Posts with the category “obedience”

06/07/2025“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)In his final instructions to the Corinthian church, Paul doesn’t mince words. He fires off a series of bold commands, almost like a spiritual coach rallying his team before they take the field. These aren’t casual suggestions, they’re a call to spiritual vigilance, stability, and courage in ...  Read More

06/02/2025And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”- Matthew 18:3–5 (NIV)When Jesus pulled a child into the center of the conversation, it must have stunn...  Read More

05/30/2025“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”— 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)There’s something beautiful about a gift that’s given with joy. Whether it’s a child offering a crayon drawing to their parent, or a friend surprising you with coffee just because, it’s not the cost of the gift that touches th...  Read More

05/24/2025“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”- Matthew 25:35-36 (NIV)Jesus paints a vivid picture of what true discipleship looks like, not in theory, but in action. These verses...  Read More

05/18/2025“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”— Romans 10:14 (NIV)Have you ever heard an echo in the mountains or a canyon? Your voice bounces off the walls and returns, sometimes stronger than you imagined. That’s exactly how the gospel works throug...  Read More

05/15/2025Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”— Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)Our words are not just sounds, they are seeds. Every conversation we have plants something: encouragement or discouragement, peace or tension, truth or confusion. That’s why Paul urges the believers ...  Read More

05/14/2025Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.— James 1:12 (NIV)Trials have a way of revealing what’s really inside us. When life presses in, when the heat turns up, our true character bubbles to the surface. But for those who endure, who cling to Jesus, hold tight ...  Read More

04/30/2025“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”- Romans 12:1 (NIV)When we think of the word sacrifice, we often think of something costly, something painful, something we give up. In the Old Testament, sacrifice meant placing an animal on the altar to be offer...  Read More

04/10/2025“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”—Matthew 9:37–38 (NIV)Jesus had just been traveling from town to town, healing the sick, opening blind eyes, raising the dead, and preaching the good news of the kingdom. But it wasn’t the miracles that moved His heart mos...  Read More

03/29/2025“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”— John 15:4-5 (NIV)Jesus speaks these words during His final moments with the disciples, knowing what l...  Read More

03/24/2025“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”—2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)Paul’s words to Timothy come as a challenge and a charge to every believer, especially those who lead, teach, and disciple others. The apostle is urging Timothy to live a life of diligence, integrity, and devotion, particular...  Read More

03/22/2025Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”— Mark 2:27 (NIV)Jesus spoke these words in response to the Pharisees’ accusation that His disciples were breaking the Sabbath by picking heads of grain. For the religious elite, Sabbath observance had become a burden of rules and rigid expectations. But Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, reframes it completely. N...  Read More

03/17/2025“Be merciful to those who doubt.” — Jude 1:22 (NIV)Doubt can feel like an enemy of faith, yet Scripture reminds us that it is often a bridge to deeper trust in God. In the short but powerful letter of Jude, we are given a charge that is both simple and profound: “Be merciful to those who doubt.” This verse challenges us to respond to doubt, not with judgment, frustration, or dismissal, b...  Read More

03/15/2025“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”- Luke 6:36 NIVMercy is one of the most beautiful and transformative attributes of God. Throughout Scripture, we see His mercy extended to those who least deserve it, wayward Israel, broken sinners, and even those who rejected Him. Yet, in Luke 6:36, Jesus issues a radical call to His followers: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful....  Read More

03/02/2025“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her.”— John 20:18 (NIV)Imagine the overwhelming flood of emotions Mary Magdalene must have felt. Just days earlier, she had witnessed the brutal crucifixion of the One who had changed her life forever. The sorrow of His death was heavy, the grief suffocating. Bu...  Read More

03/07/2025“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”— Philippians 4:9 (NIV)Paul’s words to the Philippians are both an encouragement and a challenge. He had spent his life modeling the faith, enduring hardship, and teaching the truth of Christ with boldness. But knowledge alone isn’t enough, Paul urges believ...  Read More

03/02/2025“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”- Joshua 1:9 NIVFear and uncertainty are two of the greatest enemies of faith. They creep into our minds when we face new challenges, unexpected hardships, or seasons of transition. In today’s verse, God gives a direct command to Joshua: “B...  Read More

03/01/2025“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”– Matthew 28:19 (NIV)These words, spoken by Jesus before His ascension, form what we call The Great Commission. It is not merely a suggestion but a command, a divine mandate that extends to every believer. Jesus didn’t say, “If you feel like it, go and make dis...  Read More

02/27/2025“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”- Revelation 4:11 NIVImagine stepping into the throne room of heaven. The air is thick with awe. Creatures beyond human comprehension bow in worship. A chorus of voice, multitudes upon multitudes, rise in unison, declaring the great...  Read More

02/25/2025“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”- Proverbs 19:17 NIVGenerosity is a hallmark of a heart that truly understands the grace of God. Proverbs 19:17 gives us a profound perspective, when we show kindness to the poor, we are not merely giving to a person in need; we are lending to the Lord Himself. Imagine that: every act of comp...  Read More

02/22/2025“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”— Psalm 34:14 (NIV)Today’s verse is a psalm of deliverance, written by David after God rescued him from a dire situation. In verse 14, David gives us a straightforward but profound instruction: Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. These words call us not only to avoid sin but to actively engage in righteousness.Turni...  Read More

02/16/2025“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”- Mark 16:15 NIVThis command from Jesus is one of His final instructions before ascending to heaven. It is not a suggestion or an optional task, it is a divine commission. The call to “go” implies movement, intentionality, and a willingness to step outside of comfort zones. It is a call that extends beyond t...  Read More

02/12/2025“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”— Luke 6:28 (NIV)Jesus’ words in this verse are radical, challenging, and, at times, deeply uncomfortable. When someone wrongs us, our natural reaction is often to defend ourselves, retaliate, or harbor resentment. Yet, Christ calls us to something higher, or a response rooted not in human nature but in divine love.To “bless” t...  Read More

02/10/2025“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” — Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)Peace is something we all crave, yet it often feels just beyond our grasp. The world around us is filled with uncertainty, financial struggles, family tensions, health concerns, and the relentless pressures of daily life. We long for rest, for stillness, for the kind of peace t...  Read More

02/09/2025“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”– Romans 12:21 (NIV)Let’s face it, we live in a world filled with division, injustice, and personal attacks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the evil around us. It can feel as though negativity, hatred, and wrongdoing are gaining the upper hand. But Paul’s words in Romans 12:21 serve as a powerful reminder that we are not called ...  Read More

02/08/2025“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.”—Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)The grace of God is not just a theological concept; it’s an active, transforming force in our lives. Paul reminds us in this passage that grace is not only about...  Read More

02/04/2025“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”— 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)At the core of our human nature is the desire for justice, or at least, what we perceive as justice. When someone speaks harshly to us, we want to respond with equally sharp words. When someone mistreats us, ...  Read More

01/30/2025“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”- Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)What does it mean to “fear the Lord”? This phrase is not about cowering in terror but about living in reverent awe of God. It is the deep recognition that He is holy, sovereign, and all-knowing, and that our lives are fully dependent on Him. When we understand who God is, Hi...  Read More

01/28/2025“Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.’”– Mark 4:9 (NIV)Jesus often spoke in parables, using simple yet profound stories to convey deep spiritual truths. In Mark 4, He had just shared the Parable of the Sower, describing how the Word of God falls on different kinds of “soil,” the hearts of people. He concludes the parable with this call: “Whoever has ears to hear, le...  Read More

01/27/2025“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”- Matthew 5:14 (NIV)When Jesus spoke these words during His Sermon on the Mount, He was addressing ordinary people; fishermen, laborers, and others from humble beginnings. Yet, He called them something extraordinary: the light of the world.Think about that for a moment. Light is vital. It illuminates the darkness, ...  Read More

01/25/2025“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’”- Luke 12:15 (NIV)These words from Jesus serve as a wake-up call to examine the desires of our hearts. The backstory of this verse is a man asking Jesus to intervene in a family dispute over inheritance. Instead of addressing the man’s immediate concern, ...  Read More

01/21/2025“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”— Psalm 119:11 (NIV)In today’s verse, we find a incredible truth about the awesome power of God’s Word. The psalmist speaks of “hiding” God’s Word in the heart, not merely memorizing it but treasuring it like a precious jewel stored in a safe place. This act signifies more than intellectual knowledge; it is about inti...  Read More

01/16/2025“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.”— Hosea 10:12 (NIV)Today’s verse is a clarion call for transformation, a challenge to leave behind spiritual complacency and pursue a life that reflects God’s righteousness. This verse contains three ...  Read More

01/15/2025“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)Jesus’ words in today’s verse turn conventional thinking upside down. In a world where love often has boundaries and retaliation feels justified, Jesus invites us to a radical way of living: loving even our enemies. Th...  Read More

01/14/2025“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”– Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)Isaiah 41:13 is a gentle yet powerful reminder of God’s intimate care for His people. The image of God taking hold of our right hand evokes a picture of a loving parent guiding a child. It speaks of His closeness, His protection, and His unwavering commitment t...  Read More

01/11/20225“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” – Exodus 20:8 (NIV)In the middle of the Ten Commandments, nestled between instructions about our relationship with God and others, we find this command to “remember the Sabbath day.” It’s not merely a suggestion but a divine invitation to step out of the chaos of life and into the peace of God’s presence.The word remember is significant. It...  Read More

01/09/2025“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”—1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)The Apostle Paul ends this chapter on the resurrection with this charge: stand firm. He has just finished reminding the Corinthians of the victory we have through Jesus Chri...  Read More

01/07/2025“Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.” – Acts 8:35 (NIV)In this short but powerful verse, we see the essence of evangelism beautifully displayed. Philip, led by the Holy Spirit, encounters the Ethiopian eunuch reading a passage from Isaiah. Instead of offering a generic message, Philip begins with the eunuch’s starting point, he sa...  Read More

01/04/2025“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”— Acts 2:38 (NIV)Acts 2:38 stands as a cornerstone of Christian faith, summarizing the essence of the gospel message: repentance, baptism, forgiveness, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. These words were spoken by Pet...  Read More

01/03/2025“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”- Galatians 1:10 (NIV)In this verse, Paul confronts a critical question: Who are we living to please—God or people? It’s as if he draws a line in the sand, challenging both himself and his readers to consider who tr...  Read More