Sunrise over a tranquil landscape with golden rays breaking through clouds, symbolizing divine grace and new beginnings.

Embracing Grace: The Transformative Power Of The Doctrine Of Grace In Contemporary Christian Life

By Alice | February 22, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt deeply loved, forgiven, and embraced, even when you knew you didn’t deserve it? That’s grace—unearned, unexpected, and undeniably life-changing. It’s a concept central to the Christian faith, yet its beauty lies in how deeply personal and profoundly transformative it can be in everyday life.

In a world where performance often determines worth, the doctrine of grace stands as a refreshing, countercultural truth. Grace reminds us that we don’t have to earn God’s favor—it’s freely given, no strings attached.

But what does it mean to truly embrace grace, and how does it shape our lives as contemporary Christians?

Let’s explore this cornerstone of faith, uncover its biblical roots, and discover how it can transform our relationships, communities, and personal journeys.

Grace in Scripture: A Thread Woven Through Biblical History

From the very first pages of the Bible, grace is a recurring and powerful theme that defines God’s relationship with humanity. It is God’s unmerited favor at work—a divine force that rescues, restores and renews.

Whether it’s God sparing Noah and his family during the flood, His patience with the Israelites in the wilderness, or His covenantal promises to imperfect people, grace is ever-present, gently shaping history and lives.

In the New Testament, grace takes center stage in the life and teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. It is here that grace is fully revealed as a cornerstone of salvation, redemption, and transformation.

The following scriptures highlight the richness and depth of grace:

1️⃣ Ephesians 2:8-9

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

This verse captures the essence of grace: a gift freely given, unearned, and undeserved. It strips away pride and self-reliance, reminding us that salvation is not something we can achieve on our own.

God’s grace is a profound act of love, ensuring that no one can claim credit for their redemption.

💡 Application: Recognize and rest in the truth that your worth is not tied to your achievements or perfection. This can free you from the pressures of performance, helping you embrace your identity as a beloved child of God.

💡 In Practice: When you feel tempted to compare yourself to others or prove your value, remind yourself that God’s love is not earned—it’s freely given. Show this same grace to others by celebrating their successes without competition or envy.

2️⃣ Romans 3:23-24

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Here, grace meets humanity in its brokenness. It acknowledges that every person has fallen short but also proclaims the good news: through Christ, grace justifies and restores.

This verse highlights the universal need for grace and the boundless generosity of God in offering redemption to all who believe.

💡 Application: Recognize that everyone, including yourself, makes mistakes. This verse encourages humility and helps us extend forgiveness to ourselves and others, knowing that we all rely on God’s grace.

💡 In Practice: When someone wrongs you, pause before reacting. Instead of holding onto resentment, choose forgiveness, knowing that you’ve been forgiven too. Similarly, when you fall short, allow grace to silence self-criticism and give you the courage to move forward.

3️⃣ Titus 2:11-12

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”

Grace is not just about saving us, it is also about transforming us. This passage emphasizes that grace equips believers to live differently. It’s a guide that empowers us to resist harmful desires and live in alignment with God’s will.

Grace, in this sense, becomes a daily teacher, shaping how we respond to the gift of salvation.

💡 Application: Let grace shape your daily decisions. This passage reminds us that grace is more than forgiveness—it’s a source of strength to live intentionally and align our lives with God’s will.

💡 In Practice: When facing temptations or difficult decisions, reflect on God’s grace as a motivator to stay true to your values. For example, choose kindness over retaliation, integrity over shortcuts, or generosity over selfishness.

4️⃣ 2 Corinthians 12:9

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”

In moments of vulnerability, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God’s grace is enough. It reassures us that grace is at work even in our weakest and most broken states, sustaining and empowering us through challenges.

💡 Application: Lean on God’s grace during times of struggle. This verse reminds us that God’s grace is enough to sustain us, even when we feel weak or inadequate.

💡 In Practice: When challenges arise—a demanding work deadline, a broken relationship, or a personal failure—take a moment to pray for God’s strength. Trust that His grace will carry you through and use your vulnerability as an opportunity to grow closer to Him.

5️⃣ John 1:16-17

“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

This passage highlights the abundance of grace available through Christ. Unlike the law, which pointed out humanity’s shortcomings, Jesus embodies and delivers grace, offering it freely and without limit. It’s a grace that continually renews and overflows into every aspect of our lives.

💡 Application: Be a channel of God’s overflowing grace. As recipients of endless grace through Christ, we are called to share it with others in ways that reflect His love.

💡 In Practice: Actively look for ways to extend grace throughout your day. This could mean giving someone the benefit of the doubt, offering encouragement to someone who feels defeated, or showing hospitality to a friend in need.

These scriptures reveal the multifaceted nature of grace—it’s a gift, a teacher, a sustainer, and a reflection of God’s incredible love. From salvation to daily transformation, grace is woven into the fabric of the Christian journey, offering hope, renewal, and purpose at every step.

Living Out Grace in Everyday Life

These scriptures remind us that grace is not just a theological idea—it’s an active force that reshapes how we view ourselves, others, and God.

Applying grace to everyday life means:

✅ Embracing your identity as someone loved and valued by God, apart from performance or perfection.

✅ Offering forgiveness, patience, and understanding to others, even in difficult moments.

✅ Finding strength in grace to make godly choices, resist temptation, and live with purpose.

✅ Allowing grace to sustain you in weakness, trusting that God’s power is enough.

✅ Being a visible reflection of God’s love, spreading kindness and compassion wherever you go.

By choosing grace daily, you create ripple effects of hope and healing in your community. It’s through these small, intentional acts of grace that we reflect God’s heart and invite others into His transformative love.

The Doctrine of Grace: A Pillar of Christian Theology

Grace isn’t just a comforting idea—it’s the cornerstone of Christian theology, shaping beliefs, behaviors, and the understanding of salvation.

At its heart, the doctrine of grace emphasizes that:

📌 Salvation is a gift from God, entirely unearned and undeserved.

This gift is made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price for humanity’s redemption.

This transformative truth has shaped the course of Christian history in profound ways:

📌 Theological Contributions:

Augustine championed the idea of grace as essential for overcoming sin and achieving salvation, emphasizing human dependence on God’s mercy.
Martin Luther, during the Reformation, highlighted grace as the foundation of faith, rejecting the notion that human works alone could lead to salvation. His declaration, “justification by faith through grace,” reshaped Christian thought and practice.

📌 Doctrinal Evolution

The emphasis on grace prompted major theological shifts and inspired movements across history, creating a legacy of deeper reflection on God’s generosity.

Although interpretations of grace vary across Christian traditions, its core message remains consistent:

Catholicism often emphasizes grace through sacraments, viewing them as channels of divine favor and a means of receiving God’s grace in a tangible way.
Protestant traditions focus on grace as freely given, received through faith alone, with no reliance on works or rituals for salvation.
Eastern Orthodoxy highlights grace as God’s energy working within us, transforming believers into Christlike beings through divine participation.

Grace also profoundly influences worship and spiritual practices:

A Reminder of God’s Love: In prayer, hymns, and sacraments, believers are constantly reminded of God’s unmerited favor.
A Motivator for Humility and Gratitude: Recognizing grace inspires Christians to approach life with a sense of deep thankfulness and reliance on God.
A Call to Action: Grace motivates service, compassion, and a commitment to reflecting God’s love in daily life.

By embracing grace, Christians are encouraged to:

Align their lives with God’s purpose: Grace inspires a sense of devotion and moral transformation.
Foster grace-filled communities: Compassion, forgiveness, and understanding become guiding principles for building relationships.
Live with humility and dependence on God: Grace reminds believers that their achievements and salvation are not their own doing but a result of divine generosity.

In short, the doctrine of grace isn’t just a theological concept—it’s a living, breathing truth that shapes Christian thought and practice, uniting believers around the unshakable reality of God’s boundless love.

Living Gracefully: Practical Lessons for Today’s Christians

In today’s fast-paced and achievement-focused culture, embracing a grace-filled life offers both a challenge and a gift. Grace calls us to slow down, accept our imperfections, and extend kindness—not just to others, but to ourselves as well.

For many modern Christians, grace isn’t found in grand gestures but in quiet, everyday moments. It’s in forgiving someone who hurt you, finding peace in the face of failure, or choosing understanding over judgment. These seemingly small actions have a profound impact, creating ripple effects of love and healing in a world that craves both.

Personal stories from believers illustrate the transformative power of grace. For some, it’s the moment they finally accept that they are deeply loved, even amid their mistakes.

For others, it’s the courage to release long-held grudges and extend forgiveness. Time and time again, grace shows itself as a force that restores relationships, heals broken hearts, and inspires acts of selfless service.

Practical Ways to Live Out Grace Daily

1️⃣ Practice Gratitude

Reflect on God’s generosity in your life. Start your day by naming three things you’re thankful for, grounding yourself in the abundance of His grace.

2️⃣ Forgive Freely

Offer forgiveness even when it’s difficult. Remember, extending grace doesn’t excuse wrongdoing but frees you from bitterness.

3️⃣ Show Unconditional Kindness

Perform small acts of kindness—without expecting anything in return. Whether it’s helping a stranger or encouraging a friend, let your kindness reflect God’s love.

4️⃣ Choose Compassion Over Judgment

When someone frustrates or offends you, pause and try to understand their perspective. Seeing others through the lens of compassion creates opportunities for connection and reconciliation.

5️⃣ Be Patient with Yourself

Embrace your own imperfections and lean on God’s grace to grow. Permit yourself to fail, knowing that His love remains constant.

These practices, though simple, align our lives with the heart of God. They allow His grace to flow through us, touching the lives of those around us.

By living gracefully, we become a reflection of God’s boundless love in a world that desperately needs it.

The Ripple Effect of Grace: Transforming Lives and Communities

Grace is more than a theological concept; it’s an invitation to live differently. When we truly embrace grace, we are not only recipients of God’s boundless love and forgiveness but also transformed into conduits of that love, spreading it in practical and tangible ways.

Living out grace creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual experiences.

Imagine a world where:

✅ Patience replaces anger

Instead of snapping at others in frustration, we pause and choose understanding.

✅ Compassion takes the place of criticism

Rather than focusing on someone’s flaws, we empathize with their struggles and offer support.

✅ Forgiveness heals wounds

Old grudges lose their grip as grace inspires us to extend the same forgiveness we’ve received from God.

This vision may seem lofty, but it starts with small, intentional acts. Every time we choose grace, we contribute to a more loving and compassionate world. Grace isn’t passive, it’s active, transformative, and contagious.

For contemporary Christians, the challenge is to allow grace to guide our lives in a world that often prioritizes judgment, division, and self-interest.

This means:

📌 Making grace a daily choice: Embracing grace isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a continual commitment to let God’s love shape our thoughts, words, and actions.

📌 Responding with kindness, even in difficult situations: Grace reminds us to see others through God’s eyes, even when they challenge us.

📌 Fostering grace-filled relationships: By extending forgiveness, understanding, and unconditional love, we create stronger, healthier connections with those around us.

When grace becomes our guiding principle, it transforms not only our hearts but also our communities. It compels us to build bridges instead of walls, to seek unity over division, and to reflect God’s love in every interaction.

Final Thoughts: Living a Life Shaped by Grace

Grace isn’t just something we receive; it’s something we embody and share. It reminds us of our shared humanity and our divine connection to a loving God. By living a grace-filled life, we echo the heart of the Gospel—God’s unmerited love freely given to all.

In a world that often feels harsh and unforgiving, grace stands as a beacon of hope. It offers a way forward, not through striving or perfection, but through humility, compassion, and faith.

As you go about your daily life, remember this:

Grace is already at work within you, softening your heart, inspiring your actions, and reminding you that you are deeply loved.
Every time you extend grace to others—whether through patience, kindness, or forgiveness—you become a reflection of God’s transformative power.

Ultimately, a life shaped by grace isn’t just about receiving; it’s about giving. It’s about creating a ripple effect of love, compassion, and understanding that transforms not just individuals, but entire communities.

So, the next time you face a challenge, big or small, let grace be your guide. Let it remind you that you are part of something greater—a divine story of redemption, love, and purpose.

And in doing so, you’ll discover the true power of grace: its ability to not only change your life but also inspire a world that desperately needs its touch.

A lone figure standing against a stormy sky, symbolizing endurance through trials. Dark clouds loom, but a hint of light breaks through, representing resilience and hope.

Walking Through The Misunderstood Book Of Job

By admin | December 10, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

The Book of Job is one of the most profound yet often misunderstood books in the Bible. Many reduce it to a story about suffering and faith, but there’s so much more beneath the surface.

Job’s journey isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about wrestling with deep questions of justice, faith, and the nature of God. Understanding its context can transform not only how we read the book but also how we see the world around us.

Written between the 7th and 4th centuries BCE, the Book of Job explores a timeless question: Why do good people suffer? It’s a question that has echoed through human history, and Job’s story offers a powerful lens through which to examine it.

The setting—Uz—remains somewhat mysterious, but that ambiguity makes the story all the more universal.

The Book of Job: Is It Really Just About Suffering?

One of the biggest misconceptions about Job is that it’s simply about enduring suffering for a reward.

In reality, Job is far more than a lesson in patience. Job doesn’t passively accept his fate—he challenges God. He demands answers. His raw, honest questioning makes him one of the most relatable figures in scripture.

The themes of suffering, faith, and divine justice remain just as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. As we navigate personal struggles and global crises, Job’s story serves as a reminder that questioning is not a lack of faith—it’s part of the journey.

This book invites us to find comfort not just in resolution but in the process of wrestling with life’s biggest questions.

Decoding the Dialogue: Conversations with Friends and God

The Book of Job is filled with rich dialogues that offer deep theological and philosophical insights. Job’s interactions with his friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—mirror the discussions we still have today when trying to make sense of hardship.

Each friend offers a different perspective:

Eliphaz relies on personal experience.
Bildad clings to tradition.
Zophar is blunt and unwavering in his beliefs.

Their arguments reflect common human tendencies to seek simple explanations for suffering. Yet Job doesn’t accept their reasoning—he pushes back, challenging the idea that suffering is always a punishment for wrongdoing.

Then comes Job’s direct dialogue with God. This is where things get intense. Job doesn’t just plead; he demands answers. But rather than receiving a straightforward explanation, he’s met with a divine response that shifts the conversation from justice to the vastness of creation itself.

This exchange is powerful because it reminds us that faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about embracing the mystery. Job’s story shows us that questioning God isn’t an act of defiance—it’s an act of deep engagement with faith.

Lessons from Job: What Can We Learn?

Every story has a lesson, and Job’s is no exception. His journey offers several key takeaways:

1️⃣ Resilience and Faith

Job’s story is a masterclass in resilience.

He endures unimaginable loss, yet he never completely abandons his faith. Importantly, his faith isn’t blind—it’s dynamic. He wrestles, he argues, and he demands answers. His journey teaches us that true faith is not passive acceptance but an ongoing conversation with God.

In today’s fast-paced world, where challenges often feel overwhelming, Job’s resilience reminds us that acknowledging our struggles is not a sign of weakness—it’s a crucial step toward healing.

Whether it’s dealing with job loss, financial instability, health issues, or personal disappointments, Job’s story teaches us that resilience is about persistence, not perfection.

Application

When facing workplace setbacks, rather than suppressing frustration, we can use the experience to reassess our goals and develop new strategies. In relationships, acknowledging difficulties rather than avoiding them can lead to deeper understanding and stronger connections. Even in spiritual journeys, embracing doubt and questioning can lead to a more profound and authentic faith.

By applying Job’s lessons to our daily lives, we can find the courage to navigate life’s storms with grace, knowing that hardship is not the end but a chapter in a greater journey of growth and transformation.

2️⃣ The Power of Emotional Intelligence

Another overlooked lesson from Job is emotional intelligence.

Rather than suppressing his grief and anger, he processes them openly. His honesty in expressing pain teaches us that confronting our emotions head-on is essential for spiritual and emotional growth. Job’s story encourages us to engage with our feelings rather than bury them.

In today’s world, this lesson is particularly relevant. Many people feel pressured to suppress their emotions, whether in the workplace, in relationships, or even in their faith communities. Job shows us that expressing grief, frustration, and doubt is not a sign of weakness but of strength.

Application

In mental health awareness, professionals emphasize the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions rather than bottling them up. Whether through therapy, journaling, or honest conversations with trusted friends, taking the time to process emotions can lead to greater clarity and inner peace.

Job’s example also speaks to how we support others. When friends or loved ones struggle, rather than offering quick fixes or clichés, we can take a lesson from Job’s story and allow them to express their pain without judgment.

Being present, listening actively, and validating their emotions can be far more powerful than trying to offer immediate solutions.

Redeeming the Journey: Reflections and Modern Implications

The Book of Job doesn’t just leave us with suffering, it also offers redemption. After Job’s trials, he experiences restoration. But this isn’t just about getting back what was lost, it’s about transformation. His story illustrates that while we can’t erase the past, we can find new beginnings.

This idea is relatable in many areas of life. Think about someone who loses a long-time job. While the initial loss is devastating, it can also open doors to new opportunities, career paths, or personal growth.

Similarly, someone recovering from a broken relationship may find that, in time, they develop a stronger sense of self and deeper, more meaningful connections.

Job’s resolution challenges simplistic views of divine justice, urging us to embrace life’s complexities. Instead of giving us easy answers, the book pushes us toward personal reflection, inviting us to wrestle with difficult questions in a meaningful way. It teaches us that even after hardship, renewal is possible—whether it’s through personal healing, newfound purpose, or strengthened faith.

Closing Thoughts

Job’s story isn’t just ancient literature, it’s a timeless exploration of faith, perseverance, and ethical living. It challenges us to think deeply about righteousness, the role of suffering, and the importance of questioning authority—both divine and earthly.

By reflecting on Job, we do more than study a biblical text; we engage with a narrative that speaks directly to our human experience. His journey reminds us that faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about continuing to seek, even in the midst of uncertainty.

So, as we walk through life’s trials, may we take a lesson from Job: to ask, to wrestle, and ultimately, to trust the process of faith and growth.

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Recommended Resource:

Lesson from a Job Season: God’s Grace and Sovereignty in the Midst of Suffering by Travis McSherley

God’s Word never denies that dwelling in a fallen world is hard or pretends that any of us are promised a life free from suffering and trial. Quite the opposite. But it makes just as clear that the Almighty is neither shaken nor surprised by anything that befalls us.

Lessons from a Job Season tells the story of one family’s experience with intense trials, and how God helped them and taught them through those afflictions.

It is a book about suffering, but more than that, it is about God’s sovereignty over all of creation and our lives, including the hard days months years, or decades. Maybe you are in the midst of a “Job season” or know someone who is.

Maybe, by God’s grace, you have not yet endured tragedy or immense trials, but you no doubt still feel the burdens of life and observe the suffering around you. Whichever category you fall into, this book’s lessons are meant to encourage your heart, uplift your soul, and help you anchor your mind in the divine truths about who God is and what He has done.

God’s Decretive and Preceptive Will

By Admin | August 10, 2023 | Comments 4 comments

When it comes to the will of God, we must distinguish between His decretive and preceptive will. This is because some argue that there are apparent contradictions within the will of God.

A proper understanding of the two aspects of God’s will helps solve these contradictions.

What is God’s Will?

Everything depends on the will of God.

In creation and preservation (Psalm 135:6; Revelation 4:11; Jeremiah 18:6) and regeneration (John 1:13; James 1:18). We read God’s will in the suffering of Christ in Luke 22:42; Acts 2:23; 4:27-28. These are just a few of the clarity of God’s Word regarding the will of God in everything.

But what is God’s will? It is God’s perfect determination and sovereign ordination of all things, all unto the magnification of His utmost glory. When we say, “all things,” it pertains to both God Himself (including His decrees and actions) and His creation.

Two Aspects of God’s Will

As Bible-believing Christians, we acknowledge the importance of knowing God’s will in our lives. But how do we know if we are living under the will of God or not? By knowing His Word! We cannot say that we know God’s will without knowing His Word because the will of God is the Word of God.

However, we also need to make a clear distinction between the two aspects of God’s will.

Decretive Will

Some have called God’s decretive will His “secret will.” Yet, while the full extent is hidden, aspects of it are revealed. Take for instance predictive prophecy, in which we will never know the full extent of it but there are clues to some of its aspects.

God’s decretive will is God’s pleasure, his eternal, unchangeable counsel, or decree in which He has foreordained all things. It characterizes all of God’s essence, so it is eternal, immutable, independent, and omnipotent.

This does not mean that He is the immediate or efficient cause of all things. But that all things exist or occur by His eternal sovereign decree. God’s decretive will makes everything certain, but He does not coerce His creatures to do anything. He ordains the free choices of men.

Sin is in God’s overall plan. He does not condone His creatures’ disobedience, nor is He the immediate or efficient cause of sin (James 1:13). Also, God does not delight in the existence of sin, but He ordains it by His decree to accomplish the most wise and holy end of bringing ultimate glory to Himself (Romans 5:20-21; 9:17-24).

One should bear in mind two cautions about God’s decretive will. First, whenever God’s decretive will includes sin, that sin is certain to occur. But it will be initiated by the volition of the sinner.

Second, God’s meticulous providence includes Him upholding the various natural processes and even crafting the circumstances of an individual’s decision to sin. Of course, God does this without compromising His holiness.

Preceptive Will

God’s preceptive will consists of God’s precepts in the law and the Gospel for man’s conduct (Matthew 7:21; John 7:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; 1 John 2:17). This is often called God’s “revealed” or “signified” will.

At times, God’s decretive will and His preceptive will coincide, but often as part of His decretive will. God ordains that the creature disobeys His preceptive will. The Lord reveals His preceptive will through Scripture’s commands, prohibitions, warnings, chastening, and judgments.

The preceptive will of God is God’s will only in a prescriptive sense, His decretive will is the perfection that results in actual occurrences. The preceptive will reveals not what God will do but what He demands of His people.

Conclusion

God has included sin in His plan, forbidding man to sin yet using sin as a means of bringing the greatest amount of glory to Himself. See Genesis 50:20 and Acts 2:23.

In both His decretive will and preceptive will, God does not take pleasure in sin, nor does He determine to save all people. God executes His decretive will through His preceptive will.

The decretive will and preceptive will of God must be held in tension. To deny His preceptive will is to commit injustice against God’s holiness and to ignore the gravity of sin. But to deny God’s decretive will is to deny His omniscience, wisdom, omnipotence, and sovereignty.

Reference:

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue

Long-Awaited Systematic Theology by Well-Known Pastor, Author, and President of the Master’s Seminary

Doctrine isn’t just for theologians―it’s important for every Christian because it shows us who God is and how we should live.

Systematizing the robust theology that has undergirded John MacArthur’s well-known preaching ministry for decades, this overview of basic Christian doctrine covers topics such as God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, salvation, and more.

Comprehensive in scope yet written to be accessible to the average reader―with non-technical vocabulary, minimal footnotes, and a helpful bibliography―this volume offers Christians a solid foundation for what they believe and why.

Why is Life Fragile?

By Michael Heilman | July 11, 2023 | Comments 3 comments

Some people do not realize that nobody would live here on earth for all eternity. That’s because life is fragile, and the Scriptures made that quite clear. We may be here today and then gone tomorrow; who knows? This reminds me of the old riddle, “What is something you know but do not know?”

The answer to this is “death.” We know for certain that we will all die, however, we do not know when.

Bible Verse: James 4:14 (NKJV)

“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

In this verse, James exposes the presumptuous folly of the practical atheists he condemned in the previous verse (James 4:13). These are those who do not know what the future holds for them.

The word vapor refers either to a puff of smoke or one’s breath that appears for a moment in cold air. It stresses the transitory nature of life (James 1:10; Job 7:6-7; 9:25-26; 14:1-2; Psalm 39:5, 11; 62:9, 89:47; 90:5, 6, 10).

The Brevity of Life

Life’s brevity is one of the repeated themes of Scripture. To us, life seems long, and we measure it in years. In comparison to eternity, however, life is but a vapor or “fog.” James borrowed that figure from the book of Job where we find many pictures of the brevity of life.

Since life passes so quickly, we cannot afford merely to spend our lives, and we certainly do not want to waste our lives. We must invest our lives in those things that are eternal.

Spending Eternity

Everybody needs to decide where they will spend eternity. Have you answered that question yet? Our motives and choices are indicative of what is in our hearts (Revelation 20:13b).

I understand not wanting to live a godly life. The sanctified life is not always fair because it is easy to be violated. Satan and his demons are influencing the destruction of humanity.

Everybody is going to meet YHWH eventually whether they believe He is real or not. The feelings and beliefs do not change the truth. Our choices show whether we want to live with YHWH and Yeshua or not for eternity.

This life is not all there is. Satan hates humanity since we were made in YHWH’S image (Genesis 1:27). Satan is deceiving humanity to hate YHWH and Yeshua, which is evident by the fact that sin abounds (Matthew 24:12).

The temporary satisfaction of sin does not compare to living with YHWH and Yeshua for eternity (1 Corinthians 2:9). We all have our weaknesses. Life can be traumatic. That does not mean we cannot overcome them. As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Final Words

Life on earth is fragile and there is nothing we can do about it. No matter how long we would like to remain, that is beyond our control. Since Yahweh is the giver of life, only He has the authority over it. Only He has the power to extend to shorten our years.

Indeed, God has given us a clue as to the number of years we may live here on earth (Psalm). Yet, there is no guarantee we will all live to be 70 or 80 years old. We must understand that also that sometimes YHWH allows trials so we can rely on the grace of God (2 Corinthians 12:9).

But are we trusting YHWH enough to take care of our trials as He sees fit? More importantly, are we ready to meet Him?

Recommended Resource:

How You Can Be Sure You Will Spend Eternity with God by Erwin W. Lutzer

How You Can Be Sure You Will Spend Eternity with God—it’s a big promise, but this short book delivers.

It answers a host of questions, such as:

Will good deeds help me get into heaven?
Who goes to heaven and who doesn’t?
What role do I have in my own salvation?
Can I lose my salvation if I commit a serious sin?
Is it wrong to doubt my salvation, and what should I do if I doubt?

Dr. Lutzer takes many scriptural teachings and siphons them into clear, cohesive truths. The result is a concise, accessible book about how to be saved and be sure you are saved.

It is straight gospel—applicable to the skeptic, newly saved, and long-time believer alike.

God’s Blessing of Motherhood

By Alice | July 3, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

Motherhood is both a privilege and a blessing from God. Unfortunately, not every woman gets to receive this blessing for various reasons that only God knows.

Even women who are faithful followers of Christ are not exempt from this reality. We hear a lot of Christian couples testify that they fasted and prayed for many years to get pregnant. Yet, God did not grant them their hearts’ desires. This often leads us to doubt God.

Come to think of it; there are a lot of women out there who seem to conceive easily. But in the end, they chose to get rid of their baby through the sin of abortion. Why won’t God just give that privilege to women who badly want to have children?

Receiving God’s Gift of Motherhood

If you are a regular visitor to this website, you must have noticed that I stopped publishing new articles on March 10, 2023. This is because I am not able to juggle between taking care of my newborn son and managing this site.

Since the arrival of my baby on March 13, 2023, I had to either pause or cancel all scheduled activities. Yes, I received the gift of motherhood after so many years of praying and waiting. Being a mom for the first time is such a joy that I can never compare it with anything else.

I remember being asked all the time when I am going to have a baby during the first 5 years of my marriage. After that, I guess, people got fed up asking. But it’s easy to guess what’s on their mind when they see me and my husband together without kids. It’s tough when people question why you don’t have children after being married for many years.

Receiving the gift of motherhood for the first time after 16 years of marriage is something I never expected to happen. But I am serving a big God who can do even the impossible.

I suffered a miscarriage with my first pregnancy in July 2007, but I never stopped trusting God. Looking back, I should have had a 15-year-old kid by now. Nonetheless, I don’t want to live in the past. I believe that God knows what’s best for me and will always have my best interest at heart.

Children are a Gift from God

I often read and hear stories of women who very much want to have children but are unable to conceive. What I find interesting is that some of these couples do not have any infertility issues. In other words, their doctor does not see any problem with their reproductive system.

Yet, they fail to get pregnant after many years of trying. The doctor then gives them several options such as IVF, surrogacy, or adoption. The first two are quite costly while the third one could take some time because of the paper works, screening/home study, and other requirements.

Did I ever doubt that I will become a mother? I won’t deny it! There have been times when I told myself, “Perhaps, motherhood is not for you. You just must accept that!”

I am sure many women can relate to my experience and almost gave up on their dream to become a mom. You can add to that the fact that many people are so insensitive. Do they have to state the obvious that you don’t have children, thus, your marriage is incomplete?

They say that you are not a “family” if you have no kids. Some even go as far as to say that barren women are cursed.

Children are, indeed, a gift or heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). But it does not mean a woman who cannot have children is cursed. We may never understand why God closed the womb of some women. But we can trust God because He loves us so much that He cares about our happiness.

God sees the desires of our hearts but more importantly, He knows exactly what we need.

IVF, Surrogacy, and Adoption

I mentioned earlier these three options for couples who have difficulty conceiving. Adoption is generally acceptable, but I cannot say the same for IVF and surrogacy, especially for the latter. Let’s face it; there are countries where surrogacy is not allowed, particularly outside of the West.

What does the Bible say about women who opt to preserve some of their viable eggs while they are young and healthy? They do this so that whenever they are ready to have kids, they can just get them fertilized. What about surrogacy where somebody else carries to full term and delivers the offspring of a couple? Are we playing God by doing this?

I must admit, I have thought of IVF and surrogacy as an option for me and my husband. IVF is more affordable, but it would still cost money and there is also no guarantee that the first implant would be successful. This means one must be ready to spend money and go through the procedure several times.

Surrogacy, on the other hand, could cost up to a million pesos (Philippines Peso) or even more. This is because, most probably, they will not do the procedure here but overseas. Also, the couple should make sure their surrogate stays healthy throughout her pregnancy. It means they must pay for everything the surrogate needs and has to pay her a large sum of money for her “service.”

The Joy of Motherhood

Since the arrival of our son Zander in March, things have been different for me and my husband, in a hasty manner, of course. We now see things from a different perspective because, in every plan we make, we have to include our son.

It has been only the two of us for the last 15 years but now, it’s about our son and his future. Of course, we entrust him to the Lord because God knows what is best for our family.

Zander did give me the joy of motherhood that I have been longing for. I love him so much that I put my interests aside just so I can take care of him. Now, more than ever, I understand the kind of sacrifice mothers make for the sake of their children.

We often hear people say, “Enjoy your kids while they are young. Spend quality time with them now because the time will come when they would want to be on their own.”

This is exactly what I am doing now. I don’t mind putting aside everything else for Zander’s sake, especially now that he is completely dependent on me. I know that as he grows older and needs less attention, I could resume my pending activities.

Final Words

To the women who are still waiting for God’s blessing of motherhood, do not ever lose hope. If God did it for me, He could do it to you too. You need to keep believing that, “With God, nothing is impossible” (Luke 1:37).

Maybe, you’re waiting for many years already. Do not ever lose hope because we serve a God of the impossible. Our God is a miracle-working God who loves us so much that He desires our happiness. Trust God and let Him work things out for you.

Do I recommend adoption, IVF, or surrogacy? Since the Bible does not specifically say anything against these options, I also choose to be silent. All I can say is, you must pray about it. Go to God and seek His will for you.

If God is leading you to adopt, go for it. Should you undergo IVF or surrogacy? If God favors any of these procedures for you, He will make things smooth and stress-free.

For readers who would like to share their thoughts and/or experience regarding this matter, please use the comment section below.

God bless!

Recommended Resource:

Infertility – Finding God’s Peace in the Journey by Lois Flowers

Foreword by Dr. Gary Oliver, nationally known counselor, Bible teacher, and director of the Center for Marriage and Family Studies.

One in ten Americans of childbearing age has fertility problems. From her own experience, Lois Flowers understands the struggle and anguish these readers go through, and she gently points out some strategies that will help bring true peace and joy in the midst of the disappointment:

Making biblically informed decisions about medical treatments lays the groundwork for future contentment.
Working out practical ways to deal with family and friends can make reminders of infertility less painful.
Praying for God’s will–even in the middle of infertility–brings great peace and freedom in all areas of life and a deeper, more authentic experience of God’s love and compassion.

Prepare to Meet Your Creator

By Michael Heilman | February 20, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

Whether you believe in life after death or not, be ready to meet your Creator. Life does not end at death when the soul and spirit separate from the body. The common notion that everything, including humans, came as a result of the Big Bang has been debunked by scientists.

So, while we are still in this tent (our body), how do we prepare to meet God? We get ready by living in a way that pleases our Creator. But it’s easier said than done, isn’t it?

We are now living in a society where many people do not seem to care anymore about the consequences of their actions. It’s because they do not believe they will give an account of their life before the Judge.

I’m not only talking about unbelievers; there are those claiming to be followers of Jesus who are living as the world does. If you think you can get away with this, you are gravely mistaken.

If God did not spare His chosen people and judged them, what makes you think He will look the other way regarding sin?

Bible Verse: Amos 4:12, NKJV

“Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; Because I will do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!”

Amos’ second message to Israel was to denounce her sins. Consider some of the disciplines that God had sent to Israel to bring His people back to himself. They experience famine, drought, destruction of crops, sickness, defeat in war, catastrophe, and ultimate judgment.

God’s covenant with His people clearly stated that God would bless them if they obeyed His law and would discipline them if they disobeyed. (See Deuteronomy 27 – 29.) Unfortunately, they often spurned His love, rejected His warnings, and chose death.

You see, choices have consequences. God brings consequences to his disobedient children. Israel is God’s chosen people and yet their actions showed a rejection of God’s word and principles.

Indeed, the world is constantly rejecting YHWH’s love and salvation. But how often do Christians reject the Word so that we can live as we desire? Like the Old Testament was given to Israel to tell them how to live, how well does our Christian lifestyle compare to God’s Word?

Learning from the Jews

Like the people of Israel in the time of Amos and the people throughout history, we have the capacity for giving attention to external effects. And we do this while ignoring the issues of the heart. We evaluate by sight and feeling rather than by truth (see Samuel 16:7).

We can easily join a large, happy, religious crowd, enthusiastically sing rousing songs, and put money into the offering plate. Yet, not be changed in our hearts.

Whether we’re involved in evangelism, education, social action, world missions, or feeding the hungry, we must do it for the Lord. Let us always be reminded that everything the church accomplishes for the Lord flows out of worship. If the fountainhead of worship is polluted, the church’s entire ministry will be defiled.

Let us examine our hearts to make certain our motives are right and that whatever we do glorifies the Lord.

Being Christ’s Ambassadors

Christians are supposed to represent YHWH unto unbelievers but the question is how well do we do it? Every person is appointed once to die, then the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Since so few realize how quickly death can happen, we all need to be prepared to meet our Creator and Saviour.

So few people realize Nuclear World War 3 is about to happen. We see athletes kneeling over for no reason, toxic chemicals are being spilled everywhere, and strange blood clots are killing many people. And why is the news purposefully lying to cover up the truth?

Do you even know that infanticide is about to become legal in California and human trafficking is swept under the rug? It is only for God’s mercy that are we not consumed (Lamentations 3:22). Whether the world suffers the consequences of its own choices or the judgment of YHWH, they will still result in many people going to meet YHWH.

Yeshua came to earth so that every single person could have a relationship with YHWH but many Christians are doing their own things. How many Christians give the gospel to other people? Believers have the mandate to reach out to the lost with the gospel but many choose to live comfortably in their “own world.”

Things for the Believers to Ponder

How many Christians study the Bible so that they are not just blindly following a pastor? It’s sad to see how many so-called followers of Jesus are deceived into believing the lies that false teachers spew online.

And why do many Christians prefer being legalistic and picking fights with other believers so they can feel holier than thou? Are we forgetting what Jesus told His disciples before He went back to the Father?

Paul also instructed Timothy to avoid foolish arguments that could lead to quarrels. Instead, be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people (2 Timothy 2:23-24).

How many Christians would rather follow a list of rules rather than have an intimate relationship with Yeshua?

What about Christians who would rather make excuses for themselves so they don’t have to make their life more difficult? How many Christians would rather chase the American Dream to fill a void that only YHWH can fill?

Are You Ready to Meet thy Maker?

How ready are Christians to meet their Saviour and YHWH?

I know there are many people not ready to meet their Maker. Revival does not need to happen at any specific location. It can happen anywhere.

If you know there is something you need to get right, please talk to YHWH and Yeshua about it.

Just ask Yeshua to change your heart and desires.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

One Less Grain of Sand: Fulfill God’s Purposes While You Have Time by Joey A. Perry Sr.

If you are a Christian who wants to do what God designed you to do, then One Less Grain of Sand: Fulfill God’s Purposes While You Have Time! is for you!

With each passing moment, one less grain of sand remains in your life’s hourglass. Therefore, you should make doing God’s will a priority every day!

As you read this powerful devotional, you will be…

Reminded daily that you should commit yourself to fulfilling God’s purposes.
Encouraged to do what pleases God instead of what pleases you.
Motivated to make the best use of the time God gives you.
Moved to serve God, and thereby make a positive impact on the people around you.
Filled with a sense of satisfaction that you are doing what God desires.

In addition to being a devotional, this book is also a journal!

Each daily reading includes questions or statements for personal reflection. To make it easier for eBook readers to respond to the journal prompts, a free, downloadable, and printable journal is available.

Print book readers can also use the downloadable journal if they choose not to write their responses directly in the devotional. The link to the downloadable journal can be found inside the book.

Humility Bears Sanctification

By Michael Heilman | February 5, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

Do you know that the root word for “humiliation” is humility? Did it ever occur to you that to be humble, you need to humiliate yourself? You read that right; humility means humiliating yourself in the service of other people.

But it is also through humble service that we are sanctified because humility bears sanctification. The Lord Jesus exemplified this when He washed His disciples’ feet.

Bible Verse: John 13:14-15, NKJV

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

By washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus put them on the same level as His. This is because the servant (slave) is not greater than his master. But if the master becomes the slave, he would be on the same level as the servant.

By becoming a servant, our Lord did not push us down. Instead, He lifted us up!

Keep in mind that the Romans had no use for humility, and the Greeks despised manual labor. Yet, Jesus combined these two when He washed the disciples’ feet.

Jesus: The Model of True Humility

Yeshua is the perfect example of humiliating himself so that His disciples would have a model of service to God and others. In John 13:1-20, only a few hours before Yeshua would be crucified, He taught His disciples how to have a humble heart.

Even though Yeshua is called God and Saviour in verse 13, that does not mean He acted proud or pious. There is nothing we can do that can match everything Yeshua has done for humanity and the Church. How humble do we compare to Yeshua?

Sure, many Christians will say, “We will serve the Lord and by extension love and serve others.” But how well are we doing it? It is one thing to say it, but it is another thing entirely to do it consistently.

Humility and Sanctification

Did you know that a servant’s heart will bear spiritual fruit in others? In John 13:10, the Lord emphasized the relationship between humility and sanctification.

The object lesson on foot washing had nothing to do with the cleanliness of the disciples’ bodies and feet but with salvation and sanctification.

When the sinner trusts in the Lord, he is “bathed all over” and his sins are washed away and forgiven. See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Titus 3:3-7; Hebrews 10:17; and Revelation 1:15.

However, as we journey in this world, we get defiled very easily. We do not need to be washed all over again; we just need to confess our sins and God will cleanse us as He promised (1 John 1:9).

Jesus did not have to stoop down to the level of a servant or slave; He did not have to wash His disciples’ feet. He did not have to “humiliate” Himself. But He did it to prepare them for what was about to happen. At this point, the disciples had no idea that Jesus would soon be dying to save mankind.

Growth and Sanctification

In Jon 13:10, Yeshua said Peter did not need to be washed from head to toe, only his feet.

As disciples of Yeshua, we are already washed from head to toe, only our feet get dirty as our feet are in contact with the world. People in those days wore sandals on their feet which would allow the dust of the ground to get on their feet.

As we go into the world to fulfill the Great Commission, our spiritual feet get dirty from the sinful habits we have. Hence, the need for humble Christians that are willing to wash the sinful habits that we have.

When was the last time we individually saw spiritual growth in a disciple of Yeshua? Sanctification should be a motive of all relationships between believers. A disciple is anyone that is truly born again and has started the journey of spiritual growth and sanctification.

How do we see sanctification in other believers? Love and serve them by washing their spiritual feet. How much effort do we put into washing others’ feet?

Closing Words

If you noticed, this post is a continuation of the previous post on humility and service. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that two different authors of this blog would tackle the same topic.

God knows what kind of message His people need to read and hear

We today, just like the disciples that night, desperately need this lesson on humility.

Sadly, the church is filled with a worldly spirit of competition and criticism as believers vie with one another to see who is the greatest. We are growing in knowledge but not in grace (2 Peter 3:18). Jesus served His disciples because of His humility and love.

Are we willing to “humiliate ourselves” to serve others as part of our sanctification process?

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

The Power of Humility: Living like Jesus by R.T. Kendall

Pride is often the true reason why we get our feelings hurt, why we feel rejection, why we won’t admit to mistakes, why we want to be seen with certain people, and why we stay angry.

Jesus gives us the perfect example of a powerful life lived without conceit, smugness, or arrogance. So why do we not want to admit to our pride? It is because of our pride!

In The Power of Humility, R. T. Kendall challenges us to look deeply into our hearts and motives to recognize the pride and self-righteousness there. Using personal stories and enlightening examples from the Bible, he demonstrates how pride interferes with a close relationship with God and reveals how to overcome pride and become more like Jesus.

Jesus Teaches About Humility and Service

By Alice | January 25, 2023 | Comments 2 comments

Humility and service are just two of the values that Jesus not only taught but exemplified during His earthly ministry.

On so many occasions in the Bible, we read the Lord teaching His disciples to consider others before themselves. Jesus repeatedly emphasized the importance of self-denial and service to others.

In Luke 14:7-14, Jesus used the occasion of a banquet to give insight into humility and service. He addressed the guest regarding humility in verses 7 to 10, And in verses 12 to 14, He spoke to the host about serving others.

Bible Passage: Luke 14:7-14, NKJV

So He told a parable to those who were invited when He noted how they chose the best places. He said to them, “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him.

And he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’

Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.

But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

Humble Yourself and Be Exalted

Jesus’ teaching is clear – don’t think so highly of yourself that you expect the best treatment at all times. No matter who you think you are in society, remember that there’s always somebody higher than you. Being ambitious might be good at times but certainly not on many occasions.

Imagine a city mayor who went to a wedding banquet along with his bodyguards and servicemen. Upon his arrival, the host was too busy attending to other guests so he could not personally welcome him. Thinking he was the most highly regarded guest, the mayor took the best seat and made himself comfortable.

When the host noticed his presence, he came and whispered to his ear that the seat he occupied is reserved for the governor. The mayor had no choice but to get up so the governor could take his rightful seat. What a huge embarrassment for the mayor knowing that all eyes are on him.

Humility and the Christian

Humility is a fundamental grace in the Christian life, and yet it is elusive. There may be times when we think we deserve VIP treatment because of who we are in the church or society. Or perhaps there have been times when we exhibited false humility.

Do you think you have this virtue? Please allow me to say, “If you know you have it, you have already lost it!”

As someone rightly said, “Humility is not thinking meanly of ourselves; it is simply not thinking of ourselves at all.” Jesus is the greatest example of humility, and we would do well to ask the Holy Spirit to enable us to imitate Him.

A True Act of Charity

The Lord Jesus also emphasized the importance of treating people equally regardless of their social and economic status. Unfortunately, when we host a banquet, we prefer to invite rich and powerful people.

But Jesus told the host of the banquet that when he holds a feast, he should invite the poor, the lame, and the blind. Why should the host do what Jesus said? It’s because these people won’t be able to repay him. They could not invite him back because they couldn’t afford to host a banquet! However, the host will receive his reward at the resurrection.

The reality is that whenever we host a party, we prefer to invite our friends, relatives, and the rich and famous. We want to have people who can bring gifts or those who can invite us to their party in the future.

Of curse, there’s nothing wrong with inviting these people. When Jesus said, “Do not invite your friends, brothers, relatives, or rich neighbors,” He did not mean absolute prohibition. Such language is common in Semitic discourse and is used for emphasis.

The Lord’s point here is that inviting one’s friends and relatives cannot be classified as a spiritual act of charity. It may also be a rebuke against those prone to reserve their hospitality for rich neighbors. They intentionally do this knowing that these guests will feel obligated to return the favor.

Here’s a beautiful song called, “Heart of a Servant” by the City Harvest Church.

Greatness and Servanthood

In Matthew 20:26-27, Jesus taught His disciples that greatness is parallel to servanthood. Jesus said in response to the request of James and John’s mother for them to be given high places in God’s Kingdom.

In his reply, Jesus highlighted being a “servant.” The word here means a “slave” and our English word “deacon” comes from it. Not every servant was a slave, but every slave was a servant.

The Lord was teaching His disciples that the style of greatness and leadership for believers is different. The Gentile leaders dominate in a dictatorial fashion, using carnal power and authority. Believers are to do the opposite. They lead must by being servants and giving themselves away for others, as Jesus did.

Sadly, in the church today we have many celebrities but very few servants. There are many who want to “flaunt” their authority but few who want to take the towel and basin and wash feet.

But while there are people who are still willing to serve, it’s interesting to note that they also have their motives. Some are sincerely serving to glorify God but others serve for honor and recognition.

What’s your motive for serving God and others?

Conclusion

In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul uses the example of Jesus’ humility and service to encourage believers to do the same. He uses the word “selfishness” which is sometimes rendered “strife” because it refers to fractionism or rivalry. It speaks of the pride that prompts people to push for their own way.

And then Paul encourages the church to have humility of mind. It was a term of decision with the idea of being low, shabby, and humble. The basic definition of true humility is regarding others as more important than yourself.

Our motive for being humble and serving others must be the praise of God and not the applause of men. We must care about the eternal reward in heaven and not the temporary recognition on earth. Remember, “You can’t get your reward twice” (Matthew 6:1-8).

On the day of judgment, many who today are first in the eyes of men will be last in God’s eyes. And many who are last in the eyes of men will be first in the eyes of God (Luke 13:30).

Do you exhibit the kind of humility and service that the Lord requires?

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

Rediscovering Humility: Why the Way Up is Down by Christopher Hutchinson

Most of us value humility . . . especially in other people. But Jesus taught that humility is central to the Christian life. Author Christopher Hutchinson invites the church to follow Christ—both individually and corporately—in this high calling.

A systematic and comprehensive treatment of this core tenant of Christianity, Rediscovering Humility is structured around the three times Jesus addresses the topic in Scripture—how it is found, embraced, and applied.

This insightful resource should be required reading for all seminary students so they can understand the pitfalls of leadership before they begin to pastor. Current pastors and church leaders will find Hutchinson’s critiques and suggestions helpful as they seek to create humble and healthy churches.

Individuals who have lost an appreciation for humility as a central Christian virtue will be reminded of its value as the best way to grow closer to and more like Jesus.

Humble Christians create healthy churches, but in today’s world of celebrity pastors and widening platforms, our churches are more than ever imitating the prideful methodologies of our culture. Through his critiques, Hutchinson also offers suggestions for how Christians can better practice and promote humility in our time.

Offering a fresh and updated application of humility to our day, Hutchinson calls for a return to the path of humility as the one pilgrimage most necessary for Christian faith and life.

By showing humility in all its truth, beauty, and goodness, it becomes a value worth seeking — if never fully found — on this side of heaven.

Man’s Opinion vs. Biblical Fact

By Michael Heilman | January 15, 2023 | Comments 4 comments

I find it disheartening that today, people value man’s opinion over biblical fact. When it comes to important matters such as family values, people choose to listen to what the world says. In other words, people give more importance to man’s opinion over God’s.

But no matter what the world says, their opinions do not change the facts about God and the Bible.

Bible Verse: Hebrews 13:8, NKJV

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Both Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8 declare that God is immutable; He is unchanging. God remains the same always and will never change. Everything else in the world will change but we can trust God to be always good, loving, faithful, merciful, kind, etc.

We often hear people say that the only constant thing is change and it’s true. People may promise one thing today but turn around and say something different. Your life may be smooth sailing and comfortable today but you’ll never know what tomorrow holds. A couple might be “over the moon” today but could end up in divorce in two years.

So, you see? Nothing is permanent; nothing remains the same. But God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

What Happened to America?

It is a shame that American society and much of the world have rejected many biblical principles. Many things have changed because we now live in the “Era of Post-Modernism” or a “Post-Christian Society.” These labels accurately depict the period we live in.

Post-Modernism emphasizes relativity and the encouragement to affirm everyone’s beliefs. It does not matter anymore if someone else’s opinions or beliefs are contrary to the truth. They are accepted and regarded as facts nonetheless.

Since society agrees with Post-Modernism, genuine Christianity has been largely rejected for being too exclusive. It’s no wonder then that Christians are labeled as bigots and intolerant for standing up for their faith.

We’ve heard of a Christian baker who was sued for not agreeing to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple. But this man did not do as asked not because he was discriminating against the gay couple or intolerant of them. Rather, he refused to bake a wedding cake because doing so goes against his Christian values.

America’s Rejection of God

What happened to the United States of America? Isn’t this country’s constitution founded on Judeo-Christian values? Aren’t the founders of this great nation Christians and they wanted it to value God and His statutes?

America has rejected God in so many different ways. Gone were the days when students were free to acknowledge God in their valedictory or salutatory addresses. Today, it is considered bigotry to recite from the Bible or pray in public.

Allowing children to Pray in School — Photo Credit: Change.Org

But no matter how much people hate God and want to get rid of Him completely, the truth remains. The truth does not change; God is still God! Are we all doomed to only find out the truth after we die? God forbid!

This is a wake-up call for everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ. It’s time to stand up for your faith and keep spreading the truth about God. Regardless of what the world thinks of you and says about you, go out there and share the Gospel with the lost.

Jesus is the Answer

We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) but thanks be to our Lord Jesus for redeeming us from sin. The only solution to humanity’s problem of sin is found in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

Jesus left His throne above and came down to suffer and die so that we would be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Indeed, Jesus is the answer to the problem of sin. No matter how good we think we are or how much good work we strive to do, it is never enough. This is because our salvation is not based on our good works but on the finished work of Christ. The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith alone in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Do you know Jesus? Have you confessed your sin, received His forgiveness, and surrendered your life to Him?

Do not value the opinion of man over God’s because they cannot save you from your sin. Instead, you should start making biblical decisions because what you decide today will determine your tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

Christianity has become unpopular, but that does not change the fact that God still changes lives through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

God has not abandoned His creation (Hebrews 13:5b) and He never will. He will continue to work through His people to accomplish His purpose. Even when things seem to be going in the wrong direction, rest assured that God is in control.

It does not matter what anyone’s beliefs are now. Time will come when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is God (Philippians 2:10-11).

Just because Jesus lived 200 years ago, does not change the fact that God has been revealed, The Bible is God’s Word, He still changes lives, and all will stand before a Holy, Righteous, and impartial Judge.

Every person needs to choose whether Jesus will be their Judge or their Advocate. Choose wisely for your own sake! Do exactly what God is asking. Repent from your sins, believe that Christ died to save you, and live your life to serve Him until He comes again.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.

Recommended Resource:

Mission Possible One-Year Devotional: 365 Days of Inspiration for Pursuing Your God-Given Purpose by Tim Tebow and A. J. Gregory

In his first devotional, the New York Times bestselling author and athlete challenges you to find your mission and pursue a bolder, brighter, more fulfilling life—by building your faith every single day.

Tim Tebow knows a thing or two about living a mission-possible life. The two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, former professional baseball player, college football analyst, and New York Times bestselling author now shares what it takes to move toward your mission.

Tim reveals how you can find your mission and take a step each day to reach your purpose and your best future.

Through 365 Bible-based readings, you’ll discover how to:

Align your responsibilities.
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The secret to a truly meaningful life doesn’t involve more comfort or ease. It requires a clear focus on who God made you to be and a proven guide to get you there. Tim is ready to help you live that mission-possible life.

Dealing with the Storms of Life

By Alice | January 10, 2023 | Comments 2 comments

The Christian life is not at all a bed of roses. We will all face the storms of life as we journey with the Lord. But how should we deal with them? How should we respond when storms come and how do we overcome them?

In today’s post, we will look at the account of Paul as he sailed to Rome. It was indeed a challenging journey because of the hindrances they had to overcome. But it gives the believer some powerful lessons about the storms of life and how we should respond.

Paul Sails for Rome

In Acts chapter 27, we read of Paul’s journey to Rome along with Luke and the other prisoners. Paul was not the only prisoner that Julius and his men were taken to Rome (Acts 27:1).

They left on a ship whose home port was Adramyttium on the northwest coast of the province of Asia. And it was scheduled to make several stops at ports along the coast of the province. They passed along the province of Lycia and got on board an Egyptian ship bound for Italy.

Paul's Voyage to Rome Acts 27 — Photo Credit: Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod

But arriving in Rome was easier said than done because of the wind and storm (Acts 27:2-5).

After many days of sailing, the strong winds hindered their progress, thus, taking them several days to get to Cnidus. The pilot then steered south-southwest to Crete passing Salmone and finally struggling into Fair Havens. It had been the most difficult voyage and a portent of things to come (Acts 27:9-10).

Lessons about the Storms of Life

What’s interesting about this account is how Luke, an accurate historian, presented the important facts of their voyage. Perhaps, the major purpose Luke had in mind was the presentation of Paul as a courageous leader.

Having said that, there are four lessons we can learn from Paul’s Journey to Rome.

1. Storms Come as a Result of Disobedience

First of all, storms come when we disobey the will of God. Needless to say, Jonah is a good example of this truth. Jonah had to experience being in the belly of a giant fish before obeying God.

In the case of Paul, he was not at fault. Rather, it was the centurion in charge of the ship. When Paul perceived that their voyage would end in disaster, he warned them (Acts 27:10). However, the centurion did not heed Paul’s warning. Instead, he followed the advice of the pilot and the owner of the ship (Acts 27:11).

Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. While at sea, the storm grew worse and they took a violent battering from the storm. This lasted for many days making the situation seem hopeless. And it all happened because one man would not listen to God’s messenger.

What happened to Paul tells us that sometimes we suffer because of other people’s unbelief. You see, disobedience does not always have to come from our end. There are times when we go through the storms of life because somebody in the “boat” with us rebelled against God.

2. Storms Reveal Character

Second, storms have a way of revealing character.

On their journey to Rome through Cyprus and Crete, their ship was caught in a storm at sea. At first, the crew did everything they could to keep the ship afloat. They bound ropes around the hull of the ship to strengthen it and lowered the sea anchor to slow the ship (Acts 27:17).

In the following days as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, they began throwing the cargo overboard. They even took some of the ship’s gear and threw it overboard (Acts 27:18-19). It is evident that everybody was terrified to death so they started throwing things overboard to lighten the ship’s load.

But the terrible storm continued to rage for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars. That was when the sailors and the crew thought that all hope was gone.

But Paul trusted God and obeyed His will. When God impressed in his heart that they were about to face trouble at sea, Paul warned the ship’s officers about it. But they did not listen to him.

Yet, he exemplified the true character of a leader by taking command of a difficult situation in a time of great crisis. What a difference when a person has faith in God. Instead of wishing for a change or selfishly trying to escape (Acts 27:29-30), Paul got ready for the demands that could come.

How do you respond to a situation like this? Do you easily get rattled? Do you keep your calm and be still? Will you trust God to instruct you on what you must do and then do exactly what He says?

Paul Shipwrecked at Malta — Photo Credit: IndependentdotComdotMt

3. Storms Cannot Hinder God’s Purpose

Third, even the worst storm cannot hide the face of God or hinder His purpose.

While at sea on a ship, Paul, Luke, and the other prisoners faced a terrible storm. After doing all they could, the situation remained hopeless and they finally gave up.

But a messenger from the Lord visited Paul and assured him that he would arrive safely in Rome. The ship and the cargo would be lost but all the passengers would be spared and cast on an island. God has purposed that Paul would stand trial before Caesar in Rome and no storm could hinder that.

God has a plan and purpose for every one of us and no matter what storms of life we may face along the way, God will overrule. As one pastor often says in his sermon, “There is nothing that is beyond God’s control. He may allow bad things to happen but in the end, His purpose will prevail.”

We can see this repeatedly illustrated in the lives of many of God’s people in both the Old and the New Testaments. If God did it before, He will do it today because He doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).

4. Storms are Opportunities for Witnessing

Finally, storms can give us opportunities to serve others and bear witness to Jesus Christ.

On his voyage to Rome, Paul was with other prisoners placed in the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment. But unlike Paul, they were most probably going to Rome to die and not to stand trial. What mercy that they met Paul who could tell them how to go to heaven when they died!

Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was also with them along with the ship’s captain and officer in charge of the prisoners.

As the weather was becoming dangerous for sea travel, Paul warned of trouble ahead. And when they were about to dock, the sailors selfishly tried to escape and save their own lives. But Paul assured them that the God he serves has granted safety to everyone sailing with him (Acts 27:24-25).

For the two weeks that they were at sea, no one ate because they were so worried and Paul urged them to eat. He took the bread and openly prayed and gave thanks to God (Acts 27:34-36). The sailors and officers joined him, and before long everybody felt better.

Paul saw an opportunity to share God’s goodness and he did not waste time. Offering thanksgiving to God openly is a good example for us to follow when we are eating in public places.

Whenever you face the storms of life, know that God does not only allow them to strengthen your faith in Him. Difficulties, trials, and even sufferings are doors of opportunity for you to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God with those in need.

Conclusion

The situation on the ship looked hopeless! But Paul was there and his presence made all the difference. He was the most valuable man on that ship! He knew how to pray, he had faith in God, and he was in touch with the Almighty.

At times, one dedicated believer can change the whole atmosphere of a situation simply by trusting God and making that faith visible.

Let the account of Paul’s voyage to Rome be a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness in carrying out His purpose. You may find yourself regularly battling the storms of life. But know that God is using these circumstances to teach you a lesson.

It could be that God wants to teach you the importance of obedience and submission to His will. He could be in the process of molding your character or allowing you to witness to others. God may also allow you to experience the rage of the storm to increase your faith and dependence on Him.

How do you respond to the storms of life knowing that through them, God is teaching you important lessons? Will you be like Paul who stood firm in his faith and trusted God to carry out His will?

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Recommended Resource:

Trusting God in Dark Times: Transforming Devotions for a Lifetime by Montray Ashly

It’s easy to trust God when everything is going well, but can you trust God in dark times when a loved one passes away, your child goes astray, your marriage fails, you’re battling an addiction, you lose your job, or experience financial hardship?

God wants you to trust Him no matter what. He wants to share in your despair and know that He is right there with you every step of the way even when you can’t feel Him or see Him at work. He wants you to experience the light of His presence during your dark times and desires for you to draw close to Him so that the light of His love can cover you.

Oftentimes, you feel alone and that no one cares but God feels your pain and wants to show you His love in the most unmeasurable ways. He also desires to demonstrate His power to help you overcome the obstacles you face.

During your fiery trials, God will make uncalculated moves in your life that will catapult you into another spiritual dimension and change the trajectory of your journey. When He doesn’t take you out of the fire, He’ll accompany you in it.

It is then, you’ll realize that the dark times of trouble did not come to harm you but to ultimately bless you. What God will do in you and for you during tumultuous times will increase your faith, renew your strength, and encourage your heart.

You’ll discover that God is a healer of brokenness, a deliverer in the wilderness, and a provider in barrenness. You can trust God in dark times.