Date: November 18, 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion now and forever, and to the Holy Ghost, who continues to dwell within us, guiding our steps. This month’s theme is thankfulness, and this week’s message is “Thankfulness as a Spiritual Practice: The Power of Prayer in Cultivating Gratitude.”

Prayer serves as a medium through which we can cultivate a spirit of gratitude, effectively transforming our hearts and minds into vessels of thankfulness. As stated in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Engaging in prayer transcends the mere recitation of words; it constitutes an essential dialogue with God. This sacred communion enables us to reflect on our substantial and minor blessings while acknowledging how the Holy Spirit manifests in our lives. Through prayer, we are encouraged to focus on what we possess rather than lack.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for it is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” Embracing gratitude is paramount in one’s spiritual journey. Jesus consistently thanked the disciples before sharing meals and during healing moments. These instances serve as reminders that gratitude is both a reaction and a proactive stance that individuals can adopt in their lives. By modeling this behavior in our prayers and gratitude for daily miracles and grace, we align ourselves with divine teachings and foster a closer connection to God.

In conclusion, gratitude can facilitate healing on spiritual and emotional levels. When we approach God in prayer with gratitude for His blessings, we create an environment conducive to inner healing. James 1:2-4 advises the twelve tribes dispersed abroad, “My brethren, consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” Recognizing the positive amidst adversity allows us to cultivate hope and resilience in distress or suffering. This serves as a reminder of God’s enduring presence, even in the most challenging times, and that His love sustains us. Such a transformative approach through thankfulness empowers us to confront challenges with renewed vigor, reinforced by the assurance of God’s unwavering support. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” Romans 12:1. Wishing a joyful Thanksgiving from the Worthem family to all of you in the Body of Christ, may your hearts be filled with gratitude and love.

Remember, “…with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26b).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem        

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop

Date: October 28, 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion forever and ever, and to the Holy Ghost, who continues to dwell within us, guiding our steps.  This month’s theme focuses on humility. This week’s message is about having “A Teachable Heart.” As Servants of God, it is essential to cultivate a teachable heart. There are three critical aspects of being a teachable person:

1. Humility: We must be humble. Psalm 25:9 states, “The meek will He guide in judgment, and the meek will He teach His way.” True humility involves being open to learning, regardless of how much knowledge one already possesses.

2. Wisdom: We must be wise. Proverbs 9:9 says, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will become even wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” A wise person readily accepts instruction and grows from it.

3. Righteousness: We must be righteous (Holy). Proverbs 9:9 also highlights teaching the righteous will lead them to learn even more.

By embodying these three qualities, we can become more teachable and receptive to God’s guidance because we will understand the value of receiving instructions and gaining knowledge. Furthermore, as children of God, we can find guidance in the word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.” Engaging with scripture reveals truths and helps us identify areas that need transformation. By immersing ourselves in God’s word, we grow in understanding and character, fostering a deeper relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit of God is our most excellent teacher, counselor, and guide. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal the truths about God to us. Therefore, only a spiritual person with the Holy Spirit dwelling within them can gain spiritual insights. The Holy Spirit acts as that still, small voice of God inside us, constantly prompting us to walk in God’s ways and live a life that is pleasing to Him.

In closing, Philippians 3:17 says, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.” Saints, we must mentor those who are younger in faith, but it is also crucial to have older mentors who can guide us. To deepen our faith and understanding of God, we must recognize that becoming humbler and more teachable requires His assistance. We need to pray, asking Him to work in our hearts—removing pride and opening us to the lessons He wishes to impart and the paths He desires us to follow. Amid all we face daily, “…with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop

Date: October 14, 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion forever and ever, and to the Holy Ghost, who continues to dwell within us, guiding our steps.  This month’s messages delve into Humility: “Pride Gets in the Way of Humility and Teachability.”

Saints, pride usually gets in the way of us failing to listen to God’s wisdom, and to being teachable. There is a good pride (proud of our country), a negative pride (arrogance, puffed up on ourselves) and a more subtle pride (pride of self-sufficiency). Many are guilty of having the prideful attitude of being independent and self-sufficient. But the wisdom of Proverbs reminds us that pride of any kind eventually leads to our downfall. Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility” (Proverbs 18:12).

Brothers and Sisters, pride will eventually bring us down because we fail to seek the God who knows everything and His wisdom, we will eventually make a bad choice.  Hence, we will not be following God’s will, because God only reveals His will to those who seek it. Therefore, it is the humble who are honored before God, who grow in wisdom because they realize they don’t have all the answers, and they intentionally seek God’s wisdom. They are the teachable and God honors that.  Second Chronicles 7:14 tells us about God’s promise that when we humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face, turn form our wicked ways, then God will forgive our sin and heal the land.

In closing, healing doesn’t come without humility and seeking God’s face. Next week, let us shift gears and delve into the habits of the humble and teachable, according to the book of Proverbs.

Remember in all that we are confronted with daily, “…with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). 

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop