Mountain Grace Ministries

06/23/2026

The Fourth Watch: It's Always the Darkest Before Dawn

Matthew 14:25–33 (KJV)

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
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The fourth watch of the night, also known as the morning watch, refers to the final hours of darkness—from approximately 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. These are often considered the darkest hours before daylight breaks.

The fourth watch can represent a special time for sacrificial prayer, reflection, and quiet fellowship with God. Throughout Scripture, God often moved in powerful ways during the night watches.

Great things can happen during the fourth watch. For example, the Lord parted the Red Sea during the morning watch, delivering Israel from the hand of Pharaoh (Exodus 14:24–27).

Chains can also be broken during the fourth watch. Peter was miraculously delivered from prison by an angel of the Lord, as recorded in Acts chapter 12.

If you find yourself awake during the fourth watch, or if you are facing a storm like Peter and the other disciples faced, consider using that time for prayer and intercession. Call upon the Lord, seek His presence, and trust His promises.

"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

-Psalm 30:5

Remember: it's always the darkest before the dawn.

©️ Sherry Reece, MGM

06/10/2026

Beautiful Feet: The Gospel of Peace

Introduction: Ephesians 6:12-18

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

• Key verse: Ephesians 6:15 “ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”

Discussion: This verse teaches us that God honors those who carry the message of salvation. The term “beautiful feet” is not about physical appearance, but about being willing to go where God sends us, and being ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ with
others

• Key Verse: Romans 10:15 “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Discussion: The Gospel is called the Gospel of peace because it reveals how sinful mankind can be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. When believers share the message of salvation, they become messengers of hope, forgiveness, and peace. God considers this work beautiful because it helps lead souls to Christ and eternal life. Every Christian has the privilege and responsibility of carrying this message of peace to a world that desperately needs it.

• Key Verse: Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; thus saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”

Discussion: This verse highlights the importance of those who carry God's message to others. The Gospel brings peace between God and man through Jesus Christ, and proclaims the good news of salvation. God views the messenger's feet as beautiful because they are willing to go wherever needed to share His truth. As believers, we are called to publish peace and salvation by faithfully telling others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This verse is especially meaningful because it is the Old Testament passage that Paul later quotes in Romans 10:15 when emphasizing the importance of sharing the Gospel.

• Key Verse: Nahum 1:15 “Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.”

Discussion: Throughout scripture, God honors those who carry His message to others. The Gospel is good tidings because it announces deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ and offers peace with God. Just as a messenger in ancient times brought news of victory and freedom, believers today are called to bring the good news of Christ's victory over sin and death. When we share the Gospel, we become instruments through whom God publishes peace to a troubled world.

Summary: If we have been adopted into the family of God, we all are called into our own personal ministry. We should behold the beauty and honor we possess in our callings each day.

©️ Sherry Reece

06/05/2026

Jesus Christ: His Person, His Priesthood, and His Perfect Work

The book of Hebrews teaches us in Chapter 1 that Jesus Christ is superior to, and greater than, the angels. This means there is nothing above Him, or greater than Him. He holds all power in Heaven and in Earth. Hebrews 2:9 states, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” Thus, through Christ's suffering on the cross, He became the perfect High Priest for you and me.

Hebrews Chapters 3 and 4 explains the promise of God's rest for His people. A warning against unbelief is also given, citing the example of the children of Israel in the wilderness, who did not enter into God's rest because of their unbelief.

Hebrews Chapter 5 teaches us that Christ was appointed by God and made a High Priest after the order of Melchisedec—a priesthood superior to the Levitical order.

We are warned against spiritual immaturity, apostasy, and the dangers thereof. This refers to having once known the redemption and salvation found in Jesus Christ and then turning away to the darkness of our past. Hebrews 6:4–6 says, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”

We are under a new covenant, mediated by Christ, as set forth in Hebrews 8:7, and 9:12. This means that what the imperfect old covenant could not accomplish through the sprinkling of the blood of animals, the blood of Christ has perfected for us.

In Chapter 11, we read of many great examples of faith demonstrated by the people of old. Their examples should encourage us, and give us hope that if we too, remain steadfast in our faith in God, we can experience His blessings and guidance in our lives. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is a central element of the Christian life, and should be exercised every day through prayer and the study of God's Word to strengthen our walk with Christ.

Hebrews emphasizes faith, Jesus' royal Priesthood, and His suffering for our sins. Therefore, we should strive each day to follow His example, and reflect His love and light to those around us.

Be blessed 🙌

©️ Sherry Renée Reece

05/31/2026