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I am Marben Bland, Pastor Of The Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church In Athens, Georgia, with A Living The Word Moment.

In Matthew 4:1–11, Jesus teaches us that being led by the Spirit does not mean avoiding struggle—it sometimes means facing it. After forty days of fasting, when He was physically weak, the devil tried to attack His hunger, His hope, and His honor. Yet Jesus responded each time with, “It is written.” He did not rely on feelings; He relied on the Word.

We will be tested in the same ways—through our appetites, our doubts, and our loyalty. The enemy whispers when we are tired and vulnerable. But like Jesus, we can stand firm by anchoring ourselves in Scripture.

When the devil tries it, remember he may test you, but he cannot keep you. Stand on the Word and keep standing.

I invite you to join us tomorrow at Greater Bethel, located at 140 Rose Street in Athens, Georgia. Our worship service begins with Church School and Breakfast at 9:45. At 11:00, we gather to worship God with song, scripture, and the Word. Greater Bethel Plus members can watch the live stream on Facebook, YouTube, and our website GBAAthens.org. So, until tomorrow, blessings, peace, and love.

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The Reverend Jesse Jackson, who the New York Times has called the nation’s most influential Black figure in the years between the civil rights crusades of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. and the election of Barack Obama, has died at 84.

And while he never achieved the stature of Dr. King or the electoral success of President Obama, Reverend Jackson’s place in history and his spot in heaven are secure because he preached a Gospel of inclusion and hope that touched millions.

For me, Galatians 3:28 offers a powerful reflection on Reverend Jackson’s ministry. In proclaiming there is no longer Jew or Greek, no slave or free, and no male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus, Paul, like Reverend Jackson, emphasizes unity without erasure. In Christ, social hierarchies lose their power, dignity is shared equally, and belonging comes from grace rather than status or division.

As he passes from the scene, this vision for the world has not yet been realized, but because Jessie Jackson lived, marched, preached, and pushed, the world is much closer to being united in Christ.

Rest in Power – Reverend Jackson, and for the rest of us, let’s keep hope alive.

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On this episode of It’s a Matter of Your Health, Dr. Veita Bland is joined by fitness expert Coach Hilton Ferguson of Full-Time Fitness to start 2026 on the right foot. They discuss why big goals need daily vision, how nutrition is more important than workouts alone, and how small, consistent habits—like movement, hydration, sleep, and accountability—lead to lasting health changes. From realistic weight-loss strategies to fitness at any age or ability, this conversation reminds us that your future self is shaped by what you do today. Let’s make 2026 a year of intention, discipline, and better health, one day at a time.

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