A common perception of Thanksgiving is that it is solely a celebration of food and family. However, it has a much deeper historical and spiritual significance.

Thanksgiving is about much more than turkey and dressing. Although it originated here in America as a result of a peace treaty established between the Puritans and the Indigenous Americans, on a deeper level, it is a time to reflect on God's blessings, and express gratitude for His provisions, and His sacrifice in sending His son Jesus Christ.

The story of Christopher Columbus is often presented as the discovery of America. However, this podcast episode encourages us to seek the truth beyond the commonly taught narrative.

The land was already inhabited by the Indigenous Americans, making Columbus's arrival not a discovery, but an encounter with a pre-existing civilization that was already thriving and living comfortably in the land.

God provided the land, the resources, and the opportunity for the settlers to establish themselves. The Indigenous Americans showed them kindness and taught them how to live in the land.

The peace treaty, although temporary, can be seen as a testament to God's desire for harmony and unity. However, as we’ve seen even in this day and time, some people are quick to forget who helped them on their journey. There are some people who always want to take from others, to take advantage of, or have dominion over others. Greed kicks in and they attempt to take what’s not theirs.

We encourage you to listen to this episode and embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving, not just on one day, but in every aspect of our lives, by living in gratitude, seeking truth, and sharing God's love with others.

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Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

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Are you stressed? Is there something weighing on your mind? Is there some inner conflict? Is there something happening in your life and you don’t know how things will work out? You are not alone!

Stress is a normal part of life and can be defined as forces from the outside world impinging on the individual. In small amounts, it can actually be healthy, keeping you alert and motivated. However, excessive or prolonged stress can lead to serious physical and mental health problems.

Stress manifests itself in many ways, both physically and emotionally. Some common signs include anxiety, weight gain or loss, high blood pressure, panic attacks, and difficulty concentrating. You might also experience physical symptoms like headaches, sweating, and an increased heart rate.

However, "good" stress keeps you on your toes and motivates you to shift.

Do you need stress relief? We know the answer to that question is "YES". We all do at some point in our life. Stress is inevitable, but it doesn't have to control us.

Listen to this episode as we share several techniques, exercises, and strategies you can employ to manage stress in many areas of your life, including personal stress, family stress, marital stress, and job stress. We highlight the importance of self-control and controlling your tongue. We also suggest techniques such as "Redemptive Confrontation" to manage stress constructively.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

In this episode we’re discussing the “Season of Depression”. We examine the prevalence of depression and its root causes, which often lie in personal injury or trauma, leading to feelings of hopelessness, bitterness, anger, and isolation.

A sense of shame can further perpetuate these feelings, leading to a deep sense of loneliness and disconnect from God and others.

While often triggered during specific seasons for some, others experience it year-round.

A qualified psychiatrist can address the medical aspects of depression, however, faith provides a crucial spiritual perspective. We highlight the power of understanding God's love and His constant presence, regardless of our circumstances. By embracing faith, you can find strength and hope, even in the midst of despair.

Remember that depression is a season, and even the most difficult times are temporary. By cultivating a relationship with God, you can overcome depression and find lasting peace.

Listen attentively as we take this deep dive into the role of spiritual and emotional healing in overcoming depression, advocating for faith in God as your source of strength and hope.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

What do you think of, when you think of success?

Perhaps it’s becoming a Doctor, Computer Analyst, Therapist, Entertainer, Pastor, Artist, Architect, Lawyer, Nurse, Policemen, Chef, CEO or Business Owner.

Opportunity is available to all that put forth the necessary effort. Society tells you to get an education and do something with your life. Be successful!

Parents encourage their children to apply themselves in school or to excel in sports. Whatever direction you choose, just make something of yourself! Be successful!

Success doesn’t “just happen”. You have to do something.

Today we want to talk about “Planning For Success”. How to find success in life, through the lens of the Bible.

We see success as the favorable completion of a goal set for yourself, after consulting with God. We also believe there are three kinds of people in the world:

1. People who "make things happen".
2. People who "watch things happen".
3. People who "wonder what happened".

Those who make things happen are the most successful.

To help with this topic, we look at the accomplishments of three individuals in the Bible. David, Joshua, and Nehemiah. Their stories serve as guidance on how to seek God's counsel, trust in His direction, and overcome obstacles.

We emphasize the importance of building faith-based plans that include God and relying on His direction, ultimately concluding that true success comes from aligning your life with His will.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

In this episode, we look at the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae, which is the Book of Colossians. We highlight and emphasize the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Recognizing that He is the Head of the Church, the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, and the fullness of God in bodily form.

The Bible states: “In the Beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. And the word became flesh, and dwelt among us. That word is Jesus Christ, for by him all things were made.

Our finite minds cannot comprehend “the Beginning”, but know that He was there.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church to combat false doctrines and teachings, that were spreading. We have that same battle today, which is why we must contend for the faith. To do that, there is a need for discernment in the face of false teachings. We emphasize the importance of understanding God's sovereign power.

The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and source of truth. He empowers us to live righteously, access God's power, and understand the Word of God. We encourage you to rely on His guidance and indwelling presence.

As we examine the book of Colossians, two things we want to help you better understand are:

1. What does it mean to be "complete in Him" as stated in Colossians?

2. The concept of "perfection"? What does it mean to be “perfect”.

Many people, when they make a mistake, or display a character flaw, are quick to say “Well, I’m not perfect”. To them, we say “welcome to the Nobody’s Perfect Club”, where you can have a crutch and unlimited excuses for not doing or being as you should. You really don’t want to be a member of this club.

God wouldn’t tell us to “Be Ye Perfect”, if it wasn’t possible. He’s not telling you to be “flawless”, you can’t, but you can be “perfect”, which means something entirely different from what many people think.

Listen carefully as we take this deep dive into the book of Colossians.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

Growing up we were always encouraged to have a balanced diet, to eat healthy foods, and particularly our vegetables. So that we could grow big and strong.

Remember the television commercials to eat "Wonder Bread", which helped to build strong bodies in 12 different ways?

We were also told to eat three meals a day, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, with Breakfast being the most important meal of the day. We were advised to stay away from junk food, for it wasn’t healthy.

Some would eat too much, some would eat too little. Some would eat foods not good for the body. Some would feast on junk food.

It was important how we related to food, so we wouldn’t develop an eating disorder, which is an imbalance in one’s intake of food.

Anorexia and Bulimia are very serious eating disorders that occur when one does not properly relate to food. Eating disorders are serious. They can and do result in physical and emotional turmoil.

In this episode, we address “Spiritual Eating Disorders”. An unbalanced spiritual diet will result in a spiritual eating disorder.

A spiritual eating disorder arises when one doesn't properly relate to God's word. Just as our physical bodies need nutritious food, our spirits require the nourishment of scripture. Failing to engage with the Bible can be compared to physical starvation and leads to spiritual weakness and stunted growth.

Neglecting spiritual nourishment hinders your relationship with God and prevents spiritual growth. Without a consistent diet of God's word, you limit your understanding of His will and miss out on the guidance and strength He provides.

Just as our physical bodies require food for energy and growth, our souls thrive on the "Bread of Heaven".

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

In this episode, we encourage you to surrender your problems to God, acknowledging that God’s will is always for your benefit. We highlight the importance of focusing on God’s love and trusting in His plan.

We want to offer guidance and comfort to those facing challenges in their
lives, emphasizing the importance of placing faith in God, asserting that God
is aware of and in control of everything.

God is always aware of our struggles and wants us to turn to Him for guidance
and support. No matter how big or small, nothing happens in our lives that He doesn't see. He has a plan for us, even when times are tough, and by trusting
in Him, we can find peace and freedom from our worries.

Have you ever had a situation when you didn't know what to do?

Have you ever had a problem that you thought was so big you did not
know howit could ever be solved?

Have you ever felt that no matter how hard you tried to explain something,
no one would understand?

Have you ever felt so discouraged that you felt as though the weights of the
world were upon your shoulders?

Have you been physically ill or near death ,and felt that you were at the point of
no return?

Has death knocked on the door of a friend or loved one unexpectedly?

Have you ever been persecuted, forsaken, maligned, misunderstood or
unappreciated?

If you have ever experienced one or more of these things, we have some great news for you! Nothing happens in your life that God is not aware of.

It’s important that you are careful of with whom you surround yourselves with. Careful of with whom, you share your innermost feelings and issues with.

Be careful of having a “Woe is Me” attitude, and sharing that with someone who will co-sign that feeling. The Bible says: “They that wait, or hope, in the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like an eagle.”
You can’t soar with the eagles, if you’re running with the turkeys!

Take your burdens to the Lord. You can Put It All In His Hands.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

In this episode we discuss the dwelling place of God. Specifically focusing on God dwelling within His people. We share information about the establishment of the first temple, built by King Solomon, as well as some of the exquisite places of worship we have visited around the world.

While these places can be dedicated to worship, and serve as gathering places for believers, God's true dwelling place is in the hearts of His people. God is not confined to physical structures like temples or church buildings.

One of our most memorable trips was to Athens, Greece and Istanbul, Turkey.
In Greece, we visited Mars Hill, the place spoken about in the book of Acts.
In Istanbul, Turkey we visited the ruins of the city of Ephesus, as well as the renown Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Mars Hill was a place where people worshipped various idols. The Apostle Paul preached a sermon to remember, to the men of Athens on Mars Hill. He told them that in all things they were too superstitious. He saw an altar with this inscription, "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD", whom they ignorantly worshipped. Paul declared to them, that is the God that made the entire world, and that He does not dwell in Temples made by hands.

In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul tells the Corinthian church " Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?"

When discussing sexual immorality, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior, your body becomes a temple for the Holy Spirit. He comes in and fills your temple. Treat your temple with reverence and respect, for it is a sacred space. Be mindful of what you do with your body. In the book of Romans, Paul says "to present your body as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service"


Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty, however, don't use t

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...