When a Woman Wears the Archbishop's Chair
By Alexander L Redd
April 6, 2026

On March 25, 2026, Sarah Mullally walked through the Great West Doors of Canterbury Cathedral in England, knocked three times, and was welcomed inside to become the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in more than 1,400 years of church history. The crowd cheered. World leaders attended, and the cameras rolled. For many viewers, it was a beautiful moment. But I watched this historic event differently.

I am a Christian pastor. I hold the conviction, rooted in the Bible, that the highest teaching and governing office in the Christian church belongs to men. That is not a popular position in today's world, and I understand that. But honesty requires me to say what I believe, even when it is not the easiest thing to say. It is not about talent.

Let me be clear about what I am not saying. I am not saying women are less intelligent, less spiritual, or less valuable than men. Any pastor who has served a church for more than a week knows that many of the most faithful, wise, and hardworking people in the pew are women. The Bible itself gives us Deborah, who led a nation. It gives us Huldah, who delivered God's word to the king. It gives us Phoebe, who served the church at Cenchreae, and Priscilla, who helped teach the great preacher Apollos. Women have always been essential to the mission of the church.

So, the question is not whether a woman can be gifted. The question is whether a specific office, the highest governing teaching role over the gathered church, has boundaries that God himself set. Please hear me well about what the Bible actually says.

The apostle Paul writes in his first letter to Timothy that he does not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man in that governing capacity. What makes that instruction hard to dismiss is that Paul does not ground it in Roman law or Greek custom. He grounds it in creation itself, pointing back to Adam and Eve. When a command is tied to the beginning of the human story rather than to a particular culture, it carries weight that does not simply dissolve with the passing of centuries.

That is the heart of my conviction. It is not that I prefer a certain tradition. It is that I believe the structure of church leadership reflects something God built into his design on purpose, and that the church does not have the authority to redesign it simply because the culture outside the church has changed. The reality is the pressure churches face. We should be honest about the moment we are living in.
 
Western society today treats equality as its highest value, and by that standard, any restriction on what a woman may do in any institution looks like injustice. Churches feel that pressure every day. Many have decided that the most loving thing to do is to fall in line with what the surrounding culture demands.

I understand that pressure. But there is a difference between being kind and being obedient. A church that rewrites its convictions every time culture shifts its expectations is not being loving. It is being afraid. Over time, when a church learns to set aside what Scripture says on one difficult question, it becomes easier to set it aside on the next, and the next after that. Slowly, the authority of the Bible is replaced by the authority of public opinion, even while the church continues to use religious language.
 
That pattern concerns me more than any single appointment. We can still respect each other even if we do not agree on our doctrinal understanding. Still, how a pastor speaks matters as much as what he says. I can disagree with the office that Archbishop Mullally now holds without attacking her as a person. That distinction is important. She is made in the image of God. She is a fellow human being. She has clearly served in public life with dedication and conviction. My argument is with the decision, not with her dignity.

Christians must learn to make that separation. In a culture where every disagreement is treated as hatred, the church needs to model what it looks like to say "I believe you are wrong" without saying "I believe you are worthless." Truth spoken without kindness is just noise. But kindness without truth is not kindness at all. Here is my word to my fellow pastors.

For those who hold to male eldership, this moment is a good time to look in the mirror before we look out the window. It is easy to point at Canterbury while ignoring the ways our own churches quietly bend Scripture to fit our comfort. Do we preach the whole counsel of God or only the parts that keep people in their seats? Do we love money while preaching sacrifice? Do we tolerate racial pride while preaching the unity of the body of Christ? If we are going to speak about biblical faithfulness, we have to live it across the board, not just on the issues that are easy to criticize from a distance.

We also bear a responsibility to the women in our churches. If we insist that the governing pastoral office belongs to men, we must make sure we are not treating women as spectators who sit quietly in the back. Women must be equipped, honored, sent out, and celebrated as vital partners in the gospel. A theology that restricts an office but never deploys the person is not faithful theology. It is just control made up in Bible verses. Here is the bottom line.

Sarah Mullally's installation at Canterbury is a historic event. For those who celebrate it, I respect that this moment carries real meaning. But history and meaning are not the same thing as biblical faithfulness. The church does not earn its credibility by keeping up with the times. It earns it by keeping faith with the God who never changes.

I pray for the Church of England. I pray for Archbishop Mullally. And I pray for all of us who are trying to hold to Scripture in an age that finds Scripture increasingly inconvenient. The pressure is real, but so is the promise: the Gates of Hell will not prevail against the church that Christ is building. That church is worth getting things right, scripturally.

The Jesus I Know
Devotion by Pastor Alexander L Redd
April 3, 2026

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."  (Hebrews 13:8).

There are many opinions about who Jesus is. Some see Him as a historical figure. Others see Him as a great teacher or a moral example. But I want to tell you about the Jesus I know, and this Jesus is not just the Jesus of theology books, but the One who shows up in real life, in hard moments, and in quiet places where no one else can reach.

The Jesus I know is a Savior. He did not come to condemn the world; He came to rescue it. When I was weighed down by guilt and the failures of my past, He did not turn away. He stretched out His arms on a cross and said, "This one is worth it." That kind of love does not make sense by human standards, and that is exactly what makes it so powerful.

The Jesus I know is a Healer. He doesn't just heal our bodies, but He is the Jesus who mends broken hearts, fractured families, and wounded spirits. He has a way of walking into the rooms of our pain and bringing a peace that we cannot explain or manufacture on our own. He healed the leper no one would touch. He spoke to the woman everyone had given up on. He has not changed.

The Jesus I know is a Friend. He called His disciples friends, not servants, because He chose to let them into His heart. That same invitation stands for you today. You do not need a title, a clean record, or a perfect life to come to Him. You just need to come.
Here is what I want you to carry with you today: the Jesus of the Bible is not distant, cold, or indifferent to your life. 

He is present, personal, and actively at work in the details of your story. Whatever you are facing this morning, you are not facing it alone. The One who walked out of the grave on the third day is walking with you right now. That is the Jesus I know, and He wants to be known by you too.

You're Chosen in Christ for God's Purpose
Devotion by Pastor A. L. Redd
March 16, 2026

God’s electing grace is the holy reason we are saved. That truth humbles every proud thought that tries to make salvation a reward for human goodness. Scripture makes plain that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own merit, strength, or performance.

Before the foundation of the world, God chose His people in Christ according to the good pleasure of His will. He did not do this because He found something worthy in us. His purpose is good, His mercy is rich, and His love is steady in ways our fallen hearts could never be. Our salvation, then, rests not on anything we have done.

It rests on the worthiness of Jesus Christ, the Beloved Son, who satisfied divine justice through His suffering. He bore our sin with righteousness and love and secured for us adoption, mercy, and the inheritance of grace. When we look upon the cross and the risen Christ, we see that God’s saving purpose was always meant to magnify the glory of His Son and bring undeserving sinners into new life.

Let every grateful heart bow low and say, Thanks be to God for His electing grace, and to Him alone be all praise and glory forever.

Know Your God, and Know Yourself
Devotion by Pastor A. L. Redd
March 11, 2026

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." 
(2 Corinthians 13:5)

Self-awareness is not about people who have the time and privilege to sit around reflecting on their feelings. It is a spiritual discipline. It is as basic to your spiritual life as prayer or reading Scripture. You cannot grow in faith while remaining blind to who you really are, what you truly believe, and where your heart actually stands before God.

To be truly self-aware is to hold an honest mirror to your soul and ask: Who am I before God? It means recognizing your strengths, your blind spots, your wounds, and your calling to be God's servant. It is not for you to be consumed by self-focus, but to be freed for God-focus.

Christ Jesus is the perfect example. He always knew who He was, where He came from, and what He was sent to do. Even at twelve years old, He told His mother, "I must be about My Father's business." That clarity of identity fueled every act of ministry, every moment of compassion, and every step toward the cross. He never lost Himself in the noise of public opinion because He was rooted in the Father's voice.

When you know who you are in Christ, your faith stops wavering and starts walking. Self-awareness positions you to trust God fully because you are no longer deceived about your need for Him.

So today, pause. Examine yourself. Then fix your eyes on Jesus. He is the one who knows you completely and loves you completely. That is where faith comes alive. Be blessed, and grow in His grace.

Forgiveness Isn't Letting them Win. It Is Letting You Live
Devotion by Pastor Alexander L. Redd
February 5, 2026

Some wounds cut so deep that forgiving can feel like betraying yourself. You keep replaying what happened, and a part of you thinks, “If I forgive, they get away with it.” That fear is real because pain speaks loudly. But the truth is, forgiving someone doesn’t mean they win. It means you stop letting what happened control your life. You choose freedom instead of staying trapped by hurt.

You let God carry what you were never meant to carry alone. Holding on to bitterness can feel like you’re in control, but it slowly turns into a cage. You might lose sleep, feel less peace, and find your prayers harder. Joy seems far away. Meanwhile, the person who hurt you might move on, but you’re left carrying the burden. That’s why forgiveness is really about your own soul, not theirs. Forgiving doesn’t mean what they did was right. It doesn’t remove accountability or mean you have to trust them again.

Forgiveness is letting go of your right to get even and giving it to God, who judges fairly. You step out of the mental courtroom and let God take over. When you forgive, something changes. The pain might still be there, but it doesn’t control you anymore. You start to feel lighter and live from a place of healing, not hurt. You focus less on what happened and more on what God promises.

If you’re having a hard time today, start small. Pray honestly: “Lord, I want to be free, but I’m not there yet. Help me.” God isn’t put off by your struggle. He meets you where you are. Forgiveness is often a choice you make again and again until your feelings catch up. You are not letting them win. You’re letting yourself live. You’re choosing peace and wholeness. You’re choosing to trust God with what you can’t fix.

When the Hidden Shadow Speaks
Devotion by Pastor A L Redd
February 4, 2026

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

We all learn to look like we have it together. School expects it, work demands it, and even the church can encourage it. We put on a smile, say the right things, and try to seem steady, even while we hide a private world inside. The truth is, everyone has a darker side. It is not just a weakness, but a place that’s been hurt, a desire that’s gone wrong, a painful memory, or a hidden urge. Sometimes we’ve carried it since childhood, shaped by pain and survival, and we keep it locked away because talking about it feels too raw. We know it’s there, but we stay silent, not just to protect our image, but because it hurts.

But what we keep hidden doesn’t stay quiet. When our hearts carry pain that hasn’t healed, it starts to show up in our lives. It can come out in ways that surprise us, like being impatient for no reason, getting angrier than the situation calls for, trying too hard to stay in control, falling into secret habits, becoming distant, or saying things we regret. When that hidden part takes over, we might not even notice we’re losing control. The Bible warns us: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our hearts aren’t just where we feel; they’re where everything starts. What we bury inside will eventually come out.

There was a man who bought a beautiful house and kept his living room spotless. He lit candles, welcomed guests, and made sure everything looked perfect. But a bad smell wouldn’t go away. He blamed the weather, the carpet, or the neighbors, anything but what he feared. One day, an older friend visited and said, “The smell is not in your living room. It is coming from underneath.” They checked the basement and found a small leak that had been there for years. It wasn’t loud or obvious, but it had caused mold to grow in the dark, and the air upstairs suffered as a result. The lesson is clear: what we ignore in hidden places will eventually affect what everyone sees.

It is where the gospel becomes more than just a belief; it becomes a way to find freedom. Being saved through faith in Christ isn’t only about going to heaven someday; it’s about letting God into the hidden places of our lives right now. The cross shows us that sin is real and can’t be fixed by good behavior or pretending. But it also shows us that God’s mercy is deeper than our darkest struggles. Jesus didn’t die so we could hide better. He died to forgive us completely and make us truly clean. We are saved by grace through faith, not by self-control or by acting like we’re okay. When we trust Christ, we can bring our hidden struggles into the open, where they can be healed and changed, because the One who saves us isn’t surprised by what we’ve carried, and He has the power to deal with it.

So, as we finish, take a moment to reflect honestly. Maybe the tiredness you feel isn’t just from life’s pressures, but from trying so hard to keep your struggles hidden. Maybe what’s hidden isn’t gone, just quiet, waiting for stress to bring it out. Today, you’re not being asked to feel ashamed, but to step into the light with Jesus. The real danger isn’t having shadows, but ignoring them and not giving them to Christ. Bring what’s hidden to Him, because when Jesus sets you free, you are truly free. Freedom isn’t pretending you have no darkness; it’s knowing that through faith in Christ, darkness doesn’t have the last word.

Radical Forgiveness in Everyday Relationships
Devotion by Alexander L. Redd
January 30, 2026

When the Glory Reveals What We Need
Devotion by Pastor Alexander L Redd

December 24, 2025

John 2:11 tells us that Jesus’ first miraculous sign happened at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. He turned water into wine, and revealed His glory. Jesus could have begun with thunder on a mountain, but He chose a family celebration, a simple need, and a quiet moment. He steps into ordinary life and makes it holy.

John calls it a miracle and a sign. A miracle is the supernatural act. A sign is the meaning behind the act, what God is pointing to and putting into motion. At Cana, Jesus is not only saving a host from shame. He is showing us His heart. When Jesus is present, He does not merely patch what is missing. He reveals who He is. His glory is His nature, His character, and the transforming impact of His presence.

It  is also revelation. Revelation is not random. God reveals according to His timing, our maturity, our capacity, and our relationship with Him. Jesus does not reveal everything at once, but He reveals enough to awaken faith and strengthen obedience. That brings us to mystery. In Christian theology, a mystery is not human guesswork.

 It is the truth God reveals, yet it still remains beyond our full comprehension, especially about events and timing. Paul says we “know in part” for now (1 Corinthians 13:9). Mystery is partly knowable, but not fully graspable. That is why it requires faith. It is spiritually discerned, not merely intellectually dissected. Science can study what God has made, but it cannot reduce God to a lab result.

Two foundational mysteries hold our faith together.
 
First, the Trinity: one God in essence, three persons. At Jesus’ baptism, we see Father, Son, and Spirit. In the Great Commission, we hear one Name, yet three persons. God is eternally love, and love is relational.

Second, the Incarnation: Jesus is truly God and truly human. If He were not truly God, He could not save. If He were not truly human, He could not die in our place.

So today, bring your “water” to Jesus, the plain, the empty, the not enough. Trust His presence more than your explanations. Sometimes the sign is not only what He changes, but what He reveals: His glory in your everyday life.

Free to Speak,  Called to Listen
Devotion by Pastor Alexander L Redd
November 15, 2025

For some people, free speech means they’re free to speak their mind, but if others speak theirs, it’s suddenly a scandal. If someone questions them or offers a different view, it suddenly feels like an attack. We see that attitude in conversations, families, and across social media.

Why is it that people demand the right to say whatever they like, but the moment someone disagrees, they feel attacked? Scripture calls us to something higher than winning arguments. It calls us to speak like Jesus.

Apostle James writes, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). That is a radically different picture of “free speech.” In God’s kingdom, our mouths are not weapons of pride, but instruments of grace.

Could you look at Christ Jesus? He spoke the truth boldly, but never exploded in anger. When He stood before Pilate and the religious leaders, He did not explode in rage, even when He was slandered. “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats” (1 Peter 2:23).

When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He addressed her sin honestly, but with such dignity that she ran back to her village saying, “Come, see a man…” (John 4:29). Truth and tenderness flowed together in His words.

Free speech for the follower of Christ is not the right to unload on people without consequence. It is the freedom to reflect Jesus with our words: to speak the truth, but also to listen; to stand for what is right, but not to crush those who disagree.

Today, ask the Lord to sanctify your speech. Before you post, comment, or respond, pause and pray: Is what I’m about to say true? Is it kind? Does it sound like something Jesus would say?

You are free to speak. In Christ Jesus, you are even more free: free to speak with love, to listen with humility, and to honor God with every word.

When the Hurt Becomes Your Teacher
Devotion by Pastor Alexander L. Redd
November 13, 2025

Have you ever looked back on a difficult chapter of your life and quietly realized, “I didn’t see it then, but now I understand a bit more of what God was doing”? In the midst of loss or confusion, meaning often feels out of reach. When all we can feel is disappointment or pain, it’s natural to ask God “why?” Sometimes, the only response seems to be silence.

On the night before His suffering, Jesus acknowledged this ache to understand. He gently assured His disciples, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:12–13). There were lessons His friends needed, but their hearts weren’t yet ready for them. They would have to pass through grief, witness the cross, see the empty tomb, and welcome the Holy Spirit. It was only on the other side of these trials that deeper truths would unfold.

God often leads us down a similar path. There are insights we can only perceive after walking through sorrow. Peter couldn’t truly understand grace until he tasted the bitterness of failure. The disciples didn’t know the strength that comes from God until their own courage ran dry. Pain didn’t mean God had turned away; it was His way of drawing them into greater depth. We want God to explain before the tears, but He often chooses to explain through the tears.In these tender words from Jesus, there is comfort for us: First, God understands what our hearts can handle. If He withholds certain answers, it’s not because He is far off or unmoved. He is patient, waiting for a time when the truth will strengthen rather than overwhelm us. Second, the Holy Spirit walks alongside us as the most gentle of teachers. Truth isn’t forced upon us in one great rush. The Spirit uses daily moments like each joy, sorrow, and question to slowly reveal wisdom.

If you’re in a chapter of your life now that doesn’t make sense, if God seems silent or distant, remember: He is still at work. In time, you may look back and realize that, through your very trials, God softened your heart, deepened your trust, and taught you lessons you couldn’t have learned otherwise. The Spirit of truth is leading you, one day at a time, one step at a time, toward a greater understanding you will only see as you follow Him.

Please get a copy of my book, "How to Stay True to Who God Says You Are," on Amazon.com

The Whole Point Is Love
Devotion by Pastor Alexander L Redd 
November 9, 2025

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
(Matthew 22:37–39 (KJV)

You can fill a calendar, win awards, grow a bank account, and still feel empty. Jesus cuts through the noise with two clear commands that make sense of everything. Love God. Love your neighbor, not as a slogan, but as the core of a life that counts.

Loving God comes first. It is more than belief. It is drawing near to the One who first loved you. Think of it like orienting your heart’s compass. When God is at the center, the pieces of life stop fighting each other. Worship becomes more than songs. Work becomes more than tasks. Pain is not pointless, and joy is not fragile. You start to live awake.

Then comes loving the person in front of you. Jesus links the two on purpose. Real love for God spills over into genuine care for people. It looks like patient words, honest listening, generous acts, and forgiveness that comes quickly. It is noticing the cashier’s tired eyes, answering your child with gentleness, sending the text that lifts a friend, speaking truth with kindness, and serving when no one is clapping.

So why do we miss it? Because lesser loves shout. Achievement shouts. Comfort shouts. Pride shouts. Love often whispers. It waits for a quiet heart. It asks us to slow down, to see people as image bearers, and to treat every interaction like holy ground.

Here are three simple ways to practice the two loves today:
1. Look up. Before you check your phone, whisper, “God, You are here. I am Yours.” Read a short Psalm. Thank Him for one gift you can name. Start with praise and trust.

2. Look around. Ask, “Who needs encouragement today?” God will bring someone to mind. Send a note. Offer help. Make eye contact. Pray for that person by name.

3. Look within. Is there a bruise you carry or a grudge you hold? Bring it into the light with God. Receive His mercy. Then take one step toward reconciliation or release.

When you live this way, ordinary moments turn bright. A commute becomes a prayer. A meeting becomes ministry. A kitchen table becomes a place of healing. You discover that love is not one task on a list. It is the way. It is the life God made you to live.

Maturity and the Weight of God's Glory
Devotion by Pastor Alexander L. Redd
November 6, 2025

“I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15).

Have you ever asked God for answers, and it felt like heaven was silent? You prayed with sincerity, searched the Bible with care, and the clarity still did not come. That silence can feel like distance, yet Scripture paints another picture. God's quiet is not cold. It is careful. He reveals truth in moments that fit His wisdom, our growth, and the depth of our friendship with Him.

Ecclesiastes says, “He makes everything beautiful in its time.” Beauty here is not just about sunsets and flowers. It's about the meaning that comes at the right moment, when our hearts can recognize it. Jesus told His disciples, “You cannot bear this now.” He was not shutting them out; He was shielding them from confusion and giving them time to grow. Delay does not mean neglect. Delay is protection and preparation.

Spiritual maturity shapes what we can carry. The disciples loved Jesus, yet before the cross, they struggled with pride and fear. They quarreled about who was greatest, misunderstood suffering, and ran when danger came. After the resurrection and then the giving of the Spirit, these same men spoke with courage, served with humility, and grasped truths that once felt beyond their comprehension. God often allows us to meet hard things that stretch our trust, not to crush us, but to strengthen our faith so we will be able to hold heavier truth later.

Capacity is our ability to bear the weight of revelation. Some words from God are like rich meals. They nourish but only if our appetite and strength are ready. Jesus admitted that some truths had to wait. It is through endurance, repentance, and steady faithfulness that God increases our capacity. As we keep on walking with Him in small obediences, the same truth that once overwhelmed us becomes a sturdy plank under our feet.

All of this is rooted in a relationship: Jesus calls us friends. Friends are invited into confidence. He shares more with those who will sit near. And friendship with God grows in quiet prayer, in worship that lingers, in daily choices that honor Him when no one is watching. The closer we draw, the clearer we hear. This is not about earning secrets. It's about staying close enough to listen when He speaks.

God doesn't speak to impress us; He speaks to change us. He uses pain and waiting to refine our loves and reorder our priorities. Job's long night ended with a larger vision of God's greatness. The disciples only fully understood the miracles after the resurrection tied the story together. Some lessons are only learned on the road. We meet them in valleys we would not choose and discover that God was carrying us through.

So, what can you do today while you wait for answers?

First, honor God's timing. And when clarity doesn't come, say, "Lord, Your clock is wiser than mine." Open Ecclesiastes 3 and pray it slowly. Ask God to fit your expectations to His schedule.

Second, lean into growth: ask the Spirit to show you one area of obedience you can practice today. It can be forgiving someone, setting aside quiet time, serving without being seen, or telling the truth where it costs you. Each act stretches your capacity to receive more light tomorrow.

Third, cultivate friendship: Read John 15 aloud, picturing Jesus calling you a friend. Talk with Him through your day, not just in set prayers. Put on a praise song and just sit in His presence. Friendship grows with time spent and honest words.

Fourth, look for purpose in pain. Instead of asking only “Why is this happening,” ask “What are You forming in me through this.” Keep a small record of lessons learned in hard places.

You will see patterns of God’s care appear on the page.

Finally, just keep walking. Light often comes at the next bend in the road. Do the next faithful thing in front of you. God's guidance is often a lamp to your feet, not a floodlight for the whole path. Trust that the lamp is enough for today.

One day you will look back and trace the quiet wisdom of the Lord. You will see how He was shaping you to receive what you could not bear before. He will show you that His silence had purpose, His timing had kindness, and His revelation had your growth in view. He calls you friend, and friends hear more.

Our Thoughts Shape Our World
Devotion by Pastor Alexander L Redd
October 31, 2025

"Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable."
(Philippians 4:8-9 - GW)

Thoughts carry weight. Long before actions take shape, ideas set their course. Scripture opens with a God who speaks, and the world responds. “And God said” is more than poetry; it is a pattern for life. Words create pathways, order chaos, and invite hope. When Prophet Isaiah says God’s word will not return empty, he reminds us that truth takes root and produces real outcomes we can see and touch.

Jesus shows this most clearly. The Word became flesh and lived among us. He did not organize a militia or draft Roman decrees. He taught, told parables, and trained people to think with the kingdom in view. A mustard seed looks small, yet it carries a future inside it. The Sermon on the Mount reshapes our imagination for mercy, reconciliation, purity, and enemy love. The cross looked like failure, yet the message of the cross has broken the power of sin in countless lives. An idea anchored in Christ becomes a life set free.

The same pattern runs through the stories of Abraham, Joseph, and Nehemiah. Abraham trusted a promise under a night sky, and a people was born. Joseph held to God-given dreams through betrayal and prison, and later fed nations in famine. Nehemiah heard of broken walls, prayed, planned, and then rallied a city. Before stones moved, conviction moved hearts. Apostle Paul explains why this works. We are transformed by the renewing of the mind. New thoughts create new habits, and those habits bless homes, churches, and neighborhoods.

The Bible does not dismiss material things. God made a good world and raised Jesus in a real body. Yet it sets priorities. What is seen is temporary. What is unseen is lasting. Money, platforms, and tools matter only when guided by truth and love. This is why we take every thought captive to obey Christ Jesus. When our thinking bends toward Scripture, our speaking carries life, and our choices serve people rather than use them.

Change begins where ideas are welcomed and tested in prayer. Write your vision. Read God's Word until it frames your decisions. Speak peace in a place of tension. Gather wise friends who love Christ more than applause. Start small and steady. A single God-given idea, planted today in someone's life, and watered by faithful action, can restore a family, renew a church, and lift a community. God delights to do more than we ask or think, and he often begins with a thought that says, “With Christ, there is a better way.”

Chosen Beyond Bloodline: God’s Family Is Formed by Faith
Devotion by Pastor Alexander L. Redd

Who are the “chosen people of God?" Many point to ancestry or nation, but Scripture points to something far greater and that is faith in Christ. Paul writes, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). The promise of God was never meant to be confined to one ethnic group. God does not show favoritism; He is the Lord of all nations (Romans 3:29).

Jesus Himself declared, “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring” (John 10:16). His vision was always global, uniting Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free into one family of grace (Galatians 3:28). Through Christ, the dividing wall of hostility has been torn down (Ephesians 2:14).

God’s covenant now extends to all who believe. As foretold, “I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people” (Romans 9:25). Those who receive Christ are given “power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12). The true mark of being chosen is not heritage but faith, which is the heart’s response to the Shepherd’s voice.

In the end, the chosen are those who love Him, rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom (James 2:5). “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). The invitation stands open to every tribe, tongue, and nation.

The Power of New Life
By Pastor Alexander L Redd 
OOctober4, 2025

“If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”  (Romans 8:11).

When the Spirit of Christ lives in you, everything changes. Your past, failures, or fears no longer define you. The old life, weighed down by sin and death, has been broken by Jesus’ victory on the cross. Through His resurrection, death has been defeated once and for all.

This new life isn’t something you keep tucked away. It’s visible and real. Your thoughts begin to change. God’s Word shapes your desires. Hope takes root where despair once lived. The evidence of Christ’s transforming power becomes clear to those around you, and it's not because you’ve become flawless, but because His Spirit is at work within you.

Never underestimate what God has placed inside of you. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in you today. That means you carry resurrection power wherever you go. So walk boldly in this truth: you have been made new. Death is conquered, and the life of Christ shines through you for the world to see.

Steady in the Storm

The God Who Provides
By Pastor Alexander L Redd
August 30, 2025

My dear friends, Jesus gives us a life-changing promise in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

But before that, He names the false masters that pull our hearts: our reputation, wealth, and security. Then Jesus looks at His disciples and says, “Do not be anxious about your life.” He repeats this three times because He knows how deeply worry grips us.

Why should we not worry? Because life is more than food and clothing. If God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers with beauty, how much more will He care for you, His child? Worry cannot add a single day to your life. In fact, it only weighs you down.

Faith does not grow by looking inward but by allowing God to work on the inside of you so you can look upward to Him. Pagans are those who don't know the true God who provides. They worry about everything and take shortcuts, stepping on other people's toes to get whatever they want. Pagans worry like orphans, chasing after things with fear. But disciples of Christ rest like children, secure in their heavenly Father’s care.

So today, release your worry into God’s hands. Trust Him. And in that freedom, seek His kingdom first. When you do, you’ll discover He truly supplies every need.

Why God’s Word Is the Final Truth Beyond Human Thought
by Pastor Alexander L Redd  
August 27, 2025

The Question That Won’t Go Away. What is it?
I remember lying awake one night, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts tangled and restless. Life felt shaky, like everything I trusted was sliding out from under me. I read through the New York Times newspaper and The Economist magazine, and they all screamed chaos. My friends gave conflicting advice, and even my own heart wavered. In silence, I found myself whispering the same words King Pilate once flung at Jesus: “What is truth?” (John 18:38).

That question has echoed through the centuries. We all want something solid, something unshakable when the storm comes. We chase truth in politics, philosophy, culture, or in the shifting voices of our own desires. But the more we search, the more we discover one thing: human thought, no matter how brilliant, cannot carry the weight of our souls.

That is when I realized that truth isn’t something we climb our way up to. It is Someone who came down to us. Let's look at King Pilate’s courtroom and what my heart tells me. I picture the moment: Jesus, bruised and bound, stands before Pilate. The Roman governor, jaded by power and politics, shrugs and asks, “What is truth?”

For King Pilate, truth was whatever kept the Roman government strong, whatever secured his position, whatever silenced the mob. He thought he was interrogating Jesus. In reality, Truth Himself stood right in front of him.

And I realized that I’m often just like Pilate. When I demand, “What is truth?” I really mean, “What will justify me? What will make my life easier?” But truth doesn’t bend to my convenience. Truth has a face. And His name is Jesus. What if when human wisdom runs out?

I’ve always loved to learn. I’ve read philosophy, studied science, and admired thinkers who wrestle with the mysteries of life. They offer insights, but every system eventually cracks. Correspondence theory says the truth is when words match reality. But who defines reality?

Coherence theory says truth happens when ideas fit together. But even false systems can sound consistent. Pragmatist theory says truth is what “works.” But what works today may collapse tomorrow. I’ve leaned on human wisdom before, only to feel it buckle when suffering hit. That’s when I saw that human thought may be bright, but it cannot light my way through darkness. God’s Word can. God’s Word is the reality that holds. Scripture is not just another voice in the noise. It’s the voice that created reality itself.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
When I open the Bible, I don’t just find words; I see life. Across centuries and cultures, it tells one coherent story: God’s redeeming love fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

And I’ve seen its power firsthand. In seasons of guilt, God’s Word lifted me with forgiveness. In times of confusion, it cut through with clarity. In the grip of fear, it steadied me with promises. Human thought can explain; God’s Word can transform. God’s truth is written in the sky. Sometimes, on a clear night, I’ll step outside and look up at the stars. The vastness is humbling. And yet, Scripture says:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).

Every law of physics, every orbit of the planets, every breathtaking galaxy is preaching without words: order, design, beauty.
Science can measure it, but only God can explain it. But creation alone isn’t enough. It can show me power, but not forgiveness. It can point me to design, but not redemption. For that, I need Scripture. And more than that, I need Christ Jesus, for He is the truth with a face.

At the center of Christianity is not a theory but a Person. Jesus didn’t say He came to explain the truth. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). All our restless searching finds its answer in Him. He is the correspondence of God’s promises and the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

He is the coherence of all creation. “In Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). He is the fruitful truth, the One whose words set us free (John 8:32). Truth isn’t an argument. Truth is a Person. And He offers not just information, but life. He is the light for the darkness that clouds our conscience.

I’ve walked through seasons where lies felt louder than anything else. Doubt pressed in. My own heart turned against me. Even the best advice from people I trusted felt thin. But then I’d hear His Word:
“If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus…purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). That’s when I knew that truth isn’t just shining “out there.” It shines on me. It cleanses. It guides. It frees. My life story of truth breaks into understanding reality.

A few years ago, I hit a season of deep discouragement. I felt like I had failed in every direction. I felt like I had been crushed emotionally, physically, and even professionally. My mind replayed lies: “You’re not enough. You’re beyond fixing. You’ll never recover.”

One night, feeling desperate, I opened my Bible to John 8:32: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” I had read it before, but that night it felt personal. The Holy Spirit pressed it into my soul like medicine.

God’s Word taught me: the truth about me is not my failure, but it’s Christ’s forgiveness. The truth about my future is not despair, but it’s hope. The truth about my identity is not shame, but rather that I am a beloved child of God. In that moment, the lies loosened their grip. And freedom felt real. Answering the question of King Pilate is a reality we all face.

The world still asks Pilate’s question: “What is truth?” But I no longer ask it in despair. I answer with confidence:
Truth is not shifting; it’s steady.
Truth is not abstract; it’s alive.
Truth is not hidden; it has come near.
Truth is Jesus.
Truth is God’s Word.
Truth is life everlasting.

And when I stand on that truth, I find the solid ground every restless heart is searching for, not speculation, not opinion, but true freedom.

Salvation and Security: Finding Peace in Justification
By Pastor Alexander L. Redd
August 25, 2025

The world today is uncertain, and most folks seek peace in success, relationships, health, or wealth. But those things are ephemeral. They may change or be gone overnight. Genuine contentment needs to be rooted in something permanent.
Scripture leads us there: justification by faith. Romans 5:1–2 says:

“So then, because we have been made righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and we rejoice in hope toward the glory of God.”

Justification refers to the fact that by Christ, we're no longer enemies of God. We're not condemned—we're welcomed. We're standing in the grace, not the judgment.

Ephesians 2 tells us this salvation is not something we earn, but a gift from a merciful God: “By grace you have been saved through faith. It is the gift of God." It sets us free from the stress of proving ourselves. We do not need to earn our value. We already belong and are safe in the Savior. 

That safety is the starting point for peace, even when everything unravels. Working through Romans and Ephesians step by step with a businessman I met this past weekend, he said to me, “I feel nothing now that I’ve lost my business." Slowly, he began to see that his value was not in his income but in his Savior, Jesus Christ.

The cross of Christ redefines value. 1 Peter 1:18–19 says we were bought back “not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.” Our value is established—not by what we do, but by what God cost to buy us. 

Grasping that reality shifts everything. We're able to release possessions loosely. We're able to love people freely. We're able to endure trials without falling apart. Why? Because our value is rooted in grace.

When you know you’ve been justified by faith in Christ, you can rest. You don’t need to pretend or perform. You stand secure in Christ’s finished work. And that is peace the world cannot give, or take away.

God is Working for Your Good

Devotion by Pastor Redd
July 31, 2025

Romans 8:28-29
Sometimes life feels confusing or hard. Things happen that we don’t understand, and it’s easy to feel discouraged. But in Romans 8:28-29, God tells us of something very important: He is always working for our good.

Verse 28 says that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” No matter what you’re going through—whether it’s a problem at work, a health issue, or a difficult relationship—God is using it to help you grow. He’s turning even sad or painful moments into something good in the long run.

Verse 29 tells us that God’s main goal is to make us more like Jesus. He’s shaping us to reflect His love, kindness, and patience. Every experience, good or bad, is part of His plan to transform us into the people He created us to be.

So how can we apply this to our own lives today? When life feels tough, remember that God is in control. Trust that He sees the bigger picture and is working everything out for your good. Keep loving God and stay close to Jesus, because that’s what God is using to make you more like Him.

Let’s choose to believe that God’s plan is better than ours and that He is always working for our best. Keep hope alive, and keep trusting in His love!

The Strong Influence of Money and How We Should Manage It
Devotion by Pastor Redd
July 14, 2025

"No one can serve two masters. You will either hate one and love the other, or be loyal to one and reject the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24).

Money itself is neither good nor bad, but how we view and use it reveals what truly matters to us. Jesus talked a lot about money and belongings because He knew how much they can compete for our attention and loyalty. For example, when a rich young man came to Jesus asking how to get eternal life, he felt sad when Jesus told him to sell everything he owned and give the money to the poor (Mark 10:17-22). The young man's wealth had become his identity, his security, and even his god. This led Jesus to say, "It is very hard for rich people to enter the kingdom of God!" (Mark 10:23).

However, having wealth isn't a bad thing according to the Bible. People like Abraham, David, and Solomon were very wealthy and still blessed. The real issue is not about having money, but how we see and use it. As Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:10, "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil."  

So, how should we manage money in a way that shows our faith?
 

1. Understand that God is the true owner of everything (Psalm 24:1).
2. Be generous or kind as a form of worship (2 Corinthians 9:7).
3. Focus on saving treasures in heaven instead of on earth (Matthew 6:19-21).
4. Learn to be content in all situations (Philippians 4:11-13).
5. Use money to support God's work (Luke 16:9).

When we give our finances to God, money no longer controls us. We become caretakers instead of owners, sharing blessings instead of hoarding wealth. Our financial choices then become acts of faith that show, "I trust in the living God, not in uncertain riches" (1 Timothy 6:17).

Let us manage money in ways that reflect the character of Christ Jesus—wisely, generously, and with a focus on eternity. By doing this, we show that while money can be powerful, our God is Almighty.

Celebrating Small Wins
By Pastor Redd
July 14, 2025

As believers in Christ, we should be thankful for the little things that bring joy to our lives. Often, we overlook the small victories that show how we are growing. Even when these moments seem tiny, they are important signs of our spiritual way of life through faith in Jesus. The Bible says in Zechariah 4:10, “Don’t underestimate these small beginnings, because the LORD is happy to see the work start.” Every step we take in faith matters to God. He celebrates our progress, no matter how small it might appear.

I remember a time when I struggled with my prayer life. For months, I struggled to maintain consistency. Then, one week, I managed to pray for just five minutes each morning. What felt unimportant turned out to be a breakthrough for me. That small win of praying for five minutes every day laid the foundation for a deeper connection with God that eventually grew into hours of prayer.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 1:6, “I am sure that God, who started this good work in you, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Your small wins are not the end; they show that God is actively working in you, preparing you for something greater.

When you choose to forgive instead of holding onto anger, when you respond with patience instead of losing your temper, or when you give generously even when it's hard—these are not just small achievements; they are strong signs of Christ’s influence in your life. As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Always be joyful, pray without stopping, and give thanks in all situations; this is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.”


Celebrating your small victories is a way to show gratitude and recognize God's role in your growth. Stay encouraged, believer. The small wins you experience today will become tomorrow’s stories of God’s faithfulness. They are the building blocks of a strong faith that can face any challenge.

Listening to Your Internal Radar
Devotion by Pastor Alexander L. Redd
June 28, 2025

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Life can feel like a winding road, full of unexpected twists and turns, ups and downs. Just as a GPS adjusts when we take a wrong turn, we also have an inner sense—a guide within us—aligned with something bigger than ourselves, often felt as a gentle nudge or a quiet voice encouraging us to move forward.

I recall a time when I hesitated to pursue a new opportunity that felt uncomfortable. It was a chance to lead a community project that excited me, but fear held me back. In those moments of doubt, I sought guidance through prayer. I felt a strong urge to trust in a plan beyond my understanding. This made me realize that while the path ahead might be challenging, it would also lead to personal growth and purpose.

Stepping out of my comfort zone brought its share of struggles that felt like steep hills to climb. Each challenge taught me something new and helped me build the strength to overcome it. Even during tough times, when it was easy to feel discouraged, I found that a supportive presence was there, helping me through. The apostle Paul, who faced many challenges in his life, reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Listening to our inner senses can be a powerful guide, predominantly when guided by the Holy Spirit. We see direction toward a meaningful life. When we align our hearts with this guidance, we can find clarity, even in times of chaos. It’s important to remember that life doesn’t always follow a straight path. Each twist and turn offers lessons and opportunities for growth.

As you look ahead in pursuit of a fulfilling life, pay attention to what stirs your heart. Reflect on what excites you, brings you joy, and resonates with godly values. Trust that these feelings are placed in you for a purpose. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” - Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

Take a moment to listen quietly. Spend time in reflection or prayer. What messages or insights come to you? Consider journaling about your passions and how they connect to living a meaningful life.

Take small steps toward your desires that align with God’s purpose. Even minor actions can lead to significant growth. Every step you take contributes to your unique story, one that is beautifully crafted by a greater divine power. Stay faithful to your way ahead, let this inner guidance lead you, and remember that you are not alone. You are ready for this adventure, and divine support will be there along the way, guiding you with a light on your path.

Feel free to check out my book, “How Daily Surrender Yields Inner Strength,” available in all formats at Amazon.com.

Jesus is the Reason for Your New Life
Devotion by Pastor Alexander L. Redd
June 27, 2025
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  
– 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Have you ever wondered why your life changed the moment you met Jesus? Before Christ, life can feel like walking through a fog—confused, burdened by guilt, and searching for significance. But when you place your faith in Jesus, everything shifts. You’re no longer defined by past mistakes or by the expectations of the world. Instead, you become a “new creation,” refreshed, renewed, and reoriented around the One who gave His life so you could have yours.

Paul reminds the church at Corinth that our transformation isn’t self-made; it’s divine. We don’t simply “try harder” to be better people. Jesus Himself makes us new. In Him, old habits, fears, and shame lose their power. We begin to see ourselves through God’s eyes, as dearly loved children (1 John 3:1) with a purpose appointed before time began.

Consider these promises:  
• John 3:16—“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Your new life begins the moment you fix your faith on Christ.  
• Titus 3:5—“He saved us…not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy.” You didn’t earn this new life—you received it as a gift.  
• Colossians 3:14—Because you’ve been raised with Christ, you can set your heart on eternal realities, not passing pleasures.

Reflection Questions:  
1. What “old” attitudes or practices has Jesus already set you free from?  
2. How can you live today in the light of being a new creation?  
3. In what areas do you need to invite Jesus’ renewing power right now?

Because Jesus rose from the dead, you, too, have been raised to newness of life (Romans 6:4). Walk in that victory today! Thank God for being the reason you are alive and surrender your past—the regrets, failures, and old identity—and embrace Acknowledge God’s forgiveness and new beginnings. May you be filled with God’s Spirit so that you may walk daily in the freedom and hope Christ Jesus won for you. Reflect God’s love to others, showing the world that true life is only found in Christ Jesus.

Uncontrollable Anger is Bad
Devotion by Pastor Redd
June 23, 2025

Misplaced anger can lead to feelings of separation and distance from those we care about the most. When we allow our anger to take control, we often push away our loved ones, and in response, we may find that the anger we project returns to us, leaving behind a sense of indifference and loneliness.

As Proverbs 15:1 tells us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." When we lose our temper, we risk losing much more than just a moment of peace. We may jeopardize our reputation, our jobs, our relationships with our children, and even the love of our spouses.

Ultimately, the cost of uncontrolled anger is far too high. Instead, let us yield to the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit to practice patience and understanding, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:26-27, which says, "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." By managing our emotions and responding with grace, we can foster deeper connections and maintain the love we cherish.