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  "Encountering the Transformative Glory of God" By Rev. Russell M. Morrow Scripture Reading:  Isaiah 6:1-8,  Romans 6:12-17,  Isaiah 40:29-31 This week, we reflect on the awe-inspiring power of God's glory and its ability to transform our hearts and lives. In Isaiah 6:1-8, the prophet Isaiah has a profound vision of God's holiness and glory. Overwhelmed by this divine encounter, he becomes acutely aware of his sinfulness and the need for purification. God’s response is not to condemn Isaiah but to cleanse and commission him for a mission: “Here am I. Send me!” Similarly, in Romans 6:12-17, Paul encourages believers to reject sin and offer themselves to God as instruments of righteousness. Through Jesus Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin but are transformed by grace. This transformation empowers us to live in a way that honors God, reflecting His glory in our daily actions. Isaiah 40:29-31 reminds us that God is the source of our strength and hope. When we trust ...

I Believe These Dry Bones Can Live By Rev. Dr. Russell M, Morrow Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-13 In the biblical narrative, God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David is ultimately fulfilled through Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and ascension. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." This promise was realized at Pentecost when disciples spoke under the power of the Holy Spirit in an unknown language, understood by a diverse group of people representing places from the known world in their native languages. Why is this relevant today? Suppose America mirrors the valley of dry bones described in Ezekiel 37:1-4, with its deep divisions across political, cultural, racial, and religious lines. In that case, the church is responsible for prophesying  [i]  God...

  The Power, Purpose, and Mission of Prayer By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow John Chapter 17 Prayer, dear friends, is not just a mere act of communication; it is our direct line to God, a channel through which we pour our desires, joys, and sorrows. It is a comforting truth that whenever we reach out to God, He is always there, listening attentively to our every word. Indeed, Jesus himself, in his earthly journey, exemplified the profound importance of prayer. Jesus's prayer life was extraordinary. In the quiet moments of the morning, on mountain slopes, and even in the darkness of night, he sought communion with his Heavenly Father. His example, documented in Mark and Luke, reveals a deep intimacy with God that sustained him through every trial and challenge, culminating in surrender on the cross. In the prayer recorded in John 17, Jesus speaks directly to the heart of his disciples, expressing gratitude for their companionship and interceding for their protection, sancti...