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09/05/2026

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverbs 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

The flatterer seems to be pleasing for the time being allowing sin and ruin to take place all the while giving pleasant words. He may give praise rather than true help.

The person who is of real value is the one who will give rebuke in order to bring about true change, change toward righteousness rather than allowing continued destruction.

To rebuke one must do so with good intention enveloped by love desiring the best for the other man.

To rebuke another one must have good judgment and good understanding of the circumstances possessing with in himself true righteousness. In other words he must judge with righteous judgment which comes from God’s word. God’s word is the key to righteousness.

In our world today, with the soft philosophies of being inoffensive and intolerant people can’t handle true rebuke.

Timothy was instructed to rebuke according to the word of God, flattery was out of the picture.

2Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

When you are rebuked ask yourself if the things being said are true. Ask yourself if those things being said are for your benefit. Ask yourself if those things being said can help you change for the better. If the answers are yes, the one giving you rebuke should find favour in your eyes.

Proverbs 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

When Jesus rebuked, it was always for the benefit of the person being rebuked.

The bible is replete with rebuke, it is also replete with instruction for change. Would you read God’s word? Would you listen to His loving rebuke?

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook

09/04/2026

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverbs 28:21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

There should be a certain respect for all men and women however, this verse is referring to respect that goes beyond normal curtesy awarding it to a person of incorrect values.

James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

When you have an incorrect respect of persons you become that person.

No matter how lofty men make themselves or how grand they think themselves to be, they will reveal their true nature for a piece of bread. When things get desperate people will transgress. People can be bought with a piece of bread.

We see that in Ezekiel when the prophetesses used desperation and bread to control the people and lift the wicked while destroying the righteous.

Ezekiel 13:19 And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?

Can you see that happening in our world today?

Proverbs 28:21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

I have personally seen such actions when the food is short in supply. When we provide food for teens or others and it comes down to the last hamburger or taco there is a great rush to grab it before someone else does. Such actions, on a smaller level, reveals the true inner heart.

Our Lord Jesus has no respect of persons when it comes to salvation. All men can come to Him be saved. If you desire to be saved, repent, turn from sin turning to the Saviour and He will save you.

Our Lord Jesus has no respect of persons when it comes to judgment.

Colossians 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook

09/03/2026

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Proverbs 22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

“He that acts for God can count on God to act for him.” The faithful person abounds in blessings because of his faithfulness toward God.

Fraudulent schemes such as insider trading, manipulating the course of money by fraud and deception and the conning of people for such gain is proof of lack of innocent.

Lack of innocence is the very thing that rejects man in the sight of God.

The shameful thing is that many folks believe they are innocent while committing such acts of fraud. They would be like those in the book of Jeremiah who say: “Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.” Jeremiah 2:35

The greater part is to maintain a good conscience with God in all dealings with money than to make haste with it and lose the communion we enjoy with Him.

Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

God does not teach that one cannot be rich; God teaches us that obtaining rights ought to be done in faithfulness and innocence. Just do right when it comes to money. Make sure your priorities are right with God.

The most important priority with God is your salvation. He left the riches of heaven that you might be rich in salvation.

2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook

09/02/2026

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverbs 28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

Proverbs 12:11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

Chance very seldom ever provides anything of substance. It is the consistent forethought, planing and work that provides for the future. The one who is diligent is the one who has plenty, but the one who never works shall suffer poverty.

In a world where dependence for sustenance is on others and work is neglected the dependent will suffer when sustenance is cut off.

Taking this principle one can make application to their walk with the Lord. He that takes time to study and learn the Lord will have plenty of truth and knowledge and understanding, but the person who follows vain persons will not.

Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

There are vain persons who will tell you what God said having never or seldom ever read the bible. They simply give you what they suppose God said or what others have told them relaying it to you. That my friend, is vanity.

Proverbs 28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

This principle can be applied to all aspects of life, both the physical and the spiritual. To be impoverished in either world leaves one lacking.

The first step to understanding God’s word is salvation.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook

09/01/2026

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverb 28:18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

This verse is not speaking about the salvation of the soul for no one can, by any means, save himself by walking uprightly.

This verse is speaking about the manner of living and the results of ones decision making process. Choose right and get right results, choose wrong and get wrong results.

Sometimes wrong decisions result in being cut off or taken from this world.

Numbers 15:31 Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

Proverbs 2:22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

How you walk or conduct yourself reveals the true nature of who you are.

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Proverbs 10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

The best walk you can have is to walk with Jesus being guided by His wonderful word.

John 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Proverb 28:18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

Only you can choose how you walk in this world.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook

08/31/2026

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverb 28:17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

A person guilty of violence to blood meaning death or murder has no place to hide. Their dwelling is the pit. If there is refuge it is with those of like value. In any case there is nothing but the pit for solace.

I am reminded of Judas who did exactly that with our Lord Jesus Christ. Judas sold our Lord to violence and destruction for thirty pieces of silver.

Matthew 26:15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

Judas was definitely guilty; he repented himself rather than repenting to God. He tried to return the money but it was too late.

Matthew 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

Being left to his own devices he fled to the pit and hung himself.

Matthew 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

During the process, the rope broke and he ended up in the pit permanently.

Acts 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

May we remind you, the murderer has no eternal life abiding in him.

1John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Judas walked with the Lord along with the other disciples for three and one half years. He heard the word of God and learned from the Lord and saw the miracles which Jesus did. Yet, he was not saved.

I often wonder how many folks have religion and have the bible and maybe read it but, they do not have Christ?

Knowing the Lord Jesus Christ is the first step to eternal life and a wonderful relationship with God.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook

08/28/2026

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverbs 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Yesterday we saw that the person who covers their sins will not prosper. Proverbs 28:13.

Today we see the man who fears always, (The indication is of the man who fears God.) is happy.

Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

The person who is forgiven is the person who rejoices in the fact and lives in the fear of the Lord.

However, the person who becomes careless in His walk with the Lord and hardens his or hers heart toward the Lord will eventually fall into mischief.

God has given us a wonderful passage to help us with the principle of being happy in the Lord. In Psalm one we find the word “blessed” which is also the word happy.

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

The fear of the Lord is our guide post.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook

08/26/2026

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverbs 28:12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

The tale is the same throughout history; when the wicked rule the righteous have groaned in travail struggling with anxiety with their unjust and ungodly activities.

Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

The triumph or rule of the righteous will inspire the great joy and confidence in the hearts of those who follow. There will be an openness of joy and kindness and people will have the peace of mind knowing this are well.

Only when wickedness is removed will there be shouting and praise.

Proverbs 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

One day there will be great peace on this earth, the wickedness of this world will be gone and Jesus will rule with a rod of iron. Those who belong to Jesus will rejoice giving praise to Him who reigns.

Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

And, with His return, the scriptures will be fulfilled with peace on earth good will toward men.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

To be a part of God’s peace on earth one has to be a part of God. You must be saved, born-again in Christ Jesus for only those are will remain when wickedness is gone.

Wherefore, comfort one another with these words.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook

08/25/2026

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverbs 28:11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

It is often said that a person who has much has little to with God. We find the greatest works of God are done in the heart of those who have little for they see the need for God. The rich are not so; the rich for the most part see no need for God because they trust in their riches. Their riches create a conceit in self with cause a rejection of God. It give a sense of pride, security and independence from God.

1Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

I recently heard the testimony of the man who owned Craco which makes car seats and strollers and such. He is worth over seven hundred million dollars. He, being a Christian, a born again believer, found it hard to live by faith. If he needed anything he could buy it. That is not the person we are talking about today.

Proverbs 28:11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

We are talking about the person who is rich and wise in his own conceit because of his riches.

Proverbs 26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

It's not the riches but the conceit that the riches bring. The poor that has understanding will sees through the fallacy of it.

There is one who sees everything, everything even to the core of the heart. God sees you for who you are. He sees the heart, the motives, the thoughts and intents for all we do. Not only that, He’s keeping record.

He is the one who inspired Solomon to write these words. Solomon was one of the richest men in the world.

God is also the one who loves you and desires to see you saved and trusting in His Son Jesus.

What do you allow to control your life? Is it money, convenience, pleasure, comfort, lust, and a whole host of other things?

My friend, let the word of God be your guide. Psalm 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalm 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook

08/24/2026

Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs

Proverbs 28:10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

When a person, with deliberate intention, causes a righteous person to turn from the path of righteousness is to bring upon themselves God’s wrath.

From the littlest and youngest to the oldest there are those who would see the righteous turn and fail in their relationship with God.

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

It is nothing more than a dreadful, ill intentioned, malicious heart that acts in such a manner and plots or connives to make a righteous man go astray.

Connive - secretly allow (something considered immoral, illegal, wrong, or harmful) to occur. To conspire and collaborate to do something considered immoral, illegal, or harmful: they connived with bank officials to commit insider trading.

If you ever want a good book to read, read “The Holy War” written by John Bunyan. It reveals conniving, collaboration and malicious intent to change the heart and soul of man to sin.

In the bible, Balaam was guilty of this same offence when he encouraged King Balak to allow his girls to be with Israel’s boys and his boys to be with Israel’s girls.

Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

2Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

My friend, there is no good outcome to this scenario for such a person.

Proverbs 28:10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

The only good outcome is to the upright in heart. Don’t be persuaded by the dangling carrot of pleasure for it never results in good.

Psalm 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;…

Psalm 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

The choice is still yours,

Pastor Cook

Address

1104 Leckie Drive
Sarnia, ON
N7S1B6

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Wednesday 7pm - 8pm
Sunday 9am - 12pm
2:30pm - 4pm

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+15489970027

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