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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Leaders Who Last Part 6
by Dr. Dwayne Mercer on April 3rd, 2025
We have been in a series of leadership articles on “Leaders Who Last.” It’s been said that a person changes every 4-7 years. If a pastor is going to have longevity in ministry, he must reinvent himself several times.Pastors, we often lament on our church’s unwillingness to embrace change. There are articles and books written on the challenges and steps to bring about change in a church. Few write ...  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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