Shaw Temple AME Zion Church - Trinidad

08/06/2026

Lace Up Your Boots 👢 👢 👢 👢
Put On Your Backpack 🎒 🎒 🎒 🎒
It's Time To Ride 🚛 🚛 🚛 🚛 🚛 🚒 🚒 🚒
VBS with a twist but a difference....⛪🏫
All Ages Are Invited
Don't just send the kids, parents you're invited too.
Come learn, fellowship and have fun.
Let's Gooooooo!!!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾

06/06/2026

Daily Devotional

The Illusion of Inclusion

“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” — Epistle to the Galatians

One of the deepest human desires is the desire to belong. We want to feel accepted, welcomed, appreciated, and included.

Yet not every invitation is genuine, and not every circle is healthy. Sometimes what appears to be inclusion is only an illusion.

The illusion of inclusion happens when people make room for you outwardly but reject you inwardly. They tolerate your presence but resist your purpose.

They celebrate your gifts publicly while secretly feeling threatened privately.
In Scripture, Joseph experienced this with his brothers.

They lived in the same house, ate at the same table, and called him family, yet jealousy was growing in their hearts. Outwardly he was included; inwardly he was resented.

Eventually, their hidden hatred revealed itself when they threw him into a pit and sold him away.

Even David experienced this in the house of Saul. David played music to soothe Saul, fought battles for the kingdom, and served faithfully.

Yet Saul’s insecurity turned admiration into envy. David was physically present in the palace but emotionally unwelcome.

The illusion of inclusion still exists today.
A person may smile with you at church but feel uncomfortable when God begins elevating you.

A coworker may invite you into conversations but exclude your ideas when opportunities arise.
Someone may keep you around for convenience, appearance, or benefit, while never truly valuing your heart.

This can be painful because false inclusion creates confusion. It makes you question yourself. You may keep trying harder to “fit in,” not realizing God never called you to shrink yourself to gain acceptance.

Jesus Himself understands this pain. Jesus Christ ministered among people who praised Him publicly but plotted against Him privately. On Palm Sunday they cried, “Hosanna,” yet days later many shouted, “Crucify Him.”

True belonging is not found in human approval but in divine acceptance. God never pretends with His children. When He calls you chosen, loved, forgiven, and accepted, He means it fully.

Being invited into a group chat but constantly ignored when you speak.
Being included in ministry work but never supported emotionally or spiritually.
Sitting at tables where your presence is tolerated but your voice is unwelcome.

Remaining in friendships where people only value what you provide, not who you are.
Staying in environments where you must dim your light to avoid making others uncomfortable.

Reflection
Ask yourself:
Am I forcing myself into places where I am merely tolerated?
Have I mistaken access for acceptance?
Am I seeking validation from people instead of identity from God?
Is God separating me from unhealthy circles to protect my purpose?

Sometimes exclusion is not rejection—it is divine redirection.

Prayer
Father, open my eyes to discern between genuine love and false acceptance. Heal every wound caused by rejection, betrayal, or hidden jealousy.
Help me not to chase places where I am only tolerated while neglecting the places You have truly ordained for me.
Surround me with people who celebrate truth, growth, and purpose.
Teach me to find my identity in You and not in human approval. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

04/06/2026

*Daily Devotional*

*When the Light Exposes the Heart*

“Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” — Galatians 5:26

“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” — Proverbs 14:30

Ministry was never designed to be a stage of competition, but a field of cooperation.

Yet even among those called and gifted, the human heart can struggle when God highlights another vessel.
Envy does not always announce itself loudly.

Sometimes it hides behind silence, withdrawal, criticism, comparison, or subtle discomfort when someone else is celebrated.

But Scripture does not treat envy lightly—it describes it as something that affects the inner life deeply, like “rottenness in the bones.”
James 3:14–16 warns:

“But if ye have bitter
envying and strife in your hearts, glory not… For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

That means envy is not just emotional—it is spiritual interference. It distorts clarity, weakens unity, and can hinder the flow of God’s order in leadership.

Even in Scripture, we see this struggle:
Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3–8) — envy led to destruction instead of reflection.
Joseph’s brothers (Genesis 37:11) — jealousy blinded them to God’s purpose.

The disciples (Luke 9:46) — they argued about who would be greatest until Jesus corrected their hearts.

Yet in contrast, John the Baptist gives us a kingdom posture: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30
True maturity in ministry is not needing to be seen above others, but rejoicing when Christ is seen through others.

Everyday Example
Think of musicians in an orchestra. Each instrument has a different sound, but all are under one conductor.

When the violin is highlighted, the trumpet does not become jealous—it understands timing, role, and harmony.
But if one instrument refuses to play because another is being featured, the entire sound becomes broken.

In the same way, the Kingdom suffers when leaders begin to compete instead of complement.

God is not building solo performances—He is building a unified sound.
Personal Reflection
Before God, ask yourself honestly:

Do I rejoice when others in leadership are honored?

Do I feel threatened when someone else is recognized?

Do I withdraw or criticize when I am not the center of attention?

Have I mistaken comparison for discernment?
Psalm 139:23–24 becomes a needed prayer:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart… and see if there be any wicked way in me.”
Kingdom Correction
God does not expose the heart to shame—it is for healing.

Philippians 2:3–4 calls us higher: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

This is not insecurity—it is spiritual security. When identity is rooted in Christ, another person’s elevation does not feel like your demotion.

Prayer
Lord, search my heart. Remove every hidden root of envy, comparison, and insecurity.
Heal every place in me that feels threatened by the success of others.
Teach me to celebrate what You are doing in other vessels without losing joy in what You are doing in me.
Purify my motives, align my spirit, and make me a true servant in Your Kingdom. Let unity replace strife, and love replace competition. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

03/06/2026

Daily Devotional

Going Against the Flow

Scripture Reference: Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

There is something powerful about watching fish swim upstream. While the current pushes against them, they keep moving forward with determination. Dead fish float with the current, but living fish fight against it. In the same way, a child of God is called to live differently from the world.

The world says:
“Do whatever feels good.”
“Pay evil for evil.”
“Compromise to fit in.”
“Everybody is doing it.”

But God calls His people to go against the flow.
Salmon are known for swimming upstream despite rocks, waterfalls, and strong currents.

They press forward because something inside them is pulling them toward purpose. Likewise, when the Holy Spirit lives in you, there will be times when you cannot follow the crowd because heaven is pulling you in another direction.
Noah went against the flow when the world was full of wickedness.

Daniel went against the flow when others bowed to idols.
Esther went against the flow when fear told her to stay silent.
Jesus Himself went against the flow by choosing humility, love, and obedience instead of worldly power.

Sometimes going against the flow means:
Remaining honest when others lie.
Staying pure in an impure culture.
Forgiving when people expect revenge.
Trusting God when everyone else panics.
Standing for truth even when you stand alone.

Fish that swim upstream grow stronger because resistance builds strength. Likewise, every trial, temptation, and opposition you face is strengthening your spiritual muscles. The pressure is not there to destroy you—it is developing endurance and character within you.

Remember this: the flow of the world may be popular, but not every popular path leads to life. Matthew 7:13 reminds us that broad is the way that leads to destruction, but narrow is the way that leads to life.

Do not be discouraged if people misunderstand your standards, your worship, or your faith. A fish that swims upstream may move slower, but it reaches destinations others never see.

Reflection
What areas of my life is God calling me to stop following the crowd and trust Him completely?

Prayer
Father, give me the courage to go against every flow that pulls me away from You. Strengthen me when the pressure of the world feels overwhelming.
Help me to stand firm in truth, walk in holiness, and follow Your direction even when I must walk alone. Like the fish that swims upstream, let me persevere until I reach the purpose You designed for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

28/05/2026

27/05/2026

Daily Devotional

Yesu Ban Mai Rahama
(Jesus Is Full of Mercy)

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us…” — Ephesians 2:4

The phrase “Yesu Ban Mai Rahama” declares a powerful truth: Jesus is full of mercy. Mercy means God does not treat us according to our sins, failures, or weaknesses. Instead, He responds with compassion, forgiveness, and love.

Throughout Scripture, we see the mercy of Jesus flowing toward broken people. Blind Bartimaeus cried out for mercy, and Jesus stopped for him. The woman caught in sin expected condemnation, but Jesus gave her restoration. Peter denied Jesus three times, yet mercy restored him and gave him purpose again.

Mercy is one of the greatest expressions of the heart of Christ. His mercy reaches into places where shame, guilt, pain, and disappointment try to hide us. Even when people reject us, Jesus still stretches out His hand.
Sometimes we believe we have failed too many times for God to still use us.

But the mercy of Jesus is deeper than our mistakes. His mercy does not only forgive—it heals, restores, and gives new beginnings.
When we experience the mercy of Jesus, we are also called to show mercy to others. A heart touched by God’s mercy cannot remain hard, bitter, or unforgiving.

Today, no matter what burden you carry, remember this truth:
Yesu Ban Mai Rahama — Jesus is full of mercy toward you.

Reflection
Have I truly accepted the mercy of Jesus for my own life?
Is there someone I need to extend mercy and forgiveness toward?
Am I allowing guilt to speak louder than God’s grace?

Prayer
Merciful Savior, thank You for loving me even in my weakness. Thank You for Your compassion that never fails and Your mercy that is new every morning. Wash away every guilt, shame, and fear.

Teach me to walk in humility, forgiveness, and grace. Help me to show the same mercy to others that You have shown to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” — Psalm 145:8
No matter how heavy yesterday was, the mercy of Jesus is waiting for you today.

26/05/2026

Hello Zion help me send birthday greetings to Sis Dayna one of our father designer's original.💞💞💞

23/05/2026

*WHEN DESIRE SPEAKS LOUDER THAN DISCERNMENT:*

*Testimony to Single Women*

I want to speak to every single woman who is waiting, praying, and believing God for a husband.
There was a season in my life when I was also praying for a husband. I was asking God, believing God, and desiring marriage. And then a young man came into my life.

At first, I thought it was the answer to my prayers. I was excited. I was hopeful. But even in the midst of that, there were warnings—godly counsel from my mother and my family. They could see what I could not see. They tried to guide me, to slow me down, to help me discern. But I did not listen.

My desire to have what I was praying for became louder than the wisdom God was sending me through the people He placed around me.
Even on the very day of the wedding, my mother looked at me and said, “Turn this into a thanksgiving instead.” But I did not listen. I went forward with what I thought was my blessing.

And I lived to regret it.
What I thought would bring me joy became a painful lesson. What I thought was God’s timing became a season of brokenness and learning the hard way. I discovered that not every open door is a God door, and not every good-looking opportunity is a God-ordained assignment.

But here is where grace stepped in.
Because even in my regret, God did not leave me. When I finally surrendered everything back to Him—my decisions, my pain, my mistakes, my broken expectations—He began to restore me. He healed what I damaged. He corrected what I rushed. And He taught me how to wait on Him with obedience, not just desire.

So I want to encourage every single woman today:
Do not let desperation speak louder than discernment.
Do not let loneliness push you into rushed decisions.
Do not ignore godly counsel because of emotional excitement.

And do not assume that what looks right is always what is God-ordained.
God is not just preparing a man—He is also preparing you. And sometimes the delay is not punishment; it is protection.

Today, I stand not as someone who got everything right, but as someone who learned that obedience is better than assumption, and surrender is safer than rushing.

Wait on God. Trust His timing. Trust His voice. And trust that what He has for you will not require you to compromise your peace or ignore His instructions.

And when it is truly God, it will come with peace, confirmation, and alignment—not confusion and pressure.
Be encouraged. God is still writing your story.
Amen.
#

21/05/2026

*Daily Devotional:*

*Nothing in Your Life Is an Accident*

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28

There are moments in life that seem random, painful, confusing, or unfair. A delayed opportunity, an unexpected loss, a difficult season, a closed door, or even a chance meeting can make us question what God is doing.

Yet the Word of God reminds us that nothing in the life of a believer is accidental. God is sovereign, intentional, and deeply involved in the details of our journey.

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. To human eyes, his life looked like a chain of unfortunate events.

But years later Joseph understood the hand of God in it all and declared, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” (Genesis 50:20).

What looked like disaster was actually divine positioning.
Moses thought tending sheep in the wilderness was a wasted season, but it was preparation for leading a nation.

Ruth probably never imagined that the loss of her husband and relocation to Bethlehem would connect her to the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Even Esther’s placement in the palace was not accidental; she was there “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
Sometimes we only understand God’s purpose after we have walked through the process.

Missing a job opportunity may lead you to a better assignment that protects your peace and purpose.
A delay in marriage or ministry may be God preparing your character and discernment.

Meeting a stranger who speaks one encouraging word may become the very thing that keeps you from giving up.
A difficult childhood may later become the testimony that helps you minister healing to others.

A season of financial struggle may teach wisdom, humility, and dependence on God.
Even painful experiences can become classrooms for growth.

David learned worship in isolation. Paul learned contentment in suffering. Jesus Himself endured the cross before the resurrection glory.

God wastes nothing.
This does not mean everything that happens is good, but it means God is able to bring purpose, healing, wisdom, and redemption out of every circumstance surrendered to Him.

When life feels uncertain, remember:
Your steps are ordered by God (Psalm 37:23).
God knew you before you were born (Jeremiah 1:5).

Your tears are counted (Psalm 56:8).
Your story is being written by a faithful Father.
The chapter may feel confusing, but Heaven still knows the ending.

Reflection
What situation in your life have you been calling an accident that God may actually be using for your growth, testimony, or assignment?

Prayer
Father, help me to trust that my life is in Your hands. Even when I do not understand the process, remind me that You are intentional and faithful.
Heal my perspective where pain has made me doubtful, and help me to see purpose in every season.
Teach me to trust Your timing, Your wisdom, and Your plan for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

19/05/2026

Daily Devotional

Faith Versus Doubt

James 1:6–7, Hebrews 11:1
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” (James 1:6)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith and doubt are two voices that compete for control of the human heart. They both speak, but they do not produce the same outcome.
Faith anchors you. Doubt destabilizes you. Faith moves you forward. Doubt keeps you circling the same mountain of uncertainty.

James compares the doubting person to a wave of the sea—unstable, tossed, and driven by external forces. That is a powerful image: a life that is no longer guided from within, but controlled by whatever wind is blowing at the moment.
Doubt does not always sound like unbelief. Sometimes it sounds like hesitation:

“What if God doesn’t come through?”
“What if this time is different?”
“Maybe I should not expect too much.”
But faith speaks a different language:
“God is faithful.”
“Even if I do not see it yet, I trust Him.”
“He has done it before, and He can do it again.”

Faith is not the absence of questions—it is the decision not to let questions become your foundation.
Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith deals with what is not yet seen. This means faith operates beyond evidence. It rests on God’s character, not current circumstances.
Doubt, however, demands proof before trust. And in doing so, it often delays the very breakthrough it is waiting for.

The tension between faith and doubt is often felt most in seasons of waiting. But waiting is where trust is formed. It is where the heart learns to say, “Even here, I believe God.”

REFLECTION
Ask yourself honestly:
What voice has been stronger in my life lately—faith or doubt?
Have I been speaking agreement with God, or agreement with fear?
What situation is challenging my trust right now?
Write your thoughts:

Today, choose to silence doubt by strengthening faith:
Replace fearful thoughts with Scripture
Speak God’s promises aloud
Refuse to rehearse negative outcomes
Choose trust even when feelings are uncertain
Faith grows stronger every time it is chosen over fear.

PRAYER
Lord, strengthen my faith today. Where doubt has tried to take root, uproot it by Your truth. Teach me to trust You even when I cannot trace You. Quiet every voice of fear and uncertainty, and establish my heart in Your promises. Let my life be anchored in faith that does not waver. In Jesus’ name, Amen.