Saturday, July 5, 2025

📣 Sunday Message Announcement

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I warmly invite you to join us tomorrow, Sunday, July 6th, at 12PM EDT, on our ministry website for a powerful and encouraging message titled:

“Ask for Wisdom: Anchoring Your Life in God”

In this week’s message, we will explore the profound promise found in James 1:5 (NLT)—“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” We will also look to the example of Solomon in 1 Kings 3:1–15 (NLT)—a young king who humbly asked God for wisdom and was richly blessed in return.

This message reminds us that we don’t have to navigate life alone or rely on worldly advice. God offers us His perfect wisdom—freely and generously—if we will only ask. It is a message rooted in the First Pillar of a God-Centered Life: Keeping God as our focus in all things.

Whether you’re facing difficult decisions, leading your family, or simply striving to live faithfully in today’s complex world, this message will speak to your heart and encourage you to seek God's guidance first in all things.

I encourage you to mark your calendars, set a reminder, and most importantly, share this message with friends, family, and those in your online community. In a world filled with confusion and noise, let us help others rediscover the clarity that comes from the wisdom of God.

Let us all be reminded that when we seek Him, He answers—and His answers are always rooted in truth, mercy, and love.

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

Friday, July 4, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse Friday, July 4, 2025 “A Marriage That Ministers”

Dear Faithful Friends,

As we come to the close of this week, I want to share a final reflection drawn from Sunday’s message and the journey we’ve taken through the First Pillar: a marriage centered on God is not just a blessing—it is a ministry.

When Christ is at the center of your relationship, your marriage becomes more than a personal joy; it becomes a public testimony of God’s goodness, mercy, and grace. The way you love, forgive, serve, and pray together is a powerful witness to your children, your neighbors, your church family, and to a watching world desperate for hope.

We live in a time where the sanctity of marriage is often questioned or misunderstood. But when couples choose to reflect the love of Christ, they shine a light into that confusion. A God-centered marriage proclaims the gospel not only in word, but in deed. It tells the world: “This is what covenant looks like. This is what grace can do. This is what happens when two lives are surrendered to the Lord.”

Never underestimate the influence your marriage can have on others. Whether through quiet consistency or visible acts of service, your union can glorify God in ways that extend far beyond your home.

So, I encourage you: continue to walk together, pray together, grow together, and serve together. Let your love be bold. Let your faith be visible. Let your marriage minister.

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

Thursday, July 3, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Thursday, July 3, 2025 “Help Us Minister to Marriages Everywhere”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we near the end of this week’s journey through the message “Christ at the Center: Strengthening Marriages through the First Pillar,” I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share God’s truth with so many seeking to build their lives and marriages upon Him.

Each message, prayer, and Bible study we publish is created with love, prayer, and the desire to serve the Body of Christ. We do not charge for access. We offer no subscription plans or product lines. Instead, we trust in God’s provision and in the faithful generosity of those who believe in our mission.

Today, I invite you to be part of what God is doing through SFIHG Ministries. Your donation allows us to continue:
  • Publishing daily prayers to encourage faith,
  • Offering devotionals that inspire reflection and renewal,
  • Providing spiritual guidance that reaches homes across the world.
Even the smallest gift—a donation equal to the cost of a cup of coffee—helps us reach another soul, strengthen another marriage, and proclaim the enduring love of Christ to a hurting world.

Please click the “Donate” button on our website to make your gift through our “Buy Me a Coffee” page. Your support helps us keep Christ at the center of this ministry and, by God’s grace, at the center of many marriages.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse Thursday, July 3, 2025 “Daily Acts of Faithfulness”

Dear Friends in Christ,

Marriage, like our walk with the Lord, is not sustained by grand gestures alone—it is upheld by the daily acts of faithfulness that often go unseen by the world but are cherished by God.

In Sunday’s message, we spoke of what it means to live out the First Pillar in marriage each day. It is not a lofty ideal, but a practical and joyful discipline. Just as we seek the Lord’s guidance in our individual lives, we must seek Him as a couple, every day, in both ordinary and extraordinary moments.

When couples:
  • Bow their heads together in prayer,
  • Pause to read a verse of Scripture,
  • Speak words of encouragement rooted in grace,
  • Forgive quickly and love sacrificially,
They are not just living in harmony—they are building something eternal. Their marriage becomes a reflection of Christ’s relationship with His Church: loving, holy, and steadfast.

My wife and I have learned that the most important moments are often the quietest ones—those small, sacred rituals that invite God into our midst. Morning devotions, evening prayers, and times of intentional connection remind us that we are not walking alone—we are walking with the Lord between us.

So, I encourage you today: do not underestimate the power of what you do in faith. Every day you choose to love, to serve, and to put God first, you are declaring that your marriage belongs to Him.

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

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse Wednesday, July 2, 2025 “Guarding Against the Subtle Drift”

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

There is a quiet danger that threatens every marriage—not loud or obvious, but subtle and slow. It is called distraction. It doesn’t arrive like a storm; it creeps in like a fog, dimming our vision, shifting our focus, and gradually moving us away from the One who holds our marriage together.

In Sunday’s message, we were reminded of the Apostle John’s warning in 1 John 2:15–17 (NLT): “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you…” These worldly things—success, possessions, busyness, constant entertainment—promise happiness, but they deliver weariness and spiritual drift.

How easy it is for couples to lose sight of God while chasing after temporary comforts. Even good things—careers, hobbies, and routines—can quietly edge out prayer, devotion, and worship. And before we know it, the Lord who once stood at the center of the marriage is now merely invited in on occasion.

But there is hope. The drift can be reversed. When a husband and wife intentionally refocus on Christ—by praying together, reprioritizing their time, and cutting out distractions—they will rediscover the joy of being centered in Him.

Let me lovingly encourage you: examine your home. Are there distractions that are robbing your marriage of peace and intimacy? If so, lay them down at the feet of Jesus. Clear the fog and let the Son shine brightly once more in your hearts.

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

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Tuesday, July 1, 2025 “Every Gift Strengthens a Marriage”

Dear Friends,

As we reflect on this week’s message about placing Christ at the center of marriage, I am reminded how vital our ministry work is—not just for individuals, but for couples and families seeking God’s guidance in their lives.

SFIHG Ministries exists to proclaim God’s truth with clarity, compassion, and conviction. We offer free, Christ-centered content to uplift marriages, encourage believers, and point hearts back to the Savior. Whether through devotionals, evening prayers, or Sunday messages, we labor to ensure that God’s Word reaches homes where it is most needed.

But this mission depends on people like you—those who believe in the eternal value of the Gospel and the transforming power of faith in daily life. When you support this ministry, you help us strengthen not just the individual walk of faith, but the sacred bond between husband and wife.

If the Lord places it on your heart, I invite you to make a gift today. Your donation—large or small—makes a real difference. For the price of a cup of premium coffee, you help couples discover what it means to build their lives upon the Rock.

Click the “Donate” button on our website to give through our “Buy Me a Coffee” platform. Together, we can continue to proclaim Christ and encourage marriages to stand strong in Him.

With deepest thanks,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

❤️From the Heart of Brother Jesse Tuesday, July 1, 2025 “Strength in Spiritual Intimacy”

Dear Friends,

Today, I want to speak to you about a sacred truth often overlooked in modern marriages: the power of spiritual intimacy.

So many couples strive to stay connected emotionally and physically, yet they struggle to maintain unity. Why? Because spiritual connection—the deepest and most enduring bond—is missing. Without it, marriage becomes a partnership of two rather than a union of three.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) says, “A triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” The third strand is Christ. When a husband and wife draw near to Him, they inevitably draw near to each other. This is more than poetic—it’s a spiritual reality that transforms hearts, homes, and habits.

My wife and I have made it a daily practice to begin our mornings with devotion and to end each evening in prayer. These are not mere rituals—they are intentional moments of unity where we invite God into our marriage. In these quiet times, He strengthens our love, mends our weaknesses, and gives us peace that the world cannot offer.

I encourage you today: set aside time to seek God together. Whether it’s reading a short passage of Scripture, praying before bed, or simply offering thanks before a meal—these sacred moments will become the lifeblood of your union.

Let the Lord bind you together with cords of faith, grace, and love that cannot be broken.

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

Monday, June 30, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse Monday, June 30, 2025 "The True Foundation of Marriage"

Beloved Friends,

As we begin this new week, I invite you to reflect on a truth that is both simple and profound: marriage is not a man-made arrangement—it is a God-ordained covenant.

In Sunday’s message, we looked deeply into the First Pillar of a God-Centered Life: keeping God as our focus. This pillar is the cornerstone of a strong and lasting marriage. Just as a house needs a solid foundation, a marriage needs something greater than feelings, compatibility, or even shared goals. It needs Christ.

Jesus teaches us in Matthew 7:24–25 (NLT) that the wise builder lays his foundation upon the rock. The storms of life are inevitable, but when a marriage is built upon God’s truth and love, it stands firm against the fiercest winds. This isn’t just symbolic—it’s spiritual fact.

Whether you are newly married, have weathered many years together, or are preparing for the future, I urge you to examine the foundation of your relationship. Is it rooted in Christ? Are you building with His Word, seeking Him daily, and trusting Him fully?

There is no shame in needing to rebuild. God, in His infinite mercy, specializes in restoration. When we place Him back at the center, He strengthens what once was weak and renews what was nearly broken.

This week, let us begin again—building, praying, and loving on the Rock.

With a shepherd’s heart,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Sunday, June 29, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Sunday, June 29, 2025 “Your Gift Builds Christ-Centered Homes”

Dear Friends and Faithful Supporters,

Today’s message, “Christ at the Center: Strengthening Marriages through the First Pillar,” reminds us just how vital it is to place God at the very heart of our relationships—especially our marriages. At SFIHG Ministries, we are committed to equipping believers with messages, devotionals, Bible studies, and prayers that encourage godly living and a Christ-centered life.

But none of this is possible without your support.

Our ministry does not sell merchandise. We do not require subscriptions. Everything we offer is given freely because the Gospel itself is a gift. But there are costs—website maintenance, online tools, outreach initiatives, and more—all of which require faithful stewardship and, yes, faithful giving.

If you have been blessed by the messages we share, especially today’s word on marriage, I humbly ask that you prayerfully consider making a donation to SFIHG Ministries. Even a small gift—the cost of a premium cup of coffee—helps us reach those who are walking in darkness with the light of Christ.

Please click the “Donate” button on our website, which links directly to our “Buy Me a Coffee” page. Your gift helps us strengthen homes, restore faith, and spread the love of God across the world.

With a grateful heart,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Christ at the Center: Strengthening Marriages through the First Pillar

Marriage, in its truest and holiest form, is not a human invention nor a mere social contract. It is a sacred covenant ordained by the Almighty in the very beginning. Genesis 2:24 (NLT) declares, “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This union, this divine mystery, was not meant to be navigated by human strength alone. It was always meant to be guided and sustained by the hand of God.

In today’s world, marriage is often subjected to the pressures of culture, career, convenience, and even compromise. But when we reflect upon the First Pillar—The Importance of God and Keeping Him as Your Focus—we find the foundation upon which every godly marriage must be built. If God is not the cornerstone of a marriage, then the structure, no matter how beautifully adorned, is inherently unstable.

The challenges that married couples face—miscommunication, unmet expectations, financial stress, the distractions of worldly pursuits—are not unfamiliar to God. He designed the covenant, and He sustains it. Therefore, it is only by placing Him at the center that marriages can thrive in both peace and purpose.

As we explore this message, I invite you to look deeply into your own relationships and examine whether the Lord truly stands at the center—or has He been quietly pushed to the side? Let us journey together to rediscover the sacred strength that flows from a marriage rooted in the First Pillar.

Many couples enter into marriage with a strong desire for emotional and physical closeness, and rightly so. These are sacred and beautiful elements of the marital relationship. Yet, far too often, they are pursued while spiritual intimacy is overlooked or even neglected altogether. But herein lies the profound truth: when a couple grows together spiritually, every other area of their relationship is strengthened and sanctified.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, speaks of setting our sights on the realities of heaven. When both husband and wife turn their eyes toward God, they are no longer journeying separately but are drawn together, step by step, on the same divine path. The more each spouse seeks after Christ, the more their hearts converge in unity, grace, and mutual understanding.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) offers this timeless wisdom: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” That third strand—often overlooked—is the very presence of Christ in the center of the marriage. He is the strength that binds, the grace that restores, and the peace that steadies.

Spiritual intimacy takes root when couples:
  • Pray together, inviting God into both their joys and struggles.
  • Read and reflect upon Scripture together, allowing the Word of God to shape their hearts and decisions.
  • Worship together, acknowledging the sovereignty of the One who sustains them.
  • Fast and seek guidance together, particularly during times of uncertainty or transition.
In our own marriage, my wife and I have discovered the immeasurable blessing of setting aside time for spiritual discipline. Each morning, we begin our day with a devotional, grounding our hearts and minds in God’s Word before we face the world. Each evening, we return together in prayer, lifting up our burdens, our thanks, and our petitions before the Lord. These moments are not hurried obligations, but sacred appointments—time we gladly and reverently dedicate to our Lord and to one another. In doing so, we not only draw closer to God, but to each other, building a bond that is strengthened daily by grace and truth.

When spiritual intimacy is nurtured, a marriage becomes a testimony to the world: not of perfection, but of perseverance, transformation, and divine partnership.

It is one thing to know that God should be the center of a marriage—it is another to live that truth daily, intentionally, and with unwavering commitment. The First Pillar—The Importance of God and Keeping Him as Your Focus—is not a one-time decision made at the altar; it is a daily, deliberate act of faithfulness, surrender, and obedience.

In our hurried and often chaotic lives, spiritual habits must be cultivated and protected. A Christ-centered marriage doesn’t just happen by accident; it is built over time by two hearts fully submitted to the Lord.

Here are several ways couples can embody the First Pillar each day:

Pray together with purpose. Prayer doesn’t need to be long or poetic; it needs only to be honest and united. Begin the day by inviting God to lead, and end the day by giving thanks and lifting up each other’s burdens.

Read and reflect on Scripture together. Even a short passage read aloud can open the door to rich conversation and shared understanding. The Word of God acts as a lamp to your path—not just individually, but as one flesh.

Attend church and serve together. Worshiping in community reinforces your spiritual foundation and models faithfulness to those around you, especially children and younger couples who look to your example.

Set spiritual goals as a couple. Whether it’s memorizing Scripture, reading through the Bible in a year, or taking time for fasting and reflection, shared spiritual goals unite hearts and align them with God’s will.

Guard your time and your hearts. Cancel what doesn’t bring you closer to Christ or each other. Replace distractions with disciplines. Reclaim dinner tables for conversation, living rooms for devotionals, and moments of stress for supplication.

My wife and I have made it a daily practice to begin each morning with a devotion and end each evening in prayer. These are not simply habits—they are lifelines. In those quiet moments, we invite the Lord to dwell among us, to shape our hearts, to guide our thoughts, and to strengthen our union. This commitment has not only deepened our relationship with God but also enriched our love and respect for one another.

When couples anchor their lives to God, their marriage becomes more than a relationship—it becomes a ministry. It reflects Christ’s love to the world and brings glory to the One who joined them together. It becomes a beacon of hope in a culture that has forgotten the sacredness of marriage.

The First Pillar reminds us that God must not merely be included in our marriages—He must be enthroned. He must be the center, the source, and the sustainer. When we keep our focus fixed on Him, our marriages are strengthened against the winds of adversity and the erosion of time.

May your marriage be a living testimony to God’s faithfulness—a place where love is sacrificial, forgiveness is swift, and joy is abundant because Christ reigns supreme in every word, every decision, and every moment.

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, June 28, 2025

📢 Sunday Message Announcement – June 29, 2025

This Sunday at noon (EDT), SFIHG Ministries invites you to read and share a powerful message titled “Christ at the Center: Strengthening Marriages through the First Pillar.” In this timely and deeply personal message, Brother Jesse explores how placing God at the center of your marriage can transform not only your relationship with your spouse but also your walk with the Lord.

Drawing from Genesis 2:24, Matthew 7:24–25, Ecclesiastes 4:12, and Ephesians 5:21–27 (NLT), the message speaks to the importance of spiritual intimacy, the dangers of worldly distractions, and the daily commitment required to build a Christ-centered home. Brother Jesse and his wife share their own experience of beginning each day with devotion and ending in prayer—reminding us that marriage is not only a relationship but a ministry.

We encourage you to mark your calendars and share this important message with couples, families, and friends. In a world where the sacredness of marriage is often overlooked, this message offers a biblical call to refocus our hearts and homes on the Lord.

📅 Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM EDT

Let us come together to strengthen our homes by building on the one true foundation—Jesus Christ.

Friday, June 27, 2025

📬 From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Friday, June 27, 2025 - A Call to Live God-Centered

Dear friends,

As we close this week, I want to extend a heartfelt challenge to each of us. If God truly loved us first, fashioned us in His image, breathed life into our bodies, and gave His Son for our salvation, then how can we live with Him on the sidelines?

The call is clear: make God the center. Not just of your beliefs, but of your schedule, your habits, your finances, your thoughts—your life.

Let today mark a new commitment. Return to your Creator. Re-center your life on Him. And live in a way that reflects His love to a world desperate for hope.

In His eternal love,
Brother Jesse

Thursday, June 26, 2025

💌 From Brother Jesse – Thursday, June 26, 2025 - Sustaining the Work of Love

Dear friends,

God’s love is not seasonal. It’s steadfast. And so must be our commitment to proclaiming that love to others. Week after week, SFIHG Ministries delivers messages, prayers, and encouragement to hearts around the world.

But we can only continue if faithful friends like you stand with us.

If the Lord places it on your heart, please take a moment today to support our work by clicking the “Donate” button on our site. Your generosity keeps the message of God’s love going strong.

With sincere appreciation,
Brother Jesse

📬 From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Thursday, June 26, 2025 - Love That Orders Life

Dear friends,

When God becomes the center of your life, everything else begins to take its rightful place. Your priorities shift. Your desires are refined. Your relationships are transformed.

Centering your life on God means waking up with Him in mind, walking through the day in His presence, and laying down at night in His peace. It is not a life of rules—it is a life of relationship.

Let today be marked by that focus. Ask the Lord to guide your thoughts, words, and actions. Keep Him at the center—and watch how His love flows outward to touch every part of your life.

In Christ’s service,
Brother Jesse

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

📬 From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - God Gave His Best

Dear friends,

We often speak of love as a feeling or a word—but God showed us that real love gives. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son...” (John 3:16, NLT). That is not ordinary love. That is sacrificial, divine, eternal love.

God didn’t give out of surplus. He gave His best. He gave His Son. And He did so not to condemn us, but to save us. That kind of love changes everything.

When we make God the center of our lives, it is not out of obligation, but in reverent response to the One who gave everything for us. Ask yourself today: what can I give back to God as an act of worship?

Always in His love,
Brother Jesse

Mid-Week Message - Life's Burdens

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'"  Matthew 11:28-29  (NLT)

When something heavy needed to be moved in our home when I was younger, I was the child that was called upon to help.  I had an older brother but he never quite seemed to be around when these things needed to be done.  I became quite good at moving television consoles, couches, dressers and anything else that was more than a one person job.  I learned how to move most things on my own even, if I needed to do so.  Where there is a will, there is a way.  

Heavy physical burdens are quite familiar to me.  As I dealt with obesity for most of my life, I know what it feels like to be weighed down and to be so overwhelmed with weight that I found it difficult to move at times.  One of my favorite things to do is to float in a pool.  The feeling of being weightless is sheer joy!  

The physical weights we carry are easy compared to the other burdens that life places upon us.  All of us encounter times of trouble that drive us to our knees.  In the last few years two of my closest friends have had to endure the death of a child.  I can't even begin to imagine how difficult that has been for them.  As a mother myself, I can think of nothing worse.  Carrying that grief was crushing for them.  They made it through by crying out to the Lord and understanding that they did not have to bear the sadness alone.  He was with them in the valley they had to traverse.  

Today's verse refers to a yoke, which is a crosspiece that is laid across the shoulders of two animals to lighten a load for each of them.  We are not meant to bear the burdens of life alone.  Galatians 6:2 tells us to, "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."  We are to come together to help each other.  When we do not have the strength to continue on our own, we need to be able to reach out to those around us. 

Psalm 55:22 tells us, "Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.  He will not permit the Godly to slip and fall."  We have been created by a loving and caring Creator.  He never desired for us to feel alone.  He wants to be actively involved in our lives.  He cares about everything we encounter.  When we are weighed down, He will be there to lighten the load, to walk with us and to support us.  He can bring healing to the deep wounds that the pain of this life brings.  And He reminds us that a time is coming when we will be free of that pain for eternity.

What are you carrying today that is weighing you down?  Illness?  Financial problems?  Wayward children?  Whatever it is, ask Him to help you through it.  He is faithful and true and will make a way where there seems to be no way.  He adores you and is delighted when you turn to Him. God bless.  

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

💌 From Brother Jesse – Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - Help Us Keep God at the Center

Dear friends,

Every message we share is designed to help people re-center their lives around God. But producing and maintaining this online ministry takes time, resources, and faithful partners.

If our ministry has encouraged your walk with the Lord, would you consider partnering with us today through a one-time or recurring donation?

Your gift—no matter the amount—helps us proclaim the truth of God’s love to a world in need.

You can give easily by clicking the “Donate” button on our website.

With deepest thanks,
Brother Jesse

📬 From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - He Loved Us First

Dear friends,

How incredible it is to know that “we love each other because He loved us first” (1 John 4:19, NLT). We did not earn God’s love. It was not a reward. It was the starting point. Before we ever turned our eyes toward Heaven, God had already set His love upon us.

That truth calls us to live in constant remembrance of the love that pursued us even in our rebellion. His love is the reason we are here. It is the reason we can love others. It is the reason we have hope.

Today, let this truth guide your actions. Love someone who seems hard to love. Be patient when it’s difficult. Forgive when you are tempted to hold a grudge. Live as one who has been loved first—and loved deeply.

With love and peace,
Brother Jesse

Monday, June 23, 2025

📬 From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Monday, June 23, 2025 - Fashioned by His Hands, Filled with His Breath

Dear friends,

Yesterday’s message reminded us of one of the most humbling and beautiful truths in all of Scripture: that God Himself stooped down to form man from the dust and breathed His own breath into his nostrils. (Genesis 2:7, NLT) This was not a casual act—it was sacred. It was personal. It was love in its most intimate form.

You and I are not accidents of nature. We were lovingly and intentionally created by the hands of God. From the very beginning, He placed us at the center of His affection and plan. That image—of our Creator bending down to give us life—is a powerful reminder of why He must remain at the center of our lives today.

Take a moment today to breathe deeply and thank God for the breath in your lungs. It is His gift. Let each breath be a whisper of gratitude and a pledge to live a life centered around Him.

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

Sunday, June 22, 2025

💌 From Brother Jesse – Sunday, June 22, 2025 - Love in Action

Dear friends,

Today’s message reminds us that God gave us His best—His only Son. That kind of love moves us to respond not only in word, but also in action.

Our ministry exists to share that message of God’s love with the world—through prayers, studies, devotionals, and gospel messages. But we can’t do it without your help.

If you’ve been blessed by SFIHG Ministries, would you consider making a donation today? Your support enables us to continue this work for the Kingdom.

Please click the “Donate” button on our site and give as the Lord leads you.

With a grateful heart,
Brother Jesse

The Center of Love: Why God Must Be the Center of Our Lives

There is a question that often arises in the hearts of many—sometimes spoken aloud, and other times pondered in the quiet recesses of the soul: “Why should God be the center of my life?” It is a fair question in a world filled with distractions, competing loyalties, and endless demands on our attention. In a society that urges us to center our lives around careers, ambitions, relationships, or even personal fulfillment, the idea of placing God at the very core of our existence may seem unusual or even impractical.

But I would answer this question with a statement that turns the perspective completely around: God should be the center of our lives because He made us the center of His. Before we ever knew Him, before we were formed in the womb, and before a single breath escaped our lungs, God had already set His divine affection upon us. As Scripture proclaims in 1 John 4:19 (NLT), “We love each other because he loved us first.” The very ability to love—to love God, to love one another—is a reflection of His initiating love toward us.

God’s love is not abstract or philosophical. It is deeply personal and sacrificial. Jesus Himself affirmed this when He declared, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16–17, NLT). That is not the love of a distant deity. That is the intimate and selfless love of a Father who places His children at the center of His redemptive plan.

Thus, when we speak of the first pillar of a God-centered life—the importance of keeping God as the focus of everything—we are not advocating for a cold religious ritual. We are responding to a holy relationship that God Himself initiated. It is not about obligation, but about devotion. It is not about performance, but about presence—His presence in every part of our lives.

As we continue, we will explore how God’s love came first, what it cost Him, and how our response must be a life centered wholly upon Him. Let us now turn our hearts to that foundation of divine love that beckons us closer.

When we reflect upon the nature of our love for God, it is essential to understand that it is always a response, never an initiation. The Apostle John declares this foundational truth plainly in 1 John 4:19 (NLT): “We love each other because he loved us first.” That simple, powerful statement anchors our faith and compels us to reorder our lives around the One who reached for us before we could even grasp His name.

But the beauty of God's initiating love does not begin in the New Testament. It stretches all the way back to the dawn of time, in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 1:26–27 (NLT), we read, “Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.’ … So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Unlike any other creature, mankind was crafted in the image and likeness of the Almighty. This was not an afterthought or an incidental detail of creation—this was the very heart of His design. He did not merely speak us into being as He did with the stars and seas. When it came to humanity, He formed us with divine intention and intimacy.

Even more profoundly, Genesis 2:7 (NLT) tells us, “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” Consider the tenderness in that moment. The Creator stooped down to shape us from the dust, and then He did something He did not do for any other living creature—He breathed His own breath into us. His breath became our life. That divine breath still animates us today, reminding us with every inhale that we were made by Him and for Him.

Such love and intentionality cannot be ignored. From the very beginning, God made us the center of His creative focus. He made us in His image. He gave us His breath. And when we strayed, He gave us His Son. Everything about God's relationship with humanity reveals a love that precedes us, surrounds us, and calls us home.

So when we ask why God should be at the center of our lives, the answer is etched in both dust and divinity. He formed us. He breathed into us. He loved us first. The only fitting response is to return that love with our whole hearts, placing Him at the center of all we are and all we do.

If the story of God’s love began in the Garden with His breath in our lungs, it reached its glorious climax at Calvary with His Son upon the cross. In John 3:16–17 (NLT), we find a familiar passage—so often quoted that its power can be overlooked if we are not careful. Yet within these two verses lies the deepest truth our hearts can ever embrace: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

Let us pause and truly absorb what this means. God did not merely say He loves us—He demonstrated it by giving us what was most precious to Him: His only begotten Son. This was not a gift offered out of abundance, but a sacrifice offered from the deepest place of love. When the Father sent Jesus into the world, He did not do so to condemn us, though He had every right to. Instead, He came to rescue us from the very judgment our sin had earned.

We must see the cross not as a symbol of guilt, but as the purest expression of divine love. It is there that love was nailed to wood and crowned with thorns. It is there that the same God who breathed life into Adam willingly gave up His own breath so that we might live eternally. That is what it means when we say that God gave His best.

This sacrificial act reveals God's unrelenting pursuit of our hearts. He did not abandon His creation when sin entered the world. He did not give up when we rejected Him time and again. Instead, He gave Himself. The God who formed us from the dust and filled us with His breath also bore the weight of our sin and carried it to Golgotha.

If God made us the center of His creation and then gave His very best to redeem us, how can we possibly relegate Him to the margins of our lives? How can we keep Him at arm’s length when His arms were stretched wide in love for us?

This is the heart of the Gospel and the heart of the first pillar—that our lives should revolve entirely around God because He has already revolved His divine plan around us. We are the objects of His grace, the recipients of His mercy, and the reason He endured the cross. This love is not casual—it is covenantal. It does not ask for a portion of our attention—it demands our entire allegiance.

When we understand what God gave, how can we not give Him everything in return?

When we are confronted with the depth of God’s love—formed in creation, confirmed in Christ, and poured out through the cross—there can only be one appropriate response: to place Him at the very center of our lives. This is not merely an emotional reaction to divine affection; it is an act of sacred devotion. We align our lives around God not out of ritual or fear, but out of reverence and love.

To make God the center of our lives means that every decision, every ambition, every relationship, and every moment is filtered through His presence and guided by His Word. It is the daily act of surrender—rising each morning with the prayer, “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.” It is the deliberate reorientation of our hearts away from self and toward the Savior who gave Himself for us.

When God is at the center, love becomes our motivation, not obligation. We no longer seek to earn His approval, for we already have it in Christ. Instead, we live in joyful response to His grace. We serve not because we must, but because we long to. We give not because we are compelled, but because we are grateful. We forgive, not because it is easy, but because we have been forgiven.

This is the essence of true worship—not confined to a church building or a Sunday morning service, but lived out in the rhythms of ordinary life. Worship is not just what we sing with our lips, but how we live with our lives. As Romans 12:1 reminds us, our bodies and choices are to be presented as “a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”

God must be the center of our lives because He is the source of our life. From His breath in Eden to the blood of Calvary, everything we are is owed to Him. When we drift from that center, we lose our sense of direction, purpose, and peace. But when we return to Him—when we reestablish Him as the axis upon which our entire existence turns—we find not only our identity but our eternal hope.

The first pillar calls us to this very life: a God-centered life. It is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment, a moment-by-moment choice to let Him lead, guide, and shape every part of who we are. It is in keeping God at the center that we become most fully alive, most deeply rooted, and most richly blessed.

Beloved, we have walked through the story of love—beginning in the Garden, where God shaped man with His hands and gave him breath with His own Spirit; moving through the pages of Scripture, where God's love was revealed time and time again; and culminating on a rugged cross, where He gave His one and only Son so that we might have life. We are not spectators to this love—we are its beneficiaries. And with such great love bestowed upon us, we must now ask a soul-searching question: What will we do in response?

Is God truly the center of your life? Or has He been gently pushed to the side, replaced by the fleeting priorities of this world? We must be honest with ourselves, for the Lord desires not a portion of our hearts but their entirety. He desires not a place among many but to reign supreme as the center, the anchor, the foundation of everything.

The first pillar—the importance of keeping God as your focus—is not a theological concept to merely discuss. It is a life to be lived. And it begins by acknowledging that we are not our own. We belong to the One who formed us, redeemed us, and sustains us. He must be our first thought in the morning, our guiding hand throughout the day, and our comfort and rest in the evening hours.

I encourage you today to examine your life. What sits at the center of your thoughts, your ambitions, your decisions? Is it comfort? Career? Control? Or is it Christ? Because only when God is at the center will the rest of life fall into place. Only then will our love be rightly ordered, our purpose clearly understood, and our steps firmly directed.

So I challenge you, dear friends, not just to feel love for God—but to live it. Let your life reflect the divine order He established from the beginning. Love Him first. Love Him most. And make Him the center—not merely in word, but in deed. Let everything you do—how you work, how you speak, how you serve, how you love others—be a reflection of the truth that God loved you first.

And let us remember, as we close, that living with God at the center will shape how we love one another. The love that begins in our Creator flows through us into every relationship we touch. In this way, our God-centered life becomes a living testimony to a world in need of that very same love.

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, June 21, 2025

📣 Sunday Message Announcement – June 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM EDT - “The Center of Love: Why God Must Be the Center of Our Lives”

This Sunday at 12 Noon (EDT), I invite you to join me for a heartfelt message that answers a question many of us have asked at some point in life: “Why should God be the center of my life?” In this week’s message, we will explore not just the theological answer, but the deeply personal truth behind it—God made us the center of His love long before we ever knew Him.

Through the powerful words of 1 John 4:19 and John 3:16–17 (NLT), we will reflect on a love that began not at the cross alone, but all the way back in the Garden of Eden—when the Almighty stooped down and formed humanity from the dust, then breathed His own life into us. That sacred image is one of divine tenderness, a reminder that we are not accidents or afterthoughts—we are handcrafted by God and sustained by His breath.

From creation to Calvary, God's love has been unwavering, sacrificial, and personal. He loved us first. He gave His best. And He invites us to live with Him at the center of all we are.

This message is a deeply moving call to refocus our hearts and realign our lives around the One who has loved us from the very beginning. If you’ve ever struggled with distraction, discouragement, or distance from God, this message is for you.

👉 I encourage you to mark your calendar for Sunday, June 22nd at 12P EDT, and please share this message with your family and friends through social media, email, and personal outreach. Someone you know may be longing to hear of the God who formed them, loves them, and wants to be the center of their lives.

Together, let us return to the center.

With love in Christ,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain, SFIHG Ministries

Friday, June 20, 2025

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Friday, June 20, 2025 – It’s Never Too Late

Dear beloved in Christ,

Perhaps this week’s message stirred your heart with regret. Maybe you feel like you've missed the mark as a father. Let me encourage you with this truth—it’s never too late.

Our God is a God of redemption. He restores what was lost. He renews what was broken. The prodigal father is not defined by his past but by the steps he takes today to walk in God’s will.

Start now. Pick up the phone. Pray that prayer. Apologize. Encourage. Lead again. When God is at the center, even late beginnings become powerful legacies.

Let His grace carry you forward.

In the hope of restoration,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Thursday, June 19, 2025

From Brother Jesse – Thursday, June 19, 2025 – For the Next Generation

Dear Faithful Supporters,

As we continue our special Father’s Day week of encouragement, we are reminded that the spiritual tone set by a father influences not just his children, but generations to come. A father’s faithful walk with God plants seeds that may not bloom immediately—but in time, will bear lasting fruit.

At SFIHG Ministries, we are committed to equipping fathers—and all believers—to lead with courage, humility, and godly wisdom. Every message you read, every prayer we share, is part of that mission. And it’s all made possible through your donations.

We ask humbly: if the Lord places it on your heart, would you consider a gift to help sustain this ministry? Even the smallest amount makes a difference. Through your generosity, you help us reach those who are searching for guidance, stability, and truth.

Please visit our website and click the "Donate" button, which will take you to our Buy Me a Coffee page. Your support makes the message of Christ freely available to all.

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

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Thursday, June 19, 2025 – A Father’s Presence is Power

Dear friends,

One of the greatest gifts a father can give his family is the gift of presence. Not just being in the room, but being engaged—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

Our children remember the moments when we listen, when we laugh, when we open our hearts. These seemingly small moments build a foundation of trust that lasts a lifetime. And from that trust grows an openness to the things of God.

Let us not get so caught up in busyness that we forget the holiness of being present. Turn off the distractions. Tune in to the voices around your dinner table. Be fully there—for them, and for God.

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

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – Prayer as the Father's Power

Dear brothers and sisters,

A father’s strength is not found in the size of his hands but in the humility of his prayers. A home anchored in prayer will not be easily shaken, and a father who prays will never lead his family alone.

Your prayers do more than you may ever realize. They invite God into your home. They protect, guide, and comfort. Whether whispered beside a crib or spoken over a teenager’s struggles, a father’s prayers can shape destinies.

Fathers, pray often. Pray with your children. Pray for your wife. Let prayer be your first response—not your last resort.

With fervent encouragement,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Mid-Week Message - No Greater Security

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  This I declare about the Lord:  He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him."  Psalm 91:1-2  (NLT)  

One of the very first things that many newborns do is either take a pacifier or suck their thumbs.  It gives them a feeling of security to have something in their mouths.  Many children will also latch onto a favorite blanket or stuffed animal.  Those of you whose children did this know how difficult it can be to separate them from that object.  Even though their parents are with them, they still seem to need the presence of their security item.  My own daughter sucked her thumb on one hand and tickled her face with her hair with the other hand.  

We all want to feel secure.  Psychologists say that women in particular have a great need for security.  I know I do.  I want to know that there is someone watching out for me, that I am not alone.  It would be wonderful if my beloved could be with me all day every day, but that just isn't possible.  The demands of life dictate that at times we must be apart.  There is also no promise that, at some point, I will not be left without him due to illness or death.  While that thought grieves me, I know that there is One who will never leave me.

Before my husband and I moved to the state of Georgia a few years ago, we had a ministry at an independent-living retirement facility.  Each Sunday, we would gather with this incredible community of souls to share the Lord's Word, sing hymns, and have moments of encouragement.  My responsibility was to deliver a devotional moment.  One Sunday morning I spoke about the verse in Isaiah and Romans that says, "How beautiful are the feet of the messengers who bring good news."  

The greatest message we can share with anyone is that because of Jesus, we have eternal security.  In Romans 8:38-39, Paul tells us, "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrownot even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth belowindeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."  

Friends, there is no greater security than that.  No matter where we find ourselves in life, we will never be outside of His love and protection, unless we are the ones that choose to move away from Him.  His love is unconditional.  We are His children, those whom He has chosen to bring into His eternal family.  All we have to do is to repent of our sin and ask Jesus to come into our hearts and be the Lord of our lives.  

If you have never done that, please do.  We have no assurance of waking up in the morning.  Grab for the greatest provision of security that is available, the great I Am Himself.  Jesus left the enormity of Heaven to be born as a human baby and, ultimately, die a vicious and cruel death for each of us.  By rising from the dead, he conquered death and gave us the promise of eternal life with Him if only we will follow Him.  There is no greater security blanket than that.  

I pray that everyone will have a blessed week and that, as we face the difficulties set before us, we would remember that this world is only temporary.  Our futures are secured through the grace and mercy of our Creator.  

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

From Brother Jesse – Tuesday, June 17, 2025 – Supporting Fathers of Faith

Dear Friends of the Ministry,

This week, we are celebrating and uplifting the sacred role of fathers—men who lead their families in faith, prayer, and devotion to God. At SFIHG Ministries, our messages, prayers, and Bible studies are designed to strengthen those very men, helping them keep God at the center of their lives and homes.

We do this ministry without charging a single penny. We sell no books, offer no merchandise, and charge no subscription fees. Every message and prayer we publish is freely available to all.

But to keep our ministry going, we rely solely on your generous support.

Would you prayerfully consider making a small donation today? For the price of a premium cup of coffee, you can help us reach more fathers, more families, and more lives with the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

Just click the "Donate" button on our website. It links directly to our Buy Me a Coffee page.

Thank you for standing with us as we build up homes on the foundation of God’s Word.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Tuesday, June 17, 2025 – Leading by Living the Word

Dear friends in Christ,

Leadership in the home does not come from force—it flows from faithfulness. A godly father does not merely talk about God; he walks with God daily. His children see his Bible open, his knees bent in prayer, and his lips speaking words of encouragement and truth.

Fathers must immerse themselves in the Word of God not only for their own growth but to plant seeds of truth in the hearts of their families. When the Word is active in the father's life, it becomes alive in the home.

If you desire to lead your family well, begin with Scripture. Let the Word of God dwell richly in your heart, and it will overflow into every room of your household.

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

Monday, June 16, 2025

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Monday, June 16, 2025 – A Father’s First Responsibility

Beloved friends,

Yesterday’s message reminded us that the first and greatest responsibility of a father is not to provide materially, but to lead spiritually. Our Heavenly Father calls earthly fathers to reflect His heart—to be men of prayer, humility, and holiness.

When a father places God at the very center of his life, he sets a powerful example for his children. He teaches them—without even speaking—that faith is not something tacked onto life, but the very foundation of life itself.

If you are a father, or serve as a father figure, I urge you today to recommit your heart to God. Let Him guide your steps so that you, in turn, may guide others.

With grace and truth,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Sunday, June 15, 2025

A Father’s Faithful Foundation: Leading with God at the Center

Father’s Day, while often marked by cards, barbecues, and kind words, is more than just a celebration. It is a divine appointment—a time for spiritual inventory. The role of a father is not merely a social construct or biological position; it is a sacred assignment entrusted by God. This day calls men of faith to look deeply into their hearts and homes and ask, “Is God truly the center of my life? Am I setting the spiritual tone for my family?”

These questions find their answer in the first two pillars of a God-centered life:
  • The Importance of God and Keeping Him as Your Focus, and
  • The Importance of Family.
A man who places God at the center of his life is one who becomes a spiritual anchor in his home. His presence, rooted in prayer and guided by Scripture, creates a legacy far more enduring than wealth or success.

The foundation of every godly father begins not with his relationship to his children, but with his relationship to God. In Deuteronomy 6:5–7 NLT, the Lord commands:

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children.”

Notice the order—love God first, then teach your children. A father cannot lead his family to the Lord if he himself is not walking in the Lord’s ways. His heart must beat with love for God, his mind must be shaped by God’s Word, and his actions must reflect God’s holiness.

When God is at the center of a father’s life, everything else aligns accordingly. He becomes a man of conviction, not confusion; a man of prayer, not pride; a man of direction, not drift. The example he sets becomes a living testimony—one that his children remember long after they’ve left home.

Turning to the Second Pillar, we see the father’s divine role in shaping his family’s spiritual environment. Ephesians 6:4 NLT instructs:

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.”

Fathers are not called to rule with an iron fist, nor are they called to abdicate responsibility. They are called to lead—gently, faithfully, prayerfully. The way a father loves, listens, disciplines, and forgives models the heart of God for his children. He is the first image of God’s authority and mercy that a child will experience.

When fathers are absent or silent in spiritual matters, families drift. But when fathers are present, engaged, and committed to raising their families in God’s truth, homes are strengthened. Family meals become sacred gatherings. Bedtime prayers become spiritual traditions. Moments of discipline become opportunities for grace and discipleship.

Let us not forget: the family is the first church a child will ever attend, and the father is its first pastor.

In today’s culture, fatherhood is under attack. Media often portrays fathers as bumbling, distant, or irrelevant. Society attempts to redefine masculinity and diminish the importance of biblical manhood. But God’s Word stands in firm opposition to these messages.

The world needs fathers who stand tall in humility, speak truth in love, and serve their families sacrificially. The Church needs men who will declare, as Joshua did, “But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15 NLT). These men may not be perfect, but they are faithful. They rise early to pray for their families. They walk in integrity. They fight spiritual battles on their knees. They put away childish things and take up the full armor of God.

True manhood is not found in domination or detachment—it is found in devotion to God and dedication to one’s family.

As we celebrate this Father’s Day, let it be more than a day of rest and recognition. Let it be a moment of recommitment. Men of God, I challenge you: make God the immovable center of your life. Seek His wisdom, walk in His truth, and love your family with a heart shaped by grace.

Do not let the culture define who you are. Let Christ shape you into the man, husband, and father He has called you to be. Be the example of faith your children will want to follow. And remember, even if you feel you have failed in the past, it is never too late to start leading with God at the center.

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, June 14, 2025

📣 Announcement for Sunday, June 15, 2025 – Father's Day Message

Dear friends of SFIHG Ministries,

This Sunday, June 15th, we invite you to join us for a very special Father’s Day message titled, “A Father’s Faithful Foundation: Leading with God at the Center.”

In a time when biblical manhood is being challenged and redefined by the world, we will return to the unchanging truth of God’s Word to explore the sacred role of the father in the home. This message will draw upon the First Pillar – Keeping God as the Central Focus and the Second Pillar – The Importance of Family, calling all men of faith to examine their walk with God and their leadership within their homes.

We will look at the responsibility and privilege fathers have in setting the spiritual tone for their families—living examples of prayer, faithfulness, and grace. Whether you are a father, grandfather, mentor, or spiritual father to others, this message will speak to your heart and challenge you to rise and lead in Christ-like love.

🕛 The message will be published at 12:00 PM EDT on our ministry website.

🙏 Please take a moment to share this message with your family, friends, church members, and on social media. Encourage the men in your life to read it and be inspired to become the spiritual leaders their families need.

Let us honor our Heavenly Father by equipping and encouraging the earthly fathers He has placed among us.

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

Friday, June 13, 2025

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Friday, June 13, 2025 - Living in His Will

Dear friends,

Romans 12:2 ends with a promise: if we surrender our bodies and allow our minds to be renewed, we will come to know and live in God’s “good and pleasing and perfect will.” That is not only possible—it is promised.

Living in God’s will brings peace, direction, and deep satisfaction. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Let today be a day of recommitment. Lay everything before Him. Hold nothing back. Let your life—your whole life—be your offering.

Thank you for walking with me through this journey of faith, health, and obedience. May the Lord bless you richly as you serve Him.

With a shepherd’s heart,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Thursday, June 12, 2025

From Brother Jesse – Thursday, June 12, 2025 - A Gift of Worship

Dear friends,

Romans 12:1 reminds us that offering ourselves to God is “truly the way to worship Him.” For many, worship happens in church pews or through music. But for some, worship also takes the form of giving—quietly, faithfully, and generously.

Each time you give to SFIHG Ministries, you are worshiping the Lord through your stewardship. You are helping us continue to proclaim truth, minister encouragement, and shine the light of Christ into the dark places of this world. Your support provides the foundation for this ministry to stand strong and move forward.

If God has placed it on your heart to give, please do so using the “Donate” button on our site. Every contribution is a testimony of your faith and an investment in the Kingdom.

Thank you for being a part of this ministry and walking alongside us in service.

With a thankful heart,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Thursday, June 12, 2025 - Fit for the Master’s Use

Dear friends,

A vessel that is prepared and kept clean is one that is ready for the Master’s use. This truth applies not only to our spiritual condition but to our physical health as well. We cannot always control illness or suffering, but we can choose daily to live with discipline and intent, making ourselves available for whatever God may ask of us.

Are you ready if God calls you to serve today? Could you physically endure the task He may assign? Could your mind respond with clarity and discernment? These are questions worth considering—not out of fear, but from a place of joyful anticipation and readiness.

Let us be vessels—fit, faithful, and full of purpose.

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

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - Renewing the Mind

Dear friends,

The battle for spiritual health is often won or lost in the mind. Paul writes, “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” What a powerful truth! God’s transformation begins not in our actions, but in the renewing of our thoughts.

Today, I encourage you to guard your mind against worldly distractions and let the Word of God be your daily nourishment. Read a passage of Scripture, reflect on it, and allow it to challenge your assumptions and reshape your priorities.

A renewed mind leads to a renewed life.

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

Mid-Week Message - Wise Choices

"So be careful how you live.  Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."  Ephesians 5:15-17  (NLT)  


There is a little rhyme about a peanut that I used to say with my daughter.  It goes like this:  "A peanut sat on a railroad track, his heart was all a-flutter.  Along came a train whistling down that track -- toot, toot, peanut butter."  It's just a silly little poem but I found it useful in teaching her about making smart choices.  Those of you with children know that anything that can be used to teach should be taken advantage of.  I believe Jesus used parables in the same way.  He saw an opportunity to teach and took it. 

Even as an adult though, I think that little peanut can teach us something.  Obviously it wouldn't be smart to sit down and rest on a railroad track.  But we are faced with choices that have to made all day, every day.  When we open our eyes in the morning, we are presented with a blank slate and as we move through the day, we have multiple chances to choose wisely.

As people cross our paths we have the option of sharing the love of the Lord with them.  We have chances to invest a bit of time in their lives, showing them they are important and finding out how we can pray for them.  Or we can let those opportunities pass on by as we worry about our own lives, never giving a thought to what difficulties others may be facing or what needs they may have.  We may never know what happens in those lives after that moment.  What if it isn't only us that lets those moments go?  What if no one else reaches out to them even though we assume someone will?  

Whether we spend our days in a workplace, in the public, or at home, the most important thing needs to be representing Christ.  We are to be His reflection.  The way we treat others, the way we do business, the way we act in the grocery store line, the way we parent, the way we speak, the way we conduct ourselves while driving, the way we relate through social media are all chances to exercise wisdom.  The saying, "More of Jesus, less of me" should be our guide.  Each waking moment we have the privilege of walking hand in hand with our Savior.  If we remember He is beside us, maybe that will help us to keep in mind that whatever we choose to do should honor Him.  

I include myself in everything I have said above.  It is sometimes a struggle for me to reach out to those around me.  I have to pray for that reminder and strength.  The enemy is very good at continually whispering to me about the problems in my own life.  He loves for me to focus on myself because when I do I am not being mindful of the power of God's grace and mercy.  Only when my eyes are on Him do I understand the importance of choosing to honoring Him and blessing others.  

Everything we do is a choice of some kind.  What we fill our minds with, how we manage our time, and, most importantly, how we share Jesus with others, are all major selections that we make each and every day.  If we fail to choose wisely it hurts us and possibly others.  As we go through this week, let's exercise the option to choose wisdom in all we do and say.  May God guide and bless us all.  

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

From Brother Jesse – Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - Strength to Serve—With Your Help

Dear friends,

In this week’s message, we have been reminded that our bodies and minds are to be offered to God as a living sacrifice. This truth does not just apply to individuals—it applies to ministries as well. SFIHG Ministries has been entrusted with a sacred duty: to share the Gospel freely and faithfully with all who are willing to receive it.

But this mission cannot be carried forward without faithful supporters like you. We do not charge for devotionals, Bible studies, or messages. We do not sell merchandise or require subscriptions. Instead, we rely solely on the generous hearts of those who believe in our calling.

Would you consider supporting this ministry by clicking the “Donate” button on our website? Your gift, even as small as the price of a premium coffee, helps us stay strong in our efforts to reach the lost and encourage the faithful.

Together, we are vessels—living sacrifices—prepared to serve. And together, we can do more.

In sincere gratitude,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - Honoring God with the Body

Dear friends,

We often speak of serving the Lord with our hearts, but Romans 12 reminds us that our bodies are to be offered as a holy sacrifice. The way we care for these bodies—God’s creation—matters. Good health is not about pride or appearance. It is about readiness. When we care for our physical strength, we increase our capacity to minister, to move, and to serve without hindrance.

I know from experience that it’s easy to delay these matters, but if God has given you the gift of life and health, steward it well. Let today be the day you take one step toward honoring Him through how you care for your physical self.

With encouragement in Christ,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Monday, June 9, 2025

From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Monday, June 9, 2025 - The Reasonable Response

Dear friends,

Yesterday’s message focused on presenting ourselves—body and mind—as a living and holy sacrifice to the Lord. This is not some lofty ideal reserved for the super-spiritual. It is, as Paul writes, our reasonable act of worship. In light of all that God has done for us, offering ourselves completely to Him is not too much—it is the only proper response.

As we begin this week, I encourage you to look at every part of your day through the lens of surrender. Whether it’s your morning routine, your meals, your work, or your rest, ask yourself: Am I doing this in a way that honors God? If the answer is yes, rejoice. If the answer is no, begin the transformation today.

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

Sunday, June 8, 2025

A Living Sacrifice: Honoring God with Body and Mind

In a world that celebrates indulgence and instant gratification, the idea of surrendering our bodies and minds to God can seem countercultural—perhaps even radical. Yet this is precisely what the Apostle Paul calls us to do in Romans 12:1–2. He does not merely suggest that we worship with our thoughts or good intentions. Instead, he pleads with believers, urging them to offer their entire beings—body and soul—as a living and holy sacrifice to the Lord.

Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.”

This plea is not born out of legalism, nor is it a demand to earn salvation, but rather a loving and reasonable response to the immense mercy of God. Paul’s call is rooted in gratitude—a response to what Christ has already done through the cross and resurrection. When we truly understand His sacrifice, our natural reaction should be to present ourselves entirely to Him—not partially, not occasionally, but wholly and continuously.

This brings us to the Fourth Pillar of a God-centered life: Being Healthy to Serve God. Health, in both body and spirit, is not a vanity project, nor is it a pursuit of perfection for the sake of appearance. Instead, it is about readiness—being prepared in every way to serve the Lord. Just as a vessel must be clean and whole to carry pure water, we, too, must seek to honor God with our physical and spiritual well-being so we may be effective and enduring in our service.

As we move forward in this message, we will see how Romans 12:1–2 teaches us not only to consecrate our physical bodies but also to renew our minds, that we might live lives pleasing to God. Let us now explore what it truly means to offer our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice.

Paul’s exhortation in this verse is deeply personal and earnest. He does not issue a command as a distant authority but instead pleads with fellow believers—as brothers and sisters in Christ. This urgency is grounded in divine mercy. He points us back to the immeasurable grace and compassion of God, saying in essence: In light of everything God has done for you, the most reasonable response is to give Him everything you are.

What is remarkable is that Paul does not speak metaphorically or limit his appeal to the soul or spirit. Instead, he speaks plainly of our bodies—these physical vessels of flesh and bone. Paul recognizes that our bodies are not spiritually neutral. They can either be instruments of righteousness or of sin. They can be given over to indulgence and sloth, or they can be trained and disciplined for godly service.

To present our bodies as a “living and holy sacrifice” is to live in continual surrender. It means we do not use our bodies to satisfy every craving or follow the patterns of the world, but instead, we consecrate our health, strength, habits, and even our rest to God’s service. We choose moderation, stewardship, and care, not out of vanity or societal pressure, but as an act of true worship.

In the Old Testament, sacrifices were brought to the altar and laid down completely, without reservation. The worshiper did not hold back part of the offering. In the same way, we are called to place our whole selves before God—not just in moments of worship, but in our daily habits: what we eat, how we move, how we care for ourselves, and how we guard against physical indulgence that dulls our spiritual sharpness.

This is the heart of the Fourth Pillar—Being Healthy to Serve God. When we are physically weak because of avoidable choices or lack of discipline, we may find ourselves unable to fulfill the assignments God has placed before us. Whether it’s visiting the sick, preparing lessons, caring for our families, or simply enduring the demands of ministry—we must be ready, and readiness requires preparation of both the body and the spirit.

Our health is a gift, but it is also a stewardship. God gave us these bodies not to be worshiped, but to be used in worship. To treat them carelessly is to treat His gift with contempt. But to care for them in reverence is to say, “Lord, here I am—use me.”

Having urged us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, Paul now directs our attention to the mind—that inner sanctuary where thoughts are formed, decisions are weighed, and convictions are shaped. It is here, in the hidden recesses of our thinking, that true transformation begins. The body may act, but it is the mind that commands. And so, if we are to serve God faithfully with our bodies, we must first surrender our minds to His renewing power.

Paul draws a clear contrast: the world conforms, but God transforms. The world presses us into its mold—prioritizing image over substance, indulgence over discipline, self-worship over self-sacrifice. It teaches us to idolize pleasure, possessions, and personal comfort. Left unchecked, our minds absorb these patterns and begin to justify compromise, making excuses for unholy habits and ignoring the spiritual decay that follows.

But Paul issues a warning: Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world. Do not let the world set the agenda for your thoughts, desires, or pursuits. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind. This renewal is not a one-time event, but a daily discipline of dwelling in God’s Word, praying with sincerity, and evaluating every thought against the truth of Scripture.

This renewal has a profound impact on our spiritual health. Just as we nourish our bodies with good food and care, we must nourish our minds with the truth. Without spiritual renewal, our faith becomes weak, our discernment dull, and our ability to serve God compromised. But when our minds are daily submitted to the Lord, we gain clarity, strength, and the ability to discern His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

This is the spiritual dimension of the Fourth Pillar—Being Healthy to Serve God. It is not enough to eat well and exercise if our minds are still shackled to worldly thinking. Health is holistic. Our spiritual wellness must lead our physical stewardship. A renewed mind will not only inspire better choices for the body but will also guide our words, attitudes, and service. It is the wellspring from which holy living flows.

Let us not forget: the healthiest body in the world is useless to the Kingdom if the mind is conformed to the world. But even a frail body can do mighty things if the mind is renewed by Christ and surrendered to His will.

Paul now reveals the glorious outcome of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices and allowing our minds to be renewed: we become able to discern and live out God’s will. This is not simply about discovering what God wants us to do in one particular moment—it is about cultivating a continual awareness of His desires for our lives and aligning our entire being with His purposes.

The world offers temporary goals—status, pleasure, recognition—but none of these fulfill the heart or sustain the soul. Only God's will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect, provides the lasting satisfaction and eternal reward that our hearts truly long for. But this will is not revealed to the carnal mind nor to the undisciplined life. It is discerned by those who have surrendered all and committed themselves to walking in obedience.

When we walk in God’s will—physically fit to serve, spiritually focused, and mentally transformed—we find ourselves in a place of purposeful peace. The burdens of worldly expectations are lifted, and our efforts become fruitful. We are no longer distracted by vanity or drained by emotional turmoil, but rather anchored in God’s calling for our lives.

This is the full embodiment of the Fourth Pillar: Being Healthy to Serve God. It is not about self-glorification or human perfection. It is about readiness—being a vessel fit for the Master’s use. When our bodies are capable and our minds are clear, we can go where God sends us, minister with endurance, and respond to His will with confidence and joy.

Consider the testimony of many faithful servants of God throughout history. Those who bore heavy burdens and traveled great distances for the sake of the Gospel did not do so on accident. They had cultivated their physical and spiritual strength to endure, to teach, to comfort, and to serve. Likewise, today’s believer must be intentional in preparing the whole self—body, mind, and spirit—for the sacred task of ministry and daily obedience.

And so we must ask ourselves: Am I truly living in God’s perfect will? Or am I still tethered to worldly patterns that weaken my walk? The answer is often found in our habits, our thoughts, and our stewardship of the life God has entrusted to us.

The words of Romans 12:1–2 are not theoretical or poetic suggestions. They are a direct and heartfelt call to transformation—a transformation that begins with a decision: Will you offer yourself fully to the Lord?

We are not asked to bring God riches, perfection, or performance. He desires you—your whole self. Your hands for service. Your feet to go where He sends you. Your mind for wisdom. Your heart for compassion. Your body as a temple for His Spirit. And your soul, made new in Christ, as a living testimony to His goodness and grace.

The Fourth Pillar—Being Healthy to Serve God—challenges us to step beyond comfort and into consecration. It asks us to evaluate the foods we eat, the thoughts we entertain, the habits we practice, and the disciplines we neglect. It invites us to take an honest look at how well we are stewarding the life God has given us—not for our glory, but for His.

Today, I invite you to reflect:
  • Have you offered your body as a living sacrifice to the Lord?
  • Are you caring for your health in a way that honors God and equips you for service?
  • Is your mind being daily renewed by the Word of God, or is it still conformed to the world’s patterns?
  • Are you actively pursuing God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will with your whole being?
Let this not be a message that stirs the heart only momentarily. Let it be the starting point of a deeper surrender. Choose one step—no matter how small—to bring your physical or spiritual health more fully under the Lordship of Christ. Whether it’s a daily walk, a renewed prayer time, or simply being mindful of your rest, let it be an act of worship.

And if you are already striving in this area, be encouraged: God sees your effort. He is not asking for perfection, but faithfulness. Continue presenting yourself—body and mind—as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable in His sight.

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