Tag Archives: #grace

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

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

Leave Vengeance to God

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

Romans 12:19 ESV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

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Daily Christian Devotion

This House Will Be Blessed

“And the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.”

2 Samuel 6:11

David gathered all the chosen men of Israel to carry the ark of the covenant from Abinadab’s house, which was on the hill. The ark of the covenant represents the dwelling place of the Lord. This was not just a wooden chest covered in gold, but the very symbol of God’s holy presence among His people.

They placed the ark on a new cart, driven by Uzzah and led by Ahio, the sons of Abinadab. The ark was transported with joyful noise and celebration.

But while they were on the way, the oxen stumbled. Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark of the covenant, and the anger of the Lord burned against him. God struck him down instantly because of his irreverence.

The death of Uzzah may seem unfair, but God had given Moses clear instructions on how the ark should be handled — with reverence and holy fear. The ark was to be carried by the priests on their shoulders using poles fitted into its rings. No one else was permitted to touch it.

David became afraid and decided not to take the ark to the city of David. Instead, it was redirected to the house of Obed-edom. The ark remained there for three months, and the house of Obed-edom was blessed because of the ark. Later, his descendants even became doorkeepers of the sanctuary, leaving a lasting legacy.

Before it was brought out of Abinadab’s house, the ark had been there for 21 years. Uzzah and Ahio grew up with it and became so familiar that they took the presence of God for granted. Even David disregarded the instructions, which cost Uzzah his life.

Obed received the ark with confidence, even after hearing of Uzzah’s death. For three months he honored the presence of God — offering sacrifices, shedding the blood of lambs, and worshiping the LORD with reverence. Because of this humble worship and obedience, Obed-edom and his household received mercy and were richly blessed in all they had and did.

The Lord questions His people in another place:

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you

Malachi 1:6 ESV

Scripture is very clear — there is no compromise in the respect and honor we must give to Yahweh. The presence of the Lord brings fullness of joy, but dishonor brings fear and judgment.

When David saw the blessing upon Obed-edom, he corrected his error. This time he carried the ark as God commanded and brought it into Jerusalem with singing and dancing.

Now re-examine the honor you give to the Creator of heaven and earth. You may have known the Lord for years, even generations, but have you become so familiar that you take His presence for granted — like the house of Abinadab?

When the presence of God is treated lightly, He withdraws, leaving fear, uncertainty, and even loss. Scripture reminds us that only the blood of Jesus makes reconciliation with the Father possible.

The story of Obed is the great revelation that the blood of Jesus is the only mediator between us and God. The Father overlooks our sins and shortcomings only through the blood of His Son.

As you believe and claim the finished work of the cross, you are redeemed from the curse and the aftermath of sin. Receive Jesus Christ with complete confidence — His blood covers it all.

Worship Yeshua, the Lamb of God, in reverence, believing in your heart that He is the ultimate sacrifice for you and for your household. The presence of God is revived in every home that honors the name of Jesus.

Only the blood of Jesus can set right your past. God is giving you an opportunity by redirecting His presence into your house — receive Him with joy, and receive Him with due honor.

Prayer:

Father, we honor Your holy presence and welcome You into our homes and our lives. Help us never to take You for granted but to walk in reverence and awe of Your name. Cover us with the precious blood of Jesus, and may our households be blessed as we worship You in spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion, Uncategorized

Time Has Come For God To Show Mercy

“You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭102‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Joseph, the second-youngest of the 12 brothers, had his low and high moments in life. This phase of his life was when he was falsely accused and imprisoned.

During his prison time, Joseph was confined with two others—a cupbearer and a baker.

One night, both the cupbearer and the baker had dreams with different interpretations but at the same time.

The next day, both of their countenances looked troubled. Joseph inquired and asked, “Why do your faces look downcast?”

They replied, saying they had a dream, but there was nobody to interpret it. Joseph insisted that they share the dreams, for interpretation belongs to God.

Joseph interpreted correctly that the cupbearer would be restored back to office in three days, while the baker would be hanged in three days. Joseph requested the cupbearer to kindly remember him, because he was wrongly imprisoned.

After a couple of years, Pharaoh had dreams that troubled his spirit. Pharaoh sent for magicians and all the wise men in the land to interpret the dreams, but none could interpret them for him. During such a time, the cupbearer, who had been restored to Pharaoh’s office, remembered the young Hebrew boy and his gift of interpreting dreams.

He recommended Joseph to Pharaoh. Pharaoh’s servants, by his instruction, brought Joseph out of the prison.

Joseph groomed himself, changed his clothes, and appeared before Pharaoh.

Joseph once again revealed God’s plan for Egypt by interpreting the dreams correctly. Pharaoh was impressed and put Joseph in charge of handling the horrific famine, which needed a wise man to manage. Joseph gave brilliant ideas to handle the famine, and the people had enough for themselves and were able to share with others as well. Joseph was promoted as a second in command in Egypt.

This Hebrew boy Joseph had really faced enough troubles since his youth. He was a victim of jealousy. He narrowly escaped being murdered, was sold as a slave to a faraway place he knew nothing about, was later falsely accused of moral failure, and then was thrown into prison.

It seemed to be a very long journey of rejection, pain, and humiliation. Yet in all of this, Joseph had the favor of God. When the time came for God to show mercy on Joseph, God brought people under the same prison roof, disturbed someone else’ with a dream, and exalted Joseph’s gift for a divine breakthrough.

God’s favor reached not only common men but also leaders in authority, bringing Joseph out of the pit. The Bible even describes the prison as a pit, for in those days it was likely built that way.

God’s favor in the set time kept pushing Joseph forward until he received his crown and God received the glory. The door God opened for him was never shut again.The God who showered mercy on Joseph will also shower mercy upon us.

You may be a victim of jealousy, or you may be someone your parents wished they never had. Maybe you are hated and humiliated by your own siblings like Joseph.The journey of your life may seem clueless, filled with tears, and hopeless about how the future will look.

Although everything around you looks strange and foreign, be encouraged—you did not make it this far without the favor of God. A set time has come for God to show favor on the house of Zion. At this time, the intervention of God will even nullify common sense of how things should work out.

The seasons will be favorable to you. Distance will not defile the plan of God. God will realign situations in such a way that you are positioned to receive the full portion of His favor.

Like the cupbearer, God will bring help under your roof to lift you. For Joseph, sharing the dream that revealed God’s plan once put him in the pit. God used the same mode to bring him out of the prison and placed him among princes. God will also do the same for you.

We serve the same God that Joseph served. God, in His sovereignty, is ready to show mercy to you and your household through Jesus. As you wait upon Jesus and continue to love Him and honor Him in your situation, at the set time all the prison doors will open for you to walk out, possess, and embrace exaltation.

Get ready to groom yourself and be clothed in the glory of God. God will open a door that no man can shut.

Prayer

Lord, I thank You for Your favor that never fails. Just as You lifted Joseph from the pit to the palace, lift me out of every place of rejection and hopelessness. Open the doors that no man can shut, and let my life bring glory to Your name. 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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Daily Christian Devotion

Give It All To Him

8th Sep 2025

James 1:2–4 (ESV)

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

In a time of severe famine, when food and water were scarcely available, God still had a plan to feed His people. He instructed the prophet Elijah to go and live in the village of Zarephath, assuring him that a widow there would provide for him.

As Elijah entered the city gate, he saw a widow gathering sticks. He asked her for some water, and as she went to get it, he also asked for a piece of bread. The widow explained her desperate condition—she had only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. She was preparing a final meal for herself and her son, after which they expected to die.

Elijah told her, “Make a small loaf for me first, and then make some for yourself and your son. For the Lord says: The flour will not be used up, and the jar of oil will not run dry until He sends rain on the earth.” She obeyed, and as God promised, the flour and oil never ran out. They ate and were satisfied for many days.

It is striking that God chose this particular widow to sustain Elijah during famine. The Lord could have sent him to a wealthy home with plenty stored away, but instead He went to a house where there was no man to provide, no field to work, and nothing left for tomorrow. In those days, widows often survived only on the kindness of others. Yet God chose her home to reveal His power.

This widow believed she and her son would die after their last meal. Yet God asked her to give to a stranger from her very little. Humanly speaking, it sounds unreasonable—almost impossible. But when she obeyed, she discovered that her little became endless in the hands of God.

This shows us something powerful: God often selects people for blessing long before they realize it. He saw this woman in her hopelessness, her affliction, and her insecurity, and He set her apart for a miracle. The same is true for us. God may send someone into your life with a genuine need—or someone who tests your patience, time, and resources—so that through the stretching, His goodness and provision are unveiled.

What Elijah asked of the widow may have sounded ruthless, but it was the doorway to her breakthrough. Not everyone who enters your life comes with bad intentions. Some are sent by God so that through the pressing and the breaking, you will begin to produce fresh oil. We are handpicked, tested, and tried so that we may be made complete in Him.

This widow, in her darkest moment, chose to believe the promise of God. She obeyed and gave her last portion, and in return, she saw an overflowing blessing. God delights in blessing those who surrender everything to Him. He asked for her “nothing” so He could give her “more than enough.”

Give to God—even the least you have—and you will see His faithfulness take its full course in your life.

As promised, you will lack nothing:

1 Kings 17:14 (ESV)

“‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that even in seasons of famine, You are the God of abundance. Strengthen our faith to give, to serve, and to trust You fully, so that we may see Your overflowing provision and goodness in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

He Heals the Brokenhearted

Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

One man, holding his broken pottery, walked into a shop believing it could be fixed. This potter’s shop looked delicate yet beautiful, displaying great craftsmanship. The man felt disappointed because this pottery was once his chandelier—the first thing anyone noticed when they entered his house. It was not only beautiful but also part of the home’s identity.

He then went to a place where the art of Kintsugi was practiced—the Japanese craft of restoring broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The shattered vessel was placed into the gentle hands of a skilled workman, who carefully gathered each fragment and set them back in place. With patience, he sealed the cracks with lacquer and dusted them with gold, transforming the once-broken pottery into something even more beautiful than before.

When the workman handed the finished pottery back to the man, he was overjoyed. He carried it home, hung the chandelier, and displayed it under the light. The brokenness had become the beauty of the pottery. The cracks now formed a unique pattern through the master’s workmanship, and the pottery became even more valuable. Under the light, its beauty was admired by everyone who saw it.

Similarly, in our lives, we may go through seasons of brokenness that seem beyond repair. The pain you carry may refuse to be comforted. The disappointments you bear may feel unfair. A once beautiful life—where people praised and honored you—may seem shattered into pieces. The very people who once valued you may now treat you as if you are worthless.

But the Word of God brings encouragement: walk straight into the hands of the Master Craftsman who created you in your mother’s womb and called you by name (Jeremiah 1:5). The blood of Jesus covers your pain, shame, and guilt caused by brokenness. He heals your bruised soul and crowns you with goodness. Just as the cracks in the pottery were filled with gold, your scars will be covered with His glory.

The very things people once looked down on you for will become the very things God uses to display His power. When you carry the light of God, people will not only see His light but also glorify the Master. You will never be the same. Your brokenness will bring hope and healing to others. Your words will carry value, and your life will reflect God’s divine love.

So, do not delay in giving your brokenness to Him—whether it is relationships, sickness, poverty, or lack of knowledge. The Master Workman, Jesus, is waiting with care and comfort. He will not simply put the pieces back the way you imagined but far beyond human comprehension. Once in His hands, you are changed—forever redeemed.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus Christ and for His blood that heals the brokenhearted. Today, I give You my life, my situations, and my brokenness. I pray that You bring healing and that Your name be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

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Uncategorized

Embrace the chase to see the Glory

“…and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” Exodus 14:4 NLT

One man was trying to transport a great white shark from one place to another. He placed a few fighter fish in with it to chase the shark. The person assisting him wondered why he would intentionally hurt the shark, knowing that the fighter fish could injure or even kill it. The man explained that certain fish species must be kept active to breathe properly, especially those that rely on constant movement for water to pass over their gills. This act was done to support the shark’s survival until it reached the great ocean. Though it was being chased, it was for the purpose of survival and thriving.

This passage reminds us of a similar act when God instructed Moses to let the Israelites camp in a place that appeared to trap them—with the sea in front and Pharaoh’s army behind—so that the historic chase would eventually display the glory of God and show that He is the great I AM.

To the Egyptians, it looked as if the Israelites were an easy target, and so they began to chase. As the Israelites saw the great army approaching, the first thing that came out of their mouths was murmuring about their situation. They quickly forgot that this was the same God who had sent plagues upon their enemies just days earlier to set them free.

When Moses brought the plea before God, His response was simple and sounded like: “You know what to do when someone chases—just get moving” (Exodus 14:15). That act of moving with God’s instructions gave the people of God the greatest milestone in history—the Red Sea parted, the people crossed over, and their enemies drowned. What looked like a trap became a glorious escape, revealing the glory of God.

The Word of God encourages us today that He is fully aware of the chase and who is chasing you. He knows the trap, and He sees the sea before you.

This “fighter fish” kind of situation is allowed in your life to keep you moving, progressing, and growing stronger—so that the great glory of God may be revealed as He leads you into your promised land.

The enemy will not triumph over you, and the sea will not overcome you. He is the God who makes a way when there seems to be no way.

So take heart. Stop murmuring, and remember how God has displayed His power to set you free in the past. Thank Him for His mercies. Embrace the chase, because the Egyptians you see today—you will never see again (Exodus 14:13 NLT). Your promised land is waiting for you.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me free from the hand of the enemy. Help me not to murmur but to thank and praise You in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, I ask. 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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