Stronger Than the Clouds
“…and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” ~Matthew28:20(KJV)
Itwasanearlyspringmorning.Thetemperaturewasabout60degrees.Theskywasovercast withclouds.Notthebestdaytobeatthebeach.ButhereIwas,atthebeach.Mypresenceat thebeachhasbecomesomewhatofaritual,regardlessoftheseasonorweather.Itwasmy special=metobealonewithGod.Todayatthebeach,InoticedsomethingthatIusually wouldhaveoverlooked.Eventhoughtheskieswereovercast,therewasabreakintheclouds intheshapeofacircle.Withinthecircleyoucouldseetheclearblueskyandthesun.Thesun showedsobrightlythatitwasalmostblinding.However,withinafewminutesthecircle closed.
Theclearblueskywasreplacedbyclouds.Thesunthatonceshownsobrightlywashardly evenvisiblebecauseitwascoveredbytheclouds.Butwait,breakingthroughthedarknessof thecloudswereraysoflight.Thesuninallitsbrilliancestartedtoappearagainthroughthe clouds.
Eventhoughthecloudsmovedintoblockthesun,thesunnevermoved.Thesunnever changed.Eventuallythecloudshadtogivewaytothepowerofthebrightsun. Whenlife’stroublesstarttocloseinonuslikethecloudswemightquestion,“Whereisthe Son?WhereisGod?”Sometimesitgetssohardtostaystrong.Lifecanbehard,andthe cloudsoflifecanseemtoblockourhopesanddreams.Butwait,justholdon.Breaking throughthecloudsoftrouble,youeventuallystarttohavesomehope.Youonceagainstartto havesomejoy.Despitelife’sdisappointmentsyoubegintogetavisionforyourlifethatis muchclearerandstrongerthanyouevenhadbefore.Thereasonforthischangeisthat eventuallythecloudsinyourlifedomove.Andwhilethecloudsmaynotmoveaway completely,yourememberwhoyouareandwhoseyouare.Youareabelovedchildof AlmightyGod.YourememberthatyourhopeisbuiltonnothinglessthanJesus’bloodand righteousness.YourememberthatthejoyoftheLordisyourstrength.Yourememberthat youstillhavesomefightleabecausetheWordsaysthatwithoutavisionthepeopleperish–andyou,mybeloved,arestillhere.Godissteadfast,neverwavering.Hisloveforyouis strongerthanthecloudsoflife’stroubles.Takecourage!Hepromisedtobewithyou,even un=ltheendoftheworld.
Prayer: Lord, You are all powerful, magnificent and unmovable. You are there, even when I can’t see or feel Your presence. I trust You with my heart. I trust You with my life. Even though the clouds of life seem to be blocking me from any joy and happiness I know You will never change. You are stronger than any of my troubles. And because You live inside of me, I know that I can overcome any challenge. You are my strength, and You are my hope. Thank You for loving me. Thank you for never leaving me. Amen. Rev.VikkiWilliams
IN HIS WILL “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians4:13(JUB)As childrenbegintogrowanddevelop,theyarefascinatedbywhattheycando.Theyoaensay, “Look,Ididitallbymyself!”or“Icandoit;Idon’tneedhelp!”
Asadults,wesome=mesthinkthatwecanaccomplishwhateverneedstobedone,thatwecan doitbyourselves.Godisrelegatedtothebackburnerofourminds.Wetendtoforgetthatit is
Godwhoempowersuswithsuperhumanabili=estomeetthechallengesoflife.TheGood NewsisthatinunitywithChristallweneedistoaskHimtostrengthenus.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I seek Your wisdom and guidance as I navigate the challenges of life. Help me to align my will with Yours. Let Your strength conDnuously flow through me. Amen.
Rev.DorisHamilton
A Vessel of Grace: Honoring the GiL of First Lady Vera Riddick
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Charm is decepDve, and beauty is fleeDng; but a woman who fears the lord is to be praised.” ~Proverbs31:28–30(NIV)
Howdoyouexpressgratitudeforawomanwhogivesfarbeyondwhatwordscancapture— offeringunwaveringsupport,heartfeltguidance,andunconditionallove?YouthankGodfor herveryexistence,forthelightsheshines,andfortheimpactshehasmade.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the divine gift that is First Lady Vera Riddick. Thank You for allowing me to witness her walk in strength, wisdom, and grace. I have seen her excel in her professional career, lead her family with love, and pour into the lives of women in ministry with paDence, care, and spiritual authority.
Lord, I ask that You replenish her. May every seed she has sown in faith, love, and service return to her in abundance. Wrap her in Your peace when the days are long. Cover her with Your joy when the weight feels heavy. Strengthen her body, uplift her spirit, and continue to anoint her voice as she speaks life into others.
Grant her rest in Your presence, clarity in her journey, and favor that surrounds her and all Dmes. Let her know that her labor is not in vain and that the legacy she is building is eternal. We honor You for placing such a powerful vessel in our lives. And we honor her for saying yes to Your call. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
SisterGhenaFoster
A Forty-Year Journey: A Pastor’s Wife’s Story
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged”
~Deuteronomy31:8(NIV)
Thejourneybeginswithaleapoffaith.Asayoungbride,thepastor'swifeembarksonan adventurefilledwithhopes,dreams,andanunshakablebeliefinherhusband'scalling.The earlyyearsareoaenmarkedbytransi=onandadjustment,asthecouplenavigatesthe challengesofministrytogether.Whetheritismovingtoanewtownoradap=ngtothe demandsofpastorallife,theseyearsarefounda=onalinshapingherrole.
Astheyearsprogress,thepastor'swife'sroledeepensandexpands.Shebecomesabeaconof supportnotonlyforherhusbandbutalsoforthecongrega=on.Herdaysarefilledwithacts of service—organizingchurchevents,leadingwomen'sgroups,andbeingalisteningearfor those inneed.Theseyearsarecharacterizedbygrowth,bothpersonallyandspiritually,asshelearns tobalancethemyriadresponsibili=esthatcomewithherrole.
Asfourdecadescometoaclose,thepastor'swifereflectsonajourneyrichwithmemories and lessonslearned.Theselateryearsaremarkedbyasenseoflegacy—seeingthelivestouched andtheseedsoffaithsownthroughoutherministry.Shebecomesamentortoyounger women,sharingthewisdomshehasaccumulatedovertheyears.Herjourneyisatestament to God'sfaithfulnessandtheenduringpowerofaservant.
InourFirstLady’swords:Asachurchfamilyweareapartofboththeimmediateand extended familyofGod.Theextension,however,doesnotstopwithintheboundariesofthechurch wall. Wemustreachouttothoseoutside.
AschildrenofthesameFather,believershaveacommonoriginandcommoniden=tythatis sharedwithoneanother.Thatcommoniden=tyis“toberootedandestablishedinlove”so thatwewhoareapartofGod'sfamilymaygrowtogetherinexperiencingtheloveofJesus and tobefilledtothemeasureofallthefullnessofGod.
Letusstrivetocon=nuethestrongfamilybondthatGodhasgivenus.Letusstriveeven more tostrengthenthebondwiththosewhoareyettobeadoptedintothefamilyofGod. Remember:”Afamilythatpraystogether,staystogether.”(PatrickPeyton,CSC).
ThisiswhatwaspennedbyourveryownMrs.VeraRiddickasayoungwomanofGod.
journey,letusdrawinspira=onandencouragement,knowingthatwithGod'sstrength,we toocanwalkthepathsetbeforeuswithgraceandperseverance.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the example of the pastor's wife who has dedicated her life to serving You and others. May her story inspire us to live with the same devoDon and faithfulness. Guide us in our own journeys, and may we always seek to glorify You in all that we do. Amen.
DeaconessMelvinaSheppard
Encouraging Women
“She opened her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” ~Proverbs31:26(KJV)
MySisters!
Youknow,womenwereoneofGod'smagnificentcrea=ons.Actually,"woman"wasthelast of humanitycreatedbyGod!
Godhonored“woman”topossesssevenvirtues:dignity,pa=ence,diligence,generosity, courage,wisdom,anddevo=on.Eachvirtueissymbolicallydesignedtoexhibitthecrea=on of life–whichcomesfromawoman’sessence.SheisfashionedinGod'sownimage,uniquely imbuedwithaheartofcompassionandmirroredintheCreator'sownboundlesslove. Through herflowsapar=cularstreamofdivinecare,nurturinglifeandembodyingthetendernesswith whichGoda@endstoHiscrea=on.Shestandsasatestament,inhumanform. HerbeliefinwhoGodsayssheisstandsunwaveringintheFather’sword–clothedinHis love andgrace.Sheunderstandsthatthereare=mesthatstormsareinevitable,butsheremains steadfastsinceGodisherguide.Shewascreatedwitheachneededvirtue,forProverbs31:17 says, "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” Andthis"woman" withfor=tudeseekscomfortinthepeaceofGodfor “she speaks with wisdom and faithful instrucDon on her tongue.” Proverbs31:26(NIV)
Prayer: God! our Heavenly Father, thank You for the virtues of a ChrisDan life. One that is mindful and intenDonal of caring and loving. I ask that this be the way in which we always live. I know we are not exempt from troubles or difficulDes but help us upliG one another when we are in the midst of challenging Dmes. And help us to honestly celebrate and share with our sisters in Dmes of joy! Father, thank You, for this beauDful Sisterhood of Women. Amen
SisterFeleciaJ.DeBrew
Beauty
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” ~Ephesians2:10(NLT)
Itissaidthat“Beautyisintheeyesofthebeholder.”AsChris=ans,weareblessedthatbeauty isinthehandsoftheCreator.For40years,LadyVerahasexudedGod’sgraceandbeauty.She hasdonethegoodthingsHeplannedforhertodo.SheisGod’smasterpiece.Hisbeauty residesinandflowsfromher.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the giG, the masterpiece named Vera Riddick that You provided to us. Allow us to demonstrate true beauty as it has been shown to us for these 40 years. Beauty in our thoughts, beauty in our acDons, beauty in our kindness towards one another, beauty in our words with one another. Help us Lord to do those good things You created us to do. Help us to feel your beauty within us and reflect it in all that we do. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
SisterDarleneMormon
My Thank You
~Philippians4:1113
Beingapastor’swifeisdemanding,andyetyou,LadyRiddick,havetouchedsomanylives insuchaposi=veway.Thankyou!IpraythatGodwillcon=nuegivingyoupeace,love, joy,strength,andcontentment.Iprayyouwillhavemanymoreyearslikenothingyou haveeverhadorseenbefore.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Vera Riddick, and all she is in Christ. ConDnue keeping and blessing her. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
MotherRuthFrancis
Keep Going!
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~Isaiah41:10
I’vehadmanydiagnosesinmylife=me.Surgerywasrequiredforsome,andthenGod miraculouslyhealedmewhilelyingontheopera=ngtable.Eachexperiencemademe stronger tohandlemynextchallenge.Mymostrecentchallengewasmyba@lewithkidneyfailure.
Over
4½yearsofdialysis,Ihadsomeveryroughdays.ButGodremindedmeofhowHecarried me throughandbroughtmeoutofalltheotherdiagnoses.HereIamtoday,tenmonthspostkidneytransplantandyetagain,Godgavemethestrengthandabilitytoovercomethe challengesIfaced.
WomenofGod,knowthatyouarecapable,resilient,andvalued.Believeinyourstrength and abilitytoovercomechallenges.Youmaybefacingsometoughhurdles.Butdoyou remember allthe=mesyou’veovercomeobstaclesinthepast?Godhasgivenyoutheabilitytofind strengthwithinyourself.AndHewillhelpyoutonavigatethesechallengeswiththesame resilienceanddetermina=onasthepastones.You’vecomeoutstrongereach=me.Keep going,yougotthis!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the ability to find and see the strength You’ve given us that’s right inside of us. Thank You for those You place in our lives, like Leading Lady Riddick, who encourages us to keep going and to trust in You. Please help us to remember all the challenges, hurdles, and obstacles You’ve brought us through that made us stronger. Please don’t let us waver, but instead, help us to keep on going and to encourage others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
MichelleJones
A LifeFme of Service
“And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fasDngs and prayers night and day.” ~Luke2:37
LadyRiddickhasservedthecongrega=onforover40years.Onewaythatshehasdonesois throughprayer.LiketheprophetessAnna,shehasservedGodandhercongrega=on through prayer,nightandday.Womeneverywhereshouldknowprayerisonewaytheycanserve God.
Knowthattheministryofprayerisalwaysopentoyou.Historically,ithasbeenawoman’s ministrytoprayforherfamilyandothers.Prayingonbehalfofothersisanopportunityfor a life=meofservicetoGod.Thankyou,LadyRiddick,for40yearsofhearteltandupliaing prayers.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Lady Riddick and all women who serve You and the congregaDon through prayer. Thank You for hearing their prayers. Bless them and keep them as they conDnue to serve You, Your people and families everywhere. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
SisterMonaAlstonRiddick
A Virtuous Woman
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” ~Proverbs31:10 WhenIlookatLeadingLadyVeraRiddick,Iseeamodelofthevirtuouswoman men=onedin Proverbs31:10-31.LeadingLadyRiddickis:
• Awomanwithaplan….She’supbeforedawn,preparingbreakfastforherfamilyand organizingherday.Awomanwhovaluesmarriage-herhusbandhasfullconfidence in herandlacksnothingofvalue.
• • • • • Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving us an example of a virtuous woman through Your Word. In Your wisdom, You’ve already laid out what she looks like and who she is. Mostly though, thank You for allowing us to see that being a “Proverbs 31 woman” isn’t about our deeds, but it is about our character. In Jesus’ name, Amen. LindaP.Travis
Awomanwillingtoworkandprovide…Firstthinginthemorning,shedressesfor work, rollsuphersleeves,andiseagertogetstarted.
Awomanofstrength,dignityandjoy…Sheisclothedwithstrengthanddignity;she can laughatthedaystocome.
Awomanofgraceandclass….Shespeakswithwisdomandfaithfulinstruc=onison her tongue.
AwomanwhoMothers…Herchildrenariseandcallherblessed;herhusbandalso, and hepraisesher.
AwomanwhofearstheLord!...Charmisdecep=ve,andbeautyisflee=ng;buta woman whofearstheLordistobepraised.
Held in His Hands: The Keeping Power of God
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah41:10
ThisverseisapowerfulpromisefromGodtoHispeople,offeringreassuranceinthefaceof fear anduncertainty.ItrevealsGod'scharacterasalovingandfaithfulprotectorwhoispresentin everysitua=on.Henotonlycommandsustoletgooffearbutalsoprovidesthereasonwhy
we
can:Heiswithus,HeisourGod,andHewillstrengthen,help,andupholdus.Thisverse invites ustotrustinGod'sabilitytosustainusthroughlife’schallengesandremindsusthatweare neveroutsidethereachofHiscare.
Lifeoaenbringsmomentsthatleaveusfeelingweakoroverwhelmed—=meswhenfear seems louderthanfaith.YetIsaiah41:10remindsusthatwearenotleatofacethesemomentsalone. God’spromisetostrengthenandupholdusmeansthatHispowerbecomesoursupportwhen wefeelpowerless.TheimageofbeingupheldbyHis"righteousrighthand"speakstoHis unshakablegriponourlives.HisrighteousnessensuresthatHishelpisalwaysgood,just,and perfect.Whenwerestinthistruth,wecanwalkthroughtrialswithconfidence,knowingthat theOnewhoholdstheUniversealsoholdsussecurelyinHishands.
Thispromisealsocallsustorespondnotonlywithtrustbutsurrender,too.Fearmaytemptus tofocusonwhatcouldgowrong,butGodinvitesustofocusonHiminstead.Isaiah41:10is a reminderthatnoma@erwhatweface—whetherit’suncertaintyaboutthefuture,personal struggles,orexternalchallenges—God’skeepingpowerissufficient.Heisfaithfultohelpand sustainuseverystepoftheway.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of Your presence and strength. When fear threatens my heart, remind me that You are near. Help me to trust in Your righteous right hand that upholds me. Give me courage to face each day with confidence in Your power. Teach me to rest in Your faithfulness and not my own strength. May Your peace fill my heart as I walk closely with You. I pray that anyone reading this devoDonal will also experience Your keeping power in a new and profound way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
LadyDanielleSmith
Stretch to Strengthen
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~Philippians4:13Wearetaughttoplan andprepareforwhatwewant.However,wecannotan=cipatealloflife’s twistsandturns.It’showwerespondtothetwistsandturnsthatmakethedifference. WhenIcametotheHamptonRoadsarea31yearsago,Ionlyknewmynewhusband.
Despite havingasciencedegree,itwasverydifficulttofindajob.Myworkhistoryincludedresearch andworkingwithchildren’schoirs.IamforeverthankfulthatLeadingLadyRiddickhelped me
securemyfirstrealjobinVirginia.Itwasafast-paced“getinwhereyoufitin”posi=oninthe businessarenathatprovidedinvaluabletrainingforlife.BecauseIhad no businessexperience, I ini=allyfeltill-equipped,overwhelmed,andlikeafishoutofwater.However,withmuch prayer, agratefulheart,anopenmind,hardwork,andexcellenttraining,Godusedthisexperienceto cul=vateleadership,customerservice,problemsolving,communica=on,andeventplanning skills.AsIwasstretched,thesenewskillsdevelopedandmyfaithandconfidenceinGodwas for=fied.
Approximatelytwoyearslater,IacceptedGod’schallengeandmovedtothenextlevelofmy career.Withinathree-weekperiod,Iwentfromanofficejobtoteachinginascience classroom –withzeroclassroomteachingexperience!This=me,IknewthatwithGod’shelpandhard work,IwouldbesuccessfulatwhateverGoddirectedmetodo.
So,thenext=melifetakesastrangeturn,andyouarebeingstretchedtodothingsoutsideof yourcomfortzone(likewri=ngadevo=onal ��),prayandallowGodtousetheexperience, and you,forHisglory.ThemorewedependonGod,thebe@erwegettoknowHim,andthe more
Hisstrengthismadeperfectinourweaknesses.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the giGs, talents, and skills You have given us to help Your church, the world, and to bring You glory. Thank you for God-sized assignments and leaders, like the Riddick family, that stretch us to strengthen us. During the stretching, help everyone to pray and remember: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In Jesus’ name, Amen. Jenee’Coxon-Jackson
Be SFll
“Be sDll, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the naDons, I will be exalted in the earth!” ~Psalm46:10(KJV)
Formanyofus,beings=llisaveryhardandfrustra=ngthingtodo.Itmeanswewillhaveto giveupthe(li@le)powerwethinkwehaveandbesilent.Itmeanswehavetolistento someoneelseandchoosetofollowtheiridea,planorway.Tobes=llinGodmeanstocease strivingandrestinknowingthatGodisGod.Hepromisestoneverleaveusorforsakeus. Thereisasurrenderandtrustthattakesplaceinourheartandourspiritwhenwechooseto be s=ll.
Inthisseasonofglobalchaos,cruelty,andu@erconfusionineveryareaofhumanlife;God’s sDll
small voice iscallingHischildrentocomeuntoHimandfearnot.TheWordsaysdeepcalls unto deep.Adeepneedcallsforadeepremedy...ourremedyistobes=llandknowthatGodisour Savior.GodisourProvider.GodisourHelper.Inours=llness,weareacknowledgingGod’s sovereigntyandseekingHisguidancethroughprayer,scripture,andreflec=on,ratherthan relyingonourownanxie=esorsolu=ons. “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be s;ll.” Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord God, create a sDll quiet, trusDng spirit in me. Keep me calm in crisis, peaceful in uncertainty and strengthen me when troubles come. Show me Your will so I can walk in it.
Father, grant me a deeper relaDonship and greater faith in You. In Jesus’ mighty and magnificent name, I pray, Amen.
MotherRachelAugburn
The Precious GiL of Encouragement
“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called, Today.” ~Hebrews3:13
Inthebiblicalcontext,thewordencouragementmeanstoinspireupliaandstrengthen someone.Weallowourconversa=onstobeposi=ve.Westrivetoaffirmothers.Westriveto offertheyoung,andtheaged,hopethatwillencouragetheirfaith,sothattheywon'tgiveup, butpersevereandmoveforward,standingonthepromisesofGod.
Duringthisseason,whenman'sinhumanitytomanisonfulldisplay,andevilispresenton every hand,thereisahighdemandandneedforthegiaofencouragement.A=melyword,aphone call,avisit,aneedmet,oraprayerprayedcanelevateandstrengthenthosewhomaybe feeling hopelessandhelpless.
Ileaveyou,Encouragers,withthewordsofthesong,“BeBlessed,”byPaulSMorton,“Letme encourageyou,letmespeaklifetoyou.YoucandependonGodtoseeyouthrough.Youcan dependonmetoprayforyou!”
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father God, thank You so very much for being our Encourager, our High Priest, the Bishop of our souls, and the One that we can depend on. Please help us to encourage each other daily. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
DeaconessPeggySylver
Love in AcFon
“My lifle children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” ~1John3:18(KJV)
Theidiom,“Showme,I’mfromMissouri”reflectsskep=cism.Thewords,“Iloveyou”are frequentlyexpressedfromthetonguebymany.Thatisokay.However,some=mesyouhave to actuponthosewords—notjustforabirthday,anniversary,Christmas,oranyotherholiday.It onlytakessmallactsofkindnesstoletothersknowtheyareloved.
Iamnotabiologicalmother,butIhavebeenblessedwithseveraldaughters-in-loveanda few veryspecialfriends.Whentalkingtooneofmydaughters-in-lovewhodoesnotliveinthe area,
IsharedthatIneededtoorderspecialfoodformypuppy,Mia,butIwasveryhesitantabout onlineordering.Sheimmediatelytoldmeshewouldorderit.Shedidthenandcon=nues placingthoseonlineordersforme.Ofcourse,sheisrefunded.
Ladies,beencouragedknowingthatyouareshownlovethroughothers’ac=ons.Reflecton and rememberthis,eveniflovethroughac=onisn’talwaysapparent.Rememberthateveryverbal “Iloveyou”doesnotneedtobebackedbyac=onbuttruth.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for always being present in our lives and allowing us to come to You at any Dme. We make mistakes but ask for Your forgiveness as we strive to not make the same mistakes again. Help us to demonstrate Your love not just in word but in deed and truth. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
GloriaYoung-Mathis
You Are Enough
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” ~Romans8:37
WearewhoGodsaysweare.AndwecandowhateverGodequips,anoints,andappointsus todo.Weareenough.
Wearefearfullyandwonderfullymade.God’sthoughtstowardsusareimmeasurableandare ohsoprecious.HeistheOnewhobeganagoodworkinus,andHewillcon=nuedoingso un=l Jesusreturns.AllHedoesisgood.Itisfruitul.Itisenough.
So,mysisters,wherevertheLordhasyou,whateverHehascalledyoutodo,orwhatever stage oflifeyoumaybein,remember:
• Youaregood enough!
•Youarestrongandcourageousenough!(Nomatterthetrials,ailments,ormedical diagnoses,youaremorethanacourageous conqueror!)
•
•Youarefruitulenough!(Remember,notallseedsthatfallongoodground(you!)will produceahundredfoldreturn–someofyouwillproduce30,some60,andsomea 100foldharvest.)
•Youcangetthathardjobdoneorgetthroughapainfullydifficultseason!
Youdobelong!
•WithGodforyou,nothingandnoonecanprevailagainstyoubecause...youare more than enough!
Sisters,resolvewithinyourheartsandmindsthatyouarewhoGodsaysyouare,andthat you candowhatHesaysyoucando.Knowthat, in Him,youaremorethanenough!
Lady Riddick, thankyouforencouragingustobestrongwomenoffaith,trus=ngGod rather thancircumstancesormen.Iamhonoredyouallowedmetobeanintegralpartofyour journeythesepast40years.AndIamprivilegedthatyouhavebeensuchanimportantpart of mine.Withloveandapprecia=on,thankyou.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ name, thank You for reminding us that, in You, we are more than enough. Help us to surrender our wills to Yours. Help us to trust and obey You. Thank you for being our Hope, our Help, and our Strength. Amen.
DeaconessDeidraL.Bethea
The Diamond Can’t Stay in the Rough for Too Long ~Proverbs31:10
(KJV)
Tomy.Beau=fulLeadingladyandFirstChurchMother,Happyblessed40thAnniversary!Itis suchanhonorandprivilegetoofferashortreflec=onand prayer.
IstartedmyjourneyatGethsemaneat3509ChestnutinJanuaryof1993.Iwas15yearsold.I immediatelyjoinedthepraisedancersandthat’swhenIwasblessedtobeabletobeinyour presence.Youalwayspushedmetodomybest.Youchallengedmeandmademethinkabout things.Youremindedmetoalwaysbegrateful.AsIgrewinthechurch,Igrewupwatching you,aswell.Ilovedhowyoualwaysstayedhumbleandgraceful.MayaAngelousaysitbest whenshesays,"AWomaninharmonywithherSpiritislikeariverflowing.Shegoeswhere she willwithoutpretenseandarrivesatherdes=na=onpreparedtobeherselfandherselfonly.”
WhenI'minyourpresence,Istandinaweofjusthowstrongandawesomeyouare.Iknow in your40-yearjourneythingshavenotalwaysbeeneasy,butIwouldneverknowhowhardit may havebeenbecauseyoualwaysremainedMaVera!Youhavealwaysremainedhumble, grateful, prayerful,andSpirit-filled.Oneofthebiggestchallengeswithlivinginthisworldisdoingso withoutconformingtoit.Andyou,myleadinglady,arenotconformingtotheworld.You con=nuetowalkintheLight,thebeau=fulLight.YouareabletodiscernHiswillandbea shininglightforHim. “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instrucDons of the Lord.” Psalm119:1(NLT)
Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” (Reinhold Niebuhr). Help us to live one day at a Dme, to enjoy one moment at a Dme, to accept hardship as a pathway to peace. And, as Jesus did, take this sinful world as it is and not as we would have it to be. Help us trust that You will make all things right if we surrender to Your will; so that we may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You in the next. Amen.
JamekaFields
The Honor Is All Mine
"Just as the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many." ~Ma@hew20:28
LadyRiddick,ithasbeenanhonortobeincloseproximitytoyourpoise,grace,and dedica=on tothisministryandyouranswertoGod’scall.Itisincredibletowatchhowyouhave con=nuouslyimpactedsomanylives.Thankyouforshowcasinglove,strength,wisdom,hard workandservingalongsideus.
TherehavebeenseverallessonsI'velearnedfromyou,butyourstanceoncommi@edservice in
ministryistheac=onablelegacythatwillforeverstandout.Yoursmileallowseveryoneinthe congrega=ontofeellovedandcaredfor.Thankyouforleadingwithcompassionand empathy.
Youaremorethanyour=tles;youarethefullembodimentoftrueministry.Duringyour anniversary,Ihopeyouareencouraged,inspired,andequippedforthenewassignmentsthat youandyourfamilyhavebeendivinelyalignedandperfectedfor.Mostofall,Ihopethatyou areremindedofhowmuchyouareloved.Wehonoreverytearandprayeryouhavepoured intothisministrythroughouttheyears,andwearethebe@erforyourfaithandleadership. The wayyouhavedeliberatelydemonstratedtheloveofJesusChristtoeachofusandourfamilies is
unmatched.MayGodblessyouabundantlyandrewardyouopenlyforseekingHim fervently.
Prayer: Thank you, Compassionate Father, for allowing Your glory to shine brightly in and through Lady Vera Riddick's life. Surround and saDsfy her with Your remarkable overflow. Divinely invigorate and energize her, give her new strength, new fullness of joy, peace, and uphold her on every side from today on. Thank You for allowing her to enjoy the harvest she has Drelessly sowed. Redeem the Dme for rest, relaxaDon, renewing and refueling. Allow her to see and experience the indelible impact she has made on so many lives and communiDes. Let incredible health, long life, wisdom, hope, and joy be her triple porDon forever. In Jesus' matchless name we pray, Amen.
SisterTa=anaR.Johnson
Women of Grace
“A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.” - Proverbs 11:16 (NIV)
Inthisverse,weseeapowerfultruthaboutthevalueofgraceandcharacterovermaterial wealth.Agraciouswomanisnotdefinedbyherpossessionsorsocialstatus,butbyher kindness,integrity,andtherespectsheearnsfromothers.Thisscriptureencourageswomen to embracetheiruniquestrengthsandtocul=vateaspiritofgraceinallaspectsoflife. Aswomen,weoaenjugglemul=pleroles—caregivers,professionals,friends,andmentors.In thehustleofdailylife,it’svitaltorememberthatourtrueworthcomesfromourcharacterand howwetreatthosearoundus.Embracinggraceallowsustoinfluenceourenvironment posi=velyandtoshineourlightintheworld.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the giG of being a woman and for the unique strengths You have given us. Help us to embody grace in our acDons, words, and thoughts. May we seek to gain respect through our kindness and integrity above pursuing wealth and status. Guide us in our relaDonships, and let our lives reflect Your love and compassion. As we navigate our daily challenges, remind us to liG each other up and to support one another as sisters in Christ. Let our graciousness be a testament to Your presence in our lives. We trust in Your wisdom and guidance as we seek to honor You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
SisterAmiJ.Berry
The LORD says, “Ask Me!”
“Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don't know and can't find out.” ~Jeremiah33:3(CEV)
Inlifetherewillalwaysbecircumstancesthatleaveusbewildered,stunned,confused,andat =mesbadlyhurt.Wewillwonder,“OLord, what onearthis this!?Inthose=mes,thedefault sayingsthatanchormysoulare,“Godknows,”or“God,Youknow!”
Duringsuch=mesandseasons,theHolySpiritremindsmethatallwehavetodois simply ask the Father ...forhelp,wisdom,strength,peace,comfort,healing,finances,orwhateverthe needordesiremaybe.NothingtakestheLordbysurprise.Heknowsjustwhereweareand He isrightinthemidstwithus–workingthingsoutforourgood,beingourstrongDefender, Refuge,Hope,andHelp.AllwehavetodoistrustHimenoughto ask Him.
Prayer: Father God, in the precious name of Your Son Jesus, thank You for hearing and answering the cries of our hearts. Thank You for encouraging and strengthening us as we encourage each other on our respecDve journeys. Amen and bless the living God!
Min.OleathaEvere@Bethea
Sisters Covering For Each Other Along Life’s Highway
“Be devoted to another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” ~Proverbs12:10(NIV)
Caringforandlovingothersisgoodforusaswegoalonglife’shighway.However,ithelps to take=metodoit.ItisagoodthingwhenGodgivesusthestrengthanddesiretodoit because itisnotalwayseasytocareforothers.Noneofusareperfect,soweneedtofollowGod’s guidanceforthepeace,loveandgracetoreachoutandcareforothers.Remember,Godis alwayswithus.Othersalsohelpcareforusaswegoalonglife’shighway.Reciprocallove and caringhelpsmoothsthebumpsasweinteractwithothersistersonourspiritualwalk.Thank Godforhiscare.
Prayer: Heavenly father, we liG You and praise Your holy, mighty and precious name. We thank You for Your love, and for caring for us. You sDck by us when we do right and in our Dmes of weakness. Thank You for giving us the desire to care for others as they care or us. Your communicaDon with us an Your care help make Your divine purpose for us clear as we conDnue on life’s highway. Please help us remember that You are inside of us making care easier to extend because what we do is more important than what we say. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Rev.CarolPowell
God’s Got It
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvaDon; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” ~Psalm62:5-6(NIV)
Lifecanbeverychallenging.Aswomenwearefaceddailywithunexpectedobstaclesand disrup=onsthatjustappearfromnowhere.Unexpectedhealthdiagnosis,familyissues, financialandeconomicinstability,jobuncertain=es,deathoflovedonesandtheunjustissues ofourcountry.Theenemysneaksintostealourjoy,peaceandwantsustoturnawayfrom God.Noma@erwhattheenemyputsbeforeus,wehavetoBELIEVEandputALLourtrust in theOnewhoknowseverythingwearegoingthrough.God’swordpromisesnevertoleaveus or forsakeus.HeistheOnewhowillheal,comfort,empower,strengthen,protect,deliver, provide,encourageandsustainusnoma@erwhatwearegoingthrough.Godwantsusto never giveupourhope,trust,faithinhim,rememberingthatHeisworkingeverythingoutforour good.Hedesiresusto“bes=ll”andfocusonHiminallsitua=ons.StandfirmonGod’sword andpromises.OurhopeisintheOnewhoforgivesandlovesusuncondi=onally.Letgoof the worryandlistentohearGod’svoice.Remember:God’sGotIt!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for Your never-ending love for us. You are such a kind, compassionate and forgiving Father who is always working on our behalf. You know everything we have gone through and will go through. Our trust, hope and belief is in You, that You are working everything out for our good. Help us to trust You completely for every aspect of our lives and release everything to You. Increase our faith so that we will praise, honor and worship You to live a life full of your joy and peace. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen. DeaconessCharleneSavage
Filling the EmpFness
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” ~Romans5:5
TheloveofGodfillstheemp=nesswithinourheartsthroughhisgraceandmercythathe sends everyday. Whenyouarefeelingempty,looktotheLordtofillyou.Psalm139:14declaresGod’slove for uswhenhecreatedman.HisWordsaysthatweshouldpraiseHimforhowHemadeus. "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." GodwillneverletyoudownnorwillHeleaveyoualonetosufferinpain.HesendsHis lovethroughasimplesmile,achild’slaughter,orthesmellofcoffeeinthemorning.
Prayer: Dear God, a part of me feels missing. There is a hole somewhere that I am asking You to fill. I know that You created me in Your image so there is I am strong, smart, powerful and whole. Lead me down the right path so I can understand where this yearning for compleDon comes from, please. I thank You for my body, spirt, and mind. I praise You for having the Dme to hear my plea. Amen. ~PrayerbyAarianaTheodore
DeaconessDeborahTheodore
Prepared for the Work
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." ~Ephesians2:10
DearestLadyVera,
Youareawomanofmoralexcellence.Youpossessquali=eslikewisdom,dependability, trustworthiness,compassion,love,andfaithfulness.Youhavebeenchosenforsucha=meas thistobehonoredforyourfaithfulserviceintheministry.Yourauthen=cityistrulya blessing totheministryandtothekingdomofGod.Yes,youareindeedaProverbs31woman,who exhibitsstrength,character,whogoesbeyondtradi=onalno=onsofbeautyorsocialstatus. Yourheartisevidentineveryproject,endeavor,andini=a=veyouundertake.Thegenerosity, faith,andstrengthyouhaveexhibitedovertheyearshavebeenparamounttomyfamily. Thank youforalwaysdisplayingdiligenceandnevergivingup.Ithasbeenahugeinspira=ontous all.
Thankyouforkeepingthefaithandencouragingustokeeponbelieving.HappyAnniversary to youandBishop!!Here'stomanymoreyearsoffavor,blessings,andseeingwithyourown eyes miracles,signs,wondersandansweredprayers.Oneofmyfondestreflec=onsofyou,ishow youremindusofhowspecialweareinChristJesus.
Prayer: I pray that every prayer you send up evolves and unfolds into the manifestaDon of exactly what the kingdom needs. Thank You God, for giving us clear vision, creaDvity, focus, and thank You in advance for finishing what You have started. Thank You for the love that You pour into us, Lady Vera, and her family. You have anointed her and her family to be a magnificent blessing to the body of Christ. Thank You for the victorious tesDmonies that are coming to fruiDon for her and her family. Bless her and her family, indeed. Jesus, we bless You and we humbly thank You for the power of prayer and we thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. It is in the mighty name of Jesus that we pray. Amen and thank God.
MarleneJohnson
Don’t Quit
“And take on the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, TO STAND.” ~Ephesians 6:13
Idon’tknowwhothisisfor…..maybeforsomeonewhoisabouttoleavetheirmarriage.Or it’s forsomeonewhoisabouttowalkawayfromtheirjob.Oritcouldbethatyouhavegivenup on yourselforlifeandreasonedthat,“thisisjusthowlifeissupposedtobeforme.”Youshould neverwalkawayfromsomethingun=lGodreleasesyoufromit.Ifyouwalkawaytooearly, you areBOUNDtorepeatthesamesitua=onagain.Thereisalessoninthewai=ng,inthe struggle, andinthefrustra=on.Iftherewasn’talesson,Heneverwouldhaveallowedyoutogo through it.Justdon’tquit.Iknowit’shard.Iknowyou’re=red.Iknowyou’veprayedaboutitand nothinghashappenedyet.Iknowyoumaybewondering,“HowmuchmoreofthiscanI take?”
Youcanhandleit!Justdon’tquit.Keepfindingwaystomoveforward,evenifthestepsare small.
Prayer: Father, I pray in the name of Jesus for the reader of this message. I pray that if they are in a difficult situaDon, that You give them the STRENGTH, COURAGE AND FAITH to stand unDl their change comes. Thank You, God, for being our Guide, Comforter, Way Maker and Friend. I intercede for the reader, God, that You open the door to their blessing…WHEN YOU’RE READY. UnDl then God, give them PATIENCE, ENDURANCE AND PERSERVANCE to declare Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen. ShelliGillis
A Modern Day
Priscilla
“And further submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.” ~ Ephesians 5:21-24( NLT)
Give my greeDngs to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus.
~ Romans16:3
PaulspeaksofPriscillaandherhusbandAquilasix=mesintheNewTestament.Herefersto themasco-workers,tentmakers,adaptable,teachers,andcommi@edtotheGospel.Their marriageexemplifiedastrongunifiedpartnershipinservingGod.Theybothbelievedin God’s
Word.However,therearenoreferencestoPriscillatryingtocompetewithherhusbandor beingjealousofhimevenwhenhernamewasmen=onedfirstinthescriptures(thiswasrare in Biblical=mes).Shecomplementedandpartneredwithhimineachofthesixsitua=ons men=onedintheBible.
Thesea@ributesarewhatIadmireaboutourFirstLady.Asbeau=fulandtalentedasVera Riddickis,herposi=onhasbeentorespect,exhort,andsupportherhusbandasheendeavors tofollowChrist.However,hergreatestposi=onhasbeen,ands=llis,abelieverofGod’s Word.
OnewholovesGodandGod’speople.
Prayer: God, thank You for showing us in Your Word how we should submit ourselves to You and to each other. Thank You for revealing to us how Your Word should be obeyed in today’s world. Thank you for reminding us of how we should relate to each other even as husband and wife. Help us to submit to each other out of reverence to Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
IrmaBerry
She Is Strengthened by God
“She is clothed with strength and dignity: She can laugh at the days to come.” ~Proverbs31:25(NIV)
DearSister,inthemidstofyourdailyresponsibili=es,yourquietsacrificesandyoursilent strength-knowthis:Godseesyou.Hehasnotforgo@enthetearsyou’vecried,theprayers you’vewhispered,ortheweightyoucarryinyourheart.HisSpiritiswithyou,holdingyou steady,givingyoustrengthwhenyoursfeelsgone.Youarenotalone. Youarebraverthanyouthink,evenwhenyouareafraid.Youarestrong,evenwhenyou feel weak,andyouaredeeplylovedalways.TheLordhasblessedyoutobeablessingtoothers. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for creaDng me with strength and dignity for purpose. On days when I feel Dred or overwhelmed, remind me who I am in You. Your peace calms my spirit. Your joy refills my heart, giving me strength. Help me walk in confidence, knowing You always go before me. Make me a light for others. Thank You for being my strength.
Rev.DarleneSmith
Where Is Your Faith?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” ~Hebrews11:1
AccordingtotheMerriam-Webster'sDic=onary,faithhasmul=pledefini=ons,including "somethingthatisbelievedespeciallywithstrongconvic=on,""completetrust,""beliefand trustinandloyaltytoGod,"aswellas"afirmbeliefinsomethingforwhichthereisnoproof."
FaithiscompletetrustinGodalwaysseekingHimfirstinallthings.Wemustsurrender everything to God for He is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. I challenge everyoneto seekGoddiligentlyinprayer,cas=ngallyourcaresonHim.
OurGodisthesameyesterday,todayandforever.HeprovidescomfortandreassuranceofHis unchangingnatureandassurancenoma@ertheexperience,doubt,orfearforHeiswithus. TheBibleremindsusofwomenoffaith.IrecallMarythemotherofJesus,Ruthandher loyalty tohermother-in-lawNaomi,Esther’scourageandwisdomtosaveherpeople,Debrorahthe femalejudge,Hannah’sunwaveringfaithandprayerforason,andthewomanwiththeissue of bloodfor12years.Thesearejustafewfaithfulwomen.OurGodisnorespecterofpersons.If Hediditforthem,Hewilldoitforyou.OurfaithcomesbyhearingthewordofGod.
Luke8:25speakstosa=methedisciples’faithwasshaken.Infearofperishingduringaviolent stormwhileatsea,theyrushedtowakeJesus.Heroseandrebukedthewindsandraging storm.Therewascalm.AndHeaskedthem,“Whereisyourfaith?”
Noma@erthechallenges,obstacles,ordifficultlifesitua=ons,howwereacttothemisa tes=monyofourfaithandanassurancethatwehaveaGodwecantrust.Godneverfails.Keep theFaith!!!!
Prayer: Father, I humbly come to You and give You all glory and honor. God forgive me for those Dmes I did not trust You completely because circumstances seemed impossible. Even in the waiDng and struggles God, You are working things out for my good. Father, increase my faith as nothing is too hard for You. In Jesus’ name I pray , Amen.
SisterMaryE.McClinton,GBCFounder& DeaconessRhondaGraves
Your MoFvaFon is Your Victory!
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” ~Luke10:19
Spirit-filledandSpirit-ledbelieversofJesusChristarethemostpowerfulbeingsonearth.
Your anoin=ngissopowerfulthatyourenemycannotbindorhinderyou.Youareconsecratedto conquereverychallengebeforeyou.Noserpent,scorpion,warlockordemonicforcehas power overyou.Youareagiantslayer,amountainmoverandastormcalmer.Decreeaspiritof calmnessinyourlife.PraiseandworshipGodtodayandenterintoHispresence.Asyou travail inworship,youranoin=ngwilldestroyeveryyokeandlooseeveryburden.Inworship,God is goingtorevealHimselftoyou.Everygoalthatyousetandeveryvisionyouhaveisgoingto prosper.Youhavenofearofthegiantthatstandsbeforeyou.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You for the authority and power that You have given me over the power of the enemy. I claim this promise today and declare that nothing will in any way hurt me. I trust in Your protecDon and provision, and I know that You are with me always. Help me to walk in faith and confidence, knowing that You have given me the power to overcome any obstacle or challenge that may come my way. Thank You for Your love and grace, and for the promises You have given me in your word. In Jesus' name, Amen.
SisterSharonNichols
