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John Ellis
Nov 23, 2025
From The Publisher
I was sent a video recently of a commentator talking about how close the United States is to another Civil War. I will not mention the commentator’s name but, in his opinion, we are already at step seven out of nine steps that would start the war. The reason that I mention this is because during his dialogue he stated that the Church is absolutely useless in preventing the violent outcome. I completely disagree. Now I will agree on one point. Political tension in the United States has reached a level that many Americans find alarming. Headlines of threats, assaults, and heated confrontations have become all too familiar. Yet in the midst of this unrest, the Church has a unique and powerful role to play: to be a light that heals division, protects human dignity, and points the nation back toward peace rooted in Christ. From the earliest days of the Christian faith, believers have been called to be peacemakers. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” remain a guiding mandate. The Church is not called to take sides in the political turmoil but to model a Kingdom way of life—one marked by humility, self-control, and sacrificial love. Paul writes in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” This instruction applies across political, cultural, and social divides. It challenges Christians to act as reconcilers, even when the world urges them toward hostility. Political violence—whether physical, verbal, or digital—strips others of their God-given dignity. The Church must be clear in its teaching: violence is incompatible with the Gospel. While political disagreements are inevitable in any free society, the people of God can model a better way by:
One of the practical ways churches can combat political extremism is by becoming safe places for conversation. Healthy dialogue fosters understanding and reduces the fear and misinformation that often lead to conflict. When believers engage one another with patience and humility, the church becomes a living model of how to disagree without hatred. Many who participate in political violence or extreme rhetoric do so out of fear, pain, or hopelessness. The Church offers what politics cannot: the healing grace of Jesus Christ. By expanding pastoral care, offering trauma-informed ministry, and providing community support, churches can address the root causes that make people vulnerable to anger and radicalization. At a time when polarization is shaping American culture, the Church’s response can become a powerful evangelistic witness. Unity across political lines demonstrates the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. When believers choose love over hostility, grace over anger, and truth over fear, they reflect the character of Christ to a watching world. Political violence threatens the fabric of the nation, but the Church carries a timeless mandate: to be agents of peace. By rejecting violence, promoting dignity, creating spaces for dialogue, and ministering to the hurting, the Church can help lead the country toward healing. In a divided age, the Church’s faithful witness can remind the nation that peace is possible—not through political power, but through the transforming love of Christ. - John Ellis
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Daily Devotional Guide
Sunday 11/23 – God Is With You Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 No matter what you face today, you don’t face it alone. God Himself stands beside you, strengthening you, helping you, and holding you steady. His presence is your confidence. Prayer:
Monday 11/24 – Peace That Stays Scripture: John 14:27 The peace Jesus gives isn’t fragile or temporary. It is steady, deep, and unshakable. Let His peace cover your heart today and silence every troubling thought. Prayer:
Tuesday 11/25 – The Lord Is Your Shepherd Scripture: Psalm 23:1 With God as your Shepherd, you are never without guidance, provision, or care. He leads you with love and watches over every step you take. Prayer:
Wednesday 11/26 — “God Hears You” Scripture: Psalm 34:17 God is not distant or distracted—He hears every prayer you whisper, speak, or think. Even when you don’t see immediate change, He is already working on your behalf. Your cries do not go unnoticed, and your heart is never ignored. Prayer:
Thursday 11/27 — “Thanksgiving” Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s an invitation to pause, breathe, and recognize the goodness of God in every season of life. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to what God has generously provided. It softens the heart, strengthens faith, and opens our eyes to blessings we may have overlooked. Even in challenging times, we can give thanks because God is present, faithful, and working behind the scenes for our good. Today, let your gratitude rise—not only for the visible blessings, but for the unseen grace, protection, and guidance God provides each day. A thankful heart is a worshiping heart, and worship ushers us into His peace. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your endless goodness and faithfulness. On this Thanksgiving Day, fill my heart with deep gratitude—not just for the blessings I can see, but for the many ways You care for me that I often overlook. Teach me to give thanks in every season, trusting that Your love never fails. May my life reflect a spirit of gratitude that honors You. Amen.
Friday 11/28 — “The Lord Is With You” Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 God does not promise a life without challenges, but He does promise His presence in every moment. Whatever you face today, you do not face it alone. His hand upholds you, His strength empowers you, and His presence gives you courage. Prayer:
Saturday 11/29 — “A Lamp for Your Path” Scripture: Psalm 119:105 God’s Word has the power to guide, correct, strengthen, and bring clarity. When you feel unsure of your next steps, Scripture illuminates the way forward. One step at a time, He will guide you with wisdom and peace. Prayer: |
Food For Thought There is an old analogy about straddling the fence that goes something like this - There was a man. And this man stood in a field of green, green grass. Beautiful light from the sun poured down across the grass. In the middle of the field there sat a fence, dividing the field in half. On one side, stood Satan. On the other, God. ‘If you come to my side of the fence,’ said Satan. ‘I’ll give you everything you want. If you choose me, everything you have ever desired will be given to you. But if you choose Him, you will get none of what I offer you.’ The man looked at God and thought to himself, how much would I like to choose Him, because he’s God. But…everything I have ever wanted; it all lies on the other side of the fence. So, the man walked over to the fence, pulled himself up, and made himself comfortable. He sat there, mocking both Satan and God. ‘I don’t choose any of you!’ he said. The man sat there for a while, refusing to look at either side of the fence, his eyes remaining narrowly ahead. After some time, the man fell. The field was gone, and so was the sun. He fell, and he fell, and everything got darker and darker. He landed on rocky ground, surrounded by cold, scary, darkness. A hot hand gripped his shoulder. It was Satan, smiling. ‘What!’ the man exclaimed. ‘Why am I in hell? I didn’t choose you! I chose the fence!’ Satan leaned closer, his hot breath whispering into his ear. ‘The fence belongs to me.’ The man’s face went white. ‘And now…so do you.’ |
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This week's Church of the Week is Knightdale United Methodist Church. They currently meet at Beaverdam Elementary School and the address is 3591 Tarheel Club Road in Raleigh, NC. The worship service begins at 10:00a.m. and is led by Pastor Steph Margeson. Founded in July of 1917, KUMC has been a constant pillar in the eastern Wake County area. Their mission is to reimagine what church can be—focusing on discipleship that forms people in grace and truth, mission work that creates lasting change, and community life that reflects the inclusive love of Jesus. They believe that the future of the church isn’t found in nationalism, rigid practices, or fear-based theology. It’s found in the transforming power of God’s love and the shared work of a community grounded in hope. Attire for Sunday's is casual and you can come expecting to be greeted with a warm welcome, an inspiring message based on the Word and weekly communion. They have something for the entire family outside of the 10:00 worship service regardless of age and opportunities to participate in worship through music if you are so inclined. Always know that regardless of your circumstances or your past, you are welcome. To find out more about KUMC visit them online at www.k-umc.org. * If you would like to have your church spotlighted then reach out, via email, to believersbulletin004@gmail.com |
SPECIAL MUSIC |
Bible Reading Guide We continue our year long project of reading the entire Bible in its entirety by Thanksgiving 2026. Let's continue on.
Sunday 11/23 - Genesis 25-28 and Psalm 8 Monday 11/24 - Genesis 29-31 and Psalm 9 Tuesday 11/25 - Genesis 32-34 and Psalm 10 Wednesday 11/26 - Genesis 35-37 and Psalm 11 Thursday 11/27 - Genesis 38-40 and Psalm 12 Friday 11/28 - Genesis 41-42 and Psalm 13 Saturday 11/29 - Genesis 43-45 and Psalm 14
We would love to hear about your progress. Send results to believersbulletin004@gmail.com |
Sunday Morning Comics |
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Personal Testimony Each week will provide an opportunity for a fellow brother or sister to share their personal testimony. This week we are honored to have Dr. Gerald Blake of Raleigh, NC share with us. "My witness I was blessed to be born into a family with Christian parents and relatives. Therefore I learned about Jesus at an early age. Church was a weekly outing for me- usually Wednesday night services and Sunday morning and Sunday night most weeks. As a young boy I went through the process required to join the Presbyterian church my parents were attending . In the early 50's my family moved from civilian Camp Lejeune housing to an area outside of Jacksonville as the civilian workers for had to move so military personnel could use our housing . As it turned out the move put me close to where I would meet the love of my life! I saw Mittie Gould on the school bus when I was in the 6th grade and knew she was meant for me. I have no doubt that God was involved with this happening because in 1965 we were married. Had we not had to move off base housing I would have never met her! God is good! I started going to a small, local church with Mittie. We had great Christian mentors during our years there. Then came college and I had always wanted to be a doctor! Why, I don't know. Maybe another God intervention . God allowed us to continue our relationship until she graduated from nursing school in 1965. We married , I finished my training through internship and then to Vietnam. Thank God I got home! After Army training, we did go to church but not like we should. After the army I returned to UNC to finish my training. During this time we found out we could not have children. That was a downer for us and I told Mittie that God must not want us to have children. I guess I was being God at that time! Mittie got me straight when she told me-" no way! There are children just for us". So we went through adoption process and got our son in 1973 and our daughter in 1975. What a blessing they were to both of us and both have become wonderful adults and parents. I had a wonderful career in medicine and asked in my prayers each day that God would direct my decisions and he did. Mittie was able to stay at home with our children which was such a blessing. We moved to Raleigh in 1974 and were introduced to Bayleaf Baptist church by friends. What a blessing and God working again in our lives! I had a wonderful career in medicine and the kids have grown up to be great human beings. God's blessing again. We had a wonderful life and we as a family were blessed to be able to go on many different vacations . In 2013 , Mittie was diagnosed with dementia. This was a real blow to us and hard to deal with. I was angry with God and asked why. As she progressed in her illness my relationship with God changed. I lost my anger and came to realize that I could grow in my relationship with God and put my trust in Him to get us through it. He did and I took care of her at home until 2019 but I realized that to give her the care she deserved I needed to put her in a long term care facility ! Very hard decision but God reassured me that I did the right thing. I visited her almost everyday to be with her and help her eat. I would hold her hands and play some gospel songs on a CD player. Sometimes I would actually try to sing to her? I would pray with her. Many times the children would join me and we would roll her outside. We would occasionally be blessed to see her smile or grin at us. The kids and I were with her on that September afternoon when she took her last breath and I am certain was allowed to enter the narrow gate into heaven and in the presence of her Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ. Her sins were removed and her mind made new. I know she is enjoying her rewards in heaven . I know also that we will meet again when my time comes to cross over. I thank my God for all the blessings I have received in my life." - Dr. Gerald Blake |
Recipe of the Week Submitted by Ester Garner - Smithfield, NC Fig Cake Recipe from the Ocracoke Island Inn and Restaurant
Ingredients: 3 eggs 1 ½ cups sugar 1 cup oil 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon allspice 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup fig preserves, chopped 1 cup nuts, chopped Glaze ¼ cup buttermilk ½ cup sugar ¼ teaspoon baking soda 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch ¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Beat eggs, add sugar and oil. Sift all dry ingredients together. Add to egg mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Add vanilla; fold in figs and nuts. Pour into greased tube or oblong pan and bake until done
– about 45 minutes.
To make glaze, combine all ingredients except vanilla in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cool, stirring. Slowly add vanilla. Spoon over warm cake and serve. Enjoy |
BIBLE TRIVIA Answers in next week's edition What was the name of the hill where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal? ___________________________ Who replaced Judas Iscariot as the twelfth apostle? ___________ Which Old Testament figure interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams about seven years of plenty and seven years of famine? _____________
Answers to last week's trivia questions: Elijah Church in Corinth Daniel |
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Each week we spotlight a Christian owned business that operates under Christian principles. This week's selection is Knightdale Tire & Service Center located in Knightdale, NC. The shop is owned and operated by Mr. Ali Veisseh since 2002 when he purchased it from Bill Crist. They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau along with an outstanding reputation in the community. He has some customers that drive from out of town to have their vehicles serviced. Why? Because they know that the work will be done correctly the first time at a fair price and that he will not try to sell a tire, part or job that is not needed. Ali is a Man of God and uses those Christian principles not just in his business but in his daily life with his wife and two sons. To find out more about them, visit them online at www.knightdaletire.com, drop by in person at 6815 Knightdale Boulevard in Knightdale or give them a call at 919.217.0080. If you have a business that you know operates under Christian principles then feel free to nominate them by emailing us at believersbulletin004@gmail.com |
Prayer Request Please keep the following brothers and sisters in your prayers. If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please submit the names to believersbulletin004@gmail.com
Faith Anderson Delma and Joyce Austin Cathy Baker Julia Barrett Molly Barrett Lucas Bennett Samuel Briggs Nathan Brooks Helen Bunn Megan Caldwell Emily Carter Ryan Chandler Lily Chapman Sarah Collins Blake Dalton Charlotte Dawson Sue Dupree Paige Ellison Dylan Fletcher Antoinette Griffin Abbie Guthrie Rachel Hammond Joshua Harding Olivia Harrington Zoe Harper Benjamin Hayes Cole Jennings Brandon Kent Matthew Langford Derek Lawson Gavin Maddox Meghan Maynard Tyler Monroe Glen Morgan Caleb Norton Brandy Osario Hannah Porter Claire Preston Jacob Reynolds Daniel Rivers Trevor Sinclair Victoria Sloan Sue Smith Natalie Thornton Abigail Turner Jenna Wallace Grace Whitfield |
Pet of the Week We will spotlight a pet that is currently available for adoption at either the Wake or Johnston County animal shelter. This week's pet is Sam. |
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Male
Age: 6 years and 2 months
Weight: 62.5 pounds
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Location: In Foster at Wake County Animal Shelter
Date In Shelter: 3/26/2025
The Wake County Animal Center restricts visitors under the age of 18 from entering the adoption floor, including those accompanied by an adult. You can find out more about the adoption process by visiting the shelter online at https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/animal-services/pet-adoptions and if you're interested in learning more about Sam, please email the front desk at animalcenter@wake.gov with the subject line "Sam 258322"
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We are looking to expand the Believer's Bulletin and will be growing the following sections: Upcoming Events Family and Faith Resources Volunteer and Service Opportunities Classified Marketplace to share information between churches and people in the area. If you have anything that you would like to list, please forward to believersbulletin004@gmail.com the Wednesday prior to the Sunday that the edition is scheduled to go out. |
In closing this Thanksgiving week, our thoughts concern our children and grandchildren. There are few burdens heavier—or more sacred—than the desire to see our children and grandchildren walk in God’s protection and ultimately receive the gift of salvation. As parents and grandparents, we cannot control every choice they make, but we can stand in the gap through prayer, teaching, and example. Scripture reminds us that God’s heart is toward the next generation, and His promises extend beyond our own lives: “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children” (Psalm 103:17). We live in a world overflowing with danger, distraction, and deception. But God has not left our families vulnerable. His Word offers strong promises of divine protection:
When we pray for our children and grandchildren, we are not simply offering wishful thoughts—we are invoking the authority and faithfulness of God. Our prayers create spiritual covering, inviting God’s wisdom, strength, and shielding to surround them wherever they go. While we long to see our families protected in this life, our greatest desire is to see them receive eternal life through Jesus Christ. Salvation cannot be inherited; each person must respond individually to the Holy Spirit. Yet God uses our love, prayers, and testimony to draw their hearts toward Him. Paul praised Timothy’s spiritual heritage, noting that “from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures” because of the faith of his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Our influence—whether through teaching, living faithfully, or simply praying daily—helps prepare the soil of their hearts for God’s saving work. Even when loved ones seem far from God, we hold on to His promise: Never underestimate the power of a praying parent or grandparent. Your prayers can outlive you. They can go where you cannot. They can reach hearts that refuse your words but cannot escape God’s presence. Whether your children are walking with God or wandering, your role remains the same—pray without ceasing. Cover them daily. Declare God’s promises. Ask the Holy Spirit to surround them with godly influences and convict their hearts gently and powerfully. Ultimately, we must surrender our family to the One who loves them even more than we do. We cannot follow them into every classroom, relationship, or decision—but God can. His Spirit can guard, guide, and pursue them long after our words fade. Faithful intercession is not a burden—it’s an act of trust. It’s laying our children and grandchildren at the feet of Jesus and believing He is working even when we cannot see it. PrayerHeavenly Father, Lord, we pray not only for their safety, but for their salvation. May their hearts be softened toward You. Draw them by Your Spirit, reveal Your love to them, and lead them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Let Your Word take root in their lives and produce lasting fruit. Cover them in Your grace. Protect them from the plans of the enemy, from the lies of this world, and from anything that would pull them away from You. Surround them with godly friendships, wise mentors, and opportunities that lead them closer to Your purpose. We surrender our families into Your hands, trusting that You are faithful to complete the good work You have begun. Thank You for hearing our prayers, for watching over our loved ones, and for securing their future in Your perfect love. In Jesus’ name we pray, |
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IT'S COMING!!! |