What a mighty God we serve.
What a mighty God we serve.
Angels bow before Him.
Heaven and earth adore Him.
What a mighty God we serve.
Jesus is the God we serve.
Jesus is the God we serve.
Angels bow before Him.
Heaven and earth adore Him.
Jesus is the God we serve.
AMEN
"Renewal Of Faith"
“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth” (Luke 18:7-8)?
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Our ability to receive the promises of God are directly connected to our faith in Him. The confidence we have put in our bank accounts, retirement, medical plans, and insurance can undermine the faith we have had to put in God. These things are not wrong in and of themselves, but our security cannot be tied to what we have on this earth. We are facing perilous and uncertain times, it is vital that our faith be a testimony to the world in this desperate hour.
PRAY:
For a hunger for God’s Word. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
For a purification through heartfelt repentance. “… purifying their hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9).
For separation from this world and sanctification for God’s purpose. “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Act 26:18).
For righteousness to be revealed to the world. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).
For faith to produce the fruits of the spirit in our lives. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).
For the Church to stand in the power of God. “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (I Corinthians 2:5).
That our faith would not fail. “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:32):
Annette Parmley
Arkansas District
"Faith Over Fear"
Fear is something that, if left unchecked, can rule our lives. God’s plan for our lives is not that we would be slaves to fear but overcome it through faith in Jesus Christ. My favorite verse in the Bible is II Timothy 1:7 which proclaims, “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Whenever I am going through a time where I can begin to feel fear creeping into my mind, I remember this verse and take comfort knowing that our Lord and Savior holds us in His hands. He has a plan for our lives and will be with us every step of the way.
King David is a great example of how trusting in the Lord, instead of taking things into our own hands, or being afraid brings about the best outcome for our lives. David could have reciprocated Saul’s hatred or desired to cause him harm, but he remained faithful to the Lord and trusted that what He had told him would come to pass. Remaining faithful in the face of trials, disappointments, sickness, and anything else that comes against us can be difficult. However, in these times where our faith is tested, we can remember the story of David, as well as the stories of many others from the Bible, and know that our future is in the hands of the Lord.
Have faith in the good times and in the bad. The Lord loves and cares about us and is with us every moment of every day. We are never alone. Take comfort today knowing that God sees where you are and that He is with you. Choose to have faith in God and say no to the voices of fear and doubt that come into your mind. Have faith over fear.
Sarah Smith
WNOP Administrative Associate II
(Info from: Prayer Cnnect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
Life Coach Lakelie Lopez explains how understanding your own personality can improve communication in your marriage.
"The Key to Better Communication"
Have you ever wondered why you click with some people almost instantly, while, with others, every conversation feels like a struggle? The answer often lies in our personalities. Personality encompasses the unique blend of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that make us, us. It is a collection of characteristics and behaviors that make each person and their response to the world around them unique. Our personality also shapes how we communicate and relate to others.
Effective communication can be challenging when two uniquely different personalities are joined together. A married couple may sometimes feel they need a translator to help decipher what their mate is trying to communicate. According to an article published in The Journal of Divorce and Remarriage in 2012, 53 percent of couples cite not being able to communicate effectively as a reason for divorce.
Understanding our personality improves communication and enhances our marriage and other relationships. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” Peter Scazzero, author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, states, “The vast majority of us go to our graves without knowing who we are. We unconsciously live someone else’s life, or at least someone else’s expectations for us.” Recognizing our unique traits and emotions can empower us, placing us firmly in control of our interactions.
Being tuned in to who we are is key to effective communication within marriage, enabling us to become the whole person God created us to be. Consider what energizes you, brings you joy, or drains you. How do you best learn and receive criticism or praise? Are you in control of your emotions, or are they controlling you? The more we understand why we are the way we are, the more we can adapt, adjust, and improve—putting us in the driver’s seat of our emotional and mental health.
The following are practical steps to self-discovery.
Take a Personality Assessment: Taking a personality test with your spouse can be enlightening. Remember, the goal is not to find excuses for our behavior or to label each other, but to uncover opportunities for personal growth and deeper connection.
Develop Emotional Intelligence: This involves improving skills in five key areas.
Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Self-Regulation: Monitor your thoughts and emotions and accept responsibility for your actions.
Motivation: Aim for realistic goals and embrace change.
Social Skills: Be adaptable and ready to compromise.
Empathy: Enhance your listening skills and strive to understand others' perspectives.
Understanding ourselves better and taking the time to understand our spouse more fully can open the door to better communication and a fuller realization of our potential. With better self-understanding and emotional intelligence, enhancing communication isn't just a goal—it’s a journey.
What steps will you take today to start this journey with your spouse?
(Information from: Family Life Ministries Newsletter - UPCI Family Ministries - family@upci.org)
The Bible says
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall...
Scripture from: 2 Peter 1:1-10 KJV
Do you know some of the Biblical Expressions of Worship?
"Biblical Expressions of Worship"
We pray together aloud because in the Bible we read, "They lifted up their voice to God with one accord" (Acts 4:24).
We lift our hands in praise because in the Bible we read, "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord" (Psalm 134:2).
We sing with all our hearts because in the Bible we read, "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise" (Psalm 98:4).
We play musical instruments because in the Bible we read, "And all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments" (2 Samuel 6:5).
We clap and shout unto God because in the Bible we read, "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph" (Psalm 47:1).
We dance before the LORD because in the Bible we read, "Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs" (Psalm 150:4).
We testify publicly because in the Bible we read, "I will declare thy name unto my brethren; in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee" (Psalm 22:22).
We anoint with oil for divine healing because in the Bible we read, "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14).
We allow the operation of the spiritual gifts because in the Bible we read, "When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation" (1 Corinthians 14:26).
(Information from: UPCI Oneness Apostolic Organization)
"After God's Own Heart"
King David is referred to as a man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14). What does it mean to be after God’s own heart? It means putting others before ourselves in all things and having a humble spirit. It means doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes, desiring no recognition. David exhibited this when he continued his shepherd work despite knowing the anointing that was on his life. He had the humbleness of spirit to remain where he was and continue operating in his calling until it was time to do more. Even after David became King, he remained humble and respectful to God and others.
We must trust in God as well as be humble. We ought to trust in Him just as much during the good times as in the bad. Trusting in God means obeying His commandments even when we do not agree. At the end of the day, our Savior knows what is best for us and for His Kingdom. David trusted in God despite his circumstances. David was being hunted by King Saul and never wavered in his faith, but remained faithful to God, knowing that the Lord had called him to greater things, and He would bring him out of his situation. If God has called you or told you something is going to come to pass, then it will happen.
Finally, love the Lord with all your heart. This means loving everyone around you because we are all the children of God. It can be hard to show a godly love for those who have hurt you, so give your hurt over to God in prayer and He will repair your heart. Loving the Lord means having a relationship with Him daily. David loved the Lord deeply and had a personal relationship with Him which can be seen throughout the book of Psalms. When David messed up, he humbly turned to the Lord in repentance. He acknowledged that he had sinned, turned from his ways, and restored his relationship with God.
We can be men and women after God’s own heart by being humble, trusting in the Lord, loving the Lord with all our hearts, and serving Him each day in our thoughts and actions. Decide for yourselves to follow the example set before us by David and you too could be described as being “after God’s own heart.”
Sarah Smith
WNOP Administrative Associate II
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
The Bible says...
And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay.
From: Numbers 22:28-30 and read verses 1-41.
The Bible says...
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(From: Philippians 4:4-7 KJV)
The Bible says...
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
(From: Psalm 34:1-8 KJV)
Mothers Day 2024 is coming in May very soon. And it has been on my mind about how I knew a mother who got saved (according to Acts 2:38 KJV). I remember her personality and life before that happened, and after that.
All her life, until she was in her 50s, she believed another Doctrine about how to be saved (according to Matthew 28:19 KJV). Then one day that changed. Thanks to the help of her new Pastor who happened to be an Apostolic Minister/Pastor, that change took place. She believed and obeyed Acts 2:38 KJV, received the Holy Ghost/Spirit, and became a happy mother. That was unlike what she was, and the life she lived before that. She died as a saved Believer in January 2010 in Philadelphia Hospice Service after a short illness. But she died happy because she got saved before she died.
Salvation (i.e. receiving the Holy Ghost/Spirit) has a way of changing people lives for the better. Read Ezekiel 36:26 and John 4:10-14 KJV. When we live without the Spirit of God, we are at the expense and mercy of the enemy of our soul. God is love. And that is shown to us when we receive the Holy Ghost/Spirit. Because the love God has for us is revealed in His Spirit that he gives to us. And read John 10:27-28 KJV.
Living without the Holy Ghost/Spirit is almost like trying to live without natural water that our body needs. So as our natural body needs water, so our soul needs the Holy Ghost living water. The Holy Ghost gives us massive strength to resist the devil, the evil things/people of this world, and prepare us for Eternal Life. We need the Holy Ghost to be counted as one of Gods Sheep/People. Read Romans 8:9-11 KJV.
The Holy Ghost/Spirit changed a mothers life many years ago, and helped her live for God: Jesus in ways pleasing and acceptable to God. The mother I knew got saved by God: Jesus (not by man or a man-made religion) who gave His Holy Ghost/Spirit to her. So I knew a mother who was unhappy for many years, and a mother who became so happy only God can really tell how happy she was to be saved by God.
Prayer for Hearing Gods Voice
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
We should remember that prayer is a dialog between the believer and God. It’s a two-way communication that involves both talking and listening. Prayer is not complete when we do all the talking and expect God to do all the listening. True prayer requires both. Let’s pray to hear God’s voice. Hearing God also represents a readiness to obey what He says. God does not speak just to give people a chance to decide if they want to obey. God speaks to those who take Him seriously and who stand ready to respond to whatever He says. Let’s learn to listen to the Shepherd’s voice.
Pray the following:
Lord, I praise You as my Shepherd for You are the one who speaks so that I may hear Your voice and follow You were you lead.
Lord, I Thank You, Oh God, for telling us the truth about Yourself, and about ourselves.
Lord, I confess any lack of desire or any personal failure in hearing Your voice. Help me to have ears to hear what Your Spirit is speaking today.
Lord, give me listening ears to hear and discern Your voice from the many voices that are speaking.
Lord, open my heart to Your impressions and please help me close my ears to the whisperings of the evil one.
Lord, today I stand as an intercessor for those who are not listening to Your Word or Your Spirit and are straying from truth.
Rev. Stephen M. Harris, Christian Life Church, Port Washington, Wisconsin
Information from: Prayer Connect Newsletter - World Network of Prayer - floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com
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