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April 26: Rest Before You Run

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Rest Before You Run Scripture “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 As a former athlete, I understand the importance of not starting a race already tired. But the reality was that I often competed in multiple events. I would do long jump and shot put, then run the heats for the 100 and 200 meters. By the time I reached the semifinals or finals, I was physically exhausted. That is the same feeling many of us may be experiencing as we approach a new year. The truth is, we are tired—mentally, financially, emotionally, and physically. Life has demanded much from us, and the weight of those demands has left us weary. This verse reminds us that Jesus is fully aware of our exhaustion. He does not call us to push harder or run faster on empty. Instead, He invites us to come to Him. Rest, according to Jesus, is not found in stopping alone, but in surrender—laying down our burdens and allowing Him to restore us. Before we run into what lies ...
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April 25: Island Stillness - Peace be yours

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  by Dr. Terry-Ann Robinson Key Text : “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”   Isaiah 26:3 There is a stillness that can be found only on an island, surrounded by the gentle hush of the sea. Yet, for much of my life, true stillness and peace felt out of reach. The very idea of faith seemed passive to me; something for those unwilling to take action. I saw faith as a crutch, an excuse for inaction, a fallback for those who had mismanaged their lives and now expected God to intervene. So, I worked. I planned. I prayed, but my prayers were hollow, emptied of trust. I believed that if I simply tried hard enough, I could control the outcome. Still, despite my efforts, my heart was restless. Anxiety became my constant companion. Accomplishments stacked up, but peace remained a stranger. But then, in the quiet moments spent with Jesus, I discovered a truth that changed everything: faith is not passive. Faith is th...
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April 24: Morning Breeze of Mercy

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Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV) : “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Sharon Campbell-Danvers  Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church    I remember one morning not too long ago. I woke up before the sun had fully risen, and everything felt heavy. Not loud, not chaotic, just a quiet kind of heaviness that sits on your chest. The kind you cannot easily explain. The house was still. No noise. No distractions. Just me, my thoughts, and that weight from the day before that I had not quite shaken off. I walked over to the window and pulled the curtain slightly. The sky was just beginning to change, that soft mix of grey and gold. And for a moment, I just stood there, breathing. No prayers yet. No words. Just stillness. Then this verse came to mind: “His mercies are new every morning…” And I remember thinking, even this morning? Even after yesterday did not go the way I h...
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April 23: Storm-proof Faith

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by: Dr. Terry-Ann Robinson Key Text: “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39  Recently, I watched a mother and her daughter. The little girl, around seven years old, asked her mother for something. The answer was no. The girl sulked, her disappointment clear, though she never uttered a word of protest her posture spoke volumes.  How do we respond when God tells us no? What is our posture when, after pouring out our hearts in prayer, the answer seems to be silence or even a firm no?  Storm-proof faith is not about getting what we want. It is about trusting the One who knows what is best, even when His answer is not what we had hoped. It is faith that remains steady in the waiting, unwavering in disappointment, and anchored even when the winds howl and the waves threaten.  Jesus did not promise a life free of storms. He promised His presence in every storm. When the discip...
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April 22: Injection Fear

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  Injection Fear Key Scripture:  Isaiah 53:5-  “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Sharon Campbell-Danvers Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church How many people struggle with injections or blood tests? For some, it is never simple. Veins are hard to find, and what should be quick often turns into multiple attempts. There is always that quiet tension, the bracing for pain, the anticipation of another needle. On this particular morning, it took four needles. Sitting there, wincing yet trying to remain still, the moment shifted from discomfort to reflection. Watching the blood slowly fill the small container brought a deeper awareness. It became impossible not to think about Jesus and the blood He shed. His suffering was not clinical or controlled. He was not pierced with sterile needles. He was pierced with rough nails. The purpose was not to draw blood. ...
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April 21: A New Day, A New Grace

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   by: Terry-Ann Robinson Key Text: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9   Have you ever noticed how people light up when mango season comes around? Julie mango, East Indian, Number 11, Black mango—everybody has a favorite. At practice, school, or after church, somebody always has a bag to share. Some people eat theirs right away. Others save it to make juice, or to relax and eat later. But here’s the thing about mango season— it always comes with flies . Just when you’re enjoying your mango, here they come buzzing around, trying to steal your focus. They’re annoying, distracting, and just won’t leave you alone. Still, most of us aren’t about to drop our mango just because of them. Life with Jesus can feel like that. When you decide to grow closer to God—pray more, read your Bi...
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April 20: Strength Like the Palm Tree

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  by: N. Blackmore Key Text: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree…” – Book of Psalms 92:12 There is something remarkable about a palm tree. Here in the islands, I’ve watched them stand through strong winds and storms. They bend, sometimes almost to the ground, but they do not break. When the storm passes, they rise again still rooted, still standing. The palm tree has become an object lesson for my life. Strength is not always about standing rigid; sometimes it is about learning how to bend without losing my foundation. There are seasons when life feels like strong winds responsibilities, pressures, quiet struggles no one else sees. In those moments, I am reminded that true strength is not found in myself, but in being deeply rooted in Christ. The palm tree survives because its roots run deep. And so must mine. Ellen G. White writes in Steps to Christ : “The closer you come to Jesus, the faultier you will appear in your own eyes…” That reminds me th...
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April 19: I See You But I have An Appointment!

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  I See You But I have An Appointment! Sharon Campbell-Danvers Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church That morning began with pressure. There was an early appointment, school traffic, and the weight of trying not to be late. The plan was clear. Get to Palm Road Medical by 7:45 a.m. No delays. Yet God had already written a different moment into the journey. A senior citizen stood near Every Blooming Thing. Visible, yet unseen. Others passed by. There was hesitation because time mattered. But compassion spoke louder, and the decision was made to stop. What felt like an inconvenience became an invitation. As the conversation unfolded, his warmth, vulnerability, and health challenges became clear. Then came a turning point. He realized the direction had changed and began to worry. Would this act of kindness cause lateness? Would it cost something? But faith had already answered. Trust settled in the truth that God, who orders time itself, had placed this man along the path. Not as a delay,...
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April 18: Fishing for Purpose

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by  Tamelia Barriffe Key Text: Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” Luke 5:10   This statement was not simply about a new task. It was about a new level of impact. Fishing was something the disciples were already skilled at. It was structured, measurable, and familiar. They could see their results, count their catch, and defi ne success by what they produced. But when Jesus called them, He shifted their focus. No longer was their work about catching fish. It became about reaching people. This is a significant shift. Because activity is often easy to measure, but impact is deeper. It is possible to be busy, consistent, and productive, yet not fully aware of the lives being affected. Many people move through their days completing tasks, meeting expectations, and fulfilling responsibilities. They are active, engaged, and dependable. But purpose is not only found in what is done. It is found in who is reached. Jesus was not calling the disciple...
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April 17: Island Light: Shine wherever you go

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by : Terry-Ann Robinson Key Text:  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 I love having the window seat on an airplane. No matter how often I travel, I am always in awe as I look out and marvel at the wonders of God’s beautiful creation. The heavens truly declare His glory, and the firmament shows His handiwork. Although I am not a fan of traveling at night, there are times when it cannot be avoided. If you take the time out to observe,  you can be flying over a vast, dark sea, and everything below appears silent and unseen. But as soon as an island comes into view, its lights are visible from a great distance. Even though all around is darkness, the island cannot be hidden. White and yellow lights glow steadily, while reds and other colors shine from signage, towers, and buildings. Together, they form a beautiful and unmistakable scene. The small points of light announce life, pres...
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April 16: Fully Charged?

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Fully Charged? Sharon Campbell-Danvers Kings Seventh-Day Adventist Church Key Scripture: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit. For without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 Recently, my laptop has been unused for an extended period. I was mostly using my desktop computer because it has two large monitors, which makes work easier. But on this particular day, I needed the laptop for a meeting. I asked my son to charge it for me. In my haste, I picked up the computer from the bed, placed it in my bag, and rushed out. When I arrived at the meeting and opened the laptop, I realized it was not charged. I searched my bag only to discover that the charger, which is usually there, was missing. I was left in a dilemma. As the meeting was about to begin, I quietly pondered what to do. Then I found a phone charger. With a bit of modification and adjustment, I managed to get the computer on just enough to function. It worked, but barely. Lat...
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April 15: Forgiveness Keeps Coming Back to Me

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Forgive From the Heart Key Text: Matthew 18:21–22 (KJV) “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Sharon Campbell-Danvers Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church How many of us wrestle with forgiveness? If we are honest, it is not always easy. If it were not for the grace we have received from God, many of us would struggle even more to forgive others. There are moments when the heart agrees that forgiveness is right, yet still struggles with how to truly let go when the hurt runs deep. Forgiveness has a way of coming back again and again. Just when it seems the issue has been settled, the memory resurfaces, the feeling returns, and the wound feels fresh. In those moments, it becomes clear that forgiveness is not always a one-time act. Sometimes it is a daily decision, a continual surrender. When reflecting on what Je...
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