Battle Axe in the Time of a Battle - Shelter in the Time of a Storm
Pastor Reginald E. Bryant • January 6, 2026
Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow,
Beloved, God has graced us with the privilege to worship, watch, pray and serve Him (and each other) in this new year. The winds of uncertainty, presence of trouble and environment of evil SEEM to be both undaunted and overwhelming. But we are encouraged, empowered and emboldened by our very own "Battle Axe in the time of a battle - Shelter in the time of a storm."
Isaiah 26:3 states: "Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth thee." (KJV).
Let His word minister to our mind.
- I believe that God is Almighty and there is nothing too hard for Him - Jeremiah 32:17
- I believe that the Holy Spirit leads, guides and directs - John 16:13
- I am what the Word says I am - Romans 10:8
- I believe in the sufficiency of God's grace - II Corinthians 12:9 and
- the assurance of God's power- Isaiah 54:17
- I believe all my needs are met - Philippians 4:19
- All Because He is Faithful and True - Revelation 19:11
Pastor's Corner
The collective possessive plural pronoun "WE" is found so many times in the Bible that internet search engines require an additional word in order to produce a result. I don't know why that is (AI should be better than that). But I am convinced that God notices, honors, and according to His will, blesses collective effort. The Godhead, introduced to us in Genesis 1:26, doesn't use the word "we" but instead uses the variation of "us." Considering that God consulted with His own Deity to create man, it's not far-fetched to surmise that every decision we make should be in consultation with Him. "It is He who hath made us, and not we ourselves." Try making the Maker the first consultant, advisor, mentor we consider. Doing so will prove what Solomon told us in Proverbs 3:5-6. Ponder the thought. God loves you and me too!
Meditation: Hebrews 10:21-24
At the beginning of 2025, we can be assured that man initiated change is constant, seldom predictable, capable of causing chaos, even while sometimes producing "good" outcomes. Yet we have a greater assurance in knowing that the Word of God tells us: "For I am the Lord, I change not..." Malachi 3:6 (KJV) With that in mind, let us take the words of this modern day hymn to our lips: "Courage, my soul, and let us journey on, tho the night is dark it won't be very long." And meditate on these words for Scripture to renew our mind and encourage our heart: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:10-12. God Bless You All. I Remain Reginald E. Bryant Pastor, Mount Olive Baptist Church