Upper Room Baptist Church

06/02/2026

Good morning URBC, Peace to you, to your house and all that is yours! HALLELUJAH AND PRAISE THE LORD! Today is Tuesday and here’s Tuesday’s Treasure! As I stepped outside this morning, I heard the wind moving through the trees and watched them sway together in perfect quiet harmony. My heart whispered, LOOK AT GOD! Though the wind is unseen, its presence is undeniable, and in that moment, I was reminded of the gentle but powerful way God makes Himself known to us. If His touch can move the trees in perfect harmony, surely His presence can bring peace, order, unity and calm to every part of our lives. STOP 🛑 AND READ: Acts 2:2.

In Acts 2:2, the Holy Spirit is described as a “MIGHTY RUSHING WIND,” reminding us that God is never distant or still. His Spirit moves with power, yet also with tenderness, awakening what has grown weary and breathing life into what feels dry. Harmony can exist when we create space for the Holy Spiritto work in our lives. We may not see the wind, but we surely can feel it—and so it is with the presence of God. He comes near to restore, strengthen, and gently draw our hearts back to Him.

The Holy Spirit still works within us, softening our hearts, strengthening our faith, and teaches us to walk in love, obedience, and unity. When we quiet ourselves before Him, He renews us from within and leads us closer to the heart of God! So today, MAKE ROOM FOR HIS PRESENCE THROUGH PRAYER, WORSHIP AND SURRENDER! BRINGING PEACE, BEAUTY, HARMONY AND HOLY TRANSFORMATION! Will you open your heart today to the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT? The choice is yours! Grace and Peace, Pastor Bivens

05/31/2026

all are welcome

05/26/2026

Good morning URBC! Greetings to you all in the name of Jesus! Today is Tuesday and here’s Tuesday’s Treasure! If you are reading this, you have already begun your day. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your goodness and glorify your Father in heaven. When your light shines, it reflects God‘s goodness, truth, peace, and love. We are called to live in a way that points others to Christ, so let your light shine today so that someone may experience Him through you. That is our reasonable service unto Him. So, ask yourself: who or what will you serve today? Stop and read Joshua 24:15.

Joshua spoke to a generation entering the Promised Land after the failure of those who came before them. He chose to remain faithful to God and led his household by example. This verse is more than just a quote—it is a commitment to make your home a place where God is honored. It is a commitment to 1 Corinthians 10:31 that all our actions, thoughts, words and deeds should reflect God’s character and honor Him in every aspect of our lives. Joshua reminds us that everyone serves something, and every choice has consequences. Serving the Lord as a household goes beyond church attendance and prayer over our meals. Social media, entertainment, peer pressure, and even educational institutions can undermine our families commitment to serve the Lord. Rather than trying to shield our families from all worldly influences—which is neither possible or wise—we must teach them to evaluate everything through the lens of the Word of God and our commitment to honor Him. When Christ is the head of your home, you will seek His Will, make decisions through prayer, and teach your family that Jesus is Lord over every part of life. Start each day by acknowledging God’s lordship over your house and over your family. And when they return home thank God for His faithfulness for keeping them safe, confessing any shortcomings, and seeking His peace for the night ahead. You are a testimony and a blessing before your family, so they may experience God’s gentleness and grace through your life. Our role is to always point our loved ones to God’s truth and show His unconditional love!

Joshua understood that he could not control everyone else, but he could decide what would happen in his own house! He was determined that his household would serve the LORD! That same responsibility is ours today: to dedicate what happens within our walls to GOD! And when conflict, financial pressure, or questions arise in our home, God’s Word should guide our every response and decision. Joshua’s challenge still stands today: CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE! Joshua chose to serve the Lord; will you do the same? Remember the choice is yours and so are the consequences! Grace and Peace always, Pastor Bivens

05/19/2026

Good morning URBC! John 4:24 says: “GOD IS SPIRIT, AND HIS WORSHIPPERS MUST WORSHIP IN THE SPIRIT AND IN THE TRUTH.” Let’s worship the Lord! Today is Tuesday and here’s Tuesday’s Treasure. Yes, it is that time of year – – sandal season. It is time to put away the boots, sneakers, and closed-toe shoes, and embrace the open-air comfort of your favorite sandals. Some of us have already broken them out, while others are waiting for warmer weather. There are many kinds of sandals to choose from: flip-flops, strappy sandals, open toe styles, closed -toe styles, sports sandals, and even sandals with socks. We usually choose sandals based on the activity, the weather, the support they provide, the material, and the occasion. After all, you would not wear flip-flops to a formal wedding. In the Bible, sandals also carry spiritual meaning. They can represent humility, readiness , and obedience. With that in mind, stop and read Acts:12:8.

In our text, Peter had been arrested and was being kept in prison on constant guard by four squads of soldiers. The strong security made it seem that escape was impossible. Yet in a moment, an Angel of the Lord, told Peter to get dressed, “PUT HIS SANDALS ON”, and follow him. That instruction was practical, but it was also powerful. Putting on his sandals and garments showed preparation for the journey ahead. In the same way, God equips us for what He is calling us to do. He often calls us to step out of our comfort zones and follow Him, whether that means making a change, helping others, or trusting him in uncertain situations. Whether that means when we see no way out; we must remember that God always has a ram in the bush! This idea connects beautifully with Ephesians 6:15, where the Apostle Paul tells believers to have their feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. The gospel of peace is the message of Jesus Christ, which brings reconciliation between God and humanity. When our feet are spiritually prepared, we are able to stand firm during challenges, walk forward in faith, and face life with peace and confidence.

Just like Peter, we may find ourselves in difficult circumstances. Even then, we must remember that God is able to guide us toward freedom and purpose. The act of getting dressed and putting on sandals is more than preparation for the day – it can also remind us to prepare our hearts for the journey God has set before us. Every day brings a new opportunity to follow God‘s lead. When we listen to Him and walk in obedience we are preparing ourselves for His purpose in our lives. So, when you step out of your house each day, ask yourself: what kind of shoes am I wearing? Not only am I wearing the right shoes but am I dressed appropriately? Am I armored up for today’s journey? Are you dressed and ready for whatever the day may bring? Because the choice is yours! Grace and Peace, Pastor Bivens

05/17/2026