Blessed 1st Sunday of 2026 🤍

The year begins not with noise, not with striving, but with a choice..to step into the presence of God.

As the first Sunday of 2026 unfolds, we come not because attendance completes us,
but because His presence realigns us.

We gather not to impress heaven, but to be reminded of who we are and whose we are. We come weary, hopeful, grateful, expectant...and He meets us faithfully, just as He always does.

Let this first Sunday be a holy declaration:
that before schedules fill, before plans unfold,
before the world demands our attention,
God comes first.

May this year be anchored not by resolutions, but by devotion. Not by busyness,but by abiding.

So come. Come with your prayers unfinished. Come with your faith trembling. Come with your heart open.

Because when the year begins in His house,
the rest of the year follows His lead.

Come into His presence today..not out of obligation,
but out of love, hunger, and reverence for the One who holds this year in His hands
W.B

Testimony Tuesday

I have a question for all of you.

Have you ever sensed the Holy Spirit nudging you to assist or help a stranger, but you felt a little weird about it? Or, maybe you’re just doubting if it’s even the Holy Spirit speaking to you?

I’m talking about either saying something to that stranger or confronting them. You begin to doubt, or even wonder if you even need to get involved. Or you lack confidence because you don’t even know what to say.

You know what I’m taking about don’t you?

There will be times the Holy Spirit will nudge you to confront someone you may feel a little uncomfortable about, but when we obey there is usually a huge blessing involved, not just for that person but for you as well. There is a purpose for sure.

When we sense those promptings, pay attention and obey quickly.

Many years ago (90’s), I was in a Women’s Bible study, and one woman was sharing a testimony about the subject—listening to the Holy Spirit and obeying that voice.

She described a situation when she went to local trail park to go hiking. After her short hike she was heading back to her car. She saw a van she didn’t notice before parked not too far from her. Something told her to go over to that van, but she felt unsure about it. She ignored the prompting, got into her car and drove home.

The next day she found out on the news that a young man had committed suicide in a van at the same park she went hiking. She was horrified because she recognized the van that was shown on the news.

As she described how she felt to all of us women, we all felt that same conviction and humility she did. What would I have done in that situation?

I’ve never forgotten her story. We were all so humbled. We realized how important it is to walk closely with the Lord, and listen to His voice.

I’m still learning to hear God’s voice more clearly, and to obey that voice. This is why it is so important to study His WORD, to have that close relationship with the Lord. He says; “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27

Today’s video is about obeying the Holy Spirit…even when you feel uncomfortable and or don’t know what to say. Trust the Holy Spirit will give you the words to lead and guide you. Try not to question it or understand it. Just go with it, and learn to dance with the Holy Spirit as you trust the outcome to Him.

—Blessings
Paula
@CallToBattle


“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

This verse has an entire different meaning for me now…I found this video about a week ago and saved it. Wouldn’t you know, It came across today’s You Version Bible study.

“With you” is from the Hebrew word Immack or ‘amam ’. It means; With, together with, among, accompanying, against, and, as long as, before, beside, by reason of, for all, of fellowship and companionship, of actions done jointly with another, or if the common action be of the nature of a contest or combat. Standing in battle formation with you, deployed along side you! Just wow!

I’m just here for the ride.😁

I'm sure most of you by now know what happened in Venezuela last week, but have you wondered how did the U.S. military carry out such precision warfare?

Have you ever heard of acoustic warfare? I never have until now.
Today, I have two videos I happened to stumble on, and trust me, it will blow your little minds.

Buckle up, because I think you will certainly appreciate the United States military even more....standby please.👇

https://youtu.be/0O5_W44Ab0w?

https://youtu.be/2HSquKPPp1M?

Testimony Tuesday

Every once in a while I like to share a testimony on the history of hymns. I am always fascinated by the author’s inspiration and what events occurred to write such hymns.

Most of us are familiar with “Amazing Grace” hymn written by John Newton and the history of how that hymn came to be. But, today I want to share the history behind the hymn, ‘What a Friend We Have In Jesus.’

Originally a poem written by Joseph Scriven, for his dying mother, which would later become the popular hymn we are familiar with. But Joseph would have suffered two tragic events prior to his dying mother. Given these unfortunate events, his friendship with Jesus was unwavering as you can tell by the lyrics.

In today’s video, the commentator talks about a “deep friendship” with God in relation to that song. I began to think how personal that statement is.

When life becomes nearly unbearable, who do we turn to? How do we cope with such things that travails our hearts? If you were to write a hymn, what would your history, your life with God thus far be revealed in that song?

May you have that “deep friendship with God” as Joseph did. Let it resonate in your longing soul. He is there for us in our deepest pain. He is always with us. He is our confidant, and true lover of our souls. Oh, how wonderful it is to bring everything to Him in prayer.

“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”
Psalm 25:14


See the link below to read the incredible story and history of the hymn:

From the article link:

The Legacy of the Hymn

“Scriven died in 1886 in Ontario, living the same humble Christian life he always had. He never saw the worldwide impact of his hymn. Yet God used his quiet faithfulness to bless millions.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” remains one of the most comforting hymns ever written because it reflects real life. It acknowledges that Christians face trials, temptations, heartbreaks, and fears. At the same time, it lifts the believer’s eyes to the Friend who is stronger than every storm.
The hymn speaks three timeless truths to our generation:

1. Jesus is the believer’s truest Friend.
He cares for every pain and carries every burden.
2. Prayer is a powerful privilege.
We waste peace when we refuse to bring our troubles to God.
3. No trial is too heavy for Christ.
He walks with His children through every valley and every sorrow.
The story of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” reminds us that God can turn our deepest grief into blessings for others. Joseph Scriven suffered greatly, yet from his suffering came a hymn that still comforts hearts today.
Its message is simple and true. We are never alone, because Jesus is not only our Savior, He is our Friend. He listens, He cares, and He invites us to bring everything to Him in prayer.”

Ask again…
Not because He didn't hear you the first time, but because this time, something in you has shifted.
You asked when your faith was strong.
You asked when hope was loud.
You asked when the promise still felt close.
But now you are being told to ask again... after the silence, after the delay, after the waiting wore you thin.
This asking is different.
This asking is costly.
Jesus said in Luke 18 that the persistent widow kept coming.
She was not powerful.
She was not influential.
She had no leverage, only desperation and resolve.
And the unjust judge said, "Because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her."
Let this sink in, persistence moved someone who had no compassion.
So hear the promise hidden in the parable, if relentless asking could move an unjust judge, how much more does it move a Father whose heart is already bent toward you?
Your repeated asking has not been annoying heaven.

Me: “Lord, what do You want me to know today?”

God: “When you find that I’ve been right beside you at work in every situation, ironing out every detail, you will not cease to rejoice in My Divine intervention. Looking back one day, you will see how I loved you too much to let you fall at the enemy's bidding. He seeks to destroy all traces of your allegiance to Me.

“Pour yourself into My work and devote your heart to My safekeeping. I will fend off the weapons of destruction being aimed at you. I will be your strength in time of need. Call on My Name, and I will hear you and rescue you every time. You are My beloved child, and I will continue to show you how precious you are to me. Believe I’ve got this!”

Eph. 3:16 (NIV) ~ “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,”

There is a question God is asking the Church in this hour, and it is not, "What do you want?"

It is not, "What do you need?"
It is not even, "What are you believing Me for?" The question heaven is asking is simple, "What do you have in your hands?"

When Moses stood before God at the burning bush, he did not feel qualified. He did not feel ready. He did not feel anointed enough. He had excuses, insecurities, and a history that told him he was disqualitied.
But God did not ask Moses about his past, his noscript, or his platform.
God asked him one thing, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2)

And Moses answered,
"A rod."
Just a stick.
Common.
Ordinary.
Used every day.
Something Moses had carried for years without ever realizing its potential.
And God said, "Throw it down."
That rod, used to guide sheep, became the instrument that confronted Pharaoh.