Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
…and then went on in verse 16 – Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
So, we ask you… is the life you are living representative of how our Lord taught you the live? Are you expressing kindness, compassion and humility in your everyday life… and loving your neighbor as He loved us?
Sure, we understand the things that you may do: the books or magazines you read, the music you listen to and the television or movies you may watch seem okay to you but what are you saying, by your actions, to those around you?
A poetess by the name of Lois Blanchard Eades, from Dickson, Tennessee, wrote a poem that we think you all should read. How would you honestly answer the questions she poses.
If Jesus Came to Your House
If Jesus came to your house, to spend a day or two – If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do. Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room to such an honored Guest, And all the food you’d serve to Him would be the very best, And you would keep assuring Him you’re glad to have him there – That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare.
But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door With arms outstretched in welcome, to your heavenly Visitor? Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they’d been? Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn’t heard? And wish you hadn’t uttered that last, loud, hasty word?
hiding the bad things
Would you hide your worldly music & put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about? And I wonder – if the Savior spent a day or two with you, Would you go right on doing, the things you always do? Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?
crazy music
Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace? And would your find it hard each meal to say a table grace? Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read, And let Him know the things, on which your mind and spirit feed? Would you take Jesus with you, everywhere you’d planned to go? Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so?
family dinner
Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends? Or would you hope they’d stay away, until His visit ends? Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone? It might be interesting to know the things that you would do If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you.
saying goodbye
Thank you for the poem Lois, it really does make a good point. As Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is our responsibility to live our lives the way He taught us to live. Each and every day, we should be focused on what is good; what is right; what can bring glory to God.
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.
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** Poem By Lois Blanchard Eades and article by Sunrise Chapel Church / Photo by George Becker
I weighed about 300 pounds or more back then. I was a food addict, as Dr. Brown pointed out. If I had continued eating the way I was, I wouldn’t be alive today. My cholesterol was 240, blood pressure was 149 over 103, and I had sleep apnea, which required me to use a machine. At 59, I decided I couldn’t continue living that way.
Life Now
After making what seemed like “radical” changes, I can truthfully say I’m thriving. I’m full of life, and it’s amazing. After addressing my health, I’ve not only lost weight, but I also haven’t had a headache for 9 and a half years, and my lower back pain is gone. My blood pressure is now 100 over 65, my cholesterol is around 135, and I no longer need a breathing machine to sleep.
While I understand that this is not the case for everyone, for me, health is ultimately about stewardship. I believe I have a mission from God, and I want to be able to serve, give, and run until it’s time for me to go home. The same should be true for every believer.
What Scripture Says About Our Bodies
What does 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, which addresses sexual immorality, have to do with how we eat? While it speaks about purity, the verse concludes with the important words, “You were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body.” These words are just as true when it comes to our health.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul speaks of discipline in all things, comparing our Christian walk to an athlete’s strict training. Athletes deny themselves to be in optimal health for an earthly crown, but we should strive for spiritual discipline, aiming for a heavenly crown.
Eight Things We Need to Break:
1. Overeating is sin – Understand that overeating is the sin of gluttony and goes against God’s design for us.
2. Fat does not define you – Your value is in Christ, not in your body size.
3. You are an overcomer in Christ – Jesus is greater than any struggle you face, including food addiction.
4. Grace empowers you to live above sin – With God’s grace, you can overcome temptation and live healthfully.
5. Freedom through obedience is a choice – Obeying God leads to freedom, even in matters of health.
6. Spiritual warfare over food is real – Struggles with food may be part of a deeper spiritual battle.
7. With God, all things are possible – Through God’s strength, you can overcome any obstacle, including addiction.
8. Healthy eating is cooperation with the Lord – Choosing to eat healthily is an act of obedience and stewardship.
Ten Key Points for Health Transformation:
1. Don’t diet—get a lifestyle change – Sustainable health comes from permanent lifestyle changes, not temporary diets.
2. Don’t cut back, cut bad foods out entirely – Remove harmful foods instead of just reducing their intake.
3. Recognise food addiction is real and deadly – Understand that addiction to food can harm your body and soul.
4. Learn the difference between toxic hunger and true hunger – Know when your body is truly hungry versus when you are just craving comfort.
5. Don’t snack between meals – Develop discipline by eating only during meals.
6. Recognize unhealthy eating is sin to you – Acknowledge that unhealthy eating habits can be spiritually harmful.
7. Identify the main psychological reasons you eat – Address the emotional triggers behind overeating.
8. Understand food is the fuel of your life, not the reward for your life – View food as nourishment, not a reward for accomplishments.
9. Exercise is not a substitute for healthy eating – Healthy eating is foundational, and exercise supports it, but it cannot replace it.
10. Resolve to change today; tomorrow never comes – Make the decision to change now, because procrastination leads to more harm.
Conclusion
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the bodies God has entrusted to us. Our health is not just about us—it’s about fulfilling the purpose God has for us in this life. By practicing discipline in eating, we honor God by caring for our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The journey to health is not just physical but deeply spiritual, as we align our choices with God’s will, trusting that with Him, we can overcome any challenge, including food addiction. Ultimately, healthy living is an act of worship, demonstrating our gratitude for the life and strength He provides.
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*** Article by Vladimir Savchuk Ministries: Interview with Dr Michael Brown / Photo by Cottonbro at Pexels
Moses was called when he was 80. That’s when most people have retired! However, that truth reminds me that it’s never too late to be called by God. If you’re wondering about your specific calling, remember — all believers are called to love Jesus, be planted in a local church, win souls, make disciples, read the Bible, and stay away from sin. However, our specific calling typically becomes clear when we keep serving and let God reveal what’s next.
I didn’t find my calling right away. I was “volun-told” by my pastor to help in different areas. But I believe that just like Moses served Jethro, and David delivered cheese to his brothers, God’s calling finds people who are submitted to Him. Here are a few more keys that can help you as you wait for God’s guidance in this area.
1. A Calling Is Discovered, But Our Consecration Is Decided
First off, it’s important to note that there’s a big difference between a career and a calling. Here’s what I mean:
Careers are something you choose; callings are discovered. Careers are natural; callings are supernatural. Careers can change; callings don’t change. Careers are for money; callings are for obedience to God.
Many people treat full-time ministry like a career, and when things get tough, they walk away. But when you’re truly called, quitting isn’t just hard—it’s disobedience. You don’t choose to be a pastor. He calls you. In the Bible we see that Joseph and Esther weren’t in full-time ministry, but they were fully used by God.
However, it’s also important for you to understand that your calling requires character. In Scripture, we see that Moses had an anger problem. He killed a man, broke God’s tablets, and struck the rock. He blamed others.
Until you take responsibility for what comes out of you, God can’t change what’s inside you.
Remember, often it’s those who are the closest to you who expose your character flaws. Think about your spouse, kids, and coworkers. They are your mirror. They didn’t put that in you—they exposed what was already there. Before you can be used by God in your calling, you must allow Him to point out and address these areas. If you don’t let God deal with those flaws, your character will limit your calling.
Character doesn’t determine how fast you rise, but it will determine how long you last.
2. Embrace Suffering If You Want to Be Effective in God’s Service
Next, discovering your calling also means embracing the cost. In Hebrews 11:25, Moses chose “to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin,” teaching us that these often go hand in hand once we are living in our calling.
Suffering in leadership often comes from four places: pressure from your position, pain from people, pushback from the enemy, and personal weakness. It’s not just one thing—it’s the combination that weighs you down.
Early on in my walk, I used to bind the spirit of stress—until the Holy Spirit told me it wasn’t a demon, it was part of my calling. Remember, God doesn’t always remove stress, but He is faithful to increase our strength. Therefore, I encourage you that instead of praying, “God, take this away,” start praying, “God, give me grace to carry it.”
Pressure doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It might mean God is trusting you with more.
3. Go Far to Find Fire
Another key to discovering your calling is going beyond the familiar. Exodus 3:1 says Moses led the flock far into the wilderness, and that’s where he saw the burning bush. For years, Moses did the same thing, but on this day, he went further. That’s where the fire showed up.
Sometimes, fresh fire only comes when you step out in radical obedience. Going far might mean saying yes to a fast, giving away your savings, or facing fears. When God asked me to fast for 40 days, I was terrified—but when I obeyed, God met me with fresh fire. Afterward, our ministry doubled, and it was not because I earned it, but because obedience unlocks breakthroughs.
In other words, if you want more of God, don’t wait for comfort. Go further than before. Obey even when it feels ridiculous—because behind radical obedience are radical miracles.
Yesterday’s revival can’t carry today’s purpose.
4. A True Calling Aligns With God’s Word
As you seek your calling, it’s essential to remember that God will never call you to do something that contradicts His Word. If a “calling” goes against Scripture, it is not from God—no matter how right it may feel or how many people support it. God is not divided against Himself, and His voice will always align with His Word.
Be aware that the enemy also tries to counterfeit callings, leading people into positions or actions that look spiritual but actually oppose God’s design. That’s why staying rooted in Scripture, walking in accountability, and testing every prompting is vital. What looks like an open door may be a trap if it leads you outside God’s truth.
5. God’s Call on Your Life Is an Answer to the Cry of Your Generation
Lastly, and probably the most important thing for you to remember is that the call of God on your life is not about you—it’s about the people God wants to reach through you. Exodus 3:9–10 says, “The cry of the children of Israel has come to Me… I will send you to Pharaoh.”
God’s call for you is His answer to the cry of others.
Years ago I ignored a prompting to share the gospel with a neighbor of mine. Later, I found out he had taken his life. During that time, I remember that I sensed the Lord tell me, “You were My answer to his cry—but you didn’t pick up.” That marked me forever.
When I was 16 and God called me, it wasn’t because I was special. It was because an atheist who overdosed four times was crying out.
God hears those cries. When He calls you, He’s responding to someone’s pain. It’s not about your talent, prayers, or background. It’s about the brokenness God wants to heal through you. When God called Moses, He didn’t say, “I’ve seen your potential.” He said, “I’ve heard their cry.”
Don’t miss your calling—because someone is waiting on your yes.
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** By Vlad Savchuk at Vladimir Savchuk Ministries / Photo by Phan Cuong at Pexels
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Jesus teaches an important principle in Luke 16:10: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” This truth reminds us that faithfulness in small matters leads to greater responsibility in God’s kingdom. Every good thing we possess—our time, talents, resources, and opportunities—comes from God’s grace and is meant to be used for His purposes.
The Parable of the Talents: A Call to Intentional Living
In Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus tells the story of a rich landowner who entrusts his servants with a measure of talents before embarking on a long journey. To one servant, he gives five talents; to another, two; and to the last, one. Each is given according to their ability, with the understanding that they are to invest and steward these resources wisely. Upon his return, the master rewards the two servants who doubled their talents but sternly rebukes the servant who buried his out of fear.
This story reminds us that living with intentionality is central to our calling as followers of Christ. We are all endowed with gifts from God—not just financial resources but talents, time, relationships, and other forms of capital. The question is: how are we investing what has been entrusted to us?
Stewardship: Using God’s Gifts Wisely
The Bible repeatedly emphasises that we are stewards, not owners, of the gifts God has entrusted to us. Whether our abilities are great or small, God calls us to use them to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10 urges us to be faithful stewards of God’s grace, recognising that He has uniquely gifted each of us for a purpose.
To neglect or misuse these gifts is to fail in our calling, as the parable of the talents warns us against burying our abilities out of fear or complacency. Instead, God expects us to invest them wisely for His glory and the benefit of others.
Moving with Purpose
Much like the analogy of steering a car, it’s impossible to make progress while standing still. Action is necessary to see God’s guidance in our lives. The servant who buried his talent was immobilised by fear—fear of failure, judgment, or inadequacy. But God calls us to step forward in faith, trusting that He will lead us as we move. Passivity is the enemy of growth and purpose.
When we hesitate, burying our gifts and opportunities, we risk losing the reward of seeing God’s power at work through our efforts. The Lord desires to bless our intentionality—not just with worldly success, but with eternal fruit that glorifies Him.
Faithful in the Little Things
Many desire great opportunities but overlook the significance of small, daily acts of obedience. However, Scripture shows that God often tests us in the little things before entrusting us with greater things.
• Joseph’s Faithfulness: Long before he became second-in-command over Egypt, Joseph remained faithful in obscurity — first in Potiphar’s house, then in prison. He lived with integrity and wisdom, even when no one else seemed to notice (Genesis 39–41).
• David’s Humility: David wasn’t called from the palace — he was found tending sheep. It was his faithful care of a small flock, done wholeheartedly, that prepared him for the weight of kingship (1 Samuel 16:11–13).
• Jesus’ Obedience: The Son of God Himself spent 30 years in quiet faithfulness — submitting to human authority, working as a carpenter, living in relative obscurity. Yet His Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17), before any miracles or public ministry. Later, He demonstrated servant leadership again by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:12–17), showing that greatness in the kingdom of God begins with humility and service.
Entrusted with Greater Things
When we are faithful in the little things—showing kindness, using our gifts, managing our resources well—God sees and rewards our diligence. This does not always mean material blessings, but He will entrust us with greater spiritual responsibilities, deeper intimacy with Him, and more opportunities to impact others.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” As we steward God’s grace, He will use us for His glory, expanding our influence in ways we may not expect.
The Six Capitals of Life
God has gifted each of us with six forms of capital, which we are called to steward:
1. Financial Capital – Resources and wealth to be used wisely for the Kingdom.
2. Physical Capital – Our health and bodies, which we should maintain and strengthen.
3. Intellectual Capital – Our minds, which we should nurture to grow in wisdom and understanding.
4. Relational Capital – Relationships with others that reflect Christ’s love and foster unity.
5. Spiritual Capital – Our connection with God, the source of true life and purpose.
6. Time Capital – The equal gift of 24 hours a day given to all, to be used for His glory.
While some may have more financial or physical resources than others, everyone is equally entrusted with the gift of time. How we invest these capitals matters greatly.
Living as Faithful Stewards
To be faithful in the little things, we must:
1. Recognise Everything as God’s Gift – Our talents, finances, time, and opportunities are entrusted to us, not owned by us.
2. Serve Others with What We Have – Instead of waiting for bigger opportunities, we should use what is in our hands today to bless those around us.
3. Remain Humble and Obedient – Faithfulness in obscurity often precedes greater responsibilities in God’s kingdom.
4. Trust God’s Timing – He sees our faithfulness and will open doors when we are ready.
A Prayer for Faithful Stewardship
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gifts, resources, and opportunities You have entrusted to me. Help me to be a faithful steward of Your grace, using what I have to serve others and glorify You. Teach me to recognise the value of small acts of obedience and to trust that You see and reward faithfulness. Guard my heart from pride, fear, or complacency, and give me the wisdom to use everything You have given me for Your kingdom. Strengthen me to serve diligently, whether seen or unseen, knowing that all I do is for Your glory. May I be found faithful in the little things so that You can entrust me with greater things, according to Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclusion
Every gift we have is by God’s grace and meant to be used for His purpose. Being faithful in small things demonstrates our readiness for greater things. As we serve diligently, God will entrust us with more, shaping us into faithful stewards who reflect His grace to the world. Let us, therefore, embrace our calling with faithfulness, knowing that in God’s economy, no act of obedience is too small to matter.
Read the full story of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30, and allow Jesus’ words to stir your heart toward action.
Go after your life with intentionality. Let every resource, every relationship, every moment be an offering to God. For in the end, it is not about how much we’ve been given, but how faithfully we’ve invested in what truly matters.
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** Article based on Talk by Karl Martin at Streams Studio / Photo by RDNE at Pexels
This article explores who the Holy Spirit is, how He is received, and His vital role in the life of every believer.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity—fully God, co-equal with the Father and the Son, and deeply personal. He is not a force or influence but a divine Person who speaks, teaches, comforts, and guides.
As God, the Holy Spirit possesses all divine attributes: He is eternal (Hebrews 9:14), omniscient (1 Corinthians 2:10–11), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7–10), and holy (Romans 1:4). From the very beginning, He was active in creation (Genesis 1:2), inspired the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:21), and continues His work today by indwelling and empowering believers. He is also called the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of Truth, the Comforter, and the Counselor. His role is to apply the finished work of Jesus Christ to the lives of believers, transforming, equipping, and sustaining them in their walk with God.
Receiving the Holy Spirit
A person receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of genuine salvation—when they repent of their sins, put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and are born again. This is not based on emotion or religious effort, but on God’s promise. When someone turns to Christ in sincere faith—trusting in His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and surrendering to His Lordship—the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them permanently, marking the beginning of a new spiritual life and relationship with God.
Acts 2:38 says, “Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” and Ephesians 1:13 reminds us, “When you believed in Him, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” Romans 8:9 underscores this truth: “…Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him.” Receiving the Spirit is not a second event after salvation—it is the automatic and essential result of true faith in Christ.
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to help, comfort, and empower believers (John 14:16–17), and this promise was fulfilled when the Spirit came upon the early disciples, giving them boldness and power to be witnesses for Christ (Acts 1:8). Every believer can experience this fullness today. Luke 11:13 assures us that God gives the Spirit to those who ask. A simple, heartfelt prayer can open the way:
“Father God, I thank You for saving me! Jesus, I ask for the power of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, fill me completely and empower me to live for You. Amen!”
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in believers (Romans 8:11).
The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer
The Holy Spirit works in every area of Christian life, and His work is deeply personal and comprehensive.
Conviction and Conversion
The Spirit convicts us of sin, awakens our conscience to the need for a Savior (John 16:8), and gives spiritual life to those who were spiritually dead (Titus 3:5). This new birth is the starting point of a life in Christ.
Indwelling, Sealing, and Security
Every believer is indwelt by the Spirit from salvation (Romans 8:9), and our bodies become His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). He seals us as God’s own, guaranteeing our inheritance and eternal security (Ephesians 1:13–14).
Empowerment and Transformation
The Spirit empowers believers to live victoriously. He gives boldness for witness and service (Acts 1:8), enables righteous living (Galatians 5:16, 22–23), and progressively transforms us into Christ’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18). He also enables victory over sin (Romans 8:13).
Teaching, Guidance, and Wisdom
The Spirit teaches and reminds us of Christ’s words (John 14:26), reveals the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10–14), and guides our decisions according to God’s will (Romans 8:14; Acts 16:6–7). He strengthens our prayer life, interceding for us when we cannot find the words (Romans 8:26).
Fellowship, Comfort, and Intercession
He provides comfort and strength in times of trouble or suffering (Acts 9:31), assures us we are God’s children (Romans 8:16), and remains our lifelong Helper, Advocate, and Comforter (John 14:16–17).
Gifting, Ministry, Mission, and Unity
The Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts for the building up of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Ephesians 4:11–13), unites the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), directs mission work (Acts 13:2–4), and sustains unity and peace among believers (Ephesians 4:3–4).
Conclusion
The Holy Spirit is God Himself, living in every believer. He convicts, indwells, empowers, transforms, comforts, teaches, guides, and secures. Through Him, believers live in daily fellowship with God, bearing spiritual fruit and serving with power and purpose. To walk in the Spirit is to listen to His voice, depend on His strength, and follow His lead. He is present, personal, and powerful from the moment of salvation to eternity.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
The question is not whether the Holy Spirit has been given—but whether we are walking in His fullness today.
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