Sarah Stegall
-
Preach on, Little Sister
Most Sunday afternoons, our family gets together for dinner after church. One of our traditions is to repeat the Lord's Prayer together before someone blesses the meal. One Sunday, when my granddaughter was around 3 years old, she noticed that her father wasn't repeating the Lord's Prayer with the others. After I'd asked God to…
-
You Can Finish Strong
(PART 1)The Lord desires that we continue in the race appointed to each of us until we see Him. If we discipline our hearts to persevere, we will grow in the knowledge of His truth that frees us from the enemy's traps.
-
Seven Promises from the Cross
(PART 1)Freedom in Christ means more than escape from eternal condemnation. We can find hope and peace for today in what was spoken by Jesus on Calvary's cross.
-
That Explains Everything
The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. One of the sisters had posted a note on the apple tray: "Take only one. God is watching." At the other end of the table in the lunch…
-
And The Choir Sang On
During a First Sunday service at my church, Vernon Chapel AME, I was accompanying the choir on the organ for a special selection. The Holy Spirit began moving and in my excitement, I jumped off the organ bench to direct the choir, while the other musicians continued playing. I was really into it when suddenly,…
-
Prepared for Action
THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY MAKE UP CMDR. MELODY GOODWIN'S CONGREGATION.Since the American Revolution, women have played an active military role in every United States conflict. Three thousand women served in World War I, 7,000 in Vietnam, and during Desert Storm, 7 percent of deployed American forces were women--more than 40,000.…
-
Joy from Unexpected Sources
(PART 1)When we rely on the Lord, His joy will be our strength. Our circumstances cannot so easily overwhelm us. Even when we can't see how, God is faithful to deliver us from every affliction.
-
Making Jesus Real
BECKY HANCOCK AND HER FAMILY ARE ON A MISSION TO MAKE CHRIST KNOWN TO ARAB AMERICANS IN THEIR CITY.The sedate, tree-lined neighborhood in Dearborn, Michigan, may look like a picture of Americana. But in this city that boasts the highest concentration of Arabic people anywhere in the United States--the second-largest Arab population outside the Middle…
-
Surely, I’m Not That Old!
My friend's 4-year-old grandson, James, sat very attentively during a Sunday morning service. Seated next to his grandmother, he watched as the congregation partook of the bread and wine for communion. Later, he looked on carefully as his grandmother placed her offering in the basket. And with the revelation that only a 4-year-old could get,…
-
Surrender and Walk in Freedom
(PART 1)The white flag of surrender does not always convey failure. Our heavenly Father eagerly waits for the day when we surrender our hearts and minds to His cleansing and direction.
-
Is Everyone Paying Attention?
During a Sunday morning service, I was sitting with my 5-year-old son in the center of the sanctuary, near the front. With his hands folded in his lap, he was using his best manners, and he paid close attention to what the preacher had to say. As the sermon continued, the preacher's words were getting…
-
Time at the Master’s Feet
(PART 1) A major key to Christian living involves learning how to interact daily with God. Studying God's Word and praying helps us learn how to hear and follow His direction.
-
Always Look Your Best
As the choir director, I was particularly excited to be conducting the music for the Easter service several years ago. I'd borrowed a dress from my sister-in-law to wear on that special day. I was surprised that the dress fit so well because my sister-in-law is a little more blessed than I in the bust.…
-
Women and the Prophetic Ministry
(PART 1) The Old and the New Testaments provide multiple examples of women who operated in the gift of prophecy. Joel tells us God's daughters will prophesy through His Spirit.
-
I Had the Same Thought
My father was saved at the age of 10 or 11. He was very excited and "on fire" for the Lord. Dad went around preaching to everybody, and the other kids used to tease him about it. My aunt tells about a time when he was asked to pray in Sunday school class--in front of…
