The Word Restores: Recent Episodes
Elder Ann-Marie Juwah
The Word Restores is an outreach radio and internet teaching ministry focused on sharing what the Word of God is telling us about how we should live as victorious Christians.
In this episode, we will begin discussions on heightening awareness of our need to examine ourselves. You see, when we consider this process we must dig deep down inside to look into our hearts, to lay our motives and thoughts bare so that they may be judged by God.
When we think of Christmas, we think of the birth of Jesus Christ, of course. Christ is included in this season. The very name Christ-mas denotes a celebration or worship (mas) of Christ! But somehow, we also focus on preparation – planning the gifts, the dinners, the parties, the visits with family and friends. On many occasions, Jesus may even get lost in the celebration. But this year we’ve been forced to pare down our plans. So, what’s left? Our focus is returning to the meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ!
So, while we have the opportunity for this unprecedented shift, let us reflect on why we are celebrating His birth. How could this image of this innocent baby translate into Him being Christ, the Savior of the world? Why do we want to recall the events of His birth in songs and plays, without giving thought to the enormity of God’s plans and preparation for His birth? In this episode, let us reflect on some biblical scenes that forced Jesus to come from Heaven to Earth. God made His plans for this birth. He knew the reason why this Earth needed a Christ, an Anointed one. And that was Jesus!
Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
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In this episode, we share our scriptures, insights, and tools that God has given us to make it through this current battlefield. It is my prayer that you will be encouraged and strengthened to continue in this battle. My brothers and sisters, we need to be reminded that God has not changed. His Word has not changed. We sing of His great faithfulness, but do we trust that, if He did it before, He could do it again? Whether the battle is on a small personal scale or on a global humongous scale, we still serve the same great and mighty God! I pray that those in need of encouragement and strengthening will see victory. I pray that we all see the light at the end of the tunnel, even piercing through the darkness we are experiencing in this world at this very moment. I pray this, in Jesus' name. Amen!
I awoke one morning recently to distinctly hear the Lord speak into my spirit, “seek ye the Lord while He may be found.” I continued with the Voice, "call upon Him while He is near.” How awesome it is to be awakened by the Voice of God speaking His own Word. Let me share with you what the Lord is saying to me, and to you who may listen in these trying and distressing times.
The Lord says, "I am speaking to My people! You have a friend in Me. You have a confidante in Me. You have a lover of immense love, of everlasting love, of unimaginable love, in Me. So, seek Me! Turn off the world stimuli for a while. Fast from the world news, fast from your friends, fast from your family, fast from your fellowship, fast from you! From your thoughts, from your patterns that you are beginning to establish, or re-establish as in the old times. FAST FROM THEM!" The Lord decrees in Isaiah 55:9 (Message), "I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” How then, should we think? I pray that we recognize our need to turn our attention to seeking the Lord for His direction for our lives, particularly in these difficult times.
There is a juxtaposition between the anxiety of this pandemic we are living through and the joyfulness of the celebration of the Resurrection. Yet, we cannot neglect to celebrate all the same. There are no packed churches with high masses or early morning sunrise services. Choirs have taken a break from the Hallelujah Chorus and liturgical dancers are now resting as we all withdraw from the routine festivities. We are beginning to recognize that His Resurrection seemed to have been the icing on the cake, but not the cake itself!
Now that we are forced to strip away the trappings of the celebration of His Resurrection, we can now begin to see the real reason for celebrating (John 3:16). But how do we begin to apply what we now know to our new life? We begin by getting to the core of the Resurrection. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ made a way for each and every one of us to have everlasting life, if we believe.
In part 5 of our Kingdom series, we will look at who we are as Kingdom people. We will confirm through the scriptures that we are children of God, chosen, rich in faith, and heirs who have been given a promise because we love Him. As Jesus said, the Kingdom of God is inside us. So, it is up to us to change our attitude from the inside, being mindful to walk circumspectly. We are reminded that God has rescued us, redeemed us and forgiven our sins. We will also be reminded that we are ambassadors for Christ. Consequently, we must go out boldly to declare that Christ is King! He has already paid the price for us. We, as Kingdom people, have come out of darkness into His marvelous light, and so we must walk in the light of His Kingdom. Amen.
In this episode, we look at the types of kingdom communications in which we should be engaged. In addition to worship, we will note that we must remain in a state of prayer, supplication and thanksgiving to God our Father, and Jesus Christ. On the other hand, we will also recognize through the scriptures, that our communication must also be with others both in and outside the Kingdom, in witnessing, teaching, and preaching. This is not a laid-back Kingdom. So, let us be about our business for the King. I pray that we care enough about the Kingdom to continue to communicate both vertically and horizontally as we receive our direction from the King, and spread the word far and wide so that others may be drawn to it. In Jesus' name, amen.
In part 3 of our Kingdom series, we will look at some of the elements that constitute Kingdom principles as described in the Word of God. We will note principles such as practicing and teaching obedience to the commands of God to fulfill His will, walking the path of righteousness with honor and respect for everyone, and maintaining our Kingdom focus on the King. We will also recognize that our Kingdom principles must include humility, with the recognition that the path will not always be easy. There will be persecutions and afflictions, which we are to endure as our faith continues to grow abundantly. Despite being offended, we are reminded that we must abound in forgiveness, not just once, and not just toward our friends, but toward everyone all the time.
In part 2 of our series, we will turn our attention to the King, Jesus Christ, the Anointed one of God. We will learn through the scriptures that He is eternal, immortal and invisible. This King is the King of kings! There is not one other king who can say the same. So, why should we not worship Him? Why should we not treat Him with the respect, dignity and honor due to Him, His name, His position and His place in our lives? Even before His birth, His kingship was declared and made known far and wide. Even the wise men of the east came to worship the King. Jesus Christ, our Messiah, our Anointed One, is the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Whether we accept it now or later, we will all accept it, and serve and obey Him.
The purpose of this Kingdom series is to facilitate the continuing process of understanding who we are in the Kingdom of God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through searching the scriptures, practical application, and insight. Kingdom is designed for those of us who are serious about our faith and are seeking a foundation such that there will be no wavering as we steadfastly seek the interests of the Kingdom of God as we grow in Christ Jesus. We will consider where we, as Kingdom people, currently stand and where we are expected to be in order to become successful in the ministry to which the LORD has called us. For each of us, it is a personal journey with guidance and support from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and other disciples through the Holy Spirit.
The term “iniquity” is scattered throughout the Word of God. In every context, we note that this term is not a pleasant one. As a matter of fact, we begin to recognize that it is related to perverseness, deviation from the right path, lawlessness, unrighteousness, going astray; in other words – sin! So, in this broadcast, we will discuss iniquity, its consequences, an antidote for iniquity, and words of warning to remind us to avoid returning to our old sinful ways as we grow in Christ Jesus. Stay steady the course, in Jesus' name. Amen!
In our last episode, we searched the scriptures to see what God is calling us to do. We noted, as examples, that He has called us to come out of darkness, to come into His Kingdom, to take up our cross and follow Him and to inherit a blessing. In this episode, we will search the scriptures to see what the Word of God is calling us to be. As we seek to answer His call. We will note that He is calling us to be ready for His coming, to be holy, to be faithful, in other words – to be a new creation in Christ.
God is calling us to come closer to Him. But what does it mean to come closer? Are we doing what He has called us to do? The disciples of Jesus were given the charge in Matthew 28:19-20, to go and teach all nations... But prior to this mission, God first drew them to Jesus (John 6:44), then Jesus called them to follow Him, to be with Him, to learn from Him, then to be sent to the nations... So let us search the scriptures to see what the Word of God is telling us about what God has called us to do!
Please join our discussion with family practitioner, Dr. Christine Lawson, and Sister Ada Clay, on educating women and men on early detection, increased risk factors, and where to get help; particularly for the under-insured. Let us continue to hope and pray for a cure, in Jesus name. Amen!
In our last episode, we talked about Jesus. And we looked, as an example, at Jesus as God, Savior, and Redeemer. Let us continue in the same vein and ask the question, do you know Him? You know there is a popular expression, “it’s not who you know, but who knows you.” So first, we will lay the foundation with the evidence of some who knew Him in the Word of God. Then we will ask the question, what do you know about Him? Whom do you know Him as? Let us walk through the scriptures for our answers.
It is interesting that in certain Christian circles, we talk about Jesus. We talk about how He blessed us, how He is so faithful, how He is my Lord and Savior. But do we really talk about Him? Do we truly understand the depths of what we are saying about Him? Do we know Jesus as God? Do we know Jesus as Lord and Savior? As our Redeemer? As the Anointed One? As our Battle Axe? As our Love? As our Atonement? As the One whose Death gave us everlasting life? Let’s delve into the Word so that we may be more confident of our knowledge of Jesus as we tell others about Him.
This is a replay of a message that was recently delivered at New Bethel Baptist Church on their annual Mission Sunday. Jesus told His disciples, and us today to "...go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15b). How, then, do we begin this preparation of going into all the world? Today, we will discuss 3 areas of preparation: physical, mental and spiritual. Jesus is calling us into missions in our homes, at work, at play, in our city, in our nation, in the world! Let's get ready to go!
In our first episode on solitude, we looked at what is solitude. We understood its portability and its coupling with silence through which God speaks. In this episode, we will conclude with why we sometimes feel alone and lost in the solitude, then we will break down the steps to enter into, and remain in this spiritual discipline of solitude. So, what’s the end result?
This is the first of a two-part series on the spiritual discipline of solitude. In our lives we try so hard to avoid solitude. We may even equate solitude with loneliness, or even with doing nothing! There are so many people, places and things that try to draw us out of solitude. So, what is solitude anyway, and why is it important for us as Christians to practice it?
There are times when we feel alone. So much is happening around us that we do not have a chance to catch our breath. One setback after another hits us – death, divorce, separation, bankruptcy, the empty nest, holidays… You fill in the blanks! Then there are times when we are truly alone, and we become comfortable, even happy in our aloneness, until someone comes along to ask us, "why aren't you married? Or even... "Where is your husband?" And now we are blindsided. Then we begin to put doubts in our own minds about our aloneness. So the question is… Where do we go from here?
In this episode, we will conclude our series on the faith journey. Let us remember that this journey is based on a foundation of faith as we follow Jesus Christ. So how can we be transformed on this journey? We will look at a three-step framework proposed by theologian, Dallas Willard, as a foundation for our transformation into this new life on our faith journey. We will consider his framework, VIM, as we ensure that on this journey, we have the (V)ision of this transformed life, the (I)ntention to be transformed in our inner being, and the (M)eans to effect this transformation and to remain on this new road. We will close this series by briefly delving into Hebrews 11 to thread through a chronology of faith events from our Old Testament faith heroes.
In this episode, we take a real life look at a personal and corporate journey of faith. It started with an offer from a high tech company, GSTV, to donate computers to an organization. It ended eight months later with 7 underrepresented teens completing a 6-month program in web page development. Why a faith journey? GSTV donated both computers AND instructors committed to be all in. Just one idea took 2 months of planning and 6 months of commitment from the sponsors, GSTV, Midtown Church, New Bethel Baptist Church, the parents, the teens, and The Word Restores. It was a God thing all along! He birthed the Technical Inclusion Project (TIP4Teens).
On a journey, our aim is to get from point A to point B. There are different modes of transportation we may utilize, such as taking a bus, train, car, plane, etc. Each mode takes us through a different route. On our journey, our stops along the way become points of intersection. We are at a crossroad where we must make a decision. Should I go left, right, forward or backward or stand still? At the appropriate time and at the appointed time, we take action on the decision we made, or that was made for us. Despite decisions, hindrances and obstacles, our aim is still to get to point B. In this episode, let's first get acquainted with the journey...
Guest Speaker: Claricha Evans, entrepreneur, family life educator, licensed counselor, LLPC
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Counseling Services: Daughter Status
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Guest Host: Mel Mills, entrepreneur, speaker, blogger, minister, philanthropist, investor
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Have you ever thought of what you can do with your hands? We can use them to work, or we can fold them and remain idle, we can extend them to help someone who has fallen, or we can lift them to take something down. In all these things our hands can tell a story. This is episode 2 in our series, as we search through the wisdom literature, and the New Testament to consider what happened when the apostles Peter, Paul, and John revealed what was in their hands… What's in your hand?
Have you ever thought of what you can do with your hands? We can lift them to praise the Lord, to get our teacher’s attention, to obey the command of the police. We can lower our hands to rest them, to indicate there’s nothing more to say. We can place them palm up to receive, or palm down to reject. We can open them to reveal a thing, and close them to conceal a thing. This is episode 1 in our series, as we search through the Old Testament to consider what happens when we reveal what’s in our hand.
From the grave to the sky, let us lift His name on high! We don't have to wait for a specific day, time, or season to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior — Jesus Christ. Celebrating this joyous occasion is always in season. So, help us celebrate this event that proves that our Redeemer lives! We must always remind ourselves that He did get up with all power and holding the keys of death and hell. That's my Jesus! So, let's celebrate Jesus — the risen King in word and in song!
Mel Mills special guest hosts this episode of The Word Restores sharing from his latest sermon, Livin’ My Best Life.
Please join us as we celebrate Jesus from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to His death on the cross. We will be reading through a composite of scriptures to trace the events from Palm Sunday to Good Friday. Let us remember and appreciate the enormity of the sacrifice Jesus made for each one of us as He took upon Himself our sins at the cross, so that we may have eternal life! Bless His holy name!
Somewhere along our Christian journey we begin to get agitated and uncomfortable. We ask, “What’s wrong Lord? Things are just not coming together the way I expect!” We just want everything to go along on a trajectory. We just want to ride the wave. Perhaps we forget that waves swell but will crash at some point in time. We must recognize that there are times when our situation will change. It was a season, an appointed time. Things that worked before, just don’t work anymore. God knows our season. If we trust in Him, we will become more and more aware of the times and seasons. As an illustration, let us take Ecclesiastes 3:6, “A time to get, and a time to lose…” as we compare and contrast these set times in our lives. Remember it’s for God’s purpose.
In episode 3 of our series, When Words Fail, it's time to worship the Lord. When we really get ourselves in such a mess that we don’t know what to do or say, there are so many things we could do. When words fail and we throw our hands up, we find ourselves going to friends, family, even strangers, and they can’t help us. The bottom line is, when words fail, we need to have the God connection. We might not even know what to say or do, but we must place our entire attention on Him. ‘It’s you and me, Lord!’
Sometimes when stuff happens and we just don’t know what to say, a song of encouragement bubbles up inside. We hold on to it for dear life because music softens our heart. As we hear the song, even with a heavy weight on us, we just keep on singing. Christians throughout the history of the church have sung the psalms. They were sung in communal worship. Just think of the other Christians who have gone before us, and who also prayed by singing these psalms over the centuries! Many psalms are set to simple music today. They are easy to follow and memorize. The bottom line is, it’s another way of praying. So let’s look at some psalms as examples of songs we may sing today when words fail.
During one of the most challenging times of my life to date, there were three Psalms I was given through the leading of the Holy Spirit to personalize, memorize and pray. They were Psalms 91, 35 and 27, in that order. As a new Christian, I really did not know how to pray through my difficult times. I needed to cry out to God for help, but just didn’t know how. There was a need, and each psalm in its turn filled the specific need. Each word, each phrase, each verse meant a great deal to me in my time of anguish. There were days when I prayed these psalms almost continually just to keep my mind off the issues at hand. I do hope that this broadcast blesses someone who is going through, taken off track by the ‘stuff’ that’s happening around them, and just does not know how to pray at this time. God’s Word is still alive!
Do you notice that when you've been procrastinating, you found any and every thing else to do but the task at hand? Then, you fought through it. You made up your mind that, no matter what, you will finish the task. Then, all hell breaks loose! There are always forces trying to prevent you from moving forward on your God-appointed journey. But God! He will not allow it! My brothers and sisters, you have to know it, you have to have the confidence that He is in the midst, fighting your battle on your behalf. A word of advice during these difficult times... Stay FOCUSED on the Lord!
There are some things in us – habits, thoughts – that really do not measure up to what God is calling us to be. We know it. And if we don’t, I ask You, Holy Spirit, to reveal to us the areas we need to examine. How can we have a genuine relationship with God if we do not understand our sinful nature, that we are sinners, saved by the grace of God? And this grace is through the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If we are to be true to our calling as Christians, we must take the time to examine ourselves. Are we measuring up to what You have called us to, Lord? What do we need to do to bring us back? Is there something, some habit, some personality trait, some "this is just who I am" for which we must repent? Show us Lord.
In part 1 of this series, we circled back to remind ourselves of the core of our existence in Christ as we continue on this Christian Journey. In this episode, we will focus on the I Am… the basics of who Jesus is. Who do you think Jesus is (to you)? Let's get into the Word of God to remind ourselves of who God the Son is. We don't want to be so busy and preoccupied with ministry that we forget the purpose FOR our ministry. It's not about you, it's not about me — it's about Jesus. Let's get back to basics.
Sometimes we become so busy and so deep into this Christian journey, that we must remind ourselves of our Christian foundation. This is a time when we must step back to ensure that we have not shifted our focus and that we are still evangelizing, witnessing, ministering on that firm foundation which is Jesus Christ, our Rock. Let’s walk through the New Testament scriptures to remind ourselves of Who God is, and what our purpose is.
Scriptures: Acts 17
Book: Today's Reflections: Ellie's Little Scribbles by Charles W Hull
We’ve come this far by faith! As we approach the new year, a new season, a new job, a new appointment, a new ministry — remember to keep building up your precious faith. Don’t look back and say, "I made it! It’s time to rest." There’s Kingdom work still to be done! Don’t say "I have all the faith I need," or tell the Lord, "I got this, Lord. I can handle it from here. You’ve taught me well, Lord. Watch me exercise my faith!" Determine that no matter how much faith you have so far, there’s still more you need while you are still on this side of glory! Please my brothers and sisters, stay faithful. May your faith continue to increase this year and beyond, in Jesus name. Amen!
Help Me Celebrate Jesus! A Christmas celebration in word and music. May we always remember to celebrate the birth of Jesus every day of our lives. He had to be born under the law, in order to die under the law for us to save us who broke the law. What an awesome God we serve!
Jesus' earthly leadership was characterized by humility. He led by word and action. He demonstrated the pitfalls of leaders and taught respect for leadership. He taught His disciples as potential leaders that the authoritarian attitudes we learned in the world have no place in the Kingdom. Jesus exemplified and left instructions on stewardship for us as leaders in charge of the Father’s business. He was above reproach, and showed Himself as the light of the world (John 12:46, 8:12) and so should we be (Matthew 5:14,16). Let us search the scriptures together so that we too may understand how we must lead as ministers of the Kingdom.
There are times and seasons when we focus on just one aspect of the life of Jesus. We celebrate His birth at Christmas. We sing songs about His birth in a stable, about the baby Jesus lying in a manger, and about the awesome heavenly events on the night of His birth. During the Passion week, we reflect on His death, burial, and resurrection, the sorrowful events that led to His death, the victory of His conquering of death and hell, and the joy of His resurrection. Yet, as we reflect on His entire earthly life and ministry, we come face to face with who Jesus is as our Lord and Savior, and as a pattern for us to follow as we walk on this Christian journey.
Do you fear the Lord? What does it really mean to fear the Lord? Should we continually tremble when we think of Him? He is a God of love, so why do I need to fear Him? He’s a God of peace, so why do I need to fear Him? He’s also a God of justice, a God of righteousness, a God of judgment… Let’s delve into the scriptures to find out what it really means to fear the Lord.
How many times have we heard that we should wait on the Lord, wait on our ministry, wait on God’s time, wait… Wait! You’ve been waiting a long time. You even put together a plan B just in case God had not heard your request. Or perhaps He's taking much too long to respond and will let the opportunity pass you by. You are ready to get the job done yourself! You are anxious for results. Now is the time to renew your first commitment... I’m still waiting on You, Lord!
There are times and seasons when we focus on giving thanks. We give thanks with parties, dinners, and gift giving in fellowship with family and friends. This is truly an awesome series of events. So, the question is, are we giving thanks with a grateful heart, or are we just going through the motions of tradition? We must remember that gratefulness is a state of thankfulness. It is a mental position, or shall we call it a state of mind or of the heart? It's not just for a season, but as our minds and hearts are being renewed, it is forever. So what do we need to be forever grateful for?
Do you find yourself at a loss for words when faced with trying times? You go to church Sunday after Sunday, listening intently to your preacher… you won’t miss Bible study, and yet, trouble arises, and you are discombobulated, frazzled, fearful, doubting, and in despair. Wait, Christian! That’s the time to remember my God’s promises to you! But how can you remember if you didn’t learn them… If you didn’t get them in your spirit, chewing on them day and night? Let us delve into the scriptures to see what the Word of God is telling us about remembering God’s promises.
PRESS ON! Have you ever felt that you were carrying a heavy burden, yet you knew that this was part of your purpose? You continued to strive to do the will of the Lord despite opposition, despite the naysayers, despite those who continue to remind you that “it don’t take all that!” My brother, my sister, in the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:14… Press on! God has your reward waiting for you. There is truly a prize at the end of this journey — a crown and a reward. We encourage you to continue to press, in Jesus name. Amen!
Sister Ada Clay join us as we discuss Domestic Violence Awareness. The statistics are alarming, yet we must continue to hope and pray for change. We recognize that God sees, He hears and He knows, yet we must ask ourselves what part can we play in being more sensitive to this issue? I pray that God gives us all the wisdom to recognize and address the signs, in Jesus name. Amen!
WAIT! DID YOU REALLY MEAN TO SAY THAT???!!! Have you ever thought that, if you had the power to take back the hurtful words you just spoke, you would run after them and snatch them up before they caused any (more) damage? Unfortunately, we do not have that power! So now, what do we do? Let’s delve into the scriptures to see what the Word of God is telling us about taking heed to what we say, before we even let those words fly AND the consequences of the untamed tongue!
Let's continue our discussion on influential women of the Bible. In this episode, we will look at some lesser known women in ministry, Priscilla and Jehosheba, and a well-known female evangelist whose name is still unknown, a woman of Samaria. I pray that these women inspire you to continue on your Christian journey, on the path our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has ordained for you. Amen!
In today’s episode, we will take a look at the lives of some influential women in the Bible. We will look at the lives of Esther who was willing to give her life to save others; Ruth who showed remarkable faith to believe that God was who He said He was and that He would provide for her; and the 5 daughters of Zelophehad who were united in their request to leadership to change the inheritance laws of the day.
Reminder: Covenant Daughters Ministries Conference — October 10-13, 2018 at Midtown Church, Detroit MI.
We continue our discussions by drawing on nuggets from Jesus’ discourse on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12). We will recognize that knowing that we are blessed is not about who we are or what we have done, but it's because of who we are and Whose we are, as we continue to grow in Christ-likeness.
We will also listen to an interview with Sister Kimberly Neal on the topic of abstinence. Sister Neal is a workshop presenter at the upcoming Covenant Daughters International Women’s Conference, October 10-13, 2018 at the Midtown Church in Detroit MI. I pray that you will be able to join us. May you be richly blessed!
There are times in our lives when we begin to doubt our standing in the Lord. We may be in the middle of a storm, or we may have just suffered injustice. When we thought God would have stepped in, He didn’t seem to know we were in distress, or we needed His help. We begin to doubt ourselves. Perhaps I offended God? Everything was going fine until now… The Lord was blessing me, blessing my efforts, blessing my family, blessings were flowing all around… until now. Why are all my blessings turned upside down… taken away…. disappearing??? Am I still blessed? Am I still favored of the Lord? Can I still tell everyone that “I’m blessed and highly favored”?"
In part 1, we looked in depth at the first two guidelines for studying the scriptures to be God approved. We considered our attitude that included being prayerful, consistent and diligent, in humble submission to the Holy Spirit. We also drilled down into the process that included strategies for reading the Word of God, and for utilizing various bible study tools. In this episode, we conclude with our study strategy, and our secret weapon – leaving the rest to God for our revelation!
In the Word of God, we are admonished to "study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth," (2 Timothy 2:15 Amplified). So, how do we study the scriptures to be “God approved?" Let us take a look at some guidelines for students of the Word of God. This will form the core for our looking into and beginning the journey of understanding the scriptures. I pray that God's wisdom and revelation flow to and through you as you study the scriptures, in Jesus name. Amen!
The storm was raging… you were in the midst of it, in the thick of things. You had no time to think for yourself. You were moving on autopilot... just being carried along whichever way the winds were blowing. Sometimes so preoccupied with the storm that you forgot to seek the Lord. Sometimes remembering the Lord and asking Lord, where are You? Seeing God show up and show out in the midst, yet you tried to hold on to what you know. You saw glimpses of His handiwork, His delivering power. Now you are spent, tired. What next, Lord? That storm is over, but what do I do now?
There are times in our lives when we need the comfort of the Lord. It may be a lost loved one, or even a series of losses – even of public personalities whom we thought would live forever… It may be the specter of dying of an incurable disease. Whenever we lose something very near and dear to our hearts, we mourn. There is a space that we believe that no one else can fill but the one, or the thing we lost. Let us look at some scriptures that will help us to refocus on the One who says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you." I pray that these scriptures give you comfort in times of sorrow. In Jesus name.
There are times on this journey when we begin to question… Lord, why am I down so long? Why did I get sick? I follow a healthy diet, I exercise, I take my vitamins, and yet I’m sick? ME? Lord, why is this happening to ME? Lord, when will this ever end? If it’s not a migraine, it’s hypertension. If it’s not hypertension, it’s my blood sugar... These are the times when we need to hear His word, His promise of healing that seek to encourage us as we go through. Let us look at some scriptures on healing that would help us to remember that our Healer is still on the throne! Why not take just one of these references and chew on the key verse. I pray for your healing, in Jesus name. Amen!
In this life, we as Christians find ourselves on a spiritual journey. There are times on this journey when we begin to question... How can I go forward? Am I on the right path? Lord, are You still here with me? Lord, why is this happening to ME? Lord, when will this ever end? These are the times when we need to hear His word – His promise that would give us our second wind to renew our strength to go the distance. Let us look at some scriptures that would help us to remember what we are already assured of in His word. Why not take just one of these references and focus on the verses? I pray that your soul will be richly blessed as you continue on your journey, in Jesus name.
In the final episode of our series, we will draw a portrait of a real warrior, strong in the Lord. Drawing from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and King Jehoshaphat’s battle account against a coalition of his enemies, we look at the warrior’s strategy and armor, the battle and the result… Remember, no matter how fierce the battle is raging, God is still in control!
Definition of WARRIOR: a person engaged or experienced in warfare; broadly, a person engaged in some struggle or conflict (Merriam-Webster).
In part 2 of our series, let us continue to focus on what Jesus is teaching us about worrying and its consequences. Here's another hint: Matthew 10!
We take a look at what the Word of God is telling us about worrying. Let’s see how David the ultimate warrior dealt with worrying. Jesus also had a lot to teach us about worrying and its consequences. Before we begin, let’s provide a hint: Always remember to pray when you begin to worry. Watch God work it out!
Catch up with part 1 of this series here: https://thewordrestores.org/broadcasts/2018/6/29/who-is-he-and-what-is-he-to-you-pt-1
Let us hear of the impact of this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the Holy Land on the lives of these three young African American future Christian leaders.
You see, the Word of God tells us so clearly, and in so many ways, just Who God is. I pray that at least one of the names we will minister on today will be taped to your heart forever, in Jesus name. Amen!
Are you walking in freedom? How do we know? First, we need to know what freedom is, then we must measure our state against the definition of freedom. If we are found wanting, if we come up short – we are still shackled, bound! It’s time to turn our focus on asking God to show us how to live a life of freedom.
WHAT DO YOU SEE? When others see you, they don’t see what you see. They are not in your body. They don’t even have the same experiences to make the same judgements. Their brains are wired differently. Even when you see yourself in the mirror, the image that is looking back at you can’t even tell you what you see. It doesn’t see you at all! So, my question to you is, “What do YOU see?
It is so easy for us to look back at our accomplishments on what we have done, and look at our lives here and now — what we are doing now. But is it time for us to look ahead to what God expects us to do. In other words, what do we need to do NOW for the future generations, for the future of our nation, and for the next generations? Do we know what lies ahead?
You know, sometimes when we look back over our accomplishments in our lives, we are tempted to think that we did it. That it was by our strength, and of course, a few others helped along the way. Some even say, Jesus was my “co-pilot!" But when we really look into the depths of our soul, it was no one but Jesus, sweet Jesus, who built it from the foundation to the roof!
Too often we hear our friends, family, and even strangers tell us that they are 'in church.' Perhaps that is true, but can we truly assume from this statement that they are also in Christ?
Some of us have mothers who looked after us perfectly, giving us sound advice all the way through adulthood. Some of us have absentee mothers, even from birth. Some of us have mothers who favored one over the other to the detriment of both children. Some of us have mothers who suffered persecution and shame because her childbearing days were over, and she was still childless... But God! Some mothers had to give up their child for the sake of the gospel. Some would give anything just to have a child, so much so that she would claim another child as her own. Despite the circumstances surrounding our birth and our relationship with our mother, let us all appreciate and thank God for giving a mother to each and every one of us!
On our previous broadcast, we asked the question, what is God’s part? But now we turn our attention to ourselves — the recipients of His grace. What part do we play in God’s Grace? Let’s continue to walk mainly through the pages of the New Testament to see where we, as Christian believers, fit into grace.
In this episode, we search the scriptures to understand God the Father's role as it relates to our Grace. It is through the atoning work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that we are reminded that Grace is God’s gift to us, even though we don’t deserve it.
Guest host, Mel Mills, is joined by Britney Apple, servant and leader of the GO D.E.A.P. movement, discussing effective strategies for prayer.
Part 1 of Understanding God's Grace. What is grace anyway? What is God’s part? Do we have a part to play in maintaining this grace as we continue on our Christian journey?