Missionary Tabernacle United Holy Church. Pastor Betty Jean Rogers

03/31/2026

An Ancient Braveheart
March 30, 2026

A fugitive came and reported to Abram the Hebrew. Abram was living at the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and Aner. They were allies of Abram. When Abram heard that his nephew had been taken prisoner, he lined up his servants, all of them born in his household—there were 318 of them—and chased after the captors all the way to Dan. Abram and his men split into small groups and attacked by night. They chased them as far as Hobah, just north of Damascus. They recovered all the plunder along with nephew Lot and his possessions, including the women and the people.”
Genesis 14:13-16

(The Message)

William Wallace shouted across a Scottish hillside that "Every man dies, not every man really lives." Mel Gibson made it famous and five Oscars followed. A few thousand years earlier, another man had to step up and defend what he cared for and loved.

His name was Abraham.

When four kings kidnap his nephew Lot, Abraham doesn't wait to consider the odds or call a committee meeting. He gathers helpers and rides into battle against armies that had just crushed five kings. That’s bold and brave! That's what it looks like when someone follows God's way every single day.

Paul says these Old Testament stories "occurred as examples for us," meaning Abraham's life was written for you (1 Corinthians 10:6, NIV). This is not history to admire from a distance. It is a blueprint for how to actually live.

The truth is that bravery isn't reserved for people with better circumstances or bigger resources. It's built one decision at a time. The choice to stay in a hard marriage another day. The choice to tell the truth in a meeting when it costs something, or ask for help instead of pretending everything is fine. That's the same battle, just a different battlefield.

Abraham didn't know what he was riding into either. He just knew sitting still wasn't an option. And the same God who rode with him into that battle is riding with you into yours today.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word that gives me courage and strength. I don't feel brave most days. But Abraham either, he chose it with one faithful step at a time. Help me take that step today, whatever it looks like. I trust that You are with me, just as you were with him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

02/24/2026

Demons In Church
February 18, 2026

Mark 1:23, 'And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out;....'

MK. 1:21-28; LK. 4:33-37

Many people don't associate demon-possessed people with places of worship. Yet most of the demons that Jesus cast out were encountered in the church. Why would demon-possessed people be in church?

In some cases, the people were there because they were seeking help. The church, like a hospital, offers people a cure and therefore attracts those who are sick.

In other cases, the devil sows these types of people in the church to spread spiritual disease. A church that is teaching the true Word of God should either try to evangelize these individuals or make them so convicted that they move on. Sad to say, demon-possessed people can thrive in most religious settings today.

We always need to show love for the sinner as Jesus did, but we should cut the devil no slack. If a person wants to keep an evil spirit inside of them, they should not feel at home in church.

Let the Spirit of God live through you as He did through Jesus, and you will either make people mad or glad, but there will not be indifference.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Today's Verse:
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:6 / KJV

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Today's Promise:
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4 / KJV

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Today's Psalm:
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 / KJV

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Today's Proverb:
The lip of truth shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Proverbs 12:19 / KJV

02/09/2026

Following God’s Timing, Not Our Own
February 9, 2026

Following God’s timing, not our own reminds us that waiting on His direction brings peace, purpose, and perfect alignment with His will.

“After this David inquired of the LORD, ‘Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?’ And the LORD said to him, ‘Go up.’ David said, ‘To which shall I go up?’ And he said, ‘To Hebron.’”—2 Samuel 2:1

Saul was dead. The civil war was over. It was time for David to take the throne as king. Many couldn’t understand why he hadn’t acted earlier, for the prophet Samuel had already anointed him as king.

But David had learned the importance of pleasing God, so he acted not when he could have, but “some time later” (CSB). David “inquired of the LORD” and acted only after receiving His clear direction.

David’s life was a testimony to the importance of waiting on God. His psalms are filled with references to this principle. He wrote, “Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14). Also, “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7).

As David demonstrated, to be used by God, we must be ready to act … when He directs.

We need to be sensitive to His leading and guidance. It’s crucial to remain patient for God to prepare the way ahead of us and tell us the circumstances are as they should be, the time is right, and our training is complete.

Be sensitive to God’s timing for the steps you take. Seek His wisdom for decisions you need to make. Don’t assume, but be ready to listen and wait. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, ready to act in the course of time, as He directs.

Reflection Question: Where is God asking you to wait instead of rushing ahead?

02/09/2026

With Robert E Ward Sr – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

01/27/2026

God's Daily Message From The Bible
Drawing Near To God

January 27, 2026

His Powerful Word

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) The earth was formless, empty, and dark. Elohim said, Let there be light, and there was light. (Genesis 1:3)

Each time He spoke forth His word, God was creating the heavens and the earth. His love was the force and power, the cause of all, and His word was the agent in achieving His purpose to create.

He spoke all into being: the sky, the waters, vegetation, stars, sun, and moon. His powerful spoken word called forth sea creatures, living creatures, and most importantly, man. God’s word that goes forth from His mouth will not return empty, but will accomplish what God desires and achieve the purpose for which it was sent.
(Isaiah 55:11)

Are you aware that there is power in the words that we speak? Our words have the power to bring life or death. (Proverbs 18:21) In reflecting on this, I shudder to think of the power that my negative words have had on the lives of others!

But I am also keenly aware that my positive, encouraging words have the power to influence lives for good. When I see that my words are not encouraging and uplifting, it is time to have a “spiritual heart” examination.

King David best describes the process: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Are you aware of the power of your words for destroying or for building up? Ask the Lord to examine your heart when you find that your words are negative.

The Lord God created the world with His words, and they brought forth life. How amazing it is when our words bring forth life as well!

Heavenly Father,
I desire to speak words that are encouraging and uplifting to others. Often, it is easier to speak kindly to those who are not closest to me. Help me to first edify You, Lord, with my words; then help me to uplift those who are closest to me. Examine my heart when I struggle with my tongue and lead me to repentance.
In Jesus’ name, Amen

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Today's Verse:
Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
Isaiah 6:3b / KJV

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Today's Promise:
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Malachi 3:10 / KJV

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Today's Psalm:
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Psalm 32:11 / KJV

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Today's Proverb:
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Proverbs 15:23 / KJV

01/24/2026

Daily Blessings From The Bible
January 24, 2026

Look, the Lamb of God!

The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29

Look, the Lamb of God!
When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he could have pointed to the fact that this man approaching was the almighty God, the second person of the Trinity, “through whom all things were created!” Instead, he called him “the Lamb of God.”

In most cases, a lamb is nothing to get excited about. A lamb doesn’t stand a chance against a lion or bear. A lamb cannot carry anyone on its back like a noble steed. However, John knew this Lamb had a higher calling, an eternal calling, a calling that would serve all people of all time, for all people have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

John knew that Jesus came to sacrifice himself as a sin offering for all people’s sins—that includes yours and mine. By doing so, the Lamb would forever destroy the power of the devil. Unlike the Passover lambs, which were sacrificed year after year, Jesus would offer himself once for all!

This Lamb is our Savior, and this is something to get excited about! His victory, which is ours through faith, will never become old, outdated, or surpassed by any other. As you look to Jesus today, hail him, sing his praises, and point him out to others as the one who has taken away all our sins.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for winning the victory over the devil for me and taking away all my sins. Help me each day to rejoice in the gift of salvation you have given to me. Strengthen my faith so that I may live for you and point others to you, for you are the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! Amen.

Saturday, January 24, 2026
Today's Verse:
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 / KJV

Saturday, January 24, 2026
Today's Promise:
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Hebrews 10:36,37 / KJV

Saturday, January 24, 2026
Today's Psalm:
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11 / KJV

Saturday, January 24, 2026
Today's Proverb:
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Proverbs 14:34 / KJV

01/23/2026

Discerning True Voices
January 21, 2026

Like a broken yoke in the crowd, discerning true voices shows how appearances can deceive, but God’s Word unmasks what is real.

“Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke-bars from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke them. And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD.’” —Jeremiah 28:10–11

People thought of Hananiah as a prophet. He certainly looked and sounded the part. He knew when to make the right gestures and speak the right phrases. When he said, “Thus says the LORD,” people believed him.

So they must have been impressed when he took a yoke off Jeremiah’s neck and broke it. His actions seemed genuine. But despite appearances, Hananiah was not a true prophet, and God had not told him what to say.

In contrast, Jeremiah was not trying to be popular or to manipulate anyone. His goal was to obey and please God. He didn’t rely on clever oratory or convincing gestures, but was content to speak God’s words, knowing He would confirm that Jeremiah had spoken for Him.

Today, the world is filled with people who claim to know the truth. They can be articulate and convincing. They speak with authority and proclaim their understanding of the Bible and history. They declare what they think is important and what we should believe and do.

But the example of Hananiah provides an important warning: We must not be fooled by convincing appearances or arguments. More than ever, we must be committed to discerning true words from God.

Fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Make the Bible your barometer and standard. Seek God in prayer, and be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit.

Reflection Question: How do you evaluate what you hear against God’s truth?

11/21/2025

Are You Hoarding Or Giving?
November 21, 2025

We are challenged to examine how we use our resources—by hoarding or giving. Are we stockpiling for self or sowing into eternity?

“There is a sickening evil which I have seen … wealth being hoarded by its owner to his detriment. When that wealth was lost … there was nothing to support him. As he came naked from his mother’s womb, so he will return.”—Ecclesiastes 5:13, 5 NASB.

The Bible describes a “sickening evil.” This evil is “wealth being hoarded by its owner to his detriment.”

Such a person has been blessed abundantly by God but has “hoarded” these blessings. Instead of investing them in the lives of others or supporting the work of God, he only indulges himself.

Such a mindset is short-sighted.

Through various economic conditions, a person’s wealth may diminish. Then, when money is needed, nothing is left. He learns too late that everything in life is temporary. We are born with nothing, and we die with nothing (1 Timothy 6:7).

Many people are like this rich man, merely thinking about themselves and their personal pleasures, not caring about eternal things or concerned about the needs of others.

The Bible tells us that God gives His blessings and eternal riches to those who give rather than hoard, who invest in the lives of others, who seek first His Kingdom, and who realize that He has blessed them so they can be a blessing to others.

Today, ask yourself what you’re doing with the resources God has given you. Look for opportunities to invest in the lives of others. As Jesus advised in Matthew 25:35,36, seek to meet the needs of the poor and hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison, and pray for the sick.

When we seek first His Kingdom, we make investments that will pay dividends—both here on earth and in eternity.

Reflection Question: How are you using what God has given you to bless others?

11/21/2025

The Vow That Lasts

November 19, 2025

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
Matthew 19:6b (NIV)

Want to know the secret to a lasting marriage?

I heard about a woman getting some marital advice. Her friend said, "The first ten years of marriage are the absolute hardest."

She replied, "Really? How long have you been married?" The friend quickly responded, "Ten years!"
The truth is that the hard work of marriage never ends. But you need to know why it’s worth it.

In today’s verse, Jesus says, "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Matthew 19:6b, NIV) Marriage isn't what culture, nature, s*x, law, or even love join together. It's what God joins together. When you take marriage vows, you're making a covenant before God Himself.

Years ago, I received an email from a woman I’ll never forget. Her husband had passed after forty years together. But it was forty years she almost threw away. Right after starting divorce proceedings, she got saved.

A woman discipled her, showing her scriptures on marriage. She thought, "If I cannot keep a promise to God, I would not be able to keep it with anyone." She stopped the divorce. Her marriage still had ups and downs, but she remained faithful to her covenant.

When I’m asked to perform a wedding, I let the couple know that I'm unable to do so. I can do the ceremony, but only God brings two people together. God not only brings and binds you together, but He also builds your marriage together. You aren’t in this on your own.

If your marriage feels difficult this week, you’re not alone. After 49 years of marriage, I’ve learned that the hard and important work never ends. But I can also tell you it’s worth it.

Get alone with God and ask Him to remind you why He brought you together. He’ll give you the strength to honor His covenant. Why don’t you consider asking your spouse this question: "How can I love you better today?"

Prayer: Father, thank You for joining my spouse and me together. When I feel stuck or discouraged, remind me this is Your covenant, not just ours. Give me the humility and grace to love as You do. Teach me Your ways, Lord. I want the fruit of the Holy Spirit to be evident in my relationship with my spouse. Help me grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. In Jesus’ powerful Name, Amen.

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Today's Verse:..at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:10,11 / KJV

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Today's Promise:
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23,24 / KJV

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Today's Psalm:
All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
Psalm 22:27 / KJV

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Today's Proverb:
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
Proverbs 13:3 / KJV

11/21/2025