generosity. Open my heart to give others the benefit of the doubt instead of judging them. Use me as a conduit of your generosity and grace. In Jesus name. Amen!



God Provides!By Brian Lucas

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish,

will he give him a serpent?~ Matthew 7:7-10

In today’s text, Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” In Greek, the verbs translated as “ask,” “seek,” and “knock” are all rendered in the active present tense. The imperative means that these commands are cast in the present, which suggests that they are repeated actions. In other words, the sense of the passage is “KEEP asking, KEEP seeking, and KEEP knocking.” However, at some point, we take it upon ourselves to stop asking, seeking and knocking; thinking we have done enough.

God assures us that our requests shall be answered in verse 8 by saying for everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Most of us ask and wait and sometimes that may be all that is needed. However, we should consider all three steps and be prepared for God to provide.

It is all done in Faith, through Prayer and Obedience. Lastly, Jesus is talking about those of us who have received him as Lord and Savior and are now joint-heirs with Him. In verses 9 and 10, he asks “what man’s son would ask his father for bread or fish and he’ll give him a stone or a serpent?” As sons and daughters, we can expect the best! And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever and ever. Lord, we thank you for all we are about to receive. In Jesus name. Amen!



Waiting On GodBy Deaconess Ruby Mobley

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you [ask anything in My name, I will

do it.~ John 14:13-14

Sometimes God answers our prayers suddenly, and other times He makes us wait. Waiting is difficult. How long do we wait? Well, no one knows, but there is a purpose in our waiting. Waiting allows God to work within our hearts and souls. God is getting us ready to receive the blessing for which we are asking. God knows what we need before we ask, but He also knows we need to grow closer to Him.

Unanswered prayers are a benefit to us because it keeps us on our knees sending up prayers to our Heavenly Father. He knows how to get us to study and meditate on His Word. Spending personal time with God allows us to grow closer to Him. Answers to prayers could come right away, but how much would we grow in our Christian faith.

God does not want us looking at our jobs, our bosses, our business or to the government. He wants us depending on Him and Him only. So spend time growing in Christ Jesus while you are waiting on your answer.

Father, thank you for helping me grow closer to You. Help me learn to wait. You are amazing in all your ways. You know what is best for my family and me. Guide me every day. Quicken my ears to hear You. Stir my heart to obey You. In Jesus name. Amen!



The Joy of God in the Sun and the SonBy Deacon Ken Battles

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk

uprightly.~ Psalm 84:11

God made the sun. And during creation week, He made it visible from earth. The sun makes life on earth possible. It is the center of our solar system, providing life-giving light, heat, and energy that impacts water, plant life, oxygen, and food. The gravitational force of the sun gives the earth something to rotate around, providing day and night and seasonal changes.

God, the creator of the sun, is also the source of light, joy, and happiness to the soul. We rejoice in this.

Gospel music artist Richard Smallwood writes, “Jesus, you’re the center of my joy. All that’s good and perfect comes from you.”

Pastor and author John Piper describe Christian joy as a “good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.”

Isn’t it wonderful that God created the sun to sustain life on this earth? He also gives a choice, through our relationship with his son Jesus, to put on the full armor of God, providing a shield against all enemies. How great is our God?

Lord God, we look to you as the source of our provision and protection. We thank you for your grace and glory. We thank you for your promise to withhold nothing good or that we need about this life and nothing necessary to prepare for our life in eternity. We thank you for the privileges of righteousness through our faith. In Jesus name. Amen!



Mustard Seed FaithBy Deaconess Ruby Mobley

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards

those who seek Him.~ Hebrews 11:6

We sometimes ask ourselves the question, “What is faith?” Pastors across America have often taught about faith. We read about it, but do we have that mountain moving, devil stomping, river parting faith?

While in church, when the Pastors are preaching, we feel like we could part the Red Sea right then and there. But after we leave the church on Sunday, Monday morning, the reality of life strikes. Our faith dwindles, and our lack of faith begins to block our blessing. Jesus taught his disciples about mustard seed faith. All we need is faith the size of a mustard seed. With that faith, we could say to our mountain “move from here to there,” and it will obey.

We can grow our faith by spending personal time with God, studying and meditating on His Word. God is always waiting for us to have that mustard seed faith; that faith that can move mountains. Let your faith grow daily. So when life strikes, we can stand on the Word of God, which will strengthen our faith.

Father thank you for loving me when my faith is weak and loving me when my faith is strong. Father, there is nothing in life that is too hard for You. Keep me close to You each and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.



Keep My CommandmentsBy Maggie DeClou

And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.

~ 1 John 3:22

As a teacher, I reward my students when they do what they are told and asked to do, which is to stay within the guidelines I have set for them. Sometimes they make it and sometimes they do not. I understand that they will not always reach the height of my expectations, but as long as they try to make me happy and proud, we are good.

1 John 3:22 should show us that taking God’s words and commandments seriously, is worth the wait for what we are getting in return, which are answered prayers. Doing things (with sincerity) that make His spirit happy makes Him want to bless us more.

The power of prayer and answers are amazing. We get a warm fuzzy feeling inside when we know that our Father loves us so much, that He would do anything for us. No matter what we ask of Him will be done as long as they align with His ways.

Lord, we come before you with contrite hearts. Help us to always keep your commandments in front of us as a guide to do what is right and pleasing in your sight. Let us always be in constant communication with you through prayer. In Jesus name. Amen!



The Good ShepherdBy Lovely Beamon

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

~ Philippians 4:6

Jesus rose from the dead with all power in heaven, and we are His body, and He is our Head. People can live without different parts of the body, but no one can live without their head. Our brain or head provides for our bodies to function. We can do nothing without Jesus (our Head) and the Holy Spirit. All things are possible with God.

Therefore, trusting God with all our heart and not leaning on our understanding is the key to receiving the peace that passes all understanding. Jehovah is the Good Shepherd that loved us enough to send his perfect son Jesus Christ to die for our sins and His Holy Spirit to teach, comfort and help us. By this, we know that everything else we need for life and eternal life is just icing on the cake.

Thanksgiving is saying yes Lord I believe your report and receive it. Jesus said if we abide in Him and His Word abides in us we can ask what we will, and it will be done. When His word is in us, our prayers and life will be according to His will; He will answer us, and we will have the assurance that all is well in spite of what it looks.

Heavenly Father, thank You for grace, faith and mercy to believe, pray, and live Your word and for giving us the desires of our heart. Thank You for making us worthy to hear You say well done My good and faithful servant in whom I am well pleased. In Jesus name. Amen!



Seek And You Shall FindBy Deaconess Ruby Mobley

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

~ Matthew 7:7

What do you do when you ask and don’t receive? Have you been there or is it just me? When you ask God, you plead with God, you beg God, and you don’t hear from heaven, you wonder: “Father do you listen to me?” Has Heaven shut its ears? Father, do you have earplugs in your ears? Do I need to shout louder?! Then, quietly, that still sweet Voice ministers to your spirit. It whispers gently: “Be still and know that I am God.” God knows what we need before we ask Him. He knows everything. The Holy Spirit whispers to us: “Where is your faith?” At that moment we are reminded where our faith is.

Have faith in God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He knows what you need before you ask Him. Just believe!!! Whatever we are facing, take time to look up and remember that God is big enough to handle it.

Father, thank you for this glorious day. Thank you for your Word that brightens this day. Always keep me in your care. Let your Word light my path and direct my life. Direct my mind that I will seek You first in all things. In Jesus name. Amen!



God’s Providential CareBy Deacon Ken Battles

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s

sake.~ Psalm 23:1-3

A shepherd is one who protects, guides and watches over people. God has been called the great shepherd, the chief shepherd, and the good shepherd.

He leads us by his providence, his word, and his Spirit.

In his omniscience, he knows any undesirable or disordered condition of our body, mind or spirit, and what is done for them.

In his omnipotence, he can do everything properly for us. He has all power in heaven and earth and can protect, defend, and save us.

Through him, we shall not want anything that is really necessary and good for us.

He leads us away from the troubled sea of life and the filth of standing waters to the soft murmuring waters.

As animals, a sheep will not lie down until it is free of fear, tension and disorder, pests, and hunger. As our shepherd, God makes it possible for us to lie down, to rest, to be quiet, content, and relaxed. Being in fellowship with God provide all the tranquility we need in life.

Lord God, we thank you for the great care that you take of those who believe in you. Help us to recognize our propensity to go astray, like lost sheep, and acknowledge your power and our dependence on you to bring us back into the fold. Thank you for the gift of restoration through repentance. May our wants, needs, and desires always be proper, both now and towards eternity. In Jesus name. Amen!



What You Need God’s Got ItBy Kayreen Sheen

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

~ Philippians 4:19

When we read this scripture, we get excited about it. We clap our hands and lift our voices in celebration and expectation of what God will do for us. Bringing us from a place of lack to plenty, from empty to full, from shame to glory but what the scripture does not tell us is how God intends to supply our every need. All we know is that God can and God will.

The process from our need to His riches is a journey of God’s glory displayed in our life. Consider Naaman, on the outside; he appeared as a man who needed nothing yet he was in need of healing. God supplied what he needed by bringing him to a place he would not have stepped into if he did not have a need. Naaman’s healing revealed that God provides our needs even in messed up and dirty places.

For God to supply our needs, we have to find ourselves in a place of need. Will you allow your life to be the need God uses to bring glory to His name? Or, will you let your need be the thing that keeps you away from being used by God?

Lord, thank You for being mindful of me. Thank you for being a God of more than enough. Lord, thank You for teaching me to trust You in times of need. Lord, thank You for showing me to wait on you and to pray. Thank you for being patient with me. Lord, thank you that my life is in your hands. In Jesus name. Amen!



A Rewarder of Them That Diligently Seek HimBy Carlene D. Waters-Hollingsworth

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I

will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

~ Malachi 3:10

I met and married my Husband June 12, 2004. Ten months after our blissful wedding day. We discovered that we were expecting our first son Danard, Jr. We moved into our first home, newly built from the ground. We felt that we were on top of the world, unstoppable and unbreakable. Three years later we discovered that were expecting our twins, Demetrius and Denzel, this would complete our family. We were both working for great establishments and doing well.

We were living in our newly built home with our three children. The stressors of life started to increase. The responsibility of picking up and dropping off our children at day care, cooking, cleaning, bathing our children, preparing for the next day and paying bills soon became over whelming. Life started to not feel so blissful after all. The enemy came into our lives and threatened the solid stability of our family, so we thought.

Our family relocated to Florida in 2008. We sought after a church home, sowed a faith offering and prayed for restoration of our home, jobs and finances. Today, approximately ten years later the Lord has been faithful and has restored my home, my job and my family. To God be the Glory for the great things that he has done.

Father God, thank you for loving my family and I enough to restore everything that the enemy has stolen. In Jesus name. Amen!



The GiftBy Deaconess Ruby Mobley

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He

hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

~ 1 John 5:14

Birthdays are very exciting for children. To them, it seems to take an eternity to get from one birthday to the next. Our grandson started talking about his birthday weeks before it came. Everyone he spoke to received a birthday update, with his birthday wishes of a red power ranger and dino charger. His morning, noon, and night conversation was about the gifts he wanted. He had no doubts that he would receive those gifts. He had confidence in his earthly parents.

What a beautiful illustration of trust we should have in our Heavenly Father. Confidence to know that God will supply all our needs. Confidence to know that God is our refuge and our fortress. Confidence to know that Our Father knows what we need before we make our request known. God wants us to retrain our brains to have confidence in Him to be our Provider.

Heavenly Father, thank You for your faithfulness in my life. I put my trust in You knowing that You are directing my steps. Thank You for the plans You have in store for me. Father, You know my struggle, help me retrain my brain to have total confidence in You. I can do nothing without, but with You all things are possible. In Jesus name. Amen!



God’s Children are Eternally SecureBy Anonymous

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be

against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

~ Romans 8:30-32

Did you know that God fixed His love upon us before the world began? He chose sinful people like us for Himself. He chose to save us from sin and death, and He chose to conform us to the likeness of His Son. He chose us that at the end of our sufferings on earth that we will be glorified with Christ in heaven.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? When I think about this, I can think of a few things that are against us: our sinful flesh, other people, and the enemy that wants to kill, steal and destroy us. But then I see great hope if God is for us. God is for us! Nobody can defeat God’s believers because God is on our side. Nobody can stand against God!! God has given us the greatest gift to be victorious in Him, Jesus.

Can I invite you today to trust the unchangeable, personal, purposeful and all-powerful God? His love is the strongest, steadiest, firmest, unbending, constant, and is more certain than all material creations we desire.

Father God, your love is pure, trusting faith. Will you give us Your trusting faith so we can stand in victory and with great joy knowing that You are for us. In Jesus name. Amen!



Never, Ever Give Up!By Valerie Robinson

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

~ Galatians 6:9

When I found out I was pregnant with my two daughters, I often prayed for them to be happy and healthy babies. I was so thankful when they were born happy and healthy overall. However, I learned after they were born that both daughters had four different food allergies.

I prayed over the years for them to outgrow their food allergies. I’d ask the allergist almost every year to re-test them. And it seemed like every year; it was the same result…no improvement. I continued to pray and continued to have them re-tested year after year.

It can be difficult having children who cannot eat the food at birthday parties, an average school lunch, or order from a restaurant menu without first having to research the food ingredients.

My oldest child outgrew most of her food allergies at age three. However, this was not the case for my youngest daughter, Stephanie. One day when she was five, she asked me why she had to be different and always had to eat different food from everyone else. I felt the urge to lose heart. I felt as though due season would never come. I continued my prayers to the Lord to let her outgrow her food allergies. I didn’t lose heart.

A few months ago, God answered my prayers. We learned that Stephanie had outgrown her most difficult allergies - dairy and eggs. She could now eat almost everything. The due season had arrived.

Thank you, Lord, for being our encourager. Thank you for giving us the strength to continue even when we are tempted to lose heart. In Jesus name. Amen!



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