Magnificent Life

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us, a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 As Christmas approaches, the celebration of Jesus' birth is being shared across mountains and valleys. This year, let us proclaim His birth more loudly than ever before! We can do this by going out into the world as messengers of His love and joy. We have been given a great gift in Jesus Christ, and we must tell it on the mountain that He has come! Let us not be silent about the wonderful news but spread it far and wide. As we share this message with others, they too will experience hope and peace as they celebrate Jesus' entrance into our world.  The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin named Mary. This was a miraculous event, prophesied by the prophet Isaiah over 700 years before Jesus was born (Isaiah 9:6). For Jesus to be born, God Himself had to come down and take human fo

"Therefore, write down the things you have seen, the things that are, and the things that will happen after this." Revelation 1:19 "Capture the moments you have seen with pen and paper, for they may never come again." From part one of this daily devotional, we were told that visualizing our future is where the greatest adventures reside! Because for many, dreaming of our future is a task we take very seriously. Imagining ourselves in the coming years and picturing what our lives might look like is an important step for any individual striving for success. However, after visualizing ourselves in the future and envisioning this desired outcome – for example, in 2023, what next? God said to write it down (Habakkuk 2:2). The Biblical passage Habakkuk 2:2 states that "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it." In this spirit, we should consider writing down all of our ambitions in life and making concrete steps toward achieving them. Then, after visualizing ourselves in the futur

"And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hebrews 11:6  Take a leap of faith and embrace the unknown. It's time to explore and discover the beauty of uncharted territories. The future is always uncertain because the world is still uncertain of what the future holds, and it's natural to feel a sense of wanderlust and anticipation for what lies ahead. But that doesn't have to stop us from dreaming. Proverbs 11:14 says: "Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Where we will be in 2023 depends on what we do today. So it's important to think carefully about our life goals and plans for the future. It is never too early nor too late to plan for the future. Some people already had all this plan ready a few months or years ago. I am not asking you to write off 2022 because there are still plenty of opportunities for us to take advantage of in the

"And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 10:7  The riches of the gospel are often hidden in plain sight. This simple truth, however, has been all but forgotten by many modern-day Christians. But buried within the pages of scripture lies a wealth of insights into living a life filled with joy and purpose. The riches of the gospel have remained largely untapped, but they are waiting to be uncovered. According to Matthew 10:7, we are encouraged to proclaim the gospel openly. The riches of the gospel can be found in several key areas that offer limitless potential for those who take advantage of them.  Take for example, Jesus' words in Mark 16:15 and this familiar line from the gospel song written by John W. Work, "Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere." These words have been repeated time and time again throughout history as an exhortation to share our faith with others. Yet when we take a closer look at these encouraging words, we find that they

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19 The riches of the gospel are sometimes hard to uncover, but they can be done with effort and intentionality. The process of rediscovering the gospel is often called "moving it forward." This involves looking into scripture, engaging in meaningful conversations about faith, and contemplating its truths. When we move the gospel forward and share it with others, we can uncover its deeper meaning. By listening carefully and intentionally explaining our beliefs in simple terms, we can help others become engaged in exploring their faith more deeply.  By taking time to explain the basics of Christianity and sharing stories from our faith journeys, we aid in bringing new life into those around us who may not have experienced God's love before. Remember, The gospel is a never-ending journey, and we can keep rediscovering its truths as we share it with -believers or even fellow belie

"Because He suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those tempted." Hebrews 2:18 Our unparalleled Teacher, Jesus, not only spoke the profound truths of the kingdom of heaven but modeled its teachings in His own life. As a result, we have more than just intellectual knowledge of God's ways; we also have the heart-transforming power of firsthand experience. Consider how Jesus showed compassion to the hurting, forgiveness to the guilty, and love to the unlovely. He overturned social conventions, healed physical and spiritual ills, and offered hope to the hopeless. He invited everyone—rich and poor, slave and free, male and female—to come to Him for rest and healing. Jesus is the perfect Teacher because He is Himself the perfect learner. He knows our strengths and weaknesses, our hopes and fears, our longings and disappointments. As we spend time with Him, He shows us how to live in ways that bring light and life to our world. In Christ, we see the epitome of human possibility. His life was one of compas

"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15 Teachers come in all shapes and sizes. The type of teacher one encounters can vary drastically because each teacher brings something unique to their students. While some teachers focus on "Do as I say," others bring more creative approaches to teaching. That's why when we look up the most influential teachers in history, Jesus always comes as number one. Why? Because He used a variety of teaching methods to convey his message, showing and telling in ways that were unique and practical for yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus is one of the most influential teachers in history. He was able to convey his teachings in a variety of ways that resonated with many different types of people and generations. He was the master of the show and tell, as evidenced by Hebrews 4:15, which states, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1 The Christmas season is a time of cheer, joy, and celebration. This year, as we open presents and eat delicious food with our families, let us celebrate the best gift God has given us all: unconditional love. This love transcends all boundaries and reminds us of the beauty in life and the importance of cherishing each moment. Practicing joyful gratitude habits can be an effective way to experience true contentment during this season. Taking time out of our busy schedules to give thanks for what we have can help us feel more blessed and fulfilled. I read a story of a young woman named Sandra who had been increasingly frustrated about life for months. She felt like all her plans and goals were never truly being met, no matter how hard she worked or tried to stay positive. As a result, she felt hopeless, so much so that she began to entertain notions of ending her life. But on Christmas day, when Sand

"Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" Psalm 32:11 Take each moment as it comes and savor the beauty of the present - that is how to embrace the now truly. From today's Bible verse, the psalmist exhorts us to be happy, rejoice, and shout for joy. In other words, we must be fully alive and engaged in the present moment. Why? Because the Lord is good and righteous, and in Him is our joy. Too often, we allow our minds to be consumed with worries and regrets from the past or anxiety over the future. But the truth is, we only have one day at a time. This moment is all we have. So why not embrace it and savor it? It makes life worth living!" Be present in the moment. When you're driving, be in the driver's seat. When you're eating, be in the moment and savor the taste and texture of the food. When you're talking to someone, be fully engaged in the conversation. When you're walking, feel the textures and sounds of your surroundings. When you're listening to musi

"Rejoice in the LORD, Oh you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful." Psalm 33:1  Don't wait for the perfect moment - make each moment perfect with praise. I understand that praise is often given to those who have done great and courageous acts, but it should also be given to those who are simply living a life worthy of admiration. This joy has grace for its resting place and boundless hope that helps us carry on through the toughest moments. We should take time every day to appreciate ourselves - our strength, courage, and resilience in the face of hardship. It's easy to get weighed down by our responsibilities and expectations, so we must remember that true praise comes from within us first.  Self-love is the most important kind of love; it allows us to recognize our worth even when no one else does. When we look at ourselves with acceptance and understanding, we will find a sense of peace beyond compare. That's why Apostle Paul emphasizes to us that we should "rejoice always." In oth

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5 Understanding the message of Christ as Mediator is an essential part of a Christian's faith. Jesus Christ was sent to Earth to be the ultimate mediator between God and Man, providing a way for us to be reconciled with our Creator. Through his life and teachings, Jesus showed us how to love one another and how we can have a direct relationship with God through faith in His Son. Jesus's mission on Earth centered around being a mediator between God and humanity. He taught about the importance of humility, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love for one another and ourselves, all of which are vital components of a strong connection with our Heavenly Father.  Remember that the expected relationship between God and humanity was broken in the Garden of Eden. Human being lost their mutual connection with the almighty God, and the proper mode of worship and interaction was not regained until our mediator appeared. Jes

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a worker that does not need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 In the Bible, God makes promises that extend beyond our physical lives and into the eternal. As Christians, we can take comfort in the fact that He will never make a promise He cannot keep. But discovering God's promises in scripture requires time and effort. However, God is pleased with humankind that is submissive to His word. In God's word, we find His will and guidance in life. Apart from these, God speaks to us per time through His word, which can only be made available to those who are devoted and diligent in seeking God via His written word. God delights in every servant who understands the word and can divinely interpret every content written in it. But unfortunately, in our generation, we find many who speak as motivators or inspirational speakers using a particular part of the scripture to defend their intent. These sets of people usually gather people specificall

"To the Lord, our God belongs mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him." Daniel 9:9 Do you ever feel like you are beyond God's mercy and grace? Have you reached a point where the intensity of your sins has become too much to handle? Do not despair; instead, take comfort in knowing God's unconditional love is strong enough to reach even the unreachable. God's grace and mercy know no bounds. His forgiveness is available to all who come to Him. No matter how deep into sin we have gone or how far away from God we may seem, He still loves us and desires for us to turn back to Him. We can never get too far away for Him not to be able to forgive us when we ask for it. This truth can be difficult to accept when we are caught up in our sin and regret. We may feel as though we are too far gone for God to forgive us. But the Bible tells us that God's mercy is greater than our sin ( Ephesians 2:4). In other words, we can take comfort in knowing that God is always willing to forgive us and that His mercy i

"Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids chosen from the king's palace and moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem." Esther 2:9 God is always ready to show us mercy if we accept it. However, it is important to note that God's mercy is not received by mistake; instead, it comes when we are willing to change our attitude and desire Him above all else. This message can be seen in the Bible in Esther 2:9, which states, "And the young woman pleased him and won his favor…." Here Esther embodies a true attitude of humility and respect for authority, allowing her access to God's remarkable grace and favor. The mercy of God is for everybody; the sure mercies of David, like we say, are for everybody, but they can only be provoked by something. It is triggered by the receiver, which means there is a condition attached to it at times. So don't get it twisted and think t

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, also do to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12 "Empathy is like a spring of understanding that flows from one heart to another." Though If asked to describe empathy, most people would say it is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Because empathy is a fundamental human characteristic that allows us to connect with others, understand their thoughts and experiences, and respond in a supportive and compassionate way. It is an example of a Golden Rule-style moral imperative, a formulation expressing the notion of treating others in the same way that one would want to be treated. I understand there is an empathy deficit in society. In our increasingly complex and technological world, many people find it difficult to muster the empathy required to understand and relate to others truly. There is a widespread empathy deficit in our society, and this is contributing to a host of social ills. Remember, when we can't empathi

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10 Empathy has the power to transform hearts and create a compassionate world. Have you cultivated it? We are called to be sensitive and aware of the needs of others, as the bible states in 1 Peter 4:10, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (NIV). With empathy, we can gain insight into another person's experience and understand their feelings from their perspective. This ability helps us build bridges between people and create deeper connections. Empathy allows us to put ourselves in someone else's shoes and recognize their feelings without judgment or criticism. It is a skill that can be developed through practice and patience, but it can also be strengthened by understanding our inner feelings first. We can all learn from Job. He was such a blessed man, and as much as he was blessed, he kept giving to the poor.

"Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves." James 1:22 Faith is believing in what cannot be seen; it's the courage to journey beyond the limits of our understanding. However, faith can be defined anyhow because different people have different definitions of faith due to their personal beliefs and experiences. Nevertheless, a common thread between most definitions is the trust and belief in something bigger than themselves, often including God. People have had to redefine what faith means to them without believing and trusting in God. Because Webster defines faith as "belief and trust in God." Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." And things that are invisible yet still undeniably real. For example, From the concept of our almighty father (God) to something as intangible as a human soul. So, that alone should redefine our faith in God because faith is not just a mental assent to a set of doctrines or a state

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1 The power of faith is often seen as a force for good in the world, enabling people to go beyond themselves and achieve the impossible. Miracles of faith in action represent those moments when belief seems to triumph over adversity and a seemingly insurmountable difficulty is overcome. The stories of these miracles are inspiring, offering hope to all who feel they cannot cope with their challenges. From small acts of kindness to powerful healing, divine intervention has been witnessed for thousands of years. The impossible can be made possible through faith, and hope can be restored to individuals and communities. I read a story of a young lady Evangelist who strongly believed faith could move mountains. As she stood in front of the large crowd ministering, the night was almost over; the Evangelist had reached her climax of giving a rousing speech about faith and healing. She looked into the eager eyes of four peop

"And Jesus said to him, "If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." Mark 9:23 Faith has been a source of strength for countless individuals and groups throughout history. It is no surprise, then those miraculous acts have been attributed to the power of faith. Likewise, miracles of faith in action are accounts of powerful moments where the power of faith has led to amazing outcomes. These inspiring stories demonstrate the immense potential that lies within those who practice their faith with conviction and dedication. The story of the miraculous fall of Jericho recorded in Joshua 6 is one of the most powerful examples of faith in action. As Joshua and his people prepared to march around the walls for seven days, the Lord gave them a clear command: "Shout, for the Lord has given you this city." The Israelites obeyed without hesitation, and their faith was rewarded with a miracle - as they shouted, God caused the walls to collapse. This act stands as an example of how trusting and following God

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 Too often, we allow fear to take root in our lives and dictate our actions. Fear can keep us from following our dreams, from being our authentic selves, and from trusting others. In Psalm 37, the writer encourages us to trust in God instead of fear because God wants the best for us and will always be there for us. When we trust in Him, we can overcome our fears and be free to live our lives to the fullest. We don't need to be afraid of the future because God is in control. In this year, 2022, many have experienced an unexpected faith journey. Some have praised God through the hard times and have seen His hand in their life, while others have cried out in frustration, wondering why He has not answered their prayers. Whether you're questioning your faith or standing firm on what you believe, it is important to remember that God always remains faithful despite what we experience. A relationship with Him starts with a small seed of trust planted