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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Leaders Who Last Part 7
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 10th, 2025
We have been in a series of leadership lessons on what it takes to have longevity in a ministry. We have said there are two areas we concern ourselves:The inner life of the pastorThe relationship with the congregationIn the first area, we find six principles:A calling to ministryA mission with that callingA godly definition of successA disciplined lifeA willingness to changeA security found in Chr... 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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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 GodLeaders Who Last Part 5Overcoming Internal StrugglesThe 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 MasterLeaders Who Last Part 7The Example of HumilityThe 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 WorldNature of PrayerPromise of CallingStaying True to Your Mission: Leadership Lesson from the Book of GalatiansGod is in ControlSticking With ItFaith-Fueled Prayer
May
How God SpeaksCalled TogetherGift of CommunitySending OutUnderstanding our Identity in ChristGatheringLearning the Language of FaithSpeaking to GodEmbracing our Role in God's HouseHeart of WorshipGrateful HeartAbiding the VinePromise of JoyThe GardenerCommunity in PrayerThe True GospelSaved by Grace AloneThe Exclusivity of ChristPleasing God, Not ManPower of the GospelUnity in the Body of ChristLiving by the SpiritDiscover your purposeOvercoming ObstaclesTransforming Doubts into OpportunitiesEmbracing Humility of ServiceAligning Your Desires with God's WillLiving with Eternity in MindFinding Your "One Thing"Stewardship of God's Gifts