July 4 ~ I HAVE NO REASON TO FEAR:  OVERCOMING FEAR

Deut. 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them:  for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

The saints of God have no reason to fear at all because we have as our guide, this indescribable gift-our Helper (the Holy Ghost) coupled with God’s Word.  It is through the Word of God that we must nurture the Holy Ghost and as a result, we will gain the courage to bind the grip of fear and dispel its presence to no longer stagnate us.  Fear and depression have overwhelmed so many in the midst of this worldwide pandemic.  Yet, saints do not fear, but we reflect and stand on God’s Word.  Let’s be encouraged to keep an appetite for the Word of God that we may gain strength and courage with this assurance:  God is with us and will not fail or forsake us despite these unsettled times.

Katrina Nelson

July 3 ~ I HAVE NO REASON TO FEAR: WHAT GOD HAS FOR US IS OURS, BUT WE MUST POSSESS IT   

Deuteronomy 1:21 “Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee:  go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.”

What is God requiring of you in order to take possession of His promises? Are you listening, seeking, and obeying the Spirit of God? When the time came for Israel to possess the Promised Land, the vast majority of them succumbed to discouragement and fear.  But as Joshua and Caleb believed and obeyed God despite what they saw, let us have this same mind to lean and depend on God and grasp by faith the things He has promised.  Possess it!

Bernard Saddler, Jr.

July 2 ~ I HAVE NO REASON TO FEAR:  GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF US

Matthew 6:34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow:  for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

We have no reason to fear or fret.  God takes care of the birds and the lilies of the field.  So we know according to His Word that God will take care of us.  Just trust, have faith, and walk in His Word each day.

Sis. Ethel Wren

July 1 ~ I HAVE NO REASON TO FEAR:  THE HOLY GHOST IS YOUR PARACLETUS

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee:  be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

As saints of God, you do not have to walk in fear.  But to operate at such a level, you must have something in you to keep your heart from failing to fear.  The Holy Ghost is the prerequisite needed to provide an unshakable, unyielding faith in God.  I challenge you today to work the Holy Ghost that is in you, for it is your Paracletus (your Helper).  It will uphold and keep you despite any scare tactic the enemy may bring.

Pastor Michael Bender

In the midst of these unfortunate events in our world today, we still must remember that holiness is a requirement.  Be willing today to resist sin and turn away from anything that is not in the will of God.  Keep your mind on Him (who is Peace), and chase after Him.  Delight yourself in the Lord, focus your thoughts toward abiding in His presence, and sing praises unto Him.  Your praise will lift up your spirit, and there you will find peace.

LaPorsha Hill

Perfect peace is only achieved through much prayer, fasting, and studying God’s Word.  These are the fundamentals that will keep us equipped to gracefully handle anything that comes our way in any crisis or pandemic.  Like Paul encouraged the Philippian church to do what they had been taught, let’s continue to do what our Bishop Johnson, and Bishop Bender now instills in us.  With this new day that the Lord has given, let’s read a few extra verses of scripture and add a few more minutes in prayer.  As we do these things by faith, believe that “the God of peace shall be with you.”

Marsha Steele

Pictures of movie stars, singers, and pro-athletes line billboards in cities across the world, and many adoring fans follow their every move on Facebook and Instagram.  Yet, several of these celebrities and their fans share a secret:  264 million people in the world suffer from depression.  The world cannot offer peace, for it can only be found in God; He is the true source of peace.  If you desire to have a good life, both now and in the future, watch the actions of the upright.  Celebrity status and worldliness are temporal, but holy living and integrity will yield peace and joy on earth with eternal reward.         

Sham’Brial Pettway