When Nothing Else Could Help, Love...

Devotional Reading: Trusting God on Life’s Detours Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Reflection Life is full of twists and turns. We map out our plans, expecting smooth roads, but often, we encounter detours—unexpected obstacles, delays, and even moments when we feel stranded. God’s grace is revealed in these moments, leading us in ways we never anticipated. In 1981, I experienced one such detour. Traveling through rural Ohio in winter, my car froze up, leaving me stranded in below-zero temperatures with no sign of help. Looking up into the vast, star-filled sky, I realized how small and powerless I was. But God was not powerless —He had already provided a way forward. A man, someone completely unexpected, stopped to help me. Not only did he take me into his home, but he also trusted me with his own car so I could re...

Ephesians 3:10: " So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” Reflection God has chosen the Church to be the living display of His wisdom , revealing His eternal plan to the world and even the spiritual realms. When the Church walks in unity, love, and bold faith, we demonstrate that God’s wisdom is at work —more significant than human understanding, powerful than earthly divisions, and limitless in its reach. Paul’s words in Ephesians 3 remind us that the Church is called to reflect God's wisdom in five key ways: In Our Calling – The Church is entrusted with the message of Christ, even in the face of challenges (Ephesians 3:1-2, 12-13). In Our Unity – God’s wisdom is revealed when the Church breaks down barriers and lives as one body in Christ (Ephesians 3:3-6, 9). In Our Bold Faith – We are called to approach God confidently, knowing He empowers us for His mission (Ephesians 3:12). I...

  Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-22 & Ephesians 3:14-21 Reflection: In Ephesians 2:1-22 , Paul reminds us of our former condition—spiritually dead in sin, separated from God, and burdened by division and hostility. But through Christ’s sacrificial love, we have been made alive, reconciled to God, and united family in faith. Christ has torn down the walls that divide us, creating a new humanity where peace and grace reign. This powerful transformation sets the stage for Paul's heartfelt prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 . He prays that we would be strengthened through the Holy Spirit, rooted deeply in Christ's love, and filled with the fullness of God. This prayer is not just for the early Church but for us today, reminding us that God’s power at work within us can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. Practical Application: Reflect on areas in your life where you may feel distant from God or others. Acknowledge the barriers that Christ has already broken do...

By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14 Today's Thought:  "We are chosen, redeemed, and sealed for a divine purpose that transcends the shifting circumstances of our lives." Scripture Focus: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him in love ." Ephesians 1:3-14 Devotional Reflection: The world around us is constantly shifting. We've witnessed wars, economic upheavals, a global pandemic, and cultural divisions. In 2025, we find ourselves navigating political and denominational realignments that have reshaped our nation and the Church. Amid all this change, one truth remains firm: God's purpose for your life is unchanging. Paul's words to the Ephesians remind us that we are chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. Your identi...

Scripture Focus: Luke 4:14-21 By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." (Luke 4:18-19, NRSV) Devotional Thought” Worship is more than an act; it is an experience that reshapes how we see ourselves and our purpose in God’s Kingdom. When Jesus stood in the synagogue and read from Isaiah 61, He declared the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring healing, liberation, and restoration. Worship is our response to this mission. True worship invites us to align our lives with God’s plan. It transcends personal preferences, unites believers, and creates a sacred space where barriers dissolve. Like the diverse congregation I encountered at a conference in Seattle, worship draws us into God’s presence, breaking down divisions of race, culture, a...

By Elaine & Russell M. Morrow, Sr. Today’s Scriptures:   “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). Thought for the Day: When shadows fall, God’s light will break through. Devotional Message: One afternoon, I sat by the window and noticed how the sunlight streamed through the blinds. The light alternated with shadows in a rhythmic pattern: darkness, then light. Darkness, then light. As I watched, it struck me that this reflected life. We all experience times of darkness—trials, struggles, and moments when hope feels far away. As Christians, it can sometimes feel like these struggles weigh even more heavily on us. Yet, we are not without hope. God’s Word reminds us that His grace is sufficient for all we face. His power shines most clearly in our weakest moments. Th...