Promise Land Church - Bakerhill, Al

06/01/2026

From The Pastor’s Study :
Your Nightly Prayer 🌙 Psalm 40:1
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man...”
EPHESIANS 4:22
NIGHTLY DEVOTION
Based on Ephesians 4
Paul reminds us that following Jesus means putting off the “old man”—our former way of living, shaped by selfish desires and deception. This isn’t just about behavior change, but heart transformation.

The old life may try to cling to us, but we’re called to shed it like a worn-out garment. God gives us a new identity in Christ, one marked by truth, purity, and purpose. This process is ongoing—day by day, decision by decision. Letting go of the old makes space for the new life God wants to build in us, one shaped by His Spirit and truth.
A.C.T.S. REFLECTION
ADORATION: Father, You are the God of transformation. I praise You for giving me a new identity and calling me out of darkness.
CONFESSION: Forgive me for the times I’ve returned to old habits or mindsets that no longer reflect who I am in You. I’ve clung to what You’ve already freed me from.
THANKSGIVING: Thank You for the power to change and the daily grace to walk in newness. Thank You for not leaving me in my brokenness.
SUPPLICATION: Lord, help me to put off the old and embrace the new. Teach me to walk in step with the Spirit, to choose truth over lies, and obedience over comfort. Strengthen me to live in alignment with who You’ve made me to be. Let my life reflect Your redemption.
PRAYER
I waited patiently for The Lord. He turned to me, and heard my cry.
PSALM 40:1
Dear God, there was a time when I felt the fear of fire — when my eternity was uncertain, and my life was slipping away. But You delivered me. You took my fainting feet and set me on a firm foundation. You placed me on a solid rock and replaced my cries of fear with a song of faith. Blessed is anyone who puts their trust in You. May all who seek You find peace and rest for their wandering souls. Before I sleep, fill my heart with gladness! I am redeemed and rescued by God Almighty. That truth is worthy of a song. I will love You for the rest of my days and pray for many more nights singing about Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

🙏🏾Please join us at Okey Grove (The Promised Land ) Church State Highway 131 S. in Bakerhill Al. each Sunday at 9:30 for Sunday School,
11:00 am for morning worship services. Wednesdays 6:00 pm for midweek bible study . . If you’re being blessed by these nightly prayers and daily words of wisdom, please like and share. Thank you.
James and Ella K Johnson, Pastors 🕊

05/31/2026

From The Pastor’s Study:
Your Nightly Prayer 🌙 Psalm 39:7
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026
“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not...”
ISAIAH 41:13
Based on Isaiah 41
God doesn’t just command us not to fear—He gives us Himself. This verse is deeply personal. The God of the universe promises to hold your hand and walk with you through whatever comes. His presence is constant, His help unfailing.

He doesn’t stand at a distance—He stays close, steadying your heart and guiding your steps. When fear rises, you don’t have to face it alone. The One who holds your hand also holds all power. You are not abandoned. You are not forgotten. God is your help, and He will never let go.
A.C.T.S. REFLECTION
ADORATION: Father, I praise You for being near and faithful. You are not distant—you are the God who holds my hand.

CONFESSION: I confess my fear often takes over. I forget that You are with me and rely on my strength.

THANKSGIVING: Thank You for the gentle ways You comfort me. Thank You for walking with me through every storm and whispering, “Fear not.”

SUPPLICATION: Lord, hold my hand today. Remind me that I’m not alone in any challenge. When fear rises, speak peace to my soul. Help me trust in Your presence and receive the help You so freely give. Let me move forward, not in fear, but in faith in You.
PRAYER
Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.
PSALM 39:7
Good and holy God, You are eternal and reign forever. Your glory will last throughout the ages, and Your name will be proclaimed forever. But my life is a v***r - a mist that will dissipate with the sun. My mortality is before me, as is my awe and appreciation of Your salvation. You have allowed me - this finite person - to behold the beauty of eternity. You have saved me from definite calamity. I rest tonight in that certainty. I rest tonight, secure and satisfied in Your salvation. My words will slip a sweet refrain of gratitude as I gently go to sleep. I will hold my peace in You tightly and gracefully drift. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

🙏🏾Please join us at Okey Grove (The Promised Land ) Church State Highway 131 S. in Bakerhill Al. each Sunday at 9:30 for Sunday School,
11:00 am for morning worship services. Wednesdays 6:00 pm for midweek bible study . . If you’re being blessed by these nightly prayers and daily words of wisdom, please like and share. Thank you.
James and Ella K Johnson, Pastors 🕊

05/30/2026

From The Pastor’s Study:
Your Nightly Prayer 🌙 Psalm 38:22
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
PROVERBS 28:13

DEVOTION
Based on Proverbs 28
Trying to hide our sins only leads to more pain. We may fool others, but God sees everything—and He longs for us to come clean. Confession isn’t weakness; it’s the gateway to freedom. We receive mercy, not judgment, when we admit our wrongs and turn from them.

God doesn’t shame us—He forgives, restores, and empowers us to walk forward in grace. The path to spiritual growth always begins with honesty. There is no healing without revealing. True prosperity of the soul comes through humble repentance.
A.C.T.S. REFLECTION
ADORATION: Lord, You are merciful and just. I praise You for welcoming honesty and offering grace to the repentant.

CONFESSION: I confess the times I’ve hidden my sins—out of pride, fear, or shame. I’ve delayed the healing You wanted to give.

THANKSGIVING: Thank You for not turning away from me. Thank You for the mercy that flows when I confess and turn from my sin.

SUPPLICATION: Father, help me walk in truth. Give me the courage to confess my struggles and turn from them. Let my life be marked by freedom, not fear. Cleanse my heart and draw me into deeper fellowship with You. Help me live transparently and joyfully in Your mercy.
PRAYER
Hurry to help me, Lord, my salvation.
PSALM 38:22
Dear God, my frailty is not hidden from You. My weakness isn’t hidden from Your sight nor does my strong exterior fool You. You see all of me. Knowing this, I lay myself down at Your feet, begging for Your healing. I am reeling and in need of restoration. Place a healing hand on my body, mind, and soul. Heal my physical pain and the aches in my bones. Close up those emotional wounds. Place a healing hand on my broken Spirit and revive my joy. Do not forsake me. Turn Your face towards me and be gracious to me. I take comfort in knowing I can be truthful and vulnerable before You, and You tend to me without judgment or mockery. Thank You, Lord! Respond to me, God. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

🙏🏾Please join us at Okey Grove (The Promised Land ) Church State Highway 131 S. in Bakerhill Al. each Sunday at 9:30 for Sunday School,
11:00 am for morning worship services. Wednesdays 6:00 pm for midweek bible study .
James and Ella K Johnson, Pastors 🕊

05/29/2026

From The Pastor’s Study:
Your Daily Prayer 🙏🏾2 Samuel 18:9
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026
“Victory can still ache, but He stays close to the brokenhearted and makes peace possible.”
SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY
And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
2 SAMUEL 18:9

PRAYER
To my Heavenly Father, today I will focus my heart and energy in the direction of those who have chosen to stand by me in the battle to achieve my goals. While others are focusing on all those who’ve left their lives, I will instead focus on all those who have encouraged, and have fought for me, through prayer and proximity. Today I will celebrate my wins with those loyal to me and my family. Today I will rejoice and praise You Lord with those who’ve chosen to build alongside me even in my toughest times. I thank you for the Joabs in my life who constantly remind me to stop crying and to stop giving my best energy to those who chose to exit my life, like David did with Absalom. I will be mindful and open to hearing hard corrections, because in the end the words of a friend may be bitter, and lies from my enemies seem sweet, but because of this I will look to those who tell me the truth even when it doesn’t feel good. I praise You Yahweh, for You are all around me creating opportunities to strengthen that which remains… my true relationships. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
THE DEATH OF ABSALOM
Have you ever “won,” but still felt empty afterward? Maybe you got the outcome you wanted, yet something in the relationship cracked, and now you are carrying both relief and regret. You may even wonder if it was worth it.

In 2 Samuel 17:24-19:8, David regains his throne, but the moment is drenched in grief as he mourns Absalom. His victory parade is interrupted by a father’s cry. It reminds us that success can still ache. Scripture says the Lord is “close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18), and David’s tears show God welcomes honest pain, not polished strength.

If you are trying to move forward while still hurting, you are not failing. Bring what was lost to Him in prayer, and ask for a soft heart that can forgive and heal. Romans 12:18 calls us, as far as it depends on us, to live at peace, and God can show you the next small step. Even when outcomes are messy, His presence stays steady.
Please join us at The Promised Land Church State Highway 131 S. in Bakerhill Al. each Wednesday at 6:00 pm midweek bible study, Sunday School at 9:30 and at 11:00 am for morning worship services each Sunday.
James and Ella K Johnson, Pastors 🕊

05/29/2026

From The Pastor’s Study :
Your Nightly Prayer 🌙 Psalm 37:4
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you...”
EPHESIANS 4:31-32
DEVOTION
Based on Ephesians 4
Bitterness, anger, and resentment are burdens that poison our hearts and relationships. God calls us to put them away—not to ignore them, but to release them.
In their place, we are to put on kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. This isn’t always easy, but we’re not alone—God gives us the example and the power. As we remember how much we’ve been forgiven, we’re softened to extend that same grace to others. Healing begins when we let go of what weighs us down and embrace the character of Christ.
A.C.T.S. REFLECTION
ADORATION: Lord, You are full of mercy and grace. I worship You for forgiving me completely and continually.

CONFESSION: Forgive me for holding onto bitterness and lashing out in anger. I confess I’ve struggled to forgive those who’ve hurt me.

THANKSGIVING: Thank You for the freedom that comes through forgiveness. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit that enables me to love like You.

SUPPLICATION: Father, help me release every root of bitterness. Teach me to be kind and tenderhearted, even when it’s hard. Remind me of how much I’ve been forgiven so I can extend that same grace. Let my words and actions reflect Your heart.
PRAYER
Also delight yourself in The Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
PSALM 37:4
Lord God, I want to commit my ways to You. I want to establish my heart on solid ground. I want to be still and unmovable while waiting for Your glory to unfold. I declare my unwavering devotion to You, but I must admit that I am often too weak to follow through on my commitments. As I seek Your will and delight my heart in You, fill in the gaps. Be strong where I am weak. Be wise when I am foolish. As I commit my ways to You and act upon my convictions, honor my effort, and uphold me in every season. While others fall away from pride, corruption, and compromise, I want to press forward toward You humbly. Tend to me, God, as I sleep. And when I rise in the morning, empower me in all the necessary ways so that I can glorify You. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, Amen.
Please join us at The Promised Land Church State Highway 131 S. in Bakerhill Al. each Sunday beginning at 9:30 for Sunday School and at 11:00 am for morning worship services. James and Ella K Johnson, Pastors 🕊

05/28/2026

From The Pastor’s Study :
Your Nightly Prayer 🌙 Psalm 36:9
“And ye shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.”
JOHN 8:32

DEVOTION
Based on John 8
Truth isn’t just a concept—it’s a Person. Jesus is the Truth, and knowing Him frees us from shame, sin, and deception. This freedom isn’t just about escaping lies; it’s about living in the light of who God is and who we are in Him.

We walk in clarity, confidence, and purpose when we anchor our lives in truth. The enemy wants to keep us bound by false narratives, but Jesus speaks life and identity into our hearts. The more we know His truth, the more we live free to love, forgive, and become who He created us to be.
A.C.T.S. REFLECTION
ADORATION: Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. I praise You for revealing the truth that leads to freedom and life.

CONFESSION: I admit I’ve believed lies about myself, others, and You. Forgive me for letting deception hold me back.

THANKSGIVING: Thank You for the freedom You offer through truth. Thank You for breaking chains of guilt, fear, and false identity.

SUPPLICATION: Lord, help me to know Your truth more deeply. Reveal the areas in my life where I still live bound. Replace every lie with Your Word. Let my life reflect the freedom You died to give me. Help me speak and live the truth with love and boldness.

PRAYER
For with you is the spring of life. In your light, we see light.
PSALM 36:9
Lord, You are the light of the world. Even the night is light to You. You are the fountain of life. From You flows endless refreshment and vibrance. You are a good host, inviting me to Your table of abundance and blessing. You are all these things and more, and I am also blessed to call You Mine. As I lay my head down to rest, may Your comfort be upon me like a heavy blanket. While others plot trouble late at night, I want Your goodness to be the only thing on my mind. Keep me close, Lord Jesus. Settle my soul in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Please join us at The Promised Land Church State Highway 131 S. in Bakerhill Al. each Sunday beginning at 9:30 for Sunday School and at 11:00 am for morning worship services. James and Ella K Johnson, Pastors 🕊

05/27/2026

Bible Study is canceled on tonight. Ella K. Johnson James Therel Johnson Sr.

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

From The Pastor’s Study
Your Daily Prayer 🙏🏾2 Samuel 13:30
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026
“Let God hold the gavel; grudges only chain your wounds and feed more sin.”
SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY
And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left.
2 SAMUEL 13:30

PRAYER
As the tragedy in 2 Samuel 13 comes to light, I thank You Lord that You are setting a hedge of protection around me so that I am protected from others taking advantage of me and my kindness. When the grip of manipulation seems to overpower me, I lean on the fact that You will provide a way of escape. Even when the Amnons of this world seem to have the upper hand, I choose to praise You because in the end You will always vindicate and validate me because I am Your child. With this truth, I know that whatever is done to, or against me, will not stop the plans You have for my life, because You are careful to bring every word You speak to fruition. It’s through Your power and through Your might that I can boldly speak this over my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

SIBLING DRAMA
Have you ever been so hurt or angry that you wanted the other person to feel it too? Maybe you replayed the moment in your mind, wishing you could say one thing that would sting, or do something that would even the score.
In 2 Samuel 13, David’s family shows how quickly pain can turn into revenge. Tamar is harmed, and Absalom carries his rage until it spills into violence. God understands anger, but Ephesians 4:26 warns us not to let it lead us into sin, and Romans 12:19 invites us to leave justice in His hands.
If you are holding a grudge today, you are not alone. You can tell God the truth about what happened and what you feel. Ask Him to soften what is hard in you, and to guide you toward wise help and peaceful steps. He stays close to the wounded, and His faithfulness can break the cycle.
Please join us at The Promised Land Church State Highway 131 S. in Bakerhill Al. each Sunday beginning at 9:30 for Sunday School and at 11:00 am for morning worship services. James and Ella K Johnson, Pastors 🕊