When Love Loses Its Definition

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Love is one of the most powerful words in Scripture, but humans have made it one of the most misused. The Bible reminds us that love is not defined by feelings, but by God Himself.

Scripture: 1 John 4:8

We live in a culture that talks about and focuses on love constantly, but usually struggles to define it clearly. Love is celebrated, defended, and demanded, but is rarely completely examined. If we detach love from truth, love becomes whatever the loudest voice says it is. 

The world often defines love as a feeling, personal fulfillment, or mutual benefit.

  • “Love makes me happy.”
  • “Love affirms my desires.”
  • “Love stays as long as it feels good.”
    Love is conditional, emotional, and often centered on self. When feelings change, love is redefined or withdrawn.

What the Bible says love is

The Bible defines love as self-giving commitment rooted in truth.

  • Love is sacrificial, not self-seeking (John 15:13).
  • Love is patient, truthful, enduring (1 Corinthians 13).
  • Love seeks the good of the other, even when it costs (1 John 3:16).
  • Love is grounded in God’s character, not human emotion (1 John 4:8).

In short:
The world asks, “How does love serve me?”
The Bible asks, “How can I serve others in truth because God first loved me?”

The Bible gives us a clear definition of love. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love is patient and kind, but it also tells us something just as important: “Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” Biblical love is not passive. True love does not look away when something is destructive. It does not stay silent when someone is headed toward harm. 

One of the tactics the devil uses is to redefine love so that truth feels cruel and correction feels hateful. When love gets reduced to affirmation only, it will lose its power to heal. True love is not about avoiding discomfort, it’s about figuring out what is best for another person, even when it’s hard. Each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. (Philippians 2:4)

Jesus was the perfect example of love. He loved people deeply, but He never adjusted the truth to gain approval. His love restored lives because it was rooted in holiness, and not in popularity. If love is redefined according to the current culture instead of Scripture, we are unintentionally stripping it of its redemptive power. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Matthew 23:28)

As believers, you must return to God’s definition of love. Love is not the absence of boundaries. Love is the presence of truth, grace, and obedience working together.

Thoughts to Ponder

  1. How does culture define love differently than Scripture?
  2. Have I ever avoided truth in the name of being “loving”?
  3. How can I grow in loving others God’s way?

Ask God to realign your understanding of love with His Word, not the world.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, You are love. Teach me how to love the way You love, without compromise, without fear, and without distortion. Correct my understanding where it has been shaped by culture instead of truth. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

When Love Loses Its Definition

Love is one of the most powerful words in Scripture, but humans have made it one of the most misused. The Bible reminds us that love is not defined by feelings, but…

1 John 4:7

Beloved, let’s love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Love begins with God and flows through those who truly…

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. Greater love is shown through sacrifice. Jesus defines true love not by words, but by laying…

Preparing the Heart for Truth

A teachable heart is essential for discernment. Scripture: James 1:5, Psalm 25:4–5 Good judgement and discernment does not come with knowledge, but with posture. When we have a heart resistant to correction…

Hebrews 13:16

But don’t forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Doing good and sharing what we have pleases God. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us that worship…


1 John 4:7

Beloved, let’s love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.


Love begins with God and flows through those who truly know Him. 1 John 4:7 calls believers to love one another as evidence of their new life in Christ. When love is practiced daily, it reveals God’s presence, reflects His character, and draws others toward the transforming power of His grace.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, protect me from deception and ground me in your truth. Help so that I do not believe everything that makes me feel good. Help me to always be able to discern what is truth and what is deceptive. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Growing Discernment Through Scripture

Discernment grows where Scripture is central. Scripture: Psalm 119:105, Acts 17:11 Having discernment is not a spiritual gift reserved for a few, it is a spiritual discipline available to all. Like any…

1 Timothy 3:16; In the Flesh

Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up…

Proverbs 27:6

The wounds of a friend are faithful, although the kisses of an enemy are profuse. Faithful friends love enough to speak hard truths. Wounds from honesty heal; kisses from flattery deceive. Proverbs…

Matthew 6:34; No Fear What did Jesus Say

Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient. Worry pulls tomorrow’s trouble into today’s peace. Jesus gently calls us to live…

1 Corinthians 10:13; Fearless

“No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation…

The Danger of Untested Teaching

Not everything labeled “Christian” is Christ-centered. Scripture: Matthew 7:15, Colossians 2:8 The warning Jesus gave us about false prophets is notable because of how they appear. He told us that they come…


John 15:13

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Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.


Greater love is shown through sacrifice. Jesus defines true love not by words, but by laying down one’s life for others. John 15:13 calls us to selfless devotion, choosing courage, service, and obedience. Love deeply, give generously, and reflect Christ’s sacrificial heart in everyday actions, big or small.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, protect me from deception and ground me in your truth. Help so that I do not believe everything that makes me feel good. Help me to always be able to discern what is truth and what is deceptive. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God’s forgiveness is sure and faithful. When we confess, He…

Jeremiah 23:16

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of…

Testing the Message, Not the Mood

Feelings can be powerful, but they are never meant to replace truth. Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9, 2 Timothy 3:16 One of the greatest challenges a Christian faces in discerning truth today is learning…

1 John 4:8

 He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love. God’s love is not merely an action, it is His nature. To know Him is to reflect that love in how…

Why Discernment Is an Act of Love

Biblical discernment is not about criticism it is about protection. Scripture: 1 John 4:1, Ephesians 4:14 When most people hear the word discernment, they will immediately associate it with criticism, negativity, or…

Colossians 2:8

“Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elemental spirits of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians…


Preparing the Heart for Truth

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A teachable heart is essential for discernment.

Scripture: James 1:5, Psalm 25:4–5

Good judgement and discernment does not come with knowledge, but with posture. When we have a heart resistant to correction we will struggle to recognize truth, no matter how clear Scripture is. Having humility will prepare the soil so that discernment can grow. Testing the spirits begins with humility. Huge amounts of pride will always resist correction, but wisdom welcomes it. God promises us wisdom to those who ask sincerely.

James tells believers that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. When He gave us this promise he assumed a willingness to receive wisdom, not just affirmation. Wisdom will require us to surrender our pride, releasing whatever preconceived ideas we have, and allowing God to reshape our thoughts. I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you. Psalm 32:8

Having a teachable heart does not mean you have a passive mind. It means having an open spirit that is willing to be corrected by God’s Word. Pride will combat truth when it challenges comfort. Humility receives truth even when it convicts us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Preparing the heart will involve prayer. Discernment is not merely an intellectual act, it is spiritual. Asking God for wisdom will position the heart with the Spirit. Using prayer invites God to reveal your blind spots and guard you from deception.  And the Lord gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand. There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. Joshua 21:44-45

As believers testing the spirits is a posture that is essential. Truth cannot take root in a hardened heart. But when humility, prayer, and Scripture come together, discernment flourishes. God desires His people to walk in wisdom, not confusion. Preparing the heart allows truth to settle deeply and bear lasting fruit. Preparing your heart allows truth to take root deeply.

Thoughts to Ponder

  1. Is your heart open to correction?
  2. Where do you need God’s wisdom right now?
  3. How can humility strengthen discernment?

Ask God to prepare your heart for truth before our next message.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, soften my heart and fill me with Your wisdom. Prepare me to receive the truth and walk in it faithfully. Be my guide so that I can undoubtedly know what is from you. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Not Every Voice Is God’s Voice

We live in a world full of confident voices, but Scripture reminds us that confidence does not equal truth. Scripture: John 10:27, Proverbs 14:12 There has never before in history have people…

Jeremiah 17:9

The heart is deceitful above all things and it is exceedingly corrupt. Who can know it? Jeremiah reminds us the heart can deceive. Our feelings are unreliable guides. God invites us to…

Renewing the Mind in a Corrupted Culture

The moment you give up your principles, and your values, you are dead, your culture is dead, your civilization is dead. Period. Oriana Fallaci Text: Romans 12:1–2; Ephesians 4:22–24 “Do not be…

Ephesians 4:11-16

 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of…

1 Peter 1:8-10

For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to not be idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is…

John 15:8

In this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things that surround…


Hebrews 13:16

sharing

But don’t forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.


Doing good and sharing what we have pleases God. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us that worship extends beyond words into generous action. Every act of kindness becomes a spiritual offering. Live open-handed, love practically, and trust God to use your generosity to reflect His grace and meet real needs daily.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, protect me from deception and ground me in your truth. Help so that I do not believe everything that makes me feel good. Help me to always be able to discern what is truth and what is deceptive. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Living Proof of Truth

Truth is ultimately recognized not by how persuasive it sounds, but by the fruit it produces in a life surrendered to God. Scripture: Matthew 7:16 Jesus taught us that truth is recognized…

1 John 3:16

By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. Love is proven by action, not intention. Jesus…

Discernment Requires Time

God’s Word illuminates our path step by step, teaching us discernment through consistent exposure, not quick reactions. Scripture: Psalm 119:105 We are told that God’s Word is like a lamp, not a…

Renewal Is a Process

Renewing the mind doesn’t happen instantly, it happens daily as we lay aside old thinking and allow God’s Spirit to form new patterns in us. Scripture: Ephesians 4:22–24 Successfully acquiring renewal is…

Acts 17:11

Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Dear…

Romans 8:25

 But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things that surround me that…


Growing Discernment Through Scripture

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Discernment grows where Scripture is central.

Scripture: Psalm 119:105, Acts 17:11

Having discernment is not a spiritual gift reserved for a few, it is a spiritual discipline available to all. Like any other discipline, it develops over time through consistent practice. Scripture is the primary tool God uses to sharpen discernment in the life of a believer. For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Psalm 119 describes God’s Word as “a lamp to our feet and a light to our path”. This imagery reminds us that God and the Bible do not always reveal everything at once; they provide enough light for the next step. Having regular engagement with God’s Word trains our minds to recognize what is truth and what is error more clearly.

The Bereans were praised not because they doubted Paul, but because they examined what Scripture said daily. Their discernment came from devotion. They were in it enough that they knew God’s Word well enough to recognize whether teachings were aligned with it. Having this daily practice made them spiritually stable and resilient. The Bereans were considered judicious because they were devoted to Scripture. Spending regular time in God’s Word sharpens our spiritual awareness and builds confidence in truth.

The reason many believers struggle with discernment is not because they lack intelligence, but it is because they lack consistency. Occasionally spending time in Scripture does not sustain spiritual clarity especially in confusing times. Our Judgement, wisdom, and Discernment grows the best when Scripture is not just used for reference, but is studied, reflected on, and obeyed. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17

As we spend more time in God’s Word, the more familiar His voice becomes. The familiar we become will allow believers to begin to recognize when something feels spiritually off, not through instinct alone, but because of biblical awareness. Scripture trains our conscience and shapes spiritual our instincts. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11

Expanding our discernment also requires humility. God’s Word will correct us as much as it instructs us. If we will allow Scripture to challenge our assumptions and reshape our thinking, discernment deepens.

Thoughts to Ponder

  1. How consistent is your Scripture intake?
  2. What changes could deepen your study?
  3. How does Scripture shape your worldview?

Commit to daily engagement with God’s Word. Discernment is cultivated, not inherited.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, deepen my love for Scripture and shape my thinking through it. Help me to be able to judge what Your thoughts are and not mine. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Truth Doesn’t Need to Shout

God often speaks not through the loudest voices, but through a still, quiet whisper that requires attentiveness and humility to hear. Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11–12 At the time when Elijah encountered God,…

Shaped or Transformed?

Every message we consume is shaping us; either conforming us to the world or transforming us by God’s truth. Scripture: Romans 12:2 When we look at it we are all being shaped…

So Much Noise

We live in a culture that never stops talking, but volume is not the same as truth; discernment begins by recognizing how much noise competes for our minds. Scripture: Romans 12:2 They…

What Is Truth?

Truth in an Age of Confusion Verses: John 18:37–38; John 8:31–32; Psalm 119:160 Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing…

Rooted in Truth

Believers stay steady in confusing times by being rooted in Christ, not swayed by persuasive but empty ideas. Scripture: Colossians 2:6–8 As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted…

Renewing the Mind

Discernment grows when our minds are renewed daily by God’s Word rather than shaped by culture. Scripture: Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal…


1 Timothy 3:16; In the Flesh

Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.

1 Timothy 3:16 lifts our eyes to the heart of the gospel: Christ revealed, vindicated, proclaimed, believed, and glorified. This verse reminds us that faith is not built on opinion but on a revealed mystery, Jesus Himself. God stepped into history, defeated sin and death, and invites the world to believe. When life feels complicated, return to this simple truth: Christ is the foundation. Our worship, obedience, and hope flow from who He is and what He has done. Stand in awe of this great mystery, and let your life reflect gratitude, humility, and bold faith rooted in Christ alone.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, protect me from deception and ground me in your truth. Help so that I do not believe everything that makes me feel good. Help me to always be able to discern what is truth and what is deceptive. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Truth Sets Us Free

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Scripture: John 8:31–32 “Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you…

Testing What We Hear

Scripture: 1 John 4:1 Devotional Thought:Not everything we are told that sounds spiritual is from God; having discernment requires us to test every message that is against or seems like it is…

Environmental

Consider how a mould works. Whatever is poured into the mould takes its shape. The culture we choose to surround ourselves in constantly presses us into its mould using media, pressure, and…

Noise Is Not the Same as Truth

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Scripture: Proverbs 14:12 Have you ever noticed that the loudest voices are not always…

Colossians 2:6–8

As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving. Be…

Truth Begins With God

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. Scripture: John 17:17 “Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.” In a culture overflowing with opinions, interpretations, and competing narratives, one…


Proverbs 27:6

deceptive friends

The wounds of a friend are faithful, although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.


Faithful friends love enough to speak hard truths. Wounds from honesty heal; kisses from flattery deceive. Proverbs 27:6 reminds us to value correction that protects our soul. Receive godly counsel with humility, and be the kind of friend whose love is honest, courageous, and rooted in truth—not comfort or fear.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, protect me from deception and ground me in your truth. Help so that I do not believe everything that makes me feel good. Help me to always be able to discern what is truth and what is deceptive. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Living With Eternal Perspective

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; Colossians 3:1–4 Seeing Beyond the Moment It is said of one of the famous composers that he had a rebellious son who used to come in late at…

Who were the Bereans

The Bereans were a group of Jews in the city of Berea (in Macedonia, modern-day northern Greece) who are mentioned in Acts 17:10–12 and they’re remembered for something very specific: their commitment…

Hope That Carries Us Forward

Scripture: Romans 8:18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Paul boldly declares that…

Setting the Mind Above the Moment

Scripture: Colossians 3:2“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” What we surround ourselves with determines how we live. Living a Biblical perspective is a discipline. Living this way requires…

Living for What Lasts

Scripture: Matthew 6:19–20 Living for eternity does not mean that we start ignoring our earthly responsibilities, it means that we allow eternal values to shape how we live today. Our time, relationships,…

Strength Renewed, Not Exhausted

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 Thoughts to Ponder:Waiting on the Lord does not mean we’re standing still, it just means trusting God while He strengthens us. Waiting on Him is not passively standing down;…


Matthew 6:34; No Fear What did Jesus Say

Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.

Worry pulls tomorrow’s trouble into today’s peace. Jesus gently calls us to live one day at a time, trusting the Father who already knows our needs. Matthew 6:34 reminds us that anxiety cannot add provision or control, it only drains strength. God’s grace is given daily, not in bulk for imagined futures. When fear presses in, return your focus to today’s obedience and today’s mercy. Place tomorrow in God’s hands, where it belongs. Faith grows when we release control, choose trust, and rest in the assurance that God is already there.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, protect me from deception and ground me in your truth. Help so that I do not believe everything that makes me feel good. Help me to always be able to discern what is truth and what is deceptive. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

When Temporary Pain Feels Heavy

Scripture: Psalm 34:19“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Pain has a way of making everything feel permanent. When the suffering lingers, we…

What We See vs. What Is Real

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen…” Devotional Thought:If we look at ourselves we can see that a lot of…

Do Not Be Afraid: God’s Most Repeated Command

Text: Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 6:25–34 Fear’s Quiet Influence on the Human Heart Fear shapes decisions, obedience, and daily living, often unnoticed During World War II, a military governor met with General George…

Jeremiah 5:30-31

An astonishing and horrible thing has happened in the land. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority; and my people love to have it so. What will you…

Fear Loses Its Grip When God Is First

Scripture: Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the kingdom of God…” Devotion:When God is set first, fear can never be in charge. Fear will always thrive when our priorities are misplaced. Jesus highlighted that…

You are God’s Child

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 You are not defined by your past…


The Danger of Untested Teaching

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Not everything labeled “Christian” is Christ-centered.

Scripture: Matthew 7:15, Colossians 2:8

The warning Jesus gave us about false prophets is notable because of how they appear. He told us that they come in sheep’s clothing, meaning they look safe, familiar, and trustworthy. We have to realize that rarely does deception announce itself openly. Usually it will come wrapped in kindness, confidence, and spiritual language looking like flowers and butterflies. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

Following untested teaching becomes dangerous, not because believers are careless, but because they are often trusting. We tend to assume that if something is labeled “Christian,” it must be true. False teaching will enter subtly, wrapped in spiritual language and good intentions. However, the bible repeatedly warns against this assumption. Paul cautioned believers not to be taken captive by ideas that sound wise but are not rooted in Christ. Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elemental spirits of the world, and not after Christ.Colossians 2:8

False prophets and teaching does not always deny God outright. Sometimes it will distort His character. It may present a God that never confronts sin, never calls for repentance, or never demands obedience. Some will exaggerate certain truths while ignoring others, creating imbalance rather than outright denial. Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. Jeremiah 23:16

If allowed and teaching goes untested, it slowly shapes beliefs, priorities, and behaviors. Over time, believers may drift from biblical convictions without realizing it and create their own truth. This is why discernment is so essential, not only for pastors or leaders, but for every follower of Christ. For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts, and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Testing what is being taught does not mean rejecting authority or being suspicious of everyone. It means holding all teaching, no matter the source, up to the light of what the Bible says. When you are testing all the spirits that are around you will keep believers from being spiritually captured by ideas that sound good but can lead us away from Christ. God’s Word is not merely inspirational; it is protective. It guards hearts, anchors faith, and exposes error before it takes root.

The danger of untested teaching is not just personally for the believer but it affects the whole church. Confusion can spread when error goes unchecked. True unity suffers when truth becomes negotiable. Having good discernment preserves both faith and fellowship.

Thoughts to Ponder

  1. Do you assume spiritual content is trustworthy?
  2. How can you verify teaching biblically?
  3. Who helps keep you accountable?

Commit yourself to biblical evaluation, not just blind trust.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, protect me from deception and ground me in your truth. Help so that I do not believe everything that makes me feel good. Help me to always be able to discern what is truth and what is deceptive. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Faith Is a Choice Before It Is a Feeling

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for…” Devotion:Our faith does not always or need to wait for fear to disappear. Faith can move while fear is still…

Fear Distorts Reality

Scripture: Numbers 13:33 “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes…” Devotion:Fear has a way of making us feel small and enlarging everything else. When the Israelites saw the giants they didn’t…

Fear Grows When We Try to Control Tomorrow

Scripture: Matthew 6:34 “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Devotion:Much of our fear comes from trying to live in and sway a future we were never meant…

2 Corinthians 4:18

While we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not…

God’s Presence Is the Antidote to Fear

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you.” Devotion:God does not say, Fear not, because nothing bad will happen. He says, “Fear not,” because He is with you. With His…

Fear Is a Signal, Not a Sentence

Scripture: Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Devotion:By itself fear is not sin it is a signal. Fear will get us into something that feels uncertain…


Testing the Message, Not the Mood

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bible

Feelings can be powerful, but they are never meant to replace truth.

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9, 2 Timothy 3:16

One of the greatest challenges a Christian faces in discerning truth today is learning the difference between what feels right and what is right. Today our culture will elevate emotion as the highest authority. If it inspires us, comforts us, or affirms us, we assume it must be good. Many false teachings thrive because they appeal to our emotions. They make us feel affirmed without being transformed. However, if we look at Scripture we’ll see it offers a sober warning: feelings are powerful, but they are not reliable guides on their own, feelings are unreliable guides when separated from truth.

Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that the human heart is deceitful, not because it is always malicious, but because it is easily influenced. Our emotions can and will shift based on circumstances, experiences, and desires. What feels right in one moment may contradict God’s truth in the next. That is why Scripture must remain the standard by which all teaching is measured, I call it our owners manual. It is a guide that our Heavenly Father gave us that teaches us how to live in all aspects of our lives. 

The reason that false teaching often succeeds is because it appeals to our emotions rather than truth. These teachings tend to avoid conviction, minimize repentance, and promise peace without transformation. There are times that it may quote Scripture selectively while ignoring its full context. These messages become appealing because they can feel freeing at first, but over time they lead to spiritual confusion and weakness.

When we read the Bible we see that God’s Word works differently. Scripture does not always justify us, but it will always transform us. There are times truth comforts; sometimes it confronts. Sometimes it reassures; sometimes it corrects. But Scripture will never deceive. 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that all Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness. This is why we should ask if a message never challenges us, we should ask whether it is truly biblical. God’s Word doesn’t always make us comfortable but it makes us holy. 

Testing the spirits requires asking ourselves the hard questions: Does this message align with the whole counsel of Scripture? Does it lead me closer to Christ or simply make me feel better about myself? Does it encourage obedience or excuse disobedience? Does this message align with Scripture, even when it challenges me? Truth may stir emotions, but it never depends on them.

Our Spiritual maturity develops as we learn to submit our feelings to God’s Word rather than shaping God’s Word around our feelings. This does not mean emotions are bad, it means they must be anchored in truth so we do not deceive ourselves. When Scripture leads, emotions will find their proper place.

Thoughts to ponder

  1. Do you prioritize how something feels over whether it’s biblical?
  2. How do you respond when Scripture challenges you?
  3. What role does God’s Word play in your decisions?

Make sure you choose truth over comfort and Scripture over emotion.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, align my heart with Your truth. Help me submit my feelings to Your Word. Show me how to discern what is truth and grow my spiritual immaturity. Help me walk in wisdom, grounded in truth and motivated by love. Be my guide as I go through the week in front of me, show me Your path as I go. In Jesus Name Amen Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Peace in a World Addicted to Fear

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1 John 4:8

love

 He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love.


God’s love is not merely an action, it is His nature. To know Him is to reflect that love in how we live and treat others. First John 4:8 challenges us to examine our hearts. When love flows freely, it reveals a life truly rooted in God.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, protect me from deception and ground me in your truth. Help so that I do not believe everything that makes me feel good. Help me to always be able to discern what is truth and what is deceptive. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Ephesians 4:25 

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1 John 4:2

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Why Discernment Is an Act of Love

Taping hands

Biblical discernment is not about criticism it is about protection.

Scripture: 1 John 4:1, Ephesians 4:14

When most people hear the word discernment, they will immediately associate it with criticism, negativity, or judgment. Our culture says it values tolerance above truth and discernment is often misunderstood as unloving. However, Scripture presents discernment not as suspicion, but as a form of protection. It is an outward and inward expression of our love for God, His people, and His truth.

John begins his instruction with tenderness: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit.” This warning comes from care, not condemnation. God, just like a loving parent warns his children about danger, He warns His people about deception. Discernment has to exist because God desires to protect our hearts from harm. John’s command to “test the spirits” is rooted in love. He addresses believers as “beloved,” because he wants to remind us that discernment protects what we care about. God calls His people to guard their hearts and the church.

Paul repeats this concern in Ephesians 4, stressing that spiritual immaturity leaves believers vulnerable. Leaving us open to being tossed back and forth by every new teaching. If we do not have discernment, believers can become spiritually unstable, easily influenced by trends, personalities, and emotional appeals. True love does not leave people exposed to danger; love equips them to stand firm.

If we refuse to practice discernment it does not make us more loving; it makes us less responsible, and can make us vulnerable. If false teaching goes unchallenged, confusion spreads quietly. Over time, truth becomes diluted, conviction weakens, and spiritual clarity fades. When believers accept every teaching without testing it, confusion spreads. Fear grows. Division takes root. True discernment interrupts the drift and keeps the church grounded and unified around truth.

True discernment does not tear people down, it builds them up. It guards unity by making sure we are and the church is anchored in truth rather than opinion or the newest fad. It helps strengthen our faith by rooting our beliefs in Scripture instead of emotion. It preserves freedom by preventing believers from being enslaved to false ideas.

Importantly, discernment should always be paired with humility. We are not called to be arrogant watchdogs, but faithful stewards of truth. The final goal is not to win debates, but to protect hearts. Discernment asks, Does this teaching reflect God’s Word, and does it lead people toward Christ or away from Him?

Spiritual maturity develops more and more when believers begin to accept responsibility for their growth. Having discernment marks the transition from spiritual childhood to spiritual adulthood. Mature believers will no longer rely solely on leaders, trends, influencers, or feelings. They will engage in Scripture personally and thoughtfully. Maturity makes us no longer accept things simply because they are popular or emotional. We grow from being spiritual infants into stable, grounded followers of Christ. Discernment is not harshness; it is wisdom in action.

With these confusing times, discernment is not a cozy option. It is an act of love toward God, toward the church, and toward a world in desperate need of knowing the truth.

Thoughts to Ponder

Commit to growing in spiritual maturity through Scripture and prayer.

  1. Do you view discernment as loving or judgmental?
  2. Where might God be calling you to grow spiritually?
  3. How can discernment protect your family or church?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help me discern truth and grow beyond my spiritual immaturity. Help me walk in wisdom, grounded in truth and motivated by love. Be my guide as I go through the week in front of me, show me Your path as I go. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

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Not Every Voice Is God’s Voice

Confident men

We live in a world full of confident voices, but Scripture reminds us that confidence does not equal truth.

Scripture: John 10:27, Proverbs 14:12

There has never before in history have people had access to so many opinions about God. There are podcasts, blogs, posts, videos, shorts, and inspirational quotes flooding our lives daily, I am included in this. Most will sound spiritual. Some will even deceptively quote Scripture. But Jesus made a clear distinction: His sheep recognize His voice. This single statement implies there are and will be other voices calling for our attention.

One of the largest dangers we face in these confusing times is assuming that sincerity equals truth. A well intended message can be passionate and it can still be wrong. A leader can be smooth, magnetic and charismatic and still be completely misleading. Sometimes our beliefs can feel comforting and still be completely unbiblical. The Bible, our owner’s manual, warns us that what “seems right” is not always right.

God’s voice is consistent with His character. God never contradicts His Word. He does not lead people with fear, pride, or confusion. His voice generates repentance, humility, obedience, and peace even when the truth is hard to see.

When we are trying to learn and recognize God’s voice it takes time and intimacy. Just like we recognize the voice of someone we love, believers grow in discernment by walking closely with Christ. The more familiar we become with Scripture, the easier it will be to recognize when something is off.

We by no means are telling anyone to distrust everyone, this is a call to become completely familiar with God and deeply getting to know and understand his character. Discernment will grow stronger from an intentional relationship, not paranoia.

Thoughts to Ponder

  1. What voices most influence your spiritual thinking?
  2. How do you normally determine whether something is from God?
  3. Are you more familiar with cultural opinions or Scripture?

Finally ask God to tune your heart to His voice and quiet the noise that competes for your attention.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help me recognize Your voice above all others. Teach me to listen carefully, be my guide so I can walk closely with You, and love Your truth. Guard my heart from uncertainty,  confusion and lead me in wisdom. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

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1 Corinthians 10:31

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James 1:17

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Living Proof of Truth

Deep Thoughts

Truth is ultimately recognized not by how persuasive it sounds, but by the fruit it produces in a life surrendered to God.

Scripture: Matthew 7:16

Jesus taught us that truth is recognized by its fruit. He impresses that words alone are not enough; it’s the outcome that matters. Having discernment will look beyond what we see and it evaluates results. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)

Truth will help us produce humility, peace, love, and obedience. On the other side, lies will help produce pride, confusion, fear, or division. The more time we focus on truth and begin to ignore the lies will help the fruit strengthen their roots. Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)

As Christians, our lives will become evidence of the truth that we follow. Renewing our minds will lead to transformed lives. Renewal doesn’t begin with behavior, but with surrender. When sin, fatigue, or failure weigh heavy, pray and invite God to restore your inner life. He is glad when renewing hearts that humbly return to Him. It all comes down to being aware of the lies not only to help identify errors, it is about reflecting truth. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Jesus reminded us that character reveals what we carry in our heart. Words can be impressive, but our fruit tells the truth. How we live our lives quietly displays what we truly follow. As we walk around, ask God to shape your actions so love, integrity, and faith grow visibly, evidence of a life rooted in Christ. God has invited us to not only know the truth, but to live it. When we renew our minds, our lives become testimonies.

Thoughts to Ponder

  • What kind of fruit is your current thinking producing?
  • Does it draw you closer to God? 
  • Does it produce love and wisdom? 
  • Or does it stir anxiety and division?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, let my actions reflect Your truth in the way I think, speak, and live. Teach me to be known by good fruit, not empty words. Shape my heart so my actions reflect Your truth. Prune all those things that do not honor You. Let love, humility, and obedience grow in my life, so others may see You clearly through me today in every ordinary moment. In Jesus Name Amen


Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

James 1:2–4

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may…

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. Dear Heavenly Father, be…

Colossians 3:13

 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect…

Philippians 4:7

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Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things that surround me that I do…

Psalm 119:133

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things that surround me that I…


1 John 3:16

jesus on the cross

By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.


Love is proven by action, not intention. Jesus laid down His life, setting the standard for how we love others. 1 John 3:16 calls us beyond comfort into sacrifice. True love costs something, but it brings life, healing, and hope when we give ourselves for others.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, protect me from deception and ground me in your truth. Help so that I do not believe everything that makes me feel good. Help me to always be able to discern what is truth and what is deceptive. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Lamentations 3:22–23

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me…

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things…

Psalm 37:5

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James 4:13–15

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Discernment Requires Time

Lantern

God’s Word illuminates our path step by step, teaching us discernment through consistent exposure, not quick reactions.

Scripture: Psalm 119:105

We are told that God’s Word is like a lamp, not a spotlight. He will illuminate the next step rather than showing us the entire path at once. Discernment will increase through consistent, patient exposure to His word. Remember: Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

We are a culture that values speed, we always want immediate clarity. But we need to understand that spiritual wisdom is formed slowly. God helps us shape discernment through daily engagement with His Word, thoroughly allowing truth to sink deep and influence our perspective. We are told: But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:25)

Always relying on quick opinions will cause us to replace thoughtful reflection. Discernment resists haste. It pauses, prays, and seeks God’s guidance before responding.

When we make sure we are spending our time in Scripture it helps recalibrate our thinking. We train ourselves to recognize truth, wisdom, and what is error. With patience, God’s Word will become a filter through which we view the world.

If you truly desire discernment you need to prioritize Scripture; it’s not as a duty, but as a lifeline. The Bible doesn’t just inform us; it will transform us if we allow it to.

Discussion Prompt

How does your time in Scripture compare to other information you consume?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, let Your Word guide my thoughts, decisions, and responses. Block those things that try to interfere with Your message. Give me clarity for everything that you want me to know. In Jesus Name Amen


Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Dear Heavenly Father, be…

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and…

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things that surround me that I do…

Philippians 3:13

Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before Dear Heavenly…

Hebrews 12:1

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Psalm 103:1–5

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Renewal Is a Process

ego

Renewing the mind doesn’t happen instantly, it happens daily as we lay aside old thinking and allow God’s Spirit to form new patterns in us.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:22–24

Successfully acquiring renewal is not something done in a moment, it is a journey. Paul showed believers that following Christ involves putting off the old self, the junk, pride, and ego, and putting on the new. His language suggests we need intentionality, repetition, and growth.

Our old ways of thinking don’t disappear automatically just because we accept Jesus as our one and only saviour. All of the cultural habits, emotional patterns, and learned assumptions that we are and have surrounded ourselves with still linger. Becoming a new person only happens as we consistently begin to choose truth over familiarity.

God is patient in this process; However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16). Jesus does not expect perfection, but participation and relationship. Each day becomes another opportunity to align our thinking more closely with His Word. 

The Holy Spirit works gradually, reshaping us from the inside out. Have you ever heard of muscle memory, when you make something a habit it becomes second nature.  Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Refinement deepens as our renewal continues. As we cultivate this renewal the more our minds are shaped by truth, it becomes easier and easier to recognize what does not belong. We begin to feel and sense when something is off, even if we can’t immediately understand why, it’ll be there pricking us in the back of our neck.

You ask why daily renewal matters. Skipping renewal doesn’t leave you neutral, oppositely it leaves us vulnerable. Our minds, just like soil, will cultivate whatever is planted in it consistently.

It is a great time to take the invitation to trust the process. God is at work, even when we feel like change has never left first gear. Our renewal is evidence of grace at work within you.

Discussion Prompt

What old way of thinking might God be inviting you to release?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, renew my mind and help me walk the path you have prepared for me. Give me the strength to always move forward with Your direction. Surround me with a hedge of protection to keep away distractions and doubt. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

“Recognizing the Shaking”

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Psalm 19:7-11

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Psalm 51:17

Sacrifices of the Believer The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me…

Hebrews 4:12

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James 3:17

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Truth Doesn’t Need to Shout

Willow tree

God often speaks not through the loudest voices, but through a still, quiet whisper that requires attentiveness and humility to hear.

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11–12

At the time when Elijah encountered God, it wasn’t in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a gentle whisper. It was at this moment that revealed something profound about how God often speaks. Truth does not need to be a spectacle to be powerful. God’s voice is steady, clear, and calm.

We are in a culture that equates confidence with loudness and influence with visibility, this can be challenging. We have been conditioned to trust the boldest voice, the strongest opinion, or the most emotional argument. But discernment requires patience and stillness.

Hearing God’s whisper demands our attention. It requires us to slow down, to quiet our inner discourse, and to stop and  listen with humility. When our lives are full of chaos and cluttered with noise, even truth can pass by and never be heard.

Unfortunately danger does not just come from external noise, but internal noise anxieties, assumptions, fears, and preconceived ideas. All of this internal noise can drown out God’s guidance just as easily as external distractions.

Refinement grows when we create space for God to speak. This means we need to choose moments of silence, opening Scripture without an agenda, and praying not just to speak, but to listen.

God is not silent. However, He often waits until we are still enough to hear Him. As you move through this week, consider:

  • What needs to quiet down in your life so truth can rise clearly?
  • What distractions make it difficult for you to hear God clearly?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, quiet my heart and help me recognize Your voice above every other sound. Help me know what is true and what is flashy deception, allow me to quit the chaos around me and inside my head. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Hebrews 13:20–21

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every…

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from…

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Dear…

Hebrews 13:20

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Shaped or Transformed?

A pile of newspapers

Every message we consume is shaping us; either conforming us to the world or transforming us by God’s truth.

Scripture: Romans 12:2

When we look at it we are all being shaped by something. It is not a matter of whether or not we are being formed, but it is by what form we are choosing. When we read the Bible Paul presented us with two paths: conformity to the world or transformation by the renewing of the mind. One happens passively. The other requires intention.

Conformity will happen when we drift and become comfortable. Even more when we stop questioning assumptions. It happens more and more as we accept cultural values simply because they are common. Transformation, on the other hand, is something that requires submission; bringing our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes under the authority of God’s Word.

If you choose to allow it, the world will disciple you constantly. It will teach you what its version of success looks like, what its happiness requires, what it thinks matters the most, and what doesn’t. As time passes, these messages will shape your expectations and your reactions. We begin to think like the people and culture we surround ourselves with without even realizing it.

Standing above it and becoming renewed is God’s answer to corruption. This restoration is not behavior modification; it is mind transformation. When we choose to have our minds renewed, our thoughts and desires begin to change. What was once appealing to us loses its grip. What we used to think was foolish begins to look wise.

Changing and embracing renewal doesn’t happen overnight. It happens with time in Scripture, prayer, community, and humility. This will only happen when we invite God to challenge our assumptions instead of defending them. Transformation will not happen until we admit to ourselves that some of our thinking may be misaligned with truth.

Thoughts to Ponder:

Today we invite you to take the time to yourself and have some honest reflection. 

  1. Are your responses shaped more by Scripture or by cultural narratives? 
  2. Are your convictions rooted in God’s Word or reinforced by popular opinion?  
  3. In what ways might culture be shaping your thinking more than Scripture?

God’s will is good, pleasing, and perfect, but we only recognize it when our minds are renewed. Discernment flows from transformation.

Prayer

 Dear Heavenly Father, reshape my thoughts according to Your truth, not the patterns of this world. Block out the little things that are trying to corrupt my mind, thoughts, beliefs and attitude. Help me mould my mind around Your instructions and plan for me. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

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John 10:14-15

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for…

Ezekiel 34:2–3

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should…

Matthew 24:24

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect…


So Much Noise

yelling in a blow horn

We live in a culture that never stops talking, but volume is not the same as truth; discernment begins by recognizing how much noise competes for our minds.

Scripture: Romans 12:2

They have branded this generation as the loudest in human history. Which if we think about from the moment we wake up, voices compete for our attention; news alerts, social media feeds, podcasts, opinions, ads, and commentary. Everyone has their opinion and is speaking, persuading, warning, demanding, and declaring their truth. When we read the bible it reminds us that volume does not equal wisdom, and repetition does not equal truth.

Romans 12:2 begins with a warning: “Do not be conformed to this world.” Compliance happens quietly. The world does not always force us into its mould; instead, it slowly shapes our thinking through constant exposure. Over time, what seemed to sound foreign begins to become normal. What once troubled our conscience begins to feel acceptable. This is exactly what has happen over the last few decades and it is why it seems like we are being forced to comply. It has been being worked on for years.

True insight begins when we recognize the influence of noise that surrounds us. We can recognize that not all noise is evil, but noise that is unchecked can dull spiritual sensitivity. When we constantly fill our minds with never ending static, we leave little room for reflection, prayer, or Scripture. Instead of thinking before we act we will act with unhinged emotion. We absorb all of the noise instead of evaluating with a clear head.

God will not compete with the noise, He invites us into renewal. The definition of renewal: the act of saying or doing over again. It requires awareness, taking a honest look at what is shaping our thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs. Before transformation can happen, we have to look into what surrounding, influencing, and forming you.

I am not talking about rejecting culture entirely; it’s about refusing to let the current culture to be your primary teacher. When becoming a new Christian the Christian life begins with surrender, but it continues with intentional listening. God still speaks, but His voice is often quieter than the world’s overwhelming chaos. We just need to slow down and listen.

Thoughts to Ponder:

  • What voices most influence your thinking on a daily basis?
  • Ask yourself not just what you believe, but who or what has been shaping those beliefs?
Praying woman

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help me recognize the useless noise in my life and help me to tune my heart to Your voice above all others. Be my guide and my light in the dark. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Isaiah 60:3

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things that surround me that…

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall…


Rooted in Truth

Tree roots

Believers stay steady in confusing times by being rooted in Christ, not swayed by persuasive but empty ideas.

Scripture: Colossians 2:6–8

As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving. Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elemental spirits of the world, and not after Christ.

When everything seems to be falling apart, stability does not come from knowing every answer, it comes from being deeply rooted. Paul tells us as believers that just as we received Christ, we must continue to walk in Him, rooted and building up our faith. The roots we have are rarely seen, but they determine everything about our ability to stand. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. (Psalm 32:8)

We can see how shallow roots can survive in calm weather, but as soon as the weather gets a little ruff they will fail under pressure and get uprooted. Just like those with shallow faith, it may feel sufficient until confusion, suffering, or cultural pressure intensifies. If our beliefs have not been firmly rooted in Christ and His Word, we can allow ourselves to become vulnerable to persuasive and empty ideas. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.(John 10:27-28)

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Paul warned us that there will be philosophies and teachings that sound wise but are completely disconnected from Christ. These false ideas often times promise clarity, freedom, or progress but will lack spiritual substance. Discrimination will help us recognize the difference between wisdom that comes from God and pretty little ideas that simply reflect human reasoning.

Living rooted in truth always requires intentional depth. It will mean slowing down long enough to grow, spending time in the Bible, prayer, and reflection. Roots will grow quietly through deliberate consistency. No one sees them forming, but when storms come, their presence is undeniable.

As this week leads into Sunday’s message, this is an important question to ask:

  • Am I rooted deeply enough to remain steady when confusion increases?
  • What helps keep me grounded in Christ when confusion increases?

Stability is not accidental, it is cultivated.

God does not call us to fear the times we live in. Instead we are called to grow deeper in Him surrounding ourselves in His word. When we become rooted in Christ, we are not easily shaken, distracted, or deceived. We may not understand everything happening around us, but we know who we belong to. And that makes all the difference.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to root myself deeply in You so I am not shaken by false teaching or cultural pressure. Lord be my guide and a light in the dark when I need it. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

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Philippians 2:5–11

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of…

Matthew 2:1–12

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is…

Romans 15:13

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Dear Heavenly Father, be my…


Renewing the Mind

new years fireworks

Discernment grows when our minds are renewed daily by God’s Word rather than shaped by culture.

Scripture: Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

With every culture we are constantly being taught even if it doesn’t call itself a teacher. We see headlines, entertainment, conversations, and social media. All of these ideas are shaping how we think about truth, identity, success, and morality. This is why the apostle Paul spoke so directly about our minds. Discernment does not begin with our behavior; it begins with how we think, and what we fill our minds with.

Paul warned believers not to be conformed to this world. Full compliance happens subtly, slowly and almost completely unnoticed. Rarely has culture demanded immediate rejection of God’s truth instead, it slowly reframes and ultimately changes it. As time goes by, what once seemed clearly biblical begins to feel outdated, uncomfortable, or extreme. If we do not intentionally renew our minds, even the most sincere believers can drift into cultural thinking without realizing it. For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts (2 Timothy 4:3)

Renewal, is active and continually recurs. It requires daily engagement with God’s Word. By studying Scripture we will reshape our assumptions, correcting our blind spots, and realigning our values. When we renew our minds, discernment become natural instinct. We will begin to recognize instinctively what honors God over what merely sounds appealing. For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

Renewal has nothing to do with rejecting every cultural idea, but about filtering everything through His truth. When you renew your mind you will begin to ask different questions:

  • Does this reflect God’s character?
  • Does this align with Scripture?
  • Does this lead me closer to Christ or subtly pull me away?

Renewing your mind takes patience. Transformation is a trained process, not an instant moment. Over this time, God’s truth will change not only what we believe, but how we respond. Our fears will be replaced with faith, confusion replaces clarity, and our anxieties are defeated by peace.

Thoughts to Ponder:

  • What has been shaping my thinking lately?
  • Is it Scripture, or is it constant exposure to unfiltered voices?
  • What patterns of thinking does God need to transform in you?

Discernment increases if we intentionally place God’s Word at the center of our daily lives. When we renew our minds, truth no longer feels foreign, it becomes familiar.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, renew my mind and help me think according to Your truth, not the world’s values. When I am living my life help me to understand and keep myself inline with Your values. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Psalm 23:1–3

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the…

Luke 2:10

The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and…

Luke 2:11

For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things that surround me that…


Truth Sets Us Free

Set Free

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Scripture: John 8:31–32

“Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples.  You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Truth is not something that is restrictive it is liberating; knowing Christ’s truth frees us from deception and fear. At times people will misunderstand Truth as restrictive, but Jesus describes and shows us that it as liberating. Truth will free us from deception, fear, and bondage, not because it changes circumstances, but because it reveals reality to see it how God sees it.

Aligned: Many times truth gets resisted because it confronts assumptions and can challenge comfort. Freedom is never found in by put our fingers in ears and screaming NA NA NA. Having true freedom comes from living aligned with God’s design.

Free: When we walk in truth, we are no longer controlled by every cultural wave or emotional reaction. Truth will stabilize our identity and clarifies purpose. Truth will remind us who God is and who we are in Him.

Peace: When we have become free through truth it also produces peace. When we trust God’s truth, we no longer need to defend ourselves or be afraid because we are wrong. We rest in Christ, confident that His Word leads to life.

Thoughts to Ponder:

  • Where has God’s truth brought freedom into your life?
  • Where might you still be resisting it?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, lead me deeper into Your truth and free me from anything that binds my thinking. Give clarity that comes from and not foggy smoke that comes from this world. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

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Testing What We Hear

riot

Scripture: 1 John 4:1

Devotional Thought:
Not everything we are told that sounds spiritual is from God; having discernment requires us to test every message that is against or seems like it is against Scripture.“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1)

Having discernment is not cynicism, but it is careful. The Bible does not tell us to accept everything we hear simply because it sounds spiritual or even if it is well-intentioned. Instead, God told us to test what we hear against scripture.

Being able to test something requires a standard and that standard we have is God’s Word. The Bible does not shift with culture no matter how loud it is, nor does it bend to personal preference. The Bible reveals God’s truth clearly and consistently, this makes it possible to evaluate teachings, opinions, and spiritual claims reliably.

In a culture that has been confused, there are many ideas that have borrowed Christian language while subtly redefining biblical truth. They have messages that seem similar and may emphasize love while the whole time will dismiss holiness, or compassion while completely ignoring repentance. Having discernment asks the question: Does this align with the full counsel of Scripture?

The Bereans were praised not for blindly accepting teaching, but for examining Scripture daily to confirm what they heard. True spiritual maturity includes the humility to question and the discipline to search God’s Word do you know what you are being told.

Testing requires the guidance from the Holy Spirit. Your discernment is both learned and cultivated. As believers grow in Scripture and prayer, their ability to recognize truth sharpens.

Ask yourself: Am I filtering what I hear through God’s Word or through emotion, culture, or convenience? Discernment protects your faith and preserves your peace.

Discussion Prompt:
How often do you evaluate what you hear through God’s Word?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, sharpen my discernment and protect me from believing what is false. Help to block out all of the noise that surrounds me and discern what is from you and not the world. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...


Noise Is Not the Same as Truth

Tuba players

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Scripture: Proverbs 14:12

Have you ever noticed that the loudest voices are not always the wisest ones; “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Truth is something that often times speaks quietly but carries lasting weight. Currently We live in one of the louder moments in human history, with social media, email, news, and so much more. Everybodies opinions, no matter right or wrong, are shared instantly, arguments spread rapidly, and emotions are amplified constantly.

With this kind of environment, it’s easy to mistake popularity, internet influencers, or the loudest voice for wisdom and overwhelming volume for truth. But Scripture warns us that what seems right is not always what is right. “For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts” (2 Timothy 4:3)

Noise naturally creates urgency. “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)The noise makes us feel like we need to react quickly, take sides, and form opinions before we have fully figured out what the truth is. God’s wisdom, however, shows us to slow down, listen carefully, and seek understanding. Coming to the truth does not demand instant agreement; truth will withstand thoughtful total examination.

The enemy is the master of confusion and great at hiding and holding up outright lies. Being able to emphasize distorted truth and wrap it in appealing language which is usually more dangerous than a clear falsehood, look around you’ll see it. This is why having discernment is so essential, not every persuasive message leads to life.

When we try to hear God’s voice it often seems quieter than the surrounding noise, but it is always consistent with His Word and character. Elijah discovered that God was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a still, small voice. (1 Kings 19:12) Discernment grows when we create space to hear God above the noise.

Ask yourself today:

  • What voices dominate my attention?
  • Are they leading you toward peace, humility, and obedience—or anxiety, anger, and division?

When we are choosing truth in a loud culture it requires intentional silence before God. When we quiet all of the competing voices, it allows us to become better listeners. Not only to Scripture, but also the Spirit who applies truth to our lives.

Discussion Prompt:
What voices in your life are the loudest right now?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me recognize Your voice amid the all of the noise. Help me to see You in all of the distractions all of the yelling and show those things are words that are not from you. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...


Truth Begins With God

scrabble words that say speak truth

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Scripture: John 17:17 “Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.”

In a culture overflowing with opinions, interpretations, and competing narratives, one of the most important questions a believer can ask is: Where does truth actually begin? Jesus answers this clearly; truth begins with God and is revealed through His Word.

Truth is not something that comes by a majority vote, some cultural trend, a social media post or personal feelings. Opinions can shift and perspective can change, God’s truth always remains constant. This is why Jesus, when praying for His disciples, did not ask that they were removed from the world, but that they be sanctified, set apart, and covered by truth. God’s Word should not be used to merely inform us; but rather as an instruction manual to form us.

There are many believers today that feel confused, not because truth is unavailable, but because they are surrounded by so many voices that proclaim authority. News feeds, social media, podcasts, and influencers constantly offer alternate interpretations of reality, you know there opinions. Remember volume does not equal validity and truth. If we allow every voice equal authority in our lives our discernment weakens and we allow ourselves to fall for anything.

When we focus on the Bible and Jesus it anchors us. It gives us clarity when our emotions cloud judgment and the stability when culture shifts. When we have not commitmented ourselves to God’s Word, even the most sincere believers can drift into confusion, even adopting ideas that sound reasonable but quietly contradict God’s truth.

Truth also has a refining effect. Jesus prayed that truth would sanctify meaning it would shape how we think, live, and respond. God’s truth corrects us, comforts us, and calls us to growth. This is not always easy, but it is always loving.

As you begin each week, reflect honestly:

  • What voices are shaping your understanding of truth the most?
  • Are you starting with God’s Word, or turning to it only after other influences have spoken?
  • Where do you most often look for truth before turning to Scripture?

Refinement begins when we choose Scripture as our foundation, not some backup plan. When our truth begins with God, all of the overwhelming confusion loses its grip. Truth is not created by culture or consensus; truth originates with God and is revealed through His Word.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, align my heart with Your truth and teach me to trust Your Word above every other voice. Be the light when everything seems to dark to move. Guide my steps through every rock path in front of me. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

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Who were the Bereans

ancient people reading papyrus scrolls

The Bereans were a group of Jews in the city of Berea (in Macedonia, modern-day northern Greece) who are mentioned in Acts 17:10–12 and they’re remembered for something very specific: their commitment to examining Scripture carefully.


Where They Appear in the Bible

Acts 17:10–11 (ESV):

“The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”


Why the Bereans Matter

The Bereans are praised for three key qualities that make them a biblical model for discernment especially relevant in an age of confusion and noise.

1. They Were Eager, Not Defensive

They received the word with eagerness. They didn’t reject Paul out of suspicion, nor did they accept his teaching blindly. They were open but careful.

👉 Discernment is not cynicism; it’s humble attentiveness.


2. They Examined the Scriptures Daily

The Bereans tested Paul’s teaching against Scripture. Even though Paul was an apostle, they still verified what he said.

👉 Truth is not validated by the messenger’s reputation but by making sure it was aligned with God’s Word.

This is why “being a Berean” has become shorthand in the church for checking teaching against Scripture.


3. They Practiced Ongoing Discernment

They examined the Scriptures daily, not occasionally. Discernment wasn’t a one-time act it was a lifestyle.

👉 Discernment grows through consistent engagement with Scripture, not momentary effort.


The Result

Acts 17:12:

“Many of them therefore believed…”

Their careful study did not lead to skepticism it led to faith.


Why the Bereans Are So Relevant Today

In a culture where:

  • Opinions are loud
  • Teaching is everywhere
  • Truth is often redefined

The Bereans show us a better way:

  • Listen carefully
  • Test everything by Scripture
  • Let truth lead you to faith and obedience

A Berean believer is someone who:

  • Loves truth
  • Knows Scripture
  • Tests teaching
  • Grows in faith

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...


Hope That Carries Us Forward

A man sitting next to a stream looking hopeful

Scripture: Romans 8:18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Paul boldly declares that our present suffering cannot compare to future glory. Christian perspective gives suffering a context and hope, being able to see an attainable horizon. No pain is wasted, and no trial is final. Eternal hope doesn’t deny hardship it gives it an expiration date. You are a character in God’s redemptive story restoration, and glory.

Hope is not wishful thinking it is confident expectation. When we live with eternity in view, hardship no longer defines us; hope does. God is moving history toward restoration, and His promises will not fail. He told us: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) And then reassured us that He will not let us down: 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. (Isaiah 40:31)

Thought to ponder:
How does future glory give you strength to endure what you’re facing right now?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I will fix my eyes on what is to come. Strengthen me with the promise of Your glory and carry me forward in faith. Be the light in the dark and the guide for every step I take. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...


Setting the Mind Above the Moment

a man in deep thought

Scripture: Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

What we surround ourselves with determines how we live. Living a Biblical perspective is a discipline. Living this way requires intentional focus on Christ when worries demand our attention. Our mind must be trained to return to truth even when anxiety pulls it toward fear. When our thoughts are focused on heaven, our hearts become steadier. Fixing our minds on eternal truth doesn’t remove us from the world, it steadies us within it. Perspective shapes peace.

Our thoughts quietly shape our lives. What we dwell on determines our peace, our patience, and our perspective. Paul urges believers to set their minds on things above not as an escape from reality, but as an anchor within it. Christian perspective is a discipline. It takes an intentional focus on Christ when worries demand our attention. Our mind must be trained to return to truth when anxiety pulls it toward fear. When our thoughts rise toward heaven, our hearts become steadier and less movable on earth.

Peace does not always come come from changing our circumstances, but from changing what we are focusing.

Thoughts to Ponder:
What thought or concern has been dominating your mind, and how can you intentionally refocus it on Christ today?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, teach and show me how to guard my mind and redirect my thoughts. Help me focus on truth, hope, and Your presence above all else. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...