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  Title: Resisting Temptation and Standing Firm Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Reflection: The Battle Against Temptation Temptation is an unavoidable part of life. From the beginning, humanity has wrestled with desires, fears, and pressures that can lead us away from God's path. The Israelites, despite witnessing God's miracles, fell into idolatry, immorality, and grumbling. The Corinthians struggled with arrogance, division, and moral compromise. Today, we face the same struggles—temptations that test our faith, pull us toward worldly solutions, and make us question God's presence. Yet, God is faithful. In our moments of weakness, when we feel overwhelmed by fear, anger, or even isolation, we are not left without help. Temptation is not ...

"The Divine Puzzle: Embracing Our Unique Role in Christ's Body" Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16 Devotional: Imagine a jigsaw puzzle, each piece uniquely crafted, yet essential to completing the whole picture. This imagery beautifully reflects the message in Ephesians 4:1-16, where the Apostle Paul urges believers to live in unity and embrace their distinct roles within the body of Christ. Paul begins by calling us to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" we've received, emphasizing humility, gentleness, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:1-2). These qualities are the foundation for unity, allowing us to fit together harmoniously, much like puzzle pieces aligning to reveal a complete image. He continues by highlighting the diversity of gifts bestowed upon each believer: "But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift... And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip ...

Scripture Reading: Psalm 27:5 "For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock." Reflection: Finding Refuge in God's Presence Life brings moments when we feel exposed, vulnerable, and weary from the storms we face. Whether it’s uncertainty, opposition, or personal struggles, there’s a longing within us to be shielded—to find a place of peace and security. Psalm 27 expresses David’s deep trust in the Lord as his refuge. He does not rely on his strength but seeks safety in God’s presence, knowing that in the day of trouble, God will conceal him, hide him in His dwelling, and place him beyond the reach of danger. The word conceal in this context does not mean hiding in fear but being placed in a position of divine protection and preparation. When we abide in God, we are not just shielded from harm but strengthened, restored, and positioned to walk forward in faith. As we jou...

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...

Listen Here Scripture Reading: John 8:12 "Later on, Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the world's light. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'" Reflection: Have you ever sat down to complete an important task and found yourself distracted? I can relate to this. There have been times when I turned on my computer with a specific goal—to study Scripture, send an email, or conduct research—but as soon as I opened my browser, an advertisement, a Facebook notification, or a news feed would catch my attention. Before I knew it, I was lost in a rabbit hole, far from my original task. Valuable and precious minutes slipped away, creating a significant gap between where I intended to be and where I was. In John 8:1-11, Jesus faced a similar interruption. He was in the middle of teaching in the temple when the scribes and Pharisees interrupted Him by bringing a woman caught in adultery. Their goal was to trap Jesus and der...

The Light That Brings Us Together "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." – Isaiah 60:1 (NIV) Thought for the Day:  When I let Christ’s light shine through me, it spreads to those around me. On Christmas Eve, as our congregation sat together in the stillness of the Mullins chapel, we passed the flame from one candle to another. What began as a single flicker in the dark gradually transformed into a radiant glow that filled the room. The light of each candle symbolized the spreading of Christ’s light—uniting us as a family of faith. This simple yet powerful tradition mirrors the call we receive as followers of Christ. Isaiah reminds us, “Arise, shine, for your light has come.” Christ’s light shines brightly, not just for one but for all. Like the magi who journeyed from afar to honor Jesus, we are invited to follow His light, bringing hope and unity to others. Even in the darkest times, Christ’s light remains within us, illuminating ...

  If you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But your Father will not forgive your sin if you do not forgive others . Matthew 6:14-15   We’ve all been hurt, lied to, or cheated on by someone we trust. They did it on purpose, too?   Forgiveness requires us to put away the wrong done to us.   It’s the boss with no apparent humanity—the parents’ divorce, leaving the family in shambles. Your best friend did the unthinkable, and the relationship will never be the same.   “I’m sorry” goes in one ear and out the other; the socially appropriate gesture didn’t quite seem to mend the dent in your heart.   True forgiveness requires a much more excellent source of energy than it takes to respond to a cliche phrase.   Why?   Because forgiveness is hardly about the other person.   It is about your relationship with God through Jesus Christ.   Ephesians 4:32 says, “ Be kind and compassionate to one ano...