Magnificent Life

"Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for; the proof of what is not seen. " Hebrews 11:1  Faith can teach us about overcoming adversity.  Though so many people have defined faith according to their experience and inspiration.  Let's look into some of those definitions: faith is jumping without looking; faith believes the impossible to be possible; faith is taking action based on God's words,  without doubt; faith is walking according to God's words,  and so on.  However,  the Bible's definition of faith is evidence of things hoped for and the assurance of things not seen.  Whatever it is,  we can confidently say that faith is the secret code of victory that overcomes the world.  It overcomes doubt,  quenches fear,  makes the impossibility possible,  and helps us to please God.  Jesus talked about some people that had great faith.  They did something that caused Jesus to testify to their faith,  and there were many other scena

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence,  there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. " Psalm 16 verse 11  There's no denying that life can be tough.  We experience heartache,  pain,  and suffering.  Sometimes it feels like God is a million miles away.  But the question is,  aren't we running away from our God or living in disobedience to his demands?  When we disobey God,  it effectively severs our relationship with Him.  We are then left to fend for ourselves,  which is a scary proposition.  But even in our darkest hour,  God is there for us if we reach out to Him.  We should not run away from God's presence.  On the contrary,  we should be happy to be in His presence and follow Him wherever He leads us.  When we are in God's presence,  we will be satisfied and not be afraid.  When considering the concept of God,  it is important to remember that he is omnipre

"Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil,  and he will flee from you. " James 4:7 The Israelites walked around for 40 years living outside of God's presence.  They wandered in the wilderness,  and God was angry with them for their unbelief and rebellion.  We can learn from their story that it's not good to live without God's presence.  We need to be close to Him,  and when we are living in sin,  we must repent and turn back to Him.  He is always willing to forgive and welcome us back into His loving arms.  I understand that the careless person living in sin might be walking on a tightrope and be completely unaware of their danger.  They may say to themselves,  "Peace,  peace, " when there is no peace.  However,  the peace they seek is only temporary and will not last.  The Bible tells us that the wages of sin are death (Romans 6:23).  The careless person living in sin is walking in darkness and doesn't know wher

"Anyone who knows the right thing to do, but fails to do it, is guilty of sin." James 4:17 Many Christians today still blame their challenges on witches, wizards, generational curses, and mythical creatures. They don't realize that the real issue is that they are living outside of God's presence. When you live outside of God's presence, you are more susceptible to the enemy's attacks. You are also more likely to make poor choices, leading to further problems. Worse still, they affect their partners, children, and immediate family with their wrong choices. Therefore, you should check to see if there is any duty that God has given you that you haven't done. Some people might not believe they were outside of God's presence but let's look into the story of Jonah in the Bible. The story of Jonah is a perfect example of how it seems to be living outside of God's presence. In the story, Jonah was sent by God to warn the people of Nineveh about their impending doom. But instead of doing as he was commanded, Jonah ran

"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 I read a story about a village experiencing a famine because of drought. It was a very sad story but interesting and inspiring. The story read like this: Once, all villagers decided to pray for rain during a famine due to drought. They were all gathered in a circle in the open, late that night, under the open sky, away from the town. The moon shone brightly amid dark blue clouds with a bright outlook of rich stars on the full moon night. All the faithful (as a whole) were in a place. While the villagers stood attentively with faith to pray, a screaming child came running up the aisle. Stumbling to find a space in the back rows, he attempted to catch his breath while holding an open umbrella over his head. Some villagers couldn't allow the umbrella to cover their shoulders, so they turned around to see what was happening. Some thought it was fi

"For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." James 1:3  While exhibiting this virtue, remember that patience is not synonymous with suffering in silence or loneliness. Therefore, don't take the concept of patience as an excuse to keep quiet when you are hurt or experiencing pain in life or relationships. In fact, being patient often requires active participation and engagement. Patience is the ability to withstand difficult circumstances without losing one's composure or becoming frustrated. It is about remaining calm and level-headed even when things are not going as planned. Likewise, don't take the idea of patience as an excuse for doing nothing and just waiting for things to happen. Doing nothing is laziness that will only lead to frustration and unhappiness. Laziness and patience are two different things. Laziness is a tool in the devil's workshop that allows us to procrastinate and delay action. Patience is a tool in God's workshop that will enable us to go through the proc

 "And endurance produces character, and character produces hope." Romans 5:4  Patience is vital to any journey of success. It allows for careful and informed decision-making, a sense of accomplishment, and the ability to be persistent and stay the course even when things get tough. Cutting corners is never an option if you want to achieve lasting success – it's simply not worth it in the long run. Being patient may not be easy, but it's always the best and most ethical way to reach your goals.  As a farmer patiently waits for his crops to grow, he is committed to the success of his farm. His commitment to the success of his farm had paid off. The yield from his farm was greater than ever before. He was able to provide for his family and sell the surplus to many. His patience and commitment led to success. Similarly, you should be committed to the success of your business. Don't get discouraged if you encounter obstacles along the way. Instead, choose to persevere with faith, and you will work y

"Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." Ecclesiastes 7:8  It is important to be patient when waiting for a breakthrough. I remember a couple who married and couldn't have a baby for years. Finally, after two years of unfruitful marriage, the woman visited her doctor for a checkup, and after divers tests and observations, the doctor confirmed that she could not carry a baby. That stunned and left her helpless. She got home and disclosed the information to her husband, but this man was a man of faith. He was so deliberate in not giving up on his marriage nor yielding to what the doctor said.  He sometimes said, "my babies would look so much like me when they come." He kept praying even when he didn't see any result quickly; everything within and about him was never given up. Some of our dreams can't play out in real life because we tire of chasing them with patience. When God showed us the dream, He never said it would come easy

"Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:9  Patience is a virtue that is important in life. It is exhibited when one is enduring difficult times with a calm and composed attitude. However, patience is often preached but not often exhibited because we are a society of instant gratification. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, we are impatience with others and with ourselves. Not only that, but we are constantly on the go and don't have time to slow down. Patience is like a calm lake on a hot summer day. Just as the lake remains cool and serene despite the heat, we too can remain patient despite the trials and tribulations of life. It is being content and considerate of the things happening in the past and the present moment. It is having the peace that comes from knowing that God is in control and that he is working out all things for our good. Romans 9:22, Paul says, "What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known hi

"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:4 The book of James tells us that faith without works is dead. One of the key works that faith should produce in a Christian is patience. Just as our faith is often tested, so is our patience. And like faith, patience is a virtue that should be exhibited to others. The virtue of patience is not just a personal quality to be admired; it's a public one that can positively impact those around us. Anyone who lacks patience believes in themselves to be a god who can make things happen instantly. Having patience toward others is considered impossible for some, while some practice it to the limit. However, the kind of patience that is acceptable is like that of God our father and his son, Jesus Christ. It is the kind of patience that made us, that once far away, but we can now approach His throne with boldness. Joel 2:13 says, "And rend your hearts and not your garments." Therefore, return to the Lord your God, f

"Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends." Proverbs 17:9 Sustain Relationships through unconditional love because love is the most important ingredient in any relationship. Unconditional love is a powerful tool that can sustain relationships. It is the type of love that does not rely on conditions or expectations. This type of love is selfless and always seeks to put the needs of others before its own. It is the perfect antidote for conflict and can help build bridges between struggling people. The relationship we are enjoying with God today is because of the unconditionally loving heart, compassion, and mercy from God through Christ Jesus. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse teaches us that God loves us unconditionally, no matter what we do or behave. We should strive to emulate this type of love in our relationships with others. When we do,

"As iron sharpens iron,  so one person sharpens another. " Proverbs 27:17 There is no one answer to sustaining a successful relationship,  but there are definitely some things that can help to sustain it.  One of those things is the ability to be supportive in a relationship.  People who are supportive are typically more content in their relationships and have better communication with their partners.  Many things can go into being a supportive partner,  but some of the most important include being accommodative,  understanding,  communicative,  and helpful.   Being supportive can help a relationship last through tough times and improve the overall happiness of both partners.  Being supportive is especially important when your partner is going through a tough time.  It is your job to make them feel better when they are feeling down.  This can be done by listening to them and offering words of encouragement.  It is also important to stay pos

"Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you. " Colossians 3 verse 13 Forgiveness is the key to a healthy relationship.  It doesn't matter who you must forgive as long as you do.  When you are wronged,  it is natural to feel anger and resentment.  However,  if you want to sustain your relationships,  you must find a way to forgive.  Forgiveness is not easy,  but it is worth the effort.  Ephesians 4:32 says,  "Be kind and compassionate to one another,  forgiving each other,  just as in Christ God forgave you. " We Christians are called to forgive others as God has forgiven us.  When we mess up,  we need to be quick to forgive.  Holding on to grudges will only hurt us in the end.  Instead,  forgive and forget,  so you can continue to move forward.  Forgiveness is one of the most important things you can do for your relationship.  It can

"And the LORD said,  "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? " Genesis 18:17 In any relationship,  communication is key.  If you cannot communicate effectively with your partner,  the relationship is doomed to fail (that will not be your portion in Jesus' name.  Amen).  However,  just because you can communicate,  it doesn't mean the relationship will automatically be successful.  You must also work at maintaining an open line of communication.  This means being honest and open with your partner,  listening carefully to what they have to say,  and speaking life into them.  If you can do this,  your relationship will be able to withstand the test of time.  Communication doesn't have to be complicated; it can be as simple as saying "I love you" or "I'm sorry. " It's also important to be sensitive to your partner's needs and feelings and to be willing to compromise when necessary.  By taking the time to communicate with you

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.  The Lord be with you all. " 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Some people cannot sustain relationships because they always turn on their sad mode button.  They seem not to be able to shake it off from the past.  And they're tired all the time,  and you just feel blah.  If we can go deep into their history,  we will see that it's been a while since they've felt good mentally,  emotionally,  or physically.  Instead,  they're irritable and having a hard time concentrating,  and it seems like no matter what someone such as a counselor,  pastor,  or prayer warrior is trying to do to help them,  they seem like they can't get out of this rut.  So,  what's going on?  Could it be that they're in a bad relationship?  It's easy to think that our relationship determines our emotional state.  We see happy couples,  and we automatically assume that if we were w

"Behold,  how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. " Psalm 133:1  The psalmist in the Book of Psalms,  chapter 133, speaks about the importance of relationships and how they should be nurtured.  He writes that when brethren dwell together in unity,  it is like the precious oil poured on the head of Aaron,  running down to his beard.  This imagery speaks to the idea that when people are unified and work together towards a common goal,  they are an unstoppable force.  Adullam was one of the royal cities of the Canaanites referred to in the Hebrew Bible.  It was here that Judah,  the son of Jacob (Israel),  came when he left his father and brothers in Migdal Edar.  It was there that Judah befriended a certain Adullamite called Hirah.  Likewise,  it was at this location that Judah met his first wife,  the daughter of Shuah.  It was one of the towns that Rehoboam fortified against Ancient Egypt.  K

"Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves. " Romans 12:10 There is no surefire secret to sustaining a successful relationship,  but if you want to make it work,  you must put in the effort.  One of the most important things you can do is make becoming happy your priority.  You need to be at peace with yourself before expecting anyone else to be at peace with you.  It is no secret that relationships are hard work.  And,  while there are no guarantees that a relationship will last with everything you listen to or read from this series of our Magnificent Life Daily Devotional (because every relationship is different,  and we all have different needs and desires that are unique to fix ours).  However,  whatever you need to adjust to fit into the new reality of your relationship,  do your best to make it work.  Nevertheless,  you can do a few things to increase your chances of success.  But before we continue t

"For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. " Psalm 149:4  How we view our relationships with others has a lot to do with how we think about ourselves.  If we consider ourselves important and above others,  we are likely to act arrogantly and be demanding in our relationships.  On the other hand,  if we think of ourselves as equal to others,  we are more likely to be humble and willing to serve others.  Jesus modeled humility and mutual service and offered us a better way to live.  He shows that when we serve others,  we show them that we care about them and want to help them.  This builds trust and intimacy in relationships.  When we are humble,  we recognize our weaknesses and limitations.  We also see the worth of others,  even those who are different from us.  This leads us to serve others willingly,  without expecting anything in return.  Remember,  iron that sharpens each other

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." In John 13:14 In John 13:1-17, Jesus Christ depicts the true meaning of humility. Christ washed his disciples' feet to show that true humility is putting others before ourselves. We should always be willing to serve and help others, regardless of our title or status. When we perform true humility, we are living out the gospel and imitating the example of Jesus Christ. In verse 15, Jesus said, "I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." In Christianity, the virtue of humility is highly-regarded. Performing true humility means disregarding one's own needs to serve others. It means being willing to put the needs of others above one's own and doing whatever is needed to help others. Christ showed us the importance of humility when he served his disciples by washing their feet. We too can do the same when we live true humility. To be a better leader, show your followers how to lead by e

"For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation." Psalm 149:4  One of the most admirable characteristics a person can have is humility. Unfortunately, it is often underrated and misunderstood. Humility is not thinking less of yourself but rather thinking of yourself less. It is not about putting yourself down but rather lifting others. True humility is not thinking you are better than anyone else but recognizing that we are all equal in the eyes of God. It is not being boastful or prideful but being modest and unassuming. As we can see from Philemon 1:1-25, Paul instructed Onesimus to return to his master and also informed Philemon through a letter that he wanted Onesimus to be treated as a brother, not a slave. He also asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus for any wrong he may have done. Truly, to bring a sacred bond in this relationship requires one to be humble. Philemon must willingly sacrifice his ego for godly relationships, while Onesimus is willing to be obedient to th