I find it interesting how people see Christians, some are extravagant in reach and others are uninspiring, to say it politely. Some may be accurate, and others range between one end of the reality scale to the other end of myth and misinformation. Let’s be honest early in this article, Christians are people — people who have a specific worldview and are directed by certain principles. Just like every other resident who lives on planet earth, who has the right of an opinion and certain universal responsibilities to our fellow human beings – Christians have these same natural rights and responsi ..read more

To participate in a group experience is not a guarantee of common experience. Let me explain using two Biblical illustrations. Do you remember in the book of Numbers Moses sent out scouts to explore the land of Canaan? This Israelite delegation was tasked with bringing back a comprehensive report. The mission was comprised of leaders of the twelve tribes — experienced, hand-picked navigators, team players, with clear instructions, on a mission from God Himself. Their six-week mission was successful. They braved the elements, eluded ferocious wild animals, trekked the rugged terrain, and avoide ..read more

SUNDAY, APRIL 9 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” —Philippians 3:10 Prayer Focus: Haiti—Since the assassination of Haiti’s president on July 7, 2021, the nation has experienced incredible socioeconomic and political instability, resulting in a state of anarchy controlled by various rival gangs. High degrees of violence and widespread economic fallout has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, leaving millions in desperate need of ..read more

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” —Ephesians 3:20–21 Prayer Focus: Myanmar—Following a military coup in early 2021, the people of Myanmar have been suffering under the brutal regime of junta violence, the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, and economic inflation. Assistance was requested by Church of God national leadership to help meet the basic needs of Church of God leaders ..read more

FRIDAY, APRIL 7 The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” —James 5:16 Prayer Focus: Peru—High temperatures, strong winds, and heavy downpours in the wake of Cyclone Yaku have left thousands of Peruvians suffering from catastrophic flooding and landslides. Church of God national leadership in Peru carried out a needs assessment and identified 102 families and 9 churches in great need of assistance. Church of God Ministries Disaster Relief is partnering with Peruvian believers to purchase and distribute tents, blankets, clothes, medicine, and basic provisions to those most i ..read more

THURSDAY, APRIL 6 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people…” —1 Timothy 2:1 Prayer Focus: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—Escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has forced many individuals—including hundreds of Church of God families—to flee their homes and seek refuge in other parts of the country and abroad. Local leadership has reported that there are also Church of God congregations in other parts of the country receiving many of these internally displaced families. In the midst of the horrific vio ..read more

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” —Ephesians 6:18 Prayer Focus: Malawi—Beginning with Tropical Cyclone Ana in January 2022, and made far worse by Tropical Cyclone Freddy this year, high winds and historic flooding have caused hundreds of casualties and massive devastation in communities that were already vulnerable to the storms. Homes, roads, and other infrastructures, churches, sanitation systems, and agriculture have been greatly damaged and d ..read more

MONDAY, APRIL 3 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers and sisters living in Judea.” —Acts 11:28–29 ESV Prayer Focus: Ukraine—On February 24, 2022, Russian armed forces crossed the border into Ukraine, initiating deadly warfare, widespread devastation to structures and livelihoods, and resulting in mass displacement of Ukrainians from their homes and churches. The Church ..read more

Tone and Terry were identical twin boys we grew up with, “they look so alike” people would often say. They had outstanding similarities, both wore spectacles, dressed alike (just for the fun of it) had the same body profile and to complicate matters their voice patterns were indistinguishable. Notwithstanding that, we knew them apart, Terry was the smaller and quieter of the two. In fact, while they were identical to many, to those of us who spent time with them every day they were very different. Later in life I met Julia and Julianne – same challenge, identical in every way. However as with ..read more

There was an old owl who sat on an oak, The more he saw the less he spoke. The less he spoke the more he heard, Why aren’t we like that old bird? (Edward Hersley Richards) Wow Mr. Richards, that is a timeless question. When we were children, our parents believed the old saying “Children should be seen and not heard.” This was enforced when adults were around and even more forcibly if said adults were house guests. In today’s post-modern world this thought would be frowned upon, and parents could be severely chastised and reprimanded for even considering such an archaic notion. We now catalo ..read more