Thursday, May 8, 2025

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Thursday, May 8, 2025 – A Place of Grace

Dear Friends,

The woman caught in adultery stood in the middle of a crowd that was ready to stone her. But then Jesus stepped forward—not with a stone in hand, but with grace in His heart.

That is the kind of grace we must strive to show—especially in our online interactions. Our world is filled with people already burdened by shame, regret, and fear. They don’t need our condemnation. They need our compassion. They need Jesus.

When others falter, let us be the ones who draw mercy in the dust, not judgment in the air. Let our online presence be a place of grace—where others find hope, not hostility.

In Christ’s compassion,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – Guarding Our Testimony

Dear Friends,

Our testimony is one of the most powerful tools God has entrusted to us. It is more than our words—it is the witness of our lives, our character, and how we represent the One who saved us.

Yet, how quickly we can damage that testimony by a single unkind word, a sarcastic post, or a prideful argument online. The enemy delights when we forget who we are in Christ and fall into the traps of gossip, division, or digital cruelty.

Guard your testimony, dear friend. Let it be a light in dark places, not a shadow of regret. Let those who see your life—whether in person or online—see the gentleness, humility, and unwavering love of Jesus.

Faithfully yours,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Mid-Week Message - A Worthy Struggle

"I want to know Christ - yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.  Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:10-14 (NIV)  


I appreciate the life that Paul led and the letters that he left behind so that we could know how dear the Lord was to him and how everything he did was done with Heaven in mind.  Of course we know the story that previous to meeting Jesus, Paul, or rather Saul, was a persecutor of Christians.  But when he met the Savior, everything changed.  His life was spent spreading the Good News, for which he endured unspeakable suffering.  But he didn't give up and he found joy in the struggles he encountered because he knew that there was a reward awaiting him that would be greater than he could imagine.  

I wonder how many of us are able to keep that in mind as we encounter the difficulties of daily life.  I have many friends in full-time Christian service and it isn't an easy life.  Moreover, I hear and read stories of missionaries in foreign lands who endure great hardship, including the threat of torture and even death.  They chose to leave behind the conveniences and comfort of their lives here in order to carry Christ's love to those who haven't had the chance to hear that there is a Redeemer who laid down His own life so that we on earth could have an everlasting future with Him.  

Several times a day I utter the words, "I'm tired."  And I am.  My body doesn't work the way it used to and just going through whatever the day requires of me is tedious at best.  Some days, my pain level makes me want to sleep the day away because when I am asleep is the only time that I am truly pain free.  Yet, if I give in to that desire then I am unable to focus on what is more important.  If I am sleeping, I am not praying for the many on my prayer list.  If I am sleeping then I am not reaching out to others that I know need encouragement.  And I am reminded that my life is not my own, but belongs to the One who paid an enormous price to redeem it and therefore deserves for it to be used for His glory.  

Paul set an example for each of us to follow.  No matter what he encountered, whether it be shipwrecks, beatings, illnesses, imprisonment or attempts on his life, he kept praising the Lord and sharing His message with everyone that was around him.  He didn't give in to pain or let exhaustion cease his efforts.  He knew that his time on this planet was temporary and that he had a limited amount of time to accomplish as much as he could for Jesus.  He seized every moment handed to him to make an eternal difference.  I'm sure he had moments of discouragement, moments of saying, "I'm tired."  But then he put them aside and continued on what he knew to be the better path.  

We have a finite time upon this orb.  Our days are limited.  If we do not fill our days with Heavenly purpose, then we are missing the mark.  God has us planted us where we are for reasons we may not be aware of.  Our response should be to take hold of the resources and opportunities that come our way and use them for His glory.  We each have a mission field.  We just have to realize it, and, with our hands firmly in His, go forth and boldly represent Him.  If we need a guide to show us how to take each step then we can read about Paul and, as he did, press forward toward the goal to win the prize that is waiting for us when we are called home.  It will be worth any struggle we encounter, no matter how tired we may get.  God bless.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – Behind the Keyboard

Dear Friends,

One of the most troubling things about modern communication is the ease with which we can speak without truly seeing the person we are addressing. Behind every post, every comment, every reply is a human soul—a person made in the image of God.

When we forget this truth, it becomes far too easy to be careless. But as followers of Christ, we are not called to be careless—we are called to be Christlike.

Let us treat even our digital neighbors as we would want to be treated in person. Before you type, ask yourself: “Would I say this in the presence of Christ?” Because, dear friend, in truth—you are.

With peace and sincerity,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Monday, May 5, 2025

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Monday, May 5, 2025 – A Heart of Reflection

Dear Friends,

After sharing yesterday’s message, I found myself in a moment of deep personal reflection. It is one thing to preach the Word—it is another to examine one’s own heart against it. The truth is, we all fall short at times. We’ve all spoken hastily, judged quickly, and perhaps responded unkindly—especially in the ease and distance that social media provides.

This is why keeping God at the center of all we say and do is so critical. When we slow down and focus on Him, our tone softens. Our words are seasoned with grace. And our interactions begin to reflect the Savior we profess to follow.

Let today be a day of self-examination. Let your thoughts, words, and online presence reflect the love of Christ.

In His grace,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Live What You Claim: Responding to Cruelty with Christlike Character

We live in an age where communication travels at the speed of thought and is broadcast with the simple tap of a finger. Social media platforms, once intended as means of connection, fellowship, and encouragement, have sadly become fertile ground for misunderstanding, division, and even malice. What once might have been said in hushed tones or in the privacy of closed doors is now flung into the world with thoughtless ease. And what’s worse—many of those words are being spoken or typed by individuals who boldly proclaim the name of Christ.

Let us be clear from the very beginning of this message: calling oneself a Christian is not the same as living as a Christian. The true test of faith is not in the title we bear, but in the fruit we produce—in our actions, our speech, and yes, even our online interactions. Christ did not call us to a convenient or selective discipleship. He called us to deny ourselves, to take up our cross daily, and to follow Him in word, in deed, and in character.

It grieves the heart to witness how some have used social media as a modern-day slingshot, hurling criticisms, passive-aggressive jabs, and open condemnation under the guise of righteousness. Behind the veil of a profile picture and a keyboard, they lash out at others, sometimes even at fellow believers, forgetting the very words of the Apostle Paul who wrote, “Never pay back evil with more evil... Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:17–18, NLT). Sadly, the weaponization of words—especially in public forums—has become commonplace, and tragically, it often masquerades as spiritual boldness.

But, beloved, true spiritual boldness is not found in tearing others down—it is found in lifting Christ up through grace, truth, and humility. This message is a call to reexamine how we live out our faith, not only in our homes and churches but in our digital lives. It is a challenge to those who bear the name of Christ to also bear His heart in every setting—especially in those places where temptation whispers, “No one will hold you accountable.”

In the verses we will explore today, from Romans 12 and the Gospel of John, we will uncover the mandate to act with Christlike mercy, to extend grace even when it is undeserved, and to let our conduct reflect the One who forgave us when we were at our worst. This is the beginning of repentance for those who have misused their voice, and it is the beginning of healing for those who have been wounded by such misuse.

Let us journey now into the Word of God, with open hearts and yielded spirits, and ask ourselves: Am I truly living what I claim to believe?

The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:17–21 (NLT), “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone... Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”

When the Apostle Paul penned these words to the believers in Rome, he did not write as one who was unfamiliar with persecution or cruelty. He wrote as a man who had suffered beatings, imprisonment, slander, and betrayal—all for the sake of Christ. Yet his exhortation was not to retaliate, not to return insult for insult, but to live in such a way that all could see the honor and holiness of God reflected in the believer’s life.

This is the essence of the first pillar of a God-centered life: keeping God as your focus. When our eyes are fixed on Him, our behavior—our decisions, our reactions, our speech—is filtered through His holiness. We no longer operate out of pride or emotion, but out of reverence and obedience. The Christian who has truly centered their life on God will ask before every interaction, “Will this glorify the Lord?”

Nowhere is this more tested than in our digital lives. In the heat of disagreement, when a post angers us or someone takes a jab at our beliefs, the temptation to fire back is real. But here is the truth, dear brothers and sisters: vengeance belongs to God, not to us. Romans 12:19 says, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.” The moment we repay evil with evil, whether by word, post, or meme, we have taken our eyes off God and placed them on ourselves.

Social media offers instant gratification. A clever insult. A sarcastic retort. A viral rebuttal. But what does it cost? The approval of men is fleeting, but the favor of God is eternal. When we make Him our focus, we are no longer concerned with “winning” an argument or “clapping back” at someone online. We are instead committed to winning souls, extending grace, and being peacemakers in a hostile world.

We must remember that we are always representing someone higher than ourselves. We are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). When others look at our conduct—especially when tensions are high—they should be able to say, “That person walks with God.”

So the question we must all ask ourselves today is simple, but convicting: Are my words—spoken or typed—a reflection of the God I claim to serve? If not, then our focus needs to return to the One who gave us a better way. For the Christian life is not one of retaliation, but of reconciliation. Not of cruelty, but of compassion. Not of pride, but of peace.

In John 8:1–11 (NLT), Jesus looks at the crowd surrounding the woman caught in the act of adultery and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”

The second pillar of a God-centered life is the importance of family, and this extends far beyond the walls of our homes. It reaches into our churches, our communities, and even our digital fellowship. We are, in Christ, members of one body—a spiritual family called to love, restore, and uplift one another.

In John 8, we are presented with a powerful encounter between Jesus, the Pharisees, and a woman caught in the act of adultery. The religious leaders dragged her publicly into the temple courts, not out of concern for righteousness, but in an attempt to trap Jesus and parade their own self-righteousness. They shamed her, condemned her, and demanded judgment. They saw her as a tool in their plot, not a soul in need of mercy.

But Jesus saw her differently.

Instead of answering their cries for condemnation, He stooped down and wrote in the dust. Then He spoke the words that continue to echo through the centuries: “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.” And one by one, they walked away—silenced not by clever argument, but by the weight of their own guilt. Jesus, the only one qualified to condemn her, offered her forgiveness and a new beginning.

This is the posture we must take—not just in moments of face-to-face confrontation but in our responses online, where modern-day Pharisees often wield their keyboards like stones. It is heartbreaking to see how believers, who are supposed to be part of one spiritual family, often devour each other in public view. Posts meant to encourage become battlefields. Threads of conversation become threads of condemnation. And what is most tragic is that the watching world sees not the grace of Christ, but the fury of religious pride.

Beloved, our families—both biological and spiritual—learn from what we model. Our children see our interactions. Our spouses observe our tone. Our fellow believers take note of our witness. And our words, though typed in pixels, carry weight in the spiritual realm. When we attack others, even in the name of truth, without love and grace, we betray the unity of the body of Christ.

Jesus could have used that moment in the temple to issue a public rebuke of sin. Instead, He issued a private call to repentance and a public display of mercy. What would happen if we, too, embraced mercy over condemnation? What would change in our churches, our homes, and our social media feeds if we acted not out of pride, but out of familial concern for one another's well-being?

To love our spiritual family means to protect one another from shame, to restore gently, to bear burdens, and to reflect the patience and kindness of Christ. This love extends to our online behavior. The anonymity of the internet does not excuse us from biblical decency; it only tests the sincerity of our discipleship.

So I ask you now: Are we casting stones with our posts, or are we stooping down like Jesus, drawing mercy in the dust and offering restoration instead of ruin?

As we draw this message to a close, let us return once more to the powerful words of Paul in Romans 12: “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” And let us recall the voice of our Savior as He stood beside a broken, humiliated woman and declared, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” These are not just holy words preserved on ancient scrolls. They are divine instructions for every believer who walks the path of grace in a world soaked in cruelty.

We have considered the first two pillars of a God-centered life—Keeping God as Your Focus and The Importance of Family. These are not merely theological concepts; they are anchors that keep us grounded in righteousness when the world tempts us toward vengeance, sarcasm, and self-righteousness.

When we keep God at the center, we are reminded that our every action is seen by Him. Nothing is hidden, not even the comments we post or the messages we send in private. Our pursuit is not to be right in the eyes of men, but to be righteous before a holy God.

When we honor our spiritual family—our brothers and sisters in Christ—we reflect the love that binds us together through the blood of the Lamb. We are not spiritual vigilantes called to expose and shame; we are servants of the cross called to restore, forgive, and build up.

The question, then, is not, “Do I call myself a Christian?” The real question is: “Am I living in a Christlike manner—especially when no one else is?”

The world is watching. Our families are watching. But more importantly, God is watching. And He is calling His children to rise above the noise, to speak with gentleness, to post with wisdom, and to shine with the light of Christ in all they do.

If you have misused your words—whether online or offline—take heart. Grace is not withheld from the repentant. Jesus still stoops beside the guilty, not to cast a stone, but to offer a new beginning. Today can be that day of renewal.

And if you have been wounded by the cruelty of others, know this: the Savior who defended the woman in the temple stands to defend you as well. He knows your pain, and His mercy is your healing.

So let us commit ourselves anew to the calling of Christ—not just in name, but in truth. Let us be slow to speak, quick to listen, rich in mercy, and steadfast in love. And when we are tempted to cast stones, let us instead draw mercy in the sand.

So, I say to you, "May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence."

Saturday, May 3, 2025

📣 Ministry Message Announcement – Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

Dear Friends in Christ,

In a world increasingly shaped by digital conversations, it is easy—even for believers—to fall into the trap of using words as weapons. This Sunday, we invite you to join us for a powerful and timely message entitled “Live What You Claim: Responding to Cruelty with Christlike Character.” Through the wisdom of Romans 12 and the mercy of Christ in John 8, we will examine what it truly means to live as a Christian—not just in title, but in conduct, especially in how we engage with others online.

This message will challenge us to return to the first two pillars of a God-centered life:
  • Keeping God as Your Focus, and
  • The Importance of Family—both in the home and in the body of Christ.
We will address the reality of online cruelty and the sobering truth that claiming Christ is not the same as living like Christ. Whether you have struggled with unkindness or have been hurt by the words of others, this message offers both conviction and hope.

🕛 Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 4th at 12 PM (EDT) and plan to read, reflect, and respond in the Spirit.

📢 Please help us spread the Word by sharing this message with friends, family, and your online community.

Let us walk together in grace, truth, and humility.

In His service,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Friday, May 2, 2025

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Friday, May 2, 2025 – Strengthening the Temple

Dear Friends,

Our final pillar is a reminder that to wait well, we must be well. God has given us these bodies as temples of His Spirit, and we are called to care for them. Psalm 27:14 speaks of bravery and courage—two virtues that require physical, emotional, and spiritual strength.

Being healthy isn’t just about diet or exercise—it’s about preparing yourself to serve God with energy and enthusiasm. A strong body supports a strong spirit. Whether that means more rest, better nutrition, or caring for your emotional well-being, take steps today to honor the temple He has entrusted to you.

Let your strength be a testimony of His sustaining grace.

Walking beside you in Christ,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries