Written by Georgetta Hed

“…. Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14)  
 
At the age of 12 I knew very little about God, I believed He existed and that was it! I read many stories about God but couldn’t understand how He interacted in the lives of people if He was invisible. 

One rainy thunderstorm night, I learned experientially the power of God’s presence.  I was terrified of thunderstorms and this particular summer night we had a major thunderstorm. I can still remember each thunder making a loud noise and the crackling of the lightning that lite up my room leaving me crying with fear of dying.  I didn’t know what prayer to pray that night, so I cried out to God in fear “God help me, I don’t want to die!”  That night was monumental for me!  The Lord helped me immediately.  I heard him say “I will never leave you!”  I felt His presence for a moment or two and then drifted off to sleep immediately for the first time ever during a thunderstorm.

As a child I cried out to God, He heard me and drew near to me with His peace and comfort.  God still hears the cries of His children of any age when they call unto Him.  Whatever your fears seek Father God for help to carry you through the storms of your life. 

James 4:8 instructs us to “draw near to God and He will draw to you.”  We draw near to God in our prayers and from within our hearts, and when we do, Father God will manifest His presence to us personally.  Moses couldn’t imagine life without God’s presence so he prayed to God to know His way and for favor for himself and the nation (Exodus 33:14-15).  God answered Moses in v.15 “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.”  Like Moses we too can know God’s way and experience His presence.  Are you in need of rest from the storms of life, then draw near to God and He will draw near to you, His presence will carry through those storms. 

Written by Georgetta Head

As the 1st century approached the world, we discovered the Jewish nation’s life was very dim and bleak.  It’s been almost 400 years since they heard a “word” from God.  Most of the people knew of the prophecies spoken many years ago by the prophets of a coming Messiah, so where is He?  Where is this Messiah spoken of by the prophets?  Were they wrong, did they speak falsely?
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The Jewish nation then was invaded by the Romans and their cultural influence was also now mixed with Greek, there seemed to be no “hope” for the survival of their nation.  One can only imagine the thoughts of the people who were under the control of a then cruel nation.

Not too far away, in the town of Nazareth, a young virgin maiden by the name of Mary was busy going about her household chores.  As she worked her thoughts were on her upcoming marriage!  She would soon be married to a carpenter by the name of Joseph.  They have been betrothed for almost a year now and their wedding day was fast approaching, much still need to done, she thought.

While Mary was busy in thought, suddenly an angel by the name of Gabriel, sent by God, appeared before her.  Gabriel greeted Mary with the most beautiful and welcoming words that every woman desires to hear “Hail, you that are highly favored, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women” (Luke 1:28).  Mary became puzzled by this greeting, so Gabriel comforts her with the most amazing words of “fear not Mary: for you have found favor with God!”  He doesn’t stop there, he continues his message from God with “and behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David:  and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end.”  Imagine 400 years of silence from God and when He does speak, He sends an angel to deliver the message to Mary with the news of a Son to be born.

Mary’s response to the angel, “how shall this be seeing I know not a man? The angel explains how it will be and tells Mary “for with God nothing shall be impossible.”  The hope for the world is “for with God nothing shall be impossible.”  God, through Gabriel, told Mary she has been called to carry the Son of the Most High God in her womb.  What an honor!  She will carry God’s Son, who will be born a King with an everlasting Kingdom!  Mary’s response to Gabriel is most astounding for a girl of her age; “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38)

Friends, the birth of King Jesus is “hope” for your family!  The birth of King Jesus is “hope” for world peace!  The birth of King Jesus is “hope” for eternal life!   Jesus is the “hope” the world is seeking!
 
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​Written by Georgetta Head

“I waited patiently for the Lord and He inclined and heard my cry.  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 40:1-3)
 
Everywhere we look people are in a hurry!  They are constantly rushing here and there, but never seeming to accomplish much.  In today’s culture, we live in a rushed and frustrated society - better known as “stress-filled.”  This fast-pace society is so well accepted that it has been nonchalantly entitled the “microwave generation.” We have been programmed to want what we want now!  No waiting, no planning—just buy it now!  Just do it now!  Leaving us with a buy now, pay later mentality! Rush, rush, hurry, hurry!  My fingers got tired typing these words!
Unfortunately, many of us have allowed this “have it now” attitude to interfere with our relationship with God.  We pray to God with our petitions and needs, and then expect Him to respond or answer immediately. When an immediate response doesn’t happen we then become doubtful believing God doesn’t care about us or our loved ones; or we become angry and impatient.  Why are always in a hurry?  Why are we so impatient? Why do we have difficulties waiting?  Why are we acting as if there is no “hope!”
Psalm 40:1-3 gives a different story about waiting, this Psalm pens hope for the one who patiently waits for God to answer.  As we read these verses penned in these scriptures, we soon discover that it is a treasury of hope, which is salvation, deliverance and joy unspeakable.  Hope the devil doesn’t want us to know about, so he keeps us busy in a fast-paced life anxious about nothing. 
God hears us!  Friends, He can easily bless us with materialistic things, solve our problems, and fight our battles, but His primary goal is for us to learn how to have a priceless and valuable relationship with Him, which includes learning patience.  Instant gratification hurts us more than helps us.  Learning to wait develops a spirit of patience and appreciation that will develop us into a spiritually mature child of God for His kingdom. 
As we wait on God, we learn that a fast-paced life offered by the devil is fruitless, leaving us empty and unhappy.  But, as we wait patiently on the Lord, we will begin to understand the true value and rewards of contentment, forgiveness, victory and witnessing.
 
1. Contentment:   Being happy with what God has already blessed us with and where He has placed us in our calling in the Body of Christ. 

2.  Forgiveness:  Learning genuine forgiveness by not carrying offenses thereby forgiving one another and living a life of peace with one another.

3.    Victory:  Learning to trust and believe in God no matter what happens in life.  We are not moved by what we see, rather we believe that all things are possible with God as we wait patiently on Him for our every need.
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4.    Witnessing:  We will learn the joy of letting our light shine before men as we witness and plant seeds for God’s kingdom, as we now know experientially contentment, forgiveness and victory.
 
No matter what our current or past situation, we don’t have to accept the attitudes of “this world.”  As we patiently wait, we will soon discover that God is already at work behind the scenes setting up the right conditions and positioning people that will be needed to accomplish what He has planned for us.  He’s just waiting for us to “wait patiently!”  Then at the right moment, in God’s timing, He is going to deliver us from that horrible trial, supply our need and establish our goings. 
 
As we experience victories in our lives, we will become excited and blessed with a “new song in our mouth.” This new song is our testimony which we will excitedly share with others.  When they see and hear your victory, they will want what we have.  They will want to know the “Rock of Salvation” that has transformed our lives through Christ Jesus.  Let’s each ask God to teach us to wait patiently on Him.  There is great reward when we do!

Photo by Clem Ononjeghuo
Written by Charles Head
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It’s an awesome thing to know how much we are loved by God, who is our Heavenly Father.  His love is unconditional, yet, all we have to do is accept His love and walk in obedience to His word, which is the Bible.

There are many examples in the Bible where the Lord demonstrated His love to His chosen people “Israel.”  Also, His love was continued in His New Covenant through Jesus Christ, for the Body of Christ today.

God’s love is demonstrated all around us in four parts:  1) going before us; 2) behind us (rearguard); 3) all sides of us; and 4) inside us.

Joshua was demonstrating God’s love through admonishing Israel to go forward without fear in the wilderness.  This is a declaration of “God before his people!”

In Deuteronomy 31:8 we read “and the LORD, He is that doth go before you, He will be with you, He will not fail you, neither forsake you:  fear not, neither be dismayed.”  In reference to being Israel’s “rearguard”, Isaiah 52:12 reads, “For you shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward” (rearguard).
Psalm 34:7 encourages us of God’s protection from all sides by saying:  “The angel of the LORD encampeth around about them that fear Him, and He delivereth them.”

The Lord loves us so much that He is part of our “inside spiritual man.” In the New Testament 1 John 4:4 reads, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”  We must be continuously reminded that we are “surrounded with God’s love,” and not fear all the cares of this world.  God has it all under control and will not abandon us.

As a young man in my early years I didn’t understand God’s love because I hadn’t given Him a chance to manifest Himself to me, but through God’s mercy and love He kept reaching out to me.  My Mother had told me about “the love of Jesus” as a young boy but it was my choice to accept or reject God’s love.  Finally, when I realized that only “Jesus” could fulfill the void and emptiness I was experiencing in life, I became desperate enough to cry out to Him.  He met me and surrounded me in His love and my life was transformed for His glory.  I became born again on the “inside.”  Until this present day I have no regrets for that decision.  God’s love is real inside me.

Photo by Christopher Rusev (unsplash)
Written by Charles Head

The Lord has chosen a name for those who are saved – “peculiar!”  We are considered a set apart people who He has set aside as lights to the world.  Because of our transformation, how we function and the way we live our daily lives may cause some to come to the light of Jesus in us or stand in the way because our life causes the brightness to dim.

In 1 Peter 2:9-10 we read “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light:  which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” 
 
We must keep in mind that God has given people of the world the right to watch us and expect us to be a representative of His kingdom to show His glory and give them hope for a victorious life in Christ.

It’s a troubled time today in the church as many are compromising their “should be” Godly convictions in the name of things such as status, partiality, hate in our races, and followers of those that are evil rather than the Godly standard He has set.  When we are caught up in this agenda we are no different than those who don’t profess Christ as Savior.

It is time to put away all our carnal thoughts and actions and be obedient to the command Jesus gave before He left this earth.  He commanded us in the Book of Matthew with a title known as “The Great Commission,” which is “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. “ (Matthew 28:19-20)

We should never take lightly what Jesus has commanded us in God’s Word, it’s neither a fairy tale nor symbolic, it is to be read, meditated upon and applied with action to our life.  Never should we as peculiar people get so caught up this world and forget our purpose to be ambassadors to both win souls for God’s kingdom by pointing them to the Light of Christ, and live as a light to others.

Yes, we all have faults, and we are not to bury our head in the sand and ignore the world around us, but at the same time we are to be more sensitive and mindful that we have an advantage with the Lord on our side.  The hope that the world needs in the midst of all the crisis around us resides in us.  Exercise it in order to bring fruit that can make a difference for others.  

Photo by Tyler Nix (Unsplash)

Written by Charles S. Head
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During my morning prayer time today, I was interrupted by my grandson knocking on the closed door.  I had already told him earlier that I would be praying, but when you have a young child many times you have to repeat yourself more than one time. 

As he entered the room, he noticed I was sitting in my recliner rather than the usual bowing of my knees to pray.  His comment was centered around me sitting in the chair rather than bowing, meaning that I was not really having my prayer time because I was not bowing my knees.  Because of his comment I preceded to explain to him “the heart is what matters!”  I gave him an example of my dear Mother, during her life she was wheelchair bound and crippled, she could not get down on her knees to pray, but I saw her talk to God many days out of her heart and she still made her connection with Him with her prayers.

My changed life and transformation is a result of her prayers, because prayers that really matter comes from the heart, no matter what our physical condition or position may be.  Some examples found in the Bible are in Psalms 9:1 “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”  The example speaking of the motive of the heart is found in Psalms 26:2-3 “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart for thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.”

The Lord knows the motive of our hearts ever before we open our mouth, even for those who cannot speak by mouth, He hears their heart and answers accordingly.  All that matters is that we must keep our heart pure from sin in order that the connection will go through as we have a relationship with Father God.

Photo by Aung Snoe (unsplash)
​Written by Rev. Georgetta Head
 
"This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24
 
Every day we awake is a gift from God.  He watched over us during the night, woke us up this morning, granting each one of us a new day.  The Psalmist is making a declaration!  A declaration of truth and of faith that God is creator of each new day. 
 
This Psalm is also about making a choice!  Will you choose to rejoice because of this gift and will you rejoice in this day.  Everything we do is about making a choice. We can choose to rejoice and be happy, or choose not to rejoice and allow worldly circumstances to create our day! 
 
Friends, God created each new day for us as an adventure!  Every day is a journey with new discoveries in the Lord as we trust Him to "direct our steps!"  Today, by faith, choose "joy" for "the joy of the Lord is our strength" on our individual journeys.  Father God has great plans for our lives.  Living in misery doubting God delays the manifestation of Father God's plans in our lives.  Don't let worldly circumstances keep you from receiving all God has for you!

​Photo by Aung Snoe (unsplash)
​Written by Rev. Georgetta Head
 
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:"  Isaiah 26:3-4 KJV
 
Every day we either read about bad news, watch it on TV, or listen to it on the radio.  Bad news can be unnerving to one’s mind leaving them frightened and void of peace of the mind.  Individuals are seeking peace for the world and for their minds, but they are seeking the wrong sources, leaving many in a depressed state of mind.  The Bible tells us there is no peace for the ungodly, but for those who trust in God can have "peace."
 
As Believers journey through earth they will experience difficulties and trying circumstances in their homes, their workplaces,  and in this world because this is part of what happens in a "fallen" world.  But, the Word of God warns Believers not to be caught off guard, we have been forewarned these things would happen!  Life happens in the life of Believers and unbelievers alike, but Believers should not handle difficult circumstances as those who do not know God the Father.
 
Believers are to be an example to the world of the joy and peace of mind one has when trusting in God Almighty.  We are to keep our minds focused and steadfast on God for everything, including difficulties in life. For God is our strength and hope during our times of need.  He is our victory! He is our rescuer! He is our deliverer! He is our rewarder!
 
God promises "perfect peace" as we trust in Him.  What battles are you struggling with right now?  Stop struggling and cast those burdens onto the Lord, for He is your strength. Settle in your mind that God is able to meet your every need according to His riches in glory.  Settle in your mind that God, who dwells within you, is stronger than anything you are going through in this world!  Trust in God to fight your battles!  Keep your mind "stayed on Him" and Our God will give us "perfect peace" to level any mountain and to destroy every Goliath in our lives now and in the future. 
 
I have personally TP'd (Tried & Proved) Isaiah 26:3-4.  Father God does reward us with "perfect peace" as we change our thinking and keep our minds stayed on Him for every victory in our lives.  TP (Try & Prove) Isaiah 26:3-4 for yourself!  Father God is no respecter of person, what He did for me, He will do for you!  Father God loves you very much and wants you to be stable in your mind so you can soar strong like an eagle and not become weary in your daily living.
 
Application
Find scriptures in the Bible that relate to what you are going through.  Read the stories Holy Spirit recorded in the Bible of how:

• God rescues His children. 
• God provides for His children. 
• God comforts His children.
• God punishes our enemies. 

 
The Bible is the Believers lifeline that helps them to keep their mind "stayed on God" who is our Lord Jehovah our everlasting strength.

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Photo by Aung Soe (unsplash)
​Written by Rev. Georgetta Head

"Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:  Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious."  (Psalms 66:1-2 KJV)

Everyday we are faced with new trials, struggles or unforeseen circumstances that take us off focus of what is really important.  And, generation after generation we have lost the real purpose of our existence, such as:  1) why are we here, and 2) why were we created.
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We exist to bring glory to God in all that we do, whether at work or play.  God lovingly created each of us uniquely different, yet with the same purpose - to magnify His glory through our lives.  To speak of His testimonies, to sing of His honor for the great things He has done.

Does your light, the glory of God, shine brightly each day through you displaying the uniquely created "you" by the hands of Almighty God?  Do you bring joy into every situation?  Do you sing of His praises for what He has accomplished in your life?
The Psalmist says "make a joyful noise!" In other words speak loudly and unapologetically of our magnificence, all-knowing and powerful God who watches over us as a mother hen watches her chicks.  Sing loudly my friends for God is doing great things in you and through you!  Sing loudly praises to God Almighty for His works are wonderful!  Sing loudly making a joyful noise because we are His crowning joy!  My friends, sing loudly praises to our God, for we His children are His creation and are greatly loved.  Never let your struggles, trials or circumstances cause you to lose your voice to sing "a joyful noise unto the LORD."  Nothing is impossible with God, so continue to sing a joyful noise as He is preparing the answers and solutions to your life situations. 

Friends, remember we are on a journey just passing through earth, so don't let the bumps on the road detour you!  Keep making a joyful noise, singing forth the honor due God and His name!!   

​Photo by Emma (unsplash)
 Written by Georgetta Head

As we journey in God's Word today, let's look at Psalms 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

We can read the Bible from now until eternity and we will never know all the wisdom found in the Bible.  What I've learned though is, when we are faithful to study the Word, Holy Spirit will reveal to us wonderful treasures, which can be inspiring, bring correction, give us answers we are seeking, help with decisions, etc.

Benefits of Studying the Word:
• The more we study the Word and apply it to our lives we will        begin to mature spiritually in the Lord.
• Consistently reading and studying the Word transforms us more and more into the likeness of Christ.
• Consistently reading and studying the Word strengthens our faith, teaching us to allow the Word of God to be our guidance and direction.
• Consistently studying the Word empowers us with a secure and confident walk with the Lord.

Mysteries of the Kingdom:
Matthew 13:11 (KJV) reveals why unbelievers can not understand the Bible. "...Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."  The Word of God is for Believers!  They receive revelation of the Word under the guidance of Holy Spirit.  When Holy Spirit points out something new to us in the Word, it should draw us closer to the Lord.  I can personally testify that reading and studying the Word has great benefits such as knowing Father God's character and His ways more intimately.  Friends, making God a priority in our lives is key for living a victorious lifestyle. 

Many believe consistent studying of the word has little or no benefits, but God says studying the Word is profitable.  2 Timothy 3:16 records that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" Per God's own Words, the Word instructs Believers how to live a godly life.  The Word of God is a light that exams the heart to correct and discipline when needed.  We need the Word of God in order to live this life righteously and victoriously.

As stewards of the Word, we are to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).  This encouragement comes from God!  The Word is life, and it is a lifeline for all Believers!  Unfortunately, many of God's children know more about TV programs than the Word of God, which is sad.  If one doesn't know the Word of God, how will he/she not be deceived!  How will they know the TRUTH, especially in today's culture?

Personal Testimony:
Psalms 119:105 is one of my favorite scriptures and a daily reminder to me to let go and let God. The first thing to happen to me after Salvation is that I developed an insatiable hunger to know everything about the Word of God.  The more I studied the Word, the more I wanted to study and know all I could about God and His Kingdom.  Forty years later and I am still hungry for learning all I can about our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom. God's Word has transformed me in ways I could never do myself.  I think differently! My desires are different. I am so amazed at my transformation, and I didn't need a plastic surgeon.  What I needed was the heart surgeon of Heaven, Holy Spirit. He transformed my old man into a new man that no longer desires the influences of this world.   My heart now longs for what only Father God can provide and do for me.

God's Word can be our guide and direction if we allow it to be our lamp and our light.  The Word of God can transform anyone that puts their trust in Him.  King Manasseh, in the Old Testament, was one of the worse kings to rule in Israel.   He reigned 52 years as a murderer and dictator, but the last two years of his reign, he met our Heavenly heart surgeon, Holy Spirit.  Manasseh had heart surgery and was transformed!  He spent the last two years of his life trying to bring about reform in Israel.  If a man as wicked as king Manasseh can be transformed, anyone can be transformed under the guidance and direction of Holy Spirit.  Don't stop praying for your unsaved loved ones, neighbors, your community, and our leaders - for nothing is impossible with God!