On September 8, 2022, we heard of the death of the United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth. However, four days before that, we heard of the passing of another royalty, Queen Bertha Louise Lester. She was 105 years old.
Many of you were introduced to this extraordinary Centurian when she was honored for her 101st birthday in our April 11, 2019, broadcast.
Meanwhile, SDT sends sincere condolences to the Lester family. We pray that you will continue to share your mother’s legacy with the world.
Click here to be directed to Mrs. Bertha’s original broadcast.
We ended last month’s observation of breast cancer awareness with sad news. One of our beloved team members, Tremaine Deuntae Hawkins, passed after fighting a six-year war with breast cancer. Tremaine was a devoted mother, a beloved daughter, a queen among us, and my darling niece.
We introduced you to Tremaine in one of our three broadcasts, Journey to Victory, in2019. Then in November 2020, she updated us about the reoccurrence of metastatic breast cancer.
Tremaine’s Family from left to right: Nephew-Khalial, Son-Cameron, Mother-Gloria, Daughter-Cierra, & Daughter-Adri.
On August 22, 2022, Tremaine’s fight with breast cancer ended. She bravely passed the “fight” mantle in an early morning departure to Heaven. However, before leaving, she told her family not to say goodbye but instead to say, “Later.”
We are grateful for Tremaine’s reminder that our lives do not have to end at death. God’s message to us in 1 John 2:17(NIV) says, “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
From SDT and all who were touched by her love and story, we join Tremaine’s loved ones in saying, “Later.”
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Father God, please comfort those who are affected by Hurricane Ian by meeting their needs physically, financially and emotionally. Give them hope and peace as only you can.
We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Amen.
Mondays can sometimes feel overwhelming to me. Yet, Mondays can be sluggish at other times, and I’m not inspired to do much.
Either way, I can turn to this scripture in Philippians for reassurance. Whether I need to slow down, speed up, follow through, or rethink, I am sure God will help me accomplish whatever is required for today.
Whether employed or retired, you are performing your God-given purpose each day. Stay on the job! Your Heavenly Father will strengthen you to complete your task.
Peace and blessings to you today. To leave a comment, click here.
I mean this. I’m asking God to bless you to accomplish whatever you need today. Therefore, remain diligent. Stay God-focused. Be encouraged.
“Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:3-4).
What is your answer to Jesus’ question highlighted below?
The answers to Jesus’ question, “But who do you say that I am?” will vary according to your religious beliefs, church denomination, culture, or family upbringing. Perhaps this is why Jesus presented His diversified group of disciples with this personal query. (Matthew 16:13-26, KJV) As we Christ-followers share our testimonies and faith with others, let’s not forget to share the simple, unified truth of who Jesus is. The three scriptures below will help affirm your faith and witness to others.
Who is Jesus?
Jesus is who he claims to be: The Son of God – “And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrew 11:6-10, ESV)
Jesus promises his Spirit to live within you – “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 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.” (John 14:15-17, ESV)
Jesus helps you discover your life’s purpose – “Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, ESV)
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“The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, ‘Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel’ (John 12-13)!”
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Are you having a day filled with anxiety and worry? Here is some advice from a man confined to prison and facing execution.
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Paul the Apostle, Philippians 4:1-6)
Paul reminds us that only in the Lord can we rejoice when we are troubled or hurting. God does not expect you to delight in your pain. He expects you to be honest about your hurtful emotions as you rejoice in Him.
Instead of stuffing our hurt inside, we should get our hurtful thoughts and feelings out. Praying to God, talking to trusted friends or professionals, and even crying are healthy ways to deal with the hurt.
Simultaneously, while doing all of the above, you can rejoice in the Lord. Take time each day to focus on God and His love for you. Meditate on the Holy Scriptures. Believe that God is with you throughout your difficult times.
Is it difficult to follow God’s lead because you don’t understand what He means, where He is leading you, or what He is doing? You are not alone. In one of the most critical periods in history, Jesus’ disciples found themselves in a similar situation.
When You Don’t Understand What God is Doing
One day, Jesus called his twelve disciples aside to tell them about their upcoming trip into the city of Jerusalem. While there, he would get arrested, badly beaten, and executed. Yet, after three days, he would rise from death. The disciples understood none of what Jesus was saying. (Luke 18:31-34).
Follow these 3 steps to understand God’s plan for you.
1. Follow the Leader
After dropping that bomb on the men about his arrest and execution, Jesus continued to work. He kept healing, preaching, teaching, praying, and loving all the way to the end. The disciples followed Him.
You should do the same. Explore the way Jesus dealt with people and problems! Like the disciples, He wants you to follow His lead.
2. Commit Completely
The men may have been clueless about Jesus’ discouraging message. However, the disciples stayed faithful. They were committed to Jesus. Why? Because they knew Him well enough to know they could trust Him with their lives.
Learn more about Jesus through Bible study. Regardless of how things may seem, trust Him completely.
3. Stay Focused
Like the disciples, you may feel uncertain about your immediate future. Whatever happens, focus on this: God loves you, and He deeply cares about what you are going through.
You are God’s child. His plan for your life is perfect. Continue to pray and believe God’s Word. Rest assured. Your future lies safely in your Heavenly Father’s hands.
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