Author: Admin

Look beyond the ordinary.

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“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1Corinthians 2:5

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” This powerful adage reminds us that everyone has a unique perspective on what is attractive.

Others may see the woman you cherish differently. Some couples are termed “the beauty and the beast,” illustrating how perceptions vary widely. We all understand that “one man’s good is another man’s bad.” To truly appreciate someone, we must look beyond conventional views.

As Paul emphasized, our faith shouldn’t be shaped by others’ opinions. In Matthew 9:24, while the world saw death, Jesus saw life: “He said unto them, Give place, for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.” Jesus always recognizes the good within us, seeing beyond the surface. To achieve remarkable things, we must look beyond the ordinary. When hope seems lost, we must stand firm in hope.

Our perception shapes our reality. Goodness and mercy will follow those who see the good in every situation. When there was drought and despair, Elijah looked toward abundant rain. He sent his servant to search, yet it took seven attempts for a sign of rain to appear (1 Kings 18:41–44). Just as we train our physical eyes, let us cultivate our spiritual eyes to see what others often overlook, empowering us to shine brightly in every circumstance.

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28 January
Communicate with the authority and compassion of Christ.

“For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:20)

An ambassador is a respected official representing a nation, sent to a foreign land to reflect the sovereign body that empowered them. They embody the voice of their country and its leader, armed with firsthand knowledge and informed insights from their nation’s leaders. This ongoing communication equips them to speak with confidence and conviction, instilling trust in those they represent.

The Apostle Paul likens his calling to that of an ambassador, urging Christians to embrace this role for Christ. At the core of Paul’s message lies the gospel of reconciliation: “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” (1 Corinthians 1:17) In his opening scripture, Paul speaks of being an ambassador in bonds, proclaiming boldly as he ought. Ambassadors are compassionate about the things of the nations they represent. Their major focus is to ensure that there is progress for their nation and the nationals. (2 Corinthians 5:20) In the same way, we should seek the progress of those that the Lord brings to us. In the case of Jesus, he mentioned that those that the Lord gives to him are for him and emphasized being the custodian of such people (John 6:37). This should be the mindset of every child of God.

We, too, must communicate with boldness, using words that reveal the power of the One who sends us. “If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man ministers, let him do it as of the ability God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11) Constant communication with God strengthens our resolve to provide His children with the truth. We will not compromise on this truth, for we represent the Kingdom of God alone. Every true child of God seeks divine knowledge and speaks with unwavering confidence and fearlessness. (Ephesians 1:17)

26 January
You have the power to inspire the extraordinary within God.

“And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.” (Exodus 32:14 )

Shortly after the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, Moses went to the mountain to commune with God for 40 days and nights (Exodus 31). While he was waiting upon the Lord, the people pressured Aaron to make a golden calf, and they began to worship this idol (Exodus 32:1). God became furious and contemplated destroying all the people. He said, “Let Me alone… that I may destroy them, and I will make of you a great nation” (Exodus 32:10). Although God promised to make Moses a great nation, Moses did not accept this offer. Rather than being self-centred, Moses was deeply concerned for the people.

Moses spoke to God in a way that changed His mind. Closely reading this scripture shows Moses moved God with his words, passion, and intentions. Many pray continually but do not receive responses because they have not truly moved God. Moses was focused on the people and God’s promises. He reminded God that He had made a covenant with Jacob, not Moses himself.
Furthermore, he explained that if any harm befell the Israelites, the Egyptians would question God’s power (Exodus 32:13). Many individuals are dishonest but still hope to move God. Some servants even consider undermining their masters. They often focus on their interests instead of what would benefit God and His children.

Moses interceded for people who had offended God. Similarly, in church, it is common for people to point fingers at others for their offences. Jesus is the ultimate example of an intercessor. We must develop deep compassion for one another. Instead of accusing others before God, we need to plead on their behalf. Some people take delight in their enemies’ misfortunes. To genuinely move God, we should learn from both Moses and Christ.

People frequently go astray due to a lack of direction. Remember, the Israelites had not seen their leader for 40 days and nights. Rather than accuse them, we should plead for them. The absence of a strong leader can lead to many problems for the children of God. Therefore, it is crucial to have leaders who can make decisions based on God’s will rather than their own selfish desires.

25 January
Yes you can

“I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

President Barack Obama probably had one of the most inspiring campaigns in 2008, encapsulated by the motto “Yes, We Can.” His campaign was filled with hope and promises, conveying to all of America that they could achieve things they once thought impossible. Many people knew they had the potential, but most had lost self-confidence.

Sometimes, we need to recognize that we are in control of our journeys, and our direction will determine what we can and cannot accomplish. The apostle Paul said that he can do all things through Christ, who strengthens him. We can achieve whatever we aspire to with the strength that comes from Christ, our Lord. It’s essential to have complete confidence in ourselves. Often, we lose this confidence due to our circumstances, leading us to believe that certain things are unattainable.

When you read the account of David and Goliath, you’ll notice that Goliath was fierce and was described as a champion of the Philistines, while David was merely a young lad. The secret to David’s victory was his belief that he could accomplish everything through God, who provided him strength. As David declared, “You come to me with a sword, spear, and shield, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45).

Peter began to sink when he became afraid after seeing the strong wind (Matthew 14:30). Life can present us with challenges that seem fierce and destructive, but with God by our side, we can overcome them. You can win all the battles in your life, regardless of how daunting they may appear. Keep believing that you can and will succeed. There are no limitations in life. With Christ beside you, you can never be restricted. So go ahead—strive for greatness; all things are possible. Don’t listen to that voice telling you that you can’t.

24 January
Be known for something

“And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.” (Genesis 37:19)

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is well known throughout history as the one who preserved the Union during the Civil War and brought about the emancipation of slaves. Albert Einstein has been known for years for the theory of relativity, which laid the basis for releasing atomic energy.

The apostle Paul is known for his selfless missionary work. THEY WERE KNOWN FOR THINGS THAT THEY DID AND WHO THEY ARE. The most significant question we must ask ourselves is, “What are we known for?” His brothers knew Joseph as a dreamer. It is very necessary to know that though Joseph’s brothers hated him based on his father’s relationship with him, they hated him most and planned to kill him based on his dreams. “And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren, and they hated him yet the more.” (Genesis 37:5). Joseph had the gift of dreams and interpretation. This was known to his brothers and parents and Pharaoh’s chief bottler. When Pharaoh dreamt a dream and sought interpretation, he was remembered. Joseph was indeed a dreamer. (Gen 41:12). In Proverbs 18:16, the Bible clarifies that a man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

Every true child of God should be identified with a gift. You need to be able to develop and use your gift so that people will know you for it. Jesus Christ is famous for many things. First, He performed miracles that could not be explained or dismissed in human terms. Jesus is also renowned for his words, which can be found in the Bible. Jesus is famous for His compassion.

Jesus is especially well-known for dying on the cross for mankind’s sins and then resurrecting. In Mark 1:37, after Jesus had performed some miracles, people came looking for him. Many people looked for Jesus because of what He could do.

Our gifts connect us to people and many great things. We should identify our gifts and use them so that people can remember us for what we can do even when we are no longer.

23 January
Master your Profession

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“And now I have sent a skilful man, endowed with understanding, Huram, my master craftsman… skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple and blue, fine linen and crimson, and to make any engraving…” (2Chronicles 2:13-14 (NKJV))

Solomon was building the temple of Israel when the King of Tyre learned about his effort to assemble a skilled team for this monumental task. This information led the King of Tyre, who recognized his allegiance to King David, to write a letter recommending a particularly talented individual to Solomon. The man was referred to as the King’s “master craftsman,” a term that carries a profound meaning.

The word “master” comes from Hebrew and means lord, ruler, and leader. By sending this master craftsman, the King was endorsing someone who stood at the pinnacle of his craft.

From this account, we can glean four important traits about this master craftsman:
1. He was exceptionally skilled in a specific area.
2. His capabilities were so noteworthy that they earned him a recommendation from the King.
3. He possessed the ability to teach others his craft.
4. He was a team player, capable of collaborating effectively with others.

Being a master in one’s field involves instructing others and working harmoniously in a team setting: “to accomplish any plan assigned to him, with your skilled men and the skilled men of my lord David, your father.” This highlights the importance of adaptability and cooperation, even when working with professionals from diverse backgrounds. For us, as individuals striving to fulfil God’s purpose, it’s essential to master any work assigned to us.

The scripture from Ecclesiastes 9:10 resonates deeply: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” When we embrace our identity as children of God, He equips us with unique gifts that we are to refine and master. Let us utilize those gifts to impact others positively, share our knowledge, and gain recognition for our work worldwide.

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20 January
Change your Attitude

“And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.” (1Samuel 1:18)

Peninnah provoked Hannah for a long time due to her childlessness. Out of frustration, Hannah goes to the temple to cry unto the Lord as and when she gets the opportunity. Hannah may have met some other people who consoled her and shared their stories with her, but she was going through the pain alone. Although Elkanah loved her more than Peninnah, she was unhappy.

Sometimes, when we go through problems, we think that God has left us. We cry and complain unnecessarily, forgetting that our God is a God of promise. Eli did not cause Hannah’s miracle, but it can be related to her change of attitude.

The woman did three things:
1. She made a move (you have stayed at one place crying for long; it is time to move on)
2. She ate (you have fasted for so long; it is time to eat)
3. She wiped her tears (you have cried for so long, and it is time to wipe your tears)

Though the problem may be challenging and seem tougher each day and night, God knows how to take us out. We are not featherless. We have a Father who can do everything for us according to His riches and glory.

19 January
Run the Race and endure to the End

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

A few days ago, while surfing online, I came across the story of John Stephen Akhwari, a Tanzanian athlete. He was a world-class distance runner in the 1960s and early 70s. Akhwari was competing in the Olympic Marathon in Mexico City. At approximately 19 km into the 42 km race, some runners were jostling, and he fell badly. He wounded his knee, and his shoulder also hit hard against the pavement. His leg was bleeding, and his knee was dislocated. The medical staff urged him to withdraw, but he continued running. It was a mix of walking and a slow, limping run at points. He finished last over an hour later after all the 57 competitors had completed the race. Even though most people had left the stadium, a cheer came from the small crowd when he crossed the finish line. Later, when he was interviewed, he said, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles just to start the race; they sent me to finish the race.” In Hebrews 12:1-3, the Bible says that we should run with patience the race before us, knowing that Christ is the author and finisher of our faith.

We should not give up on the way. Instead, we should know we have been tasked to finish the race, not just start. Although Stephen might have prepared very well before the marathon and was declared fit for the race, something happened that made him unable to merge as the winner. But he set a standard by completing the race. We have been tasked with remaining faithful unto Christ to the end, no matter what may come our way. Though life is full of troubles and many occurrences, we should know that the race set before us is not for the feeble but for those who are determined to finish it. Though Stephen did not win the race, he fought a good fight and finished the race. He might have had what the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith” in mind. Go ahead; there is no time to waste; the race is not yet over; keep moving until you finish. Amen.

The Bible in one year: Job 23:1-27:23 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11 Psalm 41:1-13 Proverbs 22:5-6

Prayer: I will steadfastly uphold my commitment to you, unwavering and resolute, no matter the difficulties or challenges that may arise on my journey. Regardless of the circumstances or trials I encounter, I am firmly convinced in my heart and soul that neither death nor life, nor any forces of this world, can ever sever the bond that we share. Our connection is profound and transcends all obstacles, standing strong against any adversity. Amen.

MORE STUDY: Psalm 14:1 | Proverbs 13:20 |

30 December