Category: Spiritual Growth

Unshakeable Faith is Essential in a Wavering World

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Standing on the solid rock of faith means holding firmly to God’s Word while also being open to learning and growing in our understanding of it. Today, we are commonly told to keep an open mind about our beliefs and how we interpret the Word of God. Many people are encouraged to avoid being dogmatic, leading some to cherry-pick Scriptures or change their meanings altogether. This practice often involves using the Bible only when its teachings align with personal preferences or the expectations of the audience. Such a liberal view distorts the integrity of God’s Word—if you don’t like it, change it! What use is the Word of God if it can be altered? How can we have faith in truth if truth is seen as variable?

The Word of God is meant to assure us of both God’s nature and our future in Him. If we maintain an open mind to the point of compromising its teachings, we risk dismissing Christ’s promises and missing out on the fullness of what He guarantees. True Christians do not keep an open mind when it comes to God’s Word; you either believe it or you don’t. You cannot sit on the fence. The journey of faith requires a foundation rooted in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

How many of you would board a plane knowing that the pilot was going to keep an open mind about the destination? Well just as a pilot must navigate their course with precision, they cannot afford to be liberal or selective about the path they choose to reach their destination. Each decision made in the cockpit matters greatly; even small adjustments can have significant consequences for the journey, and so it is with God’s Word. We are invited to align our lives with God’s truth, but this does not mean altering His Word to fit our preferences. His truth remains constant, and our understanding should deepen without compromising Scripture’s principles. Faith demands humility; there is always more to discover in the Bible.

As Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:2, we are called to be faithful to the truth that has been entrusted to us. Our belief in Christ Jesus is our sure foundation—He is the rock upon which we stand and the anchor of hope for our blood-bought souls. Psalm 18:2 describes Him as the everlasting rock for those who fear and esteem Him, a steadfast refuge in times of trouble. There’s nothing wishy-washy about Jesus or His Word. He is the Word made flesh who dwelt among us and our soon-coming King, to whom every knee will bow and confess He is Lord.

Times may change, and people’s views may shift, but God remains the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His promises provide a firm foundation amidst a world of uncertainty.

Being open does not mean abandoning core beliefs. Instead, it helps us build a stronger foundation based on God’s eternal Word while remaining teachable. The Bible encourages us to think deeply about Scripture and to stay receptive to what God may reveal each day. This isn’t about changing God’s Word; it’s about allowing it to transform us. Our foundation is solid because it rests on God’s promises and truth.

As James 1:6-8 warns, we should not be double-minded in our faith, for such uncertainty leads to instability. We are called to take every thought captive to obey Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 10:5. Faith is not about rigidity; it’s about standing confidently on God’s promises, knowing His Word gives us a firm foundation. While we can be sure of what we believe, we should also allow God to enrich that understanding over time.

Let this balance between a solid foundation and an open heart inspire you today. Stand firm on the rock of God’s Word, knowing that you are both grounded and growing—rooted in unchanging truth yet open to the richness of God’s wisdom and grace as He reveals it, because God Himself backs it up.

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**Excerpt based on Reinhard Bonnke’s book, “Faith: The Link with God’s Power.” / Photo by Pixabay at Pexels

Jesus Continuously Sought Power in Prayer

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The Bible compares the man who lives in dependence on God to a tree that draws its sustenance from an underground river (Jeremiah 17:5-8). That is how Jesus lived – perpetually drawing His spiritual resources, as a man, from the Holy Spirit (the river of God).

Jesus’ victory over temptation, was not through human determination, but because He drew strength from the Father, moment-by-moment. The way of self-denial as exemplified and taught by Jesus is not one where the soul attempts to master itself. No. That is Buddhism and yoga and is as different from the teaching of Scripture as earth is from heaven.

“Jesus continuously sought for the power of God in prayer, and was never disappointed.”
Jesus taught that as human beings we do not have the power to live and serve God as we should. He said that we were like helpless branches entirely dependent on the sap supplied by the tree for fruitfulness. “Apart from Me,” He said, “you can do nothing” (John 15:5). And so, what we do manage to do, without the help of the Holy Spirit can be considered to be NOTHING. Herein lies the vital necessity to be “filled with the Spirit continuously” (Ephesians 5:18).

Jesus Himself was filled and anointed with the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1, 18), and He lived and laboured for His Father in the Spirit’s power. But this was possible, only because as a man, He was poor in spirit.

Jesus was conscious of the weakness of the human frame that He had taken on. Therefore, He was perpetually looking for opportunities to get alone and pray. Someone has said that, as tourists look for good hotels and for important sights to be seen, when they enter a city, so Jesus looked for solitary places where He could pray.

He sought for power to overcome temptation and put His soul-power to death. No man was as conscious as Jesus was, of the utter weakness of the flesh, and so He sought the Father’s face in prayer for help, as no man ever did. He prayed with “loud crying and tears” in the days of His flesh. The result was that He was mightily strengthened by the Father, much more than any other man. Thus, Jesus never once sinned and never lived out from His soul (Hebrews 4:15; 5:7-9).

Is it not significant that 25 times in the gospels, the words “pray” or “prayer” are used in connection with Jesus? Therein lay the secret of His life and His labours.

Jesus not only prayed before the great events of His life, but also after some of His great achievements. After feeding the five thousand miraculously, He withdrew into the mountains to pray (Matthew 14:23). This was no doubt to guard against temptations to pride or complacency over the work accomplished, and to renew His strength by waiting on His Father (Isaiah 40:31). We usually pray only before we have some important task to do for the Lord. But if we would develop the habit that Jesus had, of waiting before the Father after we have finished our task, we would preserve ourselves from pride and thus be equipped to do greater things for the Lord.

The busier Jesus’ life became, the more He prayed. There were times when He did not have time to eat or even to rest (Mark 3:20; 6:31, 33, 46), but He always took time to pray. He knew when to sleep and when to pray, for He obeyed the promptings of the Spirit.

Poverty of spirit is a prerequisite for effective prayer. Prayer is the expression of human helplessness, and if it is to be meaningful and not a mere ritual, there must be a constant recognition of the inadequacy of human resources either to live the Christian life or to serve God.

Jesus continuously sought for the power of God in prayer and was never disappointed. Thus, He accomplished things through prayer, that even He could not have accomplished in any other way.

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**By Zac Poonen © Copyright – Zac Poonen. No changes whatsoever are to be made to the content of the article without written permission from the author. https://www.cfcindia.com/ / Photo by Antonie de Kok at Pexels

Trusting God’s Timing and Faithfulness

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In a world that often values productivity over presence, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush to achieve the next goal or check off the next task. The pressure to keep moving forward can blind us to the beauty and purpose of where we are right now. Yet, there is a sacred invitation in the present moment, a call to slow down, breathe, and trust that God is at work—even when we cannot yet see the full picture.

Finding Joy in the Journey

Life is not a race to the next milestone; it is a journey filled with moments meant to be cherished. Each baby step of progress is a gift, a reminder that growth takes time and patience. There is profound joy in pausing to appreciate the small victories and savoring the simple pleasures of life. Perhaps it’s noticing the intricate beauty of a flower, hearing the laughter of a loved one, or experiencing the quiet peace of prayer. These moments remind us that life is not about capturing every highlight for the world to see but about holding those memories close in our hearts.

The world may tell us to hurry, to strive, and to capture every moment for display, but God calls us to be still, to trust, and to rest in His presence. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It is in stillness and trust that we discover the richness of the present moment.

The Faithfulness of Preparation

When we reflect on the life of Jesus, we see a profound example of patience and preparation. Though He was the Son of God, He waited 30 years before stepping into public ministry. During those three decades, He was faithful in the little things—working as a carpenter, living in obedience to His earthly parents, and growing in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52).

God used those quiet years to prepare Jesus for the extraordinary purpose that lay ahead. In the same way, God often uses the ordinary moments of our lives to shape us for His extraordinary plans. Every task, no matter how small, becomes an opportunity to grow in faith, character, and obedience.

We may not always understand why God asks us to wait or why progress seems slow, but we can trust that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). His timing is perfect, and His plans are far greater than anything we could imagine. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

Leaning into the Lord

As we journey through life, it is essential to lean into the Lord and allow Him to guide our steps. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trusting God means letting go of our need to control every outcome and resting in the assurance that He is faithful.

Leaning on God also means embracing the present with gratitude and trust. Instead of rushing through life, we can slow down and take time to seek His presence. In those quiet moments of prayer and reflection, He renews our strength and reminds us of His love.

Living Fully in the Present

To live fully in the moment requires a shift in perspective. It means releasing the need to constantly document or share every experience and instead being present to savor it fully. Not every beautiful flower needs to be photographed; sometimes, it’s enough to simply admire its beauty and let it become a fond memory. Not every milestone needs to be rushed toward; sometimes, it’s enough to trust that God’s timing is perfect.

When we focus too much on what’s next, we risk missing the blessings of today. But when we embrace the present with gratitude and trust, we discover the joy and peace that come from living in alignment with God’s will.

Faithful in the Little Things

As we navigate life, let us remember the example of Jesus. He was faithful in the little things, trusting that God was preparing Him for something greater. In the same way, we are called to be faithful in the small, everyday tasks of life. Whether it’s caring for a loved one, showing kindness to a stranger, or simply taking time to rest in God’s presence, these acts of faithfulness prepare us for the purposes God has for us.

God does not waste any part of our journey. Each moment—whether it feels significant or small—is part of His divine plan. As we trust Him and embrace the present, we can rest in the assurance that He is preparing us for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).

Conclusion

Life is a journey of trust, faithfulness, and presence. It is not about racing to the next task but about walking in step with the Lord, finding joy in the process, and being faithful in the little things. Just as Jesus waited 30 years for His ministry to begin, we too can trust that God’s timing is perfect. He is always at work, preparing us for the plans He has for us.

So, take a moment to pause, to breathe, and to savor the beauty of today. Trust that God is with you, guiding your steps and shaping your journey. Lean into Him, and let Him fill your heart with peace and joy. Life is not about capturing every moment but about living each one fully, knowing that God’s faithfulness never fails.

A Prayer for Living in the Moment and Trusting God’s Timing

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of today and for the many blessings You surround us with in every moment. Teach us, Lord, to slow down and savor the beauty of Your creation, to find joy in the simple things, and to embrace the journey You have set before us. Help us not to rush ahead or grow impatient, but to trust in Your perfect timing and faithfulness.

Father, we acknowledge that waiting can be hard, but we know that You are always working, even in the unseen. Prepare our hearts for the plans You have for us, and give us the strength to be faithful in the little things, just as Jesus was. Help us to lean into You when we feel uncertain, and remind us that Your love and guidance never fail.

Lord, give us eyes to see the beauty in the present moment, ears to hear Your voice, and hearts that are open to Your leading. Free us from the need to control or strive, and instead fill us with peace and trust in Your ways. Let us walk in step with You, knowing that each step is part of Your greater purpose for our lives.

Thank You, Father, for Your goodness and faithfulness. May we always live with gratitude for the present and hope for the future, resting in the knowledge that You hold all things in Your hands.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

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***Photo by Philippe Donn at Pexels

Marriage: A God-Ordained Ministry, Not a Fairy Tale

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Marriage is one of the most sacred and beautiful institutions created by God. It’s a relationship designed to reflect the love, commitment, and sacrifice seen in Christ’s relationship with the Church. However, marriage is not a fairy tale. It’s not about living in perpetual romance or expecting your spouse to fulfill all your emotional and spiritual needs. Marriage is about partnership, service, and walking through life together, supporting and loving each other.

1. Understanding What Marriage Really Is

Marriage isn’t a quick fix for personal issues, loneliness or dissatisfaction with life. It’s not about having a partner who will complete you in every sense. Only God can truly meet your deepest needs. This is one of the most crucial things to understand before stepping into marriage: a spouse is not your Savior. A healthy marriage doesn’t hinge on the idea that one person will make the other happy all the time. That’s an unrealistic burden to place on any human being, and it’s an unfair expectation to have of your spouse.

Marriage is about coming together to fulfill God’s purposes. It’s a partnership where both people are called to love, serve, and support each other, and above all, serve God. The Bible teaches that marriage is a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:32). The goal is not personal happiness alone, but to glorify God through your relationship, sharing love, sacrifice, and growth together.

2. Marriage as a Ministry

In a biblical sense, ministry is about serving others to fulfill God’s plan. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly call marriage “ministry,” the concept is deeply embedded in its teachings. Marriage is God-ordained and meant to reflect His love and purposes. Both the husband and wife are called to serve one another and, in doing so, serve God’s kingdom.

Ephesians 5:25-33 compares the relationship between husband and wife to Christ’s love for the Church. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church, while wives are called to respect and support their husbands. This mutual relationship shows that marriage is about serving one another, loving and honoring each other, and, ultimately, serving God.

Genesis 2:18 tells us that God created the woman to be a “helper” to the man. This does not suggest inferiority or subordination, but rather highlights a complementary role in which both spouses help, support, and serve each other. In this partnership, the wife is called to respect and submit to her husband’s leadership as he fulfills his God-given role (Ephesians 5:22-24), while the husband is called to lead her with selfless, sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:25-28). This mutual service and submission are not about dominance or control, but about working together to fulfill God’s purposes for their lives.

This makes marriage a ministry in the sense that both partners are working together to glorify God, reflect Christ’s love for the Church, and serve His kingdom. As both the husband and wife live out their roles in love, sacrifice, and respect, their relationship becomes a living testimony of God’s love and His redemptive work.

3. Coming into Marriage Emotionally and Spiritually Ready

Marriage is not the place to look for emotional fulfillment, healing from past wounds, or validation. While a spouse can provide support and encouragement, your primary source of identity and fulfillment must come from God. Before entering marriage, it’s important to be emotionally and spiritually secure in your relationship with God.

This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but it does mean you should be actively working on your relationship with God and striving for emotional maturity. Marriage isn’t about finding someone to “fix” you—it’s about two individuals, each grounded in Christ, coming together to serve one another and fulfill God’s purposes.

Practical Tip: Before entering into marriage, invest in your relationship with God. Spend time in prayer, study the Bible, and work on emotional maturity. Cultivate good habits for communication and conflict resolution. Be prepared to bring your best self into the relationship, knowing that your fulfillment ultimately comes from God.

4. The Reality of Roles and Expectations: Talking It Out

Before marriage, it’s crucial to have honest, open conversations about what you both expect in marriage. This goes beyond just the fun stuff like vacations and date nights—it involves discussing practical matters like finances, work, children, and household roles. Understanding each other’s expectations will help prevent misunderstandings later.

One area where many couples face tension is around roles in marriage, especially when it comes to work. Some men may want their wives to stay at home, while others may expect their wives to continue their careers. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The key is clear communication and mutual respect.

If the wife wants to work but the husband prefers that she stays home, it’s important to have a respectful conversation about each person’s desires, financial needs, and long-term goals. The goal is to come to an understanding and make decisions together, ensuring that both spouses are happy and fulfilling their roles as partners in ministry.

Practical Tip: Before marriage, talk about your roles and expectations. Discuss finances, career goals, children, and household responsibilities. Clear communication will help prevent surprises and set you up for a healthy, cooperative partnership.

5. The Gift of Singleness vs. Marriage

It’s essential to recognize that both singleness and marriage are gifts from God. 1 Corinthians 7 teaches that some are called to singleness, which offers a unique opportunity to serve God without the responsibilities of marriage. But for others, marriage is God’s calling, and it provides the chance to glorify Him through companionship and mutual service.

You shouldn’t rush into marriage thinking it will fix loneliness or make you feel fulfilled in ways that are better left to God. Similarly, singles shouldn’t feel incomplete or less than because they’re not married. God has a perfect plan for everyone, whether that’s a season of singleness or a lifelong marriage.

Practical Tip: Embrace your current season, whether married or single. Trust that God has a purpose for you and will use either marriage or singleness to shape you and fulfill His plan.

6. Marriage: A Lifelong Journey of Service

Marriage is not just about personal happiness. It’s about serving one another and fulfilling God’s kingdom purposes together. This means that marriage involves sacrifice, service, and ministry. It’s not just about what you can get from the relationship, but what you can give. As a husband or wife, you’re called to love and serve your spouse selflessly, just as Christ loved the Church.

In marriage, both the husband and wife are helpers to each other (Genesis 2:18), fulfilling complementary roles that reflect God’s design. Marriage is meant to be a team effort, where both partners are committed to each other and to serving God together.

Practical Tip: Keep God at the center of your marriage. Your relationship is not just about you and your spouse—it’s about glorifying God. Look for ways to serve each other, pray together, and use your marriage as a platform to minister to others.

How God Prepares a Woman to Be a Godly Wife

Many women desire to be a godly wife to a godly man, but what does that actually mean? How does God prepare a woman for marriage in a way that aligns with His will? The truth is, preparation isn’t just about finding the right man—it’s about becoming the right woman. Before God entrusts someone with a marriage, He often takes them through a season of growth, refinement, and preparation.

Here are some key ways God prepares a woman to be a godly wife:

1. Strengthening Her Relationship with Him First

Before marriage, a woman’s first priority should be her relationship with God. A strong marriage requires a foundation in Christ, and that begins long before saying, “I do.”

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” God teaches a woman to depend on Him first, so she doesn’t expect a husband to fill a role only God can.

This season of preparation is about learning to trust, listen, and obey God, which will later help her support and encourage her husband spiritually.

2. Developing Her Character and Heart

Marriage is not just about romance—it’s about selflessness, patience, and grace. A woman who desires to be a godly wife must first allow God to shape her heart.

Proverbs 31:10-12 describes a virtuous woman as someone who brings good to her husband all the days of her life—not just after marriage. God often refines a woman’s patience, humility, and kindness through everyday life experiences, relationships, and even trials.

If a woman struggles with pride, impatience, or resentment, marriage will only magnify those issues. God prepares her by teaching her how to love, serve, and forgive before she ever steps into marriage.

3. Healing from Past Wounds and Finding Wholeness in Christ

Many people enter relationships hoping their partner will “fix” them or make them feel whole. But true wholeness comes from Christ, not a spouse.

Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” If a woman has past wounds from relationships, family struggles, or insecurities, God may take her through a healing process before leading her into marriage.

This might involve letting go of past hurts, setting healthy boundaries, and learning to see herself through God’s eyes. A healthy marriage is built on two whole individuals, not two broken people looking for completion in each other.

4. Teaching Her Wisdom and Discernment

Not every relationship is from God, and not every man is a godly man. A woman must learn to recognize the difference between a relationship that aligns with God’s will and one that only serves temporary desires.

Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” God often teaches discernment through past experiences, the guidance of His Word, and wise counsel from mentors or spiritual leaders.

This preparation helps her recognize a man who genuinely seeks after God rather than one who just plays the part.

5. Growing in Her Purpose and Calling

A woman is not just called to be a wife—she has her own God-given purpose. Before marriage, God may lead her to grow in her personal calling, whether that’s in ministry, career, or serving others.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, even before marriage. A woman who walks confidently in her calling is more prepared to complement and support her future husband in his calling.

Marriage is about two people serving God together, not one person losing themselves in the other.

6. Learning the Skills Needed for a Godly Marriage

While love is important, practical skills are just as necessary for a strong marriage. God may prepare a woman by teaching her:

Communication skills – Knowing how to express thoughts and feelings in a way that builds, not breaks. Conflict resolution – Learning how to handle disagreements with grace and patience. Serving with love – A godly wife serves her family, not out of obligation, but out of love (Mark 10:45). Financial wisdom – Managing resources wisely to build a strong household (Proverbs 31:16-18).

These skills can be developed in everyday life, long before marriage, through friendships, work, and church involvement.

7. Trusting in God’s Timing

Perhaps the hardest part of preparation is waiting. Many women wonder, “When will it be my turn?” But God’s timing is always perfect.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Rushing into marriage out of impatience can lead to heartache, while waiting on God ensures His best.

In this waiting season, God teaches a woman to trust Him fully, finding joy and contentment in the present rather than worrying about the future.

Final Thoughts

Being prepared for marriage isn’t just about waiting for the right man—it’s about becoming the right woman. God’s process of preparation isn’t always easy, but it’s always purposeful. He strengthens faith, builds character, brings healing, teaches wisdom, and aligns a woman’s heart with His.

If marriage is in His plan, He will bring the right person at the right time. Until then, the best thing any woman can do is grow in her relationship with God, embrace the season she’s in, and trust that His plan is always better than her own.

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** Photo by Jonathan Borba at Pexels

Trusting God’s Will: Finding Peace in Surrender

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In a world that often encourages control, ambition, and personal success, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that we can dictate our own outcomes. We plan, strive, and expect life to unfold according to our desires. But when things do not go our way, we become frustrated—sometimes even angry at God. However, Scripture reminds us that our plans are not ultimate; only God’s will prevails.

God Alone is in Control

We cannot control other people, nor can we force circumstances to conform to our will. Proverbs 16:9 tells us, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” This truth challenges our human desire for control. We often enter situations with preconceived notions of how they should unfold, and when they don’t, we blame others, complain about life’s unfairness, or feel discontent.

But why should we let unmet expectations rob us of peace? Jesus Himself taught us to pray, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Surrendering to God’s will is not about passivity—it is about trust. It is about acknowledging that He sees the whole picture while we only see a fragment. His wisdom is infinite, and His plans are far greater than ours.

His Grace is Sufficient for Today

Instead of chasing after the wind—seeking fulfillment in things that will never satisfy—why not rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace? The Apostle Paul, despite enduring trials, declared, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Each day, God provides exactly what we need to endure, to thrive, and to glorify Him. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), a fresh reminder that He sustains us, no matter what yesterday held.

Choosing Gratitude Over Discontent

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has abundantly provided. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When we live with gratitude, we stop seeing life as a series of disappointments and instead recognize each moment as a gift from God.

If we truly trust that our Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves, then why do we resist His plan? Why do we struggle to obey when He has ordained our lives before the foundation of the earth (Ephesians 1:4)? The choice is clear—we can either walk in obedience, resting in His perfect will, or we can resist and continue striving in vain.

A Call to Surrender

Ultimately, our role is not to manipulate outcomes but to trust in the One who controls them. Our task is not to demand that God follow our script but to surrender joyfully to His perfect plan. When we release our grip on control, we find true peace—the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Let us, then, be content in the day the Lord has given us. Let us rest in His grace, trust in His mercies, and live with gratitude. And above all, let us surrender our will to the One who holds all things in His hands. For His will be done—not ours.

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** Photo by Irina Iriser