Wednesday's Word of Truth

Based on: Acts 2:1-4 (NIV) When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other to...

Based on: I Corinthians 16:5-9 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you---for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost...

Based on: Exodus 2:23b (NIV) The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. Excerpt:  After all that we have been through, they thought we would be dead by now. After all that we have been through, we ought to be dead by now. But what they did not know is that we are a resilient people. Whips and shackles could not hold u...

Based on: Luke 24:44-49 (NIV) 44  Then he said to them, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.”  45  Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,  46  and said to them, “This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer...

Based on: Isaiah 60:22b (MSG) I am God. At the right time I’ll make it happen. Excerpt: We are a “now” people, but God is an “At the right time” God. It is at the right time that God moves. Not before. Not later, but at the right time. In the natural it may appear that God’s deliverance is long delayed. In the Spirit, God’s estimated time of arrival is right on time.  

Based on: Acts 28:5 (NIV)  But Paul shook the viper off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. Excerpt:  Healthy love knows when enough is enough. It recognizes self-care as a top priority. It quietly creates distance without abandonment. It says, “I am here when you are ready to take responsibility for your healing.”

Based On: Luke 24:31 (NIV) Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. Excerpt: Those two confused disciples who were on their way to Emmaus knew that something life-changing had happened. What they did not know was that the life-changer Himself was walking right beside them. In their downcast state they attempted to explain to Jesus all that happened...

Based on: Isaiah 53:11a (GNT) After a life of suffering, he will again have joy;  he will know that he did not suffer in vain. Excerpt:  It takes courage to raise a self-reflective question.  Am I worth the ultimate sacrifice demonstrated on Calvary’s cross? Did Christ die in vain? Is my life His gain?

Based on: John 4:29 (NIV) Excerpt: The “Survive to Thrive” stories of death and resurrection have given me a greater appreciation of the Lenten season. They have demonstrated the journey from death to new life that only the love of Jesus can take us on. A journey that carries us to our deepest depths and our highest heights. It is a journey of fear and faith. A journey of joy and sorrow. A journey...

Mr. Sir Markadoo Every now and then we meet someone who is truly living in the overflow of grace and mercy. That is the epitome of Mr. Sir Markadoo who took twelve t-shirts and built a million-dollar company. His journey from pain to prosperity is a source of healing and empowerment for us all. Sir’s life is a fitting example of what it means to “survive to thrive.” Fasten your seat belts as my co...

Based on: I Chronicles 20:15 (NIV)                                                             &nbsp...

Chris Hutchinson and James Boone have both traveled the “underground railroad” from addiction to recovery. At the end of the journey, they found freedom in friendship, fellowship, and family. Their brotherhood has withstood the test of time and space. Today, their walk is loud and real as they help others find their way to the freedom that only God can give. Listen as these men tell their story of...

Based on :                            John 4:4 (NIV) Now he had to go through Samaria. Excerpt: Jesus goes straight to work by asking the woman to share what she has, not what she does not have. He is not concerned about her personal deficits. He challenges her to...

Pastor Tyrone Hughes "27-18-4" 27 years in 18 prisons across 4 states. That’s the path that Pastor Tyrone Hughes traveled to get to Jesus Christ. Since that life-saving encounter Pastor Hughes has made it his life mission to meet the masses right where they are. On the street, in homeless shelters and even behind prison walls – Pastor Hughes is letting us know what it means to not only be free, bu...

The Survive to Thrive Series Kerry C. - Agent of  Transformation Most writers would say, “In walks Kerry C.” However, it’s more accurate for me to say, “Leaning  against the frame of my office door is Kerry C.” That’s where our journey of friendship began. It was light casual conversation that found its way to the glaring light of authentic truth.  And the rest is herstory. What Ker...

Keith Gamble describes himself as “…a highly spiritual entity whose definite major purpose, is to impact the world in a way that we can all realize, the beautiful gifts that we possess.” That is a mighty powerful “purpose.” Keith Gamble is a mighty powerful brother who has found his way out of the darkness, into the light. He has done so by doing what he calls, “re-engineering” his past. I encoura...

Rev. Rose Wright-Scott is one of the most amazing people that I have met in this incarnation. We met as seminary sisters at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University nearly 30 years ago. We have remained friends ever since.  Rose is one of my Sheroes. Rev. Scott is a woman of God, Mom, Grandmother, Sister, Friend, and Pastor to the masses. She is also a 3 time...

Kelly Diane Galloway "From Rage to Restoration" Kelly Diane Galloway is a modern day abolitionist. While it may be difficult to think that human trafficking is a problem in Western New York, the reality is that this largely unreported crime affects women and girls throughout the region. Kelly has fought to eradicate this issue, often rescuing women from the bleakest of circumstances. Yet, what is...

Based on: Psalm 91:1 (NIV) He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Excerpt:  The only way that we can continue to build up our reservoir of God’s strength is to slow down and sit down with God. Our time with God must be our top priority. No one and nothing should interfere with the time that we spend. “…in the shelter of the Most High.”

This week, Wednesday’s Word of Truth will launch a new series called “Survive to Thrive.” Every Wednesday for the next 12 weeks we will listen, as our guests speak their truth about how they overcame tragedy, and trauma to become the amazing world changers they are today. These sisters and brothers didn't just survive they went on to thrive. Our first guest is Mr. John Nurse who is  formerly...

Based on: Genesis 33:13-14 (CEB) 13  But Jacob said to him, “My master knows that the children aren’t strong and that I am responsible for the nursing flocks and cattle. If I push them hard for even one day, all of the flocks will die. 14  My master, go on ahead of your servant, but I’ve got to take it easy, going only as fast as the animals in front of me and the children are able to go...

Based on : Jeremiah 31:1 God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!” Excerpt : Ascending into love with God does not take us to a state of lighthearted euphoria. To the contrary, it renders us sober, clear headed, with a pre-determined, targeted destination. We know where we’re going, and we know when we arrive.

Based on : John 10:10 (NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Excerpt : The differences between surviving and thriving are aptly depicted in Jesus’ discussion on  “having  life” and “having life to the full.” Most people are okay with having life and surviving. Others are determined to have life to the full a...

Based on : Isaiah 40:28 (NIV) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Excerpt: Saints of God, as we prepare to release this old year and embrace the possibilities of the new year, let’s commit to loving, laughing, and lingering in the fullness of everyday, l...

Based on: Luke 2:6 (NIV) While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born… Excerpt:  When I arose from my sackcloth and ashes the bright star of God’s love was still there. It was guiding me toward my Bethlehem.  I knew that even in the midst of my doubt and despair, God’s Spirit had carried me safely into the newness of the Christ.  I had arrived where I was supposed to...