Magnificent Life

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44 Do you show love to all everyone around you? Is your heart filled with the Love of Christ? According to Romans 13 8, the answer should be a resounding yes! As believers, we are to "owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." We are called to love unconditionally, which means showing compassion and kindness to everyone, even those who may not deserve it. It can be difficult to do this, but remember that Christ loved His enemies. If He can do it, so can we! A loving heart is a golden heart before God because God Himself is called love; remember, we loved because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). When we have the mind of love, we have the mind of Christ. The mind of Christ is one of love. With that in mind, we can see things from Christ's perspective and make decisions based on love rather than fear or selfishness. This way of thinking leads us to see others as God does -

"And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 The mind of love is a state of being in which one can experience the fullness of love. This state is characterized by a deep sense of connection with others, a willingness to give and receive love, and a capacity for compassion and empathy. Those who are in the mind of love can see the beauty in all things and find joy in the simplest things. They can also weather the storms of life with grace and dignity. Do you know anyone in this state of mind? If not, then I know who does; his name is Jesus. He was full of love before he came from heaven to earth to show us the way; when he paid our debt on the cross, he still loved even when he transits from earth to heaven. Brethren, no love can be greater than laying your life for the sin of someone who perhaps doesn't even care about you. This is the mind of love in Jesus Christ that made Him give His life for the sins of humankind. Th

"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you." Proverbs 4:25 The past is behind us. It can never be changed. We can learn from it and move forward, but it will never be the same. Our future is what's important. There's always hope for a better tomorrow as long as we're alive. Salvation is not in our past. Our past may have contributed to who we are today, but salvation is in our future. We can always change for the better. We can make choices that will lead us down a better path. As long as we're alive, we have the opportunity to be redeemed and start anew. The Book of Genesis tells the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt. There, he rose to a position of power and was able to help his family during a time of famine. However, when Joseph had his first son, he named him Manasseh saying, "For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father's house." (Genesis 41:51)." The name "Manasseh" comes from the Hebrew word for "forgetfulness." Jose

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own." Philippians 3:12 Have you ever seen a hilarious picture or video that you just can't unsee? Maybe you've seen someone do something embarrassing that you can't forget. Well, that is what today's devotional topic is about. This saying is often used about traumatic events or images that are difficult to ignore. Likewise, in our lives, we may remember things that happened in our past, such as the death of a loved one or failure in the past. But sometimes, it can be hard to forget those things because they are so painful, and we have no idea how to deal with them because what has been seen cannot be unseen! However, according to Philippians 3:12-14, Apostle Paul understands that what has been seen cannot be unseen and what has been experienced cannot be forgotten. However, Paul says he will no longer focus on the past. He's been through many tough times but chooses to forget the

He Knows What's Best for You! "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverb 16:3 Whatever is happening, it is happening for a reason, and everything will ultimately work out for the best in Jesus' name. Amen. I know you care about your life. What should you do this month, next month, or year? Where should you go, and how can I take care of this or that? These are all great questions that require thorough thinking. But they can make us anxious and unproductive if we're not careful. Our negative emotions cannot help us make the right decisions, nor can they help us find solutions. However, if you let faith in God lead you, it will be easier for you to make good choices because power belongs to God alone. So, here's my advice: trust God more, Pray, and work for a better future. We accomplished goals because God answered prayers according to His will. Likewise, the remaining year's agenda will be fulfilled when we commit it to God's hands. The wonders and plan of God for your lif

"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." John 17:17 Too often, we think of holiness as a quality we either have or don't. But holiness isn't a static state; it's something we grow into as the journey of life progress. And as we grow in holiness, we grow in intimacy with God and build spiritual strength and stability. A holy life pleases God and produces good fruit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23). A young man shared a testimony with me that fourteen years ago, He was living a life of sin. He said he was selfish and cruel and thought only of himself. He drank, smoked, and partied all the time. His parents had given up on him, and his friends were also starting to distance themselves. He said, "It was only a matter of time before I hit rock bottom when I was admitted into the hospital and couldn't move. But then something amazing happened. A nurse recomm

"Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" Exodus 15:11 Have you ever felt like you were too far gone for God to love you? That your sin was too great, and your past was too dirty for Him to ever use you? If so, then this devotional is for you. You see, no matter who you are or what you've done, God can transform your life if you let Him. But, of course, you may be thinking, "How can that be? I've done some awful things." And it's true; we've all done things we're not proud of. But the good news is that because of Jesus; our sin doesn't have to define us. Jesus' death on the cross means that we can be forgiven and set free from our past. When we ask Jesus into our hearts, He gives us a brand-new start and makes us holy. I read a testimony from a woman named Sarah, who was once a wicked sinner. She drank, she cursed, and she slept around. But one day, something happened that changed her life forever. She read one of our (Maglife)

"Since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16 How well do you feed your heart with the word of God? What are those things that can affect the cleanliness of your mind? It is evident that we are in the last days, and time is running out. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we understand the transforming power of holiness and how to maintain the cleanliness of the mind. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7, Paul tells us that God did not call us to impurity but holiness. This means that as Christians, we are called to live a life set apart from the world, marked by purity in thought, word, and deed. Regardless of how we think of Holiness as believers, remember we are called to live holy lives. "As he who called you his holy, you also be holy in all your conduct" (1 Peter 1:15). As obedient children of God, we should not be conformed to the passion of our lustful desires; we are to avoid our former ways of life before becoming a Christian and live according to God's ways. We can only do this by liv

"And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by renewing your mind that you may prove what is good, acceptable, and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 Paul's letter to the Romans is one of Scripture's most important theological works. In it, he sets forth the case for Christianity as God's universal plan of salvation. But in chapter 12, Paul doesn't just argue for Christianity; he describes what it looks like to live a Christian life. In verses 1-2, Paul calls on Christians to be "living sacrifices" – to set themselves apart for God and His purposes. He says that we are "transformed...by renewing our minds." However, this transformation can only happen when we start thinking like Christ. When our minds are filled with His thoughts, we will start living holy lives. This isn't always easy, but it is always worth it. As we surrender our lives to God, He begins to transform us from the inside out. This transformation results in holiness – living in a way that pleases and honors God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 sa

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17 There is nobody who loves like Jesus. He loves us so much that he died for us. He died on the cross to take our punishment for us. He rose from the dead; took the keys of death and Hades to bring us back to life. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." When we know how much Jesus loves us, we don't have to be afraid of anything. This freedom in the journey of life is only possible through Jesus Christ. This freedom that Jesus Christ died for is something that we could never achieve on our own. Only through Him are we set free from the chains of sin and death. The journey of life is so much better with Him by our side. He gives us hope and strength to face everything that comes our way. I am so grateful for His love and sacrifice. Without Him, I would be lost. In John 15:9, Jesus said, "As the Father has

"So, we have come to know and believe in God's love for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." 1 John 4:16  John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Jesus Christ laid down his life for us out of love. He is the perfect example of selfless love. We are all unworthy sinners, yet Jesus loved us enough to die for us. That is the kind of love we are called to have for others. When we love others selflessly, we imitate Christ's love for us. There are many things I could say about my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is my best friend, and I am so grateful for Him. He has always been there for me and has never left my side. Not only that, but he is my healer, my way maker, and my provider. He has always been there for me and has never left my side. He is my joy and my hope. I can always count on Him to help me through anything. Nobody likes Jesus! Nobody likes him. I cannot imagine how difficult it would be if I didn't gi

"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2 The mind is the battlefield between the flesh and the spirit. It's where our worldly desires war against our God-given desires. And it's the quality of our mind that determines which side wins. Without our minds, we have no worth, whereas a carnal mind can never please God. So what are those worldly desires that make your reasons unpleasing to God? Are you ready to let go of every form of worldliness in your life? Those things like greed, pride, lust, anger, envy, gluttony, and sloth. These things keep us from living in obedience to God's Word. Carnal mindset products are the things that prevent us from having a clear mind that can help us focus on God. If we want a quality mind that pleases God, then we need to be intentional about filling it with His Word and Spirit. We need to set our minds on things above, not on things of this world. Remember, when we admire and embrace the spirit's mind, we invite God to enter our minds; we give Him

"To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6 In the letter to the Romans, Paul wrote that those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. He says that the mind controlled by the flesh is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Paul clearly states that there are two very different ways of living - according to the flesh or the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh are controlled by their sinful nature, leading to death. On the other hand, those who live according to the Spirit are controlled by God's Holy Spirit, leading to life and peace. So, which should we choose? The answer is clear - we should choose life! Because the carnal mind is a mindset on fleshy desires, lusts, evil concupiscence, and every form of worldliness, it is a mindset on earthly desires alone.  Ephesians 4:17 says, "This I say, therefor

"He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities." Psalm 103:10 Isaiah 1:18 reads, "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool." This verse from the Bible speaks to the power and beauty of God's forgiveness. When we sin, we may feel as though we are stained with guilt and shame. But through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and made clean. God desires us to come to Him with our sins and be cleansed. He does not want us to live in guilt and shame that lead to condemnation, but to come to Him with a humble heart and receive His forgiveness. When we come to Him in faith, we are given a fresh start and can begin to walk in the newness of life. Remember, there is no guilt too great for God to forgive. His love is infinite, and He desires to forgive us and restore our relationship with Him. When we come to Him with a repentant heart, He wi

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. We all mess up. We all make mistakes. Not only that, but we all do things we regret. And we all need forgiveness. But do you allow God to take control, or do you allow feelings 'the ego' to be in charge? Where do you go for forgiveness when you need it? I hope you know that forgiveness is a gift from God. He is always waiting to forgive us when we come to Him with a humble heart. All we must do is confess our sins and ask for His forgiveness. He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God is always there for us, ready to forgive us and help us start again. All we have to do is let Him lead. It is human nature to feel anger, resentment, and bitterness towards others who have wronged us. But with God, He already made a pathway to forgive us through Romans 5:8, which says, "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ d

"Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken." Psalm 55:22 At times, letting go and letting God lead can be difficult, as we are often tempted to take control of our lives. However, there are times when we all feel overwhelmed by the events happening in our lives. At these times, it is important to remember to let go and let God lead. God knows what is best for us, and He will guide us through whatever we are dealing with if we allow Him. The Bible tells us that God cares for us and that we can cast our anxieties on Him. This means we can depend on Him to help us through whatever we are going through. We don't have to try to handle everything on our own. We can let go and let God lead us – we can simply trust Him. He knows what is best for us and will never steer us wrong. If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed, take a moment to pray and ask God to help you. Then, let go and let Him lead. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 I have found these verses to be so true in my life. It is easy to take things into our own hands and figure them out. But when we truly trust in the Lord and rely on Him, He will guide us in the right direction. First, we must remember to acknowledge Him in all we do and put Him first in our lives. Then, he will direct our paths and help us to accomplish what we are meant to do. In Psalm 37:23, the Bible says, "The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives." This means that you're on the right path when you let God lead. But how do you know when to let God lead? It can be helpful to let God lead when you don't know what to do. If you're ever feeling lost or confused, that's a sign that you should let God lead. God knows what's best for you and will guide you in the right direction. If you need help making a bi

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. Psalm 23:2 Today's Bible verse is an idyllic setting provided by the Lord, who leads and cares for us. It is a Psalm of faith and reliance on Yahweh since a shepherd cannot stand alone without sheep to lead. Sheep are naturally obedient and respond to their masters. A sheep follows the Shepherd without hesitation whether the path is rough or smooth. Sheep are also dependent on their Shepherd since they cannot protect themselves from predators (They are prey animals.)  So that's why the sheep need to submit themselves under his guidance, follow him and rely on his protection and care to survive. And this is the key to their survival - heeding and obeying their Shepherd's voice. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your understanding." Like sheep, we need a shepherd to survive the devil's attacks. We're safer around our Good Shepherd. More safety means more life enjoyment. This is impossible withou

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10 Life is full of surprises, both good and bad. No one knows what lies ahead, and we often cope with challenges we never expected, how we handle these surprises, especially the negative ones which can make all the difference in our lives. However, when we have faith, we can overcome any adversity. We know that no matter what happens, we have a loving God who is with us every step of the way. The story of Job is another perfect example of how faith can help us overcome adversity. Job was a righteous man who suffered a great loss. He lost his possessions, his children, and his health. But even amid his trials, Job maintained his faith. He knew that God was with him and that He would never leave him. Job's faith gave him the strength to overcome his trials and eventually be restored. Therefore, I encourage anyone who has experienced hardship or difficulty in life to find faith again because God will

"Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." 1 John 5:4 In the miraculous Biblical story of Elisha raising the Shunammite woman's son, we see how great faith can move mountains. Elisha was a prophet of God who had the power to raise the dead. So, when he heard that the Shunammite woman's son had died, he went with her and raised him from the dead, and the boy's mother was so overcome with joy and relief that she fell at Elisha s feet and thanked him profusely. This story highlights the power of faith and shows us that even when things seem impossible, faith can still move mountains. According to the New Testament, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. The Shunammite woman believed in God that her son would be restored to her despite his death. She laid her son on the bed without announcing him dead to her neighbors, trusting that Elisha would revive her son, and he called him back to life. This is a