Tag Archives: Christian Faith

Christ

All things Will Work For Our Good

Romans 8:28

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Once, a group of friends set out to explore a beautiful deserted island. During the journey, their ship collided with hidden rocks and was destroyed. Sadly, the entire crew perished—except for one young man. With all his strength, and by clinging to pieces of the broken ship, he managed to swim ashore.

Though he survived, he was left in deep pain and fear, mourning the loss of his friends. He screamed for help day after day, but his voice only echoed back at him. As time passed, he realized no one was coming. Slowly, he began to accept his situation. Gathering the remains of the wreckage, he built a small shelter. After many attempts, he learned how to make fire, survive on fish, and drink coconut water.

One evening, after lighting a campfire, he went a little distance to collect sticks. When he returned, he was horrified to see his small wooden hut engulfed in flames. Everything he had worked so hard to build was destroyed. In despair, he cried out to God, shouting, weeping, and cursing in his hopelessness. That night, he fell asleep brokenhearted.

But the next morning, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the shore. The captain called out through a megaphone, asking if anyone was on the island. Overwhelmed with joy, the young man shouted back, waving his arms. He was rescued at last!

Curious, he asked the captain how they had found him. The captain replied, “We saw the flames rising high into the sky and knew someone must be alive here.” At that moment, the young man realized that what he thought was his greatest loss was actually the very thing God used to bring his rescue.

This is how God works. Even in our darkest, most painful situations, He turns everything around for our good when our lives are surrendered to Him.

Romans 8 is one of the most powerful chapter in Scripture. It reveals the steadfast love of God and the privilege of sonship through Jesus Christ, by whom we can call Him Abba, Father. The Sovereign God is your loving Father. This Father does not abandon you, nor does He keep record of your failures or sins . Nothing—absolutely nothing—can convince Him to withdraw His love for you. He went so far as to give His only Son, Jesus Christ, so that through Him we may be brought close to the Father.

We cannot impress God with mere works; it is faith in Jesus that pleases Him. When we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives, He revives our mortal bodies, strengthens our souls, and fills us with hope. No matter how fearful or hopeless your situation may seem, the Lord promises to work all things together for your good—not just some things, but all things—when you trust Him as your Abba Father.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,Thank You for the privilege of calling You Abba, Father. Give us the grace to trust that You are working all things together for our good. Strengthen our faith in Jesus, and help us to rest in Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

Weight Of The Pain Pebbles

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (ESV))

There was once a little bird in a rainforest that collected pebbles. Each pebble represented a burden—a sorrow, a painful memory, or a difficult lesson from the past. The bird believed these “pain pebbles” were valuable treasures, reminders that made it stronger. But as the pouch of pebbles grew heavier, the bird’s flight became more difficult and painful.

An old wise owl observed the bird and asked, “Are you truly living in the present, or just carrying the weight of yesterday?” But the little bird ignored the advice and continued collecting pebbles. Over time, its wings grew weaker and fragile until they finally broke. Unable to fly, the bird began walking with the heavy pouch strapped to its back.

One rainy day, the weight became unbearable. The bird slipped, and the very burden it had been carrying crushed it. By the time help arrived, it was too late. The owl sighed and said, “The past was meant to guide us, not to weigh us down.”

Many of us live like that little bird. We treat our burdens as treasures—carrying them everywhere we go. Even at joyful occasions, such as weddings, dressed in beautiful clothes, we still cling to our dirty pouch of pain pebbles. We struggle to lay them down, because we do not fully trust anyone to care for our burdens. In the end, these weights rob us of our joy, drain our strength, and keep us from dancing freely.

We carry these burdens into our workplaces, schools, homes, social gatherings, and even places of worship—only to carry them back again. But the truth is this: the weight of burdens will eventually crush us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The good news is that God offers us a safe place to lay them down—at the feet of Jesus. Here, there is no judgment about the size or nature of your burden. Whether big or small, Jesus handles it with love and care. He not only receives your burden but also gives you peace and a way forward.

Carrying the weight of the past prevents us from enjoying the present and moving into the future. The Bible encourages us to forgive, to let go, to move forward, and to live in peace. Remember—burdens are meant to be laid down, not carried.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for inviting me to lay down my burdens. Thank You for the cross. Today, I come boldly and cast every weight I carry at Your feet, believing You will handle each one with care. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

An Invite To Taste

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!”

Psalm 34:8 ESV

Out of the great revival, many missionaries came to Northeast India to spread the gospel. The region of Assam was home to many tribes, known to be aggressive and even headhunters. Into this hostile community, a group of missionaries from the American Baptist Mission came to preach the message of love, peace, and hope found in Jesus Christ to the Garo tribe.

In this challenging environment, one man named Nokseng, together with his wife and two children, accepted Jesus as their personal Savior. His faith began to influence others, and many gave their lives to Christ. However, the village chief grew angry. He summoned the family who had first accepted Christ and demanded that the man publicly renounce his faith—or face death.

Moved by the Holy Spirit, the man declared: “I have decided to follow Jesus.” Furious, the chief ordered his two children to be killed with arrows. As their bodies fell to the ground, the chief gave him another chance: “Renounce your faith, or I will kill your wife.” The man replied: “Though no one goes with me, still I will follow.” Enraged, the chief ordered his wife to be killed as well.

Finally, the chief gave one last chance for the man to deny Christ and save his own life. His final words were: “The cross before me, the world behind me—no turning back.” He was then killed like the rest of his family.

But the story did not end there. The chief, who had ordered the killings, was deeply moved by such faith. He wondered why a man, his wife, and children would willingly die for someone who lived in a faraway land centuries ago. Convicted, he realized there must be an extraordinary power behind their faith, and he wanted to experience that love. The chief himself confessed Jesus as Lord and declared his faith publicly.

When the villagers heard their chief, they too accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. The man’s last words became the inspiration for the famous hymn: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.”

In the Bible, we also read about David, a warrior who once fled for his life. To escape death, he even pretended to be insane before his enemies (1 Samuel 21). In that desperate moment, David later wrote: “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). A warrior, running for his life, still testified of God’s goodness and encourages us to do the same.

Both this martyred family and David remind us that even in life-or-death situations, it is the love and peace of God that satisfies the soul. When you truly taste the goodness of God, you will decide to follow Him—and never turn back.

Today, I invite you: Jesus has set a place for you at His table. Come, taste His goodness. I am confident that you too will never turn back.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your love, Your goodness, and Your peace. Give me the opportunity to know You more deeply and to taste Your goodness, so that I may never turn back. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

The Power Of Exchange

and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:5–6)

There was a beggar at a railway station who had been begging for a long time. People gave him alms each day. One day, he approached a well-dressed businessman for alms. The businessman asked him whether he had ever given anything to anybody. The beggar replied, “No.” Then the businessman said, “If you have never given anything, you have no right to ask for anything in return.”

The beggar walked away in great sadness and began to think. He realized that in order to receive, he must first give. While staring at the platform, he noticed wildflowers growing beside the railway track. He plucked them and returned to the platform. This time, when people gave him money, he gave them a flower in return. To his surprise, this brought smiles and joy to those who gave. People began to give more cheerfully, and he received more than before.

There was now an exchange—of joy, happiness, and even respect. After a few months, he met the businessman again. This time, when he asked for alms with flowers in his hand, the businessman smiled and gave him a large sum of money in exchange for the flowers. The beggar went back, not only with more money but with joy in his heart.

Many years later, he returned to the same railway station—no longer to beg, but to board a train. He was now well dressed. As he sat down, he happened to meet the same businessman. The businessman looked at him and asked, “Do I know you?” The former beggar replied, “Yes, I am the one you once spoke to about the greatness of exchange.” He went on to explain how he had started a flower business a few years ago, and now he was heading to a meeting to expand it. The businessman smiled and greeted him with joy and respect—not as a beggar this time, but as a fellow businessman.

The Bible reminds us of the greatest exchange:

“Even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:5–6)

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. A great exchange took place upon the cross—Christ offered Himself for our sins so that we could be set free from the consequences of sin, which bring death. Not only physical death, but also grave-like situations such as fear, absence of peace, sickness, shame, and guilt. In exchange, Jesus offers joy, peace, and healing.

Today, there is an open invitation: give your heart, your circumstances, and your sicknesses to Him, and receive your portion from the exchange that was accomplished on the cross.

Remember—whatever you need, God invites you to give in exchange. If you want love, give love. If you desire respect, give respect. If you long to be treated kindly, then treat others kindly. And if you seek blessings, be a blessing to others.

Just as the beggar was lifted to sit as an equal with the businessman, the Word of God declares that the grace of God will make us sit with Christ in heavenly places.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the great exchange and for offering us the chance to partake in it through the cross. Today, give us the grace to offer our circumstances, situations, and sicknesses in exchange for Your joy, peace, and healing. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Uncategorized

Fix Your Focus and Find Peace

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

There was once a young man in a village who was constantly troubled by fear, which stole his peace. The villagers advised him to visit a wise old man who lived far away, believing he could help him overcome his fears. Encouraged, the young man traveled to the distant village.

The old man handed him a glass filled to the brim with water and said, “Take this glass to the edge of the valley and return without spilling a single drop.” Determined, the young man fixed his eyes on the glass. Along the way, he ignored every distraction—the busy villagers, barking dogs, playful children, and the noise around him. At last, he returned without spilling a drop.

The old man then revealed the lesson: “You succeeded because you kept your focus on the glass of water, refusing to pay attention to the noise and distractions. In the same way, calm your mind and focus, and you will find peace.” The young man returned to his village with joy.

Likewise, Scripture tells us of a time when Jesus asked His disciples to cross to the other side of the sea after a long day. As they journeyed, a sudden storm arose, and the waves began to swamp the boat. Terrified, the disciples woke Jesus, who was asleep. He rebuked the storm, calmed the waters, and questioned their faith.

What is striking is that some of these disciples were fishermen, well acquainted with the dangers of the sea. Normally, they would have known how to handle such a storm, but fear gripped them. Instead of focusing on Jesus, they focused on the storm. These same men had walked with Jesus and seen His power, yet in that moment, fear crippled their faith.

Similarly, when God gives us a mission, the enemy often fills our minds with distracting questions like: When should I go? How will I go? Why should I go? What if something happens? Will I even go? If we let fear take control, it paralyzes us. But the Word of God calls us to trust, to step into the boat, and to fix our eyes on Jesus—the Living Water.

As we meditate on His Word and surrender our thoughts to Him, our minds are stilled and tamed. Even in the midst of storms, noise, and distractions, we can remain at peace because the Prince of Peace is with us. The question is not how strong the storm is, but whether Jesus is in your boat. If He is, you are safe.

Take every thought captive to obey Christ, and He will give you perfect peace.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for every storm-like situation in my life. Please fill my mind with Your life-giving Word, help me to focus on You, and grant me Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Embrace the chase to see the Glory

“…and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” Exodus 14:4 NLT

One man was trying to transport a great white shark from one place to another. He placed a few fighter fish in with it to chase the shark. The person assisting him wondered why he would intentionally hurt the shark, knowing that the fighter fish could injure or even kill it. The man explained that certain fish species must be kept active to breathe properly, especially those that rely on constant movement for water to pass over their gills. This act was done to support the shark’s survival until it reached the great ocean. Though it was being chased, it was for the purpose of survival and thriving.

This passage reminds us of a similar act when God instructed Moses to let the Israelites camp in a place that appeared to trap them—with the sea in front and Pharaoh’s army behind—so that the historic chase would eventually display the glory of God and show that He is the great I AM.

To the Egyptians, it looked as if the Israelites were an easy target, and so they began to chase. As the Israelites saw the great army approaching, the first thing that came out of their mouths was murmuring about their situation. They quickly forgot that this was the same God who had sent plagues upon their enemies just days earlier to set them free.

When Moses brought the plea before God, His response was simple and sounded like: “You know what to do when someone chases—just get moving” (Exodus 14:15). That act of moving with God’s instructions gave the people of God the greatest milestone in history—the Red Sea parted, the people crossed over, and their enemies drowned. What looked like a trap became a glorious escape, revealing the glory of God.

The Word of God encourages us today that He is fully aware of the chase and who is chasing you. He knows the trap, and He sees the sea before you.

This “fighter fish” kind of situation is allowed in your life to keep you moving, progressing, and growing stronger—so that the great glory of God may be revealed as He leads you into your promised land.

The enemy will not triumph over you, and the sea will not overcome you. He is the God who makes a way when there seems to be no way.

So take heart. Stop murmuring, and remember how God has displayed His power to set you free in the past. Thank Him for His mercies. Embrace the chase, because the Egyptians you see today—you will never see again (Exodus 14:13 NLT). Your promised land is waiting for you.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me free from the hand of the enemy. Help me not to murmur but to thank and praise You in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, I ask. 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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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, Uncategorized

As you believe, so be it

2025, August 18th

Word for Today: As You Believe, So Be It

“Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” – Matthew 8:13

In today’s passage, we meet a Roman centurion—a man of power, prestige, and influence who commanded many soldiers. At this time, Rome ruled Judea with great authority, and Roman soldiers were often viewed as oppressors. Yet something about Jesus captured the centurion’s attention and began to soften his heart.

He observed Jesus closely. He saw compassion in His teaching, authority in His miracles, and a power that was not of this world. What others overlooked, the centurion believed.

When his servant lay paralyzed and suffering, the centurion came forward in faith and appealed to Jesus for healing. Jesus immediately responded, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Though he was a man of authority, he recognized that Jesus’ authority was far greater—authority over sickness, over suffering, and over all creation.

With only a few brief encounters, he grasped a truth that even many of Jesus’ own people missed. Jesus marveled at his faith and declared: “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” At that very moment, the servant was healed.

• The centurion believed Jesus has authority over sickness.

• The centurion believed Jesus is full of compassion.

• The centurion believed that when you ask, you will receive.

So, where is your belief today? Is it in your position, your family, your resources, or your own strength? Or is it anchored in Jesus—the One who holds true authority and compassion?

Today’s word invites us to come forward like the centurion. Lay aside who you are, and remember who Jesus is. If you place your belief in your own wisdom and power, you will remain lying in suffering. But when you place your belief in Jesus, His Word brings breakthrough, healing, and hope.

As you believe, so shall it be done for you.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your compassion toward us. Please give us faith that brings breakthrough in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we ask. Amen.

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Christ, Hope, Potter , encouragement, Uncategorized

Strech your hand

2025 Aug 17th

Word for Today : Stretch your hand to do good

“Stretch out your hand.” – Luke 6:10

It was the Sabbath—a day when the Jewish people were commanded to refrain from various form of works and to rest and worship. As Jesus was teaching in the synagogue, a man entered with a withered hand.

Medically, a withered hand is a condition where knots form in the tissue under the palm, eventually hardening the muscle and pulling the fingers inward. There is no permanent cure. Spiritually, it represents an inability or restricted to do good works.

The irony is that Jesus chose to heal this man on the Sabbath. It seems the man was brought in intentionally so the leaders could accuse Jesus of breaking the law. But Jesus, knowing their intentions, wasted no time. He called the man to stand before everyone and then commanded, “Stretch out your hand.” Immediately, the curled-up hand opened—fully restored for use.

The leaders watched the healing and became furious, plotting against Jesus—not for doing wrong, but for doing good. This reminds us that some people will accuse or oppose you even when you do the right thing. In our world, few seek approval to help, while many are selective about who receives the honor, even placing human-made laws and restrictions on when, where, and to whom good should be done.

This is the spiritual “withered hand” disease—shrinking our ability and willingness to help. But Jesus demonstrates that compassion has no restrictions. There is no set place, time, or person required to do good—just do good.

Bible also teaches, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” – Galatians 6:10

To all who feel their “hand” has withered—whether through fear, criticism, or discouragement—Jesus commands you today: Stretch out your hand. Stretch your horizon. Stretch your ability to do good any time, any where and to anyone.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank You for the help we have received in every circumstance. Help us, guide us, and lead us to do good to others in all situations. Amen.

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