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October 16, 2021: ‘Arise and Go’

“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel” (Josh. 1:2, NKJV).

The servant of God has died. Moses, who spoke to God as a friend, has perished. The Israelites’ leader, friend and loving intercessor would no longer be with them.

Even in the midst of loss or pain, God always has a plan. After Moses’ death, God said to Joshua, “Now therefore, arise ...” Arise is a difficult word when living in sadness, clueless about how to confront the challenges of life. However, God invites us to trust in Him and calls us to “arise.”

October 15, 2021: He Gives the Victory

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“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13, NKJV).

Victory is won by standing on the promises of God. As I neared the end of 2016, I never would have guessed it would mark the end of some 20 years of my pornography addiction. I was in absolute darkness with almost no hope left. But Jesus always pursued me, and He found me as I looked to heaven for help. In that moment, my chains broke, and I found a way of escape. God proved His faithfulness by giving me victory.

October 24, 2021: Prepare for the Latter Rain

“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28, NKJV).

We need to understand that near the close of earth’s harvest, there will be a special outpouring of spiritual grace to prepare each and every one of us for the coming of Christ.

October 23, 2021: He Delivers Us

“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (Ps. 34:7, NKJV).

This verse is so powerful because it reminds us that God is always ready to deliver us, and that we have no reason to be afraid. In my personal experience, I found Psalms 34:7 to be true.

A few years ago, my house caught on fire. My family was at church when it happened, so luckily no one was injured. One of our friends, however, was living with us at the time. She stayed home that Sabbath to watch a couple of baby birds we had found the day before.

October 22, 2021: A Refuge in My Distress

“But as for me, I will sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your faithfulness in the morning, for You have been my refuge and a place of refuge on the day of my distress” (Ps. 59:16, NASB).

This verse outlines the many problems, mountainous difficulties, troubling times and numerous enemies that were surrounding David on every side. David opened up his heart to the Lord, and his urgent prayer for help and deliverance poured forth unabated. This surrender of heart has also worked in my life.

October 21, 2021: Help Us to Listen!

“How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:4–5, NIV).

Most of us have experienced a time when we’ve completely underestimated someone’s point of view, whether in an argument or in a situation where one lacks confidence to support themselves. I have been on both ends of the spectrum in my education and everyday life, making Matthew 7:4–5 my favorite verse.

October 20, 2021: Learning From the Past

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and hope” (Jer. 29:11, ESV).

I like this Bible verse because it says God knows what will happen throughout your life, through all your troubles, hardships and times of despair. I think of these as wars between God and Satan, between your guardian angel and Satan’s demons.

But just as God knows the outcome of the whole universe, you choose the outcome of your battles; whether or not you’ll let something ruin your day or try to see the good that can come out of a bad situation. We’ve all had our times of trial. For some it may not have been as bad as others, but it’s up to you whether you choose to let the demons win or let God take command.

October 19, 2021: An Answered Prayer

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13, NIV).

This verse is important to me because there was a moment in my life when I felt I was losing everything; that there was no hope. But God showed me there was hope and that I would be fine.

In 2020, my mom got into a terrible car accident. I was sick at home with bronchitis when my mom’s friend called my older brother and told him that she had been in an accident. We talked with the paramedics, and they explained that it was very bad. We rushed to the hospital, and I was very upset because they wouldn’t tell us anything.

October 14, 2021: You Are Unique

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“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Ps. 139:14, KJV).

Is there something about yourself you don’t like? Maybe you have freckles, a loud laugh, curly hair or a quiet personality. I would venture to guess that we all have insecurities. We see characteristics in others we wish we could have and features we wish we could look like. The question is, why aren’t we confident in who we are?

Far West End Church Members Beautify Community

Junnie Ree Pagusan (right), pastor of the Far West End church, along with 10 other members, take a break in the middle of cleaning the surrounding church area.

Story by Debra Anderson

Earlier this year, members of the Far West End church in Rockville, Va., went “beyond the walls” in ministry to help beautify their community. The group responded to a request from a local community member who needed help keeping the area around the church and beyond remain in pristine condition.