Tag Archives: discipleship

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.

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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.

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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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