Quiet Corner

[KakiMeow]

20 Bible Verses to Start Your Day | https://cara-ray.com/20-bible-verses-to-start-your-day/​

By Cara Ray

Productivity gurus will tell you, “Show me your morning, and I’ll show you who you are.” There’s much wisdom in building a morning routine that sets up your day (and attitude) for success. Their advice might include waking up earlier, drinking lemon water, exercising, and eating a high-protein breakfast. These practices will certainly help your body and brain feel better. But how do you get your soul ready for the day? How do you nurture and care for the hidden person of your heart—the eternal part of you?

According to recent studies, around 89% of us check our phones within 10 minutes of waking up, and we reach for our phones an average of 144 times a day. Often, what we’re reaching for is more than information and connection; we’re looking for significance. We want to know that we matter, and there’s hope for us beyond the here and now.

Friend, if that’s you and you’re searching and scrolling for hope, God’s Word is the only place that will satisfy your longing. Morning routines are great, and I commend one to you, which includes meditating and enjoying God’s Word—but how well you keep one doesn’t define you. The Word tells us who we are, not our routines or whatever messages we receive through our phones.

How would your outlook change if you reached for God’s Word before your phone? Consider printing off this list of verses and meditating on the truths they contain to start your day.

20 Bible Verses to Start Your Day​

1. John 3:16 (ESV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1. Romans 5:8 (ESV)

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1. Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

1. 1 John 4:9-10 (ESV)

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

1. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)

For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

1. Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

1. Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

1. Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

1. Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

1. Romans 8:28 (ESV)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

1. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

1. James 1:5 (ESV)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

1. Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

1. Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

1. Micah 6:8 (ESV)

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

1. Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

1. Romans 12:2 (ESV)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Your soul’s primary business​

George Müller, the 19th-century champion of orphans in Bristol, England, famously said, “The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day is to have my soul happy in the Lord.” Soul happiness is not a one-time achievement; it is a daily pursuit. One that doesn’t exclude discipline but uses discipline as a means of providing grace.

As our souls’ happiness in the Lord increases, we might push back on the productivity gurus. Instead of, “Show me your morning, and I’ll show you who you are,” we can say, “Show me your soul’s happiness, and I’ll show you whose you are.” This is Christians’ great and primary business: to start and end our days happy in the Lord.

 

[KakiMeow]

Wisdom for the Year: Be Patient | https://www.davidjeremiah.org/magazine/daily-devotional​

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2 Peter 3:8

Recommended Reading: Psalm 90:1-6

There will be situations in the year ahead when your patience is tested. You may be waiting on a child to complete a task. You may be waiting for a boss to respond to your request in your workplace. Or you may be waiting on a spouse to make a change that would make your relationship better. In each case you will focus on time—and find yourself growing impatient.

Peter’s words will help us manage our feelings about time. Peter wrote that with God a day (or a minute) is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like one day (or any other measure of time). In other words, time to God is not the same as time is to us. God is outside of time—the past, present, and future are one to Him. Time to us is temporal and relative; time to God is eternal.

When time doesn’t move according to your preferences, ask God for His perspective. He is patient with us (2 Peter 3:9). So let us be patient with others.

Biblical patience…. is rooted in faith that says everything is in God’s control.

John Blanchard

 

[KakiMeow]

The Three Levels Of 'The Pride Of Life'

https://zionpentecostmission.com/three-levels-the-pride-of-life/​

A long but good read.

 

[KakiMeow]

God Works Miracles​

Joyce Meyer | https://joycemeyer.org/DailyDevo

Adapted from Healing the Soul of a Woman

Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you: Great and mighty God, whose name is the LORD Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds.

Jeremiah 32:17-19 (NIV)

It is always good to stir up our faith and remember that God is a God of miracles. As the prophet Jeremiah said, nothing is too difficult for Him! Because we believe His Word, we can be confident that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). You may feel that your life is a mess right now and that nothing will ever change. For a believer, that’s just not true. God can take your biggest mess and turn it into your biggest miracle.

In our natural minds, there are certain things we think of as too difficult for us. You may be thinking about a situation right now that seems too hard for you. Maybe it’s getting out of debt. Maybe it’s losing weight and becoming physically healthy. Maybe it’s doing your part to see a breakthrough in your marriage or family. Whatever your circumstances are, if there is something that seems too difficult for you, I have good news today: It’s not too hard for God.

Let me remind you that in the Old Testament, God reached down from heaven and parted the Red Sea so His people could escape their enemies and walk through it on dry land (Exodus 14:21–22). If you or I were to visit the ocean, we would not be able to hold back even a handful of water, but God held back all of it. This miraculous deliverance positioned His people to finally enter into the great promises He had for them!

Think also about how hard you may have tried to change yourself or to change other people at times. That is very hard to do! But God can take hard, wounded, sinful, bitter hearts, and make them soft, whole, strong, holy, loving, and forgiving. If He can do that, then I believe He can do anything. The salvation and transformation He does in us is truly miraculous.

In the New Testament, Jesus did all kinds of miracles. Nothing was too difficult for Him—not turning five loaves and two fish into a meal that fed five thousand people (Mark 6:41–44), not healing a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years (Luke 8:43–48), not raising someone from the dead (Luke 8:49–55), not even walking on water (Matthew 14:22–25). All of these things would definitely be too hard for us, but not for Him.

I encourage you to spend some time thinking about the things you think are too hard for you. Take each one and surrender it to God. Release it and tell Him that you trust Him with it completely and that you believe nothing is too difficult for Him.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, I surrender every overwhelming situation to You. Strengthen my faith to believe nothing is too hard for You. Turn my challenges into miracles and help me trust Your power completely, Amen.

 

[KakiMeow]

Theological Agnosticism Coming Soon to a Church Near You​

by BJ Rudge, Ph.D.

https://billrudgeministries.wordpre...ism-coming-soon-to-a-church-near-you-oldsite/

"A fourth fruit being produced by “post-modern” Christianity is false conversions. With the removal of the preaching of the Word, a typical evangelical service is designed to entertain the audience. While there are some who make genuine professions of faith, there are many whose commitment to Christ is nothing more than a mere feeling spurred by a certain song or the dimming of the lights. The understanding of the commitment and sacrifice that is required is rarely shared (Luke 9:23- 24), as Jesus is portrayed as only our friend and Savior without any mention that He is also our Lord and Judge (Matthew 26:64; Hebrews 4:13)."

---

The World Never Changes - By Kakimeow

Many people including me in the past believed that the moment we became a believer of Christ everything will become better all around us.

However we were dismayed when it wasn't so. This is primarily due to our lack of understanding in the Word, and also our lack of Faith.

4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

The phrase god of this world (or god of this age) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, and views of the majority of people. His influence encompasses the world’s philosophies, education, and commerce. When people live as if there is no God, they by default follow the god of this world. The unholy thoughts, destructive ideas, wild speculations, and false religions of this world have sprung from Satan’s lies and deceptions.
-- Source : https://www.gotquestions.org/Satan-god-world.html

This is why when we pray the Lord's prayer, we ask that our Heavenly Father's will be done on earth as in Heaven. If His will can already be completely done on earth, we wouldn't need to pray it!

Kindness, Honesty, Righteousness are values which followers of Heavenly God adhere to, so are Hope, Faith and Love which our Lord Jesus commands us to adhere to.

These values make us shine like candles, lampposts or lighthouses, but in this earthly world we live in, it makes Satan very angry, we have become an eyesore to his painting of suffering, pain and slaughter.
We must be removed so the world can stay forever in darkness.

And so in this world, followers of God must endure some form of Suffering. Suffering must be a common experience in our daily lives.

Therefore from kindness, being helpful and being righteous, we speak out for the poor, weak and helpless, stand up for the bullied, exploited and oppressed.

And in our earthly world, more often than not, we will Suffer as a result.

But the difference is we are taught by God, to Rejoice in Suffering.

My friends, brothers and sisters, therefore :

The World Never Changes, God Changed Us
And we give thanks in Jesus' name, Amen

 

[KakiMeow]

The Satanic Trinity of the End Times: Dragon, Antichrist, & False Prophet​

Bill Rudge | https://billrudgeministries.wordpre...he-end-times-dragon-antichrist-false-prophet/

Throughout history, Satan has attempted to mimic the true God of creation. Therefore, it is not surprising that, in these end times, Satan’s imitation of the Divine Trinity will soon be revealed.

Revelation 13 introduces us to the unholy trinity composed of: the Dragon (Satan), a beast coming up out of the sea (Antichrist) and a beast coming up out of the Earth (False Prophet). God describes them as they really are: Satan as a dragon – a fierce devourer and destroyer; Antichrist as a beast – vicious, violent and dangerous; the False Prophet as a beast and exactly what his name indicates – he is a false prophet. God uses these words to indicate their true nature and intent, but the world will not initially see them that way. Deceived by surface appearance, masses of humanity will believe the Antichrist and False Prophet to be good, when in fact they are extremely evil.

During the Tribulation period, Satan (dragon) will seek to imitate God the Father by giving his authority to the Antichrist. The satanically possessed Antichrist will be a counterfeit of God’s Son, masquerading as the messiah and savior of the world. Just as Jesus died and rose again, Satan’s false messiah will appear to die and rise from the dead. The False Prophet will mimic the work of the Holy Spirit by attempting to influence the world to receive, obey and worship the Antichrist.

Through treachery Satan strives for the ultimate deception: to impersonate the Holy Trinity with his unholy trinity. The Dragon, Antichrist and False Prophet will lead the armies of the world to Armageddon where they will meet their end.

Portrait of the Dragon (Satan)​

We meet the devil in Genesis 3 and continue to read of him all the way to Revelation 20. He was endowed with beauty and wisdom and a superior position of authority in God’s creation. Pride and rebellion caused his fall (Isaiah 14:12-15; Luke 10:18). Lucifer, star of the morning – shining one, became Satan, the Adversary. Satan and the angels who joined his rebellion (known as evil spirits or demons) continually oppose the plan and purpose of God. The angels who rebelled with Satan appear to be divided into two main categories: one group of demons is active in our world today, while another group is already imprisoned (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Luke 8:31).
We can learn a great deal about Satan by his many names and descriptors given throughout Scripture, such as:

• Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24) – meaning “Lord of the flies” or “Lord of dung”
• Deceiver (Revelation 12:9; 20:3)
• Dragon (Revelation 12:3, 7, 9; 20:2)
• Evil one (Matthew 13:19, 38; Ephesians 6:16; 1 John 5:18-19)
• God of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)
• Liar and father of lies (John 8:44)
• Prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)

Satan uses deception, distraction, defamation, discouragement, defilement and destruction. Some of his strategies are revealed in the following verses “so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

• Enemy of righteousness who perverts the right ways of the Lord (Acts 13:10)
• Has power to perform signs and false wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9)
• Will deceive the whole world (Revelation 12:9)
• Disguises as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14)
• Twists God’s Word (Genesis 3:1-5; Matthew 4:6)
• Hinders believers (1 Thessalonians 2:18)

BUT he can be resisted (James 4:7) and overcome (1 John 2:13; Revelation 12:11). He will be thrown into the bottomless pit for a thousand years (Revelation 20:2-3) and then thrown in the lake of fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

Portrait of the Antichrist​

• Satan gives him his power and authority (Revelation 13:2)
• Fatal head wound is healed (Revelation 13:3)
• The whole earth is amazed and follows him (Revelation 13:3)
• Military and political domination – “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” (Revelation 13:4)
• All who dwell on the Earth worship him – except those whose names are written in the Book of Life (Revelation 13:8)
• Has authority to act for 42 months (Revelation 13:5)
• His mouth utters great boasts (Daniel 7:8)
• Speaks arrogant words and blasphemes God, His name, His tabernacle and those who dwell in heaven (Revelation 13:5-6)
• Makes war with the saints and overcomes them (Daniel 7:21; Revelation 13:7)
• World domination – given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation (Revelation 13:7)
• Controls global economy (Revelation 13:16-17)
• Possessed by a demonic spirit (Revelation 16:13)
• Rules by international consent (Revelation 17:12-13)
• Establishes a seven-year peace treaty with Israel but breaks it in the middle (Daniel 9:27)
• Displays himself as God in the Temple of God (2 Thessalonians 2:4)
• Demands to be worshiped (Revelation 13:12, 15; 14:9, 11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4)
• Turns against the apostate church (the great harlot) and aided by his ten sub-rulers will plunder and destroy her (Revelation 17:16-17)
• Assembles the kings of the earth and their armies to make war against Christ at His Second Coming (Revelation 19:19)
• The Lord Jesus Christ will slay him with the breath of His mouth and defeat him with the appearance of His coming (2 Thessalonians 2:8)
• Seized and thrown alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20; 20:10)

Portrait of the False Prophet​

• Appears as a lamb but speaks like a dragon (Revelation 13:11)
• Possessed by a demonic spirit (Revelation 16:13)
• Exercises all the authority of the Antichrist in his presence (Revelation 13:12)
• Makes those who dwell on the earth worship the Antichrist, whose fatal wound was healed (Revelation 13:12)
• Performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth (Revelation 13:13)
• Deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs he performs (Revelation 13:14)
• Tells those who dwell on the earth to make an image of the Antichrist who was wounded by the sword and lived (Revelation 13:14)
• Gives breath to the image of the beast (Antichrist) so that it speaks and causes those who do not worship the image of the beast to be killed (Revelation 13:15)
• Causes all to be given a mark (the name of the Antichrist or the number of his name – 666) on their right hand or forehead (Revelation 13:16-17)
• Forbids anyone to buy or sell who does not have the identifying mark of the Antichrist (Revelation 13:17)
• Will be seized and thrown alive into the lake of fire and tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 19:20; 20:10)

 

[KakiMeow]

Rejuvenating Rest | https://odb.sg/devo/dailybread/2026-02-05-rejuvenating-rest/?ref=homepage-banner​

Bible in a Year: Exodus 36-38; Matthew 23:1-22

​

Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish.​

Hebrews 4:11

Today’s Scripture & Insight:​

Hebrews 4:1-4, 6-7, 9-11

During a birthday party, five-year-old Mia enjoyed playing, singing “Happy Birthday,” eating cake, and watching her friend open gifts. When everyone went outside to play, Mia said, “Mom, I’m ready to go.” They thanked their host. Pulling out of the driveway, Mia’s mom asked her to share the best part of her day. “Leaving,” said Mia. Smiling, she fell asleep before they turned the corner.

Even if we don’t realize we’re exhausted, we all need physical, mental, and emotional rest. God also provides divine rest when we accept both the good news of salvation through Christ and daily spiritual rest as the Spirit enables us to live for Christ by faith. Those who place their trust in God can depend on His unending presence, unlimited power, and unchanging promises. Saved through Christ’s work on the cross, we can rest in the peace of His sufficiency (Hebrews 4:1-4). We can experience divine rest as a guarantee fulfilled eternally now and when Jesus comes again (vv. 5-8).

“Anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his” (v. 10). So, secured in Christ, we can enjoy a hope-filled life of surrender and loving obedience as we trust and rely on Him. Only He can provide rejuvenating rest yesterday and today and forever.

By: Xochitl Dixon

Reflect & Pray ​

How does believing God enable you to rest in the surety of your salvation and rest physically, emotionally, and mentally each day? What has kept you from resting in God’s promises in the past?

Faithful God, thank You for being my enduring resting place.

 

[the only way]

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

God Provides​

Bre Stock (New York, USA) | https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals/en-2026-02-05

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. - 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

Five years ago, my life was turned upside down when I became disabled from trauma I endured. At the time, I couldn’t imagine how I would survive. But God provided. God brought amazing people into my life and pets to love and hug when tears streamed down my face. God provided me with shelter, food, and financial resources.

Through it all, God has been with me, providing opportunities and support — and now rest. Even as I still struggle, I try to remember all that God has blessed me with. The blessings may be different than I imagined, but they still reassure me of God’s love for me. My Creator knows what I need better than anyone else. Honestly, I believe it took this upheaval to remind me that God is with me and always provides.

The change from who I used to be to who I am today still causes me grief. I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow or years down the road, but I know God will be there. God has provided for me in the past and continues to do so. Each day I can take a few moments to reflect on the blessings God has sent, and I can trust that God will continue to provide for me and for all God’s children.

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to see the blessings you send us and to show gratitude for your gifts. Amen.

 

[KakiMeow]

How to Pray for Those Who’ve Hurt You​

Published April 16, 2025 | https://www.mtbethel.org/blog/how-to-pray-for-those-whove-hurt-you

When someone hurts you, prayer is probably the last thing on your mind. According to Scripture, however, it’s the first thing God wants from us. In 1 Samuel 8:4–7 and 12:19–25, the prophet Samuel models how to respond in prayer when people reject, wound, or abandon us.

1. Praying for Your Enemies Is a Sacred Obligation​

Samuel’s response to Israel’s rejection is sobering: “Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23).

Prayer isn’t optional—it’s obedience. When we withhold prayer from those who’ve hurt us, we sin not just against them, but against God.

Before we can truly intercede, we have to surrender our right to revenge. That starts by asking God to transform our hearts first.

2. Pray for Their Soul​

Samuel gives us a powerful framework in 1 Samuel 12:24–25. Pray that your enemies:

• Recognize God's sovereignty (fear the Lord)
• Serve Him faithfully
• See His goodness—past, present, and future
• Turn from evil and repent

This isn’t about excusing what they’ve done—it’s about aligning your heart with God’s desire to redeem and restore even the most broken people.

3. Keep Praying—Even When Roles Change​

Just because a relationship ends doesn’t mean your spiritual responsibility does. Samuel was no longer Israel’s judge in their eyes, but that didn’t release him from his calling. In the same way, your authority in prayer doesn’t come from how others see you—it comes from God.

Keep praying, even if the relationship is over or fractured. God can still work.

4. Anchor Your Prayers in God's Character, Not Their Behavior​

Israel had rejected God, yet He remained faithful. Your enemy may be unfaithful, unkind, or even cruel—but God's nature doesn’t change. He desires the same thing for your enemy that He desires for you: abundant life in Christ.

It’s important to remember what’s really going on: "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil" (Ephesians 6:12).

The very fact that someone has hurt you is a sign they’ve allowed those forces to influence them—and those same forces are now trying to conquer you through bitterness, resentment, and revenge.

Don’t let them win. The best defense is prayer—anchored not in your enemy’s actions, but in God’s unchanging goodness and mercy.

Romans 5:8 reminds us: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”That’s our model. Praying for your enemies means partnering with God in the redemptive work He wants to do—even through your pain.

A Sample Prayer for Your Enemies ​

Father, I come to You with a heavy heart. You know how I’ve been hurt, and You know how hard it is to pray for the one who hurt me. To even be praying for this person hurts so much, but I know praying for them is Your will for me. Help me, Holy Spirit, surrender my need for revenge, and to make the following words a true request in my heart even though I don’t feel like it right now.

Open my enemy’s eyes to their need for You. Break through their spiritual blindness. Help them see Your goodness and turn away from evil. May they come to know You, fear You, and serve You. Give them a true awakening—a desire for Your grace and truth.

You are good and faithful even when we are not. And I believe you can use my pain for your glory. You loved me even when I was your enemy; help me to love this person in the same way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

"How God treated us when we were His enemies is how we should treat our enemies."
John Freeland

 

[KakiMeow]

The Unlikely​

Scripture Reading — Acts 10:1-38​

While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people.
— Acts 10:27

She walked to church regularly on Sunday mornings, and on one occasion she saw a most unlikely character. He was barely sober and headed to the liquor store. Though she might easily have ignored him, on that morning she felt she needed to invite this man to church. She suggested that he come with her the rest of the way and enjoy both a service and a coffee. He accepted her invitation and came through the doors.

Many years earlier this man had heard the story of Jesus, and on that morning it all came back to him and filled his heart. He soon began attending worship services regularly. He also began coming in to help clean the building, and he made coffee for anyone who came through the doors.

Often, when he was standing on the front steps, he began to invite others in. When someone asked him, “What is this place?” he explained that it was the church. The door began to open more frequently because of his invitations. And Jesus became real to many of the people who came in because of this man’s invitations.

Cornelius the centurion was a believer who was not Jewish— yet God chose to connect him and Peter to make the story of the gospel bigger. Cornelius filled his home with people who wanted to hear more— and Peter, inspired and led by a dream, shared the good news of Jesus.

Whom might your unlikely person of peace be?

Dear God, help us to see each person as one of your dear children. May we respond faithfully when you call on us to share. In Jesus, Amen.

By Pastor Beth Fellinger | https://todaydevotional.com/

 

[KakiMeow]

All Access​

Joyce Meyer

Adapted from Hearing from God Each Morning

Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God's favor) in which we [safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.

Romans 5:2 (AMPC)

Everything in our spiritual lives depends on our personal faith in God and our personal relationship with Him, which certainly includes being able to hear His voice. We can enjoy that relationship because Jesus' death on the cross gives us free, unhindered access to our heavenly Father and our faith makes it possible for us to have an intimate, dynamic relationship with Him.

I love Ephesians 3:12 and have recently been studying it. It says: In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear). As I meditated on this scripture, I became quite excited to realize that as ordinary human beings we have free access to God at any time through prayer; we can hear His voice any time we want or need to. We can approach Him boldly without reservations, without fear, and with complete freedom. How awesome is that!

Personal faith in God opens the door to unlimited help from Him and to unhindered communication with Him. Come to God with confidence that He loves you, desires your fellowship, and wants not only to hear from you, but He desires to talk to you.

Prayer of the Day:
Father, thank You for giving me bold, unhindered access to You. Help me approach You with confidence, listen for Your voice, and enjoy the intimate relationship You long to have with me, Amen.

 

[the only way]

Rachael Abigail Mushala Chisulo​

didn’t understand why makeup and fake beauty through fake hair, nails, etc. is such a serious sin to God until Jesus told me it is connected to the transgender movement.
Perversion is how Satan is worshipped.

That’s why satanists engage in things that would make normal humans cringe.
To worship Satan, they have to do things that are out of the normal.

Satan has tried to pervert and change everything from how God made it as a way of leading a rebellion against God.
The LGBT movement is deeply rooted in satanism and worship of Lucifer but many do not realize that this movement was not born in one day.
To fulfill Satan’s demands of how he is to be worshipped in rebellion against God, the ultimate goal was to convince mankind to transform themselves from male to female and vice versa.

But God told me, Satan couldn’t just come and do that out of the blue; it had to take a long process of slowly convincing mankind their bodies were not good enough.
So first they had to convince women to abandon dressing in feminine ways and dress like men by wearing trousers.

At this point they didn’t realize the bigger picture the satanists behind all these changes were after, but it was all about blurring the clear gender lines that until this point had been so clear.The truth is that in our generation,women wearing skirts and dresses and men wearing trousers/pants creates the clearest gender distinction in dress,so they did not want that because they hate that God created two different genders.
They did not want men and women looking so different but what they wanted to achieve was bigger.
Famous women like actresses started ditching dresses in preference for trousers on TV until they became normal famous wear.
What people didn’t know is that these influential people aimed to ensure Satan is worshiped through rebellion and perversion they aimed to achieve.

They also convinced people that every part of their body wasn’t good enough and they needed fake hair, fake nails, fake eyelashes, fake lip color, fake face through makeup and everything had to be changed from how God created it to fake.
There’s a satanic agenda behind this.
If you observe, even almost all available food has bren changed is now fake GMO!
There’s a satanic agenda of perverting everything God created to be what the devil worshipper elites want because perversion is part of the worship of Satan!
Its part of defying God and rebelling against Him.

And they have gotten humans to freely do that to their own bodies just through brainwash that they are not beautiful if they stay in the state of how God created them and just take care of the bodies God created them with!
So once people got comfortable with the idea that every part of their body needed to be transformed into something it wasn’t, then they finally brought up the idea that people actually need to change even their gender!

Many Christians oppose this perversion of changing genders, but wake up saints!
This is the same agenda that has brainwashed humans that every other part of the body should be changed into what it isn’t meant to look like through makeup, hair dyeing, chemical relaxers, fake hair and fake nails, etc.IT IS THE SAME AGENDA.
It’s all perversion that the elites and celebrities who worship Satan popularized because they want the world to worship Satan.
They started with fake nails,eyelashes,dyeing fake hair colors,makeup etc so that when they finally introduced the changing of genders it would not be too strange and outrageous !

The celebrities and many influencers whom people look up to worship Satan and are on an assignment.
The movies, music and children’s cartoons are not for entertainment; they are to pass a message to train you and to train your children to be satan’s obedient slaves!

That is why even children’s cartoons have dirty subliminal messages!
They have all been used in leading a satanic rebellion and many are brainwashed.
Their ultimate goal is to even have access to change even the human DNA!

They want to change everything about how God created you because it reminds them of God and they hate God!
So they want to remake you in a way that pleases Satan.
They don’t force you to do this; they just brainwash you through influencers and celebrities who make it look appealing.
Satan is leading an act of rebellion against God.

Just looking at the pollution of food they have deliberately created to make it harmful to humans and introduce many diseases and conditions will tell you there’s a satanic agenda going on aimed at perverting everything good.
Food isn’t sinful and you can pray for it and it will be purified.
And by all means, I would urge you to choose healthy food.
But this is to show you Satan’s greatest agenda of perverting our bodies which are the temple of God.
Just like in the days of Noah when the fallen angels had to pervert the human race by breeding hybrids,these servants of lucifer are after perversion.
They do not want you to look like what God created you to look.
Many christians do not realize this is not just a light matter.
It is part of Satan’s rebellion against God,and it is connected to the rebellion taking place through the transgender movement.
The celebrities that have led this rebellion are of depraved conscience and only want to please satan.
Many of them are not even human but nephilim and the rest are Satanists.
Do not be ignorant of the schemes of darkness.
Have nothing to do with the works of darkness!
Being holy outside must be accompanied by purification of the heart and not simply be used for hypocrisy.
That is what is pleasing to God.
It is time to wake up saints!









https://www.facebook.com/rachael.mu...F0yAV-nzZu7h-errvbb6WZC-A84qHas&__tn__=<<,P-R

 

[KakiMeow]

What does it mean to put on the armour of God?
https://thirst.sg/what-does-it-mean-to-put-on-the-armour-of-god/​

Words by Dawson Ng | Illustrated by Nicole Chan
​

Do you hear that? That jink-jink-jink sound? That’s us putting the armour of God on – have you?
Before we talk about what the armour of God is, why do we even need to put it on?
Armour is something that’s only used during war or fighting. So when Paul tells us to put on the armour of God in Ephesians 6, we are essentially being told to prepare for battle.
We are specifically warned that our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:11-12).

Putting on the armour of God is therefore how we should respond to the evil we face like temptations and doubts thrown our way by the enemy.
With that in mind, let’s look into what are the six elements that make up the armour of God.

1. Belt of truth​

The enemy often uses lies to deceive and tempt us.
We see that in Genesis 3, where, as a serpent, the devil twisted God’s word and tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. We see it in Matthew 4, where he tempted Jesus three times.

While Eve had fallen into the temptation and eaten the forbidden fruit, the Bible shows us how Jesus fought off the devil’s temptations – by having a clear understanding of God’s Word and truth.
Therefore, we need to be grounded in the truth of God to withstand the attacks and temptations from the enemy. We have to read the Bible and know it well, and we have to know God and His character well.

2. Breastplate of righteousness​

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

In Ephesians 6, the righteousness that we are called to put on is not a righteousness that is earned through our deeds, but Christ’s righteousness that is imputed to us through His work on the cross.
The devil often uses shame to attack us because shame makes us question our identity. When we have sinned against God and fallen short of His glory, we feel ashamed to be called God’s children and be in His presence.

Am I truly righteous? How can I be called a child of God? Such lies could eventually cause us to walk away from God if we come to believe that we no longer deserve His love and grace.
That’s why it is important to know the truth, and to wear the breastplate of righteousness that the Lord of Hosts has given you!
Nothing can change our identity as children of God because it is solely through Christ that we are made righteous (Romans 5:19).

3. Readiness from the Gospel of Peace (shoes!)​

The word “readiness” reminds us of the eagerness and preparedness that every believer should have when it comes to sharing the Gospel.
This eagerness comes from recognising the Gospel as the power of God that can bring salvation to whoever that believes (Romans 1:14-16).

We must be ready to share the Gospel as it is the ultimate answer that will bring love and peace to the whole world. Indeed, the Gospel is the only answer to sin, which is responsible for every problem in the world.
This means that in our daily lives, we should actively look out for opportunities to share the Good News with our family, classmates, colleagues and neighbours. We should be ready!

4. Shield of faith​

As believers, it is not sufficient that we just know about God or what He has done; we need to put our faith in Him.
We must trust that God does everything for our good (Romans 8:28) and that He will fulfil what He promises (Romans 4:20-21). That is a great shield to hold up against anything life may throw at us.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”. Even at times when our circumstances tell us otherwise, we can choose to put our faith in God because of His faithfulness and His unchanging character.
We are assured that as long as we put our faith in Him, even “faith as small as a mustard seed” can move mountains (Matthew 17:20-21).

5. Helmet of salvation​

“My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord, My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.” (1 Samuel 2:1, NASB)
When we face trials and difficulties in life, remembering our salvation brings us comfort because it reminds us of the hope of eternal life.
Knowing that we are saved eternally and that nothing on this earth can take us away from God, we can find courage to face whatever life throws at us.

6. Sword of the Spirit​

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
The Bible tells us that the only offensive weapon we have as followers of Christ is the Word of God.

Not only did Jesus demonstrate how He used the Word of God to fight off the temptations from the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), He also showed us how He was still remembering God’s Word when He was hung on the cross (Matthew 27:46). Jesus held on to the Word of God until His very last breath!

If Jesus could rely on God’s Word after He was tortured, scorned and was dying on the Cross, we can trust that the Word of God is certainly powerful and sufficient to sustain us through any challenges that we may face in life.

---

It is interesting to note that when the Bible calls us to put on the armour of God, we are told to do so collectively as a body of believers.
The “you” used in Ephesians 6:11 comes from the word hymeis in Greek, which means “you” in a plural form. A more accurate translation would be “you all”.
In one of his sermons, my senior pastor, Pastor Jeff Chong from HOPE Singapore, suggested that Paul was referring to the testudo formation of the Roman military when he talked about the armour of God.

The image of the formation suggests that we as believers are all called to put on our armour and stand together; we are to look out and take care of one another as we face spiritual battles.

In my pastor’s words, “As we seek to live for Christ, as we want to have victory in this journey called Christian pilgrimage, we need to stand together. We need to learn to do this together.”

Even when the journey feels long and hard, may we remember that we are never called to do this alone, and that God has given us a spiritual family that we can journey with (Acts 2:42-47).

THINK + TALK

1. What is one element from the armour of God that stood out to you?
2. What is one step you can take to grow in putting on the armour of God?
3. Who are the people who can stand together with you and support you in your journey of faith?

Dawson Ng

 

[KakiMeow]

Today's Scripture | https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/fountains-or-drains​

Philippians 2:1-4, 14-20

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Philippians 2:3

Today's Devotional​

Sometimes a bit of wisdom drops in when we least expect it. That happened recently as I was reading an article about American football player Travis Kelce. A frustrated coach once told him, “Everybody you meet in this world is either a fountain or a drain.” You can probably figure out which one Kelce was being!

Perhaps all of us have a bit of both elements in us. But at any given moment, we’re likely behaving one way or the other. And our call to follow Jesus means becoming more fountain, less drain.

I hear a similar idea in Philippians 2, where Paul challenges us to imitate Jesus’ humility and focus on others. Paul contrasts what drains life from others with what fills them up: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (vv. 3-4). A bit later in this chapter, he adds bluntly, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (v. 14).

What does it look like to be a drain? Being self-focused and arrogant; complaining and arguing. And being a fountain? Paul says of Timothy, “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare” (v. 20).

Are we being more like a fountain or a drain? That’s a question worth pondering as we seek to bless others.

Reflect & Pray​

What can cause you to be more like a drain than a fountain in your relationships? How can you be more of a fountain to others?

Dear Father, please help me to be a fountain of life who pours encouragement and hope into everyone I encounter.

For further study, read A United Mindset.

Today's Insights​

Paul sets the context for his theme of humility early in this letter. Writing while imprisoned, he says, “All of you share in God’s grace with me” (Philippians 1:7). Being equal recipients of His grace ought to have motivated the Philippian church to “value others above [themselves]” (2:3). Key to this is the way they were to live before a watching world. By living blamelessly, they’d be “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation” (v. 15). As they lived lives of humble service to the world, they’d “shine among them like stars in the sky” (v. 15) and be fountains of encouragement.

 

[KakiMeow]

8 Daily Life Changing Habits Every Christian Should Practice​

By Chris Darden | https://chrisdarden.medium.com/8-da...-every-christian-should-practice-7805f3b7a0d8


Have many times have you started the day like this?

You hit the snooze three times before you finally roll out of bed. You throw on your clothes, run a brush through your hair and teeth (the same one) and bolt out the door.

You finally make it to work but somehow, everyone seems out to get you. You are tired and frustrated and really don’t know why. It’s like you forgot to do something important. What did you forget?

I know how you feel. I have lived that same day so many times. I start out in a rush and forget about the things that are important to my life. There are things that Christians need to do every day to experience the joy that God has for us.

Bad habits are hard to break. Good ones are difficult to develop. I know from my own trials that if you will take small steps each day to develop some habits that God has shown us in His word that every day will go better. Here are eight that I have found to work.

1. Talk to God first to get your day in order

God wants to talk to you. He desires to walk with His children daily. The Bible is clear on this point.

Days that you begin without praying are set up to fall short. You leave divine help laying on the table. We all need direction in life.

Go to God early and often with your petition for assistance. In His time, He will show you the way.

2. Get your body moving so your soul can flourish

Our bodies are temporary. I think that perhaps sometimes Christians consider this and decide that since we are simply passing through, that physical exercise is of no value.

The Bible tells you that your body is a temple. I understand the spiritual implications of this but I also believe that has a very physical application. God means for us to take care of our bodies.

It can be very difficult to be a help to others if your own health is bad. The problems that plague your body physically can be a drain on your spiritual walk as well.

I try to start every morning with some kind of exercise. There is a noticeable difference in my mood and I have more energy on the days I begin with exercise.

3. Find someone to forgive, even if it is yourself

The act of forgiveness is at the heart of all that God wants us to understand. His ultimate example of forgiveness of sin through the sacrifice Jesus made at Calvary should make all Christians ready to forgive each other.

There is no value in holding onto that grudge you are carrying. Whatever the fault against you, forgiving someone for wronging you will free your mind and heart to do a good work for God. Often the person you are mad at doesn’t even now they have hurt you. Why not forget it and move on today?

It is also very important in your Christian walk to forgive yourself. When Jesus forgives you for sin it is cast as far as the east is from the west. If the creator is done with your faults when you ask for forgiveness, shouldn’t you let them go as well?

4. God gave us an instruction manual. Use it!

Too often in my walk I have wasted time looking for answers when they were right there in God’s word all along. There is power to be gained by studying the Bible. It is the bread of life.

When we are uninformed about God and His ways, the Devil knows this. He knows exactly where we are weakest. Rest assured that he will attack you there.


Things that used to be common knowledge about scripture are not so widely understood anymore. This makes your study time that much more important. When the world has questions, Christians should be ready to answer. Dust off that Bible today.

5. Clear your mind and make room for God

It is crucial for you to spend time alone in meditation. God told Joshua to meditate on His law day and night. Isaac went out to a field to meditate. This practice is as old as the Bible itself.

Today’s world is hyper-connected. Many times we don’t hear God speaking because we don’t take time to listen. Prayer is often times a one-sided conversation. That’s why it is important for you to take time each day to listen.

It is well documented that meditation is also good for your health. It helps reduce stress, which is at a fever pitch in our society today. There is also evidence that suggests meditation aids in lowering blood pressure. Do the research for yourself on this one but I know from my own experience that meditation helps me feel better.

6. Make something new. He designed you for it

Humans were created in God’s own image. I believe this means that he made us to create. I don’t know what that means for you. That is up to you to discover.

Don’t spend too much time trying to decide what to create. Action is the best way to discover what it is God would have you to do. I like to write so I do that. I know this simply because I tried it once and found some joy in it.

When we don’t create things we become stagnant. Don’t let the daily grind of life rob you of the peace that comes from making something new. No one else has to like what you create. You made it and that is why it is special.

7. Laugh. Life’s too short not to

You really don’t have a lot of time here. Why spend all of your energy down and out? Laugh every once in a while. It is a very simple thing to do, and it doesn’t cost a dime.

Many people see Christians as dull and scornful. If the world is going to see Christ in us, I believe that maybe we should look happy about it.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22

I do not want my bones dried. Laughter is like an elixir for a weary soul. There are times when you must be serious but I find that there are more times that call for a good laugh.

8. People need you to love them, now more than ever

This is an easy one, or at least it should be. Christ was clear in His call for us to love one another. It should be unconditional, just like His love for us.

We are also instructed to love our enemies. That’s a tough one. It is easy to love those who already love you. Imagine the impact that the world would see if all Christians loved their enemies.

This world needs love now more than ever. There is a coldness across the land that scares me for the future of humanity. Everyone needs to be loved.

Set A New Course Today To Live A Better Life!

How you begin each day sets your sail. If you continue that same old routine of waking up and stumbling out the door then nothing will change. But get up a little bit earlier tomorrow and implement some of these habits and not only will your days get better but soon your whole life will change.

Some of the things we talked about here will need to be tended to all day. Set a reminder on your phone or tie a string around your finger (not too tight) to remind yourself to forgive someone, to laugh, and most importantly, to love someone.

Eventually, after daily practice, these habits will become part of your day. You will notice a great difference in how you feel each day.

There is peace that comes from practicing sound habits daily. You will also see that because you have made it a point to love and forgive others that they will return the sentiment.

Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day. Get up the next day and get right back in it. God will bless you for your effort.