Tag Archives: #biblestudy

Daily Christian Devotion

Be available with your Little Strength

The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14

Gideon, came from the smallest tribe, Manasseh, and he was the youngest in his family. During his day, the people of Israel were overpowered by the Midianites. They made dens in the mountains and caves to escape from their enemies. The Midianites came after the Israelites’ crops and livestock. They were numerous in number and left Israel with only a few things to take back home. God allowed this because of their unfaithfulness and sin. Yet when they cried out to God for help, He sent a promising word to deliver His people.

One day Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide from the enemy. The angel of the Lord met this lowly person and called him, “Mighty man of valor. The Lord is with you.”

This man Gideon lived much of his life with disappointment and inadequacy. When the angel called him a warrior, it was contradictory to what people used to call him. His very name, Gideon, means “woodcutter.” He could not believe what the angel had spoken over him. In those ancient days, the youngest were considered least in authority and inheritance rights. It is natural for anyone to be in disbelief, considering where they came from and what they were capable of doing. The equation did not make sense when the angel called him a warrior.

But God overruled Gideon’s doubts and confirmed his calling. Judges 6 records powerful incidents where God Himself answered Gideon’s requests for confirmation. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon and the people with him as they encamped against the Midianites.

Gideon brought 35,000 soldiers to fight, but God told him to reduce the number. God knew that if Israel won with such a large army, they would boast in their own strength. So Gideon sent home the fearful, cutting the number to 22,000. Still, that was too many. God gave Gideon a selection process until only 300 men remained.

This weakest clan, with the least mighty man—Gideon—was now ready to face a vast army. God said, “You are good to go. I have given this mighty army into your feeble hands.”

That night, God told Gideon to rise and go down to the enemy camp. Along with Purah, Gideon approached and overheard two Midianite soldiers sharing a dream and its interpretation: Israel would defeat them. Strengthened by this word, Gideon worshiped.

With his small force, Gideon advanced and surrounded the enemy from three sides. During the change of guard, they broke jars, lifted torches, and blew trumpets. The camp was thrown into confusion. The Midianites turned their swords against one another and fled in terror. Gideon and his men pursued them and defeated them, along the very route the Midianites once used to torment Israel.

The Word of God brings encouragement today: God can use you regardless of who you are or where you come from. He calls you a warrior. People may label you with names that make you feel inferior, but I encourage you to overhear only what God says—you are valiant.

It is okay to doubt. It is okay to feel weak. God will send you a word to strengthen you. He is not asking, “Can you do it?” He is saying, “I am sending you.” Your weakness doesn’t matter, because God Himself will be your defense and fortress. The question is, are you ready to be used by Him?

When you make yourself available, God will show up for you. With the little strength, the little talent, and even the little faith you have, He will use you to chase a vast army. As you step forward into His calling, He will send confusion into the enemy’s camp and clear your path so you can continue His work.

Your beginning may look humble, like a woodcutter, but your ending will be that of a victorious warrior. Start with the little strength you have—for isn’t it God who is sending you?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for reminding me through Gideon’s story that You see me not as I am, but as who You have called me to be. I choose today to make myself available for Your calling. Use me, Lord, even with my little strength, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Identify your Samson and Delilah

1 Peter 5:8–9

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

There is a man named Samson in the Bible. He was born to parents who had been barren for a long time. God promised them a son, saying his name would be great and that he would save the people of Israel. But Samson was to be consecrated to God. He was not to drink wine, eat unclean food, or have his head shaved ever. The strength of Samson was hidden in his hair, but more than that, the Spirit of God rested upon him, making him the strongest man in Israel.

His enemies feared his physical strength and the power of God’s Spirit when he attacked. No one could defeat this mighty man. For many years, Samson judged Israel, and time after time his enemies plotted to trap and kill him. Yet he was quick-minded, and with his clever defenses he defeated countless enemies single-handedly.

Eventually, his enemies grew weary of failing against him. They found a woman named Delilah and persuaded her to seduce Samson and discover the secret of his strength so they could overpower him. Unfortunately, Samson fell in love with her. Delilah tried to uncover his secret. Three times he gave her false answers, and each time she immediately called the Philistines to test him. But they failed, because the Spirit of God still rested on him.

At last, she attacked him emotionally, saying: “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me?” The Bible says she pressed him with her words day after day until his soul was vexed to death.

Finally, Samson opened his heart to her and revealed the truth, explaining that a razor had never touched his head because he had been consecrated to God from his mother’s womb. He confessed that if his head were shaved, his strength would leave him, and he would become as weak as any other man.

That was the downfall of Samson. Delilah lulled him to sleep on her knees, called the Philistines, and had them shave off the seven locks of his hair. Once the Lord’s strength left him, he became weak and vulnerable. His enemies seized him, gouged out his eyes, bound him, and threw him into prison.

In the end, Samson realized his mistakes, called upon God, and with renewed strength from the Lord, pulled down the pillars of the temple, defeating his enemies one last time. His story reminds us why we must remain alert and sober-minded.

The Bible describes a sober-minded person as one who has a disciplined mind, self-control over thoughts and emotions, and freedom from intoxicating influences or negative passions—a person with sound judgment and right actions. Samson, though strong in body, became foolish in mind. Even after Delilah betrayed him three times, he ignored the warning signs. Blinded by deception, he revealed his heart to the wrong person.

Samson could handle physical attacks, but when the attack came in the name of love, he lost his discernment. Sharing your heart with the wrong person will bind you and lead to defeat.

We all face “Samson and Delilah” moments. The Bible warns that the enemy is always ready to exploit our weaknesses, often disguising traps in the name of love. When the enemy sees your strength, your gifts, and the impact you make in your family, community, and workplace, he will send Delilahs to corrupt, deceive, and weaken you.

Some kinds of attacks do not even come with swords or spears. They come with sugar and honey, with deception on lips packed with beauty.

You may once have been a person with a calm and clear mind, but now find yourself flooded with Delilah’s words pressing down on your thoughts, intoxicating and hindering your judgment.

The Word of God urges us: “Be sober, be clear-minded.” Identify the calling of God in your life. Stay aware of the direction you are heading. Ask God for wisdom to discern those who bring intoxicating influence. Pray for His guidance to expose lying tongues and manipulative spirits.

Invite the Holy Spirit to be your companion, so that even when words press heavily on your spirit, He will strengthen you to overcome the enemy. God’s Word will be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.

God has given you the gift of free will. Choose wisely—and choose for His glory.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the warning and wisdom in Your Word. Help me to be alert and sober-minded, guarding my heart and mind against deception. Fill me with Your Spirit, so that my thoughts, words, and choices honor Yo u In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Christ, Hope, Uncategorized

Move Forward With Your Identity

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45

David was a shepherd boy who usually brought food to his brothers in the army every day. One day, he happened to see Goliath, the giant, who came out day after day for forty days, exposing the inability of the Israelite army to defeat him. All the soldiers were humiliated by the giant, but David volunteered to fight him.

He expressed his willingness to face Goliath. King Saul tried to convince him that the giant had been a warrior since his youth. But David did not accept Saul’s words. Instead, he laid down his “CV,” explaining how he struck down lions and bears and rescued sheep from their mouths. He went on to describe his skills and how he defended himself when the beasts turned against him.

For David, fighting Goliath was just another act of courage, like when he was shepherding. He believed that the same God who gave him victory in rescuing and defending his flock would also be with him as he faced this giant. David was not intimidated—whether by a terrifying animal or a mighty warrior. He knew the weapons he had were powerful enough, with God’s help, to bring down Goliath.

Somehow, David convinced King Saul. Saul gave him his tunic, his coat of armor, and a bronze helmet. David tried them on, but he could not walk properly with the sword and armor. He declined Saul’s defense mechanisms and instead took his staff, five small stones, his shepherd’s bag, and a sling in his hand.

David prepared himself for battle and was content with what he had because his trust was in Almighty God.

Then, the tall, fully armored giant stepped forward with his shield to defend himself against the unarmed shepherd boy. Goliath saw David as a healthy, handsome young man but mocked him, saying he would soon become food for the birds. But while Goliath saw a boy, God saw a warrior and the future king of Israel.

The first thing Goliath noticed was David’s simple weapon, his staff, and he threatened him. But David responded that while Goliath came against him with sword, spear, and javelin, he came against Goliath in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel.

Long story short, David marched forward with boldness. He placed a stone in his sling, released it, and struck Goliath on the forehead. The giant fell face down, and David cut off his head with Goliath’s own sword.

David won the battle with his own identity—his shepherd’s dress and shepherd’s tools. He was uncomfortable carrying Saul’s identity as a warrior.

Today, the Word encourages us that God has been preparing, molding, and equipping you for your battles. We carry an identity in the Kingdom of God. Instead of trying to wear someone else’s identity or handle situations the way others do, embrace who you are, the gifts you have, and where God has placed you. Trust Him, for He is the greatest weapon. Take courage with what you are equipped with—the battle is not yours but the Lord’s.

The same God who has rescued, protected, and guarded you in the past is still faithful and powerful to give you victory in every giant-like situation.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for all that You have been building in me. Give me the courage to face the battles ahead of me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Uncategorized

Simply, A New Life

But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: ‘Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.’”

—2 Kings 5:10 (NLT)

Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, had an excellent track record of victories. He was influential, blessed, and famous. Yet despite his greatness, he was afflicted with leprosy—a disease considered unclean in those days.

During one of his campaigns, Naaman’s army captured a young girl from Israel, who was then placed in service as a helper to his wife. This little girl, though a captive, cared enough to point her master toward healing. She told her mistress that Naaman could be healed if he went to the prophet in Israel.

Interestingly, the Bible does not say that Naaman was actively searching for healing. Perhaps he had grown weary of trying and had resigned himself to living with the disease. But the girl’s simple words stirred a new possibility. She believed that what others saw as a hopeless condition, God could cleanse.

Naaman listened. He traveled to Israel, expecting a dramatic encounter with the prophet Elisha—perhaps a public display of prayer, or the prophet waving his hand over him to bring healing. Instead, Elisha did not even meet him in person. He simply sent a messenger, instructing Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times.

Naaman was offended. To him, the Jordan seemed inferior compared to the great rivers of his homeland. He was ready to walk away in anger. But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” (2 Kings 5:13, NLT).

The real struggle for Naaman was not dipping into the water—it was accepting that such a great deliverance could come through something so simple. Yet when he humbled himself and obeyed, he dipped, he washed, and he came out with skin like that of a child. He was made clean. Naaman praised the God of Israel and chose to live a godly life thereafter.

Even today, many people around the world long for healing, deliverance, or breakthrough. Some are misled into believing they must endure complex, exhausting, or painful processes to receive it. But the Word of God reminds us that the greatest work has already been accomplished on the cross.

Salvation, healing, and a brand-new start are not earned by difficult rituals—they are received through a simple act of faith. All you need to do is surrender your heart to Jesus, believe that His blood can wash you clean, and accept His forgiveness.

You may wonder, “Can something this great really come from something so simple?” Yes—it can. Just as Naaman discovered, God’s power is revealed through humble obedience and simple faith.

Today, I encourage you: Believe in Jesus. Trust His Word. And you will see your life restored—filled with peace, purpose, and the joy of a new beginning.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Jesus Christ, who took our burdens upon the cross and cleansed our sins by His blood. Today, I accept the forgiveness He offers and the brand-new start You have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Christ, Hope, Potter , encouragement, Uncategorized

Trust the potters process

Jeremiah 18:6 – “As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand.”

This scripture beautifully illustrates God’s authority over our lives. Like a potter shaping clay, He works tirelessly—forming, refining, and molding us into something purposeful. The potter may break down and rebuild the clay again and again until it takes on the exact shape he envisions. His goal is to create a vessel that can either hold something valuable or stand as a work of art for display. When the work is complete, the potter marks it as his masterpiece.

Likewise, God—the Master Potter—holds our lives in His hands. Even in seasons of brokenness, He is not discarding us; He is reshaping us. Every press, every turn, and every remolding is part of His process to make us into vessels of honor—living testimonies of His goodness.

Further down in this passage, we see a call to repentance—an invitation to yield to His hands, like clay that does not resist the potter’s shaping. When we surrender, He can complete His perfect work in us and leave His unmistakable mark so that all can see we are His handiwork.

If your current season feels shattered, remember: you are still in the Potter’s hands. This brokenness can become your breakthrough—if you trust His process.

God bless you!

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