Author Archives: 4mthesoul

Daily Christian Devotion

The Lord Who Sees

“So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, ‘You are a God of seeing,’ for she said, ‘Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.’ Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.” Genesis 16:13–14 (ESV)

A few years ago, an actress took her own life shortly after completing a shoot. Her death shocked everyone—her family, friends, and coworkers—because she showed no visible signs of sadness or distress. She looked cheerful, confident, and put together. Many of her colleagues said they never saw the slightest hint of sorrow. But behind the smile, she carried a weight so heavy that she could no longer bear it.

Many people go through life unnoticed like this. We may be surrounded by people, yet still invisible to them. A loving mother may notice even the smallest bruise on her child, and even as we grow, she can often sense when something is wrong. Yet even a mother’s love has limits—there are pains people cannot see, and struggles we cannot communicate.

But Scripture reminds us of something powerful: even when no one else sees, God sees. When others overlook us, misunderstand us, or fail to notice our pain—God is the God who watches, understands, and responds.

The story of Hagar is a beautiful reminder of this truth. Hagar was an Egyptian servant brought into Abraham’s household—likely very young, perhaps between 15 and 20 years old. She was given to Abraham as a wife, not by choice, but by command. She had no say—her voice, desires, and dignity were overlooked. She became pregnant quickly, and when tension arose, Sarah mistreated her harshly. Eventually, Abraham allowed Sarah to deal with her as she wished. Wounded, pregnant, and rejected, Hagar fled into the wilderness.

Life can be painfully unfair. Can you imagine the emotional weight that teenage girl carried? Used, dismissed, humiliated, and abandoned—she ran into loneliness with no one to defend or comfort her.

But in the wilderness—where no one saw her—God saw her. The Angel of the Lord appeared to her, spoke hope into her distress, and gave her a promise about her son and her future. Right there, beside a lonely spring of water, the place was named Beer-lahai-roi, and Hagar declared the first recorded name given to God in Scripture:

“You are the God who sees me.”

What a powerful assurance for someone who thought she was forgotten.

This passage reminds us that God sees us in our darkness and in our distress. He sees us when betrayal wounds us and when our hearts ache with silent pain no one understands. He sees us when we walk through our own wilderness seasons—overlooked by people, yet never unseen by Him. His promises stands firm in every situation in our lives.

So rest today, not in what others notice or fail to notice, but in the confidence that you are seen, known, and deeply cared for by the God of Beer-lahai-roi.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being the God who sees me. Help me rest in Your presence and trust Your eyes upon my life, even when others overlook me. Ame

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Daily Christian Devotion

The Lord heard

“You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you.”

Isaiah 54:17 (NLT)

As humans—we are constantly judged for anything and everything we do. People around us often feel free to comment, criticize, or condemn without truly knowing us. It may come from colleagues, friends, family, neighbors, or even people who barely know us.

In some cultures, it becomes almost normal to attack a woman’s character simply because she stands alone or without a partner. Stories are created, false witnesses are formed, and people join together to tear down someone’s reputation without truth or accountability.

Even when we try to ignore these whispers behind our backs, it still hurts deeply—especially when we discover that someone close is involved. People’s opinions can weigh heavily on us and even affect our emotional and mental well-being. It becomes impossible to chase down every lie, confront every rumor, and prove the truth at every turn. One day you are celebrated, and the next day you are discarded. Too often, perception becomes louder than truth.

But when you stand in pain, feeling helpless and wounded by the words spoken against you, there is One whose shoulders you can lean on—Jesus Christ.

God cares about your name, reputation, and identity. He hears every word spoken in secret, every careless accusation, every lie built without evidence. He sees what you haven’t seen and hears what never reached your ears. Nothing escapes His notice—not even a whisper.

In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron—Moses’ own siblings—spoke against him. They questioned his unique relationship with God and criticized his marriage to a Cushite woman. Moses, humble and unaware of their conversation, did not defend himself. But Scripture says, “The Lord heard.”

God called all three out from their tents and confronted Miriam and Aaron. He defended Moses, confirmed his faithfulness, and declared how personally and clearly He communicated with him—mouth to mouth, not in riddles. Miriam was immediately struck with leprosy as judgment, and though Moses pleaded for her healing, she remained outside the camp seven days.

God Himself became Moses’ defender.

“Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

—Numbers 12:8 (ESV)

The Word of God reminds you today: The Lord hears every word spoken against you.

The same God who defended Moses will defend you. He is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. Not a single word raised against you goes unnoticed.

You will see the Lord’s judgment and His justice in His perfect time. Stand firm. God will silence every voice raised against you.

Prayer

Father, thank You that You are my defender and my shield. When words rise against me, help me remain still and trust. Silence every voice that speaks falsely against me and establish Your peace, justice, and honor over my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

You will not run dry

“The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.”

1 Kings 17:14

Everyone enjoys feeling seen, valued, and prioritized. When someone makes us their priority, it reassures us that we matter. In the same way, Scripture reminds us of the importance of giving God first place in our lives. In our time, relationships, resources, and decisions—when God comes first, we will never run dry.

The story of Elijah and the widow reveals this truth. Elijah approached a widow gathering sticks and asked her for bread. She replied that she had only a little flour and oil left—just enough for her and her son to eat one final meal before dying. Famine filled the land, resources were scarce, and hope was fading. Yet Elijah asked her to make his portion first and assured her of God’s promise:

In faith, the woman obeyed. With her little, she honored God first—and as promised, her oil and flour never ran out until the famine ended.

Likewise, when we give God the first in every circumstance—not only when it is easy, but in everything—we position ourselves under His provision. Making God our first priority opens the door for His kingdom to move on our behalf.

Keeping God first means seeking Him, honoring Him, trusting Him, and thanking Him for who He is. Throughout Scripture, not one person who put God first was abandoned, forgotten, or left without help.

Be faithful with what God has entrusted to you:

• Give Him the first hour of your day.

• Give Him the first tenth of your income.

• Seek Him before leaning on relationships or people.

• Acknowledge Him in every decision.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Jesus teaches us to prioritize the kingdom first—and then everything else will align. Yet many times, we reverse the order. We seek everything else first and leave God last. We are careful not to offend people, yet easily grieve God. We strive to please others and forget to please the One who sustains us.

We cannot treat God as our last priority and expect Him to treat us as His first. The measure we give Him becomes the measure we receive.

Seeking anything without first seeking God leads to exhaustion, emptiness, and striving without fulfillment. But when God is first, everything else falls into its rightful place.

Keep God first—and watch His kingdom move on your behalf. You will not run dry.

Prayer

Father, teach me to put You first in every area of my life. Strengthen my faith like the widow, so that even in lack or uncertainty, I trust Your provision. Thank You that when You are first, lack cannot reign, fear cannot rule, and I will not run dry.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Joy comes in the morning

“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

Psalm 30:5 (NLT)

There are moments in life when sorrow overwhelms us—when sickness touches us or someone we love, when failure feels final, or when circumstances seem impossible to overcome. In those seasons, tears may feel constant, and we may wonder if joy will ever return.

In the midst of sorrow, life can feel dark, heavy, and isolating. Yet Scripture reminds us that even though weeping may endure for a night, joy will come in the morning. The challenge is that during the endurance of sorrow, we often lose sight of the promise of joy.

Enduring sorrow and long-suffering is not weakness—it’s a virtue. Every human being on earth will face grief, but how we walk through it and how we hold onto God’s promise shapes the character being formed within us.

In sorrow, we may either crumble or rise as warriors. But the Bible assures us that sorrow is temporary—joy is coming.

One of the reasons we struggle in sorrow is because we forget the sovereignty of God. We attempt to replace His power with our own strength, and we interpret the future through the lens of our past. Instead, we must trust the God who is supernatural and almighty—the God who knows the end from the beginning, who hears the silent cry, and who answers before the question is fully formed.

If we expect God to work only in our way, we may wait endlessly. But when we surrender and allow Him to unfold His perfect plan—even through sorrow—we will see Him turn mourning into dancing, grief into praise, and sorrow into joy.

Do not let your season of sorrow become a playground for the enemy. Guard your thoughts. Guard your heart. Fix your eyes on Jesus, and you will see the goodness of God even in the valley.

In John 16:20, The Bible does not say your sorrow might be turned into joy—it says it will. There is deep assurance in that promise. Your tears are not the end of your story. Weeping is not your final destination—joy is when Jesus is with you.

Prayer

Lord, in seasons of sorrow, strengthen my faith. Help me trust Your sovereignty even when I do not understand Your timing. Remind me that joy is coming and that You are with me in every moment. Turn my mourning into joy and my weakness into strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Built and protected by Heaven

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

Psalm 127:1 (ESV)

Building or buying a house is a dream for many. For some, especially those with wealth, it may seem simple. But for the middle or lower class, it is a significant milestone — a blessing that feels almost impossible without God.

Even if we have the money, we may not find a place that brings peace. At times, we may find a place we love but lack the resources to secure it. And even if we have both the means and the place, we may encounter sickness, confusion, or opposition that steals our peace.

This is why Scripture reminds us: a true resting place is a gift from God. A home is not merely bricks and beams — it must be filled with love, joy, and the presence of the Lord.

King David understood this deeply — that only what God builds will stand, and only what God guards will remain.

A remarkable story from missionary Reverend John G. Paton in the New Hebrides (South Pacific) demonstrates this truth. One night, hostile natives surrounded the mission headquarters intending to kill him and his wife. In fear, they prayed fervently throughout the night, asking God for protection.

By morning, the enemies were gone — without explanation.

Years later, the chief who once plotted to kill them surrendered his life to Christ. When Reverend Paton asked why the attack never happened, the chief explained that he and his warriors saw an army of giant men clothed in shining garments with drawn swords surrounding the mission grounds.

They were too fearful to proceed.

Both the missionary and the chief understood — God had sent angels to protect His people.

Even today, people rely on security cameras, weapons, dogs, or alarms for protection. These things are not wrong — but they can fail, be hacked, or be bypassed. Human protection has limits.

But the protection of God cannot be broken, breached, or defeated. Heaven’s security system is guarded by angels — invisible, powerful, and always present.

Psalm 91 reminds us:

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

When we seek God, He is faithful to provide and protect. The same God who gives a house gives the peace to enjoy it — and the covering to guard it.

He is a good and faithful Father. Scripture says:

“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and He adds no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22)

So rest in His promise. Be thankful for what God has built and what He continues to protect. What the Lord establishes, no one can destroy. He watches over His people, their homes, and their future.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for being the builder and protector of our lives. Help us trust Your wisdom, provision, and timing. Guard our homes, our loved ones, and everything You have blessed us with. May Your peace fill every room, and Your presence be our greatest security. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Holy Spirit, The great helper

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”

John 14:16 ESV

It was a normal day of pick-up and drop-off for me. My apartment has multiple entrances, and the one closest to my building is tricky. The visibility toward the road is poor and prone to accidents, but it’s the route I usually take.

That day, as I was about to turn toward that entrance, something within me—now I know it was the Holy Spirit—prompted me to take a different exit. It felt unusual, and I almost ignored it because everything looked clear. But I couldn’t shake that gentle voice, so I obeyed and went the other way.

As I drove past my usual entrance, I was shocked to see that an accident had just taken place between a car pulling out of that very spot and another vehicle on the road. A few minutes earlier, I would have been right there. I was speechless. I knew instantly that the Holy Spirit had protected me. I thanked the Lord immediately because I knew I had been spared. The guidance and instruction of the Holy Spirit was spot on.

As I began to seek Jesus Christ more deeply, I started experiencing the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. He became my Helper and my closest friend. I ask His help in everything—how to pray, how to speak, what decisions to make, where to go, even how to carry myself. His fellowship is sweeter than any relationship on earth.

The Holy Spirit is the most important Person of the Trinity. He is the one-stop Helper for every need. There is nothing too small, too big, or too confusing for Him. His helpline is always open—24/7, 365 days. He answers every cry. He gives solutions no human intelligence can offer and counsel far beyond the wisdom of the world.

“You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:17 ESV

The Holy Spirit longs to dwell in you, to guide you, and to help you walk in victory. The Word encourages us today that God is pouring out His Spirit in abundance. He is not after your silver or your gold—He desires a heart willing to receive Him.

If you allow Him, He will strengthen you in your weaknesses. He intercedes for you with groanings too deep for words, praying the very will of God over your life.

You don’t have to spend a penny or perform rituals to receive Him. You cannot buy His presence. Your works, sacrifices, and religious efforts do not earn the Holy Spirit. He is drawn to your love for the Father through Jesus Christ and your desire to make Him your closest friend.

Even your best friend in the world has limitations. They cannot heal your mind, restore your emotions, or give you lasting peace. But when the Holy Spirit comes, He brings strength, power, comfort, and wholeness.

It is better to seek Him than to run after kings. He makes you whole and answers you with complete, perfect help.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, thank You for being my Helper and my closest friend. Teach me to listen to Your voice, to walk with You, and to trust Your leading every day. Fill me afresh and guide me into the Father’s perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Failure will not stop you

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Matthew 16:18–19 (ESV)

Those who love Jesus Christ long to fellowship with Him and desire to take part in His Kingdom work. Yet, when we are tested, we often fail miserably. Still, instead of running away from Jesus, Scripture urges us to run toward Him—the One who can correct, restore, and make us stronger than before.

Peter is a perfect example of such restoration. He was one of Jesus’ closest disciples, part of His inner circle, and deeply loved by the Lord. Jesus appreciated Peter’s revelation of who He truly was and called him “the rock” upon which He would build His church.

Peter even walked on water for a brief moment, but when doubt entered his heart, he began to sink. He was impulsive—acting on sudden emotions rather than calm reasoning—yet confident in his actions. Despite being the one who boldly declared loyalty to Jesus, Peter denied Him three times, just as Jesus had foretold.

But that was not the end of Peter’s story. After his repentance, Jesus restored him and entrusted him with a powerful ministry. On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached a bold message of salvation about the death, resurrection, and power of the Holy Spirit, leading thousands to Christ. He stood firm and became a pillar of the early church.

God knew Peter’s weaknesses, yet He saw beyond them. The same is true for us. God overlooks our shortcomings and failures—not to excuse them, but to redeem them. He corrects, refines, and brings us back on track so we can fulfill our purpose.

Peter, who once was praised for revelation, was later rebuked as “Satan” when he unknowingly opposed Jesus’ purpose. Yet even then, Peter did not walk away offended. He received correction, repented, and continued faithfully. His humility and obedience became the foundation for a ministry that changed the world.

If you are waiting to become perfect before serving in God’s kingdom, you’ll wait a lifetime. The Bible reminds us that no one is perfect except Jesus Christ. What matters to God is not how many times you’ve fallen, but where your heart is turned and who you are becoming in Him.

Jesus died for your sins and rose again to set you free from guilt and shame. Even if you’ve failed repeatedly like Peter, God’s Word reminds you today that He is faithful to restore, strengthen, and establish you. Your past failures are not the end—they are the setup for a greater purpose.

Failure is not your setback; it is the launchpad that propels you into a new level when you repent and rely on Jesus. Nothing will prevail against you, for what you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and what you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy that never fails. Just as You restored Peter, restore me where I’ve fallen short. Help me to receive Your correction with humility and rise again in Your strength. Let my life bring glory to You, and use me to build Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

God’s covenant still stands true

Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you”

Hebrews 6:13-14 ESV

In ancient times, covenant ceremonies were sacred and solemn. Animals were cut in half, symbolizing that whoever broke the covenant would suffer the same fate. Both parties would walk between the pieces, signifying their commitment to uphold the agreement.

When God made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15, He instructed him to bring a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon. Abraham obeyed—he presented them to the Lord, killed them, and laid the halves side by side. As he fell into a deep sleep, the Bible says a thick and dreadful darkness came over him, and God Himself made a covenant with Abraham, promising to bless him and his descendants forever.

“After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses.” Genesis 15:17 (NLT)

God alone passed between the pieces—showing that the covenant’s fulfillment rested solely on His promise, not on Abraham’s ability to keep it. God knew Abraham would fail, and humanity would fail too. Therefore, God swore by Himself—because there is no one greater—ensuring His promise would stand through all generations.

This sacrificial act pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice who renewed the covenant between God and humanity through His blood. The covenant still stands today, and the promise still remains over you and your generations.

But to walk in agreement with this everlasting covenant, you must believe in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. God does not look at your good deeds, charity, or the kindness of your heart as the entry point into this covenant. These are beautiful reflections of Christ’s love, but they cannot replace faith in His finished work. Only by believing in the blood of Jesus—the sacrificial Lamb—can you step into the Abrahamic covenant and its blessings for you and your descendants.

When God swore by Himself, He declared that there is no one greater. He has no equal. He is the Great I Am. He is not a man that He should lie, nor unfaithful like us. What He has spoken will be fulfilled.

If you feel distant from God today, know that His covenant still stands. Come back into the everlasting covenant He established through Jesus Christ. Believe in His sacrifice, and you will experience the promises of Abraham upon your life.

Your perfection cannot bring you into this covenant—but the blood of Jesus Christ can.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the everlasting covenant You established through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to believe fully in His sacrifice and walk in the blessings of the Abrahamic promise. Renew my heart and draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Do not despise the humble beginnings

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”

Zechariah 4:10

Our church recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and as we looked through old photos, we were amazed at how far God has brought us. It all began in a basement, then moved to a hotel, later to a small space in a complex—and finally, God gave a vision for the land where the church now stands.

This couple came to the United States as young students from another country. Instead of pursuing a comfortable, materialistic lifestyle, they chose to obey the call of God. Their obedience birthed a ministry that has blessed countless lives, including mine. This church played a vital role in shaping my faith and strengthening me through my most difficult and depressing seasons. There were times I felt as though God established this church just for me—to lift me from despair and root me deeply in His Word.

Over the years, our church has supported missionaries and ministries across the world. That single “yes” from two young adults has inspired many others to obey God’s call as well.

When we look at the stories of great men and women of God, almost every testimony begins small. There’s no great victory without facing humble beginnings. God honors the small steps of obedience and delights in those who say “yes” with a sincere heart.

The Bible celebrates the humble and obedient. Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples, was a wealthy tax collector. Yet when Jesus called him, he left everything behind and followed Him. True calling requires denying ourselves and surrendering completely to God. Whether lowly or high in status, those whom God calls often begin small—He builds greatness through humility.

We, however, often expect instant greatness. But God’s calling always begins with something small—a seed of obedience and faith. He doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

In your obedience, heaven responds. God releases His resources and provisions for what He has planned. Scripture says even stones will cry out if we don’t, and He once made a donkey speak to deliver His message. The sun, moon, and stars obey Him—and yet this same Almighty God is after your humble “yes,” not because of your talent, but to display His grace through you.

So do not despise the small beginnings of your ministry—whether seen or unseen. God watches every move, every effort, every intention of your heart. Nothing done for Christ goes unnoticed.

Do not be discouraged by delay. Trust God in your humble beginning, for He does great wonders in His perfect time. He can turn a stammerer into a revolutionary, a shepherd boy into a king, a fisherman into a preacher. Whatever your profession or stage in life, if your heart is aligned in obedience, you will walk in His peace and purpose.

Great things lie ahead of you. Great doors are about to open. Miracles are within reach. Be strong, be encouraged, and never despise your humble beginnings.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that every great work begins small. Help me to trust Your timing, stay faithful in my humble beginnings, and walk in obedience to Your call. Strengthen my heart to see purpose in every step, and may Your grace be revealed through my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

The storm will not destroy you

“Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.”

Acts 27:22 ESV

Paul was falsely accused by the Jews of causing trouble, though the Roman courts found no fault in him. As a Roman citizen, he appealed to stand trial before Emperor Caesar and was sent to Rome by ship with other prisoners and guards.

Soon after setting sail, a violent Northeaster storm struck, tossing the ship helplessly across the Mediterranean. In the midst of the chaos, God sent an angel to Paul, assuring him that though the ship would be destroyed, every one of the 276 people on board would survive. Strengthened by this promise, Paul encouraged everyone to eat and take heart after fourteen days without food.

As the storm raged on, the sailors sensed land and dropped anchors. At dawn, they tried to steer toward the shore, but the ship hit a sandbar and began to break apart. Yet, just as God had said, not one life was lost—some swam, others clung to planks, and all reached the shore safely.

This story reminds us that even in life’s fiercest storms, God’s word stands firm. Paul began that journey accused, rejected, and bound as a prisoner—but in the midst of destruction, he became a voice of faith and strength. What looked like a shipwreck turned into a testimony of divine preservation. The storm may have damaged the vessel, but it could not touch the lives God had marked for purpose.

So, do not be afraid of the storms that rise against you. Even when accusations, trials, or lies surround you, remember that God’s promises are stronger than the waves. The storm may shake you, but it will not destroy you. You will reach the other side safely. God will carry you through every breaking moment and bring you to the place He has destined for you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my anchor in every storm. When life feels out of control, remind me that Your promises still stand.Help me trust that even through the wreckage, You are guiding me safely to shore. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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