Tag Archives: Jesus Christ

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.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Shift That Spotlight From You

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

— Romans 12:2 (ESV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

Standard
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.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

The Chosen Ones Receive the Signet Ring

On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”

— Haggai 2:23 (ESV)

A signet ring is no ordinary ring. It represents a family, an organization, a kingdom, or even the identity of an individual.

This ring is made of superior quality, marked with symbols, initials, or emblems.

In olden days, the signet ring was used to stamp official documents. The king used his signet ring to execute orders or sign decrees. When the scroll carried the king’s official seal, it meant the command could not be changed or overruled.

Often, the king would hand over his signet ring to a trusted person to act on his behalf. The one who held that ring carried power and authority to make decisions and execute royal orders.

Unlike today’s systems, where an executive order can be challenged or revoked, once the ancient king’s seal was stamped, the matter was settled—it was a done deal.

The king would only entrust this ring to someone trustworthy, brave, and loyal—someone he believed would execute his will wisely. Since the one wearing the signet ring represented the kingdom and bore the king’s image, any misuse of that authority could bring dishonor or destruction to the king’s name and reign. So it was not easy to earn that trust or carry that identity.

Even if you had ten rings on ten fingers, the signet ring had no equal—it carried the highest value and meaning.

The word for today was given through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel, who was leading the temple restoration. Tracing back his lineage, he belonged to the royal bloodline of David—whose descendants ruled the nation generation after generation.

But a curse had fallen on King Jehoiachin (Zerubbabel’s grandfather) that none of his descendants would ever sit on the throne of David because of their disobedience and wickedness.

(Jeremiah 22:24–30)

Three months after Jehoiachin ruled, the people were taken into exile in Babylon, and as the curse continued, his son never took the throne.

Yet, in Haggai 2:23, the Lord spoke through the prophet Haggai and reversed that curse. God restored power and authority to Zerubbabel, declaring him His chosen one—the signet ring of the Lord.

Jesus Christ, who is an incarnation of God the Father, holds the signet ring to reverse the curse and restore the power and authority to us. Anyone who believes in Him, worships Him, and walks in His way shares the same authority and power that Jesus has.

The Bible brings so much hope through Jesus Christ, who also belongs to the royal lineage of David and is the chosen one by the Father. The good news is, God, the almighty also calls us the chosen ones. (1 Peter 2:9)

You are not separated by countries, boundary lines, bloodlines, family lines, or beliefs. The Bible simply brings hope that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross.

No matter how broken your situation may look, how impossible restoration may seem, or how deeply wounded you may feel—emotionally or physically.

The Root of David, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, will intervene on your behalf .

Jesus Christ took up that cross to reveal your true identity. You are a trusted ally in the kingdom of God and with that authority, speak life over your situation.

Wear the signet ring of the Kingdom with humility and integrity to display God’s goodness and share the good news.

Heaven is counting on you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for calling me Your chosen one and restoring my authority through Jesus Christ.Even when life feels broken or uncertain, remind me that I carry Your mark—Your signet ring of love and power.Help me walk in confidence, speak life over my circumstances, and reflect Your kingdom wherever I go.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Instead Of Your Shame Receive Your Double Portion

“Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion; therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs.”

— Isaiah 61:7

Joseph and his garments always made headlines back then.

He was his daddy’s favorite — tenderly loved and extra pampered, especially because he had lost his mother at a very young age.

Daddy Jacob displayed his favoritism by making him a colorful coat — the famous “coat of many colors.” That beautiful garment became the icing on the cake for sibling rivalry.

Poor, innocent Joseph didn’t mean to show off. He was simply expressing the joy of wearing a uniquely designed and fashioned garment made by his father. But his brothers misunderstood his happiness. He was just a young boy, thrilled about his new clothes.

Jealousy soon took over. His brothers plotted to kill him, but a twist of mercy came through his older brother Reuben, who persuaded them instead to sell Joseph to Egyptian traders as a slave.

Before being thrown into the pit, Joseph’s flashy coat was stripped off him. Later, his brothers deceived their father by sprinkling animal blood on the coat and lying that Joseph had been killed by a wild beast. Jacob was heartbroken.

But the story didn’t end there.

The “curse of the garment” seemed to follow Joseph, yet through it all, God’s favor never left him. Over time, the slave boy became the overseer of Potiphar’s household. He was given a garment of authority — far greater than the one he had lost.

When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, she held onto his garment, but Joseph chose righteousness over sin. He left his garment in her hands and fled. Once again, lies about his garment sent him to prison.

Still, the Lord was with Joseph.

And when the time came for God to exalt him, nothing could stop his transition from prison garments to royal robes.

The garments once marked by shame, betrayal, and loss became symbols of dignity, restoration, and divine promotion.

“And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.’ Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck.”

— Genesis 41:41–42

Likewise, God’s blessings over your life may not always be accepted or celebrated by those around you.

Sometimes, your favor becomes too “flashy” in their eyes.

People may judge, envy, or even conspire against you — trying to strip you of your reputation or peace.

You may find yourself in seasons of loss, uncertainty, or setback, wondering if your blessing was ever real. But remember — every garment Joseph lost became a setup for a greater garment ahead.

Every time you are stripped, God is preparing to clothe you with something better.

Your pit, your slavery, and even your prison can still be places of fruitfulness when God’s hand is upon you.

People may only see your backward movement, but God sees the launch.

The greater the setback, the higher the promotion.

So be encouraged — the colorful garment must be taken away so that there’s room for your royal robe.

In Scripture, God never takes away something and returns it the same way.

When a situation is given into His able and mighty hands, things are handled and handed back differently.

Instead of shame, you shall receive a double portion.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the story of Joseph — a reminder that every loss and every stripping has a divine purpose. When life feels unfair or painful, help me to trust that You are preparing a greater garment of honor for me. May Your favor rest upon me and turn every season of shame into a testimony of Your glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Stay Away From DUI(Under The Influence of devil)

“Ears that hear and eyes that see— the Lord has made them both.” Proverbs 20:12 NIV

The shining star in Latin is named Lucifer identified as a cherubim.

Cherubim are described in the Bible as beings who guard holy places (Genesis 3:24).

Lucifer was not the one with sharp teeth, scary eyes, or an ugly face as we often imagine. The Bible describes him as perfect in beauty and full of wisdom, adorned with precious stones, holding a high position in God’s heavenly realm (Ezekiel 28:12–13).

But this perfect cherubim, created for God’s glory, wanted to become God.

Sin entered through pride, giving birth to rebellion (Isaiah 14:13–15).

The Bible says that God cast one-third of the angels out of heaven. The fallen, defeated devil now tries to use his power among God’s most loved creation — you and me (Revelation 12:7–9).

It seems Lucifer influenced other angels with his propaganda of pride, convincing them to take over God’s throne. Those deceived angels fell with him, losing the glory they once shared with God.

The first fall of humanity also came through the same deception — the devil’s propaganda of pride and lies (Genesis 3:1–6).

You don’t need to explain the truth to prove it; truth stands on its own.

But a lie always needs an army to defend it.

That’s what the devil does — he spreads his lies to win your agreement.

He tries to plant his ideologies into the minds of those created in God’s image. Every time you believe a lie and react to it, favoring the devil’s voice, there’s a small fall — a short step away from the glory of God (John 8:44).

The deceiver customizes his lies according to your desires.

His packages come wrapped in fake love and false hope.

He doesn’t need much of your time — just a moment of your attention. Once he has it, he whispers a word into your ear, and that lie begins to work through your weakness, making you even more vulnerable.

During my younger days, my father used to turn on the TV early in the morning to listen to the news. He also developed a habit of listening to the horoscope predictions. The astrologer would speak for a few minutes about each zodiac sign — how the day would go for each one.

He claimed to predict the day based on the alignment of the stars — speaking both good and bad.

At first, I didn’t see any harm in it. I began to listen to fortunetellers and palm readers. Slowly, I started to shape my expectations around those predictions.

When the horoscope said my day would be bad, my heart sank — and I lived expecting something wrong to happen.

This continued until one day, the Maker of heaven and earth — the One who has authority over the sun, moon, and stars — fixed my hearing to hear the truth of Jesus Christ.

He set me free, and my life changed forever — for good.

I encourage you to read the Word for yourself, Instead of listening to the world’s predictions,

Remember, “times and seasons are in God’s hands” (Daniel 2:21).

The voice of the Holy Spirit will always override the voice of the fortuneteller, reminding you that “goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life” (Psalm 23:6).

The palm reader’s words will fail, for “the Lord has engraved your name on the palms of His hands” (Isaiah 49:16).

Every day is an auspicious day when you walk in the presence of God.His grace is sufficient to carry you one day at a time.

The devil roams around the world, studying you from your youth. He knows your weaknesses and strengths, and that’s why his lies often sound close to your truth.

But those voices — the fortunetellers, palm readers, and horoscopes — are the whispers of deception meant to bind you in fear and false remedies.

You cannot have your Bible open while drinking coffee from a zodiac-sign cup.

You cannot believe in the Word of God and still wear enchanted threads for protection.

You cannot believe in Jesus Christ and still trust in lucky numbers.

The Word of God itself is the prophecy you need for each day (2 Peter 1:19).

You are either under the influence of the Holy Spirit or under the influence of the deceiver — there’s no in-between.

Read the Word for yourself, know the truth, and you too will testify that Jesus Christ has set you free.

You are destined to be seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

Don’t lose your place.

Don’t fall from the glory of God.

Shut your ears to the deceiver, and open your heart to the truth —for your Redeemer lives (Job 19:25).

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the truth of Your Word that sets me free.Help me to recognize the lies of the enemy and shut my ears to every deceiving voice.Fill me with the Holy Spirit, that I may walk in discernment and truth every day.I declare that my times and my future are in Your hands, Lord.

In Jesus’ mighty name,

Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

No Condemnation.No Trap

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

— Romans 8:1

Condemnation means feeling deeply guilty, ashamed, or unworthy because of something you’ve done or think you’ve done wrong. It’s like your own heart or mind keeps punishing you—even after you’ve asked for or received forgiveness.

Condemnation is a trap because it keeps you stuck in guilt instead of moving forward with peace, healing, or freedom. It’s different from the healthy conviction that the Holy Spirit brings, which helps you recognize a mistake and change. Condemnation, on the other hand, only makes you feel hopeless and defeated—and that comes from Satan.

The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). That means no one—literally no one—has the right to criticize or condemn another person’s sin.

We feel guilty for so many things, even the smallest ones. When we can’t spend enough time with our parents, we feel guilty. When we fail to meet our spouse’s expectations or break a promise to a friend, guilt weighs on us. Even something as simple as missing the chance to cook our child’s favorite meal can make guilt creep into our hearts.

Sometimes, I even feel guilty when I can’t pray or read the Bible. With that guilt comes fear—the fear that God is disappointed or that I’m not perfect enough. But that fear keeps me from going to the very One who loves me most.

It often starts as a small feeling of guilt but grows until we begin to believe we’re not a good son or daughter, not a perfect spouse, not a good parent, not even a good friend—or sometimes, not even fit to live.

These kinds of guilt feelings can often be overcome when we address and fix smaller problems, but what happens when the issues are much bigger? What about a murder, adultery, ruining someone’s reputation, or committing an act that seems impossible to repair? What about struggles like gambling or addiction that can feel overwhelming and unending?

Even then, the Bible declares: There is no condemnation in Christ. His mercy goes far beyond what any human mind can comprehend. When you repent of your sin, you are set free.

Let’s look at the story of the adulterous woman in the Bible. She was caught in the very act—red-handed. The law demanded death by stoning. There was no way out, no excuse she could make.

The religious leaders brought her before Jesus to see how He would respond. Jesus stooped down and began writing in the dust with His finger. When they kept pressing Him for an answer, He stood up and said, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.” Then He stooped down again and continued writing.

One by one, her accusers slipped away—from the oldest to the youngest—until only Jesus and the woman remained.

Jesus stood and asked her, “Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?”

She replied, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:1–11)

The only One who had the right to condemn her—Jesus Himself—chose not to. What a great relief that must have been for her, and what a great hope it is for us!

Jesus’ expectation was simple: “Do not sin anymore.” His message was not condemnation but restoration. The best way to show our gratitude for His forgiveness is to walk in freedom and live righteously.

Everyone looks righteous until their sin is exposed. People might try to keep you captive by your past, criticize your every move, or judge your journey—but that’s the trap of the enemy.

Do yourself a favor: believe that the blood of Jesus has set you free from every sin and every trace of condemnation. Your past may be amplified by the accuser, but remind him that a King died for you—and nothing can separate you from His love.

Sometimes you might need help to climb out of the pit, but freedom from condemnation begins simply by believing:

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

You’ll remain in sorrow if you refuse to believe and accept the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers. The accuser wants you to stay bound—but show him what your sovereign God can do. He breaks every chain of condemnation.

Be free, and sin no more.

Prayer

Thank You for Your mercy that covers all my sins.Thank You for not condemning me but calling me to walk in freedom.When the enemy reminds me of my failures, remind me of Your cross and Your precious blood that set me free.I receive Your freedom today and choose to walk in Your truth.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Standard
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.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

A Very Present Help

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

— Psalm 46:1

Many years ago, during a harsh winter in the early north east part of America, I had an encounter I will never forget.

It was the day after a heavy snowfall. The roads were not completely cleared, with piles of snow pushed up on both sides—almost four to five feet high. Though the plows had passed through, the roads were still icy and slippery. I needed to drive my daughter to school from our apartment complex, so I carefully got into the car and began to drive.

Those who live in snowy places will understand what I mean when I say it was quite challenging. As I slowly drove out of the apartment area, my car began to slide. I tried to apply the brakes, but that only made the car wobble even more. In an attempt to avoid sliding into the main road and getting hit by another car, I steered toward the pile of snow. Panicking, I accidentally pressed the gas pedal—and within seconds, the front of my car was buried deep in the snow.

My three-year-old daughter began to cry, panicking because she didn’t want to be late for school. I tried to open the car door, but it was stuck against the snowbank. I took a deep breath, calmed her down, and told her, “Let’s pray and ask God to send an angel to help us.” She bowed her little head and prayed.

By God’s grace, I managed to open the front door, get out, and lift my daughter from the backseat. We started walking carefully on the slippery road toward the apartment office, hoping someone could help us pull the car out.

As we walked, I heard the rumble of a vehicle behind us. Turning around, I saw a snow-cleaning truck approaching. To my surprise, the driver stopped and asked, “Do you need help?”

I quickly explained what had happened. Without hesitation, he jumped out of his truck, got into my car, and tried to reverse it—but it was too deeply buried. Then, he pulled out a tow chain, crawled under my car, hooked it up, and used his truck to pull my car free from the snowbank.

Slowly, my car came out. My daughter jumped with joy as she realized that God had answered our prayer—right away!

I looked at the man—his face radiant, with striking blue eyes—and said, “We prayed for God to send an angel to help us, and you look like one.” He simply smiled, got back into his truck, and drove away.

As we headed toward the school, I noticed in the rearview mirror that his truck was still behind us for a while before turning out of the complex. That truck didn’t belong to our apartment community. Out of three different entrances, he somehow came through the one where my car was stuck. It truly felt like God rerouted him—a literal U-turn from heaven.

Tears welled up in my eyes. In that helpless situation, when we cried out for help, God truly was our “very present help in trouble.”

In today’s world, it’s rare to find someone who helps without expecting something in return. Many times, help comes with conditions or hidden motives—but our God is not like that. When we call on Him through Jesus Christ, He answers willingly, completely, and faithfully.

He doesn’t stop helping us based on how complicated our problem is. He stays with us—from the beginning to the end.

David was a man who constantly sought the Lord’s help. At every step of his journey, he turned to God, and the Lord delivered him time after time.

Even today, when you ask God for help, the Maker of heaven and earth will respond. He is the only Helper who neither slumbers nor forsakes you in your time of need.

God keeps no record of how many times He has rescued us. He is waiting to hear your voice—ready to help, comfort, and strengthen you. He is our Ebenezer—our stone of help.

Like David, when you sought the Lord, He will hear and He will answer.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my refuge and strength. In every moment of trouble, You have proven Yourself faithful. Help me to trust You completely and to call upon You first in every situation. Thank You for being my ever-present help and my Ebenezer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Standard
Daily Christian Devotion

Serve To Lead

“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” — Matthew 20:26

In my MBA program, the very first subject I studied was Organizational Leadership. While learning about different leadership philosophies, I was glad to see Jesus Christ presented as the perfect example of servant leadership.

Servant leadership is one of the most powerful and effective models of leadership. Its foundation lies in a genuine desire to serve, focusing on the well-being and growth of others rather than personal gain.

Jesus Christ embodied servant leadership. He humbled Himself to serve others. During His life on earth, He drew thousands to Himself—and even after His death and resurrection, millions continue to follow Him. His influence still grows, transforming lives across generations.

The concept is clear: If you want to lead, you must first learn to serve.

Some of us may feel a desire to lead or manage people toward a mission—and that’s not wrong. That desire may be God-given, a calling for His kingdom purpose. But we must be careful to lead in Christ and through Christ.

Jesus, being the Ruler of heaven and earth—worshiped by all creation—showed compassion for people. He wept with the grieving, sacrificed Himself for humanity, and humbled Himself, yet stood firm when it was time to correct and restore.

Leadership is not defined by how loudly you speak, but by the quiet strength of the statement you make — one rooted in humility and the right attitude.

Throughout Scripture, the most respected leaders came from humble beginnings. God chose them intentionally, not for their status or strength, but for their hearts.

The Bible teaches that to be a true leader, we must work among the people, for the people, and with the people. A servant leader is known not just by their words, but by their actions—showing respect, dignity, and care for others. Such leaders seek to lift others up more than they seek recognition.

God has always honored leaders who served.

Moses, for example, interceded on behalf of the people when they were frustrated and when God was angry with them. He even offered to have his own name blotted out of God’s book if it meant saving that ungrateful people.

David, when God’s anger came upon him for taking a census of Israel, was given choices for his punishment—choices that would have affected his people. But instead, David chose to take the wrath upon himself rather than let others suffer.

God is looking for hearts filled with empathy, compassion, and love—hearts that reflect the nature of Jesus.

A true servant leader doesn’t have to force people to follow; the people are drawn naturally to their humility and integrity.

Every arrogant and self-centered leader in the Bible fell. But the legacy of a leader who pleases God endures for generations.

If you still desire to serve, put your crown aside. Roll up your sleeves. Step into the field. Lay down your own needs and lift up the needs of others.

A servant leader is confident in their calling and secure in their role. They do not feel threatened by others’ success or authority. Even when they shy away from recognition, honor and blessing will still find them, for this is the command of Jesus:

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for showing us the true meaning of leadership through Jesus Christ, our greatest example of humility and service.Help me serve faithfully wherever You have placed me, that my life may reflect Your heart and bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Standard