Tag Archives: comfort

Daily Christian Devotion

Is It Really Worth to offer a life?

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction!But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.”

— 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)

John Harper, a Scottish pastor, boarded the famous RMS Titanic to preach in Moody’s Church in Chicago.

He was accompanied by his six-year-old daughter and his sister.

On April 15, 1912, the majestic ship hit an iceberg and began to sink, as we all are aware. Pastor Harper had just put his daughter to bed when he saw people running to survive. He quickly wrapped his daughter in a blanket and handed her over to the crew to be placed in lifeboat number 11.

Witnesses saw him praying and preaching on his knees, calling out for souls to believe in Jesus Christ and be saved. He later sank beneath the icy water, still preaching the good news—even in that moment of tragedy.

Five years later, when there was a gathering of the Titanic survivors, one man stood up and said that he was the last convert of Pastor Harper.

He shared that Pastor Harper had asked him, “Are you saved?” The man replied, “No.” Pastor Harper then handed him his own life jacket and shared the good news: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”

Later, the man saw Pastor Harper holding on to a piece of wreckage, using what little strength he had left to preach the message of salvation for almost an hour—lifting up the name of Jesus before he sank.

Until his last breath, as Jesus asked us, he preached the gospel to the perishing souls. He knew that his final stop would be with Jesus, and his dying desire was to share that assurance with lost and hopeless hearts.

Death did not scare him—he faced it with courage and faith.

For many, what Pastor Harper did in that panicking environment might have looked foolish. But the Bible says:

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction,but to us who are being saved, it is the very power of God.”— 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)

The greatest opposition in this world is against the message of the cross, and the most severe persecution—even unto death—is faced by those who carry the gospel.

Many have been beheaded, stripped naked, beaten, burned alive, thrown into hot oil, lost their families, possessions, names, and reputation—yet they still considered it worth saving at least one single soul for eternity.

Death or the threat of death never stopped those zealous servants from sharing the gospel. For them, losing was gain for Jesus.

None of those who died for the gift of salvation were forced to lose their lives; they did it out of the joy of the Lord—to let others taste the goodness of God through Jesus Christ.

Those who received Jesus Christ and were ready to die for Him knew that every soul is precious and deserves eternal life.

They knew it was worth dying because Jesus Himself found us worth dying for.

The greatest gift you can offer anyone is Jesus Christ.

Pray for your loved ones to be saved, and preach the gospel—for it is the will of God.

If Pastor Harper could share the love of Christ while dying in that dark, freezing, ice-cold water—leaving his daughter an orphan—then you can also share the gospel sitting in your cozy, comfortable environment.

Every soul is worth being saved, just like yours.

Don’t waste any more time, for you never know—someone might be that last soul God wants to reach through you.

Above all, The Word of God brings encouragement to the lost and hopeless, reminding us that the gospel is the power of God. Believe in Jesus and be saved. You are worth the price He paid.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the power of the cross and for the salvation You freely gave.Let Your compassion burn within me, and may every word I speak draw someone closer to You.

In Your precious name,

Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Your Cry Has Reached His Ears

“In my distress, I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.”

— Psalm 18:6

During my childhood, in my parents’ home, we had a helper who assisted us with cleaning and cooking. She had a troubled marriage and three kids. Her husband was cheating on her, and both he and his new girlfriend were abusing her emotionally.

The distressed woman often shared her agony and expressed her pain to my mom. She continued to do that every single day. My mom listened patiently for some time, and then she got tired of hearing the same story over and over again.

Later, when our helper realized that my mom was no longer showing any interest, she started talking to herself and pretending to have conversations with her husband. Slowly, she began to yell at her imaginary husband.

Whenever we walked in during those moments, she would stop what she was doing and focus on her work. It got so bad that she started to literally fight with her imaginary husband, and she couldn’t even rest from doing that. Eventually, she began to throw things against her imaginary husband.

We couldn’t help her much because we didn’t know Jesus back then. Sadly, she ended up in a hospital that treated people with mental health conditions, and she remained there as her condition worsened. That is how an unaddressed and distressed person’s mental health can become damaged.

But a distressed woman named Hannah in the Bible handled it differently.

A man named Elkanah had two wives—Hannah and Peninnah. The world of Peninnah was full of life and celebration, while Hannah’s world was full of shame and heartache because she was barren.

Fortunately, her husband loved Hannah. It was the custom for Elkanah to go up year after year to sacrifice and worship the Lord at Shiloh. Elkanah gave a double portion of the sacrifice to Hannah compared to Peninnah, who went to the house of the Lord with her sons and daughters.

Peninnah provoked and grieved Hannah because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb. Hannah went often to the house of the Lord, and as often as she went, she was provoked by her rival.

Hannah refused to eat and looked too sad, even though her husband tried to comfort her. One day, she was deeply distressed, and she wept bitterly and prayed to God for a son.

Hannah was making a vow and speaking in her heart—only her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. The priest Eli watched and mistook her for a drunken woman. He rebuked her to withdraw from wine or strong drink.

She immediately responded humbly to the priest, saying she was speaking out of great anxiety and vexation. She explained that she was a woman troubled in spirit and had been pouring out her soul before the Lord.

Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you the petition that you have made to Him.” She returned home, and her face was no longer sad.

In due time, Hannah gave birth to a son and called him Samuel, saying, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”

Our helper and Hannah were both women of troubled spirits, desperately trying to put the pieces together and hold themselves up. But sadly, the constant harassment and mockery couldn’t let them hold it together.

There are people where their world may look like a celebration outside, but might be breaking apart inside. At least Hannah had a loving husband. Many times, we do not even have someone to share love or pain with. We might be left alone during such times of sadness.

To all who are vexed and grieving about something that is out of your control, I want to direct you to God’s mercy seat and encourage you to pour out your tears before Him. He does not judge you.

You may think, “How long?” The Bible says Hannah went year after year, and she wept as often as she was provoked and irritated and the Word of God brings encouragement—“Go in peace, and may God grant your petition.”

The peace of God will lift your countenance, and you will give birth to the answer to your prayer.

My mother and I were ignorant of the works of Jesus Christ back in those days, but today we are more than assured that He is a prayer-answering God. He is alive, and His Spirit gives comfort to anyone who seeks Him.

So, in your distress, need, and longing—seek the Lord. It is better to trust in the Lord than to seek man’s counsel.

Often, we are judged even in our distress. And a few of you who handle life’s challenges like a pro are also judged—because you don’t look unhappy in the way others expect you to. I tell you, keep it up! Continue to be lifted in the joy of the Lord.

Those who criticize your grief may not understand the depth of your pain, but if you draw near to God as David did, you will soon discover—every tear, every whisper, every cry is heard and answered by Him.

Come into the arms of the loving Father. He knows your name, He understands you, and He will walk with you through your pain and suffering. Your present suffering is nothing compared to the glory you will see soon.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

In my distress, I pour out my soul before You. Strengthen my heart, calm my spirit, and fill me with Your peace. Help me to trust that You hear my cry and will turn my sorrow into joy.

In Your precious name, I pray,

Amen.

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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.

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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.

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Daily Christian Devotion

No Good Thing Will Be Withheld

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Psalm 84:11 ESV

Cornelius was a man from Caesarea, serving as part of the Roman regime. The Bible describes him as a God-fearing and generous man, along with his household. Though he seemed open to worshiping any god that was introduced to him, the title God-fearing points to his belief in a supreme power above everything.

The Roman army was always hated and feared by the Jewish people. Yet Cornelius stood out as a man who was kind, helpful, and good to both his own people and the Jewish community. He was one of the most respected Roman soldiers among those who were otherwise seen as oppressors.

In Acts 10, we read that Cornelius had a devoted time of prayer, and one day an angel appeared to him in a vision, calling him by name: “Cornelius.”

“And he stared at him in terror and said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.’”

Acts 10:4 ESV

The angel gave Cornelius instructions to send for Peter. When Peter arrived, he shared the message of salvation with Cornelius and his household. Their search for the true God ended that day. The message of the cross and the love of Christ led them all to give their lives to Jesus, and they were baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The great message revealed through Cornelius is that God does not show favoritism. When your ways are upright, God finds His way into your life.

Many people today have a deep search for God. They know there is a supreme power above them. Their hearts naturally desire to do good, help others, and live uprightly. Yet, even while searching, they never cease to do good for those around them.

God honors such hearts. The Bible says that He does not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly. The greatest gift of all—salvation through Jesus Christ—was given to Cornelius and his household because of his sincere search for God and his generous heart.

Having Jesus Christ as your portion is the greatest gift heaven can release to you. Cornelius did not resist the message Peter preached. His heart immediately recognized that the emptiness inside could only be filled by Jesus. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were gathered—whether they had believed in Christ before or not.

The same God who sent an angel to guide Cornelius toward salvation will also meet you and your household. You may know someone—or perhaps you are the one—who walks uprightly and is God-fearing. Take courage: God will find His place in a heart that is humble and honorable.

Without God’s hand, no one can truly do good. Being good and doing good reflect the nature of God, but your life only finds true meaning when you allow Jesus into your heart. Christ completes your life and satisfies the longing inside.

To all who walk uprightly, the Word of God promises: “No good thing will He withhold.” You will receive every good portion from heaven, with Jesus Christ as the greatest treasure.

Keep praying. God will find His way into the hearts of upright people, and salvation will come to their household.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us through Cornelius that You do not show favoritism but look at the heart. Teach us to walk uprightly, to live generously, and to keep our hearts open to You. May our prayers and good works rise before You as a memorial. Bless our households with salvation, and let Your Spirit fall afresh on us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Learn To Hear The shepherd’s Voice

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

John 10:27 (NLT)

There was once an experiment to test whether sheep truly recognize and follow only their own shepherd’s voice. Three different shepherds were placed with three different flocks. Each shepherd was asked to call out to sheep that did not belong to him. No matter how skilled or trained the shepherds were, none of the sheep responded, because the voice was not their shepherd’s.

But when the rightful shepherd of each flock called out, something remarkable happened. The sheep immediately recognized the familiar sound and came running to him. They knew his voice, trusted him, and followed him because they had built that bond through daily care. Their shepherd was the one who fed them, gave them water, protected them from predators, and tended to them when they were sick.

This shows us a beautiful truth: sheep build trust with their shepherd because of relationship and consistency. A hired hand may abandon the sheep when danger comes, but the good shepherd stays and lays down his life for them. Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. He laid down His very life so that we might be saved from sin and death.

The Bible says His sheep hear His voice. Jesus invites us into fellowship with Him so that we may learn to recognize His voice and stay attentive to who is truly calling us. If sheep could follow the voice of anyone, they would be easily stolen. And even killed. In the same way, if we listen to voices other than Christ’s, we can be deceived or led astray.

God designed us as spiritual beings with the ability to hear His voice—far greater than sheep recognizing their shepherd. But to tune our ears to Him, we must cultivate a relationship with Jesus. He is the Good Shepherd who leads us to green pastures, who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep, and who protects us with His rod and staff. With Him, we are safe, shielded, and provided for.

We must be aware of those who pretend to come as our shepherd. The voice of Jesus is unique, and it is heard clearly through the Word of God. Unlike other voices, His voice does not condemn. His voice does not abandon. His voice does not bring fear. Instead, it brings comfort, healing, peace, provision, and protection.

When we follow His voice, Jesus assures us that no one can snatch us from His hand:

“…no one can snatch them away from me.”

John 10:28 (NLT)

Is anyone or anything powerful enough to snatch us from His strong and able hands?

Choose the Shepherd.

Choose the Good Shepherd, Jesus.

If you do, you shall never be in want again.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, my Good Shepherd, teach me to hear and follow only Your voice. Keep me safe in Your care, protect me from deception, and lead me daily into Your peace, provision, and love. Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

A Room For Peace And Prosperity

“I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.”Genesis 26:3–4 ESV

Isaac, the firstborn of Abraham and Sarah, lived during a time of famine. God instructed him to stay in Gerar in Palestine as a foreigner. God promised to bless him, just as He had promised Abraham.

Isaac planted seeds during the famine, and he harvested a hundredfold because of the favor of God. He not only became rich but also exceedingly prosperous in livestock, herds, and servants. His blessings continued to grow.

The blessing upon him made no sense to others. He planted during famine—a dry time, with no water, no favorable condition to grow crops. To others, it looked like a waste of time and resources. Yet his livestock multiplied, his crops flourished, and his wealth grew. The Bible does not say God sent rain—his only resource was God’s promise and His faithfulness.

But as we know, when others see us blessed, jealousy often rises. The Philistines around Isaac became very jealous and asked him to leave. They even filled the wells that Abraham’s servants had dug. Isaac’s blessing made them fearful.

Yet Isaac did not contend with them. He moved away and restored the wells his father had dug, renaming them. On top of that, he discovered a fresh well. But the local herdsmen quarreled with Isaac’s men and claimed it. So Isaac’s men named the place Esek, which means argument or contention.

Isaac did not fight back. He moved on and dug another well. Again, the locals claimed it, and that place was named Sitnah, meaning enmity. Still, Isaac’s men did not argue. They moved on and dug yet another well—and this time no one contended for it. Isaac named it Rehoboth, meaning room, for the Lord had made space for them to flourish.

As the Bible says,

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”Proverbs 16:7 ESV

Then King Abimelech came to Isaac in peace, admitting that he could see the favor and blessing of the Lord upon him. He acknowledged that God was with Isaac, and together they made a peace treaty. That very day, Isaac’s men found water, and the well was named Shibah—the well of oath. The city has been called Beersheba to this day.

The Word of God encourages us today that even in days of famine and uncertainty, God’s unfailing promise and favor will remain with us. When people around us see the hand of God in our lives, jealousy will rise. They may compare their lives with ours, and jealousy can grow into contention and enmity. They may even claim what belongs to you—your friends, family, possessions, positions, and property.

Like Isaac carried God’s promise and kept moving forward, we too must press on. Like Isaac restored and renamed the wells of his father, we should also dig and restore the wells of gifts and talents that were once covered and hidden—re-creating our lives for His glory.

Instead of pouring our energy into arguments and enmity, let us use our time wisely to rebuild our lives and bless those around us. In God’s time, He will open for us a Rehoboth—a well of blessing—where we will flourish in the land of the living. Your Rehoboth will even attract your enemies to make peace with you. The favor of God will cause others to testify, “Surely, God is with you.”

Isaac began his journey in Gerar (the lodging place). Through jealousy (Esek) and enmity (Sitnah), he was pushed to discover Rehoboth (room), and finally, he arrived at Beersheba—close to the promised land.

Every challenge, every argument, every contention that rises against the blessing of God in our lives will only serve to push us closer to the fulfillment of His promises. May we receive our portion as we move forward in God’s favor, carrying His promise and walking in His call.

“Don’t settle in the place of contention—keep digging until you reach your Rehoboth.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your unfailing promises that sustain us even in times of famine and uncertainty. Help us to build, restore, and walk in peace as we carry Your promise.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Allow God to deal the enemies His way

Romans 12:19

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

The king of Moab was threatened by the presence of the people of God. Their success made him insecure. When insecurity kicks in, people join forces against the ones they feel threatened by.

Likewise, the king joined with the elders of the Midianites. They met the fortuneteller Balaam and made a deal for a hefty price—that if he cursed Israel, he would be rewarded.

Balaam was known and believed to have words that carried weight. Tempted by the reward, he prepared to go. But the God of Israel intervened and commanded him not to go. Later, the Lord permitted him, but only on the condition that he speak what God put in his mouth.

In Numbers 23, the story unfolds. King Balak took Balaam to a high place to view Israel and asked him to curse them. Instead, Balaam blessed them.

Agitated, the king demanded to know why. Balaam said, “That is what the Lord put in my mouth.”

Still not convinced, Balak tried again. This time he showed only a fraction of Israel, hoping the curse would be easier. But Balaam blessed them even more vigorously, seeing the hand of God in their midst.

Frustrated, the king begged, “If you can’t curse them, at least don’t bless them.”

For a last attempt, Balak showed Balaam the wasteland instead of the fertile land. But the Spirit of God came upon Balaam, and he couldn’t stop praising the house of Israel.

He even prophesied that they would stand undefeated, and declared, “Whoever blesses Israel will be blessed, and whoever curses Israel will be cursed.”

Furious, Balak sent him away. But before departing, Balaam prophesied once more that the people of God would remain victorious over all their enemies.

The vengeance of God hits the enemies in unpredictable ways. The attack is not always physical. The above passage shows God’s way of revenge by turning every curse into a blessing.

Even today, we may face enemies who want us defeated—people who plot, curse, or speak against us. But the Word of God reminds us that when we love Him and obey His commandments, He works on our behalf.

There are people who gaslight us, provoke us, and expect us to lose our peace. Instead of reacting from the flesh, the Bible reminds us to mind our own business, keep building ourselves, and not give weight to their words or plans. Sometimes being still is the greatest weapon God can use—just like the people of Israel, who were unaware of the evil plan to curse them.

The Lord will frustrate the enemy by blessing you more and increasing you more. He will prove again and again that He is among you and that He fights for you.

Your house will be filled with praise, laughter, and peace. Scripture says no curse, no black magic, no power will prevail against you or your household. You will rise above every plot of the enemy.

The Lord will silence every lying tongue and set you as the head and not the tail.

So let not your anger override the vengeance of the Lord. Allow God to work on your behalf.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that vengeance belongs to You. Fill my house with joy, peace, and laughter, and let my life be a testimony that You fight for Your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Identify your Samson and Delilah

1 Peter 5:8–9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

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Christ, Uncategorized

I’am His And You Are Mine

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

— Isaiah 43:1

This is the true story of an eight-year-old girl who grew up in a village where strict religious rules were enforced. She was forced into marriage with a middle aged man—a religious leader who had already been married several times. To the villagers, marriage was portrayed as a gift from God, but for this young girl, it became a prison.

While she longed to run and play freely outside, she was weighed down with heavy garments and jewelry. Her days were filled with fear and anxiety. The wedding night was a traumatic experience, leaving her with pain, shame, and silence. She learned to obey without question and spoke only when spoken to, becoming a servant in her husband’s household.

By the age of eleven, her husband had brought another wife—just sixteen years old. That girl advised her to stay quiet, for that was all she herself had learned. At twelve, the young girl’s body began to change, and soon she was pregnant. She suffered greatly during her pregnancy and nearly died while giving birth at thirteen. The experience left her broken, filled with anger, emptiness, and questions about God and the injustice she endured.

One day, while secretly using her husband’s old phone, she stumbled upon videos of people sharing their testimonies about Jesus. Though she had been taught that even speaking His name was forbidden, she was drawn to the truth and freedom in their stories. That night, she whispered, “Jesus, come to me.”

In a dream, Jesus appeared, pulling her from a dark pit and saying, “You are not forgotten. You are loved. You are mine.”

In the midst of hostility and fear, she found peace. She discovered freedom and began to read the Bible secretly on a downloaded app. With each page, she gained strength and courage. When her cousin later discovered her reading Scripture, she confronted her. But the young girl refused to deny Jesus, because she had found unshakable boldness in His Word.

Her refusal led to violent persecution. She was locked up, beaten, threatened with fire, and accused of being possessed. Bruised and bloodied, she eventually escaped with the help of a local person. She found refuge with a Christian woman who cared for her and introduced her to a community of believers who had endured similar suffering.

Today, she testifies that Jesus has given her peace, love, and a sense of belonging. Though healing is a process—with scars and flashbacks—she draws strength from God’s presence. Now she helps others who have been abused, silenced, or forgotten, offering them hope and freedom in Christ.

You may not be that young girl in her situation, but you may know the feeling of being fearful, of being left alone, unheard, or of having dreams shattered. The Bible reminds us that the Lord sees your fear and says to you: “Fear not.”

The same Lord who found His way into her locked doors is here today, assuring you: “I have redeemed you.” You may not see a drastic change in your situation right away, but slowly and surely He will set you free and give you peace.

Scripture says, “I have called you by name,” which means the Lord knows the details of your situation—the family you come from and what you are facing right now. He assures you that you are not abandoned or forgotten. He says: “You are mine.”

He owns you, He owns your problems, and He takes ownership of your future to give you hope and everlasting joy. Give it all to Jesus and watch Him handle you with care.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that I am never forgotten. You know me by name and call me Your own. I give You my fears, my hurts, and my broken dreams. Fill me again with Your love, and give me peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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