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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Archive
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"
