Tag: Jesus

7 Firsts for Women in the Bible and Their Roles

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During the time of Jesus, women in society were often marginalized and excluded from positions of authority or prominence. In many cultures, their testimonies were not considered reliable in legal matters, and their roles were largely confined to domestic spaces. Social and religious norms discouraged interactions between men and women outside their families, further isolating them from the public and spiritual spheres.

Yet, Jesus stood in stark contrast to these norms. He consistently demonstrated love, respect, and trust for women, engaging them in ways that were revolutionary for His time. Not only did He elevate their status by including them in His ministry, but He also entrusted them with vital roles that shaped the course of salvation history.

Below, we explore seven significant “firsts” for women in the Bible, highlighting their profound contributions as witnesses and messengers of the Good News—and the timeless lessons they offer for stepping boldly into new beginnings.

1. The First Evangelist: The Samaritan Woman at the Well

At Jacob’s well, Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman, breaking societal and gender barriers (John 4:1–26). In this encounter, He revealed Himself as the Messiah, and her heart was forever changed. She became the first evangelist in the New Testament, sharing the news with her town and inspiring many to believe. Her story reminds us that each new day carries the potential for transformation—one conversation, one courageous step, or one act of faith can spark a ripple effect that changes the lives of those around us.

2. The First Witness of the Resurrection: Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the risen Jesus (John 20:11–18). She encountered Him at the empty tomb, initially mistaking Him for the gardener. When Jesus called her by name, she recognized Him, and He entrusted her with the message of His resurrection. Her story reminds us that no matter where we are starting from, we are called to witness and share life-changing truths. Every beginning, no matter how uncertain, holds the potential to inspire others.

3. The First to Anoint Jesus for His Burial: Mary of Bethany

Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus’ feet with costly perfume, a prophetic act of devotion (John 12:1–8; Mark 14:6, 9). Jesus affirmed that her gesture would be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached. Mary’s actions teach us that intentional acts of faith, love, and service mark new beginnings with purpose. Each day offers a chance to leave a meaningful impact through devotion and thoughtful action.

4. The First Woman Healed Publicly: Peter’s Mother-in-Law

Peter’s mother-in-law was healed from a fever by Jesus (Matthew 8:14–15). Immediately following her restoration, she served Him and others, demonstrating how healing and empowerment go hand in hand. Her example reminds us that each fresh start can be met with action. Transformation—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—is meant to inspire us to serve and make a difference in the lives of others.

5. The First Financial Supporters of Jesus: Women of Means

Women such as Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna played a vital role in supporting Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:1–3). Their generosity ensured His mission could continue, reflecting faith in action. Their story encourages us to invest our resources—time, energy, and talents—into things that advance God’s work. Every new beginning is an opportunity to give in ways that create lasting impact.

6. The First to Hear of His Birth: Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was the first to hear the angel Gabriel’s announcement of His birth (Luke 1:26–38). Her immediate response, “I am the Lord’s servant,” reflects remarkable faith and willingness to embrace God’s plan. Mary’s courage teaches us that accepting God’s call requires trust, even when the future is unknown. Each new chapter in life is a chance to step forward in obedience and confidence, trusting that God’s plan unfolds perfectly.

7. The First Gentile Woman Praised for Her Faith: The Syrophoenician Woman

In Matthew 15:21–28, a Syrophoenician woman approached Jesus seeking healing for her daughter. Her persistence and unwavering faith impressed Him, and He praised her: “Woman, you have great faith!” Her story reminds us that persistence and boldness in faith open doors to new opportunities. Every beginning carries challenges, but perseverance and trust can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Jesus’ interactions with women consistently challenged cultural norms, emphasizing their faith, courage, and indispensable role in His mission. From the Samaritan woman who became the first evangelist to Mary Magdalene, the first witness of the resurrection, women were central to the story of salvation. Their lives inspire all believers to embrace God’s call, step boldly into their purpose, and recognize the transformative impact of faith, service, and courage—no matter what new beginnings lie ahead.

These seven “firsts” in the Bible remind us that God values courage, faith, and devotion, often entrusting ordinary individuals with extraordinary roles. The women highlighted here embraced their callings with boldness, obedience, and trust, leaving a lasting impact on the story of salvation. Their lives inspire us to step confidently into new beginnings, to serve with purpose, and to trust that every act of faith—no matter how small—can shape the world around us. Just as these women became witnesses, messengers, and pillars of God’s plan, we too are invited to live boldly, embrace our calling, and make each new day an opportunity for transformation and hope.

Jesus is The Reason for the Season

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In a season filled with lights, sales, schedules, and celebrations, it’s easy to get caught up in everything surrounding Christmas. The consumerism. The shopping lists. The time off from work. The pressure to keep up, to smile, to spend, to attend. The gatherings, the traditions, the expectations. Even believers—those who sincerely love Jesus—can find their hearts distracted by the noise.

None of these things are wrong in themselves.

But they were never meant to be the focus.

At the center of it all stands Jesus.

Jesus came not wrapped in luxury, but in humility—born in a stable, laid in a manger, unnoticed by the powerful, yet announced by heaven. While the world celebrates what it can buy, God reminds us of what can only be received: grace, mercy, forgiveness, and everlasting love.

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)

The gospel tells us that God stepped into our brokenness—not to sell us something, not to impress us, but to save us, to restore us, and to invite us into real hope.

Because the truth is, we all need saving.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Christmas exists because humanity was lost—and God refused to leave us that way.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Jesus lived the life we could not live and willingly died the death we deserved. On the cross, He carried our sin, our shame, our guilt, and our rebellion against God.

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

The gospel calls us to respond—not just with warm feelings, but with repentance and faith.

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19)

To repent means to turn—to turn away from ungodly ways, from self-rule, from sin, and to turn toward God. It is not about being perfect; it is about surrender. It is about laying down our pride, our excuses, and our old life, and placing our faith fully in Jesus Christ.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

And the story does not end at the cross.

Jesus rose again on the 3rd day.

“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:6)

Because He lives, forgiveness is real. Because He lives, new life is possible. Because He lives, salvation is offered freely to all who believe.

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

This season calls us to pause. To step away from the rush, the pressure, and the endless pursuit of “more,” and remember the miracle that changed everything: Emmanuel—God with us.

“For unto us a Child is born… and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

And to those who feel alone—this message is especially for you.

To the one spending this season without family.

To the heart carrying grief, loss, or disappointment.

To the person surrounded by people yet feeling unseen.

To the weary soul wondering if anyone truly cares.

Jesus came for you.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

You are not invisible to God. You are not forgotten. You are not beyond hope. The manger tells us God draws near. The cross tells us how far His love will go. The empty tomb tells us that darkness does not win.

Jesus is our peace when life is busy. Our comfort in lonely nights. Our hope when the world feels uncertain. Our joy beyond gifts and gatherings.

As we reflect on all that Jesus has done, this season also calls us to gratitude. Not gratitude rooted in circumstances, but thankfulness anchored in truth.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Even when the year has been hard, even when prayers seemed delayed, we can give thanks—not because everything was easy, but because God was faithful through it all. The greatest gift has already been given, and His presence has never left us. Gratitude shifts our eyes from what we lack to Who we have—Jesus.

If you are struggling or feeling alone this season, please know that reaching out is not weakness—it is courage. There are people who care and are ready to listen:

UK: Samaritans — call 116 123 (24/7)

USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 (24/7)

And beyond any human support, Jesus Himself invites you:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Salvation is not found in traditions, good works, or religion—but in Jesus alone.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

May we enjoy the celebrations, but never lose sight of the reason we celebrate. Because without Him, it’s just another season—but with Jesus, it is the story of repentance, redemption, forgiveness, love, and eternal life.

Hope has a name.

Love has a name.

Salvation has a name.

And His name is Jesus. ❤️

The Hijacking of Jesus’ “Let Them” Concept: How Self-Help Distorts the Truth

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Yes, the concept of “let them” from Jesus’ teachings has been hijacked by modern self-help, “woke” culture, and personal development circles. These movements have taken this powerful principle of Jesus and distorted it to fit an individualistic, self-empowered narrative. But when we examine the way Jesus actually used the idea of “let them,” we see that it was not about emotional independence or detachment from others. Instead, it was about surrendering to God’s greater purpose, even in the face of rejection, offense, and misunderstanding.

Jesus’ teachings on “let them” reflect a deep, God-centered wisdom, whereas self-help culture often twists this principle into a means for self-glorification, and does not lead you to Godliness or salvation. This distortion is a prime example of how Satan comes as an “angel of light,” appearing to offer wisdom and empowerment, he comes in such an attractive package, but ultimately leading people astray from God’s truth. The deception tastes like honey but becomes bitter like gall because it is poisonous to the soul.

Jesus’ Original Meaning of “Let Them”

Jesus’ words and actions in the Gospels demonstrate a profound understanding of the concept of “let them.” Time and time again, He responds to rejection, criticism, and offense not by seeking approval or altering His message, but by trusting in God’s plan and purpose. His “let them” was about allowing people to reject Him without losing sight of His divine mission.

1. Matthew 15:14 – Let the Pharisees Be Offended

In Matthew 15:14, Jesus responds to the disciples’ concern about the Pharisees being offended by His teachings:

“Let them be; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Here, Jesus demonstrates His willingness to let others be offended by His message, knowing that His mission was not about pleasing the Pharisees or any other group. The Pharisees’ rejection didn’t change the truth He was sharing. His “let them” was about not catering to their expectations and remaining faithful to God’s plan.

2. John 6:60-66 – Let Them Walk Away

In John 6:60-66, after Jesus teaches about being the Bread of Life, many of His disciples are offended and walk away:

“When many of His disciples heard it, they said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’…After this, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.”

Instead of chasing after them or softening His message, Jesus turns to the remaining disciples and asks, “Do you want to go away as well?” (John 6:67).

Jesus wasn’t concerned with losing followers—He was focused on fulfilling His divine purpose. His message wasn’t about personal comfort or building a following; it was about truth. “Let them” in this instance meant that He would allow people to walk away if they could not accept the truth He was speaking.

3. Luke 9:59-62 – Let the Dead Bury Their Own Dead

In Luke 9:59-62, Jesus tells a man who wishes to bury his father before following Him:

“Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Here, Jesus isn’t dismissing the importance of family but is emphasizing the urgency of His mission. He demonstrates that when it comes to following God’s will, there will be times when others’ expectations—whether cultural, familial, or social—must be set aside in order to stay aligned with God’s higher purpose.

4. Matthew 10:34-39 – Let the Division Happen

In Matthew 10:34-39, Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship:

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother…”

In these verses, Jesus acknowledges that following Him may lead to division, and some will be offended. He encourages His followers to embrace the division, as standing firm in God’s truth is more important than seeking peace at all costs. His “let them” here is about accepting that not everyone will agree with God’s message, and that’s okay. His mission was not to please people, but to fulfill God’s plan.

How Self-Help Hijacks the “Let Them” Concept

In modern self-help culture, the “let them” idea has been hijacked and reinterpreted as a call to detach from toxic people, focus on emotional independence, and prioritize self-validation over others’ opinions. While setting healthy boundaries is important, the self-help version of “let them” distorts Jesus’ message by placing the individual at the center, promoting self-reliance and the pursuit of personal happiness, rather than surrendering to God’s divine will.

The self-help movement tells us to stop seeking external validation and to embrace our “authentic” selves. It encourages us to let go of those who do not support our personal growth or who criticize us. While these ideas might seem appealing, they miss the deeper purpose of Jesus’ “let them” concept. Jesus’ “let them” wasn’t about detaching from people or avoiding rejection for the sake of personal peace. It was about standing firm in God’s truth, even when people walk away or reject us, and trusting that God’s plan is greater than any personal comfort or approval.

Satan, as an “angel of light,” often uses these deceptive versions of truth to lead people away from God’s will. The modern self-help interpretation promotes emotional independence and self-empowerment—key ingredients for self-idolatry—rather than surrendering to God’s higher purpose.

The Core of the Deception

The self-help version of “let them” shifts the focus from God’s will to self-empowerment. It’s a subtle shift that places the individual in the center of the universe, allowing them to act based on their own desires, free from accountability to God or others. This is dangerous territory, as it leads people to idolize their own autonomy, rather than living in obedience to God’s plan.

Jesus’ “let them” was not about asserting control or avoiding discomfort for personal gain—it was about surrendering to God’s divine plan, even in the face of rejection and offense. The true “let them” is about letting go of the need for control and trusting that God’s plan is better than our own desires for approval or comfort.

The True Christian Perspective

The true Christian understanding of “let them” is about embracing God’s truth, even when it causes offense, rejection, or misunderstanding. It’s about trusting that God’s plan is greater than any human approval or personal comfort. Jesus did not allow people to walk away because He wanted to hurt them, but because He knew that rejecting God’s truth would lead to spiritual blindness, and He was willing to endure the consequences of speaking that truth.

In contrast, modern self-help distorts this by teaching that we should just walk away from people and situations that don’t serve our personal growth or happiness. While it’s important to set boundaries and protect our peace, the “let them” Jesus demonstrated goes beyond self-preservation—it’s about aligning with God’s mission, regardless of how others respond. Jesus didn’t focus on emotional independence but on aligning Himself with the will of the Father, even when it meant facing rejection or ridicule.

Conclusion: The Deception of the Self-Help “Let Them” Concept

The modern self-help interpretation of the “let them” concept is a twisted version of Jesus’ original teaching. It presents a false, self-centered version of freedom that leads individuals to idolize their own desires and emotions. Just as Satan masquerades as an angel of light, the self-help industry appears to offer truth and wisdom, but it ultimately leads people away from God’s true purpose and away from Him.

In contrast, Jesus’ “let them” was not about self-empowerment or emotional independence—it was about surrendering to God’s will, no matter the cost. True peace and fulfillment come from trusting in God’s divine plan, not in asserting control over others or seeking validation from the world. The “let them” concept, as taught by Jesus, is about standing firm in God’s truth and purpose, even when it leads to rejection, offense, or misunderstanding.

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*** Photo by David Rama at Pexels

Why Judas Was Lost — And Religion Didn’t Save Him

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Matthew 27:1–7 (ESV): When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.”

And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.

But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” So they took counsel and bought with them the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers.

This moment in Scripture is one of the most sobering in the entire Gospel story. It’s easy to rush past it — to get to the crucifixion, the resurrection, the victory. But if we skip over this, we miss something crucial: a warning wrapped in tragedy.

This isn’t just a story about ancient villains. It’s a spotlight on the human heart — our hearts. On what happens when someone is close to Jesus in proximity, but far from Him in surrender. It’s not about how wicked “they” were — it’s about how easily we can walk the same path without even realizing it.

This is not an attack on sincere believers walking humbly with Jesus. But it is a wake-up call for anyone trusting in church involvement, ministry roles, emotional worship experiences, Bible knowledge, or spiritual performance — instead of in Jesus Himself.

Judas’s downfall didn’t begin with the silver. It began when he let religion take the place of repentance. And when the weight of his sin finally hit him, he ran to the wrong people — religious leaders who had no grace to give. They were full of rules, titles, and temple rituals, but hollowed out of mercy, compassion, and truth.

And that’s where this story becomes our warning. Judas went to religion, and it couldn’t save him. Judas chose guilt over grace.

Judas: A Man Who Walked with Jesus—But Lost His Way

Judas wasn’t some random outsider. He was one of Jesus’ own twelve disciples. He walked with Jesus daily, witnessed His miracles firsthand, ate at His table, and heard His teachings. Yet, despite all this closeness, Judas made a devastating choice.

What went wrong? Judas let earthly things—money, greed, and material gain—take priority over the spiritual truth he had seen. Instead of clinging to Jesus, the source of true life and forgiveness, he sold out the Savior for thirty pieces of silver. His heart turned away from grace and toward greed, but religion without real repentance couldn’t save him.

This betrayal reminds us that Christians can “sell out” their faith—not only for money but also for power, popularity, comfort, personal ambition, or by compromising God’s design for relationships.

Judas Went to the Wrong People

Judas betrayed Jesus and was filled with guilt—he knew what he did was wrong. But here’s the shocker: he didn’t run to Jesus, the only One who could truly forgive and heal him.

No. Judas ran to the chief priests and elders—sinners like us, mere men with titles but no power to forgive sins. These were the very people Judas was not meant to confess to, yet he went to them instead. Men steeped in religion, but rotten inside. Men who were complicit in condemning an innocent man. Men whose hearts were cold to mercy, justice, and truth. Religion without Jesus had hardened their hearts and kept them from true repentance.

Instead of repentance or sorrow, they cared only about their laws and their money. When Judas threw down the blood money, these priests refused to put it into the temple treasury because it was “unclean.” So what did they do? They took that money stained with innocent blood and bought a burial field for foreigners—as if buying a field could cover their guilt, their sin, their wickedness. As if putting money in the offering box or doing philanthropy deeds can do the same!

They thought a real estate transaction would redeem them. But no amount of money or good deed can wash away the stain of hypocrisy, envy, hatred, and betrayal. Their actions expose the brutal reality of religion without Jesus: cold legalism that cares more about rules and appearances than mercy, grace, and true repentance.

The disconnect is astounding—here were men steeped in religion yet utterly disconnected from true repentance and mercy. They were guilty of: envy, hatred, lying, hypocrisy and legalism that valued money over justice, yet they called themselves God’s representatives.

This is the cold reality of religion without Jesus: ritual replaces relationship, rules replace repentance, and good deeds become a mask for rebellion and wickedness.

Peter’s Path: Failure Met by Forgiveness

Peter was another man who walked closely with Jesus but made a very different choice. Like Judas, Peter was one of the twelve disciples, witnessing Jesus’ miracles and hearing His teachings firsthand. Yet when the pressure came, Peter denied Jesus—not once, but three times.

But here’s the crucial difference: Peter didn’t remain in his failure. He genuinely repented, was restored by Jesus, and went on to live a life marked by bold faith and transformation.

Peter’s story brings hope: no failure is final when met with sincere repentance. Grace and restoration are available to anyone who turns back to Jesus wholeheartedly.

(See Matthew 26:69–75; John 21:15–19; Luke 22:31–32; Acts 2:14–41)

Two Paths Lie Before You

You’ve failed. So have I. We’ve all sold Jesus out for something—pleasure, control, popularity, pride, money, lust, whatever.

The question isn’t whether you’ve sinned. The question is, what are you going to do about it?

You have two choices:

JUDAS

Regret

Isolation

Death

Religion

Shame

PETER

Repentance

Restoration

Life

Relationship

Grace

One ran to religion and died. The other ran to Jesus and lived.

This is not a game. Your soul is at stake.

Application for Us Today

Many people believe they’ve gone too far—betrayed too deeply, denied too loudly, messed up too many times. Judas’s path shows us what happens when we believe our sin is stronger than God’s grace.

But Peter’s story tells another truth:

Jesus is greater than our greatest failure.

He doesn’t just forgive. He redeems, restores, and reuses the broken. In fact, it’s those very cracks that let His glory shine through.

Final Encouragement

“Let God be true and every man a liar.” Peter is living proof of that. Men may fail—but God never does. Jesus knew Peter would fall and planned to restore him before it even happened (Luke 22:31–32).

That same grace is available today. Judas’s story warns us of despair, but Peter’s shows us the way back: through Christ alone.

The Bottom Line

If you think your church attendance, good behavior, ministry work, or religious “track record” can replace a real, repentant walk with Jesus—think again. Don’t rely on religion to save your soul. Only a genuine relationship with Jesus, marked by repentance and surrender, brings true forgiveness and restoration.

Run to Jesus — not to man-made religion, lifeless ritual, or guilt-driven striving. Only Jesus can forgive sin and restore your soul.

Don’t make Judas’s mistake. Don’t settle for empty religion that kills your spirit.

Choose life. Choose Jesus.

If you’re not sure where you stand with God or want to understand how to receive His forgiveness and eternal life, you can read this article here:

Responding to God’s Call: Salvation, Repentance, and Eternal Life

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*** Photo by Nikolett Emmert by Pexels

Life Is Short. Eternity Is Long. Are You Ready?

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We often hear, “Life is short… better enjoy it!” But how about this: “Eternity is long… better prepare for it.”

“For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul?”

— Mark 8:36

We live in very sobering times. This life is not paradise. It is a preparation for paradise. How we choose to live it will determine how we spend eternity — in heaven or in hell. Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell: these are the Four Last Things. And they’re not distant — they’re approaching with every tick of the clock.

Many say, “Life is short, enjoy it while it lasts.” But eternity? It will be very long. You better prepare for it.

We are so caught up in this life — in money, relationships, entertainment, career — we give little attention to the life that never ends. Yet Jesus taught that every soul has an eternal destiny — either heaven or hell (John 5:25–29). And that destiny is determined in this life (Luke 16:19–31). Every choice matters.

“The days of our lives are seventy years;

And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,

Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;

For it is soon cut off, and we fly away…

So teach us to number our days,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

— Psalm 90:10,12

Time is collapsing. Technology is advancing — faster travel, faster internet, faster communication — yet we seem to have less time for what matters. We’ve gained speed but lost direction. We’ve advanced in knowledge but declined in wisdom. And worst of all — we are drifting further from God.

We are shadows that vanish. Grass that withers. Time is passing — and so are we.

“My days are like an evening shadow that lengthens and vanishes…

But You, O Lord, shall endure forever.”

— Psalm 102:11–12

From the moment you were born, you began dying. In 90 years, most of us reading this will be gone. The grave waits for no one.

So… what will you do with the time you have?

Every person gets the same 24 hours a day. But how we use it shapes our eternity.

Let’s say you live to 70:

The first 15 years? Childhood and adolescence. Around 20 years? Spent asleep. The final 5 years? Likely reduced activity. That leaves just 30 years — and even that includes eating, working, paying bills, and daily responsibilities.

What will you do with the years you have left?

“What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

— James 4:14

Even the wealthiest person cannot buy more time. Scientists cannot invent more minutes. Doctors cannot guarantee more years.

The most valuable thing you have is your time — use it for God.

“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

— Ephesians 5:15–16

The world is dark — violence, immorality, brokenness. But Jesus is calling His people to shine as lights and make disciples. To do that, we must stop wasting time and start investing it in what truly matters.

Too many Christians tithe their money but not their time. We find time for entertainment, social media, and distractions — but little for God.

We have time… but what are we using it for?

You have time to:

Seek Christ Serve others Obey His will Fulfill your calling

You want to be with God after death — but do you want to spend time with Him now?

Where is your heart? Where is your treasure? Where is your time?

“My times are in Your hand.”

— Psalm 31:15

Can you say this honestly? That your time — your life — belongs fully to God?

So… How Do You Give Jesus Your Heart?

You may be wondering:

“How do I know I’m saved? How do I give my heart to Jesus and prepare for eternity?”

It starts with repentance.

That means turning away from your sin — from living life your own way — and turning to God.

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”

— Acts 3:19

We’ve all sinned. Sin separates us from God and leads to death — not just physical death, but eternal separation.

But the good news is this:

God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins.

He took your place. He bore your punishment.

He rose again to give you life — eternal life.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

— Romans 5:8

To be saved, forgiven, and made right with God:

1. Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.

2. Believe that Jesus died for you and rose again.

3. Confess Him as Lord — surrender your whole life to Him.

“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.”

— Romans 10:9

This is more than a prayer. It’s a life-altering commitment.

Here’s a simple prayer you can make your own:

“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I have broken Your laws and lived for myself. But I believe You died for me and rose again. I ask You to forgive me, wash me clean, and give me a new heart. I turn from my sin, and I turn to You. I surrender my life — all of it — to You. Be my Savior, be my Lord, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

If you prayed that sincerely, you’ve taken the first and most important step into eternal life.

But remember — salvation is not the finish line. It’s the starting point.

Now begin walking with Him:

Read the Bible (start with the Gospel of John)

Pray — talk to God every day via prayer

Join a Bible-believing church Get baptized

Share what God has done in your life

“And this is the way to have eternal life—to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent.”

— John 17:3

Your time is still in God’s hands. Don’t waste another moment.

Live for what truly matters.

Live for the One who gave His life for you.

Give Him your heart — today.

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** By Shalom for the world / Photo by KoolShooters at Pexels