He’s Still Building

“I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18

Sometimes the world feels like it’s falling apart.

You see division, confusion, violence, and fear on the news, or even in your own neighborhood.

It can make you wonder: What’s really happening with the Church? Is God still working?

Jesus already answered that. He said, “I will build my Church.”

That wasn’t just a promise for back then—it’s a promise for today.

The Church is not a building or a Sunday service, it’s people.

People who believe. People who are growing. People who love Jesus and each other.

And He’s still building it.

• Every time someone chooses forgiveness instead of bitterness
• Every time someone gets baptized
• Every time a family prays together
• Every time someone says, “Yes, Lord”

You are part of that. Every act of love, every prayer, every step toward Jesus is part of what He’s building.

So don’t get discouraged by what you see around you.

Jesus is still at work, and nothing will stop what He’s building.

Not fear. Not failure. Not even hell itself.

Stay planted and stay connected.

You’re not just going to church... You’re part of what He’s building.

The Work Is Not in Vain

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58

Some weeks you wonder if it’s all making a difference.

You show up, you pray, you serve, you give, you love your family the best you can, and yet progress feels slow.

Maybe you're trying to raise your kids right, work a demanding job, help others, and still stay faithful to God. And yet… it can feel like you’re not seeing the results you hoped for.

Paul wrote this encouragement to people who felt the same way.

The early church was doing their best to follow Jesus in a difficult world. Paul reminded them: because Jesus rose from the grave, your work is not wasted.

Even when:

• No one thanks you
• Your prayers feel unanswered
• Your effort goes unnoticed

God sees. God knows. And God rewards faithfulness.

So keep going.

Keep doing good.

Keep showing up.

Even small things: an encouraging word, an honest prayer, a simple act of kindness, matter in God’s hands.

He promises it’s not in vain. What you’re sowing now will bring a harvest later.

Grace for Today

“Give us this day our daily bread.” — Matthew 6:11

Life pulls at us from every direction.

We wake up thinking about bills, appointments, the kids, the news, deadlines, and everything else coming at us this week. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed before the day even starts.

But when Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He didn’t tell them to ask for everything all at once. He said, “Give us this day…”

God is a daily provider. He gives us what we need—for today.

When the Israelites were in the wilderness, God gave them manna—just enough for one day. If they tried to save extra for tomorrow, it would spoil. Why? Because God wanted them to trust Him one day at a time.

We can spend so much energy worrying about tomorrow that we miss the grace available right now.

• You have what you need to face today’s challenges.
• You have strength for today’s decisions.
• You have peace for today’s relationships.

And tomorrow? You’ll have fresh grace then, too.

God is not asking you to figure everything out at once. He’s simply asking you to trust Him today.

Before you rush into the rest of the week, pause and ask:

“God, what are you giving me for today?”

That’s all you need.

He’s already gone ahead of you—and He’ll meet you there when you get there.

Don’t Forget to Remember

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” — Psalm 103:2

We are quick to pray when things are falling apart, but slower to praise when things come back together.

David knew this about human nature. So he commanded his own soul: “Don’t forget what God has done.”

• He forgives all your sins
• He heals all your diseases
• He redeems your life from the pit
• He crowns you with love and compassion

When life gets busy or hard, stop and remember:

• The doors He opened
• The peace He gave
• The times He showed up when no one else could

Your memory fuels your worship. And your worship keeps you anchored.

Before you ask for more, take a moment and remember.

Gratitude will always shift your perspective.

He Still Speaks

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27

God isn’t silent. He’s still speaking—you just may be surrounded by too much noise to hear Him clearly.

We often expect His voice to come with thunder, but He often speaks in a whisper.

Elijah didn’t hear God in the wind, earthquake, or fire… but in the still small voice.

God speaks through:

• His Word
• His Spirit
• His people
• His peace

The question isn’t whether God speaks, it’s whether we’re listening.

Are we slowing down? Are we making room? Are we quieting the noise around us and within us?

God knows how to get your attention, but He prefers relationship over rescue.

He doesn’t just want to speak into your crisis... He wants to walk with you daily.

God Still Delivers

“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope…” — 2 Corinthians 1:10

Paul wasn’t speaking from theory. He was speaking from experience.

He had been through beatings, prison, shipwrecks, betrayal, and more.

He had felt the weight of despair.

But even in that, he could say: God delivered me, and I believe He’ll do it again.

When you’re facing your own trial, it’s easy to forget how God came through before.

But remember:

• He parted the Red Sea for Israel
• He shut the lions’ mouths for Daniel
• He opened prison doors for Paul and Silas

He is still the same God.

He still delivers.

It may not come in the way you expect, or when you expect, but it will come.

If He brought you through before, He can do it again.

Set your hope on Him...  Not the outcome, not the timeline, but the Deliverer Himself.

The Power of Small Steps

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” — Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

Sometimes we want God to move big, fast, and obviously. But more often, He moves in small beginnings—quiet starts that don’t look like much at first.

When the Israelites began rebuilding the temple after exile, it was nothing like the one Solomon had built. Some people wept because it looked so small in comparison. But God told them not to despise it. Why? Because He rejoices not in how big it looks, but in the obedience it represents.

We want breakthroughs. We want revivals. We want harvest. But it often begins with:

• One faithful prayer.
• One hard conversation.
• One act of generosity.
• One step toward healing.

The early church started in an upper room. David’s victory began with a sling. Jesus came as a baby.

Don’t overlook what God is doing just because it looks small.

If He started it, He’ll complete it. And He rejoices every time you take a step forward.

God’s Power in Our Weakness

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

We often view weakness as something to hide, but Paul reminds us that our weakness is the very place where God’s power shines the brightest.

Paul begged God to remove the thorn in his flesh, but God responded with grace—not removal.

Through this, Paul learned that God’s strength is not given to make us self-sufficient, but to make us dependent on Him.

Trials will expose your limitations.

There will be moments where your resources, wisdom, and energy fall short.

That’s when grace steps in.

Like Gideon’s small army defeating a vast enemy, God uses our weakness to display His power.

The world says, “Be strong.” God says, “Let Me be your strength.”

When you feel inadequate, remember that His grace covers you, His Spirit empowers you, and His strength carries you.

Your weakness is not a liability—it’s an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed.

When God Says “Wait”

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” — Psalm 37:7

Waiting is one of the hardest parts of walking with God.

We like movement, results, and answers.

Yet often, God’s greatest work happens in the waiting.

• Abraham waited decades for the promised son. 
• Joseph waited in prison for years before stepping into his calling. 
• The disciples waited in Jerusalem for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 

In each case, the waiting was not wasted—it was preparation.

When God tells us to wait, it’s not a delay of His promises; it’s the development of our faith.

The waiting room is where our trust grows, our character is refined, and our dependence on Him deepens.

You may be waiting for direction, a breakthrough, or an answered prayer.

While you wait, know that God is still working behind the scenes.

His timing is perfect, and His plans for you are good.

Don’t let the waiting shake your faith—let it strengthen it.

Trust Him and keep believing... The promise will come right on time!

Faith That Moves Mountains

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.” — Matthew 17:20

Jesus didn’t say we need giant faith.

He said even a mustard seed is enough when placed in the right hands.

Faith is not about how much we have, but who we place it in.

• Abraham’s faith led him to leave everything familiar to follow God. 
• The woman with the issue of blood believed if she just touched Jesus’ garment, she’d be healed—and she was. 
• The centurion’s faith amazed Jesus, and his servant was healed with a word.

You may feel like your faith is small today, but don’t underestimate what God can do with it.

He multiplies little into much.

Take one step of faith.

Trust Him with the next mountain.

He is still the God who moves them.

The Simple Salvation Bible Study
By Evangelist Taylor Fish


John 3:16 (KJV):
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Across many different faiths and denominations, this is the most memorized scripture in all of the Bible. Most likely, we have all seen John 3:16 displayed on clothing, vehicles, and billboards. Though this scripture displays the greatest love ever known to man, this scripture is too often misinterpreted.

1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV):
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Like John 3:16, this verse shows us that God became a man, known as Jesus Christ, to die for us. It also says that people in the world believed on him. They were believers.

BELIEVING THAT JESUS IS OUR GOD AND OUR PERSONAL SAVIOR IS VERY IMPORTANT, BUT IS THIS ALL IT TAKES TO BE SAVED?

James 2:14, 19-20 (KJV):
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Faith - something that is believed especially with strong conviction.

James asked the question: “can faith (or can faith alone) save” us? He then answered his question by saying “faith without works is dead.” James tells us that having faith in God, or believing in him or on him, is not enough. True faith will lead us to works. True faith will cause us to take steps in obedience to God’s holy world.

Here James tells us that the devils also believe in the one true God. In Mark 1:24, devils called Jesus “the Holy One”. The devils proved that they believed and knew who Jesus was. This is another fact that proves that faith alone cannot save. Even though devils believe that Jesus Christ is the one true God and savior, they will never be saved. Believing alone is not enough!

2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV):
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Here Paul shows us that God’s plan for salvation is not found in one scripture alone, but it is found in all scripture. All scripture was given to us by God through men to show us the way. When we take the whole bible we will find doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction. We must obey all scripture, and not just bits and pieces of it.

God’s word directs us to unto all good works, and obedience to that direction perfects us.

THE FULL STORY- YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

One thing that is very important to understand is that John 3:16, our opening scripture, is one verse in a 21 verse conversation that started in John 3:1. It is a powerful verse; but one scripture is not all scripture.

Have you ever had someone repeat only a portion of your conversation? There are few things more frustrating than this because when this happens it keeps the listener from hearing the full story and knowing the speaker's full meaning. This is exactly the case here in John 3. Many put so much emphasis on John 3:16 that they miss what Jesus made plain. Let’s back up and see the full story.

John 3:3-5 (KJV):
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Believing that Jesus is the one true God and our personal savior is very important, but we must not skip through the beginning of the chapter and fail to see all Jesus was telling Nicodemus. Jesus said that if a person is not born again, they cannot see or enter into the kingdom of God. This is a very big deal.

Jesus spoke of a powerful spiritual experience that allowed us to see the kingdom and enter into it!

To believe but not be born again does not fulfill the commandments of Jesus.

True faith will lead us to obey the words of Jesus. This is how we see and enter the kingdom of God. Jesus spoke of both a water birth, and a Spirit birth. You and I MUST be born again of both WATER AND SPIRIT! Let’s take a look at what it means to be born of both water and Spirit.


3 ACCOUNTS OF THE SAME STORY

In the new testament, the book of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the four gospels of Jesus Christ. These were men who wrote the story of Jesus from their perspective.

If we were asked to write a police report as witnesses of a car accident that we saw, chances are that our stories would read differently, but there would be many similarities and common denominators. Here we will see 3 different accounts of the same story as Jesus spoke of the water and Spirit birth.

Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV):
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

In Matthew's account, Jesus tells his disciples to go, teach, and baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and then to teach again! Teaching was very important here. Teaching was so important that Jesus commanded them to teach before and after baptism.

The main reason that much of the religious world baptizes using the titles, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, is because there is a great lack of teaching. It is also important to note that there was never a baptismal service in scripture where someone was baptized using these titles.

BAPTISM IS THE WATER BIRTH, and must be done correctly “in the name.”

We must understand that Father is not a name, son is not a name, and neither is Holy Ghost. They are simply titles, and not names. Let’s see the second account of the same story.

Mark 16:15-17 (KJV):
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

In Mark’s account we see that baptism is not just a good deed, but that it is essential for salvation. Again, baptism is the water birth! In verse 17 we see Jesus uses the phrase “in my name”.

Jesus also speaks of the Spirit birth when he speaks of the signs that will follow believers. He says “they shall speak with new tongues.”

Luke 24:45-49 (KJV):
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

It is important to note that Jesus opened up their understanding. At this point these disciples had walked with Jesus for years, they had witnessed the miracles, and they had heard his teaching. They were true believers. Saying that, there came a day where Jesus opened up their understanding to more. We must always be willing to let the word of God show us something new.

Here in Luke’s account Jesus spoke of repentance. Repentance is when we confess, ask for forgiveness, and turn away from our sins. Repentance is our choice to change. Repentance is what we do.

Then Jesus speaks of “remission of sins”. If someone was to have cancer, and the doctor said “your cancer has gone into remission”, then that would mean that their cancer was no more. The remitting, or the washing away of sin from someone’s life only comes through baptism in the name.

Here is our conclusion. Matthew wrote “in the name”, Mark wrote “in my name”, and Luke wrote “in his name”. This is no coincidence. The name was mentioned in every instance, because it is the name that made the difference! Baptism must be done in the name of Jesus Christ.

Let’s continue in this story. Jesus goes on to say:

48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Jesus said he was sending something powerful to Jerusalem. Many did not obey the words of Jesus and chose not to go to Jerusalem, but others did. Let’s go to Jerusalem and see what happens!


A PROMISE IN JERUSALEM

Acts 2:1-4 (KJV):
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The bible says that they “all” began to speak with tongues. It was an outward sign of an inward experience. This is the 1st account of people being born of the Spirit (“filled with the Holy Ghost”)!

Like those in the upper room, when we receive the Holy Ghost, we WILL speak in a heavenly language. This is a Bible experience for us all.


PETER PREACHES THE WATER AND SPIRIT BIRTH IN JERUSALEM

Acts 2:36-41 (KJV):
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Here, Simon Peter preaches to the Jews that they had crucified the one true God, Jesus Christ.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

After hearing this, the Jews were “pricked in their heart”. It was a feeling of conviction. We all know what it feels like when God begins to pull at our heart.

This pricking of the heart led to a question, and this is still being asked today. They asked “what shall we do?”, or “what shall we do to be saved?” Peter answers them in the next verse.

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Peter preached repentance (which is the commitment to turn from sin), baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (which is the water birth), and the infilling of the Holy Ghost (which is the Spirit birth)!

Remember, this passage of scripture takes place in Jerusalem, and this was the fulfillment of the words of Jesus in Luke 24:47 when he said “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

3000 people would have their sins remitted by being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ that day. Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is the only way that you and I can have a clean slate.

Acts 19:2-6 (KJV):
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

The disciples of John were believers in Jesus Christ, but had not heard of the new birth message. They did not know what the Holy Ghost was.

They had also been baptized before, but were re-baptized when they realized that they had not been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

They were re-baptized by the Apostle Paul. When they came out of the water, they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost/Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues! This is another great example of both the water birth and the Spirit birth in the same instance.

Paul preached the water and Spirit message there in Ephesus, but this would not be his last
encounter with Ephesus.

Ephesians 4:5 (KJV):
5 “one Lord, one faith, one baptism,”

Just as Paul preached in Ephesus to the disciples of John, he also wrote to Ephesus here in the book of Ephesians saying that there is “one Lord,” who we know as Jesus, there is “one faith,” or one way to believe, and there is also “one baptism”, or one way to be baptized!

That one way to be baptized is the same way they were baptized throughout the book of Acts. Acts chapters 2, 8, 10, 19, and 22 all have examples of people being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Again, there is not one biblical reference anywhere in the scripture of people being baptized under the titles Father, son, and Holy Ghost.

Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is the “one baptism” water birth that Paul was writing about!


PAUL WRITES TO THOSE WHO WERE ALREADY BORN AGAIN OF BOTH WATER AND SPIRIT

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (KJV):
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Paul spoke of the sinners that would not enter the kingdom God. He then told the church at Corinth, “and such WERE some of you”. This is a very important statement. Paul was recognizing the fact that though there was a time that they were sinners like this, they were not who they used to be, because they had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and filled with his Spirit!

It is very clear. We are washed, sanctified, and justified one way and one way alone. That is by repenting of our sins, being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by receiving the Spirit of God with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

______________________________________________________________________

IN CLOSING, HERE ARE TWO VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS THAT MUST BE ASKED:

1. CAN WE REPENT TOGETHER?
Remember this is confessing, asking for forgiveness, and making a true commitment out loud to God that we are turning away from our sin, and obeying his word. Let’s do this together!

2. IS THERE ANY REASON WE CAN’T BAPTIZE YOU IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS
CHRIST, AND PRAY WITH YOU UNTIL GOD FILLS YOU WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST?
Maybe you have already been baptized a different way, such as in the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. IT IS NOT TOO LATE. People are being re-baptized all over the world the Bible way, in the name of Jesus Christ! Maybe you were baptized and do not remember what was spoken over you. If that is the case, let’s baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ so you can be 100% sure!

The Shepherd’s Care

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1

David paints a beautiful picture of God as our Shepherd—one who provides, protects, and leads us.

Sheep are vulnerable, easily lost, and dependent on their shepherd’s care.

That’s us.

The Lord doesn’t just point us to the path—He walks with us on it.

• He leads us to green pastures when we are weary.
• He restores our soul when we are broken.
• He walks with us through the valley when fear surrounds us.

This Shepherd even laid down His life for His sheep.

His care is not distant—it’s personal, attentive, and sacrificial.

Know today that you are not alone... The Shepherd’s rod and staff are guiding and guarding your every step.

Trust him and keep walking the steps he has ordered for your life.

God of the Impossible

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” — Luke 1:37

Mary’s question was honest: “How can this be?”

The angel’s answer pointed to God’s power—nothing is impossible with Him.

You may be facing situations that feel beyond reach: a dream too big, a problem too complex, a heart too hard to change.

Yet the Bible is full of impossibilities overturned by God’s power.

• He parted the Red Sea when there was no way through.
• He made dry bones live again in Ezekiel’s vision.
• He raised Jesus from the grave, conquering death itself.

The same God who moved then still moves today.

Your impossibility is an opportunity for Him to display His glory.

When you can’t see a way, trust the God who makes a way.

Joy Comes in the Morning

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” — Psalm 30:5

David knew the pain of loss, betrayal, and fear.

He also knew that God’s mercies are new every morning.

Nights can feel endless, but they do not last forever.

Life has its nights—seasons where prayers seem unanswered, people drift away, or progress stalls.

It’s in these nights that God does His hidden work.

Remember that the night is always the darkest just before the sunlight breaks through. Scripture reminds us that the tomb was sealed before resurrection morning.

Hold on to the promise: joy is coming.

Not because circumstances suddenly improve, but because God is faithful.

He turns mourning into dancing, ashes into beauty, and despair into hope.

Don’t let the darkness convince you that dawn isn’t near.

Hold on and remember that the sunrise of God’s joy is already on the horizon, and morning is coming!

When the Oil Seems Low

“The jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry.” — 1 Kings 17:16

The widow of Zarephath looked at her near-empty supply and expected only death.

Yet God asked her to trust Him with what little she had left.

In faith, she obeyed, and her jar never ran dry.

Sometimes life can feel like that jar.

You pour yourself out in your work, family, church, and ministry until it feels like there’s nothing left to give.

But God promises to sustain you.

He is not limited by what you see in your “jar.”

Throughout Scripture, God used small things to do great work:

• Five loaves and two fish fed thousands.
• A mustard seed-sized faith moved mountains.
• A shepherd boy’s sling defeated a giant.

Remember: Your little, placed in God’s hands, becomes more than enough.

Peace in the Storm

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” — Mark 4:39

The disciples were terrified as the storm raged around them.

They forgot one crucial truth: Jesus was in the boat.

Storms come in many forms—criticism, personal trials, unexpected setbacks.

They shake our confidence and stir up fear.

But storms don’t scare Jesus.

In fact, He often uses them to reveal His power.

When the disciples cried out, He spoke peace over the wind and the waves, and everything changed.

We may not be able to stop the storms we face, but we can trust the One who commands them.

He is still the same Jesus who calms seas and hearts alike.

Whatever storm you’re in today, remember: your peace doesn’t come from calmer circumstances—it comes from the presence of Jeus in the middle of it.

When the winds and storms of life begin to brew... Trust Him... He is the Peace speaker!

 Strength for the Weary

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” — Isaiah 40:29

Life in general demands a lot... Your time, your energy, and your emotions.

There are days when the weight feels heavier than what you can carry.

Elijah felt this way under the broom tree, asking God to take his life because he could no longer continue.

Yet God didn’t rebuke him.

• He refreshed him. 
• He gave him food, rest, and renewed strength for the journey ahead.

God still meets us in our exhaustion.

Paul discovered this when God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

The weaker we are, the more His strength shines through.

When you feel like you can’t go on, don’t push harder in your own strength—pause and wait on Him.

Isaiah says those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.

Your weariness is not a sign of failure—it’s an opportunity to experience God’s sustaining power.

When you feel weary... Lean into Him and trust that He will carry you.

El Roi: The God Who Sees

“You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” — Genesis 16:13

Hagar’s story reminds us of a God who notices what others overlook.

Rejected, mistreated, and wandering in the wilderness, she thought her life was over.

Yet in the middle of her pain, God met her with comfort and direction.

He revealed Himself as El Roi—the God who sees.

There are times when life feels heavy, and it feels like no one notices the hours you pour in, the burdens you carry, or the prayers you pray.

You may feel invisible, even to those you serve.

But God does not miss a single detail.

He knows every step you take and every tear you cry.

Just as He saw Hagar in the desert, He sees you in your dry places.
 
He saw Hannah’s silent prayers in the temple.
He saw Nathanael under the fig tree before they even met.
... And He sees your faithfulness even when no one else does.

Take heart today—you are not forgotten.

The God who sees will guide, sustain, and bless you in ways no one else can.

Keep walking; His eyes are on you.

The God That Is

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14)

In a world of shifting circumstances and ever-changing seasons, it is comforting to know that we serve a God who simply is. He is not bound by time, limited by human understanding, or restrained by the impossibilities we often face. He is constant, unchanging, and ever-present. His very name, “I AM,” declares that He is everything we need in every moment of our lives.

When we are weak, He is the God that strengthens. Just as He gave Gideon the courage to rise up against an overwhelming enemy, He is ready to empower us in our weakness. His strength is made perfect in our limitations.

When we feel lost or uncertain, He is the God that guides. Just as He led the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, He still lights the way for us. We can trust His direction, even when the path ahead seems unclear.

When we face battles that seem impossible, He is the God that fights for us. Just ask Jehoshaphat, who stood still and saw the salvation of the Lord as the enemies turned on one another. We can rest in His promise: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).

When the burdens of life weigh heavy, He is the God that comforts. Like Mary and Martha mourning the death of Lazarus, we find in His presence a peace that surpasses all understanding. He draws near to the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

When we question our future or feel unsure about God’s promises, He is the God that keeps promises. Abraham waited decades for the promise of Isaac, and God remained faithful. His Word never fails, and His timing is always perfect.

As ministers to God’s people, we often carry the weight of others’ burdens in addition to our own. It can feel overwhelming, but take heart: He is the God that sustains you. Just as He strengthened Elijah in the wilderness when he thought he could go no further, He will provide for your every need.

When the challenges of ministry feel too great, remember: He is the God that is enough. He doesn’t ask us to minister out of our own strength but through His limitless power. We can lean into Him, the great I AM, and allow His presence to fill our hearts and fuel our callings.

The same God who revealed Himself as “I AM” to Moses is with us today, equipping, sustaining, and empowering us for every challenge. Whatever we face, He is more than enough… He’s the God that is!

Breaking Through

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

In 20 years of ministry, I have learned that every ministry, regardless of its size, success, or longevity, encounters seasons that feel like a plateau—a time when the forward momentum seems to stall. Whether you’ve been in ministry for five years or fifty, these moments can feel discouraging and even defeating. You pour your heart into preaching, shepherding, planning, and praying, yet the growth you long to see seems just out of reach. You question your calling, your effectiveness, and sometimes even your purpose.

But remember this: the plateau is not the end of your journey; it is often the place where God does His deepest work in you and through you. It is in these seasons of waiting, questioning, and pressing forward that God refines your character, clarifies your vision, and teaches you the invaluable lessons of faithfulness and perseverance.

In the wilderness, God sustained the Israelites not just to prepare them for the Promised Land, but to teach them trust. In the prison, Joseph was refined not just to save Egypt, but to become the leader God needed him to be. And in the quiet years of Jesus’ life before His public ministry, God was preparing Him for His mission. The plateau may not feel productive, but it is profoundly formative.

Should you find yourself in such a season, remember:
God Sees Your Faithfulness: You may feel unseen or that your labor is unfruitful, but know that God sees every prayer, every sermon, every act of service, and every tear shed for your congregation. What feels like stagnation to you may be unseen seeds of transformation in others.

The Plateau Is Part of the Process: Growth is rarely linear. Even Jesus, during His earthly ministry, experienced moments where progress seemed delayed (e.g., John 6:66, when many disciples left Him). Yet He stayed faithful to His mission, trusting that His plan would unfold perfectly. God Is Still Working: Just because you can’t see progress doesn’t mean God isn’t moving. Often, He is working beneath the surface—in your heart, in your congregation, or in unseen ways that will bear fruit in due season.

Remember that the God who called you is the God who sustains you. The plateau is not the end—it is the beginning of something greater He is preparing to do. Stay faithful… The harvest is coming.

Fruitfulness

“If the fruit will grow, the gifts will flow” – Joel Urshan

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Some time back, I heard this statement, “If the fruit will grow, the gifts will flow”. This struck a nerve in my Spirit and I began to think and pray. As believers, we often celebrate the gifts of the Spirit—prophecy, healing, speaking in tongues, and discernment, etc. As Apostolics, we tend to often place more emphasis on the gifts rather than the fruit. Gifts are powerful demonstrations of God’s presence, designed to edify the body and reveal His glory. Yet, the foundation for these gifts is found in the fruit of the Spirit, the evidence of God’s character being cultivated within us.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1 that without love, even the greatest gifts are meaningless. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—grounds the gifts in humility, grace, and authenticity. When the fruit grows, the gifts flow with purity and power.

Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Abiding in Him through prayer, worship, and surrender allows the Spirit to nurture His fruit in our lives. This fruit transforms our relationships, strengthens us in trials, and testifies to the world of God’s transformative work.

When love grows, it fuels the gifts with God’s heart. When joy grows, it sustains us in life’s trials. When patience grows, it enables us to navigate difficult circumstances with grace. As we yield to the Spirit, He produces a harvest in us that not only changes our lives but draws others to Him.

Let us pursue both the fruit and the gifts, remembering that the fruit is the foundation for the gifts to flow as God intended. Lean into Him, abide in His presence, and let the fruit grow so the gifts can flow.

He Washed Judas’ Feet

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist… After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” — John 13:3-5

As Jesus knelt before each disciple, basin in hand and towel draped around His waist, He knew the weight of what was to come. He was fully aware of the betrayal already set in motion by Judas Iscariot. The silver pieces were waiting, and the kiss of betrayal was but hours away. Yet, Jesus knelt before Judas, looked into his eyes, and washed his feet with the same love and tenderness as He did Peter’s, John’s, and every other disciple’s.

Jesus didn’t skip Judas. He didn’t recoil in bitterness or anger. There was no pulling back of His hands or skipping over the one who would cause Him so much pain. Instead, Jesus served Judas with humility and mercy, embodying the purest form of forgiveness.
This act wasn’t about Judas’ worthiness—it was about Jesus’ character. Jesus wasn’t reacting to Judas; He was revealing the heart of God. It’s a heart that doesn’t withhold love or mercy based on someone else’s behavior. It’s a heart that forgives before the wound is even inflicted.

For us, this is a sobering example. We all have “Judas moments” in our lives—times when someone has betrayed us, hurt us deeply, or broken our trust. Our natural response is often to pull back, protect ourselves, or harbor resentment. But Jesus shows us another way.
Forgiveness isn’t about pretending the hurt didn’t happen. It’s about choosing to let mercy triumph over judgment. When we follow Jesus’ example, we kneel before those who’ve wronged us—not to excuse their actions but to release ourselves from the chains of bitterness.

Jesus washed Judas’ feet not because Judas deserved it, but because love compelled Him to. And in doing so, He gave us a profound picture of what it means to love our enemies and to extend grace even when it feels undeserved.

Today, as we reflect on this moment we must ask ourselves: Who in my life do I need to kneel before in forgiveness? Whose feet am I being called to wash—not literally, but through an act of love, kindness, or reconciliation?

May we follow Jesus’ example—not just in serving those who love us, but in showing mercy to those who have wronged us. Because in the end, forgiveness isn’t just about them—it’s about freeing ourselves to walk in the fullness of God’s love.

Progressing In Grace

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." – 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)

Sanctification is one of the most beautiful yet challenging aspects of our Christian walk. It’s a word we often hear in sermons, Bible studies, and devotionals, but its meaning and implications for our daily lives can sometimes feel elusive.

At its core, sanctification is the process of being made holy—a transformation into the image of Christ. It’s not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6 that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

This means two important things:
1. We are not yet perfect. As long as we are in this life, we will battle sin, weakness, and imperfection. This doesn’t give us an excuse to sin or to live carelessly, but it does remind us of our need for God’s grace every single day.
2. We are being transformed. Day by day, moment by moment, God is shaping us into His image. The Spirit of God  works in us through the Word, prayer, worship, and even our struggles and failures.

It’s easy to become discouraged when we stumble or when we see our imperfections so clearly. But sanctification isn’t about achieving instant perfection; it’s about progressing in grace. It’s about allowing God to mold our hearts, refine our character, and renew our minds.

When we sin or fall short, we don’t minimize it or excuse it. Instead, we bring it to God in repentance, trusting in His forgiveness and the power of His Spirit to help us overcome. As the writer of Hebrews says, "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)

Thankfully, this journey isn’t one we walk alone. God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and the fellowship of other believers to support and encourage us along the way.

A Treasure Worth Everything

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." – Matthew 13:44

Imagine discovering a treasure so valuable that it surpasses everything you own. This treasure isn’t just something nice to have—it’s worth everything. In Matthew 13, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as such a treasure—a hidden field of immeasurable worth or a pearl of great price.

But here’s the reality: this treasure comes at a cost. It demands our all—our priorities, our ambitions, our comforts, and even our most cherished possessions. The man in the parable doesn’t hesitate. With joy, he sells everything to gain the treasure.

The kingdom of God isn’t something we stumble upon and casually admire. It’s a calling, a commitment, and ultimately, an all-or-nothing pursuit. Like climbers preparing to summit Mount Everest, we must understand the cost and willingly embrace it.

The question isn’t whether the treasure is worth the cost—it undeniably is. The question is whether we’re willing to let go of the temporary to gain the eternal. Are we holding tightly to things that prevent us from fully embracing God’s kingdom?

The kingdom of God isn’t a partial investment—it’s an all-in commitment.
 
Today, let us count the cost, embrace the treasure, and live joyfully in the pursuit of God’s eternal kingdom.

When the Soul Feels Heavy

Depression and anxiety are real. But they’re not the end of your story. Often, the weight we feel isn’t just emotional—it’s spiritual.

It’s the result of: Feeling far from God, carrying shame or guilt, fearing the unknown, believing the enemy’s lies, walking alone without community, and forgetting who we are in Christ.

David asked in Psalm 42: “Why, my soul, are you downcast?” But he didn’t stop there—he gave his soul a command: “Put your hope in God.”

I want to encourage you to speak to your soul today.
 
Remind yourself that you’re not alone, you’re loved deeply by your Father, you’re not defined by your past, and know that peace is available—right now—through Jesus.

Let the heaviness push you to God, not away from Him.

If your soul feels off today… Pause. Breathe. and Pray.
 
Remember that you were not created to carry this alone and I am praying for you today!