Posts

Showing posts from July, 2025

Bible

Forgiving Self

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Psalm 32:1-5 Worship song: Please Forgive Me   Meditation:      Forgiving ourselves for past mistakes is often one of the most significant yet challenging situations we encounter. We frequently find ourselves caught in cycles of self-criticism, guilt, and shame, instead of embracing the freedom that comes with self-forgiveness. We chastise ourselves because we feel we should know or have done better. We are more likely to forgive others more easily than we are to forgive ourselves. While we cannot revoke what is already done, we can relinquish the burden of guilt through confession and forgiveness. It is perfectly acceptable to hold ourselves accountable for our actions.       Acknowledging our imperfections, learning from them, and moving forward with a renewed determination is the beginning of true healing. Through Jesus Christ, we are delivered and liberated from the strongholds of our sins and our mist...

Until You Reach the Finish Line

Image
Good morning Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27 Worship Song: Unfinished Task   Meditation:      At a recent worship service, I listened keenly as the key speaker gave a synopsis of his participation in a recent marathon race. He shared with us of the times during the race when he felt like giving up, but he persevered until he reached the finish line. As I pondered his speech, I could not help but compare our Christian journey to a marathon race that requires great sacrifice, hard work, patience, resilience, persistence, and determination. We must press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Many have started to walk with the Lord, but stopped along the path, refusing to finish the journey. Many have given up the moment they encounter challenges and failed to persevere to the end. You will start the process energized, anticipating success and achievement, but if along the path, you encounter trials, setbacks, obst...

Angels on The Wall

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Nehemiah 4 Worship song: The Battle Is Not Yours   Meditation:      Angels on The Wall is a nonfiction book by Pastor Wallace Brown and his wife, Mary, about their unexpected ordeal when they moved to a poverty-stricken area in Birmingham, England, to pastor at a synagogue where membership was rapidly decreasing. What they did not know before their arrival was that the church ground was used by gangs and the home where they were to reside was used as the gang's headquarters. The gang was determined to intimidate and terrify them by hurling stones at the windows, burning the fence, and threatening to harm their children but their evil demise did not startle the pastor. The Browns, their children, and some congregation members walked several times around the building, praying that God would send angels as guards to protect them. The gang jeered and mocked, but one by one they retreated and gave up terrorizing the community....

Covered With a Mask

Image
Good morning Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:30-32  Worship Song: Here's My Heart   Meditation:      A minister once said we mask bitterness as memory, defend it as justice, and store it as debt owed. Bitterness is like residue that builds up over time from accumulated anger, resentment, pain, or perceived unfairness, ultimately leading to unforgiveness. Consider bitterness as a plant with its leaves looking green but its root is rotting from fungal infection. Eventually, the entire plant will collapse. You can be called, gifted, and anointed, ministering and winning souls for the Kingdom of God, but still foster a heart of bitterness.       The Apostle Paul boldly urges us in Ephesians 4:31 to put away all bitterness and wrath. He further advises us to reject and renounce our former ways, which are tainted by sinful habits. The Holy Spirit will not manifest in a heart striving for bitterness and unforgiveness. Neither will he dwell ...

His Eyes Are Fixed on Us

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Psalms 139 Song: From A Distance   Meditation:      Air traffic controllers have multiple radar systems to track flights over land and sea. The primary radar detects the approximate position of a plane by sending radio signals toward the aircraft, and collects the reflected signal and responses, which generate flight information. Using this technology, an air controller can detect when a plane disappears from radar.       Similarly, the world is governed by a universal radar system operated by the all-knowing, Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent God who possesses unlimited power and authority. He tracks our every move and knows everything we do, say, or think. We cannot disappear from His radar. God is not limited to a physical or geographical domain. The Psalmist says if he ascends into Heaven, makes his bed in hell, or dwells in the uttermost part of the sea, behold the Lord is watching. God's eyes are f...

A Taste of Sin

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Romans 3:20-25 Worship song: Judge of the Secret   Meditation:      The movie 'A Taste of Sin' explores the themes of temptation and sin through the stories of two servants of God facing different struggles, finding themselves confronting forbidden desires, grappling, and wrestling with the hidden darkness within. The movie sheds light on the seductive nature of transgression and how easy one can be victimized and fall prey to temptation.       Romans 3:10 reminds us that none of us is righteous, as Jesus illustrated in St. John 8, when He challenged the accusers' own moral standing, emphasizing that they are not qualified to cast judgment. No one can achieve perfect righteousness on their own or by their own efforts for we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Everyone, regardless of perceived strength, is subject to temptation, which is a common weapon meant to defeat us on our spiritual jo...

Is Your Seal Permanent?

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: St. John 10:28-29 Worship song: Touch of Heaven   Meditation:      Hand stamps have long been utilized as an effective method for identifying paid customers at events, allowing them freedom to leave and re-enter as they please. However, some individuals attempt to exploit this system by transferring the stamped seal onto the hand of those who have not paid. This manipulation technique is just one example of how people try to hack the system for personal benefit. Human strategies and inventions, no matter how clever or sophisticated, are ultimately powerless against God's plan, which cannot be altered or tampered with by any means.       When it comes to eternal life, there are no shortcuts. No one can gain entry using a counterfeit pass, someone else's credentials, or by sneaking through an unmanned door. Each of us is accountable for our acceptance into the kingdom of God. Jesus is the one true way to gai...

Working His Purpose Out

Image
Good morning Scripture Reading: Romans 8:26-31 Worship Song: God Will Work It Out   Meditation:      We are misled into believing that when we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour, all our troubles will go away and our lives will be perfect, but this is not the reality. In this world, we will be tested by the enemy, and we will have tribulation, but we must remain courageous and be of good cheer for he who dwells within us has overcome the world. God did not promise we would not encounter hardship. He did not promise we would have a perfect life here on earth. What he promises is his peace and that he will never leave nor forsake us.       Consider Job, a man of integrity, seen by God as perfect and upright, a man who eschewed evil, yet faced unimaginable trials as detailed in the book of Job. Every situation we encounter, whether it is sickness, tribulations, financial struggles, relationship issues, or spiritual battles, will ultimately ...

Thou of Little Faith

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Matthew 14:22-33 Worship Song: Didn't I Walk on The Water   Meditation:      Jesus bid Peter to walk on the water and come to Him, but he was conquered by fear.   With remarkable trust and courage, Peter stepped out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus, but shortly afterward his lack of faith caused him to take his eyes off Jesus and instead focus them on the boisterous wave. His faith was tested, but he failed when fear and doubt crept into his mind.       Like Peter, many of us unwaveringly stepped out by faith, but as soon as we came face to face with our Goliath we panicked and gave in to fear. We dance to the tune of anxiety, fear, and worry ever so often that we forget who controls the giants, the wind, and the waves. Our God has the power to shut the mouth of the lions and extinguish the fiery furnace. We must remember the earth is the Lord's and everything must bow to His name. Even t...

Our Daily Bread

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Matthew 6:9-11 Worship song: Give Us This Day   Meditation:      Throughout history, bread has been a fundamental food for humanity across diverse cultures. The Israelites, during their journey through the wilderness, were sustained by a miraculous bread from Heaven known as manna. This manna served as their daily bread symbolizing their complete reliance on God. With no other means of survival in the wilderness, they depended entirely on God's provision. Bread is not just food; it is a powerful emblem of physical and spiritual nourishment.       Jesus declared profoundly in St. John 6:33-35 that He is the bread that brings life to the world, assuring us that those who come to Him will never hunger; and those who believe in him shall never thirst. Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 11:26, we are encouraged to participate in the Lord's supper, partaking of bread and wine, which symbolize the new covenant establi...

Patience is a Virtue

Image
Good Morning Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 1:1-17 Mediation song: Be Still My Soul   Meditation:      Patience is a powerful quality that empowers individuals to maintain self-control during periods of waiting. It enables us to persistently pursue our long-term goals, despite encountering various challenges. While cultivating patience may be difficult, it is an invaluable skill that can be developed over time. This virtue allows us to endure annoyance, illness, pain, provocation, and financial difficulties without succumbing to frustration and irritability. Those who persevere through challenges and trust in God's divine timing are better able to cope with life's struggles than someone who operates out of arrogance or anger.       As Ecclesiastes 7:8 reminds us, it is essential to nurture patience, rely on God's timing, and avoid the quicksand of pride. Upon reflection, we can appreciate the extraordinary patience that God has extend...

Ask And You Shall Receive

Image
Good Morning Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 Worship Song: Bless Me   Meditation:      Jabez stood out as more honorable than his brethren, capturing our attention, and revealing his exceptional character. To be esteemed as honorable, one must have moral standards and principles that reflect honesty and fairness: qualities that truly deserve respect and admiration. The scripture does not speak about his dignified role and the position of honor he possesses but emphasizes his sincere prayer to God. No matter what position he held, Jabez placed unwavering trust in the God of Israel. In faith, he earnestly beseeched God and made his request known to him. Jabez asked God for five crucial things: that God would bless him, enlarge his territory, provide divine guidance, protect him from evil, and let not evil cause him to grieve. God answered His prayers, illustrating the power of faithful request.       Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 1, Ki...

The Waiting Room

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: 1 Samuel 1:7-20 Worship song: I Will Wait   Meditation:      Prolonged waiting can often evoke physical discomfort and mental unrest, particularly when there is uncertainty surrounding the wait. Prolonged periods of waiting may lead to increased anxiety, stress, frustration, and emotional exhaustion, especially when the surrounding atmosphere is laden with negativity.       Today's scripture offers insight into Hannah's experience in the waiting room. She was deeply distressed by her inability to conceive and the persistent taunting from Peninnah. Nonetheless, her sorrow and barrenness compelled her to seek divine intervention through prayer at the Shiloh Temple. Hannah experienced uncertainty, doubt, and despair, but she held firm to her faith, trusting in God's promises.       The waiting is not solely about the duration of the wait, but rather about how it is perceived and experience...

Lifeline for Believers

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Psalm 107: 23-30 Hymn: Throw Out the Lifeline   Meditation:      A lifeline is more than just an object; it is a connection that gives us hope and provides a way to escape a difficult situation. Countless testimonies attest to individuals being miraculously rescued from perilous storms, demonstrating that Jesus Christ is our ultimate lifeline rescuer. He is always present, ready to rescue us from all danger, but we must reach out to Him. Just as an individual who is drowning grasps at anything to save themselves, we too must hold on to Jesus, who can rescue us from the dark domain of sin. Many have been rescued from the path of destruction by Jesus Christ and are now living in the grace of His salvation.       Are you feeling lost, drifting further into the wilderness of sin? Don't hesitate; hold on to the lifeline and be rescued from the winds of temptation, and the waves of unrighteousness. Receive ...

Hope In King Jesus

Image
Good morning Scripture Reading: Psalm 62 Worship Song: There Is Hope   Meditation:      What a privilege we have to bask in the presence of God and celebrate the hope we have in Him. When life gets rough, and the pressures seem unbearable, remember we have a comforting Saviour who shines his light in the darkest hour. When sorrow is your companion and the storm is raging, let us joyfully turn to Jesus who comforts us in all our tribulations.       Whenever you feel hopeless, or feel like everything is falling apart, call on Jesus, the God of hope, who fills our hearts with boundless joy and peace. When loneliness creeps in, feel, and your friends are no longer around, lean on Jesus, our faithful companion who is always close to us. He is our strong tower, our refuge, our deliverer, and anchor amid devastation. Do not be dismayed but instead be inspired by the hope that flows from our Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, He is indeed our rock and sa...

Testimony - Hope Restored

Image
Good morning Testimony - Hope Restored   And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. Joel 2:25   Worship song: Restore My Soul Testimony:      People often interpret what occurs throughout the day as mere coincidence; however, this perspective differs for those who strongly believe in Christ and depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who recognize these moments as divine connections. After dedicating time to my personal devotion, I often resort to additional resources from fellow believers to enhance my daily worship sessions.       On July 11, something extraordinary happens. What began as a typical worship session led to a powerful and renewed feeling of hope. I recalled opening my Bible app to the devotional, and the scripture associated with the message was Joel 2:25. Immediately after, I joined Pastor Basil's...

Prayer - Healing and Restoration

Image
Good morning Day of prayer- Healing and Restoration   Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. Jeremiah 33:6   Worship song: Heal Me O Lord   Let us pray:      Yeshua, Adonai, Emmanuel, we declare you are our Healer, Provider, Great Physician, our balm in Gilead, and our miracle-working God. We glorify, worship, and exalt your holy name, Lord God, offering you our heartfelt sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. We affirm your supreme power to save, deliver, and redeem.       We come to you, Lord God, seeking not just healing but a deep and long and lasting covenant relationship with you. Extend your mercy towards us, O God, and renew our strength in times of affliction. Though many are the afflictions of the righteous, we held firmly to your promise to deliver us from them all. Our Merciful Savior, you declare that by your stripes we are healed,...

Till My Change Comes

Image
 Good morning Scripture reading: Psalm 130 Worship song: I Will Wait for You   Meditation:      It is common for people to feel frustrated, discouraged, and even hopeless when waiting for a situation to change and nothing seems to be happening. While not everyone possesses the patience to wait faithfully on God, those who do find contentment in placing their trust completely in Him. Our expectations are anchored in God, the ultimate source of hope and peace. 'I will wait until my change comes' is not just a phrase; it is a powerful declaration of unwavering trust and courage, believing God is working out his perfect plan to prosper us. Waiting patiently demonstrates our complete dependence on God for strength, wisdom, and direction, not relying on our own abilities or understanding.       It reflects a deep spiritual journey of faith, patience, reliance, and trusting in God's timing and plan, even when things are difficult. We wait ...

Wait On the Lord

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: St. Luke 5:2-8 Praise song: I Will Wait    Meditation:      Ms. Cole, a mother of three sent out several applications and resumes seeking employment, but she received no response. She possesses the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience required to fill the vacant positions advertised, yet no one called her for an interview. Two years have passed since her last job, and while she felt the mounting pressure to provide for her children, she remained steadfast. Although her savings were depleting, she refused to succumb to hopelessness. Hearing of another job opening, her sister encouraged her to apply. Though she hesitated, she submitted the application with a glimmer of hope.       This reminds us of the fishermen in St. Luke 5, who toiled tirelessly all night without success. When Jesus instructed them to launch their nets into the deep, they hesitated but ultimately obeyed and wer...

The Divine Exchange

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1:18-21 Worship song: Ten Thousand Angels Cried   Meditation:      The initiated plan by God was a profound divine exchange: our sin and brokenness for the righteousness and holiness of Christ. Jesus, the sinless one, stood in the gap, willingly taking our punishment so that we could be made the righteousness of God. We were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, predetermined before the foundation of the world for the remission of sin.       Though he was rich, Jesus became poor for our sake so we may be enriched through his sacrificial atonement. He bore the emotional scars of rejection and the physical pain of chastisement, carrying the weight of the world's sins. He endured a temporary separation from God to bridge the gap between God and humanity. This enabled us to reconcile with our Heavenly Father and develop a permanent relationship with Him....

Filled With The Holy Spirit

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: St. Luke 3:1-16 Worship song: Spirit of The Living God   Meditation:      There is a clear distinction between water baptism and baptism of the Holy Spirit. John boldly stated his mission to preach repentance and baptize with water but revealed that it is Jesus Christ who baptizes us with the Holy Ghost and fire. Those who have been baptized in water must also be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our guide, directing those who actively seek God's will and submit to His word. The Holy Spirit operates within us, transforming our lives and empowering us to live in obedience to God.       In Acts 8, Philip boldly proclaimed and taught the gospel to those in Samaria who were misguided by Simon the sorcerer. Many believed the gospel, including Simon himself, and upon the profession of their faith, they received water baptism. However, water baptism alone does not change your heart condition, as was...

The Dangerous Iceberg

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Acts 27: 27-44 Worship song: Speak to Move Mountain   Meditation:      In 1912, the luxurious Titanic, designed and engineered with advanced safety features to prevent it from sinking met a tragic fate when it collided with an iceberg. The severity of the massive collision ultimately led to its tragic sinking. A similar tale unfolds in today's scripture. During a turbulent voyage to Rome, the ship carrying Apostle Paul, a prisoner, encountered a boisterous storm while sailing on the Adriatic Sea. With the winds raging and the ship tossing violently, fear and despair gripped the passengers and crew. The ship eventually wrecked on the Island of Melita, known today as Malta. Amidst the chaos, Paul stands firm, assuring the 276 souls on board that they are safe, urging them to eat to maintain their strength and survival.       Apostle Paul's experience is a powerful reminder that challenges can arise at any mo...

Keep Your Heart Clean

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Psalm 51:7-12 Worship song: Clean Heart   Meditation:      As part of the safety measures to prevent sickness, it is recommended that we sanitize, disinfect, and wash our hands regularly. There is another significant part of us that we need to pay attention to, and it is our heart. Our heart, however, does not need physical cleansing but spiritual cleansing. A person's heart reveals their true nature.      Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that the heart is deceitful above all things, desperately wicked, and needs divine purification. We must carefully protect and maintain our heart, which is the source of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. We must be vigilant and careful about what enters and takes root in our hearts, as negative influences will inevitably shape our lives.       Matthew 5:8 says, Blessed is the pure in heart, for they shall see God. While the ways of our heart may be hidden from o...

It is Written

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: St. Matthew 4:1-11 Worship song: Give Me You   Meditation:      Today's scripture passage powerfully illustrates Satan's tactics as he tempted Jesus after his forty days of fasting. Satan used 'if thou' to sow doubt and challenge Jesus' authority, but Jesus counteracted Satan's attempt to undermine his authority by consistently responding with the phrase 'It is written,' demonstrating his deep knowledge and reliance on God's word. Satan attempted to twist the scripture to conquer Jesus, but he was defeated.       Not everyone will experience spiritual attacks in the same way. The devil is strategic, targeting each of us with a specific missile, and if successful, he celebrates. However, if he fails his quest, he will retreat for a while but will strike again. The devil is relentless and will attack when we least expect it. He often attacks right after a powerful spiritual worship experience or after we hav...

God's Embassy

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Isaiah 35:8-10 Worship song: Highway to Heaven   Meditation:      Each year, millions gather at embassies for the sole purpose of receiving a visa. The possibility of being approved for a visa depends on whether or not you meet the specific criteria for the visa. The chance of convincing a consular officer to grant you that visa is often a fifty-fifty proposition. Yet, this opportunity is taken with hope for a favorable outcome. It is important to understand that obtaining a visa does not automatically guarantee entry.       The ultimate decision lies with immigration officials at the port of entry. You might face rejection for an earthly visa, but I assure you in the Kingdom of God, no applicant will be denied entry. Jesus Christ promises in John 6:37 that anyone who comes to Him will never be rejected or turned away. The visa issued by our Savior provides permanent residency and is available to thos...

Faith Still Hold

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 12:15-23  Worship song: I Still Believe     Meditation:      In times of need, a faith-driven person confidently seeks assistance from the Creator, relying on his sovereignty and authoritative power for assurance, guidance, strength, and comfort. Believers firmly grounded in God's divine power depend on Him wholeheartedly, regardless of their circumstances. The fundamental principle of the Christian faith is to remain faithful, trusting God completely, despite the outcome of their ordeal.     For seven days, King David watched his son's health deteriorate, but still he fasted and prayed for his recovery. King David was waiting with great expectation, hoping that God would heal his son, but unfortunately, the outcome was not what he desired. However, after his son's death, King David rose, changed his garment, and began to worship God. Like King David, we hope God will be gracious to us in eve...

We Crown You as our King

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Revelation 2:8-11 Worship song: No One Like the Lord   Meditation:      Apostle John received profound revelation from God, the Alpha and Omega, on the Lord's Day while experiencing a powerful spiritual transcendence. In his vision, John witnessed God seated on His throne, surrounded by heavenly beings and elders worshipping and singing, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. This precise message emphasizes the importance of unceasing worship and adoration of our Creator.       The worshippers around God's throne fully recognize and affirm His sovereignty, authority, and power. No specific time was allotted for worship; they worship day and night, nonstop. True worship is not governed by time or confined to a specific location. True worship displays genuine adoration that transcends from a heart of gratitude and appreciation. We are called to give the Lord the glory he rightfully deserves and worship H...

Lost Its Identity

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Romans 6:1-6 Worship song: Basics of Life   Meditation:      There is a growing public perception that many churches today are experiencing an identity crisis. In our attempt to accommodate those with different distinctive characters, we have dangerously compromised our moral standards. We cannot allow ourselves to lose our identity. We must remain vigilant and steadfast. The church risks losing its identity when it disconnects from its core biblical principles. A church that strays from its identity in Christ may still act like, look like, and sound like believers, but its heart remains far from God.       When the church starts to prioritize worldly desires, seeks material gain, and relies on its own strength, it becomes spiritually disconnected from God. We must remember that friendship with the world is enmity with God. Any church that seeks to be a friend of the world ultimately becomes an enemy of Go...

Come Unto Me

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Matthew 11:28-30 Worship song: God is Here   Meditation:      Imagine if we could weigh the heavy load we carry in our hearts and minds; no scale would be able to truly measure its weight. Many of us are heavily laden by the burdens of fear, mistakes, worries, anxieties, guilt, disappointment, stress, rejections, etc. We struggle with these burdens, constantly trying to rectify everything that does not align with our plans and desires. These pressures can overwhelm us, leading us to focus on things outside our control.       Though Jesus invites us to release our burdens, we are reluctant to let them go. Jesus knows and understands our struggles. He assures us we can find relief by willingly surrendering our worries and anxieties to Him. Today, Jesus calls us to renounce every weight we bear: every sin that easily besets us, every guilt, worry, stress, anxiety, and frustration.       Co...