Posts with the category “daily-devotional”
Promise of Calling
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 28th, 2025
Are there things you've hesitated to bring before God? Perhaps you’ve relied on your strength or felt unworthy to ask for His assistance. God is inviting you to share your desires, worries, and dreams with Him. Read More
God is in Control
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 26th, 2025
**Scripture**: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)In every circumstance, we can find comfort in knowing that God is in control. Jesus reminded His disciples that despite their fears and uncertainties, God's plan was unfolding perfectly. The same is true for us; we may not always understand our journey, but we can trust that He is guiding us. ... Read More
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Nature of Prayer
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 26th, 2025
God invites us to bring every concern to Him, reassuring us that prayer transforms our worry into peace. When we commit our anxieties to prayer, we shift our focus from the problem to the problem solver. Read More
Our Mission in the World
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 25th, 2025
**Scripture**: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 28:19 (ESV)Jesus assigned us a mission to share the Gospel and make disciples, even in a world that may resist our message. In the face of opposition, we must remain steadfast in our calling,empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach others for Chris... Read More
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Remember and Rejoice
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 24th, 2025
**Scripture**: “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is none other; I am God, and there is none like me.” - Isaiah 46:9 (ESV)Jesus emphasized the importance of remembrance—remembering His words and the truth of God’s promises. In times of struggle, recalling God's faithfulness helps us remain anchored in our faith. Our adversities can serve as reminders of God’s previous prov... Read More
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Understanding Opposition
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 23rd, 2025
**Scripture**: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” - 2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV)Jesus prepared His disciples for the reality of opposition they would face in the world. Likewise, we must recognize that standing firm in our faith may attract conflict, misunderstanding, or persecution. The world often opposes the message of Christ, but this should not deter us ... Read More
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The Role of the Holy Spirit
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 22nd, 2025
**Scripture**: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with youforever.” - John 14:16 (ESV)The Holy Spirit, referred to as our Helper, is a divine companion in our journey of faith. Jesus assured His disciples that they would not be left alone; the Holy Spirit would guide, teach, and comfort them. This same promise holds true for us today. When we face opposition or ... Read More
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Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 21st, 2025
**Scripture**: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” - John 14:1 (ESV)In the face of uncertainty, Jesus offers a profound reassurance not to let our hearts be troubled. His words remind us to anchor our trust in God, especially when life feels overwhelming. The disciples were anxious about Jesus’ predictions of betrayal and denial, yet He encouraged them to find pe... Read More
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The Importance of Preparation
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 20th, 2025
**Scripture**: “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, andafter that build your house.” - Proverbs 24:27 (ESV)Preparation is crucial for success in every aspect of life, including our spiritual journey. Just as Jesus prepared His disciples for the upcoming trials they would face; we too must arm ourselves with knowledge and faith. In the upper room, His revelati... Read More
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The Joy of Obedience
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 19th, 2025
**Scripture:** John 15:10 (ESV) "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love."Abiding in God’s love is the true essence of the Christian life. The joy of living in obedience stems from the relationship we share with Him. As we choose to follow His commandments, we deepen our connection with Him and find joy in our journ... Read More
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The Call to Obedience
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 18th, 2025
**Scripture:** John 14:17 (ESV) "Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."God has not left us alone in our journey of obedience. The Holy Spirit is our guide, dwelling within us to lead us in truth and empower us to obey. We are never on our own; we are equipped with divine help to f... Read More
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The Burden of Fear
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 17th, 2025
**Scripture:** 1 John 4:18 (ESV) "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."Fear often infiltrates our hearts, creating barriers to experiencing peace. But when we allow God’s perfect love to fill us, fear dissipates. Understanding that God desires a loving relationship with us shifts our perspective. Instead of succumbing to fear, we can rest in His reassurance. When we feel fear... Read More
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Living Out Our Love for God
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 16th, 2025
**Scripture:** John 14:21 (ESV) "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it iswho loves me."Jesus makes it clear that our love for Him is demonstrated by our actions. To love God means actively seeking to follow His ways and align our lives with His purposes. This love is not passive; it compels us to act—to serve, to forgive, and to extend grace to others. Today, consider how you can more ... Read More
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Obedience as Evidence of Faith
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 15th, 2025
**Scripture:** 1 John 2:5 (ESV) "But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God isperfected. By this we may know that we are in him."Our obedience is a response to the love we have received from God. It serves as tangible evidence of our faith. When we align our actions with His word, we manifest the transformative power of His love within us. This deep connection displays our identity a... Read More
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The Connection Between Love and Obedience
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 14th, 2025
**Scripture:** 1 John 5:3 (ESV) "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome."The relationship between love and obedience is beautifully illustrated throughout Scripture. If we truly love God, keeping His commandments becomes an act of joy rather than obligation. Understanding this connection invites us to reevaluate our intentions when we ap... Read More
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The Gift of Peace
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 13th, 2025
**Scripture:** John 14:15 (ESV) "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the promise of peace offered by Jesus is a refuge for our restless hearts. This peace is not just an absence of conflict but a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from following Him. Love for Christ is intertwined with our willingness to obey His commandments. Ever... Read More
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Responding to God’s Call
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 12th, 2025
**Scripture:** “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” - Romans 10:13 (ESV)God’s invitation to salvation is open to everyone. When we recognize our need for Him, we can call on His name and experience transformation. This act of faith is not just a one-time event; it's the beginning of a lifelong journey of walking with Him. When you invite Jesus into your heart, you’re not... Read More
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The Ultimate Sacrifice
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 11th, 2025
**Scripture:** “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8 (ESV)When we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us, it reminds us of the depth of His love. He endured humiliation and pain on the cross for our sake, demonstrating love in its purest form. This gift is the foundation of our faith and our ability to share that love wit... Read More
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The Example of Humility
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 10th, 2025
**Scripture:** “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself.” - Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)Humility is a cornerstone of our faith. Jesus exemplified this in His life by choosing to humbly serve rather than seek recognition or glory. As we endeavor to follow His lead, o... Read More
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Choosing Your Master
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 9th, 2025
**Scripture:** “No servant can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” - Luke 16:13 (ESV)In our walk with God, we face the important decision of choosing our master—who or what we ultimately prioritize in life. When we set our sights on Jesus and abide in Him, we tap into a wellspring of strength and resilience... Read More
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Standing Firm in Faith
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 8th, 2025
**Scripture:** “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” - Ephesians 6:13 (ESV)In a world full of distractions and challenges, it’s crucial to take a stand for our faith. Jesus tells us that we have a responsibility to abide in Him, allowing His strength and guidance to empower us. It’s not always easy, but kn... Read More
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The Power of Seed Planting
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 7th, 2025
**Scripture:** “And he said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.’” - Mark 4:26 (ESV)Every time we share the gospel, we scatter seeds of faith. Sometimes these seeds take root, and sometimes they don’t, but that doesn’t mean our efforts were in vain. Just like the man preaching at the gates of Sodom, we must remember that our calling is to share, not necessarily to... Read More
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Expecting Opposition
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 6th, 2025
**Scripture:** “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” - John15:18 (ESV)As followers of Christ, we sometimes feel surprised by the opposition we encounter when sharing the gospel. Jesus warned us not to be surprised, but to be prepared for it. Opposition is part of the journey, and we need to stand firm in our faith. Flashing back to the stories of the early church... Read More
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Celebration of Community
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 5th, 2025
**Scripture:** Psalm 133:1 (ESV) “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”**Devotional:** Celebrating our community is important. When we gather in unity, we experience the joy and blessings of fellowship. God delights in seeing His people come together in love and harmony. Make it a point to celebrate the friendships and bonds you've formed within your church. Organize g... Read More
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The Reality of Belonging
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 4th, 2025
**Scripture:** 1 John 4:12 (ESV) “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”**Devotional:** Belonging is a fundamental human need, and God calls us to create a loving community where His presence can dwell. Our love for one another reflects God's love made visible. When we actively choose to create relationships based on love, acceptance, a... Read More
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Love Your Neighbor
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 3rd, 2025
**Scripture:** Mark 12:31 (ESV) “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”**Devotional:** Loving our neighbors is central to Jesus' teachings. This command challenges us to move beyond our internal circles and reach out in love to those around us. Consider how you can demonstrate love in practical ways—offering kindness, bein... Read More
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The Importance of Community
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 2nd, 2025
**Scripture:** Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”**Devotional:** Community is vital for nurturing our faith. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that gathering together encourages us to pursue love and goo... Read More
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Obedience through Love
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 1st, 2025
**Scripture:** John 14:15 (ESV) “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”**Devotional:** Obedience to God’s commands flows from a heart of love. Jesus makes it clear that to love Him means to be faithful to His teachings and principles. When we prioritize our relationship with God, our obedience will naturally follow. Consider practical ways you can honor Him in your daily life—through your... Read More
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The Reality of Persecution
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 31st, 2025
**Scripture:** John 15:18 (ESV) “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”**Devotional:** Jesus forewarns His followers about the reality of persecution. Though most of us may not experience severe persecution, there are still moments we feel rejected or misunderstood because of our faith. In a world that often fosters division, staying united in love can be a powerfu... Read More
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Building Relationships
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 30th, 2025
**Scripture:** John 15:12-13 (ESV) “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”**Devotional:** In the face of life's challenges, Jesus emphasizes the importance of mutual support and love among friends. He calls us to demonstrate a selfless love, which can become especially crucial during... Read More
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Experiencing the Fullness of Joy
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 29th, 2025
Psalm 16:11 reminds us that in God’s presence is fullness of joy. Jesus promises that when we experience His presence, our joy will be complete. This joy is not temporary; it is eternal and life-changing. The Holy Spirit helps us access this joy, no matter the trials or circumstances we face.When we seek God’s presence through prayer, worship, and daily communion with Him, we experience this fulln... Read More
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The Shepherd Who Comforts
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 28th, 2025
Psalm 23:1 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, not only comforts and protects us from external dangers but also ministers to our hearts from the inside. The Holy Spirit, as our Advocate, brings comfort, peace, and joy from within. The comfort we receive isn’t just external protection; it’s an internal transformation that helps us overcome fear and anxiety.Just ... Read More
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Overcoming Internal Struggles
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 27th, 2025
Jesus teaches that the source of our struggles—anger, depression, fear—comes from within our hearts. Like an unstable bomb, these feelings can be triggered by external circumstances, but the root lies inside. The Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts is to bring healing and peace to these internal struggles. When we allow Him to fill us, He replaces turmoil with His peace and joy.The external circumsta... Read More
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The Joy of Access to God
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 26th, 2025
In John 16:23-24, “In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full,” Jesus makes a profound promise: we can now ask the Father directly in His name, and He will give it to us. This access to God was made possible by... Read More
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Joy Beyond Circumstances
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 25th, 2025
Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is fleeting and dependent on our circumstances, while joy is rooted in the presence of God. Jesus explains that when we focus on Him, joy fills our hearts, even when life is hard. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” We are reminded that in God’... Read More
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The Promise of Joy
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 24th, 2025
Jesus tells the disciples that though they will experience sorrow when He dies, joy will follow. Just like a woman in labor forgets her pain when she holds her newborn, the disciples' sorrow will turn into uncontainable joy when they see Him again. This joy is deeper than temporary happiness—it is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit.Life’s circumstances can lead t... Read More
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Comfort in Troubled Times
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 23rd, 2025
John 14:1“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”In John 14, Jesus addresses His disciples’ troubled hearts. They were scared and uncertain about His departure, feeling abandoned by His promise of leaving them. Yet, Jesus reassures them, saying that He will send the Holy Spirit—the Comforter, or Paraclete—to be with them forever. The Holy Spirit’s role is multifaceted... Read More
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Living in Peace
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 22nd, 2025
The final type of peace is the peace that comes from living in the fullness of God’s presence. When we walk in obedience to God, we experience a deep, abiding peace that flows from knowing we are aligned with His will. This peace is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, as we live in harmony with God and others.As we seek God’s will, obey His commands, and live out our faith, we experience peace that brin... Read More
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The Peace of God
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 21st, 2025
The second type of peace is the peace of God, which guards our hearts and minds. Philippians 4:7 says that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God in our lives. It is the calm assurance that no matter what circumstances we face, God is with us and will sustain us.This pe... Read More
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Peace with God
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on March 20th, 2025
The first type of peace is peace with God. Romans 5:1 tells us, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Before we came to faith in Christ, we were enemies of God because of sin. But through the death of Jesus, we are reconciled to God, and there is no longer any conflict between us. This peace is the foundation of our salvation and a prec... Read More
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2025
February
March
The Power of TruthThe Deity of ChristThe Incarnation—God With UsJesus Died for Our SinsLeaders Who Last Part 2Resurrection and AscensionOvercoming the WorldThe Promise of PeaceThe Peace of GodThe Spirit of TruthPeace in the Midst of ConflictFacing Doubt with TruthLeaders Who Last Part 3The Implications of Believing in GodThe Denial of God’s WordEmbracing the Truth for PeaceThe Tabernacle and the VeilThe Sacrifice of JesusBold Access to GodPeace in the Midst of TrialsLeaders Who Last Part 4Peace with GodThe Peace of GodLiving in PeaceComfort in Troubled TimesThe Promise of JoyJoy Beyond CircumstancesThe Joy of Access to GodOvercoming Internal StrugglesLeaders Who Last Part 5The Shepherd Who ComfortsExperiencing the Fullness of JoyBuilding RelationshipsThe Reality of Persecution
April
Obedience through LoveThe Importance of CommunityLeaders Who Last Part 6Love Your NeighborThe Reality of BelongingCelebration of CommunityExpecting OppositionThe Power of Seed PlantingStanding Firm in FaithChoosing Your MasterThe Example of HumilityLeaders Who Last Part 7The Ultimate SacrificeResponding to God’s CallThe Gift of PeaceThe Connection Between Love and ObedienceObedience as Evidence of FaithLiving Out Our Love for GodThe Burden of FearThe Call to ObedienceThe Joy of ObedienceThe Importance of PreparationLet Not Your Heart Be TroubledThe Role of the Holy SpiritUnderstanding OppositionRemember and RejoiceOur Mission in the WorldGod is in ControlNature of PrayerPromise of Calling