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God Is Your Strength
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalms 28:7, NIV Have you ever experienced those moments when you just don’t know what to do? You feel overwhelmed by the situation around you to the point where you can’t find hope and peace. If you are in this situation right now, this verse is a perfect reminder to trust God. The Lord is your strength and shield. If you think that nobody cares for you, then God is there to help you. In these moments, when you surrender your…
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When God Gives Instructions
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Acts 10:19-20, NIV God instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa. He didn’t really explain everything that would happen to him. Instead, He merely gave him a simple instruction. Without a doubt, Cornelius followed what the Lord said. And true enough when his men went to Peter. God already instructed him to welcome and go with them. He already prepared everything ahead. Indeed, it was the Lord who spoke to Cornelius simply…
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Peter Had Faith In Jesus, And Not In Himself
“Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. Acts 9:34, NIV Peter healed a bedridden man in the name of Jesus. He knew that the power of Jesus was more than enough to restore someone’s health. He proclaimed His power, and the disciples witnessed what happened. Peter identified himself as God’s instrument. Aeneas was healed not because of Peter’s own effort or skills but all because of the power of Jesus. Peter had faith in Jesus and not in himself. Sometimes, we tend to forget that we are just merely instruments of God. We focus on the blessings…
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Let’s Pray That God Will Teach Us How To Let Go Of The Grudges Inside
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7: 59-60, NIV Stephen died with faith in his heart. He chose to pray even when he was in pain and suffering. In fact, he didn’t hold grudges. With a humble heart, he asked God to forgive those people who stoned him. If I experienced the same pain, most probably I would complain and ask God for questions. But Stephen did the exact opposite. His life is a great reminder for me…
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David Put His Trust Not In Mere Humans But In God
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalms 56:3-4, NIV There are days when we experience betrayal, lies, and negative things from the people around us. And most of the time, fear comes because of the pain we receive from them. Fear is dangerous. It keeps us away from experiencing the great things of God. When extreme and negative emotions consume our hearts, it prevents us from hearing God’s words and instructions. That’s why David put his trust not in mere humans but in God. We…
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Faith Is The Assurance That What God Said Will Come To Pass
He gave him no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child. Acts 7:5, NIV When Stephen gave a speech to the Sanhedrin, he shared the story of Abraham. He emphasized those moments when God gave Abraham a promise despite having no child. He said that Abraham’s descendant would possess the land that God showed him. This is a beautiful reminder for all of us. We have certain aspects in life wherein just like Abraham, it seems like we have nothing. We would…
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Keep Your Faith Even When You Are Accused Or Misunderstood
All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:15, NIV Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He boldly testified about who Jesus is. He also performed miracles and wonders among the people. Because of this, opposition arose, and some members of the synagogue argued with him. He was brought before the Sanhedrin, and he heard false accusations from people who opposed his beliefs. They were looking intently at Stephen. And instead of seeing a terrified man, what they saw was a face of an angel. Perhaps Stephen was…
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When You Are Considered Worthy To Suffer Shame For God’s Name
So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. Acts 5:41, NASB The apostles of Jesus were interrogated before the council and high priest because they kept on sharing the word of God despite their warnings. Their faith was questioned, and their lives were threatened. But the most amazing part was they didn’t feel any disappointments or frustrations. Instead, they rejoiced with what they experienced. Because for them, it’s a great honor to be considered as worthy to suffer for Jesus. They took it as a privilege to go through difficulties for His name’s…
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It Is By Grace That We Have Been Saved
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. Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV Salvation is not based on what we do or the sacrifices we made for God. It’s not about our own efforts or strength. But it’s all about grace and faith. This is the reason why we shouldn’t think that God will lead His children to Heaven because of the good things that they did. If this is the case, then someone would boast and count their efforts. It’s grace that will lead us to experience eternity…
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When You Choose to Love Because of Jesus, Death Will Never Be the End But It’s the Beginning
Jesus says in John 13:35, “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have loved one another.” LOVE. This is one of Jesus’s most important words. He wanted us to take good care of our brothers and sisters. He encouraged us to serve those who are in need and broken. This command sounds simple and easy, but in reality, it’s sometimes challenging to obey. Especially when we meet broken and difficult people. It’s not easy to serve those who hurt us. It’s painful. Whether we like it or not, we will meet someone along the way who will challenge our faith. They are those who carry…
