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The Story of The Birdcage

Published on December 18, 2024February 10, 2025 by Editor

“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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Photo by Kai-Chieh Chan at Pexels

Why It Is Important to Reflect on the True Meaning of Christmas

Published on December 13, 2024December 2, 2024 by Editor

In a world where consumerism, materialism, and gluttony are pervasive, it seems that every day is treated as an opportunity to indulge, and holidays like Christmas have become occasions of excess rather than moments of gratitude. Yet, in the hustle of buying the latest gadgets, preparing lavish meals, and creating elaborate decorations, the deeper meaning of these celebrations risks being overshadowed. As Christians, we are reminded that Christmas is not just another day of festivity or an excuse for indulgence—it is a sacred time to give thanks and reflect on the greatest gift humanity has ever received: Jesus Christ.

The Reason for the Season

The world may often overlook the significance of Christmas, reducing it to commercial exchanges, but for believers, Christmas is a time to honor the birth of Jesus, God’s ultimate gift to the world. This is not just a day to exchange gifts, but a time to remember the immense love that God showed by sending His only son to save a broken world. John 3:16 states: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This verse beautifully encapsulates the core of what Christmas represents—God’s gift of salvation, freely given to all who would receive it.

The Problem of Consumerism and Gluttony

It is no secret that, particularly during the holiday season, we see an increase in spending, overindulgence, and sometimes even stress as people attempt to create a “perfect” Christmas. From overspending on presents to overloading on food, the season can easily become a frenzy of excess, often leaving people feeling more drained than fulfilled. Instead of bringing joy and peace, it often creates anxiety, debt, and dissatisfaction.

What was meant to be a time of reflection and gratitude has, for many, morphed into a pressure-cooker of social expectations. This is in stark contrast to the simple, yet profound, reason for Christmas: the birth of Christ, who came to give us eternal life, not fleeting material possessions.

A Call to Give Thanks and Return to the Heart of Christmas

Christmas should remind us of the importance of gratitude, not just for earthly blessings but for the eternal gift of salvation through Jesus. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” This gift is freely offered to all of us. It is not something we can buy, nor something we deserve, but a testament to God’s infinite love for us.

Instead of focusing on the material aspects of the season, we are invited to reflect on Jesus’s life, His teachings, and most importantly, His sacrifice. As Christians, we are called to celebrate Christmas by remembering why Jesus came to this earth—to pay the price for our sins and offer us the gift of eternal life. This is the heart of the holiday, the reason behind all the joy, lights, and music. Without Christ, there would be no Christmas.

The Greatest Gift of All

The poem “The Greatest Gift” beautifully highlights the core message of the gospel: God’s love for us was so great that He sent His son to die in our place, offering us salvation and eternal life. This is the greatest gift the world has ever known—far more valuable than any material possession we might receive during the holiday season. It is a gift that cannot be earned, only accepted, through faith in Christ.

To receive this gift, we are invited to trust Jesus as our Savior and call upon His name. Through repentance and belief, we are born again, and our sins are forgiven, as Jesus already paid the price on the cross. This is the good news we celebrate during Christmas—a reminder that no matter how flawed or unworthy we may feel, God’s love for us is boundless.

Bringing the Focus Back to Christ

As the holiday season approaches, let us challenge ourselves to return to the true meaning of Christmas. Yes, it is a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying good food, and exchanging gifts—but most importantly, it is a time to reflect on the immeasurable love of God shown through the birth of Jesus. Rather than getting lost in the distractions of consumerism and excess, we can choose to celebrate Christmas with a heart of gratitude, worship, and remembrance of God’s eternal gift.

In a world that constantly encourages us to seek more, Christmas reminds us that we have already been given the greatest gift—Jesus. Let us remember that Jesus is the reason for the season, and let that truth shape how we celebrate.

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

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*** Photo by George Dolgikh by Pexels

The Traditions of Men Versus the Word of God

Published on October 24, 2024January 11, 2025 by Editor

In Mark 7:8, Jesus speaks with profound clarity: “You disregard and neglect the commandment of God, and cling [faithfully] to the tradition of men.” This verse cuts to the heart of an ongoing tension that has existed since the days of Christ: the elevation of human traditions over the divine Word of God. Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees reveals a dangerous practice where man-made traditions overshadow and even invalidate God’s commandments.

Traditions: A Challenge in Jesus’ Time

Mark 7:2-9 paints a vivid picture of this confrontation. The Pharisees and scribes, having observed Jesus’ disciples eating with unwashed hands, found fault with them. They weren’t just concerned with hygiene, but with the breaking of religious customs—the “tradition of the elders”—which had become a cornerstone of Jewish religious practice. They viewed this tradition as equal to, or even above, God’s commandments.

Jesus’ response is striking. He calls them hypocrites, quoting Isaiah: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” He condemns their practices, stating, “For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men.” This indictment is as relevant today as it was then. The Pharisees placed their traditions on a pedestal, and in doing so, lost sight of the heart of God’s law. They honored God with outward rituals, but their hearts were far from Him.

The Danger of Tradition Today

In the present age, many Christians find themselves at a similar crossroads. The traditions of men can still creep into our faith, subtly undermining the pure Word of God. Colossians 2:8 warns us to be vigilant: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Tradition, when unchecked by Scripture, can lead us into a form of religion that has the appearance of wisdom but lacks the power to transform.

One of the greatest dangers of these traditions is that they often seem harmless or even beneficial. After all, they may have been passed down for generations and become ingrained in our communities and culture. But as 1 Peter 1:17-19 reminds us, we were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, “from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ.” Our salvation is not found in human traditions but in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The Pharisees’ Blindness: An Ongoing Struggle

When Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their traditions, He pointed to the deeper issue of the heart. The Pharisees had developed a system of religion that was all about outward appearances, with rules about washing hands and cleaning vessels (Mark 7:4). But their focus on external purity blinded them to the internal transformation that God desires. As Romans 10:3 states, “They being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.”

This is a profound warning for believers today. If we are not careful, we can also fall into the trap of relying on human traditions or self-imposed practices to define our righteousness. But no amount of religious ritual can make us right with God—only faith in Jesus Christ, submission to His Word, and His finished work on the Cross can do that. No amount of external works or accolades will suffice, for obedience is better than sacrifice.

God’s Commandments are Sufficient

Deuteronomy 12:29-32 gives a stern warning: “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” God’s Word is complete and sufficient. We are not to add to it with human traditions, nor are we to take away from it through selective obedience. The Scripture is clear: anything that detracts from the purity of God’s Word is not to be followed.

Traditions often evolve over time and may start with good intentions, but they can lead us away from the truth of the Gospel. In Matthew 15:1-9, Jesus again confronts the Pharisees, accusing them of transgressing the commandments of God in favor of their traditions. Their interpretation of the law had become twisted, allowing them to bypass God’s true commands—such as honoring father and mother—while upholding human rules that seemed religious.

Direct Access to God Through Christ

One of the most beautiful gifts that Christians have is direct access to God through Jesus Christ. As believers, we are not bound by the traditions of men that create barriers between us and God. The veil has been torn (Matthew 27:51), and we can approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we have the privilege of a personal relationship with God. We no longer need a human intermediary to offer sacrifices or perform rituals on our behalf.

Because Jesus is our mediator, we have the incredible privilege of direct communication with God through prayer. He intercedes for us (Romans 8:34), making our prayers effective and heard by the Father. This divine access reminds us that our relationship with God is intimate and unbroken, secured through Christ’s finished work on the cross, as He alone died for our sins.

Conclusion: Cling to God’s Word, Not Man’s Tradition

The Word of God is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). It is our guide, our light, and our foundation. We must be careful not to allow human traditions—however well-meaning they may seem—to overshadow the authority of Scripture. Galatians 1:8 gives a sobering warning: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” This shows the seriousness with which we must guard the purity of God’s Word, for Jesus Himself warned, “Get away from Me; I never knew you, you who practice disobedience” (Matthew 7:23). To neglect the truth of Scripture and substitute it with human traditions is to risk eternal separation from God.

As born-again believers, our allegiance is to Christ alone, not to any denomination, human traditions, or rituals. Let us examine our hearts and lives to ensure that we are following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. Only by doing so can we worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24), honoring Him with our lives and not just our lips. Our faith must be rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus, guided by His Word, and not defined by external affiliations or practices.

I Identify As…

Published on July 15, 2024October 28, 2024 by Editor

I identify as a born again Bible believing Christian, spirit filled, Bible reading, tongue talking, doer of the Word, who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and soon coming King – this is my reality.

It hasn’t gone unnoticed that people of the Christian faith are not included in treating people with dignity, respect and inclusion. We are all equal as human beings, regardless of age, sexual orientation, mental health and faith, and what is pertained for one individual should be across the board for all people, not just the chosen few, who are in vogue. Like everyone else, we should be able to express who we are, which is a huge part of our identity too, and should not be ostracised and mocked because of it, the ‘safe space’ is for everyone. The hypocrisy is astounding.

Please note that Jesus our Saviour, will be returning soon and we all will need to give an account of our lives: the thoughts, deeds, actions, words and motives done in the flesh, and who can stand before God? If you did not know, Jesus is our redeemer who came to save us from our fallen and sinful nature. If you don’t know Jesus yet and how He came to restore our relationship with God in heaven, who loves you and wants you to be reconciled to Him, I say to you today: Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, no one comes unto the Father but by Him, Jesus is the only one mediator between God and man, and only God can forgive sins.

What is sin? It is knowing the right thing to do and not doing it. Sin includes things like sexual immorality, addictions, drunkenness, drugs, watching porn, lying, stealing, unforgiveness, hate, anger, gossiping, and much more. These separate us from God, who is holy and righteous and just. He weighs the motives of our hearts and all of us have missed the mark.

The call to salvation 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. Good works cannot save you; there is nothing you can do to earn salvation. It’s by grace alone, so no one can boast. Our works are like filthy rags to a holy God. The Bible says the wages of sin is death, eternal separation from God in hell—a fate you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. We are created with a God-shaped vacuum that nothing else can fill but Him.

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 new-born 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!

Now is the time to respond. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This declaration and belief bring salvation. John 3:36 warns, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”

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, repentance and choosing to trust in Jesus for a righteous life, from now on. Now is the time for salvation. Turn from darkness to light, from sin to salvation, and follow Jesus.

Ask God for forgiveness of the wrong things you have done, repent (turn from them) and leave your old sinful ways behind, and begin a new and righteous life trusting in Christ Jesus, every single day, ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit to help you, and read your Bible and obey it, repent to God daily, connect to God through prayer and ask the Holy Spirit for revelation, guidance, wisdom and discernment.

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** By Lori McPherson / Photo by Patricia McCarty

The Tale of the Little Boy and the Sailboat

Published on June 11, 2024February 10, 2025 by Editor

I want to share with you a story about a young boy who lovingly crafted a small sailboat. He adorned it with fine gems and precious metals, polished it until it gleamed, and marked it with his signature, ensuring everyone knew it was his creation. When he took it to the river to test it, the boat sailed beautifully. However, a strong wind arose, sweeping the boat away, and the boy was heartbroken by the loss of his cherished creation.

Sometime later, while walking through town, the boy was astonished to see his boat in the window of a shop. Though some gems were missing and it was battered, his signature confirmed it was his boat. He rushed inside and told the shop owner, “That little boat is mine; I made it.” The owner replied, “I’m sorry, but I bought it from someone else. If you want it back, you’ll have to pay for it.” Determined, the boy worked tirelessly for weeks, saving every penny. Finally, he returned to the shop, slammed the money on the counter, and bought his boat back. Holding it aloft, he exclaimed, “Little boat, you are twice mine. I made you—and I bought you back!”

The Deeper Meaning

You might wonder how this story relates to us. In many ways, we are like that little boat. Each of us is uniquely created by God, reflecting His image and cherished deeply by Him. However, life’s storms and the lure of the world have swept us away from our Creator, leaving us battered and lost. The challenges of life and the wrong things we do separate us from God. The temptations of the world and our own pride hurt us, and the enemy, Satan—the fallen angel, who hates mankind—tries to keep us down.

The boy in the story represents Jesus, who came to save us. Despite our broken state, affected by sin and life’s hardships, Jesus recognized us as His own. Just as the boy worked hard to buy back his boat, Jesus paid the ultimate price for our redemption. He bought us back with His precious blood, shed on the cross. He did this to restore our relationship with God the Father, as God is holy and cannot abide in sin. We are twice His—created by Him and bought back with His blood.