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Showing posts from December, 2025

December 31: Finishing the Year in God’s Presence

  Finishing the Year in God’s Presence As the year draws to a close, there is a natural invitation to pause. The noise begins to quiet, calendars empty, and our hearts sense the weight of all that has passed. December 31 is more than a countdown to a new year; it is a sacred threshold. It is a moment to step into God’s presence with honesty, humility, and hope. So often we rush to what is next without fully reflecting on what has been. Yet Scripture reminds us that wisdom is found in reflection. When we take time to look back with God, we allow Him to reveal where we have grown, where we have wandered, and where His grace has carried us through. Ending the year in God’s presence calls us to intentional prayer. It invites repentance, not as condemnation, but as a loving realignment of the heart. We release regrets, disappointments, and unfulfilled plans into His hands. We ask God to cleanse what needs healing and to renew what has grown weary. This sacred pause also awakens renewed ...

December 30: Gratitude Basket

Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Ahead with Faith As the year nears its end, our hearts are drawn to reflection. Memories surface of moments that brought joy, seasons that stretched our faith, prayers that were answered, and others that remain in God’s hands. This time of looking back is not meant to weigh us down, but to remind us of the faithfulness of God who has walked with us through every step of the year. Gratitude shifts our perspective. When we pause to remember what God has done, we recognize that even in difficult seasons, He was present, providing strength, wisdom, and grace. Gratitude helps us see the hand of God not only in the blessings we celebrate, but also in the trials that shaped us. Imagine for a moment that you had a basket before you. Each time you recall a blessing, you write it down and place it inside. How full would your basket be? As you look into it, what emotions rise in your heart? Joy. Humility. Peace. Perhaps even tears. This simple image reminds us...

December 29: What Am I Carrying That God Never Asked Me to Hold?

  What Am I Carrying That God Never Asked Me to Hold? Scripture “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30 Life has a way of placing weight on our souls. Over time, we begin to carry burdens that were never assigned to us by God—guilt from past mistakes, fear of the unknown, unrealistic expectations, and the pressure to hold everything together. What began as concern slowly becomes heaviness, and our hearts grow weary. Jesus extends a simple yet powerful invitation: Come. Not after you fix everything. Not when you feel strong enough. But exactly as you are—tired, overwhelmed, and burdened. He does not ask us to ignore our pain; He asks us to bring it to Him. Often, the reason we feel exhausted is not because God has given us too much to carry, but because we have take...

December 28: Simply More Comfortable?

  Have I Grown Closer to God or Simply More Comfortable? Scripture “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” Revelation 2:4 Over time, familiarity can quietly replace intimacy. We learn the language of faith, settle into routines of worship, and grow accustomed to spiritual habits—yet still drift from the depth of relationship God desires. Comfort can look like faithfulness on the surface while masking a heart that no longer burns with devotion. The church in Ephesus was busy doing the right things. They worked hard, endured hardship, and stood firm in truth. Yet God saw beyond their actions and addressed the condition of their hearts. They had not abandoned belief, but they had lost their first love. This question invites honest reflection. Have our prayers become rushed? Has obedience become selective? Do we seek God out of habit, or out of hunger? Comfort is not the same as closeness. True intimacy with God requires intention, humility, an...

December 27: “When Christmas Is Over, Where Is Jesus?”

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  Boxing Day We have come to appreciate December 26 as another holiday to unwind after the festive Christmas celebrations. It is often a day for cleaning up, packing away decorations, returning gifts, eating leftovers, and resting from the busyness of Christmas Day. But is this just another holiday? What should it truly signify or represent? Is this a worthwhile tradition to keep? In fact, what is Boxing Day really all about? Historically, Boxing Day was a day of generosity. It was the day when boxes of gifts, food, or money were given to servants, workers, and those in need as a tangible expression of gratitude. It was not centered on receiving, but on giving. In many ways, it was meant to extend the spirit of Christmas beyond December 25. Yet just as many have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, it is possible that we have also forgotten what Boxing Day should represent. Christmas proclaims that God gave His greatest gift in Jesus Christ. Boxing Day was meant to echo tha...

December 26: “Quiet Strength, Lasting Impact”

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“Quiet Strength, Lasting Impact” Author : Pastor Kevin Anthony Danvers  Key Text: 2 Timothy 1:52   -  “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” Sis. Claudia Bailey, Former Women, Children and  Prayer Ministries Leader Central Jamaica Conference  Among the many spiritual mothers God has placed in my life, one distinct woman deeply shaped my ministry Mrs. Claudia Bailey. She embodied wisdom, friendship, prayer, and leadership in a way that left a permanent imprint on my soul. Like Timothy,  whose faith was first nurtured through the sincere example of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, my own faith and leadership were cultivated through her steady, God centered influence. We served together as directors, and later I transitioned into an administrative role within the Conference. While our positions were professional, our relationshi...

December 25: Laser Tag Lessons

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Winning on Purpose: Strategy, Unity, and Preparation  The Experience On December 23, 2025, we decided to take the family to laser tag. For me, it had always been about the exercise and the fun—not really about winning. But something happened this year that shifted our focus. The males decided to team up. Immediately, we were at a clear disadvantage—or so it seemed. We challenged the decision, but they overpowered us, confident in their numbers and strength. Instead of giving in, we decided to strategize . What started as frustration turned into determination. I chose to focus on their base and stayed there. Others were intentionally placed to focus on specific targets. When one of us was hit, another teammate moved in immediately. We also ensured that one person was always stationed at our base—to protect it and provide backup. Round one ended in shock—we won. We regrouped, reviewed quickly, adjusted our approach, and entered the second round even more focused and united. An...

December 24: Waiting For My Husband!

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  Theme: Watching for the Return “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds watching when he comes.” — Luke 12:37 Sharon Campbell-Danvers  My husband and I have been playing a game. Here’s how it goes. Whenever we are separated for a while—no matter how short—the first person who sees the other returning has to make a shout and really demonstrate the win. After ten wins, you earn twenty-five dollars. I have already won the first twenty-five dollars. But here’s the full strategy: I made sure to put away the same twenty-five dollars, just in case he wins the next round, and I’ll use his own money to pay him back. Let’s hope he does not read this plan. How did I outsmart him? Not by accident. By being strategic . By being intentional . By watching for his return . As I knew the time of his arrival was approaching, I positioned myself. I stayed alert. I didn’t drift off into distraction. I watched the door. And when he appeared—I was ready to shout, celebrate, ...

December 22: Hezekiah “Prayer That Turns Things Around”

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Sharon Campbell-Danvers  Hezekiah “Prayer That Turns Things Around” 2 Kings 20:2–3 (KJV) “Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.” Looking back on this year, we can truly declare that God answers prayers. I have experienced the manifestation of His power so many times in my life. There were moments when I felt as though my back was against the wall, yet God came through for me every time. I have had so many answered prayers that I cannot begin to recount them all. God has been faithful to me. How about you? As you look back on your life and reflect on your encounters with God, pause for a moment and simply tell Him thank you. Thank Him for what He has done. Thank Him for the prayers He answered. Thank Him for the people who prayed for you when you were not even conscious of their i...

December 21: Elisha Asking Boldly for More

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Sharon Campbell-Danvers  Elisha Asking Boldly for More Scripture Reading 2 Kings 2:9–10 (KJV) And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. What do you want? Honestly, if you were approached by someone who could truly deliver on their promises and asked that question, what would your answer be as we stand on the edge of a new year? Without thinking, some might ask for wealth. Do we not all need money? Some would ask for success, prosperity, recognition, or fame. A woman might ask for a child. Others might ask for a job, peace of mind, healing, clarity, or direction. The list is endless, because our needs, desires, and longings are many. Now consider Elisha. E...

December 20: Courage to Confront the Crowd

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Sharon Campbell-Danvers  Scripture Focus “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” 1 Kings 18:21 KJV As we come to the end of another year, imagine Elijah standing before us, eyes steady, voice unshaken, asking a question no one wants to answer. How long? How long will you hesitate? How long will you delay obedience? How long will you stand undecided while claiming faith? Elijah was not speaking to unbelievers. He was addressing God’s people. People who knew the name of the Lord, who had seen His power, and yet had grown comfortable living in the middle. Not fully rejecting God, but not fully following Him either. This is where many of us find ourselves. We are close enough to the river to feel the mist, but far enough to stay dry. We stand on the bank watching others step into the flow, convincing ourselves that proximity is the same a...

December 19: Leaving Christ Out of Christmas

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Leaving Christ Out of Christmas Key Text Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Reflection As a child growing up, Christmas was one of the most anticipated times of the year. It was a season filled with excitement and warmth. Families gathered from near and far. Homes were cleaned, painted, and decorated. Curtains were changed, and preparations were made to welcome visitors. The aroma of Christmas cake and sorrel filled the air. The best goat or the fatted calf was prepared. Trips to Grand Market were a cherished tradition. Christmas and New Year services marked the symbolic ending of one year and the beginning of another. Gifts were exchanged, and for many, happiness was measured by what was received. Yet, in the midst of all this celebration, an important question must be asked. If Christmas is for Christ, where does He fit into our celebrations? The story of Ch...

December 18: Solomon: When Wisdom Is Not Enough

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Solomon: When Wisdom Is Not Enough Arlene Johnson-McLeod  Scripture: 1 Kings 11:9 to 10 (ESV) “And the LORD was angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the LORD commanded.” Solomon is remembered as the wisest man who ever lived. God Himself granted him wisdom beyond measure, wisdom that drew kings and queens from distant lands, wisdom that built a glorious temple, and wisdom that brought peace and prosperity to Israel. Yet 1 Kings 11 reveals a sobering truth. Wisdom alone does not guarantee faithfulness. Solomon knew God. He had met God personally. He understood God’s commandments clearly. Still, his heart slowly drifted. The turning point was not sudden rebellion but gradual compromise. Solomon loved many foreign women, and over time, their beliefs shaped his heart. What began as tolerance became...

December 17: “Speak, Lord, I’m Listening”

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“Speak, Lord, I’m Listening” Jusene Brown  Key Text: 1 Samuel 3:10 “The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” During a recent devotion, this hymn rose in my spirit, “Near to the Heart of God” (Hymn 495). There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God; A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God. Chorus: O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God, Hold us who wait before Thee Near to the heart of God. Growing up, we sang this hymn just before the pastoral prayer. It created an atmosphere that invited reverence, stillness, and the awareness that God Himself was near. In the same way, Jesus invites us today to slow down, to be still, and to listen intentionally for His voice. When we retreat into quietness, blocking out the noise and constant motion of life, our hearts become attuned to hear Him more clearly. God desires to do something special in our live...

December 16: Faith That Steps Without Seeing

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 Faith That Steps Without Seeing Jusene Brown  Key Text: Genesis 15:6 “Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 Faith often means stepping forward with limited details; sometimes with no details at all. There are moments when God gives a promise, a nudge, or a direction and simply invites us to trust Him. Yet we can hesitate, leaning on people’s opinions, our own understanding, or what feels safer instead of trusting God at His word. Abraham/s life reminds us that faith can move even when the path is unclear. Let’s explore one of his most familiar stories Abraham followed God’s command, even when it didn’t make sense. When he took his only son up the mountain to sacrifice him, it wasn’t because he understood everything, it was because he trusted God completely. Abraham believed that God would provide a way. He had such a relationship with God that he re...

December 15: When God Sends Help

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When God Sends Help Sharon Campbell-Danvers  Kings & North Side Seventh-day Adventist Churches Key Scriptures “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 Reflection Last year about this time, God impressed it upon my heart to begin a one month devotional blog for the women of the Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Cayman Islands. Being new to the congregation, I was excited about the opportunity to connect with the women in a meaningful and spiritual way. The initiative was accepted by the Pastor, and the women gave their full support. The agreement I made with God was simple. Just one month. When the month ended, the requests continued. Women kept asking for more devotionals, and I gently reminded God that we had only agreed to one month. Soon it became two months, and I found myself wrestling with God as I began to understand the weight of the calling. Minis...

December 14: Joshua

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Be Strong. Be Brave. Be Ready. Joshua 1:9 KJV Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Sharon Campbell-Danvers  Does this verse apply to going somewhere specific? Yes. Joshua 1:9 was first spoken to Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land. It was a very real geographical transition. Joshua was stepping into new territory, new responsibility, and new challenges. He was leaving behind the wilderness season and entering a place he had never lived before. God was reassuring him that he was not stepping alone. But the verse is not limited to geography. It applies to every transition, every assignment, every unknown moment, and every season that requires courage. God spoke these words because Joshua was about to move forward into something unfamiliar. God understood the fear that rises when we step into the unknown. Why would God tell Joshua this? Be...

December 13: Caleb

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Still Ready to Fight at 85:  The Strength That Makes Us Stand Out Numbers 14:24 KJV But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went and his seed shall possess it. Introduction Sharon Campbell-Danvers What makes us stand out? When people observe our lives, our responses, our attitudes, our reactions, what impressions do we leave behind? What is the air about us that lingers long after the moment has passed? Recently, I told my husband, "I truly admire your strength under pressure." It reminded me that a person's true character is revealed not when life is easy, but when he faces challenges, uncertainty, and giants of his own. Pressure does not create character. It reveals it. And this is precisely what set Caleb apart. A Spirit That Stands Out God said of Caleb, he had another spirit with him. It was not talent. It was not age. It was not a position. It was not populari...

December 12: Joseph

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Theme: “Integrity In the Midst of Temptation” Scripture: “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God? Genesis 39:9 Reflection on Joseph’s Story Joseph’s life was marked by betrayal, hardshi Writer: Dwayne Liemonus p, and unexpected turns. He was sold into slavery by his own brothers, and he found himself serving in Potiphar’s household. Yet even in difficult circumstances, God’s favor lifted Joseph to a position of trust. But temptation soon arrived. Potiphar’s wife offered him pleasure and secrecy, a chance to compromise his integrity. Joseph’s response was firm. “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” ( Genesis 39:9) He understood that true integrity is not about who sees us, but about honoring God in every choice. Yielding might have seemed easier, but Joseph chose righteousness, knowing that compromise would damage his relationship with God. Working in a construction site as an A/C Technician, I faced a similar test of integrity. The oppor...

December 11: Jacob

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From Deceiver to Destiny Sharon Campbell-Danvers  Genesis 32:28 KJV And he said Thy name shall be called no more Jacob but Israel for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men and hast prevailed. Jacob’s life is a powerful reminder that God does not define us by our past but by His purpose for our future. Jacob carried a name that reflected his struggles. He was known as a deceiver a man who often relied on his own strength cleverness and manipulation. Yet in a life changing moment Jacob wrestled with God until daybreak refusing to let go until he received a blessing. In that struggle God did more than touch his body. God transformed his identity. He declared that Jacob would no longer be called the deceiver but Israel meaning a prince who prevails with God. There are moments in our lives when we too must confront who we have been and allow God to reshape who we are becoming. The enemy wants us trapped by old labels old failures and patterns that pull us away from who ...

December 10: Lot

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Do Not Pitch Your Tent Toward Sodom Sharon Campbell-Danvers  Genesis 19:16 KJV And while he lingered the men laid hold upon his hand and upon the hand of his wife and upon the hand of his two daughters the Lord being merciful unto him and they brought him forth and set him without the city. Lot’s story reminds us that the direction of our life is shaped by the quiet choices we make. Before destruction ever touched Sodom Lot made one decision that seemed harmless. He pitched his tent toward Sodom. He did not move in at first. He simply moved closer. Step by step compromise drew him deeper until he lived among people whose values clashed with the heart of God. When the angels arrived to rescue him he lingered because his heart had grown attached to a place he was never meant to call home. Still the mercy of God pulled him out and set him in safety. Satan works quietly to draw believers toward tents that do not align with the purpose of God. He rarely begins with obvious sin. Inst...

December 9: This Is Not What I Wanted

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 THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANT Key Text: 10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 10:10-11 Dr. Terry-Ann Robinson  Kings SDA Church  Eva was a talkative 4-year-old girl. She loved dressing up and pretending to be a princess. Her birthday was coming up, and she was looking forward to the present from her aunt Doreen. Doreen gave the most fabulous gifts, especially gifts that Eva loved. She had bought Eva the most beautiful dresses and even little heels that made Eva feel like a princess. Finally, Eva’s birthday came, and just as expected, Aunt Doreen showed up to drop off the most beautifully wrapped birthday present. As soon as Aunt Doreen left, Eva was ready to open her present. She was so excited that she could not keep still. She was sure it was going to be another beautiful dress or a fancy pair of shoes. As Eva...

December 8: Noah- Standing Tall

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Standing Tall in a Corrupt World Sharon campbell-danvers  Scripture: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD… Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” — Genesis 6:8–9 (KJV) In a world drowning in wickedness, Noah’s life shined like a lighthouse in the night. The people around him had abandoned righteousness, but Noah chose a different path. While others followed culture, Noah followed God. While others lived for themselves, Noah walked with God daily. His life teaches us a powerful truth: you can live for God even when no one else is doing it. The verse says Noah “found grace.” It wasn’t his strength, talent, or popularity that set him apart— it was God’s grace resting on his life. Grace didn’t just rescue Noah; it empowered him to live righteously when everything around him pulled in the opposite direction. Today, you might look at society and feel the pressure to compromise. You may be surrounded by negativity, dishonesty, spiri...