God’s Grace International Worship Church

09/11/2026

THE DAILY WORD
Lisa Davis Johnson

There is security in trusting the Lord

Psalm 91:1 (NLT) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

We face daily battles the enemy tries to throw our way, but the devil is never greater than our God. As we grow in our relationship with Him—the very relationship Jesus died to give us—we learn to let God fight our battles. Trusting Him becomes our shelter and our strength.

There are roadblocks the enemy uses to keep us from developing a close, personal relationship with God. One of the biggest is work. Work is good and necessary, but it becomes harmful when we begin to glorify work, achievement, or material things more than our relationship with God. Nice things are enjoyable, but they fade. Praise from people feels good, but it is temporary. When we chase those things, we can become addicted to work or to pleasing others.

Luke 10:40–42 (NLT) But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

If you feel like you are constantly working, constantly saying yes, or constantly feeling guilty when you slow down, you may be out of balance. If you find yourself driven by performance or people‑pleasing, it can take time to break those habits and find your way back to peace. When we work to earn approval or worth, we stop receiving our value from God and start trying to earn it through effort.

God is far less interested in our performance than He is in the condition of our hearts. He cares why we do what we do.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT) But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Prayer

Father, help me rest in Your shelter and trust You more deeply. Show me where my life is out of balance, and gently lead me back to a place where my worth comes from You alone. Teach me to choose the time with You, peace with You, and a heart aligned with You. Amen.

If you would like to accept Jesus as your savior, and you are not quite sure how, it is as simple as saying a prayer to God letting Him know you are ready to accept Him into your life. Say this prayer if you would like to invite Jesus to live in your heart:

Father God, I love you and believe in you. I need you Lord and I am sorry for my sins and the way that I live. Lord, I want you in my life. I receive Jesus as my savior and Lord. I believe that Jesus died for me and rose from the dead. Lord take me as I am and make me the way you want me to be. God, thank you for saving me and being with me on my journey. I am looking forward to my journey with you Lord. I know you will equip me for my journey and I am glad I have you by my side as I walk this walk of Life. Thank you Lord, I love you. Amen

09/11/2026

25 years later, we remember September 11, 2001, with heavy hearts and steadfast faith.
Today, we remember the lives lost, the families who mourn, and the brave first responders who gave everything to save others. We pray for those who still carry the pain of that day.

Through every storm, God remains sovereign, faithful, and near to the brokenhearted. May His peace comfort every heart, and may His grace remind us that even in the darkest moments, His light still shines bright because light always overtakes the darkness.

In God we trust and on the solid rock, we will stand. God still reigns supreme.
We will never forget 🙏🏾🕊️

09/09/2026

THE DAILY WORD
Lisa Davis Johnson

Many times we assist the devil in his plan to destroy our lives.

1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Jesus came to deliver us from the power the devil tries to hold over us. The enemy does have power—but through Christ, we have power and authority over him. Jesus came to put the devil in his place. Even though we cannot see him with our physical eyes, we can clearly see the evidence of his influence in the world around us.

We must stay aware of the strife the enemy tries to bring into our lives. Many times, without realizing it, we assist the devil in his plan to destroy us. We do this when we hold on to unforgiveness, cling to anger, or allow bitterness and resentment to take root. Feeling anger is human—but staying in anger is dangerous.

Ephesians 4:27 (NLT) For anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Going to church weekly is wonderful, but if we never deal with the negative behaviors and attitudes we carry, then what is the purpose? It is time to recognize the enemy’s strategy and take action. Listening alone is not enough—we must apply what we hear. Growth requires participation. It is up to us to do what is necessary for our spiritual maturity.

James 4:7 (NLT) So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Scripture teaches us to resist the devil, and resistance is not passive. We must know the Word of God well enough to recognize the enemy’s lies and fight back with truth. Wrong feelings and wrong thoughts must be confronted with the Word.

Luke 4:13 (NLT) When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

As we grow, the enemy will continue looking for opportunities to interrupt our progress. Jesus came so we could walk in peace, free from the devil’s schemes. We must know the truth so the truth can set us free. The enemy often uses people and circumstances to distract us from our destiny. Instead of becoming angry at the person, we must rebuke the one trying to interfere with God’s plan for our lives.

Matthew 16:23 (NLT) Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Prayer

Father, help me stay alert to the enemy’s schemes and aware of the ways I may be assisting him without realizing it. Teach me to release anger, unforgiveness, and every negative emotion that opens the door to the enemy. Strengthen me to resist every lie and stand firm in Your truth. Keep my heart aligned with Your plan so nothing the enemy sends can pull me off course. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you would like to accept Jesus as your savior, and you are not quite sure how, it is as simple as saying a prayer to God letting Him know you are ready to accept Him into your life. Say this prayer if you would like to invite Jesus to live in your heart:

Father God, I love you and believe in you. I need you Lord and I am sorry for my sins and the way that I live. Lord, I want you in my life. I receive Jesus as my savior and Lord. I believe that Jesus died for me and rose from the dead. Lord take me as I am and make me the way you want me to be. God, thank you for saving me and being with me on my journey. I am looking forward to my journey with you Lord. I know you will equip me for my journey and I am glad I have you by my side as I walk this walk of Life. Thank you Lord, I love you. Amen

08/25/2026

THE DAILY WORD
Lisa Davis Johnson

Led by the Spirit

1 Corinthians 2:11 (NLT) No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit.

We come to know the Holy Spirit as a person—not human like us, but the One who shapes our character, guides our decisions, and forms Christlike traits within us. The Holy Spirit is not an imaginary force or a vague feeling. He is the One who prompts us toward what is right. When we pray for discernment, it is the Holy Spirit who leads us into wise choices. Staying in step with Him is intentional; it doesn’t happen automatically. We pursue Him daily, and as we do, our communication with God deepens.

The Holy Spirit wants to work in us, through us, and for us. What we often call coincidence or intuition may actually be His gentle prompting—nudging us toward the very thing we know we should do.

1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT) A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

God uses the Holy Spirit to convict us, guide us, and help us choose what aligns with His will. Listening to Him is life‑changing. Being filled with the Spirit gives us the wisdom we need for everyday life.

1 Corinthians 12:11 (NLT) It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

We can be closer to God than we ever imagined simply by asking for that relationship. He sends the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and steady us. Many times, we know the right thing to do, but our emotions pull us in another direction. Living by feelings leads us away from God’s best; living by the Spirit leads us into it.

Romans 8:5–6 (NLT) Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

Prayer
Holy Spirit, help me recognize Your voice and follow Your leading. Shape my thoughts, guide my choices, and steady my heart. Teach me to live by Your wisdom rather than my emotions. Fill me with Your peace as I walk closely with You today. Amen.

If you would like to accept Jesus as your savior, and you are not quite sure how, it is as simple as saying a prayer to God letting Him know you are ready to accept Him into your life. Say this prayer if you would like to invite Jesus to live in your heart:

Father God, I love you and believe in you. I need you Lord and I am sorry for my sins and the way that I live. Lord, I want you in my life. I receive Jesus as my savior and Lord. I believe that Jesus died for me and rose from the dead. Lord take me as I am and make me the way you want me to be. God, thank you for saving me and being with me on my journey. I am looking forward to my journey with you Lord. I know you will equip me for my journey and I am glad I have you by my side as I walk this walk of Life. Thank you Lord, I love you. Amen

08/23/2026

THE DAILY WORD
Lisa Davis Johnson

Strengthened Through Every Trial

Our trials help us not only know God, but also discover who we are in Him.

1 John 4:4 (NLT) But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

Almighty God holds all power. Nothing is impossible for Him. No problem is too small for His attention, and no burden is too great for His strength. His power is not distant—He makes it available to us, and He desires to share it with His children.

As we walk through trials, we learn to lean on Him. And as we lean, we learn. On our own we are weak, but in Christ we are strong. Life brings moments that feel overwhelming—situations we cannot possibly handle alone. Yet we are never alone. God equips us with the strength and ability to face each day with courage.

2 Corinthians 3:5 (NLT) It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.

Trials also help shift our focus toward eternity. What we experience here on earth is temporary, but our life with Christ is everlasting. It’s good to desire a meaningful life now, yet we must guard our focus so that earthly struggles do not distract us from living a Christ-like life. Our temporary journey should not overshadow our eternal one.

We do have power—but it is not our own. It is the power of Christ within us. We often think we can control our situations, but the truth is we cannot. What we can do is tap into the strength God freely gives.

1 Chronicles 29:12 (NLT) Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the strength You place within me. Help me lean on You in every trial and remember who I am in Christ. Keep my heart focused on eternity and teach me to walk in the power You provide each day. Fill me with peace, courage, and confidence as I trust You. Amen.

If you would like to accept Jesus as your savior, and you are not quite sure how, it is as simple as saying a prayer to God letting Him know you are ready to accept Him into your life. Say this prayer if you would like to invite Jesus to live in your heart:

Father God, I love you and believe in you. I need you Lord and I am sorry for my sins and the way that I live. Lord, I want you in my life. I receive Jesus as my savior and Lord. I believe that Jesus died for me and rose from the dead. Lord take me as I am and make me the way you want me to be. God, thank you for saving me and being with me on my journey. I am looking forward to my journey with you Lord. I know you will equip me for my journey and I am glad I have you by my side as I walk this walk of Life. Thank you Lord, I love you. Amen

08/03/2026

THE DAILY WORD
Lisa Davis Johnson

God Is Transforming Us Into His Image One Trial at a Time

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

It is good for us to pause each day and reflect on how faithful God has been. We benefit from noticing the small blessings just as much as the big ones. This doesn’t come naturally, because we tend to notice what goes wrong far more quickly than what goes right. That’s why we must be intentional about recognizing the quiet, everyday gifts God places around us.

Some days it feels as if everything that can go wrong does. On those days, the blessings may seem hidden beneath frustration or disappointment. Yet even then, we can choose to look for the good. A grateful attitude doesn’t simply fall on us — we pursue it, cultivate it, and practice it.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Many of us are walking through difficult seasons. Some situations feel so heavy that it’s hard to see anything positive. But even in the darkest places, God is able to take what is painful and work it for good. He can use you as a light in the middle of hardship. He uses trials not only to refine our character but also to shape us for the purpose He created us to fulfill. God can work every single thing for our good — and not only for our good, but also for the good of others.

We can be thankful in our trials because God is transforming us into His image one trial at a time.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

When you take time to reflect and feel as though there is nothing to be thankful for, don’t lose hope. Remember this simple truth: you are alive, and you are here on purpose. God is still working, still shaping, and still transforming you — even on the days when you cannot see it.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for walking with me through every trial. Help me see Your goodness even on the hard days, and keep shaping my heart to look more like Yours. Amen.

If you would like to accept Jesus as your savior, and you are not quite sure how, it is as simple as saying a prayer to God letting Him know you are ready to accept Him into your life. Say this prayer if you would like to invite Jesus to live in your heart:

Father God, I love you and believe in you. I need you Lord and I am sorry for my sins and the way that I live. Lord, I want you in my life. I receive Jesus as my savior and Lord. I believe that Jesus died for me and rose from the dead. Lord take me as I am and make me the way you want me to be. God, thank you for saving me and being with me on my journey. I am looking forward to my journey with you Lord. I know you will equip me for my journey and I am glad I have you by my side as I walk this walk of Life. Thank you Lord, I love you. Amen

07/26/2026

GGIWC 2026 Church in the park! Such a blessed day of fellowship!

Acts 2:42
 The Believers Form a Community
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals and to prayer.

07/24/2026

THE DAILY WORD
Lisa Davis Johnson

We Can Have a Lot More Peace if We Just Get Out of Everyone Else’s Business

Romans 14:10–13 (NLT) So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God. Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

We would experience far more peace if we simply stepped out of everyone else’s business and kept our opinions and unnecessary words to ourselves. Pray for people and let them be accountable to God. There are moments when we can offer encouragement or lovingly shed light on a sin to a Christian friend, but even then, we should always consult God before saying anything at all.

We must be careful about judging others with our words. Much of what we call “concern” is really just personal opinion. If we’re not careful, our opinions can crush someone’s spirit and hinder their spiritual growth—especially those who are just beginning their walk with Christ. A careless comment can wound deeply, and sometimes people never forget the moment someone’s opinion made them feel small, ashamed, or unwelcome.

We don’t need to give our opinion when no one has asked for it. Freely offering our thoughts can damage relationships with friends and family. People want the freedom to make their own decisions. Before speaking, we should ask ourselves whether we are truly trying to help or simply wanting to express what we think. It is not our responsibility to make people do what is right—that is God’s job. And who’s to say that the way we do things is even right for someone else?

We should do whatever we can to avoid strife. Sharing our opinions too freely often creates tension and conflict. But when we learn to mind our own business and become less generous with our opinions, we discover a level of peace we may have never experienced before.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NLT) Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.

Prayer
Lord, help me walk in peace by keeping my heart focused on You and not on the choices of others. Teach me when to speak and when to stay silent. Guard my words so they build up and never tear down. Give me wisdom to stay out of matters that don’t belong to me and the humility to trust You with the lives of the people I love. Help me honor You by living a quiet, steady, grace-filled life. Amen.

If you would like to accept Jesus as your savior, and you are not quite sure how, it is as simple as saying a prayer to God letting Him know you are ready to accept Him into your life. Say this prayer if you would like to invite Jesus to live in your heart:

Father God, I love you and believe in you. I need you Lord and I am sorry for my sins and the way that I live. Lord, I want you in my life. I receive Jesus as my savior and Lord. I believe that Jesus died for me and rose from the dead. Lord take me as I am and make me the way you want me to be. God, thank you for saving me and being with me on my journey. I am looking forward to my journey with you Lord. I know you will equip me for my journey and I am glad I have you by my side as I walk this walk of Life. Thank you Lord, I love you. Amen

07/23/2026

THE DAILY WORD
Lisa Davis Johnson

We can choose to encourage people on purpose rather than tear them down.

Psalm 100:4 (NLT) Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.

There are things we should not say with our words—but there are also things we should say. When we focus on positive, life‑giving words instead of negative ones, the shift becomes a little easier. Little by little, our hearts begin to follow the direction of our words.

We can stay busy blessing everything we can bless. God has given us the power to bless or curse with the words of our mouth. Our words are incredibly powerful. I often wonder what would happen if we truly stopped complaining and stopped speaking curses over others. I can’t tell you the full answer, because I’m not there yet myself—but every day I aim to keep my words leaning toward the positive rather than the negative.

Proverbs 15:4 (NLT) Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

There is no need to tear people down with our words. It’s not enough to simply stop saying harmful things—we can intentionally begin speaking what is right, kind, and uplifting. And if it feels difficult to say something positive about someone, pause long enough to consider what their life might be like. Compassion softens criticism.

There is so much healing we can bring into our relationships simply by choosing different words. Encouragement is a choice. God has given us free will, and that includes the freedom to choose the words we speak. We can purpose in our hearts to build people up rather than tear them down.

Psalm 19:14 (NLT) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Prayer

Lord, help me use my words with wisdom and kindness. Teach me to speak life, not harm. When I’m tempted to complain or criticize, remind me of Your grace and help me choose encouragement instead. Shape my heart so that what comes out of my mouth reflects Your love. Amen.

If you would like to accept Jesus as your savior, and you are not quite sure how, it is as simple as saying a prayer to God letting Him know you are ready to accept Him into your life. Say this prayer if you would like to invite Jesus to live in your heart:

Father God, I love you and believe in you. I need you Lord and I am sorry for my sins and the way that I live. Lord, I want you in my life. I receive Jesus as my savior and Lord. I believe that Jesus died for me and rose from the dead. Lord take me as I am and make me the way you want me to be. God, thank you for saving me and being with me on my journey. I am looking forward to my journey with you Lord. I know you will equip me for my journey and I am glad I have you by my side as I walk this walk of Life. Thank you Lord, I love you. Amen

07/20/2026