Sunday, August 31, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Sunday, August 31, 2025 – Helping the Shepherd’s Work

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Today’s message, Rejoicing Over the One Who Returns, reminds us that our Lord is the Good Shepherd who searches tirelessly for the lost. When one returns, all of heaven rejoices.

SFIHG Ministries exists to share the Gospel so that the lost may be found and brought home to the Father’s loving embrace. Through messages, prayers, Bible studies, and devotionals, we seek to point wandering hearts back to Christ Jesus.

This work is possible because of God’s provision through people like you. If our ministry has touched your heart, I humbly ask you to prayerfully consider supporting us. Your gift—large or small—helps us keep spreading the hope of the Gospel to those who desperately need it.

You can give by clicking the “Donate” button on our website, which links to our “Buy Me a Coffee” page. Together, we can continue the Shepherd’s work, reaching the lost and rejoicing when they return.

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

✟ Rejoicing Over the One Who Returns

In Luke 15:3-7, Jesus said, "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away.”

When Jesus spoke these words, He was addressing religious leaders who could not understand why He would spend time with sinners. They were focused on the “ninety-nine” — those who appeared to be doing fine — while Jesus was focused on the one who was lost, hurting, and far from safety.

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I experienced something that made this parable come alive in a very personal way. We feed a group of feral cats, and over time, they have become very dear to us. We watch over them, worry for them in extreme heat or cold, and do our best to make sure they have food and water.

One day, two small kittens came to us. They had been brought by one of our other feral cats, a black-and-white one we named Eliot. We soon discovered they had been abandoned by their mother. She had done the best she could to feed them and had weaned them, but then went into heat and left them on their own. We named the kittens Hondo and Smitty, after characters from John Wayne movies.

One day, Smitty disappeared. For two days, I could not find him. I was sick with worry. Every time I went outside, I looked for him. I prayed daily for his safety and return. I searched where I thought he might be, but there was no sign of him.

The burden on my heart for that one little kitten was heavy. I still fed the others, but my thoughts were always on Smitty. Would he make it? Was he hurt? Would I ever see him again?

This is a glimpse of the shepherd’s heart in Jesus’ parable. When one sheep goes missing, the shepherd does not shrug and say, “Well, at least I still have ninety-nine.” No—he leaves the ninety-nine in safety and goes searching until he finds the lost one. That’s the relentless love of God—He notices when we are missing, and He will not rest until we are found.

Then, one morning, Smitty came to breakfast with his brother Hondo and the other cats we feed. The moment I saw him, my heart leapt. I was in tears. I thanked God for answering my prayers and bringing him back. The worry and heartache of the past two days were replaced by pure joy.

That’s exactly what Jesus describes in the parable. The shepherd doesn’t scold the sheep for wandering. He doesn’t keep his distance. He joyfully lifts it onto his shoulders and carries it home. Then, he calls his friends and neighbors and says, “Rejoice with me!”

When a sinner returns to God, heaven throws a celebration. Angels rejoice. The Father’s heart is full. There is no cold reception, no list of demands—just open arms and joy.

When I saw Smitty safe and sound, I wanted to tell my wife right away. I wanted her to rejoice with me. That’s exactly what the shepherd does—he shares the news because the joy is too big to keep to himself.

Jesus tells us that heaven celebrates over one sinner who repents. Think about that—when you came to Christ, heaven celebrated you. The love of God is so personal that your return home caused a party in glory.

This parable isn’t just a beautiful picture of God’s love—it’s also a call for us to reflect that same love.
  • We must notice when someone is missing from the flock.
  • We must care enough to go searching.
  • We must pray for the lost with the same urgency I felt for Smitty’s return.
  • And when they do return, we must celebrate without reservation.
The church should never be a place where returning sinners feel judged or unwelcome. It should be a place where joy overflows because someone has come home.

When I saw Smitty again, I was reminded in a fresh way of God’s love for each of us. If a small kitten can stir such deep love and concern in my heart, how much more must the Creator of the universe love His children?

If you are the one who has wandered away, know this: the Shepherd is looking for you right now. He hasn’t given up. And when you return, He will rejoice over you with singing.

And for those of us already in the fold—let us carry the Shepherd’s heart into our relationships, loving people enough to search for them, pray for them, and celebrate when they return.

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, August 30, 2025

📢 Announcement for Sunday’s Message – August 31, 2025

Title: Rejoicing Over the One Who Returns
Scripture: Luke 15:3–7 NLT
Time of Publication: Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 12 PM EDT

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Tomorrow’s message is one of the most personal I have ever shared. It’s based on Jesus’ Parable of the Lost Sheep from Luke 15:3–7 NLT, and it’s brought to life through a recent and very emotional experience with two feral kittens, Smitty and Hondo.

A few weeks ago, Smitty went missing, and I was sick with worry. I searched for him, prayed for him daily, and feared the worst. Then, one morning, he returned, safe and sound. My joy was overwhelming, and I thanked God for answering my prayers.

As I reflected on that moment, I was reminded of how deeply our Lord cares for the one who is lost. Just as I couldn’t rest until Smitty came home, the Good Shepherd searches for every soul that has wandered, and heaven rejoices when even one returns.

This message will encourage you with the truth that God’s love is personal, persistent, and overflowing with joy when the lost are found. I invite you to join us tomorrow at 12 PM EDT on our ministry website, and I encourage you to share this message with others who may need the reminder that they are never too far from the Shepherd’s love.

📅 Mark your calendar and prepare your heart for a word of hope.
📲 Share the link with family and friends so they too may be blessed.

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

Friday, August 29, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Friday, August 29, 2025 – Never Give Up

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Paul’s words in Galatians 6:9 still ring in my ears: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.” The temptation to give up can be strong, especially when we face discouragement. But giving up means missing the blessing God has prepared for those who endure.

The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. We are called to run with perseverance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1–2 NLT).

If you feel weary today, remember why you began—because Christ first loved you and called you to follow Him. Lean on His strength, and keep pressing forward. The reward will come, and it will be worth every step.

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

Thursday, August 28, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Thursday, August 28, 2025 – The Right Time for the Harvest

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Galatians 6:9 assures us that “at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” God’s timing is always perfect, and He often uses His people to meet needs exactly when they arise.

Our ministry continues to reach people all over the world with the hope of the Gospel, and your faithful support makes that possible. Every donation—large or small—helps us plant seeds of truth and encouragement that God will grow into a harvest for His Kingdom.

If you feel led, please visit our website and click the “Donate” button to give through our “Buy Me a Coffee” page. Your gift will not only sustain this ministry but will also be an answer to prayer for those hungering for God’s Word.

Together, we can remain faithful in doing good, knowing that the Lord will bless the work of our hands.

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

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Thursday, August 28, 2025 – The Right Time

Dear Beloved in Christ,

One of the most difficult parts of doing good is waiting for the harvest. We live in a world of instant gratification, but God’s blessings come “at just the right time” (Galatians 6:9 NLT). His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t match our expectations.

There may be days when your efforts seem unnoticed, your kindness unappreciated, or your generosity taken for granted. But the Lord sees every seed you have planted, and He will bring forth a harvest that will far exceed anything you could imagine.

Hold on to His promise today. Keep doing good. Keep loving. Keep serving. The harvest will come.

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

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Wednesday, August 27, 2025 – Opportunities All Around Us

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Galatians 6:10 reminds us that “whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” Opportunities to do good are all around us, if we are willing to look.

Sometimes they are obvious—a neighbor in need, a church member going through hardship. Other times, they are hidden in the quiet moments—a word of encouragement, a listening ear, or a prayer whispered on someone’s behalf.

Today, ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities He has placed before you. Remember, doing good is not reserved for grand gestures. It is often found in the small, everyday acts of love that reflect the heart of Christ.

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

🎂 A Milestone of Gratitude: Sixty Years of God’s Faithfulness

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Today marks my 60th birthday, and as I reflect on these years, my heart is filled with gratitude to the Lord who has carried me every step of the way. My journey has not been without valleys—loss, uncertainty, and moments when the future seemed clouded—but through it all, God’s unfailing love and sustaining grace have never let me go.

My parents’ lives were shorter than I would have wished—both passing before they reached the age of 65. I have often thought about how short life can be, and how each moment is a gift we cannot take for granted. That is why I cherish each day God gives me and count every opportunity to serve Him as a blessing beyond measure.

In these sixty years, the Lord has allowed me to serve as a chaplain, to share His Word through SFIHG Ministries, and to walk alongside many of you in faith. I have seen His hand at work in the small and in the great—in answered prayers, in moments of unexpected joy, and in the quiet assurance that He is with us.

As I celebrate this milestone, I do so with a heart that says, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name goes all the glory for Your unfailing love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1 NLT). My prayer is that the years ahead—whether many or few—will be spent serving Him wholeheartedly, loving others well, and planting seeds that will bear fruit for His Kingdom.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. Your prayers, encouragement, and fellowship mean more than words can express. Together, let us keep pressing forward in faith, trusting the One who holds our past, present, and future.

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

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – Giving Without Expecting in Return

Dear Beloved in Christ,

In Luke 21:1–4, Jesus praised a poor widow who gave all she had—not to be seen by others, but out of pure devotion to God. This is the heart of giving: not expecting anything in return, but doing it because it is the right thing to do.

At SFIHG Ministries, we follow that same principle. We freely share every message, prayer, and Bible study without charging a fee. We do not sell subscriptions or merchandise. Everything we provide is a gift to encourage believers and reach the lost with the Good News of Christ Jesus.

If our ministry has been a blessing to you, would you prayerfully consider helping us continue? Your gift—whether great or small—will make an eternal impact. Simply click the “Donate” button on our website to give through our “Buy Me a Coffee” page.

Thank you for your love, prayers, and generosity. Like the widow’s offering, every gift given in faith is precious in the eyes of the Lord.

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

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – The Heart of the Widow

Dear Beloved in Christ,

The story of the poor widow in Luke 21:1–4 has always touched my heart. She gave all she had, not for recognition, but out of pure devotion to God. Her gift was small in the eyes of men, but priceless in the eyes of the Lord.

Doing good as Christians should follow that same spirit—not motivated by applause or earthly reward, but by love for God and others. Our good deeds are seeds sown into eternity, not just transactions for immediate benefit.

Let us remember the widow’s heart today. May our acts of kindness and generosity come from a place of love, not obligation, and may we trust that God sees and values every single one.

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

Monday, August 25, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Monday, August 25, 2025 – Keep Planting Seeds

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Yesterday’s message reminded us of the truth that we will always reap what we sow. If we plant seeds of kindness, generosity, and love, the harvest will reflect the Spirit’s work in our lives. The challenge we face is to remain faithful even when we don’t immediately see the results.

The Apostle Paul encourages us not to grow weary in doing good because the Lord’s timing is perfect. Every act of love, no matter how small, is noticed by God. We may never know this side of heaven the full impact of our actions, but we can rest assured that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT).

So today, keep planting those seeds. Smile at the stranger. Offer help to the one in need. Pray for those who are hurting. The harvest will come in due season.

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

Sunday, August 24, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Sunday, August 24, 2025 – Planting Seeds for the Harvest

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Today’s message, Do Not Grow Weary: The Reward of Faithful Goodness, reminds us that every act of kindness, every prayer, every gift given in the name of the Lord is a seed planted for eternity. God promises that “at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).

Our ministry plants seeds every day through messages, prayers, Bible studies, and devotionals freely shared with all who seek encouragement from God’s Word. None of these seeds would be planted without the faithful support of those who believe in this work.

If God has placed it on your heart, I humbly ask you to consider giving to SFIHG Ministries today. Your gift—large or small—is a seed that will help us continue to spread the Gospel. You can give by clicking the “Donate” button on our website, which links to our “Buy Me a Coffee” page.

Together, we can plant seeds that will grow into a harvest of blessing for countless lives.

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

✟ Do Not Grow Weary: The Reward of Faithful Goodness

The Apostle Paul’s words to the Galatian believers remind us of an unchanging truth: God’s justice cannot be mocked. Just as a farmer reaps what he plants, our actions—good or bad—will produce a harvest in due time. This principle is not only about avoiding sin; it is also about faithfully doing good, even when the world offers no applause.

In our fast-paced, results-driven culture, we are often tempted to look for immediate rewards for doing good. Yet, the Kingdom of God operates on a different timetable. The seeds we plant today in kindness, generosity, and compassion may not yield an instant return, but in God’s perfect timing, they will produce a harvest far greater than we can imagine.

Paul draws a sharp contrast: those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will reap decay and death, but those who live to please the Spirit will reap eternal life.

When we sow to the flesh, our efforts are self-serving. They may produce temporary satisfaction, but the end result is emptiness. Conversely, when we sow to the Spirit—living in obedience to God’s Word, motivated by love and humility—the harvest is everlasting.

Think of it this way: if a farmer plants weeds, he cannot expect a field of wheat. Likewise, if we plant selfishness, we cannot expect a harvest of righteousness.

Paul knew the human heart. He understood that doing good can be exhausting, especially when it seems unnoticed or unappreciated. But here’s the key: we are not doing good to impress others; we are doing it to honor the Lord.

Our reward is not determined by public recognition but by God’s promise—“at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” The timing of the harvest belongs to Him, and His timing is always perfect.

This is where the story of the poor widow speaks so powerfully. In Luke 21:1–4 NLT, we read:

“While Jesus was in the Temple, He watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said, ‘this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.’”

The widow’s act was not grand in the eyes of men, but it was precious in the eyes of the Lord. She gave without expecting anything in return, purely out of devotion. That is the heart of doing good—it’s not about the size of the gift, but the sincerity and sacrifice behind it.

Paul concludes with a call to action: “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”

This is not a selective kindness; it is a consistent, Spirit-led lifestyle.
  • Doing good to everyone means we show love to friend and stranger alike, even those who have wronged us.
  • Doing good especially to the family of faith means we bear one another’s burdens, support one another in times of need, and strengthen the witness of the church.
Opportunities to do good are everywhere if we are willing to look for them. Sometimes it is a word of encouragement, a helping hand, a meal for someone in need, or a quiet prayer for a hurting soul. Other times it may mean sacrificial giving, much like the widow’s offering—hidden from the crowd, but seen by God.

The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a lifelong planting season. Every act of kindness, every prayer lifted for another, every selfless deed is a seed planted in the soil of eternity.

We must not let discouragement stop us from doing what is right. Your labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT). You may not see the harvest today, but God has promised that in due season, it will come.

So, let us go on doing good—not for applause, not for personal gain, but because it is what honors Christ. Like the widow, let us give all we can—not just from our surplus, but from our hearts—trusting that the God who sees in secret will reward in His time.

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, August 23, 2025

📢 Announcement for Sunday’s Message – August 24, 2025

Title: Do Not Grow Weary: The Reward of Faithful Goodness
Scripture: Galatians 6:7–10 NLT
Time of Publication: Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 12 PM EDT

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Tomorrow’s message is a timely encouragement for every believer who has ever felt tired, discouraged, or unnoticed in their efforts to do good. In Do Not Grow Weary: The Reward of Faithful Goodness, we will explore the unshakable truth of Galatians 6:7–10 NLT—what we sow, we will reap—and be reminded that God’s timing for the harvest is always perfect.

You will also be blessed by the moving story of the poor widow in Luke 21:1–4, who gave all she had, not for the applause of men, but out of deep devotion to God. Her example reminds us that doing good is not about recognition or reward, but about honoring the Lord with a sincere heart.

This message will inspire you to keep planting seeds of kindness, generosity, and love—trusting that at just the right time, you will reap a harvest of blessing if you do not give up.

📅 Mark your calendar and join us tomorrow at 12 PM EDT on our ministry website for this encouraging word.
📲 Share the link with family, friends, and fellow believers so they too may be strengthened in their faith.

Let us press on together, doing good in the name of Jesus.

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

Friday, August 22, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Friday, August 22, 2025 – What Will You Do Today?

Dear friends,

As this week comes to a close, I ask you one simple question: What will you do today?

Not what will you pray about. Not what will you think about. But what will you actually do to honor God and love your neighbor?

Faith without action is not faith at all—it is only belief. But when belief meets obedience, we become instruments of God’s grace in a world that is desperate for it.

You know what is right. Now go and do it—with courage, love, and faith.

Pressing on with you,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Thursday, August 21, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Thursday, August 21, 2025 – A Simple Act of Obedience

Dear friends,

Throughout this week, we've reflected on the importance of doing good—not just thinking or speaking about it, but acting on what we know to be right.

Supporting a ministry like SFIHG is one of those quiet, powerful ways to obey God and bless others. Your generosity fuels the work of encouragement, discipleship, and outreach—offered to all at no cost.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to give, let today be the day you follow through. Click the “Donate” button on our site and offer a simple act of obedience that will make a lasting difference.

Thank you for standing with us.

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

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Thursday, August 21, 2025 – Little Acts, Eternal Impact

Dear friends,

Sometimes we hesitate to act because we believe our efforts are too small to matter. But let me assure you—no act of kindness done in the name of Jesus is ever wasted.

A phone call to someone who’s lonely, a meal to someone who’s hungry, a word of encouragement to someone who's downcast—these may seem ordinary to us, but in the hands of God, they become extraordinary.

The Samaritan didn’t change the world that day—but he changed one man’s world. And that’s how faith works: one obedient act at a time.
Be faithful in the small, and God will use it mightily.

In faith and hope,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – When Doing Nothing Is Sin

Dear friends,

We tend to think of sin as something we do. But Scripture tells us it is also sin when we fail to do what we should. This sobering truth from James 4:17 often goes unnoticed, yet it holds us accountable to a higher calling.

Have you ever felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit—urging you to reach out, give, or speak up—and ignored it? That moment of silence is not harmless. It is a missed opportunity to obey God.

Let us not fall into spiritual laziness. Let us rise each day with hearts that are ready to do good—faithful, willing, and responsive.

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

Mid-Week Message - Why Are You Crying?

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  All these things are gone forever."  Revelation 21:4  (NLT)

Tears are a gift.  They allow us a way to release our emotions and share our overflow of feelings with others.  Most of us cry when we are sad, some of us cry out of anger or even exhaustion.  We even have times when we cry out of sheer joy.  Scientists say that "happy" tears are chemically different than the ones that fall out of sadness.  What an amazing Creator we serve!  

John 20:15-16 recounts a very tender moment.  Mary has gone to Jesus' tomb but when she does not find him there, she weeps because she thinks someone has taken his body away.  While she is crying, she hears a voice that says, "Dear woman, why are you crying?  Who are you looking for?"  She believes Him to be the gardener and asks Him where He has taken the body.  Then Jesus speaks her name and she recognizes Him.  I am not sure, but I would imagine that her tears became those of joy rather than of sorrow at that moment.

When infants are born, we long to hear their first wails.  It is reassurance of the life that is inside of them and that their lungs are working well.  Then we find ourselves kneeling by their cradles and praying that their sorrows and hardships in life will be few.  I remember well taking my tiny daughter to her well-checks and sobbing along with her as she received her vaccines.  The fact that my child was in pain, even for just a moment, broke my heart.  If we love our children that deeply, how must Almighty God, who is the very epitome and definition of love, feel when He witnesses His children weeping?  

My personal belief is that when Jesus spoke to Mary in the garden, His voice was compassionate and comforting.  It was a moment that showed His reaction to tears.  And I believe with all my heart that He reacts to each of us the same way when He sees us in pain or sorrow.  Just as he said to Mary, He says to us, "Why are you crying?"  He wishes us to know that He is beside us and is ready to take us into His holy arms to comfort us.  

Why do I believe that tears matter so much to Him?  Because the verse for today is very specific in mentioning what will be gone forever in Heaven.  It lists tears, death, sorrow, crying and pain.  If they were not important to Him, why would He call them out and reassure us that they would come to an end?  

Another verse that shows the importance of our tears is Psalm 56:8 which says, "You keep track of all my sorrows.  You have collected all my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book."  The Bible, our love letter from God Himself, makes sure we understand that He sees, hears and cares when we cry.  The Author of all that is, is touched when we weep.  How precious is that?  

We all go through moments that bring us to our knees, that make us feel as though there is no end to the amount of tears that will flow from our eyes.  In those moments though, our Savior is there beside us.  In the times when we feel most alone, we are far from it.  He cares and His compassion has no end.  We can each go forth in confidence that no tear is unseen and they are of the utmost importance to the One who created them in the first place.   

Why are you crying?  Listen for Him to call your name.  God bless.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Tuesday, August 19, 2025 – Make the Good You Know Count

Dear friends,

James 4:17 challenges us not to be idle in the face of good. It tells us plainly: “It is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” This applies to every area of our walk, including how we support the work of God’s kingdom.

If you have been blessed by our messages, I kindly ask you to consider taking action today. Your donation—no matter the size—helps us continue sharing truth, hope, and light to a world so desperately in need.

For the price of a coffee, you can help shine Christ’s love into someone’s darkness. Please click the “Donate” button on our homepage and give as the Lord leads.

Let us not delay when we know what is right.

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

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Tuesday, August 19, 2025 – Don’t Just Walk By

Dear friends,

The Parable of the Good Samaritan offers a powerful picture of what faith in action truly looks like. Two religious men saw the wounded traveler and walked by. They did nothing wrong in the legal sense, but in the spiritual sense, they sinned by doing nothing at all.

Are there people in your path today who need your help, your kindness, or your presence? Do not pass them by. Compassion without action is only a feeling. But when we act on that compassion, we reflect the love of Christ.

Be the one who stops. Be the one who helps. Be the one who cares.

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

Monday, August 18, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Monday, August 18, 2025 – The Weight of Knowing

Dear friends,

There is a burden that many carry but seldom recognize—the burden of knowing what is right and doing nothing about it. Yesterday’s message reminded us of James 4:17, which declares, “It is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”

This verse strikes at the heart of complacency. Too often, we find ourselves excusing inaction with busyness, fear, or the assumption that someone else will step in. But God has entrusted us with His truth not only to believe it, but to live it.

If the Lord has shown you what is good and right, do not delay. Obedience honors Him and blesses others.

With conviction and compassion,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Sunday, August 17, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Sunday, August 17, 2025 – Faith in Action

Dear friends,

Today’s message, “To Know and Not Do: The Sin of Inaction,” speaks boldly to the heart of every believer. It is not enough to know the Word—we must live it. And one of the most practical ways we live out our faith is through our generosity and service.

At SFIHG Ministries, we do not charge for the Gospel. We never will. We are committed to offering God’s Word freely to all who seek it. But we do rely on the faithful support of those who believe in this mission.

If you feel led today, I humbly ask that you take a step of action and make a donation. Your support keeps this ministry alive, reaching those who may have nowhere else to turn for spiritual encouragement.

Please click the “Donate” button on our website to give through Buy Me a Coffee. Let’s be doers—not just hearers.

With all my heart,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

✟ To Know and Not Do: The Sin of Inaction

We live in a time when knowledge is abundant. Bibles are easily accessible, devotionals are everywhere, and sermons stream daily into our homes. Yet despite this wealth of information, there remains a dangerous gap—a gap between knowing what is right and actually doing it.

Many Christians sincerely believe they are walking in faith because they know the Word. But Scripture makes it clear: knowledge without action is not enough. The Apostle James warns us plainly in James 4:17:

“Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”

This is not a verse meant to be glossed over. It is a divine spotlight shining on the sin of omission—the sin of seeing what needs to be done and choosing to do nothing. It is not enough to simply be a good Christian. One must act as a good Christian.

James writes to believers who were already struggling with double-mindedness and spiritual complacency. They spoke of faith but failed to live it out. And so James confronts them—and us—with truth: when we are aware of what is good, right, and godly, and we choose not to do it, we sin.

This goes beyond wrongdoing. This is the refusal to do right.

We often think of sin as committing evil acts, but James teaches that sin also lives in our reluctance to act. When God opens a door for kindness, compassion, forgiveness, or generosity—and we close it—we commit a silent rebellion.

James reinforces this truth earlier in his letter:

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” — James 1:22 (NLT)

God is not interested in passive faith. He calls for active obedience. It is not the hearing alone, but the doing, that marks a faithful disciple.

Jesus tells a parable in Luke 10:30–37 that masterfully illustrates the message of James 4:17. In the story, a man is attacked by bandits and left half-dead along the road.

“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.” — Luke 10:31–32 (NLT)

These two religious figures, men who knew the Law, saw the need—but took no action. They weren’t guilty of striking the man—but they were guilty of doing nothing to help.

Then a Samaritan—a cultural outcast to the Jews—comes along:

“When he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.” — Luke 10:33 (NLT)
“Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds… put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn…” — Luke 10:34 (NLT)

Jesus concludes with a question:

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man…?”
The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” — Luke 10:36–37 (NLT)

This parable is not just a story—it is a mirror. How many times have we walked by someone in need, offered polite words, and moved on? We know what is right. But we fail to do it.

Doing nothing may feel safer. It may be easier. But it is not righteousness. It is sin.

When we ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit to encourage someone, to give, to serve, or to speak truth in love—we are not choosing neutrality. We are choosing disobedience.

The world is watching how Christians act. Our witness is not defined by how many verses we quote or how often we attend services. It is defined by what we do when we see someone hurting, hungry, or lost.

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” — 1 John 3:17 (NLT)

It is time for each of us to examine our lives: What good have I failed to do? Who have I walked past? What have I ignored because it felt inconvenient?

God is not asking us to do everything, but He is asking us to do something. One act of obedience can change a life.

Paul reminds us:

“Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone…” — Galatians 6:9–10 (NLT)

Be a Christian of action. Be a neighbor. Be the Samaritan in a world full of passersby.

We do not stand before God ignorant of what is good. His Word is clear. His example in Christ Jesus is vivid. His Spirit prompts our hearts.

So now we must choose. Will we be hearers only—or doers of the Word? Will we know what is good—and do it?

Let us no longer be satisfied with being informed. Let us be transformed—and let that transformation take shape in action.

I encourage you to pause and reflect: What act of goodness have you delayed? Who needs your compassion today? What have you been putting off that God has clearly asked you to do?

Start now. Be the one who does what is right—not merely one who knows it.

And as you take steps of faith, remember those in your community who need help. Reach out to a struggling family. Volunteer your time. And consider making a donation to your local food pantry or ministry. When we give in love, we live out the Gospel.

For the Lord Himself said in Matthew 25:45 (NLT):

“I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”

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, August 16, 2025

📣 Announcement for Sunday’s Message – August 17, 2025 - To Know and Not Do: The Sin of Inaction

Dear friends,

Many of us know what is right, but how often do we act on it? This Sunday’s message, “To Know and Not Do: The Sin of Inaction,” speaks directly to the heart of what it means to live out our faith.

Drawing from James 4:17 (NLT) and the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–37 NLT), Brother Jesse shares a timely reminder: knowing God’s Word is not enough—we must respond with obedience and compassion. In a world full of bystanders, we are called to be servants.

📬 Invite your friends and family to read this powerful message.

💻 Visit sfihgministries.org this Sunday at 12 PM EDT and be encouraged to put faith into action.

📖 Let us walk boldly in Christ—not just in belief, but in doing what is good and right.

In Christ’s love and service,
SFIHG Ministries

Friday, August 15, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Friday, August 15, 2025 – Helping Others Lay It Down

Dear friends,

As we learn to lay down our burdens, we are also called to help others do the same. There are people in your life right now who are quietly suffering—waiting for someone to reach out and remind them that they don’t have to carry it all alone.

Let us be that reminder. Share Psalm 55:22 with a friend or family member. Offer to pray with someone who is struggling. And when you see someone slipping, extend your hand and help them stand again.

We are not just recipients of God’s care—we are vessels of it. Let us pour out what we have received.

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

Thursday, August 14, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Thursday, August 14, 2025 – Investing in Eternal Impact

Dear friends,

This week we’ve been talking about burdens—and the freeing power of giving them to the Lord. It is a message that many desperately need. And thanks to your support, they are finding it through SFIHG Ministries.

When you give to this ministry, you are doing more than covering costs. You are investing in eternal impact. You are helping someone find peace in their storm. You are helping a weary heart discover hope through God’s Word.

We do not ask for much. But we do ask that you prayerfully consider partnering with us—today. Your donation, large or small, goes directly into the work of ministry. No distractions. Just the Gospel.

Click the “Donate” button at the top of our website. Together, let’s lift the burdens of others and bring them into the loving arms of our Savior.

May the Lord bless you abundantly,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Thursday, August 14, 2025 – A Daily Practice of Surrender

Dear friends,

Giving our burdens to the Lord is not always a one-time event—it is often a daily practice. Each morning, we are faced with new anxieties, new doubts, and new reasons to pick up what we had previously laid down.

But the Lord is patient. He invites us daily to come and surrender again. Each time we do, we grow stronger in faith and deeper in trust. His mercies are new every morning.

Begin this day with an open heart. Whisper your burdens to Him. Write them in your journal. Speak them aloud in prayer. And as you surrender, feel the peace that surpasses understanding.

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

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Wednesday, August 13, 2025 – The Strength Beneath You

Dear friends,

When Psalm 55:22 tells us that God “will not permit the godly to slip and fall,” it’s not promising an easy road—but a sure footing. Life may tremble beneath our feet, but God holds us with His mighty hand.

I have felt that trembling myself in times of hardship. I’ve cried out in the night, wondering how I would make it through another day. But I can testify that God has always upheld me. Even in the valley, He did not let me fall.

Whatever you’re facing today, be encouraged—God is the strength beneath you. He will not let you slip.

Standing with you in faith,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Mid-Week Message - Life's Changes

"Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday, today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8 (AMP)  


My favorite month of the year is October.  The days and nights become cooler and the leaves on the trees begin to take on the fall colors of yellow, orange and red.  I long for this time of year all summer.  It is a time that brings me joy and although some years it seems to take its time arriving, it is a transformation I can count on.  

Normally, I am not a big fan of change.  I find it stressful in many situations, as I am sure you do.  It is nice to have some idea of what is coming next, if all goes as planned.  Unfortunately, life doesn't send out memos to announce interruptions in our life plans.  Job losses, recessions, illnesses, deaths, accidents, problems in relationships or financial upsets can come at the most unexpected and inconvenient times.  

In 2018 my husband almost died.  By the time he saw a doctor who realized how serious his condition was and sent him to a hospital, his life was in grave danger.  We were told after emergency surgery that he had come within hours to days of losing his life.  After spending two weeks as an in-patient, he returned home only to find out that his job had been eliminated during the time that he was hospitalized.  Our world was turned upside down.  Suddenly we found ourselves dealing with a health situation that was still not completely remedied and no steady income.  To say that we spent some time in tears and anguish would be an understatement.  

Everyone, at some point, will face trials that seem insurmountable.  During those days it is so easy to feel isolated and to wonder why God would allow such hardship in our lives.  I have friends who considered themselves to be happily married who suddenly found that their spouses wished to end the marriage.  Others have received diagnoses of cancer or Alzheimer disease.  Sometimes it happens that way.  We go to bed secure and wake up to find that our world has totally changed.  

When my beloved and I found ourselves staring into an unknown and uncertain future, we reached for what we knew would never be threatened which was our relationship with our Savior.  The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus never changes.  He is the same person now that He was when walked with his disciples.  His love is constant and endures no matter what happens in our lives.  He always loves us, always protects us, and is always there to listen to and encourage us.  Romans 8:34 tells us that He advocates for us before the Father.  How precious is that?  He personally takes our plight to the throne of the Creator and pleads for us.  

What changes are you either anticipating or currently going through?  Might I implore you to go to the One who endured the greatest pain that ever existed out of His mighty love for you?  I can promise you that He is ready and willing to hear all you need to say.  Express your fears, your frustrations, your questions and your sorrow to Him and allow Him to be as personally involved in your life as He wishes to be.  He doesn't intend for any of us to walk difficult roads alone.  If tomorrow comes and no one else seems to be around, He will always be the one that you can count on.  Nothing will change that.  Ever.  All you have to do is reach out for Him.  Nothing will ever separate you from His love.  God bless.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Tuesday, August 12, 2025 – You Are Not Alone

Dear friends,

One of the enemy's cruelest lies is to make us feel that we are alone in our suffering. When life weighs heavy on our hearts, it’s easy to believe that no one understands or cares. But our Heavenly Father sees, knows, and loves us deeply.

Psalm 55:22 assures us that God is not distant. He is close to the brokenhearted. He is near to those who cast their cares upon Him. If you feel isolated today, remember this: the God who created the heavens also cares intimately about you.

Call out to Him. He is listening. You are never alone.

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

📬 From Brother Jesse – Tuesday, August 12, 2025 – A Light in the Dark

Dear friends,

Every day, countless souls visit our ministry site searching for something—comfort, truth, encouragement, or simply a reminder that they are not forgotten. For many, our message from Sunday—“Lay It Down: Trusting the Lord with Your Burdens”—is exactly the lifeline they needed.

But we cannot shine this light alone.

We are a faith-based ministry that operates solely through the generosity of supporters like you. No ads. No fees. Just faith and service.

If you have been blessed by our messages, please consider partnering with us through a donation. Your support allows us to keep reaching the lost, the burdened, and the brokenhearted—one message at a time.

You can give securely by clicking the “Donate” button on our homepage.

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

Monday, August 11, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Monday, August 11, 2025 – Letting Go and Trusting

Dear friends,

We often hold on to our burdens as if they are part of who we are. We cradle them, we rehearse them, and we sometimes believe that no one—not even God—can carry them for us. But yesterday's message reminds us of a greater truth from Psalm 55:22: “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.”

Letting go is not weakness; it is faith. When we lay down our burdens at the feet of the Lord, we are proclaiming that He is more than able. You do not need to figure everything out. You do not need to carry yesterday, today, and tomorrow on your shoulders.

Release it. Trust Him. He will take care of you.

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

Sunday, August 10, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Sunday, August 10, 2025 – A Ministry That Carries Burdens

Dear friends,

As today’s message, “Lay It Down: Trusting the Lord with Your Burdens,” is published on our ministry website, I want to speak to your heart about the importance of this work. Every message, every prayer, and every letter is created with care to encourage weary souls and remind them that they are not alone.

At SFIHG Ministries, we do not charge for God's Word. We have no books for sale, no subscription fees—just open arms and open hearts. But to continue carrying the burdens of others through online ministry, we humbly depend on the generosity of those who believe in what we do.

Would you consider making a donation today? For the cost of a premium cup of coffee, you can help someone discover hope, peace, and God’s unfailing love. Simply click the "Donate" button on our website, powered through Buy Me a Coffee.

Thank you for helping us carry the burdens of many through the message of Christ.

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

✟ Lay It Down: Trusting the Lord with Your Burdens

There is a weight that so many carry each day—one not always visible to the eye, but felt deeply in the soul. Worry. Fear. Anxiety. These burdens come in many forms: the uncertainty of finances, the strain of health challenges, the heartbreak of broken relationships, the unknown of tomorrow. Though our shoulders may not sag outwardly, our spirits often do. Worry wraps around the heart like a heavy chain, robbing us of joy, disrupting our peace, and diverting our focus away from God.

But in this one powerful verse, Psalm 55:22, God offers a divine alternative. He beckons us not to shoulder our burdens alone but to lay them down at His feet. This sacred invitation comes with a promise: not only will He take care of us, but He will also ensure that those who walk with Him are upheld.

Let us look closely at the first part of the verse: “Give your burdens to the Lord…” This is not merely a kind suggestion—it is a clear command. The Hebrew word used here implies casting, as if one were hurling a heavy load off their back. It means to relinquish full control, to surrender what weighs us down and place it into God’s hands.

Too often we attempt to carry life’s trials ourselves. We think we are being strong or responsible, but the truth is, we are exhausting ourselves. When we refuse to release our burdens to the Lord, we are choosing to rely on our limited strength instead of God’s unlimited grace.

Jesus extended the same call in Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT):

“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. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

There is rest in His presence. Peace in His promise. Strength in His sufficiency.

God doesn’t leave us burdened once we surrender. His Word says clearly: “…and He will take care of you.” This is divine reassurance. The Lord does not simply receive your worries—He lovingly manages them. He tends to your needs. He provides in His timing. He sees the whole picture of your life when you only see today.

Peter echoes this truth in 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT):

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

This care is not passive—it is deeply personal and actively involved. Our Heavenly Father is not distant or disengaged. He is intimately concerned with every detail of our lives. When we hand Him our burdens, He handles them with the wisdom of eternity and the compassion of a loving parent.

I remember countless times in my own life when the load felt unbearable. Moments when my heart cried out under the pressure of uncertainty and sorrow. But each time I laid those concerns at the feet of my Lord, I found the peace that surpasses all understanding. Not always immediate answers—but always divine care.

The final part of the verse gives us this great assurance: “He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” This does not suggest that believers will never experience hardship. Rather, it promises that those who are devoted to God—those who walk in righteousness—will be upheld by His hand.

Psalm 37:23–24 (NLT) affirms this:

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

There will be times when we feel shaky. Times when the path is slippery and the hill is steep. But the Lord is our firm foundation. He will not allow us to be overcome. He will steady our feet, lift us up, and walk with us every step of the way.

Dear friends, you do not have to live burdened. You do not have to be crushed by anxiety, fear, or sorrow. The Lord is extending His hand and asking you to lay it down—to surrender every weight, every care, and every worry. You were never meant to carry it alone.

This very day, make the choice to release it all to the Lord. Cry out to Him in prayer. Write your burdens down and speak them aloud to God. Unload your heart into the loving arms of the Savior. He is strong enough to carry you, and kind enough to care for every concern.

As you entrust your burdens to the Lord, I encourage you to also look around you. There are many who are silently suffering—your neighbors, co-workers, even your family members. Share this message with them. Offer a prayer. Be a listening ear. Let them know that there is a Savior who can lift the heaviest load.

And please consider making a donation to your local food pantry or ministry that serves those in need. In times of hardship, we must not only speak of God's love—we must live it out in practical ways. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:45 (NLT):

“I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”

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, August 9, 2025

📣 Announcement for Sunday’s Message – August 10, 2025

Dear friends,

So many of us walk through life carrying burdens too heavy for our hearts to bear—worries about finances, health, relationships, and the uncertainty of tomorrow. But Scripture offers us a lifeline of peace in Psalm 55:22:

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”

Tomorrow’s message, “Lay It Down: Trusting the Lord with Your Burdens,” will remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. God calls us to surrender our worries and rest in His faithful care. If you've ever felt weighed down, this message is especially for you—or someone you know.

📬 Please share this important message with family and friends.

💻 Visit sfihgministries.org tomorrow at 12 PM ET to read and reflect on the truth of God's sustaining love.

🙏 Let us come together as a community of faith to lay our burdens before the Lord.

No matter what you're facing, you do not have to carry it alone. Join us in faith and in fellowship.

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

Friday, August 8, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Friday, August 8, 2025 - “Mercy That Walks Beside”

Dear Faithful Friends,

The journey of a believer is not one of isolation, but of fellowship. We are called to walk beside one another—not ahead in pride, not behind in judgment—but shoulder to shoulder, in mercy and love.

This week’s message from Colossians reminds us of who we are and how we are to live. We are not to be cloaked in cold religiosity. We are to be clothed in Christ Himself—in His compassion, His kindness, His humility, His gentleness, and His patience.

Restoration is not a one-time act; it is a lifestyle of mercy. And that mercy is not stationary—it moves. It walks beside the fallen, it lifts up the weary, it rejoices with the restored. It is the kind of mercy that Jesus showed when He knelt beside the woman caught in adultery. He did not condemn her. He covered her. He restored her.

Let us resolve, then, to be people who walk with mercy beside those who struggle. Let our ministry not be one of distance, but of nearness. Let us never forget how close Christ drew to us when we were at our lowest.

May our footsteps echo grace. May our paths be paved with peace. And may every soul we meet feel the love of Christ radiating through us.

In mercy and truth,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Thursday, August 7, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Thursday, August 7, 2025 - “Let Us Be the Church That Gives”

Dear Beloved in Christ,

As I reflect on this week’s message and letters, I feel led to share this simple truth: We are never more like Christ than when we give. He gave everything—His time, His tears, His body, His life. And He calls us to do likewise.

SFIHG Ministries has no products, no advertisements, and no paywalls. We don’t charge for the Word of God because we believe it should flow freely into the hearts of all who hunger for truth and healing.

If this ministry has blessed you—or if you believe in the work of compassion, restoration, and biblical teaching—we humbly ask for your support. Your donation enables us to continue sharing the message of grace, week after week.

Clicking the “Donate” button on our website takes you to our Buy Me a Coffee page. It’s simple, secure, and impactful. For the price of a coffee, you help someone experience the compassion of Christ.

Let us be the Church that gives—not only words, but action. Not only prayers, but provision.

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

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Thursday, August 7, 2025 - “Let Peace Be the Ruler”

Dear Family in Christ,

There is a holy stillness that comes when we let go of our need to control and allow the peace of Christ to truly reign within our hearts. Paul wrote, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15, NLT).

That word “rule” speaks volumes to me. Peace must not merely reside in us; it must govern us. It must be the guiding voice in moments of conflict, the calming hand in times of distress, and the decision-maker when pride would urge us toward division.

Too often, peace is sacrificed on the altar of self-importance. Harsh words are spoken. Relationships are severed. Bridges are burned. And over what? A bruised ego? A misunderstood word? A sin we once committed ourselves?

Peace cannot reign where thankfulness is absent. When we remember how much we’ve been forgiven—how far we’ve been brought by grace—we grow thankful. And that thankfulness ushers in peace.

Today, I encourage you to let Christ’s peace rule in your heart. Don’t fight it. Don’t stifle it. Let it guide you into unity with those around you. Be a peacemaker. Be thankful.

In the peace of Christ,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Wednesday, August 6, 2025 - “Wearing the Right Garments”

Dear Friends in Faith,

Every morning we make a decision about what to wear. We select our clothing, prepare ourselves to face the day, and present ourselves to the world. But how often do we consider what we are wearing spiritually?
Paul tells us, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14, NLT). Love is not just an added accessory—it is the central thread that holds together all the garments of mercy, humility, and patience.

It grieves me to see how many in the church dress in the garments of arrogance, superiority, and coldness. They judge from a distance and rarely extend a hand. But the love that Paul speaks of is not distant. It draws near. It binds. It heals.

We must be deliberate about the spiritual wardrobe we put on each day. Love is the only garment that never goes out of season. It’s what the world longs to see in us. It’s what brings harmony where there is division, unity where there is pride, and healing where there is hurt.

As you rise tomorrow, remember that what you wear spiritually will matter far more than what you wear physically. Wrap yourself in love—and let the world see Christ in you.

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

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - “Helping the Wounded Find Grace”

Dear Ministry Friends,

Each day, I receive messages from those who feel wounded—by the world, by the church, and sometimes even by fellow believers. They are searching for restoration, for belonging, for a place where they can be met with grace, not judgment.

That’s why SFIHG Ministries exists. We are here to remind the fallen that Christ is not done with them. We are here to be a gentle hand, not a pointed finger.

But we cannot continue this work alone. Your generosity allows us to reach thousands of readers each week with Bible-based teaching, daily prayers, and uplifting messages—all freely accessible to anyone, anywhere.

Will you prayerfully consider supporting us today? A one-time or recurring gift—no matter how small—helps us keep serving. Your kindness covers the cost of hosting, publishing, and growing our outreach to those who need the healing presence of Christ.

Simply use the “Donate” button to give through our Buy Me a Coffee link. Together, we are helping the wounded find grace.

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

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - “The Quiet Work of Restoration”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is easy to forget that some of the most powerful ministry we do never takes place behind a pulpit or in front of a crowd—it takes place in quiet conversations, over tear-stained shoulders, and in whispered prayers shared between trembling hands.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13, NLT). That verse humbles me. Not because I don’t know it by heart, but because living it out requires me to empty myself of pride every single day.

Forgiveness is not a moment. It is a movement of the heart. And restoration is not loud or showy—it is often quiet, private, and persistent. It may be a text message to someone who stopped coming to church. It might be a visit to someone who feels ashamed and unseen. It might even be a heartfelt apology to someone we’ve wronged.

We are not called to be spiritual inspectors, pointing out every flaw. We are called to be spiritual encouragers, guiding others gently toward the healing grace of our Savior. If we truly believe that Christ forgave us, then we must also become the ministers of that same forgiveness to those who have fallen.

May our lives be marked by quiet restoration—not judgmental declarations.

With grace and gentleness,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain

Monday, August 4, 2025

❤️ From the Heart of Brother Jesse – Monday, August 4, 2025 - “When Grace Wears Flesh”

Dear Beloved Friends,

As I sit and reflect upon yesterday’s message from Colossians 3:12–15, my heart is stirred with both conviction and gratitude. Conviction—because I know there have been moments when I have failed to clothe myself with compassion. Gratitude—because our Lord continues to wrap me in His grace and gently guides me back to the narrow path.

In that passage, Paul speaks with tender clarity: “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy...” He does not say, “you should consider,” or “you might want to”—he says, “you must.” The command is as clear as it is beautiful.

We are the living garments of grace that others see. Our words, our responses, our actions—they either reflect the compassion of Christ or the condemnation of a world that knows not love. I cannot help but think of the many souls I’ve met who once believed, who once worshiped, but who now walk far from the fold because a judgmental word stung deeper than the sin they committed.

My friend, the church must never become a courtroom. It must remain a hospital. And we, the redeemed, must serve not as judges but as nurses—gently tending wounds, lovingly aiding recovery, humbly remembering that we were once wounded too.

Let us strive to be the evidence of God’s mercy that someone needs to see this week. Let your grace wear flesh. Let it speak in your tone, shine in your smile, and flow from your hands.

With heartfelt gratitude and peace in Christ,
Brother Jesse
Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain
SFIHG Ministries

Sunday, August 3, 2025

📬 From Brother Jesse – Sunday, August 3, 2025 - “Restoring with Love, Sustaining with Faith”

Dear Friends and Faithful Supporters,

As today’s message, “Clothed in Compassion: Restoring, Not Condemning,” goes live, I am reminded of the sacred duty we all share: to restore, to encourage, and to love—just as Christ has done for each of us.

This ministry exists to shine the light of God’s mercy into the darkest corners of life. We offer hope without charge, encouragement without condition, and the Gospel without cost. We do not sell books. We do not require subscriptions. We simply give—and we do so because of your faithful giving.

Would you consider making a small donation today? Even the cost of a premium coffee—just a few dollars—goes a long way toward helping us reach the hurting, the doubting, the wandering. When you give, you clothe someone in hope. You bind someone’s wounds. You become a living extension of God’s grace.

Please click the “Donate” button on our website, which links to our Buy Me a Coffee page. Let us continue this mission together—restoring souls with love, and sustaining this work through faith.

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

✟ Clothed in Compassion: Restoring, Not Condemning

As followers of Christ, we are not called to mimic the world’s harshness, bitterness, or divisiveness. We are called to something higher, something nobler. The Apostle Paul reminds us of our sacred identity when he writes, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, NLT). These words are not merely an invitation—they are a divine summons to a lifestyle that reflects the heart of our Savior.

Being chosen by God does not elevate us above others; rather, it binds us to a holy responsibility. We are not called to boast in our standing but to serve in humility. Yet in today’s world, it is a grievous truth that many who claim the name of Christ do not walk in the virtues Paul outlines. Instead of mercy, there is meanness. Instead of kindness, cold judgment. Instead of humility, pride. Instead of gentleness, harshness. Instead of patience, condemnation.

Too many wield religion as a sword to wound rather than as a balm to heal. Their actions drive the broken away from the church, when the church ought to be a sanctuary for the weary and a refuge for the fallen. But Paul’s exhortation is clear—we must clothe ourselves not in superiority, but in sanctified compassion.

Our lives, then, must be adorned daily with the spiritual garments of Christ. These are not optional accessories, but essential vestments for anyone who professes faith in Him. Let this verse be a mirror and a map—a reflection of who we are and a direction toward who we are called to be.

Let us take a moment to reflect more deeply on the attire of grace that Paul outlines in verse 12. These are not mere personality traits—they are manifestations of a transformed heart:
  • Tenderhearted mercy speaks of a compassionate soul moved by the sufferings of others. It compels us to lift up rather than tear down.
  • Kindness and humility walk hand in hand, reminding us that every person is made in the image of God and deserving of dignity—not condescension.
  • Gentleness and patience guide us to endure offenses with grace and to correct others without arrogance.
The Apostle Paul calls us to clothe ourselves with these virtues. Much like we dress our physical bodies each morning, we are to clothe our spirits with these divine qualities, presenting ourselves not as judges, but as servants of grace.

Romans 3:23 serves as a sobering reminder: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” If we all fall short, then who among us has the right to sit in judgment over another? We must cast off the garments of pride and self-righteousness, and instead wear the humility of Christ, who washed the feet of His disciples.

Paul continues, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13, NLT). These words are not a suggestion, but a command rooted in the example of our Savior.

The measure of a believer is not how well they speak of grace, but how generously they extend it. Forgiveness is the outflow of a heart touched by divine mercy. To withhold it is to forget what has been done for us on the cross.

I have witnessed individuals leave churches in tears, not because of the convicting power of the Word, but because of the condemning spirit of the congregation. Their faults were magnified, their struggles broadcast, and their hearts left wounded rather than restored. But Paul calls us to make allowance for one another—to recognize that spiritual growth is a process and that we are each on a journey.

Christ's forgiveness was not earned; it was given. And if we have received it so freely, then we are called to give it freely in return.

Paul elevates the conversation in verse 14: “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Love is the ultimate garment, the crowning piece of our spiritual wardrobe. Without it, all other virtues fall apart.

Love does not expose weaknesses—it covers them (1 Peter 4:8). Love does not puff itself up—it humbles itself. Love does not cast out—it draws near.

The Church should be known for its love—not for its legalism. When we look down on those who have stumbled, when we refuse to walk with them toward healing, we defy the very nature of the Gospel.

In John 13:35, Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Not our eloquent sermons. Not our theological knowledge. Not even our moral record. But our love.

Let us then put on love as the belt that holds all the other garments of grace together, uniting us in harmony rather than dividing us with judgment.

Paul concludes this powerful exhortation with these words: “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15, NLT).

Peace does not dwell in a heart consumed with superiority. It cannot coexist with spiritual pride. The peace of Christ rules only in hearts surrendered to His lordship and softened by His love.

We are called to live in peace—not merely coexist, but thrive together as a unified body. And this peace is nurtured by a spirit of thankfulness. When we remember what Christ has done for us, we are moved not to judge others, but to bless them.

Gratitude humbles the soul. It reminds us that every gift we possess—including salvation, wisdom, and righteousness—is from God. And from that wellspring of humility, peace flows like a river, washing away arrogance and replacing it with unity.

There was a time in my life when I had to confront my own tendency to judge. I had forgotten how deeply I once needed grace—how at twelve years old, I encountered the life-changing love of Christ Jesus and was baptized under Reverend Joe Broadway at Eastwood Baptist Church in Gatesville, Texas. That moment shaped my life. And yet, there came seasons when I was tempted to look down on others who were struggling.

But the Lord gently reminded me: “Were it not for My mercy, where would you be?” I have since ministered to many individuals who were ready to walk away from their faith, not because of God’s Word, but because of God’s people. They felt excluded, shamed, judged.

Let us never be the reason someone walks away from the Church. Let us instead be the reason they come back.

Paul’s exhortation in Colossians is echoed in Galatians 6:1 (NLT): “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.” Gently. Humbly. With the garments of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

We are not spiritual law enforcement. We are spiritual caregivers. The church is not a courtroom; it is a hospital. Let us tend to the wounded, not interrogate them.

As you go about your week, ask yourself: Am I clothed in mercy, or covered in pride? Am I lifting others up, or tearing them down? Reach out to someone who may be struggling in their faith. Let them know they are not forgotten. Help them rise again in the strength of God’s grace. Be the one who restores, not the one who rejects.

Let us put aside the garments of judgment and adorn ourselves with compassion, humility, forgiveness, and love. For these are the true garments of Christ.

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, August 2, 2025

📣 Sunday Message Announcement – August 3, 2025

Title: Clothed in Compassion: Restoring, Not Condemning
Scripture Focus: Colossians 3:12–15 (NLT)
Time of Publication: 12 PM ET on our ministry website

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We invite you to join us this Sunday, August 3rd, at 12 PM ET for a powerful and timely message titled “Clothed in Compassion: Restoring, Not Condemning.” In a world where judgment too often replaces mercy—even within the church—this message will challenge and encourage us to live out the virtues of Christ as laid out in Colossians 3:12–15 (NLT).

As believers, we are not called to be judges over one another, but instead to be healers, restorers, and encouragers, clothed in mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and above all, love. This message serves as a heartfelt reminder that we are all sinners saved by grace and must therefore forgive and walk with those who have stumbled, just as Christ has done for us.

Brother Jesse shares both Scriptural insights and personal testimony, offering a sobering yet grace-filled reflection on what it means to be a true follower of Jesus in our interactions with others.

🕊️ Please mark your calendars, set a reminder, and most importantly, share this message with family, friends, and fellow believers. It may be just the encouragement someone needs to find their way back to the arms of Christ.

Let us build up the Body of Christ, not with condemnation, but with compassion.

With every blessing in Christ,
SFIHG Ministries