Church News

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

SEPTEMBER 2026

September 1, 2026
“DIRECT ACCESS TO GOD!”
     In John 15:13, it says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Because of God’s unconditional love for us, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, opening the way for direct access to Him. We no longer need a priest, or a mediator to reach God. Oh, praise His name!
     God has made it possible for us to come to Him at any time, in any situation. He will take the time to listen and respond. We do not need an appointment or to go through an assistant, nor do we need to go through security. As believers, we have direct access to God. He may not always arrive when we expect, but we can be confident that He will be right on time.
Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”.

September 2, 2026

MONEY - (1 Tim. 6:10; Eccl. 10:19)
     Why is money so important, yet so dangerous that it can cause you to live or die. I recalled as a child I bought something from a little shop (grocery store) where a man also had bought something and both of us were waiting for our small change. The shop owner put the small change on the counter and I stretched out my hand to get the change which I thought was mine. The change was for the adult man beside me who turned to me and said "I will kill you for my money". Hearing that threat I pulled back my hand quickly. The change was a few pence. Money has caused many people to lose their lives. Some people are in prison for years because of money. Money has caused many people to sin and do evil things such as sex for money and selling illegal drugs. Some people may have even lost their souls because of the love of money. "For the love of money is the root of all evil..." (1 Tim. 6:10). The money of itself is good and innocent, but some religious folks have done many hateful and sinful things because they allowed money to control them instead of them controlling the money. They allowed money to destroy their future. Finally, may I encourage you to put GOD first in your life and not your money. GOD bless you.

September 3, 2026
THE GREATEST AUTHOR!
     There are so many great authors (one that originates or creates something: source) in the world, and we have read and enjoyed their books etc. Some of their books are fictional; some of them are factual; and some of them give us instructions. But the Greatest Author is God (Jesus). Not only did He inspire and use mankind to write the Greatest Book (the Bible), but He created all things that are in the heavens and on the earth. He is also the one who is the Author and finisher of our Faith. He didn't stop there but He put on flesh and blood to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. This Author is Awesome.
Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”.

September 4, 2026

THE WATER; THE RAIN BOW; THE FIRE - (Gen. 6:13; Gen. 9:13; 2 Peter 3:5-10)
     Our hearts, condolences, prayers, and compassions go out to the people in the world who have suffered from floodings and lost of loved ones in several countries, mostly Nepal, China, India, USA and others. The greatest flood was in the days of Noah where the whole earth (land, and air dwellers) perished, except Noah and his family (Gen. chapters 6-9). GOD later put a rain bow in the clouds as a covenant between HIM and the earth that HE will not destroy the whole earth by water again (Gen. 9:13-17). "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men..." (2 Peter 3: 1-10). GOD destroyed the earth in Noah days because of the violence, wickedness, etc. that was great upon the earth (Gen. 6:5-7). Today we are truly living in the last days where violence, wars, killings, wickedness, etc., etc. are great upon the earth. But GOD/JESUS has prepared an Ark called the church for those who are truly serving HIM from the heart, and HE will be coming for us soon (1 Thessa. 4: 13-18). Yes, water then, but it will be fire next time. Repent now before it is too late (2 Peter 3:1-18). GOD bless you.

September 7, 2026
YET I WILL REJOICE - (John 15:11; Habakkuk 3:17-18)
     The standard definition of the word rejoice includes to feel, express, or show great joy, delight or happiness. My definition of the word rejoice plays upon the word itself. The prefix RE involves going back or again; repeating an action. Therefore, the word rejoice to me means repeating or showing real non-acting from the heart joy over and over again in good or sorrowful times. I believe GOD delights when we are not "getti - getti" "fish and bread" followers of HIM. JESUS indicated to the people who were looking all over the place for HIM, you are looking for ME not because you desire to hear my words or to see me work miracles, but because you want to eat fish and bread/food (John 6:24-26). All of us should rejoice and show strong confidence in JESUS CHRIST not only when things are going well, but also in sad and unpleasant times. It is JESUS' desire that our joy cup be full to the overflow and that HIS "joy might remain" in us (John 15:11). The Bible tells us to "rejoice in the LORD (not sometimes but) alway: and again I say, rejoice (do it over and over again)” (Philip. 4:4). Let us all be like Brother Habakkuk who saw nothing on his farm producing but still he said "... yet I will rejoice" (Hab. 3:17-18). GOD bless you.

September 8, 2026

“WHEN GOD IS IN IT!”
     Even if God doesn’t deliver us, we will not bow. That was the declaration of the three Hebrew boys in (Daniel 3:17–18). Their faith was not dependent on whether God would rescue them; they had already made up their minds to remain faithful to Him no matter what. When the three Hebrew boys were thrown into the fiery furnace, they walked out without even the smell of smoke on them. But they didn’t walk out of that fire alone—Jesus was right there with them (Daniel 3:23–25).
     Daniel also continued to pray to his God even after being threatened with being thrown into the lions’ den. He refused to allow fear to change his devotion to God, ~ God was right there with him. (Daniel 6:23–28).
     When God is in it, you don’t have to worry! This applies to every decision we make in life, not because we know exactly what the outcome will be, but because we know who is with us. I encourage you today: Allow God to be at the center of every decision you make. Seek Him, trust Him, and follow His direction without fear, knowing that whatever you face, you will never face it alone.
Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God”.
God Bless You!
 

September 9, 2026

WORSHIP AND PRAISE (2 Chronicles 20:1-30)
     Two powerful weapons, Barak (worship) and Shabach (praise).
When Jehoshaphat and the children of Judah were surprisingly attacked by many enemy nations, they went to GOD for instructions on what to do. "And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD..." (2 Chron. 20:4). They told GOD that they don't know what to do, "... but our eyes are upon thee (V 12). All of us who are attacked by the enemy of our souls and by sudden unpleasant situations should go to GOD first for help and not to man first. GOD told Judah ... “be not afraid... for the battle is not yours, but GOD’s...” (V 15). GOD is speaking to somebody reading this TFTD and saying your battles, your problems, your unpleasant situations, are mine. The LORD will be with you (V 17). Judah began to use the victory tools of worshipping (Barak), and praising (Shabach) the LORD with a loud voice on high (V 19). Jehoshaphat put a choir of singers together (V 21), and they went praising GOD in songs before the army and GOD ambushed the enemies by confusing them with the victorious songs of praises to GOD and the enemies started to fight and kill each other (V 21-23). All the children of Judah had to do was to pick up an abundance of riches (jewels, etc.) for three days. Oh, the power of from the heart worship and praise to GOD. Yes, my brother and sister, worship, praise, and sing your way to victory. GOD bless you.

September 10, 2026

THE DEVIL'S DEVICES!
     There are many and different kinds of devices in the world, and some of them are very helpful for performing certain tasks. On the other hand, there are devices (a scheme to deceive: tricks) that are not good, but are meant to work against us. These are the types of devices the devil (beelzebub) uses again us. He used that type of device to trick Eve and then she used the same device to trick Adam. He uses the same types of devices on us too. He may have the doctor to give you a false health report and you find out later that his diagnosis was incorrect. He may let your utility payment get lost in the mail and the utility company will think you didn't pay your bill that month. He may put in your mind that the pain you have could be something serious, and come to find out, it was just trapped gas. He could make you think you are losing your memory, but the problem is that you are not getting enough sleep. He could make you take your medicine twice, because you forgot you had already taken it. Then, you realize later that you had already taken it. He can make things happen to make you late for work, an appointment and for Church. He can make you miss a doctor's appointment, because you got caught up in something you had to take care of and the appointment didn't cross your mind, until it was too late to go. He can make you fear something that will not happen. He will bring negative things to your mind that happened years ago so that you can relive the negative event in your mind, and feel bad all over "again". He will make you think God (Jesus) doesn't hear your prayers, but GOD DOES. HE can make you feel down "sometimes" and nothing is wrong. I said all that to say, that we are not ignorant of the devil's devices.
2 Corinthians 2:11 – “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices”.

September 11, 2026

GOD'S OFFSPRING: THE GREAT CONNECTION - (Acts 17: 28-29)
     For as much as the word offspring means a person's children, which would mean every created person is the children of GOD. However, there is a natural earthly fleshly offspring and there is a saved spiritual offspring. The spiritual offspring are those who have repented of their sins with the name of GOD (JESUS) invoked on them in baptism and they become filled with the HOLY GHOST. JESUS CHRIST speaking of HIMSELF said "... it behoved CHRIST to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in HIS NAME (JESUS) among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:46-47; John 5:43; Matt. 1:21; John 14:26). The CHURCH did begin at Jerusalem (Acts 2: 1-38 ). The Bible also tells us in Acts 4:12 "neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other NAME under heaven (JESUS) given among men, where by we must be saved" and that NAME is JESUS. (Acts 10:43; Col. 3:17; Acts 8:16-17). Yes, GOD'S spiritual offsprings are those who are born again from the earthly natural offspring to the heavenly spiritual offspring. (John 3:3-5; Acts 17:28-31). GOD bless you.

September 14, 2026

THE POOL OF BETHESDA. THE RULE AT THE POOL - (John 5:1-18)
     Those at the pool must follow the rule of the pool. There is a certain cultured people that I am familiar with where some of them do not have the discipline of waiting at the bus stop in a queue/line. You may know some people like that from your country also. They feel that even if they are the last person to be at the bus stop, they must get in the bus before those who were there before them. Very undisciplined. The rule at the pool of Bethesda was that "an Angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then FIRST AFTER THE TROUBLING OF THE WATER stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had" (John 5:4). If some of the undisciplined people from a certain country were there at the Bethesda pool they would feel that that rule at the pool would not apply to them. Some would even dare to lay or sit by the pool with one foot or hand already in the water trying to be first. But that was not the rule at the pool. The Angel must first trouble the water and not the sick person troubling the water first. In sports those who do not play by the rules are penalized or put out of the game. Every company that employs people have rules. Let us all respect rules and understand that saved folks who are disciples of JESUS CHRIST are a disciplined people who respect rules. Please note the spelling; the word discipline comes from the word disciple. GOD'S HOLY CHURCH also have righteous rules. GOD bless you.

September 15, 2026
DON’T GET COMFORTABLE WITHOUT THE HOLY GHOST!
     Many today are giving the illusion that the Holy Ghost is not necessary to go to Heaven. Others say you don’t have to speak in tongues. The Holy Ghost is absolutely necessary to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. The scriptures states, … “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9). To be in the royal family one must identify with Christ through repentance, water baptism in Jesus’ name and receive the gift (free gift as we were reminded on Sunday by the speaker) of the Holy Ghost. Paul says, “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh” (2 Corinthians 5:15-17), so the Spirit of God in us is our Heavenly identity. The baptism in Jesus name is our passport and the Holy Ghost is our Visa to Heaven, no Holy Ghost no entrance.
Acts 2:38 – “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”.
 

September 16, 2026
THE CHURCH.
THE CHURCH is in the church - (Acts 10:44-48; Matt. 7:21; Rom. 6:4)
THINK ON THESE THINGS.
     Are you in a church or are you in THE CHURCH (Col. 1:18)?
The U in the word chUrch must be you in THE CHURCH which is the BODY of JESUS CHRIST (1 Corinth. 12:27).
Are you just in a church that has it’s name written outside the building or are you in THE CHURCH which is the BODY of JESUS CHRIST (1 Corinth. 12:13-14)?
     Do you just go to a church or are you the HOLY GHOST filled CHURCH that goes to the building? THE CHURCH with a capital C is in the church with a common c. When JESUS CHRIST comes back HE will be taking the capital C CHURCH out of the common c church. The wheat is THE CHURCH that is among the tares church (Matt. 13:30). THE CHURCH is the HOLY SPIRIT filled "... Glorious CHURCH, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:27). The song writer asked the question "are you in THE CHURCH triumphant? ... Come and be baptized in the body and forever more abide". Yes, to be saved you must believe in the NAME JESUS and repent and be baptized in GOD'S name which is JESUS and be filled with the HOLY GHOST speaking "with tongues" (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:1-6). It is very important to get in THE CHURCH and abide in THE CHURCH. GOD bless you.

September 17, 2026

THE POWER WITHIN!
     There are many things that need power in order to function. You need batteries or a power cord in order to use various electronics, and various appliances, etc. Thank God for this type of power to help make life easier for us. But To God Be The Glory for the "Power" of the Holy Ghost that gives the Believers Power within. He helps us to live right and He gives us the ability to bear righteous fruit. He convicts us when we do wrong, and He gives us a mind to get things right by way of repentance. He puts joy in our souls and He gives us peace. Lastly, this Holy Ghost Power within us is part of our Salvation Package. Thank God (Jesus) for this Power within.
Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”.
2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us”.

September 18, 2026

SEVENTY-ONE YEARS (18th September, 1955) TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY
     Please join me as I celebrate my 71 years Baptismal Anniversary. I was baptized on September 18th, 1955 in the Caribbean Sea in Kingston, Jamaica. I thank GOD for HIS many forgivenesses and I give HIM all the glory for taking me through my seventy-one years of spiritual struggles and growth. It was and is only by HIS grace and mercies through my many illnesses including prostate cancer and a death on the operating table during heart surgery that I am alive today. I want to thank GOD for my wife of 53 years, my children, my families and my many friends who have been a support to me through my 71 years journey. It was not always easy, but the LORD JESUS CHRIST "kept me so that I wouldn't let go". I can truly say that the LORD has blessed me and has brought me from a mighty long way. Thank you, Mt. Olivet Church members and organization, for your continuous loving support to this day. Thank you, Willing Aid members for being by my side as we helped the poor and needy over the years. Finally, please keep me in your prayers daily as I do the same for you. I love you all and may GOD'S blessings be upon you daily.
Bishop Hopeton MAIR, Sr.

September 21, 2026

ONLY BELIEVE GOD/JESUS CHRIST - (Gen. 17:17-19; John 11: 40-43; Luke 1:36-37; Matt. 19:26)
     GOD made Abraham's wife Sarah to become pregnant at 90 years old years after she had stopped producing eggs (Gen. 17:17-19). GOD made Mary's cousin Elizabeth to become pregnant with John the Baptist in her baren and old age (Luke 1: 36-37). GOD made Mary to become pregnant without the aid of a man's sperm. Mary said to the Angel Gabriel "how shall this be, seeing I know not a man" (Luke 1:34-35). Yes, with GOD/JESUS "...nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). May I encourage you not to doubt GOD. Pastor Bruce Sanders said of his situation that either way “it is a WIN, WIN situation". All we have to do is not to doubt GOD, but be willing to accept either of GOD'S "WIN, WIN” results. Hallelujah, glory to GOD. You can never lose being alive or going to sleep with JESUS (1 Thessa. 4:13-14). Paul declared in Phil. 1:23 "... to depart, and be with CHRIST; is far better". Yes, Pastor Sanders our faith in JESUS CHRIST puts us in a " WIN, WIN" situation of GOD'S divine will of healing or going to our heavenly home. May I remind all true believers that "there is no place like home". Finally, never doubt, only believe.
GOD bless you.

September 22, 2026
 "UNQUALIFIED BY MAN; QUALIFIED BY GOD!"
     When Jesus called the twelve, He did not call extraordinary men, they were simply ordinary. God does not typically call the mighty, wise, or noble, but those that seem less qualified (1 Cor. 1:26-29).  The reason is so that no flesh should glory in His presence. Sometimes you may think/believe that you’re unqualified for a task, but in the sight of God you’re well qualified. As quoted, “God does not call the qualified, but He qualifies the called”. So, if you’re doing something, especially for God, keep pushing and focus on Him.
     Moses, when he was called to lead the people out of Egypt he thought he wasn’t qualified because of his speech (Exodus 3:10-14). But through him, God provided a way to deliver the children of Israel out of Egypt. The people also thought that little David was not qualified to stand up against Goliath, but when God qualifies you for the call, all you need is a “J” (1 Samuel 17:33-49). God can use the ordinary to do extraordinary things. This reminds me of the song, “Lord I’m available to you, my storage is empty and I am available to you”. God does not need our ability, but our availability!”

September 23, 2026

PUT OFF ALL THESE (OLD MAN). PUT ON ALL THESE (NEW MAN) - (Col. 3: 8-10; Eph. 6: 11)
     The believers are in a daily struggle to put off and keep off the old man that constantly plagues the thoughts, hearts, and minds with unhealthy spirit things. "... Sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 14:34). It is said that you cannot prevent the birds from flying over your head and releasing dirty droppings on your head and clothing, but you sure can prevent the birds from making a nest on your head, and you can prevent the birds dirty droppings from landing on your head by keeping a covering/umbrella over your head. Like the bird, unhealthy and sinful thoughts can come at you trying to get you to think or do the wrong things which are called the works of the flesh. Some of these are adultery, fornication, unforgiveness, hatred, anger, malice, witchcraft, envy, murder, idolatry, etc. (Col. 3:8-10; Gal. 5:19-21). We must strive to lay aside every weight and the sin that easily beset us (Heb. 12:1). When these thoughts come over you like the bird you have to rebuke yourself and put on the spiritual umbrella covering of the blood of JESUS CHRIST and the fruit of the Spirit so that your life does not get messed up. We must put on the whole armor of GOD that we may be able to resist the wiles and tricks of the devil (Col. 3:12-14; Eph. 6:11-12). “…Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7-8). May GOD bless and strengthen you.

September 24, 2026

FACTS!
     Be careful what you hear on the news these days, because some of the news is not true and some of the news is true. You want to be sure you get Facts (information or a piece of information presented as true or accurate) about information that you hear that will affect your life. One place you can count on to give you Facts and that is God's (Jesus') Word. The Facts are so "true" that we as Believers live our lives according to those Facts.
Psalms 119:160 – “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever”.

September 25, 2026

HOW TO APPROACH GOD/JESUS IN YOUR PRIVATE PRAYERS.
     In emergency situations say right away IN THE NAME OF JESUS or IN THE NAME JESUS. When you are suddenly attacked verbally, physically or spiritually say "I REBUKE YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS". Repeat the same words until you get victorious results. Then don't forget to say THANK YOU JESUS. In non-emergency situations, approach GOD/JESUS reverently in worship posture. However, GOD will hear you in any posture. Approach GOD by addressing HIM saying ALMIGHTY GOD THE SELF-EXISTING CREATOR OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH; YOU ARE THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC, JACOB AND ISHMAEL. YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO HOLDS THESE THREE TITLES, OMNIPOTENT, OMNISCIENT, AND OMNIPRESENT. I thank you and I worship you. Then you make your request known to HIM. DO NOT communicate with HIM in prayer as if HE is far away or cannot hear you. Pray as you are led, but with the understanding that GOD is right there with you and you are in HIS presence. You can also pray to GOD/JESUS non-verbally, by praying in your mind, heart, and thought. Your thought has a voice that only you and GOD can hear. Finally, always close your prayers by saying NOT MY WILL BUT THINE BE DONE and in the NAME OF JESUS. Thank you JESUS.
GOD bless you.

September 28, 2026
IT IS T TIMES - (Eph. 6:10-12; 2 Corinth. 4:7-10; 1 Corinth. 10:13; 2 Chron. 20:1-28)
     This is not about drinking tea times. This T TIMES is about the times that we are living in. The negative T TIMES that we are living in are troubles, trials, tests, temptations, tribulations and traumas. Many believers like never before are going through traumatic times, tribulation times, temptation times, troubled times, yes, test and trials times. BUT the Bible says "we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed (worried); …not in despair. Persecuted (harassed, treated cruelly), but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinth. 4:7-10). "What shall we then say to these things? If (since) GOD be for us, who can be (win) against us... In ALL these things we are more than conquerors through HIM (JESUS) that loved us (Rom. 8:31-39). Hallelujah!!. Now for us GOD has changed our negative T TIMES into the positive and victorious T for TRIUMPHANT TIME. GOD will never leave or forsake us. We are winners and not losers (2 Chron. 20:1-28). GOD bless you. It is now a glorious and triumphant T time (1 Corinth. 10:13).

September 29, 2026

“THE BLOOD COVERS IT ALL!”
     Over two thousand (2000) years ago Jesus shed His blood and His blood is still efficacious in 2026 and beyond!
The blood of Jesus is still rich and can reach you right where you are. “The blood reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley…It will never, never lose its power!” You might not be able to enter the physical temple, like the Ethiopian Eunuch in (Acts 8:35-36), but the blood of Jesus gives you access to be in the Heavenly kingdom. “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh” Romans 8:3-4). It doesn’t matter what sin you have committed except the sin of blasphemy, Jesus’ blood has already paid for it. All Jesus ask is for a repentant heart (I John 1:9). Salvation is for everyone, no matter your current or past life.
Hebrews 10:4 – “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins”.
God Bless You!

September 30, 2026

THE JOYS AND BLESSINGS OF GIVING - (Acts 20:35; Corinthians 9:6-8; Luke 6:38)
     People who enjoy giving wisely from their hearts to the poor, their church (offering & tithe) and to other good causes are said to be some of the most joyous and happiest people in the world. They are less stressful, and do less complaints about what other people have, especially other people's money. JESUS said ... it is more blessed to give than to receive "(Acts 20:35). Some people love to receive but hate to give and some are chronic money needers and complainers. It is more of a blessing when you give from the heart than when you receive. The Bible tells us that "... GOD loveth a cheerful giver..." (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). I fool a lot of people in thinking that I am rich (I am not) by my joyous and generous giving. Never use poorness as an excuse for not giving consistently to GOD'S business (HIS CHURCH). It is said that you can give your way out of poverty. Give without expecting to receive something in return and you will be blessed (Luke 6:38). Like the woman with the two mites, JESUS is watching you and HE knows what you can or cannot give. It is said that stingy people are those who can give consistently but don't are very often faking happiness publicly but are very unhappy and miserable in private and at home. GOD will open the windows of heavens blessings department upon you when you give to HIS business (Malachi 3:10). GOD bless you.

TFTD Ministry

Mt. Olivet Apostolic Churches