Men of the Morning Prayer Line

Just about everyone we meet is dealing with something that may not be obvious from the outside, but they are facing a battle on the inside. Everyone that we come across is facing some sort of battle in their life. We must recognize what God can do with a single word of encouragement. We must also recognize how God uses us to offer someone hope to build their faith.   There is SO MUCH negativity in the world today. I cannot view my social media feed without seeing discouragement, can’t read a news app without being inundated with depressive information, can’t talk to people without all the heartbreaking news in the world infiltrating and eradicating my attempt at sharing a moment of positive light.  In this polarized world, it has long been time for people that hear and read this message to fight back and dispel the undeniable hate and discontent in the world with our words of hope and encouragement. The words we speak are filled with POWER. Our words can build up or ...

If you look at the world you'll be distressed. If you look within yourself you'll be depressed. If you look at Christ you'll be at rest. It’s the middle of the night, but you’re wide awake. The thunder is too loud. You walk over to the window. Lightning flashes and through the rain, you see a shadowy figure. Another flash and sure enough, there’s a man outside – this time just feet from the window. This sounds like a scene from a Hollywood horror film, but the disciples experienced this first-hand. On a small boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, they were battling an incredible storm. No lights, no land nearby, when suddenly a man appeared a few yards from the boat. They were terrified! They thought He was a ghost. Then they recognized Jesus. As He boarded the boat, He spoke to the storm, and it stopped. They were stunned. This was no ordinary man. We all face storms in life – from actual thunderstorms and natural disasters to countless personal trials and crises. It c...

One of Dr.  King’s favorite Bible passage is from the Gospel of Mathew 5:43-48.  Jesus said that anyone can love those who love them in return. What distinguishes people of God is the way we treat those who oppose us—our enemies. Just as God shows love to everyone, so are we to show love to everyone. This inclusivity is the meaning of “be perfect” as God is perfect. What a fitting scripture for the day we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The key to the life of Martin Luther King is found in his Christian faith. He responded to violence with nonviolence, to hate with love. Dr. King was always looking toward reconciliation after the battle because his approach was grounded in the Gospel.  He wrote, “It was the Sermon on the Mount, not a doctrine of passive resistance, it was Jesus of Nazareth with the creative weapon of love.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized that the heart of the gospel proclaims that love can really change a situation of conflict and enmity: love rea...

Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. It reads like a daytime TV drama – jealousy, betrayal, heartbreak. With that in mind, let’s dive into the life of brother Abraham, he's the father of our Christian Faith. If you’re familiar with this story, then it’s not a surprise to learn that our lead character is no different than many of us he messes up multiple times throughout his faith journey. In today’s Scripture from the Book of Genesis (16:1-2), Abraham, once again, finds himself tangled in a pretty messy situation. But, let’s back up. At the age of 75, Abraham obeys God’s call on his life – a huge step of faith. God promises to bless him and others through him, bringing about a great nation from Abraham’s lineage. Ten years pass and Sarah, Abraham’s wife, remains ba...

Thanks to our brother "Top Cop" AP Roelofs for sharing this wonderful piece by Kris Paronto. (Edited) Sometimes we are pushed to the edge... whether it be by an unjust action, brutality, or being left to die inside by those we trust. It’s hard to not get caught up in the anger when manipulation by those that want to stay in power or use it to increase their own selfish popularity is inflicted upon us. Don’t fall for it, that’s the devil whispering. I don’t blame people for being angry, we have all been lied to or used by others who do not share in humility and only crave money and power. That’s the problem; being on opposing sides. Right versus obvious wrong. We’ve let the right, the left, the media, the public figures, and every other person, place, or thing ruin or serenity. In many instances, these false idols become our rulers. I admit that for a while I fell for the sweet lies and was a big part of that manipulation which I shouldn’t have been. I admit it and apologize ...

Have you ever approached the Christian life like a New Year’s resolution? Saying, “This year I will be a better Christian; I’ll trust God more and be patient and generous.” For those who have attempted this goal-oriented Christianity, how did it go? More than likely, you eventually messed up, became frustrated, and finally give up. Why? Because the Christian life cannot be lived in our own strength. It’s only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can live a life glorifying God. In this current time, many people filling churches or viewing online services are wrestling with this goal-oriented, resolution-style Christianity. Or worse, the self-serving Christianity approach. They believe in their minds what the Bible says about who Jesus is and what He did on the cross, but they’ve never actually trusted Christ with their will and heart. They have never chosen to follow Christ completely in their day to day lives. They confess faith without a surrender of their heart to fulfill God...