DEAR BELOVED READERS,
From The Desk of the Editor-in-Chief
As we turn the pages of this June edition, I invite you to pause, breathe deeply, and reflect on how far God has brought you through shifting seasons, divine appointments, and even unexpected detours. This month, our theme invites us to journey deeper into spiritual resilience, emotional healing, and the power of daily trust in God.
June often marks a season of transition—whether in weather, school, work, or ministry. And with transition often comes a flood of emotions: hope, hesitation, weariness, excitement. But here’s the truth that anchors us: Our God is faithful in every feeling and present in every step.
In these pages, you’ll find testimonies of transformation, articles that confront the heart and stir the spirit, and practical insights to help you walk in alignment with God’s purpose. Our features this month are designed not just to inspire, but to equip you to trust God more deeply moment by moment, day by day.
At Transformational 4Real, we believe that transformation begins with awareness, is nurtured by truth, and is sustained by the Holy Spirit. This month’s articles, devotionals, and reflections are designed to uplift your spirit and empower you to be a vessel of love and light in someone else’s life.
Let us continue to stand in faith, advocate for others, and celebrate the beauty in every stage and season. May this May be a month of healing, honoring, and hope for you and your family.
With love and blessings,
With fierce love and unwavering faith, With gratitude and transformation in mind,
We are being resilient, intentional and coming into alignment with God’s plan for our lives in 2025.
INTERVIEW WITH deacon jason dozier
T4RM: When people see Deacon Jason Dozier serving faithfully at Bible Way Church of Sumter whether assisting in worship, supporting behind the scenes in the Tech Department, or offering encouragement to others it’s easy to assume his strength came without struggle. But behind the quiet confidence is a powerful story of survival, redemption, and transformation. In this candid interview, Deacon Dozier opens up about his childhood, the private battles that nearly ended his life, and the divine intervention that redirected his journey. His testimony is not only one of deliverance but a roadmap for others who are silently suffering in the shadows.
Tell us a bit about your early life. Where did you grow up, and what was your childhood like?
JD: Well, to be honest, I grew up in both Manning and Sumter, South Carolina. Born in Sumter, moved to Manning with my mom and brother around the age of 2, after my parents got divorced, and stayed there till I was about 9. That’s about the time I went back to live with my dad, but bounced back and forth between my mom and my dad’s houses in Sumter until I was 13. At that point, I had settled on staying with my dad.
Childhood, as you can tell a little by my first answer, was not ideal, but looking back on it, I see that it made me who I am today. I came from a broken home. Father WAS an alcoholic, Mother had her hidden issues, but even in their broken states, they raised us on manners, respect, and to be better than they were. So, if that meant they weren’t the people to be around at the time or couldn’t be who we needed them to be, they’d put us with those people. Many times, it was one of my grandmothers, uncles, aunts, or even good friends/babysitters who would do their best to keep our parents’ affairs far from our eyes, so we’d always see them in a good light. But much like any situation like that, it won’t hide for long. So, I remember my poor days/weeks/months/years. Eviction notices, lights off, borrowing water to flush the toilet, living out of a car. A ton more I could say, but overall, I’d say my childhood was interesting. Sometimes good, sometimes bad.
T4RM: What core values or experiences shaped your identity as a young man?
JD: I’d say some of my most memorable experiences weren’t good, but they made me want to be better. If I had to choose a few, I’d say, seeing my parents do wrong but drive home how badly they wanted us to be better than them shaped who I am. Two instances that I can think of are one, seeing my dad pull over a vehicle with liquor on his breath and a pint in the cupholder just to make me change my answer to his question, “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” “I wanna be just like you, Dad.” The truck pulls over and throws it into park aggressively. “Don’t be like me, son… Be better than me. Please. Be better than me.”
And two, when I see my mom call out for God’s help in a crisis, things instantly change. The most life-altering one was the time I vividly remember her calling out and simply saying, “Lord, help us” when my father came into the house drunk and shot at us while we sat in the chair. I can still remember seeing the bullet come toward us as if it were in slow motion and hearing her say it. Instantly, the bullet seemingly shifted directions and hit the wall right between our heads.
In each instance, I could see nothing but desperation to be free in their faces. Pain for not being what they wanted to be. Fear of what would happen if they didn’t become better than who they were at that time. And the words my father spoke drove me to always strive to be better. Not just better than them but better than the current me, the next time I get a shot to be.
T4RM: Was the church a major influence in your early years, or something you embraced later in life?
JD: I can’t say that it was so much the church, but more so the people who had a relationship with God. I grew up old school. Being drug to church type. So, I honestly never grew to like “church,” so to speak. It honestly made me less of a people person and not want to be at church at all. But later in life, I embraced the fact of serving God, not just when it’s easy or I want to. Thus, who I am today. Whether forced or voluntary, LOL.
T4RM: What do you do professionally, and how has your career intersected with your calling?
JD: I work at Duke Energy as a Senior Critical Infrastructure Analyst. Basically, I serve as compliance for cybersecurity assets that could be fatal to the electric grid if they were rendered inoperable.
I’d say it hasn’t been fully revealed to me how they intertwine besides being somewhat tech-savvy. Besides that, it’s been situations that I’ve been put in before getting into the field that got me an opportunity to be in this field. Such as doing ethernet cable work for people I met through spiritual contacts, helping me to build my resume, and having good responses in the interview process.
T4RM: Can you tell us about your family and the role they’ve played in your journey?
JD: For sure. My Dad, likely being the biggest influence on my life, was an alcoholic early on and was then delivered from drinking later. Afterwards, became to me one of the best fathers he could be, in that he loved God and made sure he made Him known to everyone who set foot in his house. That sticks with me to this day. He loved God and showed us that love, even when it cost him everything. I get my love for God and empathy toward others, and their hangups from him.
My Mom is for sure the most nurturing and caring person I’d ever known and likely could ever know. She has the drive to make sure things get handled no matter what. The ultimate “I’m gone make it work no matter what, because my boys, or my family, or my friend, or whoever needs it. I get my hustle, my servant attitude, and my affection for others from her hands down.
My stepmom is one of the kindest women you could meet. (unless you mess up as her spades partner, LOL) I can truly say she does her best to embrace that statement, “They’d give you the shirt off their back if you need it.” I picked that up from her and attempted to model it as best as I could.
My brother was the greatest Hero in my eyes until I was old enough to feel like I was a Hero myself. Dude protected me from everything he could. Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. He didn’t want me to ever feel pain. Looked out for me and kept me safe when no one knew I needed it.
My older sister is always the one who sticks with me. If I were being crazy, she never thought to say “hey, I’m just kin to him by marriage.” Nah, she treated me like a brother no matter what. Taught me that family means more than bloodlines.
My younger sister… Well, what can I say? She’s honestly one of the biggest reasons I keep pushing to be better. Because I know she’s coming up behind me, ready to make sure she outdoes me. And I can’t have that, Lol. If there’s any of my siblings that I’d say looks at me like competition. It’s her. So, if I truly need a push to keep going, I can count on her.
T4RM: In addition to being a Deacon, you're also active in the Tech Department at Bible Way Church of Sumter. What drew you to that ministry, and what does your role involve?
JD: Honestly, nothing drew me to it I was asked to help out one Sunday, and that one Sunday turned into years after that person left the church. Out of a servant attitude, I never stopped.
It involves everything audio/visual inside and outside of the church. Whether it’s working in tandem with others to create slides, videos, website, and app content, or giving the pastor a little more in the monitors when he steps back from the podium and stares at them as a signal to us back in the booth. All but the musicians’ instruments and the praise team's voices, I control audio-wise. And everything that’s seen visually has generally had my hands on it at some point.
T4RM: How has your work behind the scenes in tech helped you support the church’s vision?
JD: My biggest impact on supporting the church’s vision has to be getting the message out beyond the four walls of the building in ways that aren’t always common. Whether it’s reaching the artist who sees the creativity of the sermon slide and gets a word, or just the common “I don’t go to church, but I watch it online saints” who hear the word brought forth through our platforms and are blessed because of it.
T4RM: You’ve shared that you once reached a point where you considered ending your life. What were the circumstances that led you to that point?
JD: No consideration. I did it. I succeeded with my plan. Thankfully, God just had a different outcome.
At that time, it was a seemingly critical point in my life as I was looking to go to college on a football scholarship and go on to fulfill what I thought was my only purpose in life. Be the best football player to ever play the game and prove to everyone who tried to stop me wrong. It was stressful already, but what broke me was getting injured in the summer before my senior season. Seeing scouts show up and see me with a cast on, then leave. Or never hearing a word from colleges that had been talking to me weekly. When it seemed like I wouldn’t be able to fulfill the assignment, I folded. I thought to myself, “The only reason people talked to me, dealt with me, cared about me was because I play football. My calling in life was to play football. My life meant nothing if I couldn’t play football.” It was at that moment that I looked at the pill bottle, and it called out to me to end it all so I wouldn’t have to stress my dad financially to support me. Stress my mom with having to deal with a weak bum who couldn’t go to college and support her one day with NFL money. Give everyone in my life an easier ride by being one less person to take away from what they have. So, I did. Stomach got a little hot, and I took a nap. Woke up mad as I could ever be at God for not making it work like all the other “successful suicides.” “I’m so worthless that I can’t even kill myself right” is what I thought. But boy was I mistaken.
T4RM: Was it a slow buildup of internal pain, or did something specific trigger the crisis?
JD: Definitely, a slow buildup that eventually led to a more drastic measure when all my other failed attempts didn’t work out. Several attempts were made in the build stages. Driving through red lights, hoping to be crashed into. Doing donuts on a major highway, hoping to be hit. Driving 140+, wanting to lose control of the vehicle. Or even pulling a gun out and passing out from exhaustion of crying so much prior to pulling the trigger. They all just led to this final attempt that made me hear God whisper to me through the screams of failure.
T4RM: Were you able to talk to anyone about what you were experiencing, or were you suffering in silence?
JD: Able to, I’m sure. But being in the culture I grew up in, suffering in silence was expected out of a “Real Man.” And that’s exactly what I did.
T4RM: What stopped you in that moment of despair?
JD: Nothing. I was all gas, no brakes in that moment. I sometimes say I’m operating on borrowed time because my time expired when I took that nap.
T4RM: Was there a clear moment when God stepped in and changed the direction of your story?
JD: Not a clear one. It was sort of a gradual, I think. It felt like trying to turn a huge cargo ship in the ocean.
If I had to point to a spot where I gave up running from it, it would have to be after I had received the Holy Ghost. I had a moment in my one and only college football career where I, again, got injured. This time in my bedroom, all alone. Stood up after a stretch on the edge of the bed and collapsed. Couldn’t feel anything from the waist down except an excruciating pain in my lower back. And in my fear, pain, and confusion, I saw my bible crumpled behind the bed on the floor. Looked up and saw my playbook, open, on my table, as if it had been freshly printed. I remember telling God in that moment of clarity that if you give me my legs back again, I’d run for Him going forward. Instantly, I heard a snap in my back and tingling in my legs. That’s when I knew that my purpose was bigger than football.
T4RM: How did that experience change your understanding of God’s presence and purpose for your life?
JD: It shifted my mind to thinking that I was alone. Thinking that it was for my mom or my dad. In that moment, I knew His presence was for me, too. And I embraced it cautiously but fully.
T4RM: What steps did you take toward healing, both spiritually and emotionally?
JD: To be honest, I don’t really know I really just began being open to anyone who wanted to know. If the question was asked, I was open and honest about it. I stopped hiding behind the mask of “I’m a Real Man” and let the real me be exposed. Found out that I was not only a man but a man of God.
T4RM: Did you receive support from your church, family, or professionals during that time?
JD: Could have and should have, but like I mentioned, I shared as it was asked of me. Never really went out of my way to go get help unless it was just to talk to my inner circle. Some of which include church and family.
T4RM: How did your experience affect your faith and your role in ministry?
JD: My experiences in life have affected me in tons of ways. However, the main way is mindset and perspective. I now know that I’m not the broken home. Instead, I’m from a broken home and have been transformed to build. and be the head of a home.
T4RM: How did you come into your role as a Deacon, and how has your personal testimony shaped how you serve?
JD: It sort of happened in my eyes throughout my time in NC. I went to a different church and got a taste of what life was like and how the spirit moved when everyone wanted to serve another. Young to old, old to young. Black to white, white to black. No matter what the difference, everyone is coming together on one accord to serve God and one another. That mindset infected me, and it struck a chord with those who served me my whole life growing up. And I knew I wanted to serve in the Bible Way Church of Sumter. Specifically, with the youth. Then, as my serving them grew to serving everyone, I was approached by pastor and bishop, and knew before they even asked what was coming. God had already spoken to me a few nights prior and used the exact words they used in the meeting to ask me to be a Deacon. So, I knew I had to say yes.
T4RM: In your tech ministry work, how do you see God using your gifts for a greater purpose?
JD: Simply seeing folks respond to “Man, that service was good. You missed out” with “Yeah, I saw it online. I hate that I couldn’t be there.” That tells me that the message is getting out beyond the building. Or even seeing a comment from someone overseas or on the other side of the country. I know I’m not a people person who would be the best evangelist, so knowing that I can help share the word differently, and it works, lets me know that God saw my gifts and made it work for His glory.
T4RM: What message do you share with others who are silently battling depression or suicidal thoughts?
JD: Don’t hold it in. Know that your identity isn’t in what you did, what they think, or even how you feel. Your identity is in God. So, don’t let your silence speak for you. Speak up and be heard. Because it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the oil. The quiet ones don’t get any attention.
T4RM: What encouragement would you give to a young man who feels invisible, overwhelmed, or purposeless?
JD: Everyone and everything have a purpose. From a bee pollinating the flowers to a piece of paper giving you the ability to pass along a message with no technology. From the bum that stops a lost kid from being kidnapped on the street, to the President themselves. All things have a purpose. God sees you, loves you, and He cares. Open up and lean on Him, and He’ll comfort you. Whether that means finding a God fearing someone and talking to them, or if it’s sitting in empty space staring into heaven, crying your eyes out, and screaming it out to God. Open up and lean on Him.
T4RM: How can the church better support mental health and emotional transparency?
JD: Just be genuine and open about it. A lot of the past generations grew up with “What happens in this house, stays in this house” mentality. Or just being silent about things because they don’t want to be judged. By being open and real about things they’ve gone through, it will allow others to know that they’re not alone. Then, when the opportunity presents itself, be loving and understanding. Not hypocritical or judgmental. Spend time seeing yourself prior to your own transformation, and listen, then respond in love.
T4RM: What do you say to those who believe God can’t use them because of their past?
JD: Don’t you dare say you can’t be used. Even in the brokenness of my parents lives, they had us in church. In my brokenness, I helped others find Christ. Through my testimony, I’ve been able to show some of the redeeming, loving, and saving power of God. With genuine experience. And it helps me see the soul beyond the sin.
T4RM: What brings you the most joy in your life and ministry today?
JD: Nowadays, my greatest joys in life come from the simple things. Seeing how those simple things could’ve been forever shifted into extremely difficult. Sitting down and eating breakfast at Hardee's. Picking up my kids and putting them to bed. Hugging my wife. Sitting in a rocking chair and watching the sun rise. In ministry, it’s similar. Seeing teens grow up. Seeing kids light up when they see me. Hearing that they enjoy hearing the word that’s taught on Wednesdays. And my favorite, seeing any young person go up for prayer or to give their life to Christ.
T4RM: What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your family, your church, and your community?
JD: A legacy of love, wisdom, and “don’t quit” spirit. Love for God, family, friends, and anyone I come into contact with. Wisdom toward all things in life. And a spirit to never give up even when it’s easier, simpler, or even beneficial for me. If it wasn’t the right thing to do to quit, then I didn’t.
T4RM: What’s a scripture that carried you through the darkness and continues to guide you today?
JD: Jesus Wept. I look at that scripture as what I call my “Trigger Scripture.” If I ever need to give a word, I can give the fact that this life was painful enough to make Jesus Himself weep. So, yes. Things are tough. Yes, these are dark times. But weep as you walk. He wept, but it never said he stopped moving toward the goal. Keep pushing and accomplish the assignment.
T4RM: Deacon Dozier’s story reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach, even in the darkest of places. From the edge of hopelessness to a place of purpose and healing, his life is now a vessel of light and strength for others. His transparency challenges the stigma surrounding mental health in the church and offers hope to those who feel unseen and unheard. As he continues to serve in ministry and media, his life stands as a powerful testimony: God doesn’t just rescue He restores, repurposes, and equips us to transform the very spaces where we once felt lost.
The 4 Pillars of a Transformational 4Real
Lifestyle
A transformational JOURNEY TO WHOLENESS
1. REAL FAITH (SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION)
Authentic Relationship with God – Not just religious practices but a deep, personal faith in Jesus.
Daily Connection – Prayer, Bible study, and worship become a natural part of life (Matthew 6:33).
Faith in Action – Living out faith in real ways helping others, standing for truth, and trusting God in all circumstances (James 2:17).
Bold Identity in Christ – Knowing you are chosen, loved, and empowered by God (1 Peter 2:9).
2. REAL GROWTH (PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & MINDSET SHIFT)
Renewed Mindset – Thinking with confidence, wisdom, and Kingdom purpose (Romans 12:2).
Overcoming Challenges – Facing struggles with faith, resilience, and perseverance (James 1:2-4).
Discipline & Self-Control – Learning how to manage emotions, time, and resources wisely (Galatians 5:22-23).
Dreaming Big, Living Boldly – Stepping into your God-given potential with courage (Ephesians 3:20).
3. REAL RELATIONSHIPS (COMMUNITY & INFLUENCE)
Healthy Friendships & Family Bonds – Building relationships based on trust, love, and respect.
Encouraging & Lifting Others Up – Speaking life, not negativity, and being a light (Proverbs 18:21).
Living with Integrity – Being real, honest, and true to your values, even when no one is watching.
Serving & Giving Back – Helping others, mentoring younger ones, and using gifts for a greater cause (Matthew 5:16).
4. REAL IMPACT (PURPOSE & INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD)
Finding Your Purpose – Discovering and using your gifts to impact the world for good (Jeremiah 29:11).
Making a Difference – Whether through leadership, creativity, entrepreneurship, or ministry, being a change-maker.
Walking in Boldness – Not being afraid to stand out, lead, and influence culture with truth and love (2 Timothy 1:7).
Leaving a Legacy – Living a life that inspires and empowers others to rise up and live transformed.
WHAT A 4REAL LIFESTYLE LOOKS LIKE IN ACTION
✅ A person who stands up for what’s right, even when it’s hard.
✅ Someone who chooses faith over fear and pursues their dreams with courage.
✅ A person who lives with purpose whether in school, business, sports, or ministry.
✅ A friend who builds up others and helps them become their best selves.
✅ A game-changer who takes action instead of just talking about change.
inquiring minds want to know?
HOW DOES ONE NAVIGATE WITH THE HELP OF GOD THROUGH TRYING TIMES THAT ARE COMING?
CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU.” – 1 PETER 5:7
NAVIGATING TRYING TIMES WITH GOD IS A DEEPLY PERSONAL JOURNEY, BUT MANY FIND STRENGTH, PEACE, AND DIRECTION THROUGH SEVERAL TIMETESTED SPIRITUAL PRACTICES. HERE ARE KEY WAYS PEOPLE STAY ANCHORED IN GOD DURING DIFFICULT SEASONS:
1. PRAYER AND HONEST CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD
People cry out to God with raw honesty, like David in the Psalms.
Prayer becomes less about polished words and more about heartfelt connection.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
2. ANCHORING IN THE WORD
Reading Scripture reminds believers of God's promises, character, and past faithfulness.
Key passages like Psalm 91, Isaiah 43, Romans 8, and Matthew 6 offer comfort and perspective.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
3. PRACTICING FAITH OVER FEAR
Faith is a decision, not just a feeling. People choose to believe God is with them, even when circumstances say otherwise.
Declaring truth and rejecting fear helps build spiritual resilience.
4. WORSHIP AND PRAISE
Worship shifts the focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver. Many worship through music, journaling, art, or simply speaking God’s names (e.g., Jehovah Jireh, Prince of Peace).
5. COMMUNITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
God often works through people. Being surrounded by a faith-filled community brings strength, perspective, and intercession.
Testimonies of others provide hope that victory is possible.
6. FASTING AND SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
In intense seasons, believers fast to tune out distractions and heighten spiritual awareness.
This act of sacrifice invites clarity, sensitivity, and alignment with God's will.
7. TRUSTING GOD’S TIMING AND SOVEREIGNTY
People learn to rest in the truth that God sees the whole picture.
Even in pain, they trust that He works “all things together for good” (Romans 8:28).
8. JOURNALING AND REFLECTION
Writing prayers, revelations, and even frustrations helps many process pain and recognize God’s hand even in silence.
Over time, these records become testimonies of God's faithfulness.
the real deal FOR MEN
In this present world, where anxieties and stress are mounting daily, a lot of coping mechanisms are being introduced into society to allow people to, well, “cope!” Persons are finding it difficult to be able to handle the everyday hustle and bustle of life and make no mistake, I do mean every day. This is so much so that when many go to sleep at night, the issues that tomorrow may bring is very much already on their minds. With that being said, I have noticed that there is a very popular developing coping mechanism being presented and that is, the power of positive thinking.
Now, whoever came up with this concept as a marketable strategy to help others deal with whatever is before them I say, “kudos”. Seriously, having an avenue to be able to face the issues of life, is better than none. While this course of action has allowed many to be able to move ahead with varying degrees of success, the problem that is often encountered is its sustainability.
The problem arises in trying to maintain positive thinking and mindsets that have been derived from negative and toxic bases is challenging at the least and short lived at the most. This is so simply because the very base element employed to develop the mind, comes from the spirit and heart of man, and if these are imbedded in a sinful nature that is negative, how can there be positivity? This is tantamount to what the Bible speaks of in Matthew 7 of a man building his house upon the sand. The sand itself represents the base element to which the house (a solid, enduring structure) meant to last, is built upon. Despite the fact that a lot of time, effort, energy, planning, finance etc. would be put into developing the strength of the building, because the sand is subject to other, more powerful elements and factors that alter its stability, the building is doomed no matter its strength. So then, the power of positive thinking is largely dependent on the foundation on which it is built. However, if it is unaffected by the aforementioned opposing forces, then we are all good.
The Bible says in Romans 12:2 “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Philippians 2 states “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:8 also says ‘Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely and whatsoever things are of a good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, THINK on these things.” 1 John 1:5 states “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” The power of real, sustainable, positive thinking MUST lie in faith and trust in God, who is the bedrock of all that is good and pure, unaffected by negative elements.
I still personally commend any effort being implemented to assist persons who have need of it, in any area of life however, I strongly urge us to put God in it. That is the only way it would yield truly positive and long lasting results. Think about it. Shalom.
I'm able to speak to this subject as this is another job that I did!
My dad was a Gold Miner, and my brother followed in his footsteps, but I took the path of working in the corporate world. My dad wanted me to get experience, so I decided to take some time off when I was selfemployed to join them. I learned very quickly that gold extraction is not an easy job, and I know that centuries ago it was even harder, as we now use modernized equipment.
First, you need to seek out a vein (as you get versed in it, you can detect a vein quickly), but sometimes the vein you detect leads to very little gold. Sometimes you dig very deep and you get tired and leave where you have dug, and someone comes after you, digs a little deeper, and they have a great find. It's a job that can bring you good money, and then, at other times, it's a struggle for months. I started by doing what is called " porknocking. Digging pots with shovels, spades, and matox and pumping water with a pump or you have to use manual labor, by having a bucket brigade relaying buckets of water. It's not a job for the weak or faint of heart.
COLLIN ALLEYNE
Job said in Job 23:10, When he is tested, he'll come out as pure Gold. Just as we have to chip through the layers of earth to find that gold. God has to break through all the layers of gravel in our lives, He has to chip away, He has to flush out and most times dig a little deeper to get to the gold in our lives: the process will be painful to us and it's painful to Him to see us go through the trials and testing, but like David we have to go through to come through, for when the gold is found, we're happy the gold is found but then it has to go through the process of washing away all the residue of sand and gravel and wait we're not finished yet! No, we're not! It has to be refined in the fire, which brings it together, and then it goes to be made into whatever it should be, and so it goes through the fire again, and is shaped into whatever the jeweler sees will bring out the beauty of his creation. And so, we too will have to go through this said process and be shaped into what God wants us to be, and we'll be as happy as our Heavenly Father with the end product.
Malachi 3:2-3
But who can endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire or fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.
continued
This tells us that the only way we could make it when Jesus appears, we have to go through the refiners' fire, and the Word says that's the only way for us to talk and walk in righteousness.
So, how could we become the righteousness of God?
We have to go through the fire! And going through the fire calls for:
1. Purification: God will purify His people, removing impurities and imperfections.
2. Refining fire: God's presence is like a refiner's fire, testing and purifying His people.
3. Purification of worship and the way we live.
4. Spiritual purification: We can trust that God is working to purify our hearts and lives.
5. Enduring trials: We can endure trials and challenges, knowing that God is refining us.
6. Pure worship: We can strive for pure worship, offering our best to God.
We have to go through the blood of Jesus, and then allow the Word to wash away all the residues like the Fuller's soap Malachi speaks about: then, the Holy Ghost fire will refine us!
COLLIN ALLEYNE
This passage encourages us to trust in God's refining work, even when it feels challenging or uncomfortable.
Our problem is that we do not like the process. Even though we want to become what God sees fit for us to be, as we know, the end product will be the best. We do not want to go through to come through, sometimes we give up in the middle of going through, and just below that middle layer of earth is where our gold is found. So we need to pray and desire the strength and endurance to be refined and fashioned into what God wants us to be, that's the only way we'll come out as pure Gold.
Every June, we recognize Men’s Health Month a time dedicated to raising awareness about the health issues that uniquely affect men and encouraging early detection, healthy habits, and a lifestyle of strength and wellness. Men’s Health Month is not just about physical fitness; it’s a call to nurture mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being as well.
WHY MEN’S HEALTH MATTERS:
Statistics show that men are less likely than women to visit a doctor regularly, seek mental health support, or practice preventive health care. As a result, many health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, depression, and certain cancers often go undetected until they are serious.
Men’s Health Month urges all men to take proactive steps to protect their health, not only for themselves but for their families, communities, and future generations.
KEY AREAS OF FOCUS
1. PHYSICAL HEALTH
Routine Checkups: Regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, prostate health, and other vital markers can detect problems early.
Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. Strength training also helps build muscle and support joint health.
Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains fuels energy and supports heart health.
MENTAL HEALTH
Breaking the Stigma: It's crucial for men to feel empowered to seek help for mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Stress Management: Practices like prayer, meditation, hobbies, and counseling can greatly reduce chronic stress, which affects the whole body.
3. SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Faith and Purpose: Connecting with a higher purpose strengthens resilience. Scripture, community worship, and personal reflection are powerful tools for overall wellness.
Balance: True health comes when body, mind, and spirit are in harmony. Make space for spiritual renewal daily.
SIMPLE STEPS TO START TODAY
Schedule your annual physical.
Make one healthy dietary change (like cutting out sugary drinks).
Move your body for 30 minutes a day.
Reach out to a counselor, coach, or mentor if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Spend quiet time with God daily to center your mind and heart.
HONORING THE MEN IN OUR LIVES
This month, encourage the men you love to invest in their health. Sometimes, a simple invitation to walk together, attend a doctor’s appointment, or have an open conversation about stress can make all the difference.
Men’s Health Month is not just about prevention it’s about living fully, purposefully, and powerfully. Let’s celebrate and champion the wholeness and well-being of every man, today and every day.
Whether we want to believe it or not, God the One who was before time began got together with His Son and the Holy Spirit and created the heavens and the earth, the seas and all that dwelt there, along with those on the earth, including mankind, and after man sinned a plan that God had in mind was set in motion, and from then, redemption was and is the goal set by God. That has to come from a heart that's love, we fall in love, we love but He is love, whether we believe it or not.
As God throughout the ages has been wooing us back, His Word keeps telling us, we can believe it or not! It's a choice as we read Deuteronomy 30:15-20.
15 -- See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;
16 -- In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
17 -- But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;
18 -- I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.
19 -- I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 -- That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
Yes we see from the Word, whether we want to believe it or not! Life or death is a choice we make! And how do we choose life? By loving God, walking in His ways, following His commandments and laws. It's that simple! It's not complicated! It only becomes complicated when we allow the enemy of our souls to sow in our hearts, how hard it will be. It becomes complicated and hard when we want to hold on to somethings which tastes sweet in our mouths but turn out to be bitter in the end. We are not listening to what God's Word says : if we hold unto Him and listen to Him we will dwell in that land He's given us! I know you'll say Oh, this is Old Testament stuff! But let's remember, The Old Testament was a shadow of things to come! Jesus' death, burial and resurrection concealed in The Old was revealed and came to pass in The New Testament. Our life of slavery to sin, our stubbornness of holding on and looking back at the lust of the flesh we're leaving behind, the things of the world we want to follow and the idols we want to worship, God sent Jesus to lead us in the path of righteousness which will lead us to our promise land. So, whether we believe it or not! Whether we choose life or death! It won't change what God says. So, we should accept His Word and not wait until we have no choice in death to choose life. Jesus gave us a great example of this with the rich man and poor Lazarus in Abraham's blossom. The song writer said “It's your life and you can abuse it. It's your life and you can lose it.”
Heaven or Hell just as you choose it. But remember it's God's love you're throwing away.
Every June, we observe National PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising understanding about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and supporting those affected by it. While PTSD is often associated with military veterans, it can impact anyone who has experienced a traumatic event accidents, abuse, natural disasters, violence, or even the sudden loss of a loved one.
In truth, healing from trauma is a journey, and increasing awareness is the first step toward breaking the stigma and offering real hope.
WHAT IS PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms may appear shortly after trauma or even years later, and they can significantly disrupt a person's daily life.
COMMON SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
Intrusive memories or flashbacks
Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
Negative changes in thinking and mood (such as hopelessness or memory problems)
Heightened reactions like being easily startled or feeling "on edge"
PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is a natural response to experiences that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AWARENESS
Many people with PTSD suffer silently because they fear judgment, misunderstandings, or being labeled National PTSD Awareness Month helps:
Educate communities about the realities of PTSD
Promote compassion and reduce stigma
Encourage those affected to seek help without shame
Highlight treatment options like therapy, counseling, medication, and faithbased healing approaches
Understanding PTSD allows friends, families, churches, and communities to become places of refuge rather than sources of isolation.
HOPE AND HEALING ARE POSSIBLE
With proper support and treatment, people with PTSD can experience significant recovery. Healing often involves:
Professional therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or EMDR
Support groups that offer connection and shared experiences
Faith and spiritual practices that restore inner peace
Healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, sleep, and mindful living
HEALING DOES NOT ERASE THE TRAUMA BUT IT RESTORES STRENGTH, PEACE, AND A RENEWED SENSE OF PURPOSE.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Learn about PTSD and share credible resources.
Listen without judgment to those who open up about their experiences.
Advocate for better mental health services in your community.
Pray for individuals battling PTSD and their families.
Support organizations that provide PTSD education and services.
This National PTSD Awareness Month, let's stand together in compassion, education, and hope.
For the Fathers and mothers who have gone home.
If heaven had a door, if heaven had a door, and God gave me a key, there would be a great reunion between you and me. If heaven had a door, and we could be so bold, I would gladly grab your hands and we would walk the streets of gold.
If heaven had a door, and the Lord invited you in, you could happily gather at a table with family and friends.
No more grief and suffering. No more heartaches and pain. Just precious times with Jesus, over and over again.
The door would be beautiful, filled with God's glory, where you could sit at His feet, as He listens to your story.
I truly believe Heaven has a door. God opened it, Pulling you through, Where you will suffer no more.
June is observed as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the millions of individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As Christians, this month reminds us of a powerful truth: even when human memory fades, God's memory remains perfect and His love endures forever.
UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S THROUGH THE EYES OF FAITH
Alzheimer’s is a heartbreaking disease that progressively erases memories, disrupts thinking, and changes personalities. Watching a loved one lose parts of who they once were is deeply painful — yet in the eyes of God, their worth never diminishes.
SCRIPTURE REASSURES US:
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" (Isaiah 49:15, NIV)
While the mind may forget names, faces, or places, God never forgets His children. He knows each person by name and holds every one of their days in His hands (Psalm 139:16).
THE CALL TO COMPASSIONATE CARE
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s requires patience, grace, and unconditional love — qualities that reflect the very heart of Christ. In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches that when we care for "the least of these," we are caring for Him.
AS BELIEVERS, WE ARE CALLED TO:
Honor the dignity of every individual, regardless of cognitive ability. Serve with tenderness, remembering that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Extend grace, especially when communication becomes difficult. Support caregivers, who often carry unseen emotional and spiritual burdens.
Compassionate care is an act of worship a visible sign of God's invisible love.
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FAITH PRACTICES FOR BRAIN HEALTH
While we cannot fully prevent Alzheimer’s or other dementias, living a life of holistic health honors God and strengthens our ability to serve Him. Some simple ways to care for the mind and spirit include:
Meditating on Scripture daily to renew the mind (Romans 12:2)
Maintaining strong community ties through church fellowship
Engaging the mind with lifelong learning and spiritual growth
Praying for peace, which guards both heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)
These practices not only nurture cognitive health but also anchor us in God's eternal truth, even when earthly memories fail.
HOPE BEYOND THE PRESENT
For those struggling with Alzheimer’s and for their families, it's important to remember: this earthly journey is not the end of the story. In eternity, there will be no confusion, no sorrow, and no memory loss.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain." (Revelation 21:4)
In Christ, we have a sure and living hope a future where full restoration awaits.
HOW WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Pray for families affected by Alzheimer’s.
Encourage caregivers with words of hope and support. Volunteer with ministries or community organizations serving seniors.
Wear purple as a symbol of awareness and solidarity. Advocate for research and compassionate care programs within your church and community.
CLOSING PRAYER
"Heavenly Father, You are the keeper of all memories and the healer of all wounds. We lift up every person living with Alzheimer’s and every caregiver walking this journey. Surround them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Remind them daily that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, known, and loved beyond measure. Strengthen us, Lord, to be Your hands and heart of compassion in this world. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Each year, on the third Sunday in June, we pause to celebrate Father’s Day a time to honor the men who have guided, protected, and loved us. For believers, this day holds even deeper meaning, as we recognize that every earthly father is called to reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father.
Fathers are not perfect, but when they lead with love, wisdom, and strength, they give the world a glimpse of God's own tender care.
God, Our Ultimate Father
Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as a loving and faithful Father.
"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him." (Psalm 103:13)
God’s fatherhood is marked by:
Unconditional Love: He loves us at our best and at our worst.
Guidance and Discipline: He corrects us in love, shaping our character.
Provision and Protection: He meets our needs and shields us from harm.
Faithfulness: He never abandons His children.
Earthly fathers, though human and imperfect, are called to model these divine qualities in their own homes and relationships.
The High Calling of Fatherhood
Fatherhood is more than a biological role it is a spiritual calling. Fathers are charged to:
Lead their families in faith (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)
Encourage and build up their children (Ephesians 6:4)
Demonstrate humility, integrity, and perseverance
A godly father is a man who seeks God's guidance daily, knowing he cannot fulfill this role on his own strength. His life serves as a living testimony to his children and community.
EVEN WHEN YOU FEEL UNSEEN, EXHAUSTED, OR UNSURE, REMEMBER:
God sees your faithfulness.
Your investment will bear fruit in due season (Galatians 6:9).
You are shaping generations through your obedience to God.
On this Father's Day, we pray that God renews your strength, fills you with joy, and blesses the work of your hands.
HONORING FATHERS, EVEN WHEN IT’S HARD
Father’s Day can also stir complex emotions for those who have lost their fathers, have strained relationships, or have grown up without a strong father figure The good news is that God is a Father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5). His love fills every gap and heals every wound.
As a church family, we can celebrate earthly fathers while also pointing every heart toward the perfect love of God.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! MAY EVERY FATHER KNOW THAT HIS LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN AND THAT HE IS DEEPLY LOVED — BY HIS FAMILY AND BY HIS HEAVENLY FATHER.
GOD’S HEART FOR LIFE AND PEACE
From the beginning, Scripture affirms the sacredness of human life Each person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and every life is precious in His sight.
Jesus Himself spoke against violence, teaching:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)
He reminded His followers that anger and hatred in the heart are the roots of violence (Matthew 5:21–22). Christ’s example calls us to a higher standard one of forgiveness, reconciliation, and fierce protection of the vulnerable.
The Reality of Gun Violence
Gun violence devastates families and communities across the nation every day in schools, churches, neighborhoods, and homes. It leaves not only physical wounds but also deep emotional and spiritual scars.
As Christians, we cannot turn a blind eye to suffering. Scripture commands us to:
Mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15)
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8)
Pursue justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8)
Violence Awareness Month challenges us to not grow numb, but to respond with action rooted in compassion and faith.
Every June, we pause to observe Gun Violence Awareness Month — a time to honor the lives lost, stand with survivors, and renew our commitment to building safer communities. For believers, this issue goes beyond policy or politics; it touches the heart of God's command to love our neighbor, protect life, and pursue peace. In a world where violence often seems overwhelming, we are called to be peacemakers, shining the light of Christ into dark places.
HOW CHRISTIANS CAN RESPOND
1.Pray Without Ceasing
2.Pray for victims, families, first responders, lawmakers, and communities impacted by violence. Pray for healing, wisdom, and change.
3.Promote a Culture of Peace
4.Model kindness, patience, and love in daily life. Address conflict with grace rather than anger.
5.Advocate for Protection of Life
6.Support initiatives, ministries, and organizations working to reduce violence, promote mental health, and offer alternatives for at-risk individuals.
7.Care for the Wounded
8 Offer tangible support to survivors and grieving families meals, counseling referrals, financial aid, or simply a listening ear.
9.Teach the Next Generation
10.Instill values of empathy, respect, and nonviolence in children and youth, equipping them to be ambassadors of peace.
OUR HOPE IN CHRIST
In a broken world, it can feel overwhelming to face issues like gun violence. Yet we are never without hope.
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, promises a future where swords are beaten into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4), and violence is no more.
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)
We may not solve every problem overnight, but every prayer, every act of kindness, and every stand for life brings a glimpse of God's Kingdom closer to earth.
