“When Growth Changes the Relationship”

Beloved, sometimes the resistance you feel isn’t because you’ve done something wrong — it’s because you’ve grown. As my twin once said before his spiritual heavenly promotion, “People will not like the new you because they ran over the old you and got used to it.” Growth disrupts comfort. Healing exposes imbalance. Boundaries challenge access.

When you were quiet, overlooked, or accommodating, some people benefited from who you used to be. But when God begins to heal you, strengthen you, and raise your standards, not everyone will celebrate the change. Not because the change is bad — but because it removes what they once took for granted.

The Old Testament reminds us that transformation often brings tension. When David was anointed king, even his own brothers struggled to see him differently. God’s elevation didn’t change David’s heart — it changed how others related to him. Growth has a cost, but remaining broken costs more.

The New Testament speaks directly to this reality. Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Transformation will always unsettle those who preferred the old version of you. But obedience to God is not about maintaining approval — it’s about walking in truth.

So Beloved, don’t shrink back to make others comfortable. Don’t apologize for healing. Don’t return to a version of yourself God has already redeemed. If people are uncomfortable with the new you, it may be proof that God has done a new work in you.

Honor who you were — but live as who God is making you.

Pray with me: Father God, thank You for the work You are doing in me. Give me the courage to grow, even when others resist the change. Help me walk in humility, strength, and obedience, trusting that Your approval matters more than familiarity — in Jesus’ name, I pray, believe, receive, and praise in advance, Amen!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#NewGrowth

“Use Me, God”

Beloved, one of the bravest prayers a heart can pray is not “bless me,” but “use me.” It is a prayer of surrender — placing our identity, our desires, and our abilities into the hands of the One who gave them.

The Old Testament shows this posture in Isaiah’s response to God’s call in chapter 6 and verse 8, “Here am I. Send me.” Isaiah didn’t offer perfection — he offered availability. God is not searching for flawless people; He is searching for ready, willing, and able hearts.

The New Testament echoes this same invitation. Paul urges us in Romans 12:1 to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. That means every part of who we are — our personality, our experiences, our talents, our treasures, our time, and even our struggles — can become tools in God’s hands for a purpose greater than ourselves.

So the prayer becomes:

“Use me, God.
Show me how to take who I am,
who I want to be,
and what I can do,
and use it for a purpose greater than myself.”

God delights in answering that prayer. He weaves our past, shapes our present, and directs our future so that our lives point beyond us to Him.

Beloved, your life is not random material — it is holy potential. When placed in God’s hands, ordinary gifts become extraordinary ministry.

Pray with me: Father God, I offer You my whole life — who I am, who I’m becoming, and all I can do. Shape it, guide it, and use it for a purpose greater than myself. Let my life bring You glory and bring others closer to You — in Jesus’ name, I pray, believe, receive, and praise in advance, Amen!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#UsedByGod

“You Are Who God Says You Are”

Beloved, you are not what others think of you, and you aren’t only what you think of yourself. You are who God says you are. End of story. People’s opinions shift, your own emotions fluctuate, but God’s declaration over your life is unchanging. Identity rooted in people will always feel unstable, but identity rooted in God will stand firm through every season.

In the Old Testament, David writes in Psalm 139:17: “How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God! They cannot be numbered.” David reminds us that God’s thoughts toward you are not random—they are intentional, loving, and abundant. God doesn’t define you by your flaws, your failures, or your past. He defines you by His purpose and His love.

And in the New Testament, the apostle John gives us this powerful reminder in 1 John 3:1: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” John’s words leave no room for debate. Your identity is not up for negotiation—it is sealed. You are a child of God, chosen, loved, and called by name.

So Beloved, release every false label placed on you. Let go of every opinion that tried to shrink you. Silence the inner critic that tries to define you by your mistakes. The only voice that gets to tell you who you are is the One who created you. When God says you are His, that ends the conversation.

Pray with me: Father God, thank You for defining my identity. Free me from the weight of people’s opinions and from the limits of my own self-doubt. Remind me daily of who You say I am—chosen, loved, redeemed, and called. Help me to walk boldly in that truth. In Jesus’ name, we pray, believe, receive, and praise. Amen and Amen!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#YourIdentityIsInChrist

“Right-Time God”

Beloved, we often want God to move now. We pray for immediate answers, quick breakthroughs, and fast relief. When heaven feels quiet, we assume something is wrong. But here’s the truth we must anchor ourselves to: God may not always be a right-now God, but He is always a right-time God.

Scripture shows us this pattern again and again. Solomon tells us on Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” God is never early and never late — He is precise. What feels slow to us is often God protecting us, preparing us, or aligning things we cannot yet see

The Old Testament reminds us that God’s timing is intentional and purposeful. Psalm 31:15 declares, “My times are in Your hands.” Not some of our moments — all of them. God holds every season, every delay, and every breakthrough with perfect wisdom. What feels slow to us is often God protecting us, positioning us, or preparing something beyond what we can yet see.

The New Testament echoes this same assurance. Jesus tells us in John 11:6 that when He heard Lazarus was sick, “He stayed where He was two more days.” That delay wasn’t indifference — it was intention. Jesus arrived after death so that resurrection power could be revealed. God’s timing is never careless; it is calibrated for greater glory.

So Beloved, don’t interpret waiting as absence. Don’t confuse delay with denial. If God hasn’t moved yet, it’s because the moment is not fully ripe. What He brings at the right time will sustain you, strengthen you, and testify of His faithfulness.

Trust this: the God who governs eternity also governs your calendar. And what He releases in His time will be better than anything rushed by our impatience.

Pray with me: Father God, help me trust You when answers don’t come immediately. Teach me to rest in Your timing and believe You are working even when I can’t see it. Align my heart with Your pace and strengthen my faith as I wait — in Jesus’ name, I pray, believe, receive, and praise in advance, Amen!

That’s my grandson in the photo

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#RightTimeGod

“One God, Mutliple Churches”

We are deeply grateful for the pastors God has placed in our lives. They labor in prayer, teach the Word, counsel the broken, and stand watch over the souls entrusted to their care. Scripture calls them shepherds, and a faithful shepherd loves the flock, protects the flock, and points the flock toward the voice of the true Shepherd. Their role is sacred and necessary, and we should honor them for their obedience to the calling God has placed upon them.

Yet we must remember with humility that pastors are not God. They are human vessels, chosen instruments, and fellow servants walking the same road of grace as the rest of us. They can guide, but they cannot save. They can teach, but they are not the Truth itself. They can pray with us, but only God has the power to heal, deliver, and transform a heart. When we elevate leaders to a place that belongs only to the Lord, we unknowingly shift our eyes from the Creator to the created.

We must also remember that no church is better than another. If a church is led by the true Shepherd, every body of believers is just as important as the next—from the small startup meeting in a living room to the megachurch that fills stadiums. Size does not determine significance, and popularity does not measure anointing. What matters is that God sits on the throne of that church and that Jesus Christ is lifted higher than any name, tradition, or personality.

The church has many shepherds, but only one Chief Shepherd—Jesus Christ. Every pastor, elder, and leader serves under His authority. Their purpose is not to gather worship for themselves but to direct all worship to Him. True spiritual leadership always says, “Follow me as I follow Christ,” never, “Follow me instead of Christ.” Our devotion, our praise, and our ultimate trust must rest in God alone.

Let us be a people who honor leadership without idolizing it, who celebrate every Christ-centered church without comparison, and who remain rooted in the truth that there is one Lord over all His church. Pastors may hold our hands, but God holds our souls. Pastors may speak life, but God is the Life. Pastors may shepherd the flock, but Jesus alone laid down His life for the sheep.

Pray with me: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the pastors and leaders You have placed over our lives. Bless them, strengthen them, and keep their hearts humble before You. Help us to honor them rightly without ever placing them in the seat that belongs only to You. Teach us to love Your whole church and to never measure one congregation above another, but to see each as precious in Your sight. Guard our hearts from misplaced worship and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. May Your church always remember that there is one God, one Savior, and one Spirit who unites us all. We surrender our praise to You alone, for You alone are worthy. In Jesus name, I pray, believe, receive, and praise in advance, Amen.

“God’s Story, Book by Book”

In Genesis, God creates the heavens and the earth and calls a family.
In Exodus, He delivers His people from slavery.
In Leviticus, He teaches holiness.
In Numbers, He guides through the wilderness.
In Deuteronomy, Moses reminds Israel to obey and live.

In Joshua, God gives victory in the Promised Land.
In Judges, He raises deliverers when His people fail.
In Ruth, a foreigner’s faith brings her into God’s family.
In 1 & 2 Samuel, kings rise and fall, and David receives God’s covenant.
In 1 & 2 Kings, kingdoms divide and decline.
In 1 & 2 Chronicles, God remembers David’s line and true worship.
In Ezra and Nehemiah, His people return and rebuild.
In Esther, God preserves them in exile.

In Job, we learn to trust in suffering.
In Psalms, we worship in every season.
In Proverbs, wisdom calls us to walk in truth.
In Ecclesiastes, life’s meaning is found only in God.
In Song of Solomon, love reflects His covenant.

In Isaiah, a Savior is promised.
In Jeremiah, God’s heart weeps for His people.
In Lamentations, we mourn Jerusalem’s fall.
In Ezekiel, God reveals His glory and restoration.
In Daniel, He shows Himself as King over kingdoms.
Through Hosea, His love is faithful despite our unfaithfulness.
In Joel, the Spirit is promised.
In Amos, God calls for justice.
In Obadiah, He judges Edom.
In Jonah, He shows mercy to Nineveh.
In Micah, a ruler is promised from Bethlehem.
In Nahum, Nineveh’s fall is foretold.
In Habakkuk, the righteous live by faith.
In Zephaniah, judgment gives way to hope.
In Haggai, God calls for rebuilding.
In Zechariah, visions point to Christ.
In Malachi, God promises a coming messenger.

In Matthew, Jesus is the Messiah.
In Mark, He is the suffering Son of God.
In Luke, He is the Savior for all.
In John, He is the Word made flesh.
In Acts, the Spirit empowers the church.

In Romans, Paul explains the gospel’s power.
In 1 & 2 Corinthians, he calls for holiness and love.
In Galatians, grace is greater than law.
In Ephesians, the church is united in Christ.
In Philippians, we find joy in Him.
In Colossians, Christ is supreme.
In 1 & 2 Thessalonians, hope is found in His return.
In 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, Paul gives wisdom for leaders.
In Philemon, forgiveness restores relationships.

In Hebrews, Jesus is our High Priest.
In James, faith proves itself in works.
In 1 & 2 Peter, we are called to stand firm in trials.
In 1, 2, and 3 John, love and truth confirm faith.
In Jude, we contend for the faith.
And in Revelation, Christ is victorious, and God makes all things new.

From Genesis to Revelation, every book whispers the same truth: God is faithful, His plan is perfect, and His story always points to Jesus.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#TheBibleAllPointsToJesus

“When God Declares the Time, Delay Can’t Deny It”

Beloved, delay is not denial when God is the One who authored the promise. Heaven does not operate on human clocks or earthly deadlines. What feels slow to us is strategic to Him. When God declares that a season has shifted, no obstacle, no opposition, no delay, and no devil can deny what He has spoken. His timing is not late—it is perfect.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Habakkuk encourages us in Chapter 2 Verse 3 with these words: “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” The prophet of God was teaching His people that divine timing is guaranteed timing. If God said it, it is already settled in eternity—your job is simply to trust and walk it out.

In the New Testament, Paul echoes this truth in Galatians 4:4, “When the set time had fully come, God sent His Son…” Even the arrival of Jesus was governed by a divine schedule. Not a moment too soon. Not a moment too late. Not a minute to spare! When God declares the time, nothing in creation can stand in the way of His fulfillment.

So Beloved, take a deep breath. What God is preparing you for cannot be delayed beyond His will. When heaven says “now,” earth must obey. Keep trusting—your appointed time is already appointed by God.

Pray with me: Father God, thank You that Your timing is perfect and Your promises are sure. Strengthen my faith when delay tries to discourage me, and help me trust that Your “set time” cannot be denied. Align my heart with Your will and steady my steps as I wait on You. In Jesus’ name I pray, believe, receive, and praise in advance, Amen, Amen, and Amen!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#GodsTimingCantBeDenied

“Only So Far 👣”

Beloved, Jesus will only let you stray so far. Not because He condones wandering, but because His love refuses to abandon you. There are moments when God allows distance—not to lose you, but to teach you. He allows just enough space for you to recognize your need for Him, but never enough to let you be destroyed. His mercy draws a line that grace will not allow you to cross.

The Old Testament reveals this heart of God clearly. King David declares in Psalm 37:23–24, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” God does not promise that we will never stumble, but He does promise that we will never fall beyond His reach. Even when your footing feels unstable, His hand remains steady.

The New Testament confirms this truth through Jesus Himself. He says in John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.” Jesus is not a distant observer—He is an active Shepherd. When you wander, He watches. When you drift, He pursues. And when you reach the edge, His grace intervenes.

So Beloved, if you feel tension, conviction, or a gentle resistance pulling you back, recognize it for what it is—love. Not judgment. Not punishment. Love. Jesus will not let you stray beyond what His mercy can redeem. He corrects, redirects, and restores because you belong to Him.

Actor and comedian Rob Schneider recently shared his faith journey and publicly expressed repentance for past bitterness. In reflecting on God’s mercy, he stated: “Jesus will only let you stray so much.”

Pray with me: Father God, thank You for loving me enough to guard my steps. When I wander, draw me back. When I stumble, steady me. Help me trust Your boundaries and recognize Your correction as grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, believe, receive, and praise in advance, Amen and Amen!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#OnlySoFar

“Pain Is a Borrowed Place”

Beloved, pain can feel permanent when we’re in it. Grief, disappointment, betrayal, heartbreak — they settle into our hearts like they intend to stay forever. But here’s the hope God whispers to us:

Pain is a borrowed place. It is not your final address.

When Jesus died according to Mathew 27:57-60, He was laid in a borrowed tomb. Why borrowed? Because He wasn’t planning to stay there. The tomb held Him — but only temporarily. What looked like an ending was really preparation for resurrection.

The Old Testament reminds us of this pattern. Psalm 30:5 declares, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Night is real — but so is morning. Borrowed pain has an expiration date.

The New Testament echoes that promise. Romans 8:18 says, “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Pain may visit, but it does not own the deed to your future. God never wastes pain — He transforms it, redeems it, and resurrects what feels lost.

So Beloved, when life hurts, remember: 1. The tomb was borrowed, 2. The pain was temporary, and 3. The resurrection was permanent. What you are walking through right now may feel heavy — but it is not forever. God already has an “after this” prepared for you.

On a day like today (1/13/2026)—where I celebrate my earthly birthday and my twin brother’s (Noel Andrew Pinnock) heavenly birthday—the reminder that pain is only borrowed feels especially uplifting. It honors the ache without letting it define the day, and it reminds me that love outlives loss. Even in the space where joy and grief meet, hope still has the final word.

Pray with me: Father God, thank You that pain does not have the final word over my life. When I feel buried, remind me that I am only planted — not finished. Give me hope, patience, and trust as You work all things together for good — in Jesus’ name, I pray, believe, receive, and praise in advance, Amen!

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#PainIsNotPermanent

“Your Heart Has a Throne”

Beloved, your heart has a throne—and something has to sit there. God created us with a place inside that was designed for Him alone. The problem isn’t whether the throne will be filled; it’s who or what will occupy it. For some, it’s fear. For others, it’s pride, people, success, relationships, or comfort. But whatever sits on the throne of your heart will ultimately rule your decisions, shape your desires, and direct your destiny.

In the Old Testament, Solomon writes in Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Solomon understood that the heart is the control center of life. When something other than God sits on that throne, everything else becomes unstable. But when God takes His rightful place, everything else falls into order.

And in the New Testament, Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Not visit. Not occasionally influence. Rule. That word “rule” means to govern, to have authority, to sit on the throne. Paul teaches that peace isn’t a feeling—it’s a Person. When Christ rules your heart, worry loses its voice, fear loses its grip, and confusion loses its power.

So Beloved, take inventory today. Who is sitting on the throne of your heart? Because something is. And the throne wasn’t built for fear, pride, pressure, or people. It was built for the King of Kings. Make room. Move everything else off. And let God sit where He belongs.

Pray with me:
Father God, I surrender the throne of my heart to You. Remove anything that has taken Your place—every fear, idol, distraction, or desire that doesn’t honor You. Rule my heart, guide my steps, and shape my life according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray, believe, receive, and praise. Amen.

#BeStrong

#TGBTG

#NAP

#HisRightfulPlace