Good morning,

In the big, cruel world, fear, intimidation, and manipulation are stopping many from living fully for the Lord. God does not just want you to survive in 2025. He wants you to thrive. But He is concerned with a particular kind of thriving. God wants us to thrive in our relationship with Him. He desires us to be spiritually healthy and nourished, not anemic, or malnourished. God does not intend for us only to survive the rigors of this life - but God’s desire is for us to “thrive” through each season.

As Christians, we must pray for God to remove fear from our hearts, minds, and souls and replace it with faith and hope. We must pray for God to protect us from those who twist the truth into lies and to help us avoid temptation. Through life's difficulties, I have realized that no matter the circumstance, prayer provides relief when nothing else can. No matter the circumstances, when you pray, you will see God's promises are true and stand firm through every situation.

Some days you will be the encourager, and some days you will be encouraged. Whatever your current struggle or stress-inducing situation, God does not intend for us just to survive through life. God's purpose for human life is not merely to exist or endure hardships, but to actively thrive, experience joy, and live a fulfilling life with a deeper meaning beyond simply basic survival. God wants His people to flourish and use their lives to their full potential.

Anxiety has no place in a Christian life. God never promised you a trouble-free life, but He did promise that He would go with you through your problems every step of the way through your problems. God promised He would be with us as we walked through each problem. We would not face our problems, tough times, or issues alone. The Sons of Korah remind us in Psalms 46:1 that God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

Financial contributions to support the church during this new worship style are appreciated. Please continue to mail your checks to Payne Chapel A.M.E Church, 2701 Lee St, Houston, Texas 77026, or use Givelify.com on the church website.

Finally, I would like to leave you with this thought for meditation: God works through our waiting to strengthen our character through weakness, to develop our peace of mind by trusting him in chaos, and to teach us that we can glorify him just as much by waiting on him as we can by serving him.~ Wayne Stiles

Be Blessed

Kevin L. Bullock, Sr. – Pastor