On the day I am writing this, a weather alert has been issued for our area. We have already had hail. Freezing rain is predicted for the next few hours, accompanied by high winds. Schools have been closed for the day, and people have been asked to stay off the highways unless it is necessary. Hydro crews are prepared to deal with power outages, and all emergency crews are on high alert. But here in my apartment, I feel secure. I have battery-operated lights if the power does go out. Extra clothing and blankets are available if the heat fails. In my cupboards, I have food that can be prepared without the use of electricity. I have everything that I need. Storms are raging throughout our world today. The Bible has prepared us to expect turmoil prior to our Lord’s return to earth. There will be earthquakes, upheavals in nature, and strife among nations. Every time we listen to the news reports, we realize that these prophecies are being fulfilled. But Jesus told His disciples: Luke 21:28 “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” We…

“And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.” 2 Samuel 6:11. Why do you think Obededom’s home was blessed? It is because it was housing the ark of the covenant, the very presence and mercy of God in the Old Testament. However, the ark of the covenant was never designed to be in one man’s home; this was a unique accident that worked out in Obededom’s favor. The purpose of the ark was to bless an entire Nation; Israel. Through this story, we learn that every time we allow the presence of God to enter our homes and our families, we will be blessed.   However, just as the presence of God was not meant for one man, Obededom and his family, but for an entire Nation, the presence of God is not only for our households, but for our city, our Nation, and our world. We don’t only go “to church,” we are “the church.” We gather the church body together in a building on Sundays, but when we leave, we bring the presence of God with us wherever we go. 1…

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26 Throughout scripture, we learn there are different ways to pray. Intercessory prayer, for example, is the deepest and most unselfish form of prayer. This type of prayer is characterized by terms such as “wrestling in prayer”, “groaning that can’t be uttered”, and “fervent, agonizing prayer.” The word intercession means, “to come between,” or “to interpose on behalf of someone else”. An individual who is engaged in intercessory prayer is beseeching God on behalf of another person. My Personal Testimony I have shared this testimony before, but feel prompted to share it again. Several years ago, in Bible College, I developed an undeniable burden for a family member who had fallen away from God. I entered into a season of fasting and prayer for this individual, believing that God would do something miraculous in their life. One afternoon, I entered the prayer room, and a spirit of intercession came over me. I prayed for almost five hours; it was physically exhausting, and I felt like an…

If you have ever been to Canal Street in New York City, you will find a plethora of fake merchandise—anything from a faux Gucci bag, to a fake Rolex to Chanel purses with backward C’s on the pleather exterior. Many people do not care about authenticity anymore, plus it costs so much more to pay for designer prices, right? When a designer puts their own name on a product, it’s a stamp of quality and excellence. Tiffany & Co is named after its founder, Charles Tiffany, and has become the go-to jewelry store for the affluent and famous. Louis Vuitton was a French designer who led in quality leather products, which are sought after today. Guccio Gucci was an Italian fashion designer who built a world-renowned fashion empire. The problem with Canal Street and every other outlet that sells fake merchandise is that it devalues the original. There is an ambivalence about counterfeit items or a counterfeit lifestyle because the “real thing” will cost more than many people are willing to pay. Counterfeits thrive because they resemble the real thing; the same goes for being a Christian. There are a lot of people in this world who proclaim to be…