Category Archives: Faith

Faith

Where Is Your Faith?

“And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, AMP).

Beloved, consider this: Do you trust God with every detail of your life? He, who spoke the universe into existence and holds all things together by the power of His Word, has promised to meet your every need. Yet, how often do we doubt His faithfulness? When trials arise, when answers seem delayed, or when life feels uncertain, where is your faith? Jesus asked His disciples the same question in the midst of the storm: “Where is your faith [your confidence in Me]?” (Luke 8:25, AMP).

The God who provided manna in the wilderness, healed the sick, and raised the dead is unchanging. To Him, there is no difference between resurrection, healing, or providing food for today. Each act flows from His infinite power and is accomplished according to His perfect will. The determining question is always: “Is it in the will of God, and how will it bring glory to Him?”

Trusting God’s Provision

Faith rests not in what we see but in who God is. Jesus taught, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7, AMP). Yet He also instructed us to pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, AMP). This is the foundation of faith—trusting God’s will above our own, knowing that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The Apostle Paul exemplified this trust when he wrote: “I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances” (Philippians 4:11, AMP). Whether in abundance or lack, Paul relied on Christ’s strength, not his situation. This kind of faith declares, “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me” (Philippians 4:13, AMP).

Whether it is resurrection, healing, or daily provision, each miracle reveals God’s sovereignty and invites us to trust Him. What matters is not the size of the miracle but whether it aligns with God’s purposes and brings glory to Him. As Jesus said of Lazarus’ sickness, “It is for the glory and honor of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it” (John 11:4, AMP).

A Testimony of Trust

A friend once shared how she prayed for peace and provision during a difficult season. She expected immediate answers, but God’s response came differently than she imagined. Instead of an instant solution, He provided strength through His Word, encouragement through prayer, and joy in unexpected places. Her story reminded me that God’s provision often extends beyond meeting physical needs—it touches our hearts, strengthens our faith, and draws us closer to Him.

This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:25-33 (AMP):

“Do not worry, saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’… But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you also.”

God’s provision is not limited to physical sustenance; it encompasses peace in chaos, joy in sorrow, and strength in weakness. His answers may not always match our expectations, but they are always for our good and His glory.

Faith That Trusts, Not Presumes

True faith does not demand specific outcomes but surrenders to the perfect will of God. Job declared in his suffering, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15, AMP). This is the kind of faith that clings to God for who He is, not simply for what He gives.

God’s power remains the same in every work—whether raising the dead, healing the sick, or providing daily bread. To us, these acts may seem unequal, but to God, they are all part of His sovereign plan. The question we must ask ourselves is not “Can God do this?” but, “Is it His will, and how will it glorify Him?”

Where Is Your Faith?

Beloved, where is your faith? Do you trust God only when His blessings are visible, or do you trust Him in the silence, the waiting, and the unanswered prayers? God’s ultimate purpose is not merely to meet our earthly needs but to conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). When trials come, trust that He is working all things for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Let your faith rise today, anchored in the unchanging truth of who He is.

He is Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides. Whether He meets a need through miraculous intervention or sustains us through patience and endurance, His faithfulness remains unshaken. Trust Him, for He never fails.

A Prayer for Faith and Salvation

O Lord, we come to You knowing that You are the God of all power and provision. Forgive us for the times we’ve doubted Your faithfulness or sought to measure Your love by our circumstances. Teach us to trust You in all things—in the moments of joy and the times of uncertainty.

Father, I pray for anyone reading this who does not yet know You. If they feel distant, draw them close by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Open their eyes to see the love You’ve poured out through Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for their salvation. For those who know You, Lord, deepen their faith. Help us to trust You not for what You give but for who You are.

Lord, we surrender our lives to You, trusting You as Savior, Provider, and King. Thank You for Your perfect will, Your unending love, and Your faithfulness to meet our every need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Exhortation

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5, AMP). Seek Him daily, press into His presence, and let your faith grow deeper as you walk with Him. If you don’t yet know Jesus, call upon His name today. He is ready to forgive, save, and transform your life. For those who already know Him, take heart—He is faithful. Where is your faith? Let it rest fully in Him who never fails.

See Also

Faith, The Pursuit

The Cost of Saying Yes to God

Beloved, what would it take for you to trust God completely? Not just in the easy moments, but when the stakes are high, the future is uncertain, and the cost feels unbearable. Blind, unconditional faith is not about ignorance; it is about trust—a trust so deep that before God even asks, your heart cries, “Yes, Lord!”

Abraham stands as a towering example of this kind of faith. When God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac, his promised son, Abraham obeyed without hesitation. “By faith Abraham, when he was tested [that is, as the testing of his faith was still in progress], offered up Isaac” (Hebrews 11:17 AMP). Abraham didn’t demand answers or explanations; he trusted that God’s promises are unshakable and that His ways are always perfect. Can you say the same? Would you lay down what is most precious to you, knowing God’s plan is greater? Abraham’s faith came from seeking God’s presence continually.

The prophet Isaiah’s response to God’s call echoes the same surrender. When God asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Isaiah didn’t hesitate. He declared, “Here I am. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8 AMP). He didn’t ask about the mission or the dangers involved. He simply trusted that to obey God was the highest honor.

Mary and Joseph, too, modeled this unwavering obedience. Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 AMP), even though her “yes” invited public shame and possible death. Joseph obeyed the angel’s command to take Mary as his wife and protect the unborn Savior, despite the whispers of scandal and the uncertainty of the road ahead. Their faith was not blind to the cost; it was fixed on the God who is faithful. Their actions showed that seeking God’s presence was paramount in their lives.

Now, beloved, I ask you: where is your faith? Are you holding back parts of your life, waiting for assurances or guarantees before you obey? Or is your heart fully surrendered, saying, “Yes, Lord,” before you even know the question? Blind unconditional faith is not a leap into the dark; it is a leap into the arms of a God who has never failed. Your leap begins with seeking God’s presence daily.

The world needs men and women like Abraham, Isaiah, Mary, and Joseph—people who trust God no matter the cost. Rise up and say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” Let your life be a testimony of faith that inspires others to lay down their fears and follow Him with reckless abandon. By seeking God’s presence, you inspire others to deepen their faith.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts longing to trust You more. Teach us to say “yes” before You even ask, to follow You with bold, unconditional faith. Strip away our fears and hesitation, and fill us with the courage to obey You no matter the cost. May our lives echo the words of Isaiah: “Here I am, send me.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now is the time to surrender, beloved. God is calling—will you answer?

See Also

Faith

The Road to Revelation

The road to Emmaus stretched before you, dappled with golden sunlight filtering through the olive trees. The gravel beneath your sandals crunched softly with each step, the uneven stones occasionally pressing into your soles. The spring air was alive with the hum of crickets and the occasional trill of a bird hidden among the branches. Yet the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the countryside could not lift the weight pressing on your heart. It felt like burning hearts on the road to revelation.

The conversation between you and your companion was hushed, heavy. The recent events in Jerusalem had shattered your hopes, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth—like the dust that clung to your lips. Jesus, the one you had believed to be the Messiah, was dead. Crucified. You couldn’t reconcile it. The words of the prophets, the miracles He performed, the authority in His voice—all seemed to have led to a dead end.

A gentle breeze stirred the air, carrying with it the faint scent of wildflowers blooming by the roadside. You breathed it in, but even its sweetness couldn’t lift the knot in your chest. As you walked, deep in thought, the sound of footsteps joined yours—a stranger, his presence calm yet commanding. His voice broke the silence, smooth yet firm: “What are these things you are discussing so intently as you walk?”

You glanced at your companion, both of you startled by the interruption. The stranger’s question seemed almost absurd. How could anyone not know what had happened in Jerusalem? You explained, your voice faltering as you recounted the betrayal, the trial, the crucifixion. You couldn’t help but choke on the words, the raw wound of disappointment still fresh. “We had hoped He was the one to redeem Israel,” you said, your throat tightening. “But it’s been three days…”

The stranger listened patiently, his steps falling in rhythm with yours. When he spoke, his voice resonated with authority, yet carried a warmth that drew you in. “Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then enter His glory?” His words pierced your heart, as if he were unraveling the knot of grief inside you.

As the sun climbed higher, he began to explain the Scriptures. His words carried you back to the beginning—Moses, the prophets—all pointing to the Messiah’s suffering and victory. The deeper he went, the more your heart burned, as if the embers of hope were being stoked back to life. The scents of wild thyme and crushed leaves from your steps seemed sharper now, the air fresher, the sounds of nature more alive. It was as if the world around you was awakening with the truth being spoken.

The day passed quickly, and before you knew it, you were nearing Emmaus. The sun dipped low, painting the horizon in fiery hues of orange and red. The stranger made as if to go further, but you couldn’t let him leave. “Stay with us,” you urged, your voice almost pleading. “The day is nearly over.”

Inside the small house, the fire crackled, its warmth pushing back the evening chill. The scent of fresh bread filled the room, mingling with the earthy aroma of olive oil. The stranger sat at the table with you, his movements deliberate, almost reverent. When he took the bread, blessed it, and broke it, the light from the fire flickered across his face—and then it hit you.

Your breath caught. Your eyes widened. It was Him. Jesus. The one who had walked with you, who had spoken with such power and truth, was alive and sitting at your table. Before you could speak, He was gone, leaving only the lingering scent of bread and the imprint of His presence on your soul.

You turned to your companion, your heart racing, your voice trembling with joy. “Did not our hearts burn within us as He talked with us on the road?” The realization was like a rushing wind, filling the room and sweeping away the grief that had weighed you down.

You couldn’t stay still. The journey back to Jerusalem felt like a dream. The cool night air brushed your face as your sandals slapped against the road, the stars above seeming brighter, the earth beneath your feet more solid. Every breath tasted of hope, every heartbeat pulsed with joy. You burst into the room where the others were gathered, your voice ringing out: “He is risen! We have seen Him!”

And then He appeared—Jesus, standing in the midst of you all. The warmth of His presence wrapped around you like a cloak. His voice, calm yet commanding, filled the room: “Peace to you.”

The room was still, but the air vibrated with the awe of His presence. Jesus, alive and radiant, stood before you and the others. His scars were visible, the marks of the nails on His hands and feet speaking louder than any words. Yet there was no pain in His face, only peace—an unshakable, eternal peace that seemed to flood the room and settle deep in your soul.

He spoke again, His voice rich and steady: “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Touch Me and see.” His invitation was simple, yet profound. Hesitant at first, you stepped forward. Your fingers brushed against the scars, and a wave of indescribable wonder filled you. The warmth of His hand was unmistakable, and it was real. He was real.

The room, once filled with sorrow and confusion, now overflowed with joy. The firelight flickered, casting long shadows on the walls, but none of it could compare to the light in His eyes—a light that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of time and space. He reached for a piece of broiled fish from the table and ate it, a simple act that brought you all to laughter and tears. How could it be? Death itself had been defeated, and He stood alive before you.

He spoke again, and this time His words burned like fire in your heart: “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” As He explained, your mind seemed to expand, as if scales fell from your eyes. You saw, truly saw, how all of history pointed to Him—the suffering, the sacrifice, the glory.

And then He gave you the call that would change your life forever. “You are witnesses of these things,” He said, His gaze sweeping over each of you. “And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” His words were both a command and a promise, a calling that ignited something deep within you. This was not the end of the story; it was the beginning.

In the days that followed, His appearances brought reassurance and power. The sound of His voice stayed with you, like the echo of the shofar ringing through the hills. The scent of blooming flowers, carried by the spring wind, reminded you of the empty tomb, the victory over death. The taste of that shared bread lingered as a reminder of His fellowship, His presence that would never leave you.

And then, one day, He led you to a hill outside the city. The sun shone brightly, warming your skin as you stood with the others, watching Him. He lifted His hands and blessed you. His words carried the weight of eternity, yet His smile was gentle, filled with love. “Go and make disciples of all nations,” He commanded, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

As He spoke, He began to rise, His figure growing smaller as He ascended into the sky. Your breath caught, the awe of the moment filling your chest. A brilliant light surrounded Him, and then He was gone, hidden by the clouds. The silence that followed was thick with holiness, broken only by the rustling of the wind.

Suddenly, two men in radiant white appeared beside you. Their voices were calm yet commanding: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go.”

The promise echoed in your heart as you made your way back to Jerusalem. Every step on the road felt lighter now, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from your shoulders. You couldn’t stop talking about Him—His words, His wounds, His victory. The air seemed fresher, the world brighter, as if creation itself had been redeemed along with you.

Back in the city, you waited, just as He had instructed. The days passed, filled with prayer and expectation. Then, on the morning of Pentecost, it happened. The room was filled with the sound of a rushing wind, so powerful it made your ears ring. Tongues of fire appeared, resting on each of you, and you were filled with the Holy Spirit. The power He had promised was now within you, burning with an intensity you had never known.

You burst into the streets, your voice lifted in bold proclamation. The words flowed from you as if they had been written on your heart: Jesus is alive! He is the Messiah! Repent and believe in Him! The crowds, drawn by the sound, stopped to listen. Their faces reflected the same awe and wonder you had felt on the road, in the upper room, and on the hill.

The story had begun, and it would never end.

And now, dear friend, this story invites you in. Jesus still walks the road with us, still opens our eyes, still calls us to be His witnesses. Will you answer His call? Will you invite Him into your life, letting His Spirit fill you with the same power that transformed those first believers? He is alive, and He is waiting for you.

Lord Jesus, we praise You, the risen King, the Savior who walks with us and reveals the truth to our hearts. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may walk in boldness and joy, proclaiming Your love to the world. May we never forget that You are with us always, to the end of the age. Amen.

See Also

Advent, Faith

The Light in the Window

In a small village nestled in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain, there stood a humble home with a single candle glowing in its window. The family who lived there, the Carters, had a tradition passed down through generations: every Christmas Eve, they would place a candle in the window to guide weary travelers and remind their neighbors of the light of Christ.

As the years passed, the meaning of the candle began to fade for many in the village. People grew busy with their own plans and problems. But the Carters kept their light shining, believing that even a small flame could pierce the deepest darkness.

One particular Christmas Eve, the snow fell heavy and unrelenting, blanketing the village in icy silence. Inside their home, the Carters prepared for their simple celebration. The parents, John and Miriam, prepared a modest meal, while their children, Grace and Peter, set the table. Though they had little, their hearts were full, for they knew that the greatest gift of Christmas was the love God had shown through His Son.

Candle in the Window
A wood-framed window, a frosty patterns. A candle burns outside the window

As the family gathered, a knock came at the door. Peter opened it to find a frail old man shivering in the cold. He was a stranger to the village, his face lined with years of hardship. Without hesitation, John invited him in, wrapping the man in a warm blanket and offering him a seat by the fire. Miriam set an extra place at the table, and Grace poured him a steaming cup of tea.

The man, who introduced himself as Henry, said little at first, overwhelmed by the warmth of their welcome. But as he ate and listened to their stories, his eyes began to brighten. He shared that he had been traveling for days, searching for a place to spend Christmas, when he saw the candle in their window. “It was like a beacon in the storm,” he said softly. “I thought no one cared anymore. But your light called me home.”

After dinner, they gathered by the fire to read the Christmas story. When John read, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16, AMP), Henry’s eyes filled with tears. He explained that he had once known God but had wandered far from Him. That night, as the family prayed, Henry recommitted his heart to the Lord.

The next morning, the Carters found Henry had left early, leaving behind only a note. It read:

“You gave me the greatest gift—family, love, and the reminder of God’s light. I will carry it with me always.”

As the years went by, the Carters continued to light their candle, and more weary travelers found their way to their table. The simple act of sharing Christmas—through warmth, love, and the light of Christ—became a living testament in their village. Others began lighting candles in their windows, and soon, the entire village glowed with light every Christmas Eve.

And so the lesson endures: when we share Christmas with others, especially those in need, we reflect the light of God’s love, a flame that can never be extinguished.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, the light of the world. Help us to share Your love and the joy of Christmas with others, so that Your light shines brightly in us. May we always open our hearts and homes to those in need, reflecting Your grace and truth. Amen.

See Also

Faith, Intimacy

Stop Playing Church and Return to the Lord

In His mercy, God allows us to live with free will, even when our choices grieve Him. For many of us, this free will leads to “playing church”—going through the motions of faith without truly seeking God’s presence. We attend services, recite prayers, and check religious boxes, but our hearts remain far from Him. This shallow faith breaks God’s heart, yet He waits patiently, calling us to return to Him wholeheartedly. Let us finally stop playing church and seek His presence anew.

The Bible warns us about hollow worship: “These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me” (Matthew 15:8, AMP). Playing church might make us feel comfortable, but it keeps us from the fullness of God’s power and purpose in our lives. The Enemy is perfectly content to see us busy with religious activity, so long as we remain spiritually ineffective.

But the moment we stop playing church and truly seek God, everything changes. When we move beyond rituals and engage in intimate, heartfelt prayer, when we genuinely repent and surrender our distractions and sins, we become vessels for God’s power. It is in this surrender that the Enemy takes notice—because a church that prays, seeks God’s face, and loves others as Christ does becomes a threat to his kingdom.

The Danger of a Shallow Faith

Playing church keeps us stuck in a cycle of empty actions. We feel busy and religious but lack the intimacy with God that transforms our hearts. Jesus reminds us, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21, AMP). Faith is not about appearances; it’s about obedience, love, and surrender. To stop playing church, we must align our hearts with God’s will and seek true intimacy with Him.

This shallow faith is often sustained by distractions and comfortable sins—the things we turn to instead of God. Whether it’s entertainment, pride, or apathy, these idols dull our spiritual hunger. God calls us to strip away these barriers and return to Him fully.

True Faith Requires Wholehearted Devotion

The Lord does not want us to settle for religious routine. He desires relationship. “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, AMP). True faith is an all-consuming pursuit of God. It means surrendering our favorite distractions, abandoning our comfortable sins, and seeking Him with an undivided heart. When we stop simply playing church, we embark on a true journey of faith.

This is not easy. It requires sacrifice and humility. But when we set aside our excuses and truly press into God, we experience His presence in ways we never imagined. Revival begins when the people of God stop playing church and start living as the body of Christ—praying fervently, loving sacrificially, and sharing His gospel boldly.

A Call to Stop Playing Church

Beloved, now is the time to stop playing church, and start living out our faith genuinely. God is calling us to lay down our idols, distractions, and sins and return to Him. Imagine a church where believers gather, not out of obligation, but out of a deep hunger for God’s presence. Imagine spontaneous prayer meetings, where hearts cry out to the Lord without concern for schedules or distractions. Imagine a church so on fire for God that the lost are drawn to Him through our love and witness.

This is what God desires for His people. This is what He calls us to.

Prayer:

Father, we confess that we have often gone through the motions of faith without truly seeking You. Forgive us for playing church, for being distracted by our comforts, and for clinging to sins that hinder our walk with You. We lay these things at the cross and ask You to cleanse us. Ignite in us a hunger for Your presence and a desire to live in obedience to Your will. Teach us to seek You with all our hearts and to bring Your love to the world around us. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

See Also

Advent, Faith, Spiritual

Fan the flame of God’s gift

In this season of Advent, we remember the coming of Christ—His first arrival as a child and the promise of His return as King. This is a season of reflection, hope, and expectation. But it is also a season of action—a time to rekindle the fire of God’s purpose within us and fan the flame of God’s gift.

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in Matthew 1:20-21, he said: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” In the same way, the Holy Spirit has planted a purpose, a calling, and gifts within you. Like Joseph, we must reject fear and embrace what God has conceived in us.

The Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy provide an urgent reminder: “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you… For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and of love and of sound judgment” (2 Timothy 1:6-7 AMP). Paul recognized that fear and intimidation can weaken even the strongest believers, reducing their passion to mere embers. But he also knew the truth: God’s power and presence are always available to stir the fire within us.

Do Not Let the Flame Die

There are seasons in life when the flame of God’s calling feels weak—times when fear, weariness, and discouragement threaten to silence the gifts God has placed in us. Perhaps you feel like the embers of your faith are barely glowing. But hear this: The fire is not gone. It only needs to be stirred.

Paul’s instruction to “fan into flame” is both a command and a promise. You have a role to play in reviving the fire within you. Like a flame that requires oxygen and fuel, the gifts of God need to be nurtured with prayer, time in His Word, and faith-filled action. Advent calls us to this very work: to prepare our hearts, renew our strength, and reignite our passion for His purpose.

God’s Work in You Mirrors His Advent Promise

Advent teaches us that God works in ways we do not always see or understand. The child conceived in Mary was not an ordinary child, and the work He does within you is not ordinary either. As the angel declared, “Do not be afraid… for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” In the same way, what God has begun in you is of Him.

God has given you gifts to share with the world, a light to shine in dark places. Jesus Himself says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14 AMP). Your gifts are not small, and your calling is not insignificant. This world needs what God has placed within you.

Practical Steps to Fan the Flame

1. Return to the Word of God

God’s Word is the fuel for your spiritual fire. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 AMP). Spend time daily in Scripture, allowing His truth to renew your mind and ignite your faith.

2. Pray and Invite the Holy Spirit to Move

The Holy Spirit is the fire within you. Just as He filled the early church with boldness and power, He is ready to refresh and empower you. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6 AMP).

3. Reject Fear and Discouragement

Fear is the enemy’s tool to silence your calling. Yet God has declared, “The righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1 AMP). Refuse to let intimidation steal your purpose. Declare His promises and walk in His strength.

4. Share Your Light with Others

The gifts God has given you are meant to bless others and glorify Him. Jesus calls us to action: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 AMP).

A Call to Action

Beloved, now is not the time to let your fire grow cold. The same Spirit who spoke to Joseph, who empowered Mary, and who filled Timothy with boldness, dwells within you. Fan into flame the gift of God. Blow upon the embers of your faith with prayer, surrender, and obedience. God has placed His light within you—do not let fear or weariness diminish it.

The Advent message is one of hope and preparation. Christ has come to bring life, light, and salvation, and He has called you to carry that light to the world. The gifts He has placed in you are not for you alone; they are for a world desperate for His truth and love.

A Prayer to Fan the Flame

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gifts You have placed within me. Forgive me for the times I have allowed fear, doubt, or discouragement to weaken my passion for Your purpose. I ask You now to fan into flame the gifts You have given me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and empower me to walk boldly in Your calling. Let my life shine brightly for Your glory, reflecting the hope of Christ to those around me.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

A Decree for Advent

We decree that the gifts of God within us are stirred afresh. Fear is broken, boldness arises, and the fire of the Holy Spirit burns brightly in us.

This Advent, fan the flame. Christ has come, and He is coming again. Let your life burn for Him.

See Also

Faith, Prayers

Faith Transforms Everything

Beloved, faith changes everything, but it doesn’t promise ease. Instead, it leads us into a life of trust, perseverance, and reliance on God. Jesus declared, “For with God, all things are possible” (Mark 10:27, AMP). Yet, the road of faith is rarely smooth—it is a journey that requires us to press forward even when challenges arise. Faith transforms everything, including how we face those challenges.

Think of Noah, who built an ark on dry ground for decades while the world mocked him. His faith didn’t make the task easy, but it made it possible. Every nail he hammered testified to his confidence in God’s word. “By faith [with confidence in God and His word], Noah… prepared an ark for the salvation of his family” (Hebrews 11:7, AMP). His obedience wasn’t effortless, but it revealed the power of unwavering trust.

Faith demands action. Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water, defying the laws of nature. For a moment, he experienced the miraculous, but when he focused on the wind and waves, he began to sink. Yet even in his doubt, Jesus reached out and saved him. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31, AMP). This moment reminds us: faith doesn’t mean we won’t falter, but it does mean we know where to turn when we do.

Consider the woman with the issue of blood, who pressed through the crowd to touch Jesus’ garment. Weak, unclean, and desperate, she believed He could heal her. Her faith wasn’t passive—it was bold and determined. When she reached Him, Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith [your personal trust and confidence in Me] has restored you to health” (Luke 8:48, AMP). Her story reveals that faith often requires persistence and courage to overcome obstacles.

Faith transforms our perspective on trials. When life feels overwhelming, remember the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Facing the fiery furnace, they refused to bow to false gods, declaring, “Our God whom we serve is able to rescue us” (Daniel 3:17, AMP). Though the fire came, they were not consumed, for a fourth man—Jesus—walked with them in the flames. Their faith didn’t remove the trial, but it revealed the power and presence of God. Indeed, Faith Transforms Everything, including how we view trials.

Faith is not a shortcut but a calling to trust God in every season. It’s not about avoiding hardship but about seeing God’s hand at work through it. Even when the answers seem delayed or the journey feels impossible, faith reminds us that God is faithful. He promises, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched” (Isaiah 43:2, AMP).

Faith isn’t just about what God can do; it’s about who He is. The trials we face refine our character and draw us closer to Him. Like the Apostle Paul, we can say, “I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me” (Philippians 4:13, AMP). Remember, Faith Transforms Everything, not just our circumstances but our connection with God.

Actionable Faith Steps for You

  1. Trust God’s timing: When waiting feels unbearable, remember that God is never late.
  2. Stay focused on Jesus: Like Peter, keep your eyes on Him, not the storm around you.
  3. Press through the crowd: Don’t let obstacles stop you from seeking God’s presence and power.
  4. Lean into His promises: Study His word to build your confidence in His faithfulness.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You that with You, all things are possible. Strengthen my faith when I face trials, and teach me to trust You more deeply. Help me to see that even when the road is hard, You are refining me for Your glory. Let my life be a testimony of Your power, and may I always walk in step with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Beloved, faith transforms everything. It will not make the journey easy, but it will make the impossible possible. Keep pressing forward, for your reward is not just what God can do for you but the intimacy you gain with Him along the way.

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Faith

Unleashing faith

The world has taught us to see limits where God sees none. We need to unlearn what the world calls “impossible” and instead embrace the truth of God’s power.

Wednesday, while I was in the shower, water poured down over two bottles on a shelf—one shampoo, one conditioner. Without my glasses, I couldn’t read the labels, and the water distorted my vision. Instinctively, I reached out to push the water aside, as though it were a curtain I could move. Just before my hand reached it, I realized: water doesn’t work that way. But in that moment, a truth struck me—this is the kind of faith God calls us to. A faith so sure, so unshaken by doubt, that we act in bold belief. I feel if I had just pushed through with my faith it would have moved.

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20 AMP). God invites us to believe in Him beyond what we see or understand. He asks for a faith that trusts His Word completely—without hesitation, without fear.

Yet, how often do we falter? Like Peter walking on water, we begin with bold steps but falter when doubt creeps in. We let what the world calls “impossible” limit our belief in what God can do. But the truth remains: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 AMP). It is not our strength but God’s power that makes miracles happen.

Let this story remind us to trust God fully. To push past doubt and hold tightly to His promises. Faith calls us to live in bold expectation, knowing that with God, there are no limits.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, we confess that too often we let the world shape our faith instead of Your truth. Help us to unlearn the lies of impossibility and embrace the limitless power of Your Word. Strengthen our faith to act without doubt, to trust You completely, and to believe that all things are possible through You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go Deeper

Faith

Jesus Brings Life to Dead Hopes

When Jesus arrived in Bethany, He was met with sorrow and despair. Lazarus, His dear friend, had been in the tomb for four days. To Martha and Mary, it seemed too late. Their hope had faded, and they believed death had the final word. Yet in the midst of their grief, Jesus declared a truth that transcends time and circumstance: “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me will live even if he dies” (John 11:25 AMP).

Jesus calls us to believe, even when our hopes seem dead. This is a common thread throughout Scripture. When Sarah laughed at the thought of bearing a child in her old age, God asked, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14 AMP). When Ezekiel stood in the valley of dry bones, God commanded him to prophesy life into what was lifeless, and the bones came alive by the power of God (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Over and over, the Bible reminds us that God specializes in reviving what seems beyond hope.

Martha, like many of us, struggled to reconcile her faith with her circumstances. She believed Jesus could have healed her brother before his death, but she doubted what He could do now. Yet Jesus gently reminded her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe [in Me], you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 AMP). In Isaiah 55:8-9, God declares, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways… For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (AMP). God’s timing is not our timing, but His timing is perfect.

When Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, He demonstrated that He is not bound by time, death, or human limitations. Just as He brought life to Lazarus, He can breathe life into your circumstances. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:20 that God “is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us”(AMP).

Jesus is asking you to trust Him. He is saying to you what He said to Jairus when his daughter was on the brink of death: “Do not be afraid; only believe [in Me and My power]”(Mark 5:36 AMP). Even when all seems lost, when time has passed, and when the situation appears final, God can still do anything.

Roll away the stone of fear, doubt, and unbelief. Trust that the same God who brought life to dry bones, raised Lazarus, and fulfilled His promises to Sarah can bring new life to the areas of your life that feel dead. His glory will shine when you place your hope in Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank You that nothing is too difficult for You. When my hopes feel dead and Your timing feels delayed, help me to believe that You are still working. Breathe life into my circumstances as You did with Lazarus, Sarah, and the dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision. Teach me to trust that Your ways are higher than mine and Your timing is always perfect. May I hold fast to Your truth and see Your glory revealed in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Faith

Jesus satisfies our deepest longings

Beloved, hear this truth: this world can never satisfy the deepest longings of your heart. The desires it offers are fleeting, its treasures fading, and its promises empty. You were created for something far greater—for a life rooted in God, abundant and eternal.

Jesus said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I am the Door for the sheep [leading to life]” (John 10:7, AMP). In Him alone we find our way to true life, a life overflowing with peace and joy. “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]” (John 10:10, AMP). Only through Jesus can we experience the abundant, eternal life our souls were made for.

Do not be deceived by the false promises of this world. The enemy, the thief, seeks to rob you of the life God has planned for you. He offers distractions and temporary pleasures to pull you away from the truth. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls you to Himself, offering not just salvation but rest for your weary soul. He is the Door, and all who enter through Him will be saved, living securely and freely in His care.

This world is not your home, dear pilgrim. As the Apostle Paul declared, “Our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20, AMP). You are a sojourner, a traveler passing through, walking toward the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10). Do not grow weary on this journey. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.

Beloved, you must press into Him with all your heart. “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, AMP). This is no casual pursuit. It is an all-consuming hunger to know Him, to dwell in His presence, and to follow Him daily. Jesus Himself calls us to this path, saying, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily…and follow Me” (Luke 9:23, AMP).

Do not cling to the fading pleasures of this world. They are but shadows of the eternal joy found in Christ. The riches of heaven, the peace of God, and the fullness of His presence are your true inheritance. Seek Him, press into Him, and follow Him wholeheartedly, for He is your life, your hope, and your home.

Let us pray:

Holy Father, You alone satisfy the longings of our hearts. We turn from the fleeting pleasures of this world and press into Your presence, seeking You with all our hearts. Teach us to follow You daily, to walk as pilgrims with our eyes fixed on eternity. Strengthen us to resist the enemy’s lies and distractions, and help us to rest in the abundant life found only in Jesus. May we live for Your glory and draw closer to You every step of this journey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Beloved, let us press into the Lord, for this world is not our home. Let us walk in the light, abiding in His love and truth, as we journey toward eternity. He is the Door, and in Him we find life—life abundant, eternal, and secure.

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