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Do Not Minimize God in your situation

All things were created by Him and for Him… and in Him all things hold together.

—Colossians 1:16–17

I grew up in a culture where we carried photos of the gods we believed in. I made sure I always had the photo of Jesus—one in my backpack, one in my geometry box, and even one with my toughest subjects. I believed the picture would help me pass exams. I would kiss the photo, talk to it, and place it before me as I wrote my tests. Sadly, I failed over and over again.

Even as I grew older, the habit continued. I would sleep with the picture at my bedside and carry it in my pocketbook. I was even inspired by movies where Dracula or Satan would flee at the sight of a cross, a necklace with a cross, or even when someone lifted up a Bible. I believed the picture itself had power.

Whenever I faced a challenge, I would pull out the photo, thinking Jesus could help in that situation. But if the problem seemed impossible to me, I wouldn’t even bother taking the picture out—because in my mind, if it looked impossible to me, surely it was impossible for Jesus too. None of these actions really helped me, until one day the Holy Spirit revealed who Jesus truly is through the Word of God.

The picture of Jesus we see today is only an artistic representation—perhaps a guess of how a Jewish man might have looked—but it is nowhere near how the Word of God reveals Him.

Jesus Christ cannot be contained in a pocketbook, a drawer, a cupboard, or placed on a shelf. He is the God who has dominion over everything. “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)

Every creature must bow and humble itself before Him. When Jesus speaks, it will come to pass. When He commands, it will stand firm.

Jesus Christ has power and authority over heaven and hell. The angels and the demons obey Him.

John’s vision describes Jesus this way: “The hairs of His head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 1:14; 19:13,16)

This is the Jesus we serve—not an image, not a symbol, but the living, reigning King. And yet, how often do we try to shrink this sovereign, all-powerful God into something our tiny human minds can imagine? Can we ever truly perceive His majestic image?

Though we cannot wrap our minds around this magnificent God, when we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved. And through Him, we will see great things.

Do not minimize the nature of God when sickness seems incurable, when the doctors have given up, or when hope feels lost. Doctors go by facts, but our faith proclaims Jesus is the Healer and Great Physician.

Do not cling to the rulebook of man, but align yourself with the rulebook of God. Man lies and fails, but “the Word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Peter 1:25)

The devil is not afraid of the physical book, the Bible. But when you confess and release the living Word of God written in the Bible, he trembles. The picture of a cross on the wall does not protect you. The wooden cross in your room has no power. But when you plead the blood of Jesus over your house, you are shielded. (Exodus 12:13)

The photo in your pocketbook does not carry God with you. But when you invite the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God goes with you wherever you go.

When you abide in His presence, you carry His power, and you can speak His Word over situations. The authority was already claimed for you at Calvary through the blood of Jesus.

So go boldly before the throne of the Father. Ask the impossible. Speak to the immovable. He will respond according to His will and in His perfect time. (Hebrews 4:16)

Instead of placing the Bible under your pillow, hiding it beneath your head, meditate on the Word of God. Get it into your heart and mind. Use it as a solution in your problems, as a weapon in your battles, and as medicine in your suffering.

I don’t carry the image of Jesus in my pocketbook anymore. Rather, I have drawn that image in my soul as the Word of God describes. I have never felt victorious like the life I am living today. Glory be to God.

You too—fall in love with the Word of God, and you will never fail.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have minimized Your power and tried to contain You in my own understanding. Help me to treasure Your Word, confess it with faith, and walk in the authority of Your Spirit. May Your presence go with me wherever I am, and may Your Word be my strength, my shield, and my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Resist The Strong Man

There is an ancient Japanese game called Sumo wrestling, where two players compete inside a clay ring. One opponent must push the other outside of the ring or tackle him to the ground for victory. In those days, most sumo wrestlers were heavy with a lot of body fat. But in one particular match, an athletic, well-built man faced a traditional sumo wrestler.

Naturally, one would expect the athletic man to win. Yet the traditional wrestler easily took him down and won the match.

This game was not only about how strong you looked, but about quick reflexes, incredible balance, and how long you could resist without being brought to the ground.

The Word of God tells you: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). In Scripture, the devil is often portrayed as a strong man who rules the world through sin (John 12:31). He keeps you under his control through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Many of your downfalls come from these very things.

In the arena called life, the devil—the so-called strong man—tries to take over the boundaries God has given you. His intention is only to make you stumble, fall, and lose your ground. That’s why you face continuous battles and trials in your life.

Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The enemy may appear as a strong man, trying to defeat you through your weaknesses. But the Bible encourages you to resist lustful desires and fight the pride that rises in your heart. Lust of the flesh is not always adultery or immorality—it can also be a restless desire for what God has not given. It shows up when you compare yourself with others, crave their blessings, or take pride in your social and economic status.

The devil often disguises temptation so it doesn’t look like sin. It comes dressed in beauty, wrapped in luxury, and may even wear the image of love. It might begin as a small desire, a passion, or even just one social gathering. But if unchecked, it can take over and cause you to lose your ground.

Slowly, the enemy pushes you beyond God’s boundaries—trying to control your family, your business, and even your relationship with Him. But here is the good news: “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, He gives you power (Acts 1:8). With the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) and the strength of the Spirit, you can push back the enemy’s advances. Balance your life with the Word of God, resist the devil with the fear of the Lord, and you will stand victorious.

And if you’ve already been knocked down, do not despair. God is giving you another chance to rise up and fight. But remember—one day the final whistle will blow, and there will be no more chances to wrestle. If you give ground to the enemy, you will remain defeated. Choose wisely now. Stand firm in Christ, and you will overcome.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for reminding me that greater is the One who lives in me than the one who is in the world. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may walk in victory and receive the crown of life You have promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Pray Without Ceasing

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

—1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

It took India nearly a hundred years to gain independence from the British. During that time, many lives were lost and many leaders were martyred. Yet the people and their leaders persisted in the fight for liberty. Finally, on August 15, 1947, India received its independence.

This freedom was not won in a day—it was the result of perseverance. Had they given up and settled into slavery, the nation would have remained under British control. Persistence carried them to victory.

In the same way, Jesus spoke about persistence in prayer. In Luke 18, He tells the parable of a widow who continually came before a judge, pleading for justice against her adversary. At first, he refused to listen. But because she kept coming, he eventually granted her request.

This judge was not a God-fearing man, yet her persistence moved him to act. How much more will our loving God—who gave His very life for us—respond when His children persist in prayer?

Prayer is the way we speak with God, bringing our needs, emotions, and faith before Him. In one Bible translation, prayer is mentioned at least 325 times. Jesus Himself set the example: often withdrawing from the crowds and even His disciples to pray alone with the Father.

If the Son of the Living God made prayer a priority, how much more should we—who face daily battles—make time to seek Him?

To pray with persistence means never growing weary of asking. God may answer immediately, ask us to wait, or lovingly redirect us. Yet He never leaves us empty-handed. Even when His answer is different from what we hoped for, He fills us with His peace so we can endure and remain steadfast in faith.

If the widow had not pressed on, the judge would never have ruled in her favor. Her persistence moved her case forward. In the same way, persistence in prayer brings breakthrough.

God has already answered many of your prayers—sometimes in ways you never expected. Every time you pray, you step into His presence, and when you ask anything in Jesus’ name, heaven pays attention. Your Father in heaven is never too busy for you. No protocol is needed; He bends down to listen as though you were His only child.

Even in this world, a child who keeps asking often receives what they long for. How much more will your heavenly Father answer those who persist in prayer?

So—keep asking for the salvation of your family. Keep bringing that rebellious child before God. Keep asking for financial provision, for deliverance, for the job you desire, the home you long for, or the spouse you’re waiting on.

Nothing is forgotten. In His perfect time, He will answer and make all things beautiful.

Hold on—heaven is responding to you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of prayer and for hearing me every time I call on Your name. Teach me to pray without ceasing, to remain steadfast, and to trust Your timing. I believe that in Your perfect time, You will make all things beautiful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

No One Shall Be Able To Stand Against You

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.”

Joshua 1:5 ESV

Joshua grew up witnessing the hand of God over His people. From a young age, he was actively involved in helping Moses on the mission to lead the Israelites into the promised land.

Now that Moses was dead, Joshua was commanded to step up and take his place. Moses was known as a mighty man of wisdom, but now the mantle was falling on Joshua. Naturally, he might have been frightened or discouraged after the death of his mentor and leader. God spoke to Joshua multiple times, giving him courage and strength.

So many thoughts must have crossed Joshua’s mind as he considered taking Moses’ role. These were not easy people to lead. They were tough, often dissatisfied, ungrateful, and complaining. Managing them was a great task. Helping from behind the scenes was one thing, but being at the front lines brought a whole new level of stress.

The loss of a well-wisher and father figure may have left Joshua feeling emotionally weak. He had spent more time with Moses than with his own father. The absence of Moses’ voice, the lack of his gentle encouragement, must have weighed heavily on him.

But in that moment of grief, God stepped in to comfort and encourage Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for I will be with you wherever you go.” With that assurance, Joshua rose to the mission of leading God’s people.

What a great assurance from a great God! And this promise extends to you as well. You and Joshua are equal in God’s sight. He understands your season—whether joy, loss, grief, or transition.

You may be strong and capable, yet life may bring moments that drain your strength. You may have handled great responsibilities before, but now you may feel weighed down by insecurities, trauma, or the absence of encouragement you once relied on. Maybe you miss the voice or the embrace of someone who gave you strength.

But do not be discouraged. The Spirit of God is your greatest Comforter, and the Word of God reminds you of His promises: No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life, and the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go, and He will never leave you not forsake you.

The responsibilities you carry—the family you provide for, the business you manage, the project you are called to lead—will only draw out the best in you.

God told Joshua to take courage, to meditate on His Word day and night, and not to turn to the right or the left. When he obeyed, God promised him good success. The same instruction applies to us today for a successful life.

Joshua’s full potential was not revealed until he faced such a situation. In the same way, your disappointments, losses, and failures are shaping you to bring out your fullest potential.

Do not forget—no one will stand against you all the days of your life. In Christ, you are more than a conqueror.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Remove every fear, every insecurity, and every doubt. I believe that in every battle I face, You are with me, and You will give me victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

You Are No More Called Forsaken

“You shall no more be termed Forsaken,and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her.”

Isaiah 62:4

Jesus was invited to one of the Pharisees’ houses. A Pharisee is someone involved in studying and interpreting the law given to Moses. These Pharisees were not big fans of Jesus, and most of them were against His teaching because they thought Jesus was blaspheming against the God of Abraham. The Bible even points out that they plotted against Him.

Someone from such an orthodox community inviting Jesus to dinner must have been a very secret act. If the other Pharisees knew about it, the one who invited Him would be in trouble or even cast out from the synagogue. He was risking his future to invite Jesus into his home.

As Jesus reclined at the table, a sinful woman—likely a prostitute—heard that Jesus was in the Pharisee’s house. She showed up with an alabaster jar of perfume. She knelt before Jesus and began to wet His feet with her tears, wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed His feet, and anointed them with the perfume.

The Pharisee who invited Jesus wondered to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would have known what kind of woman she is, and He would not have allowed her to touch Him.” But Jesus knew his thoughts and told Simon a story: the one whose larger debt is forgiven will love more than the one who had a smaller debt forgiven.

This woman showed deep love for Jesus. Out of compassion, Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Those who were at the table began to wonder, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

The story shows that Jesus came for sinners like you and me. The sinful woman’s heart was searching—maybe for true love, maybe for someone who could understand her, someone who truly knew her. When she saw Jesus, her search ended in repentance.

She surrendered everything she held as her identity. The expensive perfume, which was a statement of wealth and also used to lure men into immorality, she poured at His feet. Her hair, which was considered a woman’s glory, she let down to wipe His feet.

As she brought down everything she had, she found forgiveness at the feet of Jesus. Her tears were tokens of gratitude, her kisses on His feet showed that she had finally found the Lover of her soul. This woman traded all she had at the feet of Jesus.

Whatever you search for—love, forgiveness, hope, or a future—in the presence of Jesus you will find a remedy for your misery, healing for a broken soul, and peace in the middle of chaos.

But Jesus cannot fix what you still hold back. That alabaster jar—your pride, your glory, your desires, your identity—has to be broken as an expression of repentance. In that breaking begins the new chapter of your life.

This next chapter will be unlike anything you could have imagined, beyond what your heart could have received, because it is written by the sovereign hand of God.

God is close to the brokenhearted. If you are broken by people, by circumstances, or by situations, be encouraged—God will work all things out for your good.

Your name will no longer be labeled by your past, but will be renamed as Child of the Most High.

Your life will no longer remain desolate and forsaken, but will be fully restored and made new.

Prayer

I come before You with my brokenness, my failures, and my search for meaning. Help me to trade everything I hold onto for the life You have prepared for me. Thank You for calling me not forsaken, but Your delight, and for giving me a new name as Your child. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

Walk By Faith With A Heart Of Gratitude

“Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:19

Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem, passed between Samaria—the land of the socially outcast—and Galilee, His very own people. Along the way, He encountered ten lepers.

They stood at a distance and cried out for mercy and healing. Jesus told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” At that moment, they still carried the marks of leprosy. Yet, as they moved in obedience, they were cleansed on the way.

Out of the ten, only one returned. When he realized he was healed, he came back praising God, fell at Jesus’ feet, and gave thanks. He was a Samaritan—a foreigner, an enemy of the Jews—yet he was the one who returned with a heart of gratitude. Jesus asked, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” Then He said to the one, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

This moment was not only about physical healing but about a deeper truth—faith. Faith is the only currency accepted in heaven. The Bible says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). The Word of God encourages us to walk in faith and not by sight.

The lepers had to move in faith even before they received their healing. Standing still in doubt would not have helped, but stepping forward in obedience brought their miracle. Most of the time, trusting people, places, or things will surely fail and disappoint us—but faith in Jesus Christ does the impossible, receives the unreachable, and accomplishes the undoable.

Just as the lepers had to move forward in obedience, we too are called to step out in faith in our own lives. Take that step of faith in your job. Take that step of faith in your decisions. When you do, you surrender the driver’s seat and allow Jesus Christ to take control of your situation and circumstances. When Jesus drives, the destination is certain—victory. He knows the road, the bumps along the way, and when to reroute. In the rain or the sunshine, you can rest in peace, for the Prince of Peace is right beside you.

Above all, the Bible encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances—not only in healing, not only in breakthrough, but also in seasons of despair and longing. Gratitude is a posture of the heart that pleases God. When you return to the Father with a grateful heart, you access the source of blessing itself. God delights in you when you acknowledge His sovereignty.

Even animals show gratitude—how much more should we, created in God’s image, cultivate this virtue that pleases Him.

Faith brings breakthrough, but gratitude makes you complete.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that faith brings healing, but gratitude brings wholeness. Help me to take bold steps of faith in every area of my life, trusting that You know the way. Teach me to live with gratitude in all circumstances, so that my life may reflect Your goodness and bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

God Will Finish the Good Work He Started

Philippians 1:6

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were influential figures during the time of Nehemiah. When Nehemiah came with a small group to Jerusalem to rebuild the fallen walls, the task seemed impossible. The walls were in ruins, and the city looked beyond repair.

When Nehemiah inspected the damage, those three officials laughed and despised the very thought of restoration. But despite their mockery, Nehemiah and his team kept building—brick by brick, installing doors and windows, shaping the temple walls.

When the enemies saw that progress was being made, they became furious. They insulted the builders, mocking them, saying their wall was so weak that even a fox walking on it would cause it to collapse. But Nehemiah did not quit—he cried out to God and continued. Soon, the wall was rebuilt to half its height around the city.

Again, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem plotted with anger, planning to fight against the workers and throw them into confusion. Once more, Nehemiah prayed for protection, and the people guarded the city as they built. The workers grew tired and discouraged, and threats of violence grew stronger. So Nehemiah encouraged them, declaring that God will fight for us. From then on, only half the men built while the others stood guard. Some built with one hand and held their weapon in the other. Everyone carried their weapon, ready to defend what God had called them to do.

Though challenges continued, Nehemiah’s team finished the wall, leaving only the gates. Again, the enemies tried to deceive Nehemiah, inviting him to a meeting to harm him. But Nehemiah prayed, committed his enemies into God’s hands, and pressed forward. Finally, the doors were set in place, the work was completed, and the enemies’ plans were utterly crushed. Their influence was broken, and God’s people rejoiced in His mighty hand.

Nehemiah was never intimidated by threats or politics. He was confident that what God had started, God Himself would finish.

Even in your life, you may face Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. At first, they may remain quiet, but when they see your vision rising above them, they will begin to stir. They may laugh at you and mock your dreams, but when that does not stop you, they will plot in every way to distract you, discourage you, and even threaten you.

But remember this: keep building your vision with one hand, and hold the weapon of God’s Word in the other. Your enemies may try to magnify their threats, but God magnifies His promises. For them, your vision may look weak, but with God, it will stand strong.

Like Nehemiah, pray through the mockery, insults, and discouragement. Exalt God, and He will fight for you. Your vision, your passion, your family, your calling—will be built brick by brick.

While your enemies scoff, your God will complete the good work He started in you. In the beginning, you may only see dust and rubble, but be encouraged—it will end in glory.

Whatever your situation, don’t stop. Don’t stop trusting. Don’t stop believing. Don’t stop walking in relationship with God.

He who began the good work in you will surely bring it to completion.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for beginning a good work in my life. Strengthen me when I grow weary, and remind me that You will finish what You started. May every enemy plan be defeated, and may Your glory shine through the work of my hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

He Shall Make You Great

May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh. In this way Israel made Ephraim greater than Manasseh.

Genesis 48:20

Joseph brought his two sons—the firstborn Manasseh and the younger son Ephraim—to his ill father Jacob, who was also known as Israel.

Jacob was very old, and though his eyes were dim, when he saw Joseph and his two sons, he found new strength and sat up in bed. Jacob had not seen Joseph for many years, nor had he witnessed the birth of Joseph’s sons, who were born in Egypt. His heart was overjoyed to see Joseph’s family. Out of that joy, Jacob took Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons. In other words, these grandsons were adopted into Jacob’s family as if they were his own children.

These two sons were counted among the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob proudly declared, “They are mine,” while reminding Joseph that any other children born to him would belong to Joseph alone. Then Jacob invited Joseph to bring his sons forward so that he could bless them before his death.

Joseph bowed before his father and carefully positioned his sons. He took Ephraim in his right hand and placed him toward Jacob’s left hand, and he took Manasseh in his left hand and placed him before Jacob’s right hand. Joseph arranged them this way so that Jacob’s right hand—the hand of greater blessing—would naturally rest upon the firstborn, Manasseh.

But Jacob had a different plan. He crossed his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left on Manasseh. He then pronounced his blessing on Ephraim recorded in Genesis 48:15. Joseph was troubled by this sight and tried to correct his father, urging him to bless the firstborn properly. But Jacob refused and replied that he knew exactly what he was doing. However he blessed Manasseh also, but gave Ephraim the greater blessing, declaring that the younger brother would surpass the older.

Joseph the earthly father himself was not pleased to see his younger son receive the blessing of the firstborn, but it delighted the heavenly Father to make the younger greater than the older.

Yahweh highly favored Ephraim and crossed over the order of the firstborn to make him great. And in later days, even when Ephraim’s descendants were unfaithful, God’s love crossed over in mercy, crying out in Hosea 11:8, “How can I give you up, O Ephraim?”

This story shows us how God’s grace goes beyond what we deserve. “He has mercy on whomever He wills.” (Romans 9:18)

The Word of God reminds us that His grace is not limited. He can lift you from the pit and place you on the mountaintop. He can choose the smallest clan and make it into a great nation.

The eyes that once saw you as the least—God will cross over to make you great. The blessing on your life is not by luck or chance, but by the intentional hand of God. He is fully aware of the work He is doing in your life. You are on God’s mind, and His blueprint carries both you and your family.

The Lord’s hand will cross over every obstacle, every hindrance, to bless the least, the oppressed, the ignored, and the rejected.

Like Joseph, even if others try to push you aside or deny you your blessing, the Lord’s right hand will rest on you.

Ephraim received grace when his earthly father’s hands were crossed. And through the cross of Jesus Christ, our heavenly Father has given us even greater grace.

Receive King Jesus into your heart, and you too will receive grace and abundance for your life.

Prayer

Lord, I thank You that Your hand crosses over to bless me, even when others try to set me aside. Thank You that Your favor is intentional, and Your grace is greater than my qualifications, my past, or my place in life. Place Your right hand upon me and my family, and let Your blessing flow through every area of our lives. 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

He will bring every secret thing into judgment.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 — “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

Naboth was a common man who lived in Jezreel, near the palace of Ahab, the king of Israel. King Ahab desired Naboth’s vineyard so he could turn it into a vegetable garden. He offered Naboth money or even a better vineyard in exchange.

But Naboth humbly refused. It was an inherited property, passed down from his fathers. To him, it was priceless.

Ahab returned home disappointed, sulking because he could not have what he wanted. His wife, Jezebel, learned of this and became furious. In her eyes, the king’s power should guarantee that he received anything he desired.

Jezebel devised a wicked plan. She wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and proclaimed that Naboth had blasphemed against God and the king. She arranged for two scoundrels to falsely testify against him. Innocent Naboth was dragged outside the city and stoned to death. Ahab then seized Naboth’s vineyard.

They thought they could get away with this evil, but nothing escapes the eyes of the Lord. God sent the prophet Elijah to declare judgment: “In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood also. As for Jezebel, the dogs will devour her within the walls of Jezreel.” The Lord also decreed that Ahab’s descendants would be cut off—those who died in the city would be eaten by dogs, and those in the countryside would be eaten by birds.

Hearing this, Ahab humbled himself and repented before God. In His mercy, the Lord delayed the disaster—not in Ahab’s lifetime, but in his son’s days.

The prophecy was fulfilled. Ahab was killed in battle, and his chariot was washed in the pool of Samaria where dogs licked up his blood. Jezebel, as foretold, was thrown out of a window by her own servants, and her body was devoured by dogs. Eventually, the entire household of Ahab was annihilated—his line cut off completely—because he had sold himself to evil and allowed ungodly influence to rule his life. Jezebel was left with no descendants, her legacy ended in disgrace.

This stands as one of the most severe judgments in the Bible. It reveals God’s justice for the innocent and His vengeance for the oppressed. Be encouraged: God speaks for the voiceless and avenges the blood of the innocent.

At the same time, this story warns us of the destructive power of ungodly influence. Ahab, though king of Israel, married Jezebel, a pagan woman who corrupted the land. Through her influence came idolatry, the murder of prophets, unjust decrees, and wicked schemes.

We must be careful how we influence others.Nothing we do in secret is hidden from the Lord. Every ungodly plan, every corrupt influence, every injustice—it is all laid bare before Him. We serve a just God, who judges not only those who harm us but also us if we partake in ungodly practices.

Had Ahab been influenced by a godly wife and godly counsel, his story—and his lineage—would have been far different.

This is why the Holy Spirit is our best instructor, and the Word of God our guiding light. The Bible calls us to be the salt of the earth and a light to the world.

Let us remember: “You will be judged in the same way you judge others.” (Matthew 7:2)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You see the cries of the innocent and avenge the blood of the oppressed. Help me to walk in integrity and truth, guarding my heart from ungodly influence. Keep me faithful to Your Word, and may I trust that You are the righteous Judge over every hidden thing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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