From the Heart - Friendship

As I prepare myself for the day, I am reflecting on a situation that occurred yesterday and how we can be blessed even under the most stressful of situations. Over the past couple of weeks, Karla and I have been going through some very difficult times and continue to face the unknown. There are so many parts to this story so I will not bore you with the details. Suffice it to say, things are causing a lot of fear, uncertainty and doubt in our lives. We continue to pray and ask for discernment and wisdom to make the right choices.

Yesterday was an example of a right choice made not by thought but by the heart. Karla and I, through a mutual friend, met a wonderful couple, Jeff Todd and his lovely wife, Frances. We needed some work done around the house and, since we are still very new to Newnan, did not know who to call for help. A friend of ours, Allison, gave us the name of a handyman who could help us. It was the best thing that happened to us.


Jeff and Frances are both Christians. Both have a loving heart and truly exemplify the virtue of Christian love. Jeff and I had a long conversation regarding our faith and I shared with him my fears, uncertainties and doubts. Through his words, I gained a better perspective of my life and where things stand. 

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been consumed by worry over things outside of my control. Yes, even pastors have those types of moments. We all do. I, however, continued to struggle through my problems. I needed to hear the words of faith and trust spoken by another. Jeff ministered to me. We all need someone who has the spiritual gift of sharing the Word and the ability to bring things into crystal-clear clarity. 

So, I dedicate this article to Jeff Todd and Frances as well as his ministry. If you have a chance, please visit his ministry site, argseries.com. As I write this article, Proverbs 18:24 comes to mind.

Proverbs 18:24 (NLT)

There are “friends” who destroy each other,
    but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Answers Inside - Gospels

John 15:5 NLT

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

Special Message for Monday - Love Our Enemies

Years and years ago, I attended a rally with a very inspirational Christian speaker. She and her Dutch Christian family hid and helped Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. After reading her book, The Hiding Place, I realized that Corrie Ten Boom had every right to hate the Nazis. After all, take a look at what they had done to the Jews and so many others including her own family.

I began to think about the times, that I like her, hated my enemy. As humans, it is so very easy to hate. However, we, as Christians, are called upon by Christ Jesus to love our enemy. In Romans 12:20, Paul tells us that instead of hating our enemies, we are to show them kindness. If they are hungry, we are to feed them. If they are thirsty, we are to give them drink. Feed and give drink to our enemy? This completely unnatural and almost impossible to do. In fact, it is completely contrary to the way we learned how the world works. 

But, that is the point, we are not part of this world. In 2 Corinthians 6:17, we are to come out from among the unbelievers. By doing so, we set ourselves apart. We follow the teachings of Jesus and obey the word of the Father. When we do what Christ Jesus taught us to do, we show the world that we have truly overcome it and its hatred. 

There is one quote from Corrie, in particular, that sums up how we initially feel about our enemies and how, through grace, we are able to overcome the hatred and learn to love our enemies.

“Even as the angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him....Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness....And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on his. When he tells us to love our enemies, he gives along with the command, the love itself.” Corrie Ten Boom, author of The Hiding Place

Answers Inside - Proverbs

Proverbs 15:29 NLT

The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.

Sunday Message - Closing Prayer

As we begin our week, let us prayer for those things that we will need as we face the days ahead.

Abba Father, I proclaim Your holy name and Your awesome power in my life. As I start a new week, give me strength in my weakness, faith in my fear and power in my powerlessness. I trust you completely. Amen

Sunday Message - Elements of a True Prayer

In today's message, Sr. Chaplain Jesse Johns will be examining Daniel's prayer for his people in Daniel 9. As we continue the sermon series on the elements of a true prayer, Chaplain Johns will be looking at the specific words and tone of Daniel's prayer as a model for our own.

Sunday Message - Scripture Reading from Psalms

Today's scripture reading comes from Psalms 86:1-7. Reading from the New Living Translation.

Psalm 86:1-7 (NLT)

1 Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;
    answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
    Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
    You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
    for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord,
    for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
    so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
    hear my urgent cry.
7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
    and you will answer me.

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

As we come into His presence, let us do so with praise and song. Lifting up our voices to Him and proclaims what He has done and continues to do in our lives.

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Text: Louisa M. R. Stead, c. 1850-1917 

Music: William J. Kirkpatrick, 1838-1921 

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His Word

Just to rest upon His promise,

Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord!"

I'm so glad I learned to trust Him,

Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend

And I know that He is with me,

Will be with me to the end.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Answers Inside - New Testament

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

God's Grace is Greater

While I was running a few errands the other day, I happened to stop behind a SUV with bumper stickers. Like others, I began to read them. Sometimes you run across a car with a lot of political stickers. This one was different. There were a lot of Christians stickers on this SUV. 

There was one sticker on this particular vehicle that really got me to thinking. It beautifully summed up the foundation of our belief in salvation. It stated the following.

Our sins are great, but God's grace is greater.

That one bumper sticker simply and succinctly explained the very nature of our faith. We have been given a wonderful gift of grace. We did not deserve it, but God, through His son, Jesus, gave us that gift and we have the opportunity to accept it. That grace also tells us that God loved us so very much that He gave His son as our atonement for our sins.

As you start your weekend, please think about the bumper sticker and thank Him for that amazing grace.

Encouraging Words

As I was reading an article, I ran across something I would like to share with our faith family and grace partners. I know that each of us face a lot of problems and fears in your lives. I can tell you that Karla and my family are facing some very difficult problems, but we know that God, to use a military term, has our 6 and then some. The best way to put it is that He has our 360. Just like Job, God has placed a hedge of protection around us. 

As we continue to grow the ministry, we seem to have more and more problems pop up. Karla and I both feel that we must be getting under Satan's skin and he is working overtime to bring harm to us. Sometimes, we do get discouraged, but we quickly respond with prayer and look to our Heavenly Father for that protection. He provides. Yes, He is our Jehovah Jireh. God will see to it and provide for us. I thank God for Karla and her prayers as we go through some very trying times. It is only through His grace that we can overcome Satan's slings and arrows. So, we, like you, stand firm in His grace.

As we go through our own problems, we never forgot our faith family and grace partners and continue to pray for each of you. We are so very thankful that we are blessed with such wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember, you are always very special to us and in our prayers.

I am sharing this with you.

When it rains, look for a rainbow.

When it is dark, look for stars.

Yours in Christ,
Chaplain JJ

Answers Inside - Paul

Colossians 3:23-24 NLT

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

New Ministry Twitter Account!

In order to continue serving God and our faith family by providing more ways to share the message of God's love and grace with others, we have launched our new Twitter account. 

If you are following Jesse Johns @jkjohns, please start following our messages of encouragement and Christian love @SFIHGMinstry.

You can click here to view our Twitter page.

Did You Know?

In order to make it easy as pie to access our ministry website, you can use any of the following to land safely at our website.

www.standfirminhisgrace.com

www.standfirminhisgrace.net

www.standfirminhisgrace.org

If you are in a hurry, you can even type:

www.sfihg.com

www.sfihg.net

www.sfihg.org

And if you are really, REALLY in a hurry, you don't even need to type the www part to land at our website.

Or, better yet, bookmark our site and share it with your friends. That way our ministry website is just a click away.

As always, please share the ministry website with your family and friends. We are here to serve as the good Lord directs and leads us to do.

Answers Inside - Old Testament

Genesis 12:1-3 (NLT)

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

Old Testament Sermon Series - Elements of a True Prayer

Continuing in his discussion regarding the elements of a true prayer, Sr. Chaplain Jesse Johns will be looking at Daniel 9 and discussing each of the elements of Daniel's prayer. 

Last Sunday, as you recall, Chaplain JJ discussed the heart of the individual who utters the prayer. If you missed that message, it is available in our podcast library or you can listen to it by clicking here.

Mid-Week Message - A Prayer for Inner Strength

Over the past couple of days, I received prayer requests from individuals. There was a common theme to each of theme. They asked for strength. 

For those needing strength, courage and guidance to face their challenges, I offer up this prayer. If you find yourself in need of help, I encourage you to pray this simple prayer.

Dear God,

Please give me the strength to face the day and to see the many blessings that it contains.

Give me the courage to walk on, no matter how long the path or how many turns the road holds.

Guide my thoughts so that I walk in love and peace and with gratitude stamped on my heart.

It is in Your Son's precious and holy name, I pray.

Amen

Mid-Week Message - Trust Me

Trust.  This is God's word for me this year.  I know that because He has repeated it to me non-stop through scripture, daily circumstances, encouragement from friends, and more dearly, through His own whispers of, "Trust me."

The first dictionary definition of the English word "trust" is: reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing ; confidence. Further down in the list is another short word that carries great weight - Hope.  To trust God then would be to rely on His integrity, His strength, His ability, His surety and having confidence that He is able to be and to do what He says.

Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."

Why is it so much easier to trust when things are going well?  If everything is rosy then it is so simple to praise the Father for His mercy and grace.  So much easier to testify to His goodness and His provision.  On the days of plenty, hallelujahs are free flowing.  The problem is that we all have days, weeks, months or even years of difficulty.  Jobs are lost.  Loved ones, or ourselves, suffer illness.  Money is tight.  Every second seems like an eternity as we pray and wait for the Lord's answer to our situation.  We wait to be rescued from whatever situation we find ourselves or to be shown the right way to go.

I am reminded of the song "I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden."  In all of God's Word, nowhere does He promise us a life free of worry or problems.  In fact, He tells us quite the opposite.  We are assured there will be hard times.  We are even assured of persecution.  But He tells us over and over and over how very much He loves us and that we are His children.  He tells us not to worry but to TRUST Him.  As our Creator. God and Father, He knows what we need before we do and has already made provision for whatever it is.  However, His timing is not our timing, so we must wait upon Him and trust that the answer will arrive at the appropriate time.

My favorite verse in scripture comes from my favorite chapter in scripture.  Psalm 139, in the second part of verse 16 says, "all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be."  He gave me those words during a particularly challenging part of my life when it was extremely hard to see how anything would ever be any better.  I can't describe the hope they brought, and still bring today.  If all the days of my life were recorded in His book before I even existed, then He has always been aware of the struggles of today and they have already been provided for.  I can't think of a more encouraging reason to trust Him than that.

Mid-Week Music - Trust and Obey

As we come to the middle of the week, I know that many of my friends are seeking employment opportunities. I ask that you pray for them. One of the most difficult things that they face is that they are waiting for that decision. All I can say to them is to trust and obey. 

So, today's mid-week music interlude is dedicated to those seeking employment.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Building the Ministry Through Community Service

As we continue to grow each day with more opportunities to serve the Lord, we are offering more services to the community to share the Good News and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and those we serve.

We now offer pet blessing, home blessing and interim minister services to Newnan, Georgia, and the surrounding areas. 

As God continues to bless our ministry with help from our grace partners, we will continue to serve the Lord. Through their prayers and donations, we are able to reach more people and share God's grace.

But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15 NLT

Answers Inside - Gospels

Luke 6:35-36 NLT

Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

Power of Prayer - Worried About Things

Heavenly Father, lately I've been so worried about things that are out of my control. Help me to trust that You are working out every little detail in my life and that I have nothing to fear or worry about. In Jesus' most precious and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer Request for Storm Victims

As many of you know, the southern part of the United States was slammed with massive storms which spanned tornadoes and flooding. Please pray for those who have lost their loved ones and friends. Let us come together as a faith family and help those in need. 

Answers Inside - Proverbs

Proverbs 12:15 NLT

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

Sunday Message - Elements of a True Prayer

In today's message, Sr. Chaplain Jesse Johns will be examining the elements of a true and sincere prayer. In this sermon series, Chaplain Jesse will be starting this series by examining the heart and character of the person who prays.

Sunday Message - Scripture Reading from Psalms

During the inauguration, Rabbi Marvin Hier prayed that the "Eternal God bless President Donald J. Trump and America, our great nation," and "guide us to remember the words of the Psalmist, 'Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? One who does what is right and speaks the truth'."

Psalm 15 (NLT)

1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
    Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
    speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 Those who refuse to gossip
    or harm their neighbors
    or speak evil of their friends.
4 Those who despise flagrant sinners,
    and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
    and keep their promises even when it hurts.
5 Those who lend money without charging interest,
    and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

We serve an awesome and great God. Let us raise up our voices in praise and worship of our Heavenly Father.

The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty

Let all the earth rejoice

All the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide

And trembles at His voice

Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

Answers Inside - New Testament

1 Peter 2:9 NLT

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Proud to be an American

As Donald J. Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States of America, I cannot help but feel a certain pride as a citizen of a great nation. As I watch, I am overcome with pride and humility. Pride knowing the fact that I am witnessing something very special that is more than just a man being sworn in as President. The pride is knowing that we are a great nation and that we have and continue to dedicate ourselves to the work ahead. I feel a sense of humility knowing that God Almighty has blessed this great nation and given it a huge responsibility to love our neighbor and to work to the betterment of all men.

Once again, we must realize our place in the world. A great nation of proud Americans who acknowledge the traditions and legacy of our past and look forward to the future. A great nation who humbles itself before God. We, as one people, must remember the words of 2 Chronicles.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)

Important Day in American History

In a few short hours, the United States of America will witness the swearing in of the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Although we may disagree on issues, we need to come together as a nation. We are a people of peace and we work together as one to help our neighbors. As each of you watch the inauguration on TV, I encourage you to be in pray for all of our leaders. We should always be praying for our leaders daily. 

I urge everyone to have your children watch the inauguration with you. 

Answers Inside - Paul

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Answers Inside - Old Testament

Joshua 1:8 NLT

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Old Testament Sermon Series

Starting January 22nd, Sr. Chaplain Jesse Johns will be discussing Daniel's prayer and its elements in making it a true and sincere prayer.

Each sermon will be offered through Buzzsprout, iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher. If you would like to download the message to your tablet or phone, please do so. You can listen to the message on the go or share it with a friend.

Always remember. It is because of your continued prayers, encouragement and financial support that all of this is possible. 

Mid-Week Message - Love Displayed Through Discipline

I can remember a time from my childhood that I got in trouble with my mother.  I don't remember what it was I did but I do remember that she took me to my bedroom and sat me on my bed and told me to stay there.  As soon as she turned her back, I stuck my tongue out at her.  She immediately turned around and came back into the room and gave me a swat on my backside.  When I asked her what it was for she said it was for sticking my tongue out at her.  That made me a believer that she really did have eyes in the back of her head.  Now, as an adult and having gone through child rearing personally, I know it had nothing to do with her seeing me, but with her knowing me.

My mother wasn't being mean to me that day.  She was disciplining me because she wanted me to develop respect and to learn that obedience comes from the heart.  Because she was my mother, she knew my likely response would be anger rather than acceptance and understanding.  It was an attitude of strong-willed rebellion rather than a willingness to learn.

We have a Father who loves us enough to discipline us when it is necessary.  For some of us, that discipline comes more often because we are slower to learn from our mistakes or because we continue to insist on living life our own way rather than asking for and following in His guidance. Obedience involves laying down our own willfulness and humbly walking in the way that He lays out before us, trusting that He knows better and will only do what is best for us.  Like our earthly parents, He want us to conform.  But not for earthly reasons.  His desire is to create in us righteousness so that we can be holy as He is holy.

Are you in a season of discipline?  

Hebrews 12 (NIV) states:

5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Mid-Week Message - Shout to the Lord

As we come to the middle of the week, let us consider all that we have been given. That grace that was provided to us. We should sing for joy at the work of His hand in our lives.

In the song, "Shout to the Lord," there is a verse that should always remain in our hearts.

I sing for joy at the work of Your hand

Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand

Nothing compares to the promise I have

In You

Honoring and Praying for our Leaders

On January 20th, the American people will once again watch a president being sworn in. Donald J. Trump will be our 45th President.

Although many do not like him, he is still our president and we should treat him with respect and the dignity that goes with the Office of the President.

In the past couple of days, I have heard many who have protested and even called into question his legitimate election to the office. I am deeply saddened by this. According to one article, 31 Democratic Senators and Congressmen will not be attending the inauguration.

As a nation, we should come together and work for the greater good of this nation. We need to put aside our personal beliefs and work to make this nation the greatest it can possibly be. Instead, many are working against each other and trying to advance their own agendas. Many want to change things through violence and childish behavior. 

I am not saying that we cannot disagree or peacefully protest, but we should be working together. President-Elect Trump is our President and we should understand our place as citizens. Yes, there are going to be things that he will do that I will disagree with. There are things that I would like to see done in this nation. But, I will not disrespect the Office of the President or the individual who sits in the Oval Office.

As the inauguration day fast approaches, I ask all to be in prayer for our new president. I ask that each of you read 1 Timothy 2:1-8 and really listen to the words of Paul as he calls us to "to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy." 

We live in a great nation that has been blessed and we are one people who should work together and love one another. A nation that "God has shed his grace on" and has "crowned thee good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea".

Answers Inside - Gospels

Mark 2:17 (NLT)

When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

Answers Inside - Proverbs

Proverbs 17:3 (NLT)

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,
    but the Lord tests the heart.

Sunday Message - Foolish Words

In today's message, Sr. Chaplain Jesse Johns will discuss how words can get us into trouble and how we should respond when we feel the Holy Spirit begin conviction.

Sunday Message - Scripture Reading from Psalms

Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)

4 Show me the right path, O Lord;

    point out the road for me to follow.

5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,

    for you are the God who saves me.

    All day long I put my hope in you.

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

As we begin a new week, let us begin it with praise and worship. Lord, we lift Your name on high!

Lord, I lift Your name on high
Lord, I love to sing Your praises
I'm so glad You're in my life
I'm so glad You came to save us

You came from Heaven to earth to show the way
From the earth to the cross my debt to pay
From the cross to the grave
From the grave to the sky
Lord, I lift Your name on high

Answers Inside - New Testament

Jude 21 New Living Translation

21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

Continuing to Grow

Within 13 days of our launch of the "Stand Firm in His Grace" website, we have seen over 1,800 page views. Our Twitter channel has grown immensely to over 1,530 followers. The Facebook page has also grown at a steady rate. Our podcasts are also growing with more and more listeners. 

When we look back at all of the effort that has been spent on building, growing and reaching out to the local community and beyond, we thank God for this wonderful blessing and opportunity to serve Him. 

We also thank Him for all of the prayers, words of encouragement and financial support of our faith family and partners. With all of the services needed to support a website and its hosting, podcasts and other essential services, the cost starts to add up very quickly. Because of the generosity of our faith partners and those grateful for the grace given to them, we are able to cover the cost of our ministry.

As we continue to expand and serve more, we will need more help. We know that God will continue to provide the funds necessary to keep this ministry growing and serving.

Answers Inside - Paul

2 Corinthians 5:17 New Living Translation

17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Answers Inside - Old Testament

Exodus 3:14 New Living Translation

14 God replied to Moses, “I am who I am. Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.”

Funeral Celebrant Services in Newnan, Georgia and Surrounding Areas

As we continue to grow and build our ministry, we continue to offer more services to the local community in order to demonstrate the love of our Heavenly Father and that grace that He has given us. 

We not only offer wedding service but also funeral celebrant services to families needing a fitting memorial for their loved ones. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:4, tells us, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."

As we continue to serve God, we are blessed by the support of our faith family and partners. It is because of their prayers and financial support that we are able to serve His kingdom and His children.

Our Craigslist posting is available for viewing. Please continue to pray for this ministry and its community outreach programs.

Mid-Week Message - He Doesn't Know What I Face

A man went to see his doctor about a pain that he was having. The doctor listened to the man as he described the excruciating pain he had. While going into detail about the pain and describing how horrible the pain was, the man noticed that the doctor was just nodding his head up and down. He seemed disinterested in the man’s medical problem. Finally, the man just got upset and said, “Do you really understand what I am going through?”

When we must endure a painful situation like the loss of a loved one or some other traumatic situation, we pray and hope that God understands the pain that we feel. We feel that God is like the doctor in the story and is just simply nodding His head as we try to describe the pain. We sometimes want to ask God the same question that the man asked his doctor. “Do You really understand what I am going through?”

God does understand our pain and is working to help you get through your problem. Of the many places that have been given names for a particular reason, one of my absolute favorites is the one found in Genesis 22:14. Abraham names a place, Yahweh-Yireh, which is “the Lord will provide.”

In order for God to provide you with help, comfort, strength or whatever you need, He must understand your situation and the feelings that you are experiencing. When God sent His son, Jesus, to live among us, he was flesh. He experienced the same pains and temptation that others went through. Think about it. God, through His son, knows what we face, experience and must endure. He knows exactly what we experience and how we feel.

In Hebrews 4:15, we see that Christ Jesus endured the same trials and heartaches we endure. 

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

Since Jesus is our intercessor and sits at the right hand of the Father, God knows everything we experience because of His son. Jesus experienced all of same situations we have to face, but Jesus overcame through his faith and trust in his Father. Jesus had his moments when he wanted to avoid horrible situations. Remember, Jesus’ prayer in the garden, he fell to the ground and prayed, “If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Matthew 26:39). 

There are times when we do not want a cup of suffering and we ask that it be taken away. God understands why we asked that it be taken away. He is not just nodding his head. He knows what pain we will experience and how it will impact our life. Like Jesus, our prayer should always include “I want your will to be done, not mine.”

So, when you feel that God is not listening or does not understand your pain, remain steadfast and know that He does know what you are feeling and will give you grace that will provide you with comfort, strength, courage or whatever you need. 

Mid-Week Music - Here I am to Worship

As we reach the mid-point of the week, I encourage everyone to refocus and worship Him. Spend some time during the day with Him and in His word.

Light of the World

You stepped down into darkness

Open my eyes

Let me see

Beauty that made

This heart adore You

Hope of a life

Spent with You

Here I am to worship

Here I am to bow down

Here I am to say that You're my God

You're altogether lovely

Altogether worthy

Altogether wonderful to me

Wedding Officiant Services in Newnan, Georgia and Surrounding Areas

As part of the services that our ministry provides, we are happy to announce that we offer wedding officiant services to Newnan, Georgia and the general surrounding area.

As part of the announcement of our ministry service to the community, we launched our first Craigslist advertisement for our new services this morning. 

Because of the prayers and financial support of our faith family and partners, we continue to expand our reach into the community and beyond. 

Sunday and Special Event Messages Now Available Through Stitcher!

Our podcasts are now available through another podcast service, Stitcher. Our listeners have spoken and we are providing different ways to listen, download and share our messages. We are so thankful for the love, words of encouragement, prayers and financial support of our faith family and partners.

If you use Stitcher, you can link to our podcasts by clicking here.

Answers Inside - Gospels

Matthew 28:19 New Living Translation

19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Sunday and Special Event Messages Now Available Through iTunes!

You can now find our podcasts on Apple iTunes! This is a blessing for us knowing that anyone with iTunes can now download and listen to our messages or share them with others. Praise God!

Answers Inside - Proverbs

Proverbs 4:23 New Living Translation

23 Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.