Tag Archives: Christian Faith

Daily Christian Devotion

No Condemnation.No Trap

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

— Romans 8:1

Condemnation means feeling deeply guilty, ashamed, or unworthy because of something you’ve done or think you’ve done wrong. It’s like your own heart or mind keeps punishing you—even after you’ve asked for or received forgiveness.

Condemnation is a trap because it keeps you stuck in guilt instead of moving forward with peace, healing, or freedom. It’s different from the healthy conviction that the Holy Spirit brings, which helps you recognize a mistake and change. Condemnation, on the other hand, only makes you feel hopeless and defeated—and that comes from Satan.

The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). That means no one—literally no one—has the right to criticize or condemn another person’s sin.

We feel guilty for so many things, even the smallest ones. When we can’t spend enough time with our parents, we feel guilty. When we fail to meet our spouse’s expectations or break a promise to a friend, guilt weighs on us. Even something as simple as missing the chance to cook our child’s favorite meal can make guilt creep into our hearts.

Sometimes, I even feel guilty when I can’t pray or read the Bible. With that guilt comes fear—the fear that God is disappointed or that I’m not perfect enough. But that fear keeps me from going to the very One who loves me most.

It often starts as a small feeling of guilt but grows until we begin to believe we’re not a good son or daughter, not a perfect spouse, not a good parent, not even a good friend—or sometimes, not even fit to live.

These kinds of guilt feelings can often be overcome when we address and fix smaller problems, but what happens when the issues are much bigger? What about a murder, adultery, ruining someone’s reputation, or committing an act that seems impossible to repair? What about struggles like gambling or addiction that can feel overwhelming and unending?

Even then, the Bible declares: There is no condemnation in Christ. His mercy goes far beyond what any human mind can comprehend. When you repent of your sin, you are set free.

Let’s look at the story of the adulterous woman in the Bible. She was caught in the very act—red-handed. The law demanded death by stoning. There was no way out, no excuse she could make.

The religious leaders brought her before Jesus to see how He would respond. Jesus stooped down and began writing in the dust with His finger. When they kept pressing Him for an answer, He stood up and said, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.” Then He stooped down again and continued writing.

One by one, her accusers slipped away—from the oldest to the youngest—until only Jesus and the woman remained.

Jesus stood and asked her, “Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?”

She replied, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:1–11)

The only One who had the right to condemn her—Jesus Himself—chose not to. What a great relief that must have been for her, and what a great hope it is for us!

Jesus’ expectation was simple: “Do not sin anymore.” His message was not condemnation but restoration. The best way to show our gratitude for His forgiveness is to walk in freedom and live righteously.

Everyone looks righteous until their sin is exposed. People might try to keep you captive by your past, criticize your every move, or judge your journey—but that’s the trap of the enemy.

Do yourself a favor: believe that the blood of Jesus has set you free from every sin and every trace of condemnation. Your past may be amplified by the accuser, but remind him that a King died for you—and nothing can separate you from His love.

Sometimes you might need help to climb out of the pit, but freedom from condemnation begins simply by believing:

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

You’ll remain in sorrow if you refuse to believe and accept the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers. The accuser wants you to stay bound—but show him what your sovereign God can do. He breaks every chain of condemnation.

Be free, and sin no more.

Prayer

Thank You for Your mercy that covers all my sins.Thank You for not condemning me but calling me to walk in freedom.When the enemy reminds me of my failures, remind me of Your cross and Your precious blood that set me free.I receive Your freedom today and choose to walk in Your truth.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Leave Vengeance to God

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.””

Romans 12:19 ESV

“As I believer in Jesus Christ, the most useless and time-wasting act anyone can do is to take vengeance against someone to destroy or plot their fall.”

The Bible advises us not to seek vengeance, but to forgive with the same grace that has been given to us through Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness puts out the fire, while vengeance is like setting an entire forest ablaze.

It takes enormous energy to plot and carry out revenge. It drains you physically, mentally, and emotionally. And in the end, vengeance rarely succeeds it often backfires, causing more harm to you than to those you sought to destroy.

True vengeance belongs only to God. The Bible reveals that God takes vengeance personally and promises to repay evil in His time and His way.

The Bible records a powerful example of God’s vengeance.

King Joash was made king in an unusual way. His wicked grandmother, Athaliah, had murdered the entire royal family to seize power. But the high priest, Jehoiada, rescued baby Joash and hid him in the temple for six years.

When Joash was seven years old, he was revealed and crowned as king. Under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. But after Jehoiada’s death, Joash abandoned God and turned away from godly practices, leading the people astray.

God sent prophets to warn him, but Joash rejected them all. Among those prophets was Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, the very man who had saved Joash’s life and mentored him.

In a shocking act of betrayal and ingratitude, Joash deceived the people and ordered Zechariah to be stoned to death in the temple courtyard. As Zechariah was dying, he cried out, “May the Lord see this and avenge!” appealing to God for justice against the king who repaid kindness with murder.

God’s judgment came swiftly. The Aramean army invaded Judah. Though they were a small force, God delivered the much larger army of Judah into their hands. Joash was severely wounded, and later assassinated in his bed by his own officials. He was denied burial in the royal tombs, bringing dishonor to his reign and his generation.

God avenged the blood of Zechariah and brought shame to the house of Joash. (2 Chronicles 24)

This story reminds us that God is involved in every detail of your life. He sees your pain and understands the betrayal you’ve experienced.

The backstabbing and the heartbreak from loved ones have not gone unnoticed. The ungratefulness of family or friends has not been forgotten. The very hands you once held may have pushed you down but God has seen it all.

So listen: give it to the One who owns vengeance. God has promised, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Romans 12:19).

He will repay in such a way that the situation and even the people who caused it will lose their power over you. God’s vengeance not only brings justice to the ungrateful but also blesses you in ways that put your enemies to shame.

Do not waste your strength holding on to rivalry. Instead, save your energy to experience the great blessing that God has prepared for you one so glorious that even your enemies will envy it.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to surrender my pain and desire for revenge into Your hands. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Let me trust in Your justice and find peace in Your presence. Replace my bitterness with Your blessing, and let Your vengeance bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

A Very Present Help

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

— Psalm 46:1

Many years ago, during a harsh winter in the early north east part of America, I had an encounter I will never forget.

It was the day after a heavy snowfall. The roads were not completely cleared, with piles of snow pushed up on both sides—almost four to five feet high. Though the plows had passed through, the roads were still icy and slippery. I needed to drive my daughter to school from our apartment complex, so I carefully got into the car and began to drive.

Those who live in snowy places will understand what I mean when I say it was quite challenging. As I slowly drove out of the apartment area, my car began to slide. I tried to apply the brakes, but that only made the car wobble even more. In an attempt to avoid sliding into the main road and getting hit by another car, I steered toward the pile of snow. Panicking, I accidentally pressed the gas pedal—and within seconds, the front of my car was buried deep in the snow.

My three-year-old daughter began to cry, panicking because she didn’t want to be late for school. I tried to open the car door, but it was stuck against the snowbank. I took a deep breath, calmed her down, and told her, “Let’s pray and ask God to send an angel to help us.” She bowed her little head and prayed.

By God’s grace, I managed to open the front door, get out, and lift my daughter from the backseat. We started walking carefully on the slippery road toward the apartment office, hoping someone could help us pull the car out.

As we walked, I heard the rumble of a vehicle behind us. Turning around, I saw a snow-cleaning truck approaching. To my surprise, the driver stopped and asked, “Do you need help?”

I quickly explained what had happened. Without hesitation, he jumped out of his truck, got into my car, and tried to reverse it—but it was too deeply buried. Then, he pulled out a tow chain, crawled under my car, hooked it up, and used his truck to pull my car free from the snowbank.

Slowly, my car came out. My daughter jumped with joy as she realized that God had answered our prayer—right away!

I looked at the man—his face radiant, with striking blue eyes—and said, “We prayed for God to send an angel to help us, and you look like one.” He simply smiled, got back into his truck, and drove away.

As we headed toward the school, I noticed in the rearview mirror that his truck was still behind us for a while before turning out of the complex. That truck didn’t belong to our apartment community. Out of three different entrances, he somehow came through the one where my car was stuck. It truly felt like God rerouted him—a literal U-turn from heaven.

Tears welled up in my eyes. In that helpless situation, when we cried out for help, God truly was our “very present help in trouble.”

In today’s world, it’s rare to find someone who helps without expecting something in return. Many times, help comes with conditions or hidden motives—but our God is not like that. When we call on Him through Jesus Christ, He answers willingly, completely, and faithfully.

He doesn’t stop helping us based on how complicated our problem is. He stays with us—from the beginning to the end.

David was a man who constantly sought the Lord’s help. At every step of his journey, he turned to God, and the Lord delivered him time after time.

Even today, when you ask God for help, the Maker of heaven and earth will respond. He is the only Helper who neither slumbers nor forsakes you in your time of need.

God keeps no record of how many times He has rescued us. He is waiting to hear your voice—ready to help, comfort, and strengthen you. He is our Ebenezer—our stone of help.

Like David, when you sought the Lord, He will hear and He will answer.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my refuge and strength. In every moment of trouble, You have proven Yourself faithful. Help me to trust You completely and to call upon You first in every situation. Thank You for being my ever-present help and my Ebenezer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Serve To Lead

“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” — Matthew 20:26

In my MBA program, the very first subject I studied was Organizational Leadership. While learning about different leadership philosophies, I was glad to see Jesus Christ presented as the perfect example of servant leadership.

Servant leadership is one of the most powerful and effective models of leadership. Its foundation lies in a genuine desire to serve, focusing on the well-being and growth of others rather than personal gain.

Jesus Christ embodied servant leadership. He humbled Himself to serve others. During His life on earth, He drew thousands to Himself—and even after His death and resurrection, millions continue to follow Him. His influence still grows, transforming lives across generations.

The concept is clear: If you want to lead, you must first learn to serve.

Some of us may feel a desire to lead or manage people toward a mission—and that’s not wrong. That desire may be God-given, a calling for His kingdom purpose. But we must be careful to lead in Christ and through Christ.

Jesus, being the Ruler of heaven and earth—worshiped by all creation—showed compassion for people. He wept with the grieving, sacrificed Himself for humanity, and humbled Himself, yet stood firm when it was time to correct and restore.

Leadership is not defined by how loudly you speak, but by the quiet strength of the statement you make — one rooted in humility and the right attitude.

Throughout Scripture, the most respected leaders came from humble beginnings. God chose them intentionally, not for their status or strength, but for their hearts.

The Bible teaches that to be a true leader, we must work among the people, for the people, and with the people. A servant leader is known not just by their words, but by their actions—showing respect, dignity, and care for others. Such leaders seek to lift others up more than they seek recognition.

God has always honored leaders who served.

Moses, for example, interceded on behalf of the people when they were frustrated and when God was angry with them. He even offered to have his own name blotted out of God’s book if it meant saving that ungrateful people.

David, when God’s anger came upon him for taking a census of Israel, was given choices for his punishment—choices that would have affected his people. But instead, David chose to take the wrath upon himself rather than let others suffer.

God is looking for hearts filled with empathy, compassion, and love—hearts that reflect the nature of Jesus.

A true servant leader doesn’t have to force people to follow; the people are drawn naturally to their humility and integrity.

Every arrogant and self-centered leader in the Bible fell. But the legacy of a leader who pleases God endures for generations.

If you still desire to serve, put your crown aside. Roll up your sleeves. Step into the field. Lay down your own needs and lift up the needs of others.

A servant leader is confident in their calling and secure in their role. They do not feel threatened by others’ success or authority. Even when they shy away from recognition, honor and blessing will still find them, for this is the command of Jesus:

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for showing us the true meaning of leadership through Jesus Christ, our greatest example of humility and service.Help me serve faithfully wherever You have placed me, that my life may reflect Your heart and bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Standard
Uncategorized

Do Not Minimize God in your situation

All things were created by Him and for Him… and in Him all things hold together.

—Colossians 1:16–17

I grew up in a culture where we carried photos of the gods we believed in. I made sure I always had the photo of Jesus—one in my backpack, one in my geometry box, and even one with my toughest subjects. I believed the picture would help me pass exams. I would kiss the photo, talk to it, and place it before me as I wrote my tests. Sadly, I failed over and over again.

Even as I grew older, the habit continued. I would sleep with the picture at my bedside and carry it in my pocketbook. I was even inspired by movies where Dracula or Satan would flee at the sight of a cross, a necklace with a cross, or even when someone lifted up a Bible. I believed the picture itself had power.

Whenever I faced a challenge, I would pull out the photo, thinking Jesus could help in that situation. But if the problem seemed impossible to me, I wouldn’t even bother taking the picture out—because in my mind, if it looked impossible to me, surely it was impossible for Jesus too. None of these actions really helped me, until one day the Holy Spirit revealed who Jesus truly is through the Word of God.

The picture of Jesus we see today is only an artistic representation—perhaps a guess of how a Jewish man might have looked—but it is nowhere near how the Word of God reveals Him.

Jesus Christ cannot be contained in a pocketbook, a drawer, a cupboard, or placed on a shelf. He is the God who has dominion over everything. “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)

Every creature must bow and humble itself before Him. When Jesus speaks, it will come to pass. When He commands, it will stand firm.

Jesus Christ has power and authority over heaven and hell. The angels and the demons obey Him.

John’s vision describes Jesus this way: “The hairs of His head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 1:14; 19:13,16)

This is the Jesus we serve—not an image, not a symbol, but the living, reigning King. And yet, how often do we try to shrink this sovereign, all-powerful God into something our tiny human minds can imagine? Can we ever truly perceive His majestic image?

Though we cannot wrap our minds around this magnificent God, when we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved. And through Him, we will see great things.

Do not minimize the nature of God when sickness seems incurable, when the doctors have given up, or when hope feels lost. Doctors go by facts, but our faith proclaims Jesus is the Healer and Great Physician.

Do not cling to the rulebook of man, but align yourself with the rulebook of God. Man lies and fails, but “the Word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Peter 1:25)

The devil is not afraid of the physical book, the Bible. But when you confess and release the living Word of God written in the Bible, he trembles. The picture of a cross on the wall does not protect you. The wooden cross in your room has no power. But when you plead the blood of Jesus over your house, you are shielded. (Exodus 12:13)

The photo in your pocketbook does not carry God with you. But when you invite the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God goes with you wherever you go.

When you abide in His presence, you carry His power, and you can speak His Word over situations. The authority was already claimed for you at Calvary through the blood of Jesus.

So go boldly before the throne of the Father. Ask the impossible. Speak to the immovable. He will respond according to His will and in His perfect time. (Hebrews 4:16)

Instead of placing the Bible under your pillow, hiding it beneath your head, meditate on the Word of God. Get it into your heart and mind. Use it as a solution in your problems, as a weapon in your battles, and as medicine in your suffering.

I don’t carry the image of Jesus in my pocketbook anymore. Rather, I have drawn that image in my soul as the Word of God describes. I have never felt victorious like the life I am living today. Glory be to God.

You too—fall in love with the Word of God, and you will never fail.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have minimized Your power and tried to contain You in my own understanding. Help me to treasure Your Word, confess it with faith, and walk in the authority of Your Spirit. May Your presence go with me wherever I am, and may Your Word be my strength, my shield, and my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Resist The Strong Man

There is an ancient Japanese game called Sumo wrestling, where two players compete inside a clay ring. One opponent must push the other outside of the ring or tackle him to the ground for victory. In those days, most sumo wrestlers were heavy with a lot of body fat. But in one particular match, an athletic, well-built man faced a traditional sumo wrestler.

Naturally, one would expect the athletic man to win. Yet the traditional wrestler easily took him down and won the match.

This game was not only about how strong you looked, but about quick reflexes, incredible balance, and how long you could resist without being brought to the ground.

The Word of God tells you: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). In Scripture, the devil is often portrayed as a strong man who rules the world through sin (John 12:31). He keeps you under his control through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Many of your downfalls come from these very things.

In the arena called life, the devil—the so-called strong man—tries to take over the boundaries God has given you. His intention is only to make you stumble, fall, and lose your ground. That’s why you face continuous battles and trials in your life.

Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The enemy may appear as a strong man, trying to defeat you through your weaknesses. But the Bible encourages you to resist lustful desires and fight the pride that rises in your heart. Lust of the flesh is not always adultery or immorality—it can also be a restless desire for what God has not given. It shows up when you compare yourself with others, crave their blessings, or take pride in your social and economic status.

The devil often disguises temptation so it doesn’t look like sin. It comes dressed in beauty, wrapped in luxury, and may even wear the image of love. It might begin as a small desire, a passion, or even just one social gathering. But if unchecked, it can take over and cause you to lose your ground.

Slowly, the enemy pushes you beyond God’s boundaries—trying to control your family, your business, and even your relationship with Him. But here is the good news: “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, He gives you power (Acts 1:8). With the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) and the strength of the Spirit, you can push back the enemy’s advances. Balance your life with the Word of God, resist the devil with the fear of the Lord, and you will stand victorious.

And if you’ve already been knocked down, do not despair. God is giving you another chance to rise up and fight. But remember—one day the final whistle will blow, and there will be no more chances to wrestle. If you give ground to the enemy, you will remain defeated. Choose wisely now. Stand firm in Christ, and you will overcome.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for reminding me that greater is the One who lives in me than the one who is in the world. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may walk in victory and receive the crown of life You have promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Pray Without Ceasing

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

—1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

It took India nearly a hundred years to gain independence from the British. During that time, many lives were lost and many leaders were martyred. Yet the people and their leaders persisted in the fight for liberty. Finally, on August 15, 1947, India received its independence.

This freedom was not won in a day—it was the result of perseverance. Had they given up and settled into slavery, the nation would have remained under British control. Persistence carried them to victory.

In the same way, Jesus spoke about persistence in prayer. In Luke 18, He tells the parable of a widow who continually came before a judge, pleading for justice against her adversary. At first, he refused to listen. But because she kept coming, he eventually granted her request.

This judge was not a God-fearing man, yet her persistence moved him to act. How much more will our loving God—who gave His very life for us—respond when His children persist in prayer?

Prayer is the way we speak with God, bringing our needs, emotions, and faith before Him. In one Bible translation, prayer is mentioned at least 325 times. Jesus Himself set the example: often withdrawing from the crowds and even His disciples to pray alone with the Father.

If the Son of the Living God made prayer a priority, how much more should we—who face daily battles—make time to seek Him?

To pray with persistence means never growing weary of asking. God may answer immediately, ask us to wait, or lovingly redirect us. Yet He never leaves us empty-handed. Even when His answer is different from what we hoped for, He fills us with His peace so we can endure and remain steadfast in faith.

If the widow had not pressed on, the judge would never have ruled in her favor. Her persistence moved her case forward. In the same way, persistence in prayer brings breakthrough.

God has already answered many of your prayers—sometimes in ways you never expected. Every time you pray, you step into His presence, and when you ask anything in Jesus’ name, heaven pays attention. Your Father in heaven is never too busy for you. No protocol is needed; He bends down to listen as though you were His only child.

Even in this world, a child who keeps asking often receives what they long for. How much more will your heavenly Father answer those who persist in prayer?

So—keep asking for the salvation of your family. Keep bringing that rebellious child before God. Keep asking for financial provision, for deliverance, for the job you desire, the home you long for, or the spouse you’re waiting on.

Nothing is forgotten. In His perfect time, He will answer and make all things beautiful.

Hold on—heaven is responding to you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of prayer and for hearing me every time I call on Your name. Teach me to pray without ceasing, to remain steadfast, and to trust Your timing. I believe that in Your perfect time, You will make all things beautiful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

No One Shall Be Able To Stand Against You

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.”

Joshua 1:5 ESV

Joshua grew up witnessing the hand of God over His people. From a young age, he was actively involved in helping Moses on the mission to lead the Israelites into the promised land.

Now that Moses was dead, Joshua was commanded to step up and take his place. Moses was known as a mighty man of wisdom, but now the mantle was falling on Joshua. Naturally, he might have been frightened or discouraged after the death of his mentor and leader. God spoke to Joshua multiple times, giving him courage and strength.

So many thoughts must have crossed Joshua’s mind as he considered taking Moses’ role. These were not easy people to lead. They were tough, often dissatisfied, ungrateful, and complaining. Managing them was a great task. Helping from behind the scenes was one thing, but being at the front lines brought a whole new level of stress.

The loss of a well-wisher and father figure may have left Joshua feeling emotionally weak. He had spent more time with Moses than with his own father. The absence of Moses’ voice, the lack of his gentle encouragement, must have weighed heavily on him.

But in that moment of grief, God stepped in to comfort and encourage Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for I will be with you wherever you go.” With that assurance, Joshua rose to the mission of leading God’s people.

What a great assurance from a great God! And this promise extends to you as well. You and Joshua are equal in God’s sight. He understands your season—whether joy, loss, grief, or transition.

You may be strong and capable, yet life may bring moments that drain your strength. You may have handled great responsibilities before, but now you may feel weighed down by insecurities, trauma, or the absence of encouragement you once relied on. Maybe you miss the voice or the embrace of someone who gave you strength.

But do not be discouraged. The Spirit of God is your greatest Comforter, and the Word of God reminds you of His promises: No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life, and the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go, and He will never leave you not forsake you.

The responsibilities you carry—the family you provide for, the business you manage, the project you are called to lead—will only draw out the best in you.

God told Joshua to take courage, to meditate on His Word day and night, and not to turn to the right or the left. When he obeyed, God promised him good success. The same instruction applies to us today for a successful life.

Joshua’s full potential was not revealed until he faced such a situation. In the same way, your disappointments, losses, and failures are shaping you to bring out your fullest potential.

Do not forget—no one will stand against you all the days of your life. In Christ, you are more than a conqueror.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Remove every fear, every insecurity, and every doubt. I believe that in every battle I face, You are with me, and You will give me victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

You Are No More Called Forsaken

“You shall no more be termed Forsaken,and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her.”

Isaiah 62:4

Jesus was invited to one of the Pharisees’ houses. A Pharisee is someone involved in studying and interpreting the law given to Moses. These Pharisees were not big fans of Jesus, and most of them were against His teaching because they thought Jesus was blaspheming against the God of Abraham. The Bible even points out that they plotted against Him.

Someone from such an orthodox community inviting Jesus to dinner must have been a very secret act. If the other Pharisees knew about it, the one who invited Him would be in trouble or even cast out from the synagogue. He was risking his future to invite Jesus into his home.

As Jesus reclined at the table, a sinful woman—likely a prostitute—heard that Jesus was in the Pharisee’s house. She showed up with an alabaster jar of perfume. She knelt before Jesus and began to wet His feet with her tears, wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed His feet, and anointed them with the perfume.

The Pharisee who invited Jesus wondered to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would have known what kind of woman she is, and He would not have allowed her to touch Him.” But Jesus knew his thoughts and told Simon a story: the one whose larger debt is forgiven will love more than the one who had a smaller debt forgiven.

This woman showed deep love for Jesus. Out of compassion, Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Those who were at the table began to wonder, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

The story shows that Jesus came for sinners like you and me. The sinful woman’s heart was searching—maybe for true love, maybe for someone who could understand her, someone who truly knew her. When she saw Jesus, her search ended in repentance.

She surrendered everything she held as her identity. The expensive perfume, which was a statement of wealth and also used to lure men into immorality, she poured at His feet. Her hair, which was considered a woman’s glory, she let down to wipe His feet.

As she brought down everything she had, she found forgiveness at the feet of Jesus. Her tears were tokens of gratitude, her kisses on His feet showed that she had finally found the Lover of her soul. This woman traded all she had at the feet of Jesus.

Whatever you search for—love, forgiveness, hope, or a future—in the presence of Jesus you will find a remedy for your misery, healing for a broken soul, and peace in the middle of chaos.

But Jesus cannot fix what you still hold back. That alabaster jar—your pride, your glory, your desires, your identity—has to be broken as an expression of repentance. In that breaking begins the new chapter of your life.

This next chapter will be unlike anything you could have imagined, beyond what your heart could have received, because it is written by the sovereign hand of God.

God is close to the brokenhearted. If you are broken by people, by circumstances, or by situations, be encouraged—God will work all things out for your good.

Your name will no longer be labeled by your past, but will be renamed as Child of the Most High.

Your life will no longer remain desolate and forsaken, but will be fully restored and made new.

Prayer

I come before You with my brokenness, my failures, and my search for meaning. Help me to trade everything I hold onto for the life You have prepared for me. Thank You for calling me not forsaken, but Your delight, and for giving me a new name as Your child. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Walk By Faith With A Heart Of Gratitude

“Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:19

Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem, passed between Samaria—the land of the socially outcast—and Galilee, His very own people. Along the way, He encountered ten lepers.

They stood at a distance and cried out for mercy and healing. Jesus told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” At that moment, they still carried the marks of leprosy. Yet, as they moved in obedience, they were cleansed on the way.

Out of the ten, only one returned. When he realized he was healed, he came back praising God, fell at Jesus’ feet, and gave thanks. He was a Samaritan—a foreigner, an enemy of the Jews—yet he was the one who returned with a heart of gratitude. Jesus asked, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” Then He said to the one, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

This moment was not only about physical healing but about a deeper truth—faith. Faith is the only currency accepted in heaven. The Bible says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). The Word of God encourages us to walk in faith and not by sight.

The lepers had to move in faith even before they received their healing. Standing still in doubt would not have helped, but stepping forward in obedience brought their miracle. Most of the time, trusting people, places, or things will surely fail and disappoint us—but faith in Jesus Christ does the impossible, receives the unreachable, and accomplishes the undoable.

Just as the lepers had to move forward in obedience, we too are called to step out in faith in our own lives. Take that step of faith in your job. Take that step of faith in your decisions. When you do, you surrender the driver’s seat and allow Jesus Christ to take control of your situation and circumstances. When Jesus drives, the destination is certain—victory. He knows the road, the bumps along the way, and when to reroute. In the rain or the sunshine, you can rest in peace, for the Prince of Peace is right beside you.

Above all, the Bible encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances—not only in healing, not only in breakthrough, but also in seasons of despair and longing. Gratitude is a posture of the heart that pleases God. When you return to the Father with a grateful heart, you access the source of blessing itself. God delights in you when you acknowledge His sovereignty.

Even animals show gratitude—how much more should we, created in God’s image, cultivate this virtue that pleases Him.

Faith brings breakthrough, but gratitude makes you complete.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that faith brings healing, but gratitude brings wholeness. Help me to take bold steps of faith in every area of my life, trusting that You know the way. Teach me to live with gratitude in all circumstances, so that my life may reflect Your goodness and bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard