Year of the Bible

Paul tells us in the book of Romans that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are transformed, and our hardness or ability to withstand the struggles of life increases. We are changed by the love of God, and the struggles we endure shape our character and give us strength and hope.

Philippians 4:13 became one of my favorite Bible texts, as it pulled me through many difficult situations in the past, and still does.

One day, an elderly woman approached me: “Son, you know what? As Isaiah 40:31 says, you just have to wait on the Lord.” These words have forever been engraved in my mind.

God used this text to show me that when I am at my weakest point, God’s strength will shine brighter than ever before.

My first introduction to the Seventh-day Adventist Church was: “My mother doesn’t eat pork, and she goes to church on Saturday.” After that startling introduction, I never thought I’d become a member. 

This is my favorite text in the Bible. So much of life is filled with heartache and pain: loved ones whom I have lost, political division and strife, famine, and pestilence with the COVID-19 virus. Through it all, I find peace knowing that nothing can take God’s love away from me.

This verse talks about the glory of God, and how He has given us everything and every blessing.

God hears and answers you when you call. No matter what you’ve done in the past, He will answer you in times of distress.

I am the first of six children of Gilbert and Sylvia Spence. Much of the education we obtained was taught at home from parents who did not have an opportunity to obtain a college degree but were committed disciples of Jesus, the Master Teacher.