Category: Christianity 101

10 Ways God Provides Protection in Ways We May Not Recognise

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God’s Unseen Protection

As Christians, we journey through life not just as God’s creation but as His redeemed children. Yet, even as His own, we may feel vulnerable to both visible and invisible challenges. However, whether we realise it or not, our Heavenly Father’s hand is always at work—shielding, guiding, and providing for us in countless ways. His protection may not always be obvious, but it is intricately woven into the fabric of our daily lives.

As those who have been born again into His family, we walk under a divine covering that the world does not have. Here are some powerful ways in which the Lord protects us, even when we fail to recognise it:

1. Divine Delays

There are times when life doesn’t go according to our plans. We miss a train, encounter unexpected delays, or find ourselves rerouted in ways that feel frustrating. These disruptions can actually be God’s way of protecting us. By allowing a delay, He might be keeping us from danger or setting us up to encounter someone or something He intends for us to experience. While we may see delays as setbacks, they can be God’s unseen hand of protection.

2. Unseen Angels and Spiritual Protection

The Bible reminds us that angels are often at work on our behalf, defending us in ways that we cannot see. Hebrews 1:14 refers to angels as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” Whether it’s protection from physical harm or spiritual safeguarding, God sends His angels to guard and guide us. Though we may not see them, these divine beings are continually surrounding us, keeping us safe from dangers we may never be aware of.

3. Inner Promptings or “Gut Feelings”

Have you ever had an unexplained feeling that you should take a different route, speak to a particular person, or avoid a certain place? These inner promptings, often felt as “gut feelings,” can be the Holy Spirit’s gentle way of guiding us. Through these subtle nudges, God may be steering us toward opportunities or away from harm. Recognizing and following these promptings can lead us along paths of safety and blessing.

4. Emotional Resilience in Hard Times

In seasons of suffering or difficulty, we may feel an inner strength or peace that surpasses understanding. This resilience is often a gift from God, shielding our hearts and minds when life becomes overwhelming. When we encounter hard times, God’s protective love can fortify us, giving us the endurance and hope to persevere. This strength may not erase our struggles, but it equips us to bear them.

5. Unexpected Provision

God’s protection is also evident in how He provides for our needs, often just in time and in ways we don’t anticipate. Whether it’s a timely financial gift, a helping hand from a friend, or an unexpected opportunity, these blessings are not random. They are expressions of God’s faithfulness, shielding us from scarcity and reminding us that He is our provider.

6. Protection Through Loving Relationships

The Lord often places people in our lives who act as shields and support systems. Family, friends, mentors, and even acquaintances can serve as instruments of God’s protection. These people encourage us, guide us, or offer help during times of need. Their presence may prevent us from making unwise decisions, offering wisdom and love that protects us from harm.

7. Spiritual Growth Through Trials

While difficult times may seem anything but protective, God often allows trials to refine us. These challenges deepen our faith, strengthen our character, and increase our dependence on Him. Though it may not feel like protection at the time, enduring these trials equips us to handle future challenges with a stronger, more resilient spirit, ultimately protecting us in ways we can only see in hindsight.

8. Redirection and Closed Doors

Sometimes, when our hopes or plans don’t work out, it’s easy to feel frustrated or discouraged. But when certain doors close, it may be God’s way of redirecting us to paths that align more closely with His purpose. What we see as disappointment, God sees as divine redirection—a way of protecting us from choices that don’t serve His greater plan for our lives.

9. Scripture and Wisdom as a Guide

The Bible is a powerful tool for our protection. Through His Word, God provides guidance, discernment, and the wisdom to make choices that lead to peace, wholeness, and well-being. When we root ourselves in Scripture, we are less vulnerable to temptation, poor choices, and harm. God’s Word acts as a lamp to our feet, lighting our path and offering a shield of wisdom.

10. Forgiveness and Mercy

One of the greatest ways God protects us is through forgiveness and grace. Rather than allowing us to be consumed by the consequences of our mistakes, He provides mercy that renews us and offers us a fresh start, when we confess our sins to Him and turn from them. Through His forgiveness, God shields us from guilt and harm, encouraging our spiritual growth rather than allowing us to remain trapped in regret.

Conclusion: Trusting God’s Invisible Hand

God’s protection surrounds us daily, even when it goes unrecognized. By reflecting on these subtle yet profound ways He shields and guides us, we are reminded of His faithful love. Trusting in His invisible hand, we can walk forward with confidence, knowing that He is always at work—seen and unseen—guarding and protecting us.

Prayer of Gratitude

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your constant love and protection over my life. Even when I cannot see or understand the ways You shield me, I know that Your hand is always guiding and guarding me. Thank You for the unseen angels You send, for the gentle promptings of Your Spirit, and for every delay and closed door that steers me away from harm.

Lord, I am grateful for the strength and peace You give me during difficult times, and for the people You place in my life who offer support and encouragement. Thank You for Your provision, meeting my needs in ways I could never expect. I’m humbled by Your forgiveness and mercy, which shield me from guilt and give me hope each day.

Help me to trust in Your invisible hand, knowing that You are always working for my good. May I walk with faith, finding comfort in Your love and guidance.

In Jesus’ name, I pray,

Amen.

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*** Photo By Rahul Pandit

6 Ways Jesus Faced Opposition

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“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” ~ Ephesians 6:12

I opened God’s Word with a heavy heart, feeling the burden of opposition. A friend had recently attacked my character due to a difference of ethical beliefs. Stunned and hurt by this, I quickly recognized my unpreparedness in facing this attack. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit prompted me to seek the Lord and the truth of his Word. I opened my Bible and was led to Hebrews 12:3, which answered my prayer for relief: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Six Ways Jesus Faced Opposition

Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, experienced opposition far worse than my situation. But in his eyes, it’s not relevant, for all who call on his name receive the same power and ability to face opposition. In studying and understanding the character of Jesus revealed in Scripture, I felt thoroughly equipped to face this challenging situation by mirroring Christ’s response.

When we are antagonized or provoked, our first step should always be to ask the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts, minds, and words. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs us to “give an answer to those who ask,” and Colossians 4:6 instructs us to speak graciously “so that [we] may know how you ought to answer each person.”

1. Jesus exposed motives.

In Mark 3, we find Jesus approaching a disfigured man in the synagogue. Verse 2 explains, “[The Pharisees] watched Jesus to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him.” Mark tells of Jesus challenging them by responding, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” (v. 4). Manmade rituals enforced by the Pharisees had made God’s Law joyless, and Jesus exposed their prideful and judgmental hearts.

2. Jesus sought peace.

When Jesus is arrested, in fear and protection, Peter cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Instead of affirming this act of violence, Jesus commands peace:

Put your sword back in its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” (Matthew 26:52-54).

Not only does Jesus condemn this behavior, but displays his loving nature by healing the man’s ear (Luke 22:51).

3. Jesus applied Scripture.

In Matthew 9, Jesus is found “reclined at a table in the house” with tax collectors and sinners (v. 10), which stirred up controversy amongst the Pharisees. They ask his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” (v. 11). How does Jesus respond? “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (vv. 12-13, NIV). Jesus used Hosea 6:6, the very scripture the Pharisees preached, to challenge their hardened hearts. Later in Matthew 12, Jesus uses the same scripture from Hosea to challenge the Pharisees: “If you had known what this means…you would not have condemned the guiltless” (v. 7).

4. Jesus prayed.

As Jesus awaited his impending suffering and death, he stepped aside in isolation to pray. Opposition caused Jesus to feel sorrowful and troubled, overwhelming his soul to the point of death (Matthew 26:36-38). Jesus, fully God yet fully man, still needed his Father. Three times in Gethsemane, Matthew says he “fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will’” (vv. 39, 42, 44).

Similarly, in the Gospel of John chapter 17, Jesus prays for himself, for his disciples, and for all believers. As his impending death and resurrection approached, he prayed for salvation and for the Father’s glory as he awaited this fulfillment (vv. 1-5). He lifted up his disciples in prayer for physical and spiritual protection, unity, the full measure of his joy, obedience, and sanctification (vv. 6-19). Jesus prayed for all believers, that they may hear his message, believe, unite, evangelize, and be saved (vv. 20-25).

5. Jesus remained silent.

When Jesus is arrested and faced with the Sanhedrin looking for false evidence against him, they question him. “’Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?’ But Jesus remained silent” (Matthew 26:62-63, NIV). Jesus was aware of their bias, hostility, partiality, and their past history of twisting his words. His silence demonstrated how undeserving they were of a response. Though Jesus later responds in truth to their questions, he is still accused of blasphemy, declared worthy of death, spit in the face, struck with their fists, mocked, and provoked (vv. 64-68). Yet amidst the turmoil, he chooses silence.

6. Jesus loved.

As Jesus languished on the cross, he didn’t counter his accusers with insults, cursing, and retaliation—nor did he use his power to inflict pain. His submissive silence was a divine response from the nature of an almighty, all-powerful, sovereign God in the flesh—an example for all his people to follow. He withstood excruciating agony as long as he could so the door would be open to salvation, including for his enemies. Jesus forgave the thief on the cross hanging next to him who had earlier hurled insults at him, yet repented in his last moments (Luke 23:39-43). He prayed for the forgiveness of the very people who were crucifying him: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, NIV). Even those responsible for the crucifixion had forgiveness available to them in love from the Lord.

Can you imagine the results had Jesus responded differently under opposition? Lives wouldn’t have changed, hearts wouldn’t have been transformed, and his beloved wouldn’t have been welcomed into his kingdom.

Equipped for Opposition

In following the tactics used by Jesus in the face of his opponents, this encounter with my friend ended in a manner I was not expecting. Though not immediately, our relationship was healed and elevated to a new level of intimacy and love—a true miracle of the Lord’s mercy and grace. Be encouraged, dear friends; though opposition in this world is inevitable, we can stand equipped under our Savior’s example and by his life, rising victoriously over it.

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*** By Meredith Hodge at Open the Bible.org / Photo by Apollonia at Pexels

6 Key Virtues For A Purposeful Life

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As Christians, we believe that God has equipped each of us with unique gifts, talents, and strengths to fulfill His divine purpose. These strengths aren’t merely traits for self-discovery or personal gain; they are spiritual gifts intended to glorify God and serve others. By identifying and cultivating our God-given strengths, we can live out our faith in a way that brings meaning, purpose, and impact to the world around us.

Who Are You in Christ?

Understanding who we are in Christ is essential to living a life of purpose. Our identity is not defined by the world’s standards, but by being children of God, created in His image (Genesis 1:27), redeemed by Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Scripture teaches that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and that God has given each of us unique strengths to fulfill His plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11). While self-awareness is often discussed in psychological terms, as Christians, we understand that our true identity and gifts come from God. By identifying the qualities God has placed in us, we can better serve Him and reflect His character in our daily lives. When we recognize and embrace these gifts, we position ourselves to make a difference for His Kingdom.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see ourselves through Your eyes and to understand our true identity as Your beloved children. Guide us to recognize the strengths You have given us, so we may serve You and others faithfully. Amen.

What Are God-Given Strengths?

God-given strengths, or spiritual gifts, are the abilities and traits that God has planted within us to accomplish His will. These strengths are not just natural talents; they are spiritual tools empowered by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). They allow us to serve others, glorify God, and advance His Kingdom. When we align our lives with God’s purpose, these strengths become more than personal assets—they become expressions of God’s love and grace to the world. Character strengths, such as creativity, perseverance, or kindness, are more than just personal qualities; for Christians, these strengths reflect God’s own character. They are given to build up the body of Christ and serve others (1 Peter 4:10). These strengths are developed not only through personal effort but through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the unique strengths You have bestowed upon us. May we recognize these gifts as tools for Your service and strive to use them for Your glory. Empower us through Your Spirit to fulfill Your purposes. Amen.

The Virtues

There are six key virtues in which our God-given strengths are reflected. These virtues, complemented by the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), point us toward Christ-like living. When we use these strengths in service to God and others, they become tools for living a meaningful and purposeful life.

Wisdom

Wisdom is the ability to discern God’s will and apply knowledge in a way that honors Him. Scripture encourages us to seek wisdom from God, who gives it generously (James 1:5). The strengths of creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning reflect God’s wisdom. Just as God is the ultimate Creator, we can use our creativity to reflect His image. This strength allows us to innovate and bring beauty into the world, whether through art, problem-solving, or ministry. When we are curious about God’s creation, we are led into deeper awe and wonder. Our exploration of His world draws us closer to Him. Learning and growing in knowledge—especially in understanding God’s Word—helps us mature in our faith and equips us to serve others more effectively.

Prayer: Lord, grant us the wisdom to discern Your will and to apply our knowledge in ways that honor You. Help us to cultivate creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning as we seek to reflect Your character in our lives. Amen.

Courage

Courage is the ability to act in faith despite fear or challenges. God calls us to be strong and courageous because He is always with us (Joshua 1:9). Strengths such as bravery, perseverance, and honesty are rooted in courage. True bravery means standing firm in your faith and trusting God’s strength, not your own. Whether sharing the Gospel or standing for justice, bravery is acting in the confidence of God’s power. Scripture tells us to “run with perseverance” the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1-2). Perseverance comes from trusting God to finish the good work He has started in us (Philippians 1:6). Honesty, rooted in courage, is about speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). It allows us to live with integrity, reflecting God’s truth in our words and actions.

Prayer: God, instill in us the courage to face our fears and challenges with faith. Help us to stand firm in our convictions, persevere through trials, and speak the truth in love, reflecting Your character to the world. Amen.

Humanity

Humanity, expressed through love and care for others, is central to the Christian faith. We are called to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). The strengths of kindness, love, and social intelligence reflect the way we express Christ’s love. God’s kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). As His followers, we are called to show kindness to others, reflecting God’s love in our actions. Love is the greatest of all Christian virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13). Whether love for God or others, this strength is foundational to living a life that honors Christ. Understanding the emotions and needs of others allows us to serve them more effectively. Social intelligence enables us to build bridges and show empathy in a Christ-like way.

Prayer: Lord, help us to embody Your love and kindness in our interactions with others. Grant us the strength to love unconditionally and the wisdom to understand and meet the needs of those around us. Amen.

Justice

Justice reflects God’s righteousness and fairness. We are called to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” with God (Micah 6:8). Strengths such as fairness, leadership, and teamwork are rooted in the pursuit of justice. God is just, and we are called to reflect His justice in our relationships and communities, treating others with equity and compassion. God calls some to lead, and Christian leadership is about servant leadership—following Christ’s example of humility and love. The body of Christ is designed to work together, each part serving a unique role (1 Corinthians 12). Teamwork allows us to accomplish more for God’s Kingdom in unity.

Prayer: Father, guide us to act justly and to embrace our roles as leaders and team players in Your Kingdom. Help us to treat others with fairness and compassion, reflecting Your righteousness in all we do. Amen.

Temperance

Temperance, or self-control, helps us align our lives with God’s will. Strengths such as forgiveness, humility, and self-regulation are vital for living lives that reflect Christ’s peace and integrity. We are called to forgive as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness brings freedom and healing to our relationships. True humility comes from recognizing that all we have comes from God. Humility allows us to serve others selflessly and submit to God’s authority. Exercising self-control helps us make wise decisions and avoid sin. Self-regulation is a fruit of the Spirit that enables us to walk in righteousness.

Prayer: Lord, grant us the self-control to make wise decisions and to forgive as You have forgiven us. Help us to live with humility and to recognize Your sovereignty in our lives. Amen.

Transcendence

Transcendence is our connection to God and His eternal purpose. Strengths such as spirituality, hope, and gratitude help us live with a sense of awe and focus on God’s Kingdom. Our relationship with God is the foundation of our strength. Spiritual practices like prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word deepen our connection to Him. Our hope is rooted in Christ and His promises. Even in difficult times, we can trust that God is in control and that His plans for us are good (Romans 8:28). Giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) helps us remain focused on God’s blessings, even in trials.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to cultivate a deep connection with You. Instill in us hope, gratitude, and a spirit of worship, that we may always focus on Your goodness and faithfulness, even amid challenges. Amen.

Applying Your God-Given Strengths in Difficult Times

In times of difficulty, such as public health crises or personal challenges, we are called to lean on our God-given strengths to serve others and bring glory to God. Strengths like bravery, kindness, and hope become essential tools for supporting those around us and living out our faith in action.

Prayer: Lord, when we face trials, remind us to lean on You and the strengths You have given us. Empower us to be sources of support, encouragement, and hope to those in need, reflecting Your love in our actions. Amen.

Conclusion

Living a life of meaning begins with recognizing that our strengths are gifts from God. When we identify and cultivate these strengths, we can glorify God, serve others, and live out our purpose in Christ. As we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us, our strengths become more than just personal assets—they become powerful tools for transforming lives and advancing God’s Kingdom.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the gifts and strengths You have provided. May we use them wisely to serve others and glorify You. Amen.

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**Photo by Pixabay at Pexels

Trusting God’s Plan for You

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In life, some may walk, and others may run, but remember—the same Creator gave both the tortoise and the horse time to reach Noah’s ark. It’s not about the speed or pace of your journey but rather the perseverance to stay the course, trusting in God’s timing. Life can be rough and full of challenges, but if you rely on His guidance, you will reach your destination.

When Jesus encountered Peter, he was an ordinary fisherman—not a religious scholar, a leader, or a figure of faith. Peter was impulsive, hot-tempered, and unrefined, known for using rough language and even denying Jesus at a crucial moment. Yet, Jesus still called Peter, saying, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Jesus didn’t focus on Peter’s weaknesses; He saw beyond them to Peter’s potential to become a history-maker. God doesn’t see us through the lens of our flaws or failures but with eyes of love and purpose, calling each of us to leave behind our past and step into His divine plan.

Consider Joseph’s journey in the Bible. His father, Jacob, saw him as a beloved son, but his brothers only saw a dreamer and plotted against him. To travelers, Joseph was merely a slave; to Potiphar, a loyal servant; and to Potiphar’s wife, a man she could try to seduce and manipulate. Even in prison, Joseph was labeled a prisoner. But through God’s eyes, Joseph was something far more: he was a leader, a future Prime Minister of Egypt in the making. His story reminds us that, while others’ judgments can feel limiting, God’s vision surpasses them all. He sees the purpose, promise, and potential within each of us. Don’t let others’ labels define you—God sees a masterpiece being shaped within you.

Throughout the Bible, God calls people from humble, flawed, or broken circumstances and transforms them for His purpose. David was a shepherd boy, unseen and overlooked, yet chosen by God to be king. Esther, an orphan, was elevated to queen and used her influence to save her people. Even those you might overlook today, like a gardener or a maid, may be destined for greatness, seen by God with unique purpose. God’s grace isn’t limited by background, social standing, or appearances; He sees beyond our pasts to the hearts and potential within us.

God’s transformative power touches lives from all backgrounds and walks of life. Abraham was elderly, yet he became the father of nations. David was young, yet anointed as king. Esther was a woman in a male-dominated society, yet she rose to royalty. Paul was once a violent persecutor of Christians, yet he became a pillar of the church. Moses stuttered and doubted himself, yet God chose him to lead His people to freedom. Zacchaeus was short and despised as a tax collector, yet Jesus chose to visit his home. Mary Magdalene was once a prostitute, known for a sinful life, yet she became a devoted follower of Jesus and a symbol of redemption. These lives show that God’s power can redeem anyone, turning brokenness into testimony and struggles into stories of faith.

Our God is a God of transformation. He has never made a promise He couldn’t keep. He has never encountered a person He couldn’t help, a prayer He wouldn’t answer, or a sinner He wouldn’t forgive. This is the God we serve—unchanging, ever-present, and all-powerful. No matter what stage of life you find yourself in, rest in the knowledge that God sees the best in you. His love is without limits, His grace is sufficient, and His plans for you are always for good. As you walk through life, remember: it doesn’t matter how people see you; it only matters how God sees you.

Prayer

“Father, thank You that You look beyond my flaws and see a masterpiece in the making. I trust that You’re working in my life, transforming weaknesses into strengths, brokenness into purpose, and my journey into testimony. Help me to see myself as You see me, full of potential and purpose. I am grateful that Your grace is sufficient for every step of my journey. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Take heart, and trust in His plan. Share His love with others, lift each other up, and be reminded every day that God’s grace covers all. Embrace the journey, lean into His grace, and know you are loved, chosen, and called. Be encouraged—God’s grace covers all.

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** Photo by Pixabay at Pexels

The Story of The Birdcage

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“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.” ~ Ephesians 6:12

In the 1800s, an old Baptist pastor was preparing his Sunday sermon on a Saturday afternoon. After several hours of study, he grew tired and went for a walk to stretch his legs. While wandering through town, he saw a young boy carrying a birdcage in one hand and a stick in the other. Inside the cage were a dozen little field birds. The boy was jabbing the birds through the bars with the stick. The birds shrieked, feathers flew, and the boy laughed.

The pastor approached the boy and asked, “Son, why are you tormenting those birds?”

The boy replied, “Sir, I love to hear them shriek. I love to see their feathers fly. It is so much fun.”

“What will you do when you are finished having your fun?” the pastor asked.

The boy smiled broadly. “Oh sir, that’s the best part. I will bring them home, take them out of the cage one by one, pluck their feathers, and feed them to my cat.”

The pastor’s heart was broken. “Son, let me have those birds,” he said.

“No, these are my birds. I caught them myself. You can get your own birds. You can catch some in the field.”

“But I want those birds.”

“Why? They don’t even sing. They aren’t canaries, you know. They are just ordinary field birds.”

“Please, son. I’ll buy them from you. How much do you want?”

The pastor took out his wallet and opened it up. The boy saw an opportunity. “How much money do you have, sir?”

The pastor counted two hundred dollars, which was a significant amount of money in those days. “What a coincidence,” the boy said. “They cost exactly two hundred dollars, cage included.”

Knowing he was being taken advantage of, the pastor handed over all his money. The next day, he recounted this story to his congregation. He said, “I took that cage out into the field, opened the door, and backed away. One by one, the birds hopped to the open door. One by one, they spread their wings and began to fly. As they flew to freedom, they sang the same song: ‘Redeemed, Redeemed, Redeemed.’”

The Message of Redemption

You might wonder, what does this story have to do with us? The tale of the birdcage mirrors our relationship with God. Just as the birds were tormented by the boy, we too can feel trapped, harassed, and tormented by the enemy—Satan, who delights in our suffering and captivity to sin, addiction, and depression. The enemy Satan uses people who are willing to do his bidding. The Lord said he was a liar and murderer from the beginning, who comes to kill, steal, and destroy everything good in people’s lives. People are being tormented by the enemy and are hurting by present methods used to oppress the people. Satan torments with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, fear, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

The old Baptist pastor symbolizes God, who intervenes to set us free. Just as the pastor bought the birds at a great cost, God paid the ultimate price for our freedom through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to set the captives free and to break the chains that bind us, whether they are chains of sin, addiction, or despair.

When the pastor let the birds go, they flew away one by one, just like how God sets us free from being trapped by the things of this world and sin. The birds’ joyful song of “Redeemed, Redeemed, Redeemed” illustrates the happiness and freedom we feel when we accept God’s rescue—His redemption through Jesus Christ. This story beautifully shows how God’s love and grace change us, freeing us from sin’s chains so we can live freely and praise Him.

Understanding Our Condition

All of us have done wrong and fallen short of God’s standards. Sin is not just about major wrongdoings but also includes knowing what is right and failing to do it. It encompasses acts like lying, stealing, unforgiveness, hatred, jealousy, anger, sexual immorality, idolatry, addictions, pornography, drugs, and wanting to live separately from God. These wrongdoings separate us from a holy and righteous God.

God judges the heart, including our thoughts, words, deeds, and motives. While people can pretend to have a holy exterior and act pious, God sees through our facades and knows our true nature. It’s not about religion, where you have to do things to be accepted by God. It’s about a relationship with God who is near and accessible. Our good works cannot save us; they are like filthy rags in comparison to God’s purity, you cannot buy salvation. The Bible states that the wages of sin is death—eternal separation from God in hell, a fate none of us would wish upon anyone.

The Sacrifice of Jesus

Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins on the cross so we can be restored to God, our heavenly Father. There needed to be a sacrifice, and God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, who was sinless, to take our place. It’s like a mother giving away her newborn baby or you giving away your only child to pay someone else’s debt, someone who couldn’t care less about you or love you back. God was willing to do that for you and me.

Jesus Christ was crucified, with nails driven through His hands and feet and a crown of thorns pressed onto His head. He was whipped until His skin was torn off, becoming unrecognizable. As He hung on that cross, He did it for your sins. He took our sins upon Himself, including the very sins that have destroyed our lives. He was destroyed for those sins on that cross. He bled and died for our sins, which were buried with Him in the grave. Three days later, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. Jesus is alive!

The Call to Salvation

This message is for everyone. Regardless of your wealth, status, sexual orientation or religious background, Jesus invites you to turn from sin and accept His gift of salvation. No amount of money, social standing, or religious observance can save you. It’s not about comparing yourself to others; the only comparison that matters is with God, and we all fall short, we all have sinned. God doesn’t want our religion; He wants a relationship with us. We are created with a God-shaped vacuum that nothing else can fill. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

A Prayer of Salvation

If you feel the call in your heart, don’t wait. Embrace this good news today and pray:

“Dear God, thank you for loving me. I confess that I have sinned against you. I believe that Jesus, Your Son, died on the cross to pay for my sins. I believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. I ask that you forgive all my sins. I confess that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Thank you for Your gift of eternal life! I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Remember, it’s not the prayer that saves you; it’s the heartfelt belief and confession, turning away from sin, and choosing to trust in Jesus for a righteous life. Now is the time for salvation. Turn from darkness to light, from sin to salvation, and follow Jesus.

What Next?

Download the free guide on the 7 Things To Do After Getting Saved:

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