Tag Archives: #churchlife

Daily Christian Devotion

God Will Show You Wonders

I Will Show You Wonders — Micah 7:15

God has a way of capturing a person’s attention and drawing them toward salvation. He works in wonderful, unexpected ways—and my story is one of them. Thank God for social media today, where at least we can hear and see good news even in the midst of evil. My encounter with God happened long before social media existed, when hearing Scripture was rare. Yet the grace of God reached me.

During my college days, I failed one math subject in my first semester and carried it all the way to the final year. Along with that, I failed many other subjects in different semesters. The only relief was the system that allowed students to move from one semester to another with arrears, but all the subjects had to be completed within four years to receive a first class honor. Honestly, if not for that, my four-year engineering course would have taken forever to complete.

By the time I reached my 7th semester, I had almost 17 subjects pending. Out of 60 students, I was probably the one with the most failed papers. I could hardly study because of my family situation, and engineering—especially computer science—was not what I wanted to pursue. In my culture, parents decide what children must study, not their interests.

I felt ashamed watching classmates get placed in companies during campus recruitment while I had no idea what my future held. I realized I had to set aside everything and start working hard. During that season, my mother secretly accepted Jesus and was baptized without my father’s knowledge. She became a prayer warrior, praying over everything in our lives.

I studied with all my strength and managed to pass 16 subjects in the 7th semester—but that one math subject from the first semester still stood like a giant before me.

The final exam was my last attempt to pass with first class. I tried, but math was extremely difficult for me. On the day of the exam, I had a high viral fever. My condition was so bad my mother was waiting in the college office out of fear that I would pass out. I sat in the examination hall with juniors; the faculty handed me the question paper, but I could hardly see. I skimmed through the questions and realized I knew the answers, yet my body was too weak to write. The faculty tried to help, but I could barely hold my pen. To the best of my memory, I wrote only for about 50 marks, while the passing score was 45.

I somehow endured the entire three-hour exam, already convinced I would fail again. When my mom asked how it went, I told her I would fail—after all, I had written only half the paper.

I felt strangely relieved. After years of setbacks, struggles, and back-to-back exams, I was just exhausted. All that remained was to wait for the results and see if I would even finish my course.

Around that time, I received a Christian magazine addressed to my name with the Scripture: “I will show you wonders.” As I walked, I kept reading that verse. Everything about it felt new, yet I knew in my spirit that this Word was for me. I wanted to believe in the Jesus my mother had been fervently praying to.

I didn’t know how to pray, but I believed Jesus could show me wonders—even in that math subject that had become a mountain in my life.

One of my relatives offered to bribe the faculty to get my paper passed. I refused. I told him, “No, I believe in this promise—I will show you wonders.” My mom looked at me, both happy and uncertain, but I could see hope in her eyes.

Then the results came.

To my shock, I passed all my 8th semester subjects—and that one math paper I had carried from first year to final year. I couldn’t believe it. Even more surprising, I passed with 47 marks. It was nothing short of a miracle.

My mom had gone to church to pray for my results. When she returned and I told her the good news, she hugged and kissed me—not because I passed the subject, but because I held on to God’s promise, and God honored it. I realized her prayer was more for my salvation than my marks.

That miracle encouraged me to pursue this wonder-working God. Every phase of my life since then has been marked by His hand. The once “dumb student,” as I used to see myself, later completed a master’s degree in the U.S. with a 3.6 GPA—and without paying a single penny. Opportunities my peers longed for, God graciously gave me.

Today I can confidently say: I have a wonder-working God.

This same God is alive and still doing wonders. Let the Word of God encourage you today—whatever seems impossible, God can turn it around. He is faithful. Trust Him, and you will see wonders in your own life.

Prayer

Father, thank You for being a God of wonders. Strengthen my faith to trust You in every impossible situation. Show Your mighty hand in my life, just as You did for Your children before me. Help me hold on to Your promises with confidence and expectation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

From Hate To Greatness

“Once again Leah became pregnant and gave birth to another son. She named him Judah, for she said, ‘Now I will praise the Lord!’” Genesis 29:35 (NLT)

One of the most painful places to face rejection is inside your own home. Some parents favor one child and ignore the other. Some marriages become distant and cold because of incompatibility. Some in-laws dislike their daughter-in-law or son-in-law. And sometimes, a person is rejected and hated without any reason at all. When that happens, life feels heavy, lonely, and unfair. But no matter the wound, the Bible always carries an answer.

I once knew a family where the husband was forced into marrying a woman he did not love. His heart was already given to someone else, but his parents emotionally pressured him because the woman they chose came from a wealthy background. He sacrificed his love and obeyed. But shortly after the marriage, the woman’s family lost everything. The very reason she was chosen fell apart. She was already unloved, and now she became a target for blame and humiliation.

Yet she bore him two beautiful children. Even then, I never once saw him proudly acknowledge her, take her out, or show affection. The children watched their father’s treatment and repeated it—speaking harshly, showing no respect, and wanting nothing to do with their mother in public or even at school meetings. Her husband, her children, and her in-laws mocked her. Still, she remained quiet, gentle, and patient, enduring everything with a smile.

Many years later, her husband fell critically ill, and she was the one who cared for him faithfully. Her service softened his heart. The woman once treated like nothing became respected, valued, and finally loved—not because people changed, but because she remained steadfast when everything inside her had reason to break.

This reminds me of Leah in the Bible. Jacob loved Rachel—not Leah. Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, but was deceived by Laban and married Leah first. Later, after another seven years of labor, he finally married Rachel. Leah entered a marriage where she was not wanted, yet she longed deeply for Jacob’s affection. Every time she gave birth, she hoped love would follow.

When her first son was born, she named him Reuben, saying the Lord had seen her misery and surely now her husband would love her. When her second son came, she named him Simeon, believing that God heard she was unloved and answered. Then she bore Levi, hoping that this time Jacob would finally feel affection for her. But nothing changed. Time after time she hoped, waited, and longed for attention that never came.

Then something shifted inside of her. Instead of chasing love from a human heart, she turned her eyes toward God. She stopped waiting for Jacob to affirm her and started praising the Lord. When her fourth son was born, she named him Judah and declared, “Now, I will praise the Lord.”

Out of that moment of surrender and praise came greatness. Judah became the lineage through which kings were born. And generations later, Jesus—the Savior—came from the line of the woman who once lived in rejection.

God sees every tear you cry in silence. He hears the prayers you never say out loud. He knows the pain others overlook or even cause. But just like Leah, when you stop looking to people for validation and turn your heart toward God, something begins to shift. The same people who ignored or rejected you will one day witness the work of God in your life.

So let praise remain on your lips. You may feel unseen today, but God is writing a story where pain is transformed into purpose. From your rejection, God will birth something great.

Prayer:

Lord, help me turn my eyes away from the desire for human approval and teach me to find my worth in You alone. Heal every wound caused by rejection and replace it with Your peace and strength. Help me praise You in every season, and bring beauty from my pain. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Shift That Spotlight From You

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

— Romans 12:2 (ESV)

More often than not, pity is misunderstood as compassion. Pity is just being sorry for someone’s misfortune without desiring to help. But compassion is a heart that moves to help someone in their misfortune — to comfort them and stand with them.

Self-pity is when a person feels sorry for themselves, focusing only on their sorrows and misfortunes and dwelling on them. Self-pity does more harm than any external situation around us.

The Bible talks about the dangers of being confined to worldly thoughts and patterns. It’s like taking ownership of every situation, whether it concerns you or not. It’s desiring to stay in the spotlight — whether for a good or bad reason.

Prophet Elijah, a powerful man who brought the Word of God to the people — highly respected and honored. In one memorable event, he called upon the name of the Lord on Mount Carmel, and God answered him with fire before all the people. That day, Elijah destroyed many false prophets, and the fear of God fell upon everyone.

It was a historic moment still remembered today. But soon after, this same brave man of God had a moment of weakness when Jezebel threatened to kill him. The zealous prophet who had just displayed God’s mighty power ran for his life and even left his servant behind. He prayed that God would take his life and said he was done.

Just days before, Elijah had shown great bravery and faith with his focus fixed on the Almighty. But now, his focus shifted inward. He became self-centered, and that almost ended his ministry — all because a woman’s threat frightened him.

Self-pity is a silent killer. If not addressed, It affects our mental health and steals our peace and joy when we refuse to walk away from it.

Remember — you are created for greatness and in you is greatness. If the world projects you as something less, refocus from what the world says to what the Bible says. The Word teaches us not to be conformed to the world’s patterns but to be transformed through the renewal of our minds.

It takes humility to move the spotlight away from yourself and place it back on the Word of God. You are not the hero of every scene — Jesus is.

Not every challenge around you is meant to break you. Not everyone is trying to pull you down or hurt you. We are created to coexist with others. When we constantly seek attention — whether good or bad — we begin to place ourselves equal with God.

Humble yourself before the Lord and surrender, saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

The truth is, you are not in a sorry state as you are projecting outside. You are more than a conqueror. You are brave, blessed, and above all, a child of the Most High God.

Transfer the power you’re holding over situations, thoughts, and people to your loving Father, Yahweh. You can rest peacefully when you understand who controls your future.

If you face misfortune, give thanks and surrender it to God. If you face hardship, thank Him again and surrender it. If you face betrayal, bring it to Him and let Him heal you.

Do not dwell on your past, and do not stay stuck in your present. Be expectant of the new thing God is about to do, and let Him renew your mind every day.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for reminding me that I am not defined by the world or my feelings. Teach me to lay down self-pity and to walk in compassion and humility. Help me to fix my eyes on You and not on myself. Renew my mind and fill my heart with peace as I trust in Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

He Shall Make You Great

May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh. In this way Israel made Ephraim greater than Manasseh.

Genesis 48:20

Joseph brought his two sons—the firstborn Manasseh and the younger son Ephraim—to his ill father Jacob, who was also known as Israel.

Jacob was very old, and though his eyes were dim, when he saw Joseph and his two sons, he found new strength and sat up in bed. Jacob had not seen Joseph for many years, nor had he witnessed the birth of Joseph’s sons, who were born in Egypt. His heart was overjoyed to see Joseph’s family. Out of that joy, Jacob took Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons. In other words, these grandsons were adopted into Jacob’s family as if they were his own children.

These two sons were counted among the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob proudly declared, “They are mine,” while reminding Joseph that any other children born to him would belong to Joseph alone. Then Jacob invited Joseph to bring his sons forward so that he could bless them before his death.

Joseph bowed before his father and carefully positioned his sons. He took Ephraim in his right hand and placed him toward Jacob’s left hand, and he took Manasseh in his left hand and placed him before Jacob’s right hand. Joseph arranged them this way so that Jacob’s right hand—the hand of greater blessing—would naturally rest upon the firstborn, Manasseh.

But Jacob had a different plan. He crossed his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left on Manasseh. He then pronounced his blessing on Ephraim recorded in Genesis 48:15. Joseph was troubled by this sight and tried to correct his father, urging him to bless the firstborn properly. But Jacob refused and replied that he knew exactly what he was doing. However he blessed Manasseh also, but gave Ephraim the greater blessing, declaring that the younger brother would surpass the older.

Joseph the earthly father himself was not pleased to see his younger son receive the blessing of the firstborn, but it delighted the heavenly Father to make the younger greater than the older.

Yahweh highly favored Ephraim and crossed over the order of the firstborn to make him great. And in later days, even when Ephraim’s descendants were unfaithful, God’s love crossed over in mercy, crying out in Hosea 11:8, “How can I give you up, O Ephraim?”

This story shows us how God’s grace goes beyond what we deserve. “He has mercy on whomever He wills.” (Romans 9:18)

The Word of God reminds us that His grace is not limited. He can lift you from the pit and place you on the mountaintop. He can choose the smallest clan and make it into a great nation.

The eyes that once saw you as the least—God will cross over to make you great. The blessing on your life is not by luck or chance, but by the intentional hand of God. He is fully aware of the work He is doing in your life. You are on God’s mind, and His blueprint carries both you and your family.

The Lord’s hand will cross over every obstacle, every hindrance, to bless the least, the oppressed, the ignored, and the rejected.

Like Joseph, even if others try to push you aside or deny you your blessing, the Lord’s right hand will rest on you.

Ephraim received grace when his earthly father’s hands were crossed. And through the cross of Jesus Christ, our heavenly Father has given us even greater grace.

Receive King Jesus into your heart, and you too will receive grace and abundance for your life.

Prayer

Lord, I thank You that Your hand crosses over to bless me, even when others try to set me aside. Thank You that Your favor is intentional, and Your grace is greater than my qualifications, my past, or my place in life. Place Your right hand upon me and my family, and let Your blessing flow through every area of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

God Will Intervene In The Great Betrayal

For the Lord had determined to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, so that He could bring disaster on Absalom!”

2 Samuel 17:14 NLT

Absalom, one of David’s sons, was on a mission to become the next king. He tried to overthrow David’s kingdom before his time and crown himself. To win people’s hearts, he began acting like the “kind ruler.” Every morning, he stood at the city gate to meet those who came for judgment. He would say, “It’s too bad there is no one to hear your case—if only I were judge in the land!” When people bowed before him, he refused their bow but instead took them by the hand and kissed them, pretending to care deeply. He continued this for four years until he stole the hearts of the people.

Absalom also deceived many of David’s counselors, including Ahithophel, David’s most trusted advisor, whose counsel was considered as if it came from God. But Ahithophel carried a long-standing bitterness toward David and used this chance to betray him by joining Absalom’s side.

When David realized his own son and his most trusted counselor had risen against him, he fled with a small group of soldiers, family members, bodyguards, and advisors, carrying the ark of the covenant with them. On the way, a loyal guest insisted on staying with David, vowing to remain with him in life or death.

David climbed the Mount of Olives weeping, barefoot, and covering his head in sorrow. When he heard that Ahithophel had sided with Absalom, he prayed: “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9). He asked God to turn Ahithophel’s wisdom into foolishness.

God answered. Absalom, who normally followed only Ahithophel’s counsel, unusually sought a second opinion from Hushai, David’s loyal friend who had returned to Absalom pretending loyalty. Hushai gave advice that contradicted Ahithophel, and Absalom chose to follow instead. Hushai secretly warned David, giving him time to escape.

When Ahithophel saw that his advice had been rejected, he went home and hanged himself. Later, Absalom too was killed in battle. If Absalom had followed Ahithophel’s original plan by sending 12,000 soldiers, David’s life would have been in grave danger. But God overruled the wisdom of man and turned it into foolishness.

We are reminded of Absaloms and Ahithophels in our own lives. It is very unfortunate that we live in a world where even our own friends, family, and trusted alliances can turn against us. The same people who spend time eating and drinking with us might have a hidden agenda. They might rise against us, gathering others to defeat us. We may even see them grow stronger and stronger while we grow weaker and weaker. Like David, we might be moaning and weeping over the great betrayal from our own.

The Bible teaches us to build an altar of worship in the time of crisis, just as David did on the Mount of Olives. How many may ever come against you, making plans to devour—be encouraged to know that we have a God in heaven, who sees our cry, feels our pain, and knows our wandering and weeping. The same God who turned the wise man Ahithophel’s advice against him will do the same for you.

The enemies hoped to overpower us, but God will make quite the opposite happen.

David patiently waited, hoping in God, and God kept him safe. In the same way, He will keep us in His safe haven and subdue our enemies in due time. Our very own can disown us, but God will send strangers to be on our side to strengthen us.

The Lord will turn Ahithophel’s advice of destruction into a memorable victory.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You that You are our refuge and our stronghold. Help us to trust in Your timing and Your plans, knowing that what was meant for our destruction, You can turn into a memorable victory. 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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