The world is currently experiencing some turbulent times. These encompass geopolitical conflicts like the war between Russia and Ukraine, domestic issues such as chaos in government, mass shootings, racial tensions, erosion of the moral fabric, and a rise in deceit. These factors contribute to an atmosphere of turmoil and uncertainty, which can drag you down, and zap your strength.

However, you can "soar" above the current turbulence, like an eagle.

"Soaring" above the turbulence means focusing on God and trusting in His care, especially when facing uncontrollable circumstances. It involves adjusting one's flight, similar to how an eagle adjusts to storms, by focusing on what one can control and relying on faith in God for the rest.

The eagle serves as a symbol of renewal and strength through faith. Those who have "HOPE" in the LORD will renew their strength to rise above challenges and persevere through reliance on God.

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...

Ever wonder what the secret is to a really great marriage. Not just good, but Great. The kind that lasts, really lasts, like decades?

Some ask the question, is a Great Marriage still possible? Well, we know first-hand that it is still possible, which we will discuss in this episode.

We will start by first taking a look at, who created marriage in the first place, and second, what we believe a great marriage consists of. Finally, we’re going to get a little personal, and share some information about our marriage.

Great marriages don’t just happen. It takes a willing, committed, man and woman to make a great marriage work.

Our intent is to encourage couples contemplating marriage, or already married to work towards making their marriage, “A Great Marriage”.

We have been married for over 53 years. We know without a shadow of a doubt, that a Great Marriage is achievable, even in this current day and time.

Listen as we share what we believe are 5 key ingredients for a Great Marriage!

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 explore marriage from a faith-based perspective, highlighting the importance of transparency, intimacy, and spiritual oneness within the marital bond.

We discuss infidelity as both physical and emotional connections outside the marriage that undermine the relationship. We also discuss factors that can lead to marital dysfunction, including lack of self-esteem, unresolved conflicts, and addictions.

Couples should actively prioritize meeting each other's needs and cultivate a healthy environment of respect and mutual growth. We caution against rushing into marriage without fully understanding one's partner, and stress the importance of seeking guidance from God.

Ultimately, we advocate for a commitment to God's design for marriage, which is "Holy Matrimony". We emphasize the need for open communication, strong boundaries, and reliance on faith to navigate the challenges of married life.

Listen and learn about some of the pitfalls that can strain a marriage, the consequences of affairs, and how you can Build a Better Marriage.

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...

Marriage is to be cherished. It is the ultimate relationship between a man and a woman, designed by God.

As the scriptures state: "God Is Love".

In this episode, we discuss Love & Marriage, as it relates to the day of love, known as Valentine's Day.

That word "love", for many is a feeling. However, love is much more than a feeling.

So, we explore the history and traditions of Valentine's Day, known as the day of "love". Tracing its origins to both ancient Roman and early Christian narratives.

We share the story of Father Valentine, a priest who defied an emperor's ban on marriage.

As we said, Love is more than just a feeling. We also touch on the neuroscience of love itself.

We also offer some suggestions for how couples can express their love for one another.

Finally, we point you to the true definition of love, which you will find in the Bible, I Corinthians 13.

Listen and remember:

Love is Patient

Love is Kind

Love is felt most

When it is Genuine

.

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 diving deep into how marriage is viewed, in this 21st Century.

We share our concern over societal shifts that challenge traditional marriage definitions, and offer guidance on building a strong, God-centered marriage. Highlighting the importance of communication, mutual respect and submission as choices.

God is the author, designer, and creator of marriage. We stress the importance of adhering to God's principles, protecting the marriage from outside influences, and fostering spiritual growth and intimacy within the relationship. In addition, we share insight on the need to protect your marriage from modern technology's unwanted impact, and intrusion into the sanctity of your marriage.

God has provided a "Divine Blueprint" for marriage in His word. Although in the 21st Century we have alternative lifestyles, and worldly definitions of marriage that many subscribe too, we believe God's blueprint for marriage has not changed.

We expect this episode may ruffle a few feathers. We don't shy away from the "controversial" topics in respect to marriage.

So, buckle up for the ride, as we discuss God's Design For Marriage - 21st Century Husbands and Wives.

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...

God has instilled in all of us a desire for relationship.

The week of Febraury 7 – Febraury 14 is celebrated as National Marriage Week, and is also the week of Valentines Day, when couples celebrate their love for one another.

Beginning with today’s episode, we will spend the entire month of Febraury focusing on “Marriage”.

In this episode, we ask the question, is your marriage on the rocks, or on “The Rock”?

Is your marriage on the rocks? Have you done all that you think that you could do, and you still are not happy? Do you live under the same roof and barely speak or your communication is just not happening?

Is your physical relationship few, far and in between or basically just nonexistent? Or on the other hand is your physical relationship all that you have going on? But you both are just going through the motions? Do you jump at the opportunity to spend time apart, or enjoy the company of everyone else except one another?

When you get angry do you often resort to disrespectful name calling, foul language and go as far as physical blows? Are you so tired of fussing and fighting, and now you just want to go your separate ways?

Do either or both of you just drink yourself under the table because you just can't take life without being under the influence of some substance, in order to function?

If your answer is "yes" to two or more of these questions, your marriage is on the rocks!

If you're not married, are you engaged or on the brink of saying 'I Do'? If so, have you asked yourself:

• Are We Ready For Marriage ?
• How Compatible are We?
• Are we Ready for Intimacy, Commitment and The Marriage Bed?
• What About the In-laws? Will they truly be In-laws, or Out-laws"?

Get a copy of Elder DeBorrah's pre-marital book, "How Do I Love Thee: Food For Thought Before You Say I Do

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...

Today we're focusing on the book of Malachi, its core message and contemporary relevance. Malachi's prophecy, delivered during a time of spiritual decline in Israel, condemns the people and priests for their hypocrisy, unacceptable sacrifices, and disregard for God's law.

We emphasize Malachi's warnings of impending judgment and the necessity of repentance, and the concept of "robbing God". Not merely through financial neglect, but also through a lack of genuine worship and obedience.

God was greatly displeased with the religious practices of the priests and people of Israel which had devolved into meaningless rituals and traditions, lacking genuine worship. Specific issues included spiritual abuses, disrespect, offering blemished and unacceptable sacrifices, polluted bread, and widespread disobedience to God's laws.

In many church services, generally right before the offering, we often hear the scripture in Malachi referenced "Will A Man Rob God?" Many times it is used to coherce or pressure congregants to tithe, or give 10% of their income. But that was not the intent of Malachi.

What does it mean to "rob God" according to the Book of Malachi?
The phrase "Will a man rob God?" goes beyond just tithing. It primarily refers to depriving God of the glory, honor, praise, and preeminence that He deserves daily.

While the misdirection of tithes was an issue, the heart of the matter was failing to acknowledge God’s authority and treating Him with contempt and disrespect. We still see that today. Disrespect for God, the people of God, and places of worship. Some think it's Ok to just give God the leftovers. It's not. He gave us His best, and we should in turn give Him our best.

Malachi called for a return to true faith.

The issues of spiritual complacency, moral decay, and disrespect for God that Malachi addressed are not unique to his time. We can draw parallels to modern-day societal issues, including societal unrest, moral decay, a decline in adherence to God's word, and also a lack of spiritual awareness of God's will.

Malachi's central message, and our message in this episode, is a call to repentance.

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...

Believers are called to worship God "in Spirit and in truth" and express love for Him through praise. They are to live in obedience to God's will, and seek to glorify Him in their bodies and in their actions.

In the book of Micah, we are told that the Lord has shown us what is good, and what He requires of us. Which is to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God".

Listen to this episode as we take this deep dive and unpack what it means to act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.

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...