Tag Archives: discipleship

Daily Christian Devotion

Stop The Noise and Hear The Voice

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

Psalm 46:10 NLT

I happened to watch one of my daughter’s town basketball games. The home team—my daughter’s team—was focused, playing with excellence, and already leading toward victory. At halftime, the opponent’s senior football team walked in to watch the girls play.

While everyone in the gym was quietly enjoying the game, the boys from the football team began making strange noises, distracting the home team. One of the star players was given a penalty shot. I’ve hardly ever seen her miss a basket, but just as she aimed, one of the boys made a loud noise, and she missed. On her second attempt, their conversations and giggles echoed through the quiet gym, distracting her again.

The referee noticed what they were doing and saw that it was intentional. He stopped the game and firmly instructed the boys to show discipline and respect—especially as fellow athletes. He then asked the opponent’s coach to send them out of the gym.

The star player aimed a third time—this time with fewer distractions—and she scored. With renewed focus, the home team went on to seal the victory.

As children of God, moments like this remind us to ignore the noise and stay focused on the goal set before us. It is crucial that we learn to tune out distractions and tune our hearts to God’s voice.

David inquired of the Lord every time he faced his enemies. It wasn’t a one-time habit—it was continual. As a king, he interacted with countless people daily—hearing complaints, petitions, official matters, and even the concerns of his own family. Yet in the midst of all that noise, David continually withdrew to hear from God in the now moment. He moved forward with confidence because his ears were trained to listen to the Lord.

Jesus also modeled this. He rose early, while it was still dark, just to step away from the noise and listen to the Father in prayer.

God speaks to us in the same way He spoke to David. And the greater the calling on your life, the greater the noise that will try to distract you.

Just like noise-canceling headphones help you hear clean sound and block out interference, pray that the Holy Spirit quiets your spirit so you can clearly hear the voice of God.

Where you are going depends on what you are willing to leave behind. To hear that still, small whisper from God, you must shut out the noise around you. Don’t entertain that conversation, that phone call, that place, or that group of people who brings unnecessary noise to distract you.

Do whatever it takes to clear the atmosphere so you can receive that one instruction, that one step forward, that one word of guidance from the Lord.

Prayer:

Father, quiet every noise that pulls my attention away from You. Teach me to be still, to hear Your voice, and to follow Your guidance with clarity and confidence. Tune my ears to Heaven, and lead me in the way I should go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
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.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Set your mind on things above

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Colossians 3:2 ESV

A very famous Indian actress was once found dead in a hotel room in the world’s tallest building. A woman once celebrated for her beauty and grace was now reduced to a body prepared for autopsy. The media rushed to capture the first image of her face after death, but none succeeded. Her face remained hidden—veiled in mystery. Only during her funeral, once she was flown back to her hometown, was her face finally revealed—fully covered in makeup.

This woman had spent so much time, effort, and resources on her physical appearance. She was always careful about how she presented herself to the world. So even after her autopsy, her family ensured she looked beautiful.

But no matter how beautifully a body is decorated, one day it will still return to dust—buried, cremated, or eaten by worms.

We often live as though we will be here forever. But the truth is, even with long life and God’s grace, a person may live around 100 years. After a short time, even family may forget we existed. Time moves on. The world does not pause for anyone. The clock is ticking for every single one of us.

We care so much about how we look on the outside, yet many neglect the condition of the soul—the very part that remains long after this physical body fades.

This actress, who worked hard and gained fame, wealth, and influence—who invested so much in her outward beauty—still returned to dust. The industry she served, the people who adored her, and even her close family… slowly began to move on.

Yet the Bible says that those who belong to Jesus Christ will be transformed and live eternally with Him in glory (1 Corinthians 15:52–54).

Those who hear the truth and believe do not fear death—because Jesus Christ is the Hope of Glory.

So now the question stands before each of us:

Even if you gain the whole world but lose your soul—what have you truly gained?

(Matthew 16:26)

Scripture calls us to set our minds on eternity, not merely on this short earthly existence. Everything we possess today will one day belong to someone else—they may or may not preserve it the way we do. We work so hard to build a life that cannot follow us beyond the grave. We toil for something we see and enjoy for only a few years. Nothing here truly belongs to us.

But there is a place that lasts forever—a place prepared in heaven where there is no sorrow, no pain, no darkness, and no death (Revelation 21:4).

And there is only one way to that place:

Jesus Christ—the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.

(John 14:6)

There is no karma in the Kingdom of God determining your eternity. Good works do not earn salvation. Only the blood of Jesus secures our place in heaven.

So, set your mind above to dwell in glory with Jesus for eternity.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, teach me to number my days and live with eternity in mind. Help me not chase what fades, but hold tightly to what lasts forever. Transform my heart and renew my soul. Draw me closer to You daily, that I may walk in truth, hope, and salvation. Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

A Heart Of Gratitude Attracts God

“Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider He has thrown into the sea.” Exodus 15:21 (ESV)

Miriam, the first prophetess mentioned in the Bible and the sister of Moses and Aaron, was born into slavery under oppression. Scholars often call her a visionary. She played a significant role in saving her baby brother Moses—watching over the basket floating along the Nile until he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter. With wisdom and courage, she ensured that their mother became Moses’ nurse in the palace. Miriam is remembered for her faith, resilience, boldness, and leadership.

During the time of Exodus, the Israelites lived under harsh bondage. They were burdened by relentless labor, crushed by taskmasters, and surrounded by an oppressive atmosphere for many generations. But after God performed miraculous signs and wonders—and after the Red Sea parted and closed behind them—freedom finally came.

Right after Israel crossed the sea and witnessed the greatest deliverance of their lives, Miriam—the prophetess—led the women with singing, dancing, tambourines, and worship.

The beautiful irony is this: even in the years of bondage, she kept a tambourine ready and a song in her heart.

No oppression, burden, or responsibility silenced her praise.

While others packed silver and gold, Miriam packed joy. She carried an instrument of worship because she expected God to move.

She became the first recorded worship leader in Scripture—ushering in praise after the long-awaited freedom from slavery.

The Bible never records Miriam complaining during captivity. Instead, she is remembered as joyful and confident in the Lord. Her immediate response to victory reveals a lifestyle of praise—not something spontaneous, but something practiced.

Miriam was content in every season because she carried worship on her lips and gratitude in her heart.

Today, the Word of God reminds us to do the same:

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

When Jesus healed ten lepers, only one returned to thank Him. Jesus noticed—and He asked, “Where are the other nine?” Gratitude matters to God.

Thanking God for what He has done is gratitude.

Thanking Him for what He will do is faith.

A grateful heart attracts the presence of God. As long as breath fills your lungs, choose to thank Him.

Gratitude changes posture, perspective, and destiny. When we cultivate gratitude toward God, we also learn to appreciate people He sent to help us on the journey.

Gratitude will take you places.

Thankfulness will open doors.

Praise will bring down walls.

Prayer:

Lord, give me a heart like Miriam—full of praise, gratitude, and faith. Help me worship through every season and trust You before I see the breakthrough. Let thankfulness always flow from my heart and lips. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

God’s covenant still stands true

Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you”

Hebrews 6:13-14 ESV

In ancient times, covenant ceremonies were sacred and solemn. Animals were cut in half, symbolizing that whoever broke the covenant would suffer the same fate. Both parties would walk between the pieces, signifying their commitment to uphold the agreement.

When God made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15, He instructed him to bring a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon. Abraham obeyed—he presented them to the Lord, killed them, and laid the halves side by side. As he fell into a deep sleep, the Bible says a thick and dreadful darkness came over him, and God Himself made a covenant with Abraham, promising to bless him and his descendants forever.

“After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses.” Genesis 15:17 (NLT)

God alone passed between the pieces—showing that the covenant’s fulfillment rested solely on His promise, not on Abraham’s ability to keep it. God knew Abraham would fail, and humanity would fail too. Therefore, God swore by Himself—because there is no one greater—ensuring His promise would stand through all generations.

This sacrificial act pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice who renewed the covenant between God and humanity through His blood. The covenant still stands today, and the promise still remains over you and your generations.

But to walk in agreement with this everlasting covenant, you must believe in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. God does not look at your good deeds, charity, or the kindness of your heart as the entry point into this covenant. These are beautiful reflections of Christ’s love, but they cannot replace faith in His finished work. Only by believing in the blood of Jesus—the sacrificial Lamb—can you step into the Abrahamic covenant and its blessings for you and your descendants.

When God swore by Himself, He declared that there is no one greater. He has no equal. He is the Great I Am. He is not a man that He should lie, nor unfaithful like us. What He has spoken will be fulfilled.

If you feel distant from God today, know that His covenant still stands. Come back into the everlasting covenant He established through Jesus Christ. Believe in His sacrifice, and you will experience the promises of Abraham upon your life.

Your perfection cannot bring you into this covenant—but the blood of Jesus Christ can.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the everlasting covenant You established through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to believe fully in His sacrifice and walk in the blessings of the Abrahamic promise. Renew my heart and draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Need More? Do More

“‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

Luke 19:26 (ESV)

God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.

After six days of creation, God looked at all His work and was pleased. He created man in His own image, formed him from the dust of the ground, breathed into him the breath of life, and commanded him to work and keep the garden He had made.

The irony is that God gave authority to man over everything, yet He still commanded him to work. Throughout Scripture, we never find an idle man whom God used or blessed.

When God called Abraham and promised to bless and multiply him, Abraham still worked diligently. His increase was the fruit of faith combined with effort. Everything God places into our hands must be put to work.

Even Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrated that idleness is not what God expects of us. He worked faithfully in His Father’s business. When choosing His disciples, He didn’t call idle men—He called fishermen, tax collectors, and laborers—men already engaged in their work.

In the parable of the minas, Jesus teaches that every gift placed in our hands must bear fruit. Before traveling to a far country, a nobleman entrusted his servants with money, commanding them to “Engage in business until I return.” When he came back, one servant had gained ten minas more, another five, but one returned only what was given, making excuses for his inaction. The nobleman was angry and ordered that the mina be taken from him and given to the one who had ten. He rebuked the idle servant for not even depositing it in the bank to earn interest.

God expects the same of us. Too often, we fail to recognize the gifts He has placed in our hands. Those who are busy using what God has given rarely have time to criticize others. It is usually the idle who find fault with those who are fruitful.

The person who invests their time and effort in their family, business, ministry, or calling focuses on growth, excellence, and stewardship. While some complain, the diligent keep working—and God rewards them with more.

God sees the heart and knows the intent behind every action. When your ways please Him, and when you are faithful with the little you have, He will multiply it.

Your gifts and talents will be recognized.

Your ministry will grow and flourish.

Your business will thrive.

For our God is a God of increase. He multiplies what He places in our hands when we acknowledge and use it. But if we do nothing with the gifts He’s entrusted to us, Scripture warns that even what we have will be taken away.

Stop making excuses. Focus on what is given to you, put it to work, and glorify God through it.

If you are breathing and in your right mind, God is waiting for you to act and respond to the gifts and talents He has placed within you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts and talents You’ve placed in my hands. Help me to be faithful in using them for Your glory. Teach me diligence, discipline, and humility as I labor in Your purpose. May all that I do bear fruit that honors You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Choose The Good Portion

“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41-42 ESV

Mary and Martha, the two sisters of Lazarus from Bethany—Lazarus being a very close friend of Jesus—welcomed Him into their home. When Jesus was invited to their house, it was a joyful celebration for them. Martha, known for her hospitality, was busy moving around, preparing food, and cooking. She wanted to impress Jesus and make Him feel special. She gave her very best through physical effort, serving with all her heart and joyfully performing her duties.

On the other hand, Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus, gazing at His beauty and eagerly listening to His words. Martha became frustrated and complained to Jesus, saying that Mary was doing nothing but sitting there. She even asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her.

But Jesus gently answered Martha, pointing out that she was anxious and worried about many things, while Mary had chosen the better part—one that would not be taken away from her. Jesus acknowledged that what Mary chose was greater than what Martha was doing. Martha wanted to give her best to Jesus, but Mary wanted to receive the best from Him.

Jesus showed that Martha was caught up in worldly activities, while Mary laid aside distractions to enjoy His presence. Mary understood that this moment was precious—every minute spent at His feet was worth more than anything else.

God desires the same from us. Honoring and serving Him through actions is good, but what He truly longs for is our heart and our devotion. The Bible reminds us that God does not ultimately delight in sacrifices or offerings but in a heart fully surrendered to Him.

Anything that takes us away from devotion is a mere distraction. Serving God with all our strength can bring us joy, but being still and worshiping Jesus will give us peace.

When we are busy with God’s outward service, we are working for Him, but when we seek Jesus, we are communing with Him. The Bible says it is better to listen than to speak. Listening is a complete surrender of oneself, honoring the presence of someone greater. It shows respect for the one speaking and a willingness to receive. Above all, when Jesus is speaking, it is like drinking wisdom directly from the source itself.

King David beautifully declared:

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Psalm 16:11 ESV

David, though he was a mighty king with wealth, strength, and wisdom, knew that nothing compared to the presence of God.

The world and its cares often leave us anxious, fearful, and uncertain. But when our focus shifts to God, His Word strengthens us, His love drives out fear, and His fellowship fills every lack. The enemy constantly seeks to distract us from focusing on God, but we must examine our lives, remove worldly distractions, and devote time to fellowship with Him.

Balance your life—serve God, but also sit at His feet and seek His presence. This is the “good portion” that God acknowledges, and it will never be taken away from you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me to lay aside my distractions and worries, and choose the better portion—time in Your presence. May my heart always delight in Your Word, and may I never lose the peace and fullness that comes from Your presence. Amen.

Standard
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.

Standard
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.

Standard