Mid-Week Message - A Prayer for Inner Strength

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

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

Dear God,

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

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

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

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

Amen

Mid-Week Message - Trust Me

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mid-Week Music - Trust and Obey

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

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

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

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

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

Building the Ministry Through Community Service

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

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

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

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

Answers Inside - Gospels

Luke 6:35-36 NLT

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

Power of Prayer - Worried About Things

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

Prayer Request for Storm Victims

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

Answers Inside - Proverbs

Proverbs 12:15 NLT

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

Sunday Message - Elements of a True Prayer

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

Sunday Message - Scripture Reading from Psalms

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

Psalm 15 (NLT)

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

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

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

The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty

Let all the earth rejoice

All the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide

And trembles at His voice

Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God

Answers Inside - New Testament

1 Peter 2:9 NLT

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

Proud to be an American

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

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

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

Important Day in American History

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

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

Answers Inside - Paul

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)

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

Answers Inside - Old Testament

Joshua 1:8 NLT

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

Old Testament Sermon Series

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

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

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

Mid-Week Message - Love Displayed Through Discipline

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

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

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

Are you in a season of discipline?  

Hebrews 12 (NIV) states:

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

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

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

Mid-Week Message - Shout to the Lord

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

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

I sing for joy at the work of Your hand

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

Nothing compares to the promise I have

In You

Honoring and Praying for our Leaders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Answers Inside - Gospels

Mark 2:17 (NLT)

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

Answers Inside - Proverbs

Proverbs 17:3 (NLT)

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

Sunday Message - Foolish Words

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

Sunday Message - Scripture Reading from Psalms

Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)

4 Show me the right path, O Lord;

    point out the road for me to follow.

5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,

    for you are the God who saves me.

    All day long I put my hope in you.

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

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

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

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

Answers Inside - New Testament

Jude 21 New Living Translation

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

Continuing to Grow

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

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

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

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

Answers Inside - Paul

2 Corinthians 5:17 New Living Translation

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

Answers Inside - Old Testament

Exodus 3:14 New Living Translation

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

Funeral Celebrant Services in Newnan, Georgia and Surrounding Areas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mid-Week Music - Here I am to Worship

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

Light of the World

You stepped down into darkness

Open my eyes

Let me see

Beauty that made

This heart adore You

Hope of a life

Spent with You

Here I am to worship

Here I am to bow down

Here I am to say that You're my God

You're altogether lovely

Altogether worthy

Altogether wonderful to me

Wedding Officiant Services in Newnan, Georgia and Surrounding Areas

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

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

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

Sunday and Special Event Messages Now Available Through Stitcher!

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

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

Answers Inside - Gospels

Matthew 28:19 New Living Translation

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

Sunday and Special Event Messages Now Available Through iTunes!

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

Answers Inside - Proverbs

Proverbs 4:23 New Living Translation

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

Sunday Message - Finding Our Way

In today's message, Sr. Chaplain Jesse Johns discusses our nation and how we have moved away from our the basic foundation of Christian love and finding our way back to God.

Sunday Message - Scripture Reading from Psalms

Psalm 22:25-28 New Living Translation

25 I will praise you in the great assembly.

    I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.

26 The poor will eat and be satisfied.

    All who seek the Lord will praise him.

    Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.

27 The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him.

    All the families of the nations will bow down before him.

28 For royal power belongs to the Lord.

    He rules all the nations.

Sunday Message - Praising Him with Song

O, Lord! We raise up our voices to You and sing Your praises. Holy is the Lord! The earth and heavens are filled with Your glory. As we come into your presence, may our words be beautiful music in Your ears.

Amen.

Answers Inside - New Testament

James 1:19-20 New Living Translation (NLT)

19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

Sunday and Special Event Messages Now Available Through Google Play Music!

Our podcasts are now available through Google Play Music. As our ministry continues to grow through your prayers and donations, we will continue to offer more venues for getting the Good News to all those who need that amazing grace.

Answers Inside - Paul

Ephesians 6:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Answers Inside - Old Testament

Isaiah 41:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Mid-Week Message - Be Bold in Faith and Your Relationship with God

We have a little dog named after a very dear friend of ours, Jack Graham. Jack is a little bichon frise. If you have seen one you already know that they are little white puffy-haired dogs that are more inclined to be lap dogs. Jack, or as we like to call him, “Jack-Jack”, is anything but a furry pushover. Although he is small in stature, he makes up for it in spirit. He is not a timid dog that hides. Jack-Jack will defend his yard and his space. If you are looking for a dog that will bond with a family and will do what it takes to defend that family, a bichon frise would be a wonderful choice.

You are asking yourself, “Why is he talking about a bichon?” As I had mentioned, Jack-Jack, like his namesake Jack Graham, has a spirit of boldness. Jack was soft-spoken, but a man of integrity and determination. I can safely say that my wife and I love Jack. I often referred to him as the Chairman of the Board. I have had and continue to have great respect and admiration for Jack Graham. Although he passed away a couple of years ago, his spirit of Christian boldness lives on in his beautiful family and certainly in my own heart.

God does not gift us with timid spirits. We are to be bold and ready to defend our faith. Just like Jack-Jack and Jack Graham, we are called from time to time to act with conviction and stand firmly in our faith. When I think about Jack and his wife Dorothy, I think of all of the times both encouraged and supported me during the early days of my ministry at Lakeline Oaks Retirement Community. Both were strong in their faith and both acted with confidence and boldness. They were and continue to be an inspiration to me.

In Acts 4:31, we are given an insight into Peter and John. When filled with the spirit, they both preached with boldness. In our daily lives, we need to have that spirit and be ready to preach the Word to all with boldness and conviction.

Many of us feel that we should not be bold or pushy when it comes to sharing our faith. We are not being pushy if we do things in a loving way. For example, some pastors in Georgia still believe the best way to reach people is through “hellfire and damnation” sermons. Yes, there is a consequence to sin; however, we should also tell people of God’s love for them and why Christ Jesus died for their sins. We can preach the Gospel without being pushy.

Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, tells us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)

Paul goes on in the next verses and reminds us, “So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.”

There is another aspect of being bold when it comes to our faith. We can boldly go to the throne of God to seek His mercy and grace. Hebrews 4:16 assures us that we can come boldly to God’s throne and find grace when we need it most. We can, with certainty, go before Him because of Christ and our faith in Him.

So, in the coming days of this brand new year, be bold when talking about your faith and, when you need that wonderful amazing grace to get you through your problems, boldly go to the Father and rest assured that He will provide all that you need and more.

Lord I Lift Your Name On High

Lord, I lift Your name on high

Lord, I love to sing Your praises

I'm so glad You're in my life

I'm so glad You came to save us

You came from Heaven to earth to show the way

From the earth to the cross my debt to pay

From the cross to the grave

From the grave to the sky

Lord, I lift Your name on high

Answers Inside - Gospels

John 3:16 New Living Translation (NLT)

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.

Why the Name?

Over the past couple of years, Karla and I have been praying and asking the Lord for guidance. We loved our ministry at Lakeline Oaks Retirement Community in Cedar Park, Texas, and missed our faith family there so very much. We did not know why we were leaving our faith family and moving to a place where we had no family or friends.

Just as God commanded Abram (later Abraham) to pack up everything and move from Haran to Canaan, God commanded us to move from our comfort zone in Cedar Park, Texas, to Newnan, Georgia. Although we did not understand the why part of the command, we knew that God had plans for prosperity and that no harm would come to us. We trusted Him daily and knew that He would meet our daily needs just like He had done for the children was they wandered in the wilderness. Manna to eat, water to drink and pillars of cloud and fire to guide us.

The one thing that we always remembered is that God's grace would see us through whatever we faced. No matter what the challenge was we knew with unwavering certainty that God's grace, although undeserved, would see us through.

My father's favorite hymn was "Amazing Grace". The words are so beautiful and they illustrate what God continues to do in our lives. God revealed that wonderful and amazing grace to me in a very short passage in 1 Peter.

As I was reading 1 Peter 5, God spoke to me and gave me the name of our ministry. Here is the verse that God placed on my heart.

I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God's grace for you. Stand firm in this grace. 1 Peter 5:12 (NLT)

The very last sentence struck that chord in my heart. We need to stand firm in His grace each day and know beyond a shadow of doubt that He will provide, guide, protect, heal and love us.

That is how this ministry received not only its name but also its call to serve. We stand firm in His Grace.

Answers Inside - Proverbs

Proverbs 14:12 New Living Translation (NLT)

There is a path before each person that seems right,

    but it ends in death.

Sunday Message - Happy New Year

In the New Year's Message, Sr. Chaplain Jesse Johns will reflect on 2016 and discuss why we should be excited about 2017.

Answers Inside - Psalms

Psalm 139:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

He is Exalted

As we launch our new website, we celebrate and exalt the name of God Almighty. Please join us in celebrating our new ministry website. We dedicate ourselves to spreading the Word of God to all and to comfort those who need comfort.

Happy New Year and Welcome!

Happy New Year! We welcome our Faith Family and Prayer Partners to our new website. 

As we begin a new year, we continue to follow God where He leads us.