Fresh Strength for Fading Years: Ageless Renewal in God - Isaiah 40:31

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)

The Hebrew word for “wait” or “hope” here is qāwâ (קָוָה). It is not passive waiting or idle wishing—it is active trust. To qāwâ is to lean on God, to cling to His promises, to endure with confidence because of who He is. It is like a traveler waiting for a guide—not wandering off, but staying alert, ready to follow when the guide appears.

This matters because human strength eventually fails. Isaiah reminds us that even the young—those in their physical prime—grow weary and stumble (40:30). If the strong grow tired, how much more the aged, who feel the weight of lost strength, grief, or limitation? Yet here is the beautiful promise: God Himself will renew strength for all who wait on Him.

Notice that the renewal is not about reversing age or restoring youth. It is about God’s divine enablement—new strength, new endurance, new joy—given to those who trust Him. To “wait” is to anchor in His character, surrender self-reliance, and keep persevering in the life He gives. For some, that may look like soaring with renewed vision and boldness. For others, it may mean steady walking without fainting, even through loss or weakness. Either way, the strength comes not from within, but from Him.

Applications

1. Anchor in God’s Character
   Recall His past faithfulness in your life. Just as He has carried you before, He will carry you now. Waiting means fixing your hope on the unchanging God.
2. Release Self-Reliance
   Don’t push through in your own effort. When weary, turn to prayer. Hand over your burdens and let God’s Spirit supply what you lack.
3. Live with Perseverance
   Keep walking forward in faith, even in small steps. For the aged, that may mean mentoring, praying, or testifying of God’s goodness. For the young, it means resisting burnout by depending on God, not your own strength.

Short Prayer

Lord, thank You that Your strength never fails, even when mine does. Teach me to wait on You—to trust, to hope, to endure with confidence in Your promises. Renew my strength today. Help me to walk without fainting, run without growing weary, and soar in faith as You carry me. May my life, in every season, reflect Your sustaining power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Practical ways to wait/hope on God in daily life:

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1. Wait with Prayerful Dependence

• Bring your needs, fears, and desires to God honestly.
• Instead of worrying or rushing to fix things yourself, keep laying them before Him.
• This keeps your heart tethered to His presence.

Example: When anxious about a decision, pray, “Lord, I don’t want to rush ahead. Give me clarity in Your timing.”

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2. Wait with Scripture in Hand

• God’s promises fuel hope. Waiting isn’t wishful thinking—it’s standing on what He has said.
• Meditate on passages like Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 27:14, or Lamentations 3:25–26.
• The Word reshapes your perspective and strengthens your trust.

Example: When discouraged, read Psalm 27:14 aloud: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

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3. Wait with Obedience in the Present

• Waiting doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means doing the next right thing God has already shown you.
• Be faithful in today’s responsibilities, even if tomorrow feels uncertain.
• Trust that as you obey, God will open the right doors at the right time.

Example: While waiting for a new job, keep working diligently in your current role and serving others.

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4. Wait with Surrendered Will

• Sometimes waiting feels long because we’re secretly clinging to our own timeline.
• To wait well means to release control, trusting God’s timing and wisdom over our own.

Example: Instead of saying, “God, do this now,” pray, “God, do this in Your way and Your time—I trust You.”

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5. Wait with Expectant Hope

• Expectation honors God. When you believe He is good and will act, you wait with joy instead of despair.
• This doesn’t mean demanding how He must act, but being confident that whatever He does will be best.

Example: Like a farmer waits for rain, keep preparing your “field” (life, relationships, calling), trusting that God will bring growth.

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✅ In summary:
Waiting/ hoping on God is not idle—it’s:

• Praying instead of worrying,
• Meditating on His Word instead of leaning on feelings,
• Obeying daily instead of stalling,
• Surrendering control instead of striving,
• Expecting His goodness instead of doubting.

p.s. This post was done with Doubao and ChatGPT.

 

Keeping Our Head Up in Afflictions - Romans 12:12

 Keeping Our Head Up in Afflictions

Scripture: Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

In this short but powerful verse, Paul gives us a threefold strategy for enduring life’s darkest valleys. Hope, patience, and prayer work together as a cord of resilience that cannot easily be broken.

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1. The Joy of Hope

True, biblical hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God’s promises and character. If our hope does not bring us joy, it may be because we are trusting in circumstances to change rather than in God Himself.

Joy flows not from outcomes but from the certainty that God is in control and His plans are good (Jeremiah 29:11). This hope becomes an anchor for the soul (Hebrews 6:19), lifting our eyes above the storm and reminding us that no trial can undo God’s eternal purposes for us.

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2. The Patience in Affliction

Patience in affliction does not mean passive resignation. It is steadfast endurance, strengthened by hope. Suffering is not meaningless—it is temporary and purposeful. Through it, God produces perseverance, character, and a hope that never disappoints (Romans 5:3-4).

Paul calls our struggles “light and momentary” compared to the eternal glory they are achieving for us (2 Corinthians 4:17). Hope re-frames our perspective: affliction is not the end of the story, but a chapter in God’s refining work.

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3. The Faithfulness in Prayer

When our strength is insufficient, prayer becomes our lifeline. This is not a desperate last resort but a faithful rhythm of depending on God. We pray not because God is unaware but because we need His presence, grace, and strength to endure.

In prayer, we find His all-sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:9) and exchange our anxiety for His peace that guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7). Faithful prayer keeps us grounded in His will and assures us that we never walk through affliction alone.

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Application

• Reflect: Which part of this threefold command is hardest for you now—finding joy, enduring with patience, or remaining faithful in prayer? Bring it to God.
• Memorize: Hide Romans 12:12 in your heart as a ready reminder when trials strike.
• Practice: The next time affliction arises—pause and apply this verse:
1. Thank God for your hope (joy).
2. Choose to endure with trust (patience).
3. Immediately bring it to God (prayer).

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A Short Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You that my hope in You is secure and unshakable. Fill me with joy as I look beyond my struggles to Your promises. Grant me patience to endure affliction with faith, knowing You are working all things for my good. Keep me faithful in prayer, leaning on Your strength and not my own. May Your grace and peace sustain me each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When God Is First, Everything Else Finds Its Place - Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

When God Is First, Everything Else Finds Its Place

Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Jesus reminds us that the order of life matters. When we put God’s kingdom first, everything else falls into place. Someone once put it beautifully: “economic development follows after spiritual development.” In other words, our outward success flows from inward alignment with God.

The Chinese proverb from the Analects says, 先做人后做事 — “First learn how to be a person, then learn skills to do work.” This reflects a timeless truth: character precedes achievement. Without the right foundation, even the best skills and strategies will eventually collapse.

For the believer, that foundation is Christ. To “seek the Kingdom” means to pursue God’s reign in our hearts, our priorities, and our decisions. To “live righteously” means walking in obedience, integrity, and love. Together, this is both knowing and doing—what the Chinese call 知行合一 (unity of knowledge and action).

When we align our knowing with our doing—our faith with our practice—God promises that we will lack nothing essential. Our needs are in His hands, and His timing is always perfect.

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Applications:

1. Examine your priorities—what do you seek first in your daily life?
2. In every decision, ask: “Does this honor God’s kingdom?”
3. Don’t separate faith from life; let what you believe shape what you do.

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A Short Prayer:

Lord, teach me to seek You above all else. Help me put Your kingdom first in my thoughts, decisions, and actions. Align my heart to live righteously, so that my life may reflect both knowledge of You and obedience to You. I trust that as I seek You, You will provide all that I need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Conclusion:

This post serves as a timely reminder and an invitation. It invites readers to audit their priorities and experience the freedom that comes not from successfully managing a chaotic life, but from allowing God to be the central anchor that brings order to the chaos. It’s a call to shift from self-reliance to God-reliance, promising that in doing so, we don't lose our lives but finally discover them in their proper, intended fullness.

 

Be Joyful All the Time No Matter What - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 Be Joyful All the Time, No Matter What

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1. Joy in Every Season

No matter what happens, God calls us to live with joy, peace, and gratitude. This does not mean pretending that pain, betrayal, sickness, or persecution are pleasant. Instead, it means choosing to lift our eyes above the situation and fixing them on God, who is always faithful. Our circumstances may change, but our God never changes.

2. Why Is It Possible?

We can rejoice always because it is God’s will for us. His will is not burdensome, but good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2). When God commands us to rejoice, it’s because He knows it is possible through His Spirit living in us. Joy is not dependent on what happens around us, but on who God is and what He has done for us in Christ.

3. God’s Sovereign Promise

Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Even when situations feel painful, confusing, or unfair, God is weaving them into His greater plan. This truth allows us to give thanks in all circumstances—not for everything that happens, but in everything that happens—because God’s love and power are always at work.

4. The Secret to Joy and Peace

The only thing we truly need to hold on to is trust—trusting God with hope and expectation. When we surrender our fears, disappointments, and uncertainties to Him, His peace guards our hearts and His joy strengthens us. As Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

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Life Examples

Biblical Example — Paul and Silas
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were beaten, chained, and thrown into the darkest part of a prison. By human standards, they had every reason to despair. Yet at midnight, they chose to pray and sing hymns to God. Their joy was not tied to their suffering but to their Savior. As a result, the prison shook, their chains fell off, and even the jailer’s family came to faith. Their joy became a testimony that brought freedom and hope to others.

Modern Example — Joy in Sickness
A Christian woman once shared her testimony about battling cancer. The treatments left her weak, and the uncertainty weighed heavily on her family. Yet she made a choice: every morning she would write down three things she was thankful for, no matter how small—sunlight through the window, a friend’s phone call, or simply the gift of waking up to another day. Instead of bitterness, her heart grew in joy and peace. Her doctors and nurses noticed her hope, and several even asked about her faith in Christ. Her joy in suffering became a witness to God’s love and strength.

These examples remind us that joy is not the absence of problems but the presence of Christ.

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Applications

• Shift your focus: When difficulties arise, deliberately choose to look at God’s promises instead of your problems.
• Develop gratitude: Write down daily things you can thank God for, even the small ones.
• Stay connected: Keep a continual conversation with God throughout your day—short prayers, silent cries, whispered thanks.
• Encourage others: Share joy and hope with someone who is struggling, reminding them of God’s goodness.

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A Short Prayer

Lord, thank You that joy in You is not dependent on my circumstances. Help me to trust Your love and power, knowing You work all things for my good. Teach me to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in everything. Fill my heart with peace and joy today, no matter what I face. May my life be a light to others, just as Paul and Silas in prison and that faithful sister in her sickness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

p.s. This was done with help from ChatGPT.

 

The Word: Eternal Truth and Living Guidance - Psalm 119:105

The Word: Eternal Truth and Living Guidance

Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."

God’s Word is more than just text on a page—it is both unchanging truth and living guidance.

1. The Word can be static or dynamic.
• The static Word refers to the written Scriptures—the values, standards, and principles God has given us. They are unchanging, eternal truths that reveal God’s character and show us how to live. Just as a lamp provides steady light, the written Word gives us a fixed point of reference to measure everything against.
2. The dynamic Word is the application of Scripture to our present situation through the Holy Spirit. As we pray and listen, God breathes life into His Word, giving us timely direction, encouragement, or correction. This is the “real-time” guidance that helps us walk step by step on the path He sets before us.
3. The relationship between the two.
• The dynamic Word will never contradict the static Word. If what we think we hear goes against Scripture, we can be certain it is not from God. The Spirit applies God’s timeless truth to our unique circumstances, but He never changes the truth itself. This safeguard helps us discern whether a voice is from God, from our own desires, or from the enemy.

Together, the static Word anchors us, and the dynamic Word leads us. The Bible provides the eternal light, and the Spirit directs that light onto the exact steps we must take in the moment.

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Applications:

• Commit to daily reading of the written Word so your heart and mind are shaped by God’s unchanging truth.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to bring Scripture to life and show you how it applies to your current season, challenges, and decisions.
• Test every “dynamic word” by the written Word. God’s voice is consistent and never leads to compromise against His standards.

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A Short Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your Word that never changes and for Your Spirit who makes it alive in my heart. Help me to treasure the Scriptures as my foundation and to remain sensitive to Your voice for daily guidance. Keep me from deception and give me wisdom to discern Your will in every step I take. Let Your Word be my light today and always. Amen.

 

Running Lighter, Running Truer: Finishing the Race Set Before You - Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

 Running Lighter, Running Truer: Finishing the Race Set Before You

Scripture:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT)

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Exposition

The Christian life isn’t a leisurely stroll; it’s a purposeful, demanding race requiring focus, endurance, and freedom from hindrances. Hebrews 12:1 paints a vivid picture: we run now, watched by the "cloud of witnesses" – the faithful heroes in Hebrews 11. Their lives are not mere historical footnotes but enduring testimonies to the reality, cost, and triumph of faith. Their witness fuels our own.

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Point 1: Drawn Forward by Faithful Witnesses

The "huge crowd of witnesses" (Hebrews 11) isn’t watching passively—their lives testify! They died trusting promises unseen (Abraham, Moses), suffered for righteousness (prophets, martyrs), and endured agonizing delays (Noah building the ark, Abraham waiting for Isaac). Their faith wasn’t perfect, but God’s faithfulness through their imperfect faith is the real story. Their example shouts: “God is faithful! Keep going! The promise is real! The sacrifice is worth it!” Their endurance becomes fuel for ours.

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Point 2: Liberated to Run – Shedding Weights and Sin

Runners don’t compete with backpacks on. Likewise, speed and endurance in the Christian race aren’t about trying harder under a crushing load—it’s about lightening the load.

• Weights: Not always sinful, but distractions, excessive commitments, misplaced priorities, or unresolved bitterness that drain our energy.
• Sin: Active rebellion that entangles our feet, causing stumbles and setbacks.

Running lighter demands ruthless honesty. We must ask: “What consumes time or energy that God intends for my calling? What habits or attitudes are holding me back?” The call is to prioritize the eternal over the temporal, the essential over the optional.

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Point 3: Focused on the Course – Knowing Your Race

We cannot run effectively if we don’t know the course. “The race God has set before us” implies a personalized calling. While the ultimate goal is Christlikeness and His glory, our specific mission is unique. Without clarity, we risk running aimlessly (1 Cor 9:26) or envying others’ lanes. Instead, we discern our gifts, passions, burdens, and entrusted responsibilities, aligning priorities with God’s design. Clarity keeps our focus sharp and our energy strategic.

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Point 4: Looking to the Long-Term Reward

Short-term comforts can tempt us to slow down or quit. But this race isn’t about immediate ease—it’s about eternal reward. Paul echoes this in Philippians 3:13–14: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” When our eyes are fixed on eternity, temporary struggles shrink in significance. Long-term focus empowers us to endure hardship today for joy tomorrow (Heb 12:2).

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Point 5: Sustained for the Long Run – Endurance in Community

This is a marathon, not a sprint. We endure by:

• Fixing our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2), the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith.
• Daily perseverance, choosing faith one step at a time.
• Drawing strength from community, both the witnesses of Hebrews 11 and present-day brothers and sisters in Christ (Heb 10:24–25; Gal 6:2). Endurance flourishes in community, where encouragement and accountability lighten the load.

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Conclusion

The Christian race is run empowered by the faithful who’ve gone before, liberated by shedding all that hinders, focused on the unique course God has designed, anchored by long-term vision, and sustained by fixing our eyes on Jesus while running with others. It’s not about frantic effort under a heavy load but about running lighter, truer, and longer in the power of His grace.

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Application Questions

1. What “weights” (even good things) are slowing me down in this season?
2. Is there a sin entangling me that I need to confess and forsake?
3. Am I clear about the unique race God has called me to run—or am I distracted by others’ lanes?
4. Where am I prioritizing short-term comfort over eternal reward?
5. Who can I run alongside, or encourage, so that we endure together?

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A Short Prayer

Lord Jesus, the Perfecter of my faith,
Surrounded by the witness of the faithful,
Give me courage to honestly examine my life.
Reveal the weights—good things turned burdens—
And the sin that entangles me.
Grant me grace to strip them off, however costly.
Clarify the unique race You have set before me;
Fix my eyes steadfastly upon You.
Fill me with Your enduring Spirit for the long journey.
Remind me I run not alone, but upheld by the great cloud
And strengthened by my brothers and sisters beside me.
Empty my hands, lighten my step, and guide my path,
That I may run faithfully to Your glory. Amen.

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Takeaway Line

“Run lighter, run truer, eyes on Jesus, prize eternal.”

ps. This post was done with ChatGPT and DeepSeek.

 

Living for Christ in Ordinary Life - Colossians 3:17

 Devotion: Living for Christ in Ordinary Life

Verse:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” — Colossians 3:17
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” — Matthew 10:42

Reflection:
Not all of us are called to be Paul, Martin Luther King Jr., or Mother Teresa. Most believers live ordinary lives—working, caring for families, interacting with neighbors. Yet God’s Word reminds us that living for Christ is not measured by fame or public recognition, but by faithfulness in the ordinary.

Here are some ways a “common” person can live fully for Christ:

• Serve in small ways: Even a cup of cold water offered in love matters to God.
• Be faithful in daily responsibilities: Your work, studies, or household tasks can honor Him.
• Encourage and love others: A kind word, listening ear, or helping hand reflects Christ’s love.
• Pray consistently: Bring your struggles, joys, and plans to God, trusting Him to guide you.
• Live with integrity: Honesty, patience, and compassion in everyday life shine for Jesus.

Everyday acts of love, no matter how ordinary, are treasured by God. What matters is not the size of the task but the love and obedience behind it. Even the smallest acts done in Jesus’ name are noticed and rewarded.

Application:

• Look for one “ordinary” opportunity today—whether at home, work, or with friends—to show Christ’s love in a small but intentional way.
• Offer your daily tasks to God in prayer, dedicating even the simplest actions to Him.
• Remember: living for Christ is about being faithful where you are, not waiting for a “greater” assignment.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me that living for You is not about greatness in the world’s eyes, but faithfulness in ordinary life. Help me to serve others, love sincerely, and honor You in small ways every day. May even my simplest acts of kindness and obedience reflect Your glory. Amen.

Takeaway:
"Faithfulness in small, ordinary acts of love honors Christ and will never go unnoticed by God."

p.s. This post was done with ChatGPT.

 

Preparing for His Coming in a VUCAD World - Luke 12:40

Preparing for His Coming in a VUCAD World

(Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous, Disruptive)

Luke 12:40 (ESV)
“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

In The Art of War, Sun Tzu warns:

“Do not count on the enemy not attacking, but count on being ready for him at any time.”

This is a call to radical preparedness—replacing wishful thinking with unwavering vigilance. Warriors train long before battle, making readiness instinctive.

Yet our preparation is profoundly different: Soldiers brace for the worst (an enemy’s assault); we anticipate the best (our Savior’s glory). Jesus warned His return would follow global turmoil—extreme division, natural disasters, wars (Matthew 24:6–8). In our VUCAD world, His words echo with piercing clarity.

How do we prepare?

Not in fear, stockpiling resources or retreating, but through active faithfulness:

• Anchor daily in God’s Word and prayer, fortifying unshakable faith (Psalm 119:105).
• Live with Christlike integrity, reflecting His light in every sphere (Philippians 2:15).
• Share the gospel boldly within your influence, offering eternal hope (1 Peter 3:15).
• Serve suffering souls practically, being His hands of comfort (James 2:17).

True readiness is not waiting—it’s working, watching, and worshiping until He comes.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, empty me of fear and fill me with holy anticipation for Your return.
Strengthen my faith daily; purify my heart relentlessly.
Make me a beacon of hope in this uncertain world—
faithful in service, bold in witness, unwavering in love.
Hasten Your kingdom through my readiness. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

p.s. This was the integrated answers from ChatGPT and DeepSeek to my prompt:

Improve and complete the following devotion:

Preparing for His Coming in a VUCAD World.

Luke 12:40 ESV

You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

#1 Sun Zi's Art of War said that you cannot count on the enemy not attacking, but you must count on being ready for his attacks anytime.

It tells us to prepare for the possibility and not just be hopeful or wishful.

#2 In Sun Zi's statement, they are preparing for the worst, the enemy's attack. In our case, we are to prepare for the coming of the Lord. It is a glorious coming. But Jesus also told us that before he comes again, the world will be in extreme polarization and with natural disasters, wars, and rumors of wars.

#3 We are to prepare for His coming by building up our faith, bearing good testimonies, spreading the gospels in our circle of influence, providing hope and care in sufferings, etc.

A Short prayer

Trusting God: The Only Way Forward — Romans 8:28

 Trusting God: The Only Way Forward

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
— Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Life often feels like walking through fog. We strain to see what lies ahead, anxious about the next step, the next decision, or the next trial. We crave clarity, certainty, and control—yet God invites us into something far more profound: trust.

#1: The Dots We Can’t Yet Connect
Steve Jobs once said, "You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward." How true this is! In the midst of confusion, loss, or unexpected turns, we rarely see how today’s struggles could possibly fit into a greater purpose. We question, we worry, we try to force our own plans. But Romans 8:28 reminds us: God is already weaving every thread—even the painful, confusing ones—into a tapestry of grace. Our job isn’t to understand, but to surrender. To trust that the One who holds eternity sees the masterpiece we cannot.

#2: Walking in Purpose, Step by Step
We are not wandering aimlessly. We are "called according to His purpose." This calling isn’t always a dramatic revelation; often, it’s revealed in the quiet faithfulness of daily obedience. We walk forward not by sight, but by trusting His character: His love is unwavering, His wisdom is perfect, and His plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11). As we surrender our need for control, we discover His purpose—not as a distant destination, but as a journey walked hand-in-hand with Him. One day, looking back, we’ll trace His faithfulness through every valley and mountain, and whisper, "He was with me all along."

The Choice Before Us:
Will we anchor our hearts in anxiety, or in the unchanging truth of God’s promise? Trust isn’t denial of pain; it’s choosing to believe that God is greater than our circumstances. When fear whispers, "This is meaningless," let faith respond: "God is working this for my good."

A Prayer of Surrender:

Heavenly Father,
My vision is so limited; my heart so prone to fear. Forgive me for clinging to my own understanding when You ask me to trust You. Help me release my grip on the "why" and the "how," and rest in Your promise that all things—even the hard things—are in Your hands. Strengthen my faith to walk forward today, not because I see the path, but because I know Your heart. Align my desires with Your purpose. When doubts arise, remind me of Your past faithfulness. Thank You for being a God who redeems, restores, and never wastes a single moment of my journey. I choose to trust You now.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This post is DeepSeek's answer to my prompt:

 Improve and complete the following devotion:

Trusting God as the Way to move forward

Romans 8:28 states, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose"

#1 Steve Jobs' famous quote, "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward," means that you can't predict the future or understand how events will fit together as they are happening. It's only later, looking back, that you can see the connections and understand the path you've taken.  So, we don't try to understand but to trust God's love and plan for us. Knowing that God will use all things for our good.

#2 We are called with a purpose, His purpose for us. We walk with trust to discover His purpose for us. At the end, we may look back and see His purpose for us.

A Short prayer

The Costly Call: Following Jesus

The Costly Call: Following Jesus

Reflection on Matthew 16:24

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'"
— Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

Jesus’ words are not an invitation to comfort, but a call to radical surrender. True discipleship demands a decisive shift in allegiance—from self to Savior. Here’s what it means to walk this narrow way:

1. The Clarity of "No" Defines Our "Yes"
   When we choose Jesus, we reject all rivals. Every genuine "yes" to Christ inherently requires "no" to paths that conflict with His lordship. This is the essence of dedication: prioritizing Him above comfort, ambition, and even safety. As Jim Elliot said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
2. "No" Brings Focus; "Yes" Demands Discernment
   Saying "no" to sin, distraction, and selfishness creates space for God’s purpose. A clear "no" protects our hearts from compromise. Conversely, a "yes" to Jesus opens a world of holy possibilities—requiring us to seek His will daily through prayer, Scripture, and the Spirit’s guidance (Romans 12:2).
3. Exchanging Desires: The Heart of Discipleship
   Following Jesus means crucifying our self-centered wants and embracing His desires as our own. It’s not merely suppressing sin, but undergoing a transformation where His priorities reshape our passions (Galatians 2:20). As we yield, His desires become our delight (Psalm 37:4), making obedience a joy, not a burden.
4. Pursuit Implies Rejection
   Wholeheartedly seeking God’s Kingdom means automatically turning from what opposes it (Matthew 6:33). You cannot walk toward light while clinging to darkness. Pursuing righteousness, peace, and Christ’s mission leaves no room for the pursuits of the flesh or the world.

A Personal Reflection:
I once believed following Jesus was about adding Him to my existing life. I’ve learned it’s about surrendering that life entirely. The cross I’m called to carry isn’t always dramatic—it’s the daily "no" to pride, the quiet "yes" to forgiveness, the choice to serve when I want to be served. In this surrender, I’ve found true freedom: the chains of self are broken by the weight of the cross.

A Prayer of Surrender:

Lord Jesus, Your call is clear but costly. Give me the courage to deny myself—to say "no" to the lies of comfort, control, and compromise. Help me take up my cross daily: the specific calling to die to sin and live for You. Transform my desires until Your heart beats within me. As I follow You, step by step, fill me with Your Spirit’s strength and the deep joy that comes only from complete obedience. May my life be a clear "yes" to You, my Savior and King. Amen.

What is Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Well - Galatians 6:9

 What is Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Well

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

We live in a world that often celebrates instant results, applause, and visibility. But God calls us to something deeper—faithfulness in doing good, even when it feels slow, unnoticed, or unappreciated. If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well—not for human approval, but because it honors God and aligns with His purposes.

1. Return to the Original Purpose

When discouragement creeps in, remind yourself why you started. Our motivation should be rooted in doing what is good, not chasing recognition or applause. Whether or not people see it, your labor matters to God. It is not the glory we seek, but the goodness of the work itself.

"So what if nobody sees or praises us? God sees, and that is enough."

2. God Promises a Harvest

Galatians 6:9 is a clear assurance: if we don’t give up, there will be a harvest. God is not unjust; He notices every act of obedience and love. The reward may not be immediate, but it will come—in God’s perfect time and way.

3. Good Things Take Time

A strong character, a loving relationship, a fruitful ministry, or a life of impact is not built overnight. Anything truly good takes time, persistence, and effort. Keep building even when progress feels slow.

4. Adapt, Don’t Quit

Not giving up doesn’t mean being rigid. Your purpose may remain the same, but your method may need to change. Learn from mistakes, seek wise counsel, try new approaches. Stubbornness is not faithfulness. Growth requires flexibility.

5. Aim for Faithfulness, Not Perfection

God doesn’t expect perfection from us—He desires a faithful heart. Doing something well doesn’t mean doing it flawlessly, but doing it with diligence, humility, and a willingness to grow.

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Application Questions

• Am I still clear on why I started doing this?
• Am I doing it for God or for people's approval?
• In what area do I need to persevere rather than give up?
• Is there a better way I can approach this that I haven't yet tried?
• Am I aiming for faithfulness, or am I being trapped by perfectionism?

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A Short Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding me that doing good is never wasted. Renew my heart when I grow weary. Help me to stay faithful to the purpose You’ve given me, and to do it well—not for praise, but because You are worthy. Teach me to adapt when needed and to trust in Your timing for the harvest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

p.s. This was ChatGPT's answer to my prompt:

Improve and complete the following devotion:

What is worth doing is worth doing it well

Galatians 6:9 NIV Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

#1 When we feel discouraged, we need to go back to the original purpose of why we are doing it. It is the good and not the glory that we are doing. So, so what if nobody sees it or nobody praise us, we continue to do because it is good.

#2 Here is the assurance that God will rewards us if we just continue.

#3 Good things take time and effort to build. So we should not give up.

#4 However, we need to know that our purpose or objective need not change, but our methods should. We must learn and adapt on the way. Don't give up is yes but may be we can change or improve the method.

#5 Faithfulness for improvement and not perfection is the key.

Application Questions

A Short prayer