June 2026

Have you ever noticed that you can read a particular scripture in the Bible (having read it numerous times before) and it speaks something different each time. Oftentimes, it’s not totally different, but different just enough that you notice the light bulbs of understanding going off in your heart as well as your head. This new understanding from the already familiar scripture can be in response to your experiencing life. For as we choose to live (to move forward with the intent of creating new relationships and experiencing the fullness that God has blessed us with), our experiences continue to shape us in a way that we are always changing. Our tastes change, our vocabulary changes, our relationships with God and each other changes; to the degree that scripture speaks to us differently throughout our lives.

God’s Word is everlasting and as long as we choose to live, His Word will continue to speak to us and through us.

Blessings in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Dr. Dennis E. Laffoon, Pastor
Bethel A.M.E. Church - Saginaw, Michigan

God chose Mary to be a vessel to carry the greatest gift that this world has ever received; the gift of salvation. God has chosen each of us to be vessels in which to carry gifts as well. Just like Jesus was birthed out of Mary with a purpose and a plan, our God-given gifts are also birthed out of us with a purpose and plan as well. Everything about Jesus, the Son, pointed back to God, the Father, and likewise everything about our gifts should point back to Him as well. God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son to save it. God thought enough of us to give us gifts that when used, would point towards Christ. What gift has God or is God birthing out of you? Are you using it? And if not, will you begin today? There are too many lost souls in need of encouragement, inspiration, peace, and power, that can come from God's gift through you? Imagine how much change could, would, will occur, when we all decide to use what God has given us. If you think that you don't have a gift to give everyone this Christmas, you're wrong. Ask God to reveal to you what it is; then receive it; then share it, and watch God move.

Be careful to look out for the next one.

Blessings in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Dr. Dennis E. Laffoon, Pastor
Bethel A.M.E. Church - Saginaw, Michigan
 

Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. He bore the sins of the entire world so that through Him, we might have eternal life. It’s not that we are deserving of such an inheritance, as much as it is that God loved us that much to sacrifice His Son. But what will we do with it (salvation that is)? At the point of receiving it, there is so much excitement, fervor and wonder. But then what happens? Does our salvation become a sort of get out of hell free card or simply a marker to hold our place in heaven? Or is it an opportunity to receive a wonderful legacy and share it with others? Will it be the peculiarity of walking and talking differently? Could it be the confidence of a healthy and growing relationship with God? Shall it be the standard by which we live and encourage others to live?

We are heirs to the incredible inheritance of salvation though Jesus Christ but we must not underestimate its value for our lives now on earth or later in heaven.

Blessings in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Dr. Dennis E. Laffoon, Pastor
Bethel A.M.E. Church - Saginaw, Michigan