Convocation Week (July 31 – August 3, 2025

     What a truly blessed experience it is to gather at the Word of God Church International Ministries in Columbia, South Carolina, to praise and worship together! We're celebrating, honoring, and openly showing our heartfelt thanks to the living God. Most importantly, God's Word is spoken among us. Remember, God desires a relationship with each of us, and with that comes responsibility. Building and maintaining meaningful relationships takes effort—effort that many of us might find challenging, especially since lasting connections require honesty, patience, and a lot of work. These are qualities that aren't always easy to embrace, and without the Holy Spirit, our ability to succeed will be limited. When victory is ours, it’s not just something we talk about, but something we should also show and live out. Let’s walk in the Spirit, be led by the Spirit, and live guided by the Spirit. The truth is, we will come out victorious—if we keep sin bound.

 

    The Sunday’s sermon focused on Victory and the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Triune God, alongside God the Father and Jesus, His Son. This is a wonderful mystery: the Divine Triune is truly one. We can’t separate one from the other; all three are essential. Don’t worry about fully understanding it—just trust that the Holy Spirit embodies God’s character and persona. The Holy Spirit will share with you the Word of God that He hears. It’s important to surrender yourself to God in everything you do. Remember, God always wins. By following His will, we can also come out victorious. Sometimes we feel proud, thinking we’ve won some battles on our own, but let’s be honest—it's not just us. We need to be doers of the Word, not just listeners. Pride can hold us back, and that’s why submitting to God is so important—so that we’re not led astray by the devil, who wants to use us.

 

    I was truly encouraged by the sermon on the Holy Spirit. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I've been exploring the Holy Spirit’s vital role in my life. It’s inspiring to learn that there are conditions to experience victory through the Holy Spirit. Guest Speaker Pastor Ronald Critton shared his insights and understanding with the congregation, and I found myself learning even more from his words. I feel like He knew exactly what I needed and gently provided me with additional insights without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a beautiful reminder of how attentive and caring the Holy Spirit is.

 

What makes us eligible for the victory? Here are Seven Tenets

·      Psalm 119:133 – Order my steps in your word. The first thing we should do every morning is ask for God’s direction. Pray that no evil will have any dominion over you. Receive the power from the Holy Spirit to overcome any evil set against you. Evil is not of God. God will give you authority and ability to break the yokes of bondage.

·      Prudence, Wisdom, and Hope are the three sisters in Proverbs. Prudence is cautious. Don’t let the devil trick you into taking chances and risks. Don’t be impatient, arrogant, and think you’re going to get away with something. Divine Surveillance will see you even if you think no one will see you. Psalm 118:130 - Exposure. The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; I giveth understanding unto the simple. The light is a verb. Light gives understanding to the inexperienced and naïve. What examples can we rely on? Don’t use inexperience as an excuse.

·      Prevention Psalm 119:105 – Thy Word is lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. It preserves you from getting into things that are not of God, for God, and from God. Off limits.

·      Protection Psalm 119:11 – Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Don’t just quote Scriptures to look good. Keep the Word in your heart to avoid sin.

·      Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are directed by God, and God is pleased in his way.  Let God lead you, and you will be happy with the results.

·      Psalm 32:8 – I will instruct in the way you should live. I will counsel you with my loving eye. God will give you instructions for your purpose. People are living in defeat because they are not working in their purpose. Your profession is your resource, but God is your source. How can you, if you don’t let God guide you? You keep falling and losing. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

·      Romans 8:14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. God will give you proof. We are the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Let the Holy Spirit lead you and counsel you. Submit to Him and receive the victory. Your profession is your resource, but God is your source.

 

    I’ve learned so much this week, and I feel truly grateful that God allowed me to receive this knowledge. I also learned that evil doesn’t have a color; it possesses any human form that is open to receive darkness rather than the light of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul stated in Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This verse emphasizes that people are not primarily fighting against human enemies, but against spiritual forces of evil. Yet, it appears that Christians are easy targets for those forces of evil. Why? Many so-called Christians don’t have love in their heart as Jesus advocated. If they did, America’s fabric wouldn’t be so tightly woven in racism and discrimination. Yes, I included this statement because I meant it. Look around, open your heart, and prove that I’m lying. At least, St. Paul repented and changed his ways.

 

I pray that what I’ve shared with you will serve as a gentle nudge to help you begin your incredible journey with the Holy Spirit.