Hearing His Voice (Part 2)

Read ‘Hearing His Voice (Part 1)’ to get context of Part 2

A man boarded a small plane in Alaska. Mid-flight, the pilot passed out in the clouds. No visibility. No control.

Emergency control responded.

They said:

• I can see you, though you can’t see me.

• If you obey my voice, you live.

• If you don’t, you die.

The passengers followed the one voice through the storm and landed safely.

When you cannot see, voice replaces sight. Without the right voice, you have nothing.

Key Lessons

1. Hearing precedes survival - Faith does not begin with understanding, it begins with hearing. Faith is not realistic and makes no sense often times than not.

2. Obedience is not optional - Partial obedience equals disobedience. It may take you longer to get to the destination. You will get lost, miss turns and of course get exhausted along that way.

3. Multiple voices cause destruction - Conflicting voices create confusion; confusion kills direction. (Do you know even well meaning voices, voices that also tell you the scripture can also cause destruction? Discernment is key! Read previous posts on discernment)

4. God sees before you do - Safety is based on His sight, not your perception. Our perception is not wholistic. He always sees the bigger picture.

5. The storm is irrelevant - Focusing on conditions instead of instruction leads to failure.

The Way Forward

The way home is not suffering again. The way home is obedience to the voice of the One who already sees and has authority.

Victory is achieved by walking in alignment with the voice that leads you through.

Anchor Scripture

“My sheep hear My voice, and they follow Me.” John 10:27

If your head is full of voices, you will self-destruct. Life is preserved by one voice: HIS VOICE.

This is the link to the video - Listen to the voice

Hearing His Voice (Part 1)

There was a lesson I wanted to share with my girlfriends during a recent girls’ hangout I hosted.

We had already played two games and, honestly, we were exhausted. So we never got to the final game I had planned. But even though the game wasn’t played, the lesson remained, and it has stayed with me.

The game was simple, but powerful.

I planned to pair the ladies in twos. One person would be blindfolded while the other would lead her teammate to a destination. The blindfolded person could only rely on the voice of her teammate to get there.

The twist?

The other teams would be whispering, shouting, and intentionally creating distractions competing voices everywhere. The team that made it to the destination within 30 seconds would win.

The point of the game was not competition. The point was discernment.

Trusting the Right Voice

That night, the lesson I wanted to bring out was this:

Trusting God’s voice in the midst of many voices.

Life is loud.
Opinions are loud.
Pain is loud.
Fear is loud.
Social media is loud.
Even well-meaning people can be loud.

And when too many voices are competing, it becomes harder to distinguish the one voice that actually leads us to safety, peace, and truth.

When I Couldn’t Hear God Clearly

There was a season in my life when I struggled deeply with hearing God’s voice, not because He stopped speaking, but because there were too many voices competing with His.

And I knew something had to change.

So I did something drastic.

I unplugged.

I unplugged from social media.
I unplugged from social chats.
I unplugged from opinions, commentary, and noise.

I told everyone: family, friends, everyone that I needed to shut down.

What I thought would be a short withdrawal turned into six months.

The Silence That Healed Me

Those six months changed my life.

That was where I found deep revival. That was where restoration began. That was where my healing journey truly started.

In the silence, I began to hear clearly again.
Not the voice of fear.
Not the voice of shame.
Not the voice of people.

But the voice of God!

A Tool the Holy Spirit Used

During that season, there was a particular video the Holy Spirit used to reach me when I was overwhelmed and struggling to hear Him clearly.

It became one of the tools God used to recalibrate my heart and tune my ears back to His voice.

I will share the summary of that video in Part 2 of this series.

Because sometimes, hearing His voice doesn’t require Him to speak louder, it requires us to silence everything else.

Discernment in the Day of Deception (Part 3)

“That you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

What does “that you may prove” mean?

The word “prove” here does not mean to convince God or to argue a case.

The original meaning carries the idea of:

• To test

• To examine

• To discern by experience

• To approve after examination

In simple terms to prove is to personally recognize, discern, and confirm true.

Put simply

“That you may prove” means:

So that you can clearly recognize, discern, and experience for yourself what God’s will is.

-Not theory.
-Not hearsay.
-Not copying someone else’s walk.

That is to have personal clarity. Not what you were told but what you know to be true.

How does this happen?

The verse gives us the order:

1. Do not be conformed to the world
   (Stop letting the world shape how you think.)

2. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind
   (Let God re-train how you think.)

3. Then you can prove God’s will
   (You now have the capacity to recognize it.)

Many people want step 3 without steps 1 and 2.

Why proving comes after mind renewal

God’s will is:

• Good

• Acceptable

• Perfect

But an unrenewed mind will:

• Call good “impractical”

• Call acceptable “too hard”

• Call perfect “unrealistic”

So God doesn’t hide His will He renews your mind so you can recognize it.

In everyday language

Romans 12:2 is saying:

“When your thinking is no longer shaped by the world but renewed by God, you’ll be able to clearly recognize without confusion what God wants for your life, and you’ll know it’s right because you’re walking in it.”

One-line takeaway

You don’t prove God’s will by guessing or hearsay, you prove it by thinking differently and living it out.

Discernment in the Day of Deception (Part 2)

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”

Romans 12:2 gives one command, one process, and one result.

• Command: Do not be conformed to this world

• Process: Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

• Result: That you may prove the will of God

The renewing of the mind is the bridge between non-conformity and discernment.

Be transformed not adjusted, not improved

The word transformed comes from metamorphoō, it means a complete change of form from the inside out.

This is not behavior modification, this is not self-help, this is not moral improvement; It is an internal re-formation that produces an external life.

The bible is not saying: Try harder to think better thoughts.

The bible is saying: Allow God to rewire how you perceive reality.

Why transformation must happen in the mind

Earlier, we established in my previous post:

• Conformity happens first in the mind

• Behavior is only the fruit

The world disciples through:

• Repetition

• Narratives

• Normalization

• Emotional conditioning

God renews through:

• Truth

• Revelation

• Alignment with His Word

• Illumination by the Spirit

Whoever shapes your thinking governs your life.

“Renewing” is not replacing, but restoring

To renew means to make new again, to restore to original intent, to bring back to proper condition

God is not giving you a new mind, he is restoring your mind to function as it was designed to.

A renewed mind:

• Thinks in agreement with truth

• Interprets life through God’s perspective

Renewal is ongoing, not instant, you don’t renew your mind once, you live in renewal.

If the mind remains unrenewed:

• You will think like the world, react like the world, decide like the world, even while confessing Christ

Renewal is the only defense against unconscious conformity.

An unrenewed mind:

• Mislabels God’s will

• Calls obedience “loss”

• Calls faith “reckless”

• Calls endurance “wasted time”

A renewed mind:

• Recognizes God’s will without confusion

• Walks in it without constant hesitation

• Confirms it through lived experience

Why deception thrives without renewal

Deception does not usually enter as a lie, it enters as a reasonable thought that feels familiar.

If the mind is not renewed:

• Lies feel normal

• Truth feels extreme

• Compromise feels wise

This is why Scripture places renewal before proving.

Romans 12:2 in simple terms is saying:

“If you don’t let the world train your thinking, and instead allow God to reshape how your mind works, you will be able to clearly recognize and walk in His will without confusion.”

Discernment in the Day of Deception (Part 1)

Romans 12:2
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Let’s break this scripture down.

What does it mean to be conformed?

To be conformed means:

• To act according to a rule or pattern

• To consent, agree, or yield

• To submit oneself to a standard

To be conformed to the world means we are obedient to the rules, values, logic, and norms of the world system.

According to Scripture, a believer is conformed to the patterns of the world when their thinking, desires, values, decisions, and reactions are shaped more by the fallen world system than by the mind of Christ.

Conformity happens first in the mind, not in behavior. Behavior is only the fruit of what the mind has already accepted.

Biblical Indicators of World Conformity

1. Your thinking mirrors the world’s logic

Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh.
(Romans 8:5)

When your reasoning sounds indistinguishable from the world’s reasoning, discernment has already been compromised.

2. You measure success the same way the world does

The world defines success by:

• Status

• Control

• Accumulation

• Visibility

The scripture defines success by:

• Obedience

• Faithfulness

• Fruit

• Alignment with God’s will

3. Your reactions match the world’s responses

• Quick offense.

• Defensiveness.

• Bitterness.

• Fear-driven decisions.

• Retaliation.

James 3:14–16
“Where envy and selfish ambition exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

The Kingdom produces:

• Peace

• Restraint

• Trust

• Endurance

If your reactions consistently mirror the world’s emotional reflexes, your mind is being trained somewhere other than the Spirit.

4. You are governed by fear of loss instead of fear of God

• The world trains people to preserve themselves.

• The Kingdom trains people to lose their life to find it.

• Fear of loss produces compromise.

• Fear of God produces clarity.

5. You normalize what God calls spiritual warfare

The world says:

• “That’s just life.”

• “Everyone goes through this.”

• “Lower your expectations.”

2 Corinthians 10:3–5
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh… casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.”

The battle is fought in thought patterns that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.

If lies go unchallenged in your mind according to the Word of God, the world is discipling you.

Why this matters

Discernment is not about avoiding deception out there. It is about recognizing deception within the mind.

Transformation does not begin with changing circumstances. It begins with renewing what you agree with.

The Problem Was Never Heaven

There is a quiet lie many believers carry: “Maybe God doesn’t want me to have it.”

But Scripture tells a very different story.

“Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.”
1 Corinthians 3:21

The issue has never been God’s willingness. The issue has always been our readiness.

Heaven Is Not Withholding

Romans reminds us that God is not a God who withholds.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” - Romans 8:32

God already gave His best. Why would He hold back the rest?

If it is in His Word, and if it is in His will, then the question is not if God wants you to have it. The question becomes: are we positioned to receive it? do we know how to receive it?

God does not delay promises because He is reluctant. He waits because growth is required to steward what is already ours.

Scripture tells us that all things that pertain to life and godliness have already been given.
Not will be given. Already given.

What stands in the way is not the devil. It is not opposition. It is not heaven being silent. It is a lack of knowledge and spiritual maturity.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

“Come Up Hither”: A Personal Revelation

There was a season in my life where I felt lost and rejected. I felt God was not giving me what I needed. It felt like heaven was shut against me.

Then I perceived the Holy Spirit calling me the same way He called John in Revelation: “Come up hither.”

When John answered that call, he was taken higher and shown mighty revelations.

I yielded to that call. And little did I know…everything I was searching for had already been given.

When you move higher in your walk with God, something changes:

• Your discernment sharpens

• The enemy’s tactics become obvious

• Confusion gives way to revelation

At that level, you no longer fight blindly. You fight from understanding.

You see clearly what the enemy is trying to steal, kill, and destroy and you are equipped to take back what is rightfully yours.

The Devil Isn’t the Main Obstacle

This truth may be uncomfortable, but it is freeing:

What stands in the way is us.

Not Satan.
Not people.
Not circumstances.

Ignorance (our lack of knowledge) delays access not heaven.

As long as it is written in God’s Word and as long as we are aligned with His will, provision is already made.

God Has Always Been Ready

All of God’s promises are Yes and Amen.

He never said:

“Wait, you can’t have it now.”

He has always been ready. In fact, He has been eagerly waiting for us:

• to come to Him

• to desire Him

• to mature in faith

He is a Father who give, not witholds. Jesus Himself asked the question: “If a son asks for bread, will his father give him a stone?”

If God has freely given, why would He withhold? The problem was never heaven. The invitation has always been open. Never settle for maybe He doesn’t want me to have it, maybe he sees danger and says wait. That is very contrary to the word of God.

Closing Reflection

When we grow, we see.
When we see, we take hold.
When we take hold, we walk in what was already ours.

Knowledge and Faith - (hand in hand)

Real faith is never separate from knowledge of the Word of God.
I cannot overemphasize this enough.

The moment light comes, faith is present.

The Bible says, “The entrance of thy word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”
Light and understanding come when the Word enters. And where light is, faith follows.

Many people are praying for faith, but what they actually need is knowledge.

This is a truth that must be settled.

Why Faith Is Not the Problem

People often say, “I need more faith.”
They pray, they fast, they cry out to God for faith.

But faith is not something you beg God for.

Faith is a response.

You could pray forever asking for faith, but if you do not have knowledge of the Word of God, faith will never come. Not because God is withholding it but because faith has a source.

Faith does not appear out of emotion.
Faith is produced by understanding.

When knowledge comes, faith comes with it.

Knowledge Is the Gateway

Scripture tells us plainly:
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Notice what comes first: hearing.
And hearing requires exposure, attention, and understanding.

This is why feeding on God’s Word matters.

This is why meditating on God’s Word matters.

Faith is not accidental.
It is built.

The more the Word enters you, the more light you receive.
The more light you receive, the more confident your faith becomes.

An Everyday Example

Imagine you purchase a brand-new TV.

It’s sitting in front of you, brand new, perfect condition, but you don’t know how to turn it on. You don’t know which button to press. You don’t know how to operate it.

You could stand there believing, hoping, wishing that the TV will magically turn on.

But belief alone will not help you.

What do you need?

The manual.

You read the instructions written by the ‘creator of the product’. As you read, knowledge comes. And once knowledge comes, belief is activated into action.

You press the power button, not hoping it works, but knowing it will work, because the knowledge you received told you it would.

That knowledge produced confidence.
That confidence produced action.

That is faith.

Faith Works the Same Way

God is the Creator.
His Word is the manual.

When you know what God has said, you act with confidence, not because circumstances make sense, but because His Word does.

Faith is not blind.
Faith sees clearly through the lens of God’s Word.

When the Word enters, light comes.
When light comes, faith rises.
When faith rises, action follows.

So………..

Stop praying for faith.
Start feeding on the Word.

Meditate on it.
Hear it.
Study it.
Let it enter you.

Because when knowledge comes, faith comes.

And faith that is built on the Word will always stand.

Faith is not ‘realistic.’

Faith Is Not Realistic, And This Is Why….

Faith is not realistic.

Not because it is weak.
Not because it is foolish.
However, because "realistic" is a term rooted in the natural world, and faith does not operate within it.

To be realistic means:

having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected.

That definition alone disqualifies faith.

Faith is not sensible to the natural mind.
Faith is not practical to the physical senses.
Faith does not submit to what can be calculated, predicted, or logically explained.

Realism Belongs to the Natural Realm

Realism is built on what you can see, measure, and verify.

It asks questions like:

• Do you have the money?

• Do you have the qualifications?

• Do you have the evidence?

• Do you have the guarantee?

From a realistic standpoint, these questions make sense.

But faith does not answer to sight.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

The moment faith becomes “realistic,” it ceases to be faith.

Faith Violates Natural Logic

Here is where the tension appears.

People say:

“Be realistic. You can’t pay rent if you don’t have the money by the end of the month.”

That is a true statement in the natural realm.

But faith responds with something entirely different:

“I will pay my rent, even though I do not see yet where the money is coming from.”

To the natural mind, that sounds irresponsible.
To faith, it is alignment with God’s provision.

Faith does not deny the absence of money.
Faith denies that lack has the final authority.

Faith Does Not Ask “How” First

Realism asks how before it moves.
Faith obeys before how is revealed.

This is why faith feels uncomfortable.

• Noah did not know how rain would come.

• Abraham did not know how a nation would come from his ‘dead’ body.

• The widow did not know how oil would keep flowing.

• The disciples did not know how five loaves would feed thousands.

If they waited for practicality (reality), nothing would have happened.

Faith moves on promise, not proof.

Why Faith Feels Reckless to the Natural Mind

The natural mind is trained to preserve safety, certainty, and control.

Faith disrupts all three.

“The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Faith looks reckless only because it refuses to be governed by what is visible.

But what is visible is not always what is true.

Faith Is Not Practical; It Is Spiritual

Practicality belongs to systems built by humans.
Faith belongs to a Kingdom built by God.

That does not mean faith is careless or lazy.
It means faith is responsive to divine instruction, not human logic.

Faith says:

• God is my source, not my paycheck.

• God is my provider, not my circumstances.

• God’s word outweighs what I see.

That is not realism.
That is faith.

The Danger of Forcing Faith to Be “Realistic”

When we demand faith to make sense first, we quietly strip it of its power. It no longer becomes faith.

We reduce faith to:

• Backup plans

• Partial trust

• Conditional obedience

But biblical faith is not a safety net.
It is a surrender.

And surrender is never realistic.

Conclusion

Faith is not realistic.
It was never meant to be.

It operates in a realm where:

• God supplies before you understand

• Provision precedes explanation

• Obedience comes before clarity

Realism asks, “What can I achieve?”
Faith asks, “What has God said?”

And when God speaks, reality becomes irrelevant.

The Word Works!

During a Bible study with my kids, a thought struck me: many believers know the Word of God, yet still struggle with poverty, sickness, confusion, and defeat.

Take this example - Scripture says, “By His stripes I am healed” (Isaiah 53:5). But then you may ask: If I believe this, why am I still sick?

The issue is not the power of God’s Word. The real gap is in knowing how to make the Word work for us.

A Coffee Machine That Never Brews

Imagine owning a coffee machine. You know it has the power to brew coffee, but if you never learn how to use it, it will just sit on the counter - beautiful, but useless.

The Word of God is like that. Many admire it, quote it, and even carry it around. But unless we learn to activate it, the results—healing, peace, provision, and victory, will remain out of reach.

God’s Blueprint for Making the Word Work

Joshua 1:8 gives us clear instructions:

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Here’s the progression God outlines:

1. Keep the Word in your mouth —-Speak it continually.

2. Meditate on it day and night - Let it shape your thinking.

3. Observe to do it - Put it into practice fully, not selectively.

Notice the conditional phrase: “For then…” In other words, only then will the promise of prosperity and success be realized.

Why the Word Seems “Powerless”

The Word never fails, but many of us stop at meditation and never move to obedience. We pray and declare, but our actions don’t align with God’s directions.

It’s not enough to admire the “coffee machine” of the Word, we must learn how to make it work in our everyday lives.

Questions for Reflection

• Am I just quoting the Word, or am I living it out daily?

• Do my actions align with what I say I believe?

• Am I willing to be consistent and patient until the fruit shows?

The Takeaway

The Word of God is powerful. But power unused is power wasted.

When you move beyond knowing the Word to doing the Word, transformation begins. That’s when healing comes, provision flows, peace settles in, and clarity guides your steps.

The Word works when you work it.

✨ Call to Action: Don’t let the Bible sit like an unused tool. Speak it. Meditate on it. Do it. And watch God’s promises come alive in your life.

Making Excuses for God?

Have you ever heard someone say, “God must have a reason for this,” or “Maybe He’s just teaching me something”? These phrases often flow off our tongues without a second thought meant to comfort, explain the unexplainable, or defend God when life doesn’t go the way we expected.

But here's the truth:
God doesn’t need us to make excuses for Him. He wants us to know Him.

In our effort to process pain, delay, or disappointment, we often build spiritual sounding narratives that aren't rooted in the Word, but in fear, confusion, or religious tradition. Over time, these excuses can distort our understanding of who God really is and could sometimes paint a wrong picture of who God is to unbelievers or to those who are just growing in their faith.

Let’s uncover the most common excuses people make on behalf of God and explore what the Bible actually says instead.

1. Excuses for Unanswered Prayers

“Maybe God just didn’t want to answer that prayer.”
“God’s silence is His answer.”

What’s underneath: Avoiding honest wrestling with doubt, disappointment, or unmet expectations.

Biblical truth: Not all unanswered prayers are a divine “no.” Sometimes the issue is motive, timing, or lack of faith.

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” James 4:3
“Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

2. Excuses for Delayed Promises

“You’re not ready yet.”
“God is still working on you.”
“Maybe He’s testing your faith.”

What’s underneath: Trying to rationalize long waits or silence.

The danger: It can lead to a performance-based mindset, where we feel we must “earn” God's blessing.

Biblical truth: God fulfills His promises in His timing, not ours. Delay doesn't always mean those excuses we give.

“Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3

3. Excuses for Suffering and Tragedy

“Everything happens for a reason.”
“God gave you this sickness to teach you something.”
“He needed another angel in heaven.”

What’s underneath: Seeking meaning in pain.

Biblical truth: While God can redeem pain, not all suffering comes from Him.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life...” John 10:10
“And we know that in all things God works for the good...” Romans 8:28

4. Excuses for Injustice

“Just leave it in God’s hands.”
“God will judge in the end.”

What’s underneath: Avoiding responsibility or uncomfortable confrontation.

The danger: Using God’s sovereignty as a shield from action can delay justice and silence the oppressed.

Biblical truth: God often uses His people to confront injustice, not avoid it.

“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

5. Excuses for Disobedience

“God understands my heart.”
“We’re under grace now.”
“God isn’t that strict.”

What’s underneath: Justifying sin or compromise.

Biblical truth: God does understand our hearts, which is why He calls us to repentance. Grace isn’t a license to sin; it’s the power to overcome it.

“For the grace of God... teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness.” Titus 2:11-12

6. Excuses for Stagnation or Inaction

“I’m just waiting on God.”
“He hasn’t told me what to do yet.”

What’s underneath: Fear, procrastination, or spiritual paralysis.

Biblical truth: Many breakthroughs require obedient action, not more waiting.

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17
“Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.” Exodus 14:15

7. Excuses for Lack of Boldness

“God doesn’t do that anymore.”
“That miracle stuff was for Bible times.”

What’s underneath: Doubt, disappointment, or fear of being wrong.

The danger: Settling for a powerless, unbelieving Christianity.

Biblical truth: God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

8. Excuses for the Actions of Others (in God’s Name)

“That’s just how church is sometimes.”
“God must have allowed that leader to fall for a reason.”

What’s underneath: Avoiding accountability or exposure of harmful behavior.

The danger: Covering for sin breeds toxicity and spiritual abuse.

Biblical truth: God is not the author of hypocrisy, and He calls leaders to a higher standard.

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

9. Excuses for Not Hearing God’s Voice

“God works in mysterious ways.”
“Maybe He’s not speaking right now.”

What’s underneath: Lack of confidence in recognizing God’s voice, atimes spiritual laziness to wait on God until you get an answer.

Biblical truth: Jesus made it clear, His sheep do hear His voice.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

10. God closed that door for a reason

“God knows best. That door just wasn’t for me.”
“I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”

What’s underneath: A need to explain rejection or missed opportunities in a way that avoids reflection, responsibility, or spiritual warfare. Sometimes it’s easier to say “God closed the door” than to ask hard questions like:

• Did I act in faith?

• Did I give up too soon?

• Was there spiritual opposition I didn’t confront?

Biblical truth: Not every closed door is God’s doing. In Scripture, open doors often come with resistance, and God calls us to knock, seek, and persist. We need spiritual discernment to know whether to move on or push through.

“Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” - Matthew 7:7
“I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” - Revelation 3:8
“A great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” - 1 Corinthians 16:9

Final Thoughts:

God doesn’t need excuses; He wants our faith.
Spiritual clichés might feel safe, but they often rob us of the deeper, richer relationship God invites us into.

Instead of defending God with phrases that aren’t rooted in truth, let’s seek Him in His Word. Let’s ask hard questions, wrestle in prayer, and grow in real relationship not religion.

“Let God be true, and every man a liar.” - Romans 3:4

Where Is the God of Righteousness?

🌾 Introduction: A Growing Concern

Lately, I’ve been deeply burdened.
Not because God’s love, blessing, and prosperity are being preached—they are indeed part of the gospel, rooted in His word. But I’ve noticed something missing. A growing silence. A gap. A subtle imbalance that’s becoming louder with every sermon, every post, and every broadcast.

We hear often:

• “God will bless you.”

• “He wants you to prosper.”

• “He loves you unconditionally.”

And while all of this is true, the gospel is not complete without the message of righteousness, repentance, holiness, and justice—the very foundation of God’s throne (Psalm 89:14).

⚖️ The Forgotten Foundations: Righteousness and Justice

I find myself tuning into messages and scrolling through online content, only to feel spiritually underfed—not because God isn’t being mentioned, but because a part of Him is being left out.

The messages are uplifting, yes, but where is the call to holy living?
Where is the challenge to examine our hearts?
Where are the teachings that confront sin, not just comfort it?

I’m longing to hear again about the God who is both merciful and just, the God who calls us to repentance, not only reward.

📖 Rediscovering God in the Prophets

Recently, the Holy Spirit prompted me to revisit the writings of the prophets. And what I found shook me.

As I read through their words, I often whispered to myself:

"Is this really God?"
"How have we drifted so far from this message?"
"Why is this not what we hear on today’s altars?"

What I saw was not just a God of love, but also a God of holy fire, righteous judgment, and unwavering justice. It’s not either-or. It’s both. And this is the balance we are losing.

💔 A Disturbing Encounter

One day, I came across a prayer posted on a Christian platform—an earnest request, perhaps, but it shocked me. The words blatantly contradicted the will and knowledge of God, violating the truth of Scripture.

And yet, the person prayed with boldness and confidence—as if God's agreement was guaranteed.

It made me pause. What are we being taught today?
Have we become so casual with God that we no longer discern truth from error?

If we’ve replaced reverence with convenience, and obedience with emotional validation, we’re not following Jesus—we’re following a version of Him that fits our preferences.

🔥 The Call to Return to the Whole Counsel of God

This is not a message of condemnation—it is a message of awakening.
God has not changed.
He is still holy.
He is still righteous.
He is still just.

Yes, He is love—but His love does not cancel His justice. His mercy does not excuse sin. His grace empowers righteousness, not disobedience.

“Be holy, for I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:16
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10
“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” — Amos 5:24

🙏🏽 Reflection Questions:

• Are we embracing the whole nature of God, or only the parts that feel good?

• Have we traded conviction for comfort?

• Are our prayers aligned with God’s truth—or with our personal desires?

📣 A Final Plea

Let’s return to the Word—not just the promises, but the commandments.
Let’s preach Jesus—not just as Savior, but also as Lord.
Let’s welcome the God of love and the God of righteousness—because they are one and the same.

🕊️ Call to Action:

If this resonates with you, pause and pray:

“Lord, help me know You in fullness—Your love and Your righteousness.
Restore the fear of the Lord in my heart.
Awaken me to truth.
Let me not be deceived by a partial gospel.
Teach me to walk in the light of Your holiness.”

Let’s challenge ourselves and others to return to the full counsel of God.
Because that’s where transformation truly begins.

Dwelling in the Secret Place

I grew up reciting Psalm 91 every night. It became routine—an anthem we chanted between the ages of 16 and 20. But for many years, it felt like just words. Familiar, but not transformational. That changed last week.

Isn’t it beautiful when Scripture suddenly leaps off the page? When an “AHA moment” grips your heart and awakens your spirit? That’s what happened as I revisited this Psalm. And I want to invite you into that moment with me.

“He who dwells in the secret place…”

“He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
(⁠Psalm 91:1⁠)

Imagine standing beside someone so close that their shadow becomes your covering. It shields you from the blazing sun, wrapping you in relief and protection. That’s the picture Psalm 91 paints. It's not distant or mystical—it's intimate, near, and deeply personal.

To “dwell” means to settle, to live, to make that space your home. And where is this place? It’s in the secret place of the Most High—God’s intimate space of presence, peace, and protection.

Understanding the Shelter

In the physical realm, a shelter protects from storms, danger, or war. It offers safety. In the spiritual realm, God is our ultimate shelter.

• “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
  (Proverbs 18:10)

• “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
  (Deuteronomy 33:27)

When you live in this divine shelter—His presence—you live surrounded by God’s promises. He becomes your refuge and your fortress.

To Abide Is to Remain

The verse continues: “He shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

To abide means to remain, not visit. To stay, not shift. It reminds me of John 15:4, where Jesus says:

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

Abiding means continual connection. Living daily in His presence. Choosing Him not just in crisis, but in quiet. Not just on Sunday, but every day.

Living Within the Boundaries of His Shelter

The key is this: “He who dwells…” The promises of Psalm 91 are not for the wanderer—they are for the one who chooses to dwell.

So how do we know we’re abiding in that shelter?

His Word is our guide. It sets the guardrails for our lives. When we walk in obedience, we remain under His shadow. When we prioritize His presence, we remain in the shelter.

• “You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
  (Psalm 32:7)

The Word is our map. It shows us how to enter, and how to remain. But remember, you have to fit into the shadow to be completely covered.

From Conditions to Promises

Psalm 91 is full of beautiful promises—but notice that they come after the condition: dwelling and abiding.

Once we choose the secret place, His benefits unfold:

• Protection from deadly disease

• Refuge from fear

• Angelic covering

• Long life and salvation

These aren’t just poetic lines—they are covenant-level assurances for the one who stays close.

Final Reflection: A Personal Call to Dwell

What once felt like distant words has now become a living invitation. Psalm 91 isn't a bedtime ritual—it’s a daily choice.

Choose to dwell.
Choose to abide.
Choose the secret place—because under His shadow is where your life is covered.

And once you enter that place, I trust that you’ll never want to leave.

Call to Action:
Have you experienced the safety of God’s secret place? Share your journey below, and let’s encourage one another to dwell deeper.

The Confidence that unlocks Heaven

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”
— 1 John 5:14–15 (KJV)

“This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose], He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him.”
— Amplified Bible (AMP)

One of My Favorite Scriptures

There are certain verses in the Bible that stop you in your tracks, draw you in, and speak directly to your spirit. This is one of them for me—1 John 5:14–15. It’s a scripture that doesn’t just inspire hope; it invites us into unwavering confidence in the God who hears.

So let’s slow down together. Let’s meditate, piece by piece, on this promise that holds the power to transform the way we pray and believe. Let’s look through a microscopic lens and pull out the gems hidden within these sacred words.

Let’s Break It Down

Here’s how the verse unfolds:

• This is

• The confidence

• That we have in Him

• That if

• We ask anything

• According to His will

• He heareth us

• And if we know that He hear us

• Whatsoever we ask

• We know that we have the petitions

• That we desired of Him

Each phrase builds upon the last like a ladder of faith—step by step, leading to a divine guarantee.

“This is…”

This phrase signals something definite, something being introduced with clarity. So what is being presented here?

“The Confidence…”

Confidence: a firm trust, a deep-seated assurance. It's being fully persuaded—just as Abraham was (Romans 4:21). This isn’t a maybe or a hope-so. This is bold, settled, unwavering certainty.

“That We Have in Him…”

Him—the infallible One. The One who cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). The One with whom nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). This confidence is not self-produced; it is placed in God Himself.

“That if…”

A conditional phrase. There’s a response God is waiting for—an “if” that opens the door to something big.

“We Ask Anything…”

Pause here. Anything? Yes—anything. What an invitation! This is no small offer—it’s a blank cheque signed by the King of kings.

“According to His Will…”

Here’s the condition: it must align with His will. So what is His will? His will is His Word.
If you can find a promise in the Bible that speaks to your situation, you have just found the will of God concerning your life (Isaiah 43:26). That’s why we don’t pray aimlessly—we pray Scripture.

“He Heareth Us…”

He hears us. Not just vaguely notices, but attentively listens. God is not distant. When you pray in alignment with His Word, you can be certain that your voice reaches His ears.

“And If We Know That He Hear Us…”

This is where most of us waver. We repeat prayers not because God didn’t hear, but because we aren’t confident that He did. Faith starts by settling this once and for all: God has heard me.

“Whatsoever We Ask, We Know…”

Here comes the climax: We know—not hope, not wish, but know—that we already possess what we’ve asked. This is faith in its most active form.

“That We Have the Petitions…”

Notice the tense: we have. Not we will get, but we already have it. Before you see it, you must believe it. That’s walking by faith and not by sight.

What This Means for You

Let’s personalize this now:

• Do you have a desire in your heart?

• Have you found a scripture that supports that desire?

• Have you prayed, fully persuaded that He heard you?

• Can you walk away from that prayer knowing the answer is already yours—even if it hasn’t yet manifested?

That’s not wishful thinking. That’s faith in action.

Final Thoughts: Faith Is the Key

At the heart of this entire passage is one truth: faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6). Your confidence in Him, your unshakable trust in His Word, is what unlocks the impossible.

So don’t just read this scripture—live it. Let it become the foundation of your prayer life. Let it strengthen your walk with God.

Hold on to your confidence. He hears you. He loves you. And He has already answered.

Have a scripture you’re standing on? Share it in the comments below. Let’s build faith together.

All paid for!

Set Free: The Verse That Liberated My Soul

Have you ever felt weighed down by guilt—crippling, relentless guilt? I have. For a long time, I carried the heavy burden of all the things I wished I’d done differently: the missteps, the outright disobedience to God’s voice, the neglected Word, and the stubborn paths I chose instead of His.

Every time I tried to come into God’s presence, guilt would whisper in my ears like a courtroom prosecutor. I felt unworthy. Inadequate. Like I had failed God, failed those around me, and failed myself. I felt chained, convinced I could never repay the debts I’d accrued, never undo the past.

Then one morning, everything changed. I received a deep revelation of Colossians 2:14, and in an instant, a light bulb turned on in my spirit. Freedom entered the room.

New International Version: “Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”
New Living Translation: “He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.”
English Standard Version: “By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”

Every time the devil tries to drag up my past, I stand on this verse. I say boldly, “Not today, Satan. Not anymore.” No more torture. No more spiritual blackmail. Jesus paid for it all.

Jesus Paid the Debt in Full

The Bible doesn’t complicate it. Every single thing that makes us feel inadequate—He has paid for it. There are weights we carry, debts we feel too ashamed to even mention, but Jesus already took them upon Himself. He nailed them to the cross.

What did He nail?

• Every failure.

• Every sin.

• Every accusation.

All of it.

But There’s a Condition: Confess and Repent

Here’s the caveat: freedom begins with confession and repentance. 1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all wickedness.”

But it doesn’t end at confession. Acts 3:19 calls us to “repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.” Repentance seals your freedom. Without it, the enemy finds legal ground to torment you with your past.

The devil doesn’t quit easily. He will keep coming back, but when you grasp the truth of this scripture, you’ll be armed. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32

Jesus has paid what I owe.

Justice Satisfied: A Divine Courtroom Exchange

Now here’s the part that took me longer to accept. Let’s talk about the legal demands mentioned in Colossians 2:14.

In any courtroom, when someone is found guilty, a sentence follows. The best-case scenario is to be found not guilty or to be released despite guilt. That’s exactly what Jesus did. He satisfied the legal demand of justice by offering His own life.

We were guilty—but Jesus stepped in and took the punishment. That means we are scot-free in the eyes of heaven. Incredible, right?

You might wonder, “Won’t people take this freedom for granted?” But God, in His justice, already accounted for that.

Paul asks in Romans 6:1-2, “Should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of His wonderful grace? Of course not!”

Galatians 5:13 echoes this: “You have been called to live in freedom... But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

And for those who persist in sin even after knowing the truth, Hebrews 10:26 gives a sobering warning: “If we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.”

Stay Free

Paul reminds us again in Galatians 5:1: “Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”

Friend, Jesus has already paid the price. Don’t let guilt keep you in bondage. Receive your freedom. Walk in it. And guard it.

You are free indeed.

Faith in Action(4) - Peter

Faith in Action: Sleeping Through the Storm

Have you ever faced a challenge so daunting that sleep became impossible? Imagine being in Peter’s position, as described vividly in Acts 12:5-17. It was a terrifying time: King Herod had launched relentless persecution against the early Christians. Peter was arrested, imprisoned, and awaited possible execution the very next day. Considering the fate of other disciples who had already been executed, Peter had every reason to fear.

No Way Out—Or So It Seemed

Picture this: Peter, guarded by four heavily armed soldiers—two stationed right next to him, two positioned outside the prison door. The chains tightly bound him, and escape seemed utterly impossible. The stakes were high, and death was a real possibility.

Yet, Peter did something utterly astonishing—he slept!

The Ultimate Act of Faith

Peter’s decision to sleep, despite the imminent threat of execution, reveals an extraordinary depth of faith. How could he rest so peacefully in such a dire circumstance? He had absolute, unwavering confidence in God’s faithfulness. Peter knew something that went beyond human logic: God never fails.

The miracle unfolds spectacularly: an angel enters the prison, illuminating the darkness with divine light. Peter, sound asleep, doesn't even notice the angel's arrival. The angel has to physically strike Peter to wake him! Peter’s profound peace was proof of his resolute faith—he knew God would come through.

Faith: A Peace Beyond Understanding

Do you have that kind of faith? Can you sleep peacefully amid your storms, confident in God’s deliverance? Faith is not just believing—it’s being fully persuaded, trusting wholeheartedly even when the outcome is unseen.

Philippians 4:7 calls this "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding." Peter exemplified this peace perfectly.

A Lesson for Today

Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us powerfully:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Notice the progression:

1. Present your situation through prayer.

2. Include thanksgiving—even before you see the results.

3. Trust God’s promises completely.

Hebrews 10:23 reassures us further:

"He who promised is faithful."

Your Turn to Act in Faith

Peter’s restful sleep amid life-threatening adversity wasn't passive—it was powerful faith in action. Today, you can choose a similar act of faith. Find scripture that speaks directly to your need, present it boldly to God, and thank Him in advance for His answer.

Will you trust enough to rest peacefully in your own storm? Let Peter’s remarkable example inspire you to deeper faith, confident that the same God who delivered Peter will surely come through for you.

Join us again soon as we uncover more inspiring stories and lessons of faith, encouraging you every step of your journey.

NB: The chains used as the cover image for this blog are a type of handcuff from the Roman period, serving as an example of what was used to chain Peter in prison.

Faith in Action(3) - Elijah

Faith in Action: The Power of Believing Like Elijah

Faith, when applied in God's way, will always yield the intended results. As we’ve seen in previous posts on Faith in Action, the prayer of faith is not just words—it is an effective, transformative force.

Elijah: A Man of Extraordinary Faith

Today, we delve into the story of Elijah, a man whose faith shook an entire kingdom. James 5:17 tells us: “Elijah prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain.” Imagine that—no rain for over three years! Picture a city like London, Toronto, New York, or Lagos experiencing such a drought. Now, if that isn’t faith, what is?

Breaking It Down: Elijah’s Confidence in God

The Bible records in 1 Kings 17:1 that Elijah declared: “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years except at my word.” His words carried absolute confidence and unshakable belief in God.

Elijah’s first declaration wasn’t just a random statement—it was rooted in his relationship with God. He knew precisely what he was asking for. He understood the circumstances and boldly decreed his request, as seen in Job 22:28: “You shall decree a thing, and it shall be established for you.” This was faith in action! Elijah stood firm, never doubting, even when the situation became dire.

When he met the widow in 1 Kings 17, he delivered God’s word to her with unwavering faith. He didn’t question God, nor did he express doubt. Instead, he confidently proclaimed that there would be no lack “until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.” He never flinched, never wavered.

Speaking God’s Word into Existence

When it was time for the rain to return, Elijah simply declared what God had already spoken. This aligns with a key principle of faith: Find a scripture to back up your request.

Elijah's decree was not just his own words; it was the fulfillment of God’s promise. 1 Kings 18:41 records his bold statement: “For there is the sound of abundance of rain.” He called forth rain as though it already existed. That is faith in action—speaking the unseen into reality.

Elijah Was Just Like Us

Sometimes, we elevate biblical figures to a status beyond our reach, but James 5:17 reminds us that Elijah was “a man with a nature like ours.” He experienced emotions just like we do—fear, hunger, exhaustion. He even ran for his life when he was threatened! Yet, his faith in a God who never fails set him apart.

The Power of the Prayer of Faith

The Bible says in James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” For a long time, I believed this only applied to those with great anointing or a special standing with God. But here’s the good news: through Jesus, we have already been made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). We don’t need to attain righteousness—it has already been given to us.

Faith That Moves Mountains

Elijah’s story challenges us to:

• Speak with confidence, knowing God’s promises are true.

• Stand firm in faith, even when circumstances seem impossible.

• Decree and declare, believing that what God has spoken will come to pass.

• Recognize that faith is not reserved for a select few—it is for everyone who believes.

So, are you ready to put your faith into action? Just like Elijah, you too can see God move mightily in your life when you stand firm on His promises.

Stay tuned for more on Faith in Action!

Faith in Action(2): The woman with the issue of blood

Today, let's dive into the powerful story from Mark 5:25-34, where we encounter the woman with the issue of blood and her incredible journey of faith.

Understanding Her Story

This woman had suffered from nonstop bleeding for 12 long years. Exhausted and depleted, she had spent all her resources seeking healing, but her condition only worsened. However, she had heard about Jesus and the miraculous works He was performing—healing the sick and commanding the winds and waves. These accounts sparked hope and belief within her.

Key Principles of Faith

Let’s explore the principles she applied to get her healing:

1. Hearing and Understanding Jesus (v. 25-27)
   At the time the woman was introduced in the bible, Jesus had already started His ministry. She had heard he was healing the sick, even the wind and wave obeyed Him! The woman learned about Jesus' capabilities through the stories circulating around towns. This knowledge transformed into faith, and she understood that this was her chance for healing. Despite her condition, she was determined to seek Him out.

2. Taking Bold Action (v. 27)
   Overcoming societal norms, she defied Jewish tradition, which deemed her unclean and prohibited her from being in public. The consequence she could potentially face was to be punished. With the belief in her heart, knowing who Jesus was, she ventured out to touch His cloak, showing that her faith was a declaration of action, not just words. She acted on her faith.

3. Inner Confession (v. 28)
   She thought to herself, "If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed." This affirmation was not shared with others, likely due to fear of stigma. Instead, she focused on her believe, avoiding any negative influences that could sow doubt.

4. Resolute Determination (v. 27)
   It was not easy for her to push through the crowd. However, her confidence in Jesus' power drove her onward. She knew the risk of public backlash but held steadfast to her faith that she would receive healing. Hebrews 10:23 reminds us to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess/confess, and she exemplified this resolve. She held on to it through thick and thin.

5. Immediate Results (v. 29)
   As soon as she touched His cloak, the bleeding stopped immediately. This miraculous response confirmed her unwavering faith.

Principles Highlighted in Her Journey

From this woman's story, we can summarize the key principles of faith:

• Knowledge of Jesus: She knew and understood who Jesus was.

• Confession of Desire: She clearly confessed what she wanted.

• Avoidance of Doubt: She steered clear of naysayers and doubters.

• Heartfelt Belief: She hid the word in her heart.

• Holding Fast: She held fast to her confession of faith without wavering.

• Taking Action: She acted upon her faith.

• Receiving Results: Her faith led her to immediate results.

Reflecting on Your Faith

Now, it’s your turn to reflect: Are you assuredly certain that the Jesus you know is faithful? Just like the woman with the issue of blood, your faith and determination can lead you to transformative healing and for any other area you want to see results. Let this story inspire you to act on your faith and never lose sight of the power of faith!

Faith in Action(1): Lessons from Abraham

Text - Genesis 12-17

Discover principles of faith through examples that simplify how you can apply biblical teachings to receive answers to your prayers.

The Story of Abraham: More than a Cliché

This is not how Abraham's journey is often told, but let's delve deeper into how his story can transform our understanding of faith. It did upend my theology a little bit. As I mentioned in my introduction page, there are a number of faith principles in the bible I have unlearned and relearned. This is one of the many principles.

1. Promise Decreed

At age 75, God promised Abram, "I will make you a great nation." Fast forward to age 99, God revisited him and changed his name to Abraham. God did something there! This wasn't just a name change; it was a strategic shift. It was a shift that Abraham needed. Let me explain how.

2. Abraham's Doubt

Imagine Abraham's reaction—he fell to the floor laughing, skeptically questioning, “God, how can this be? Don’t you know my circumstances?” At this point, Abraham was still caught in doubt, seeing only the “deadness” of his situation. That was simply why he laughed and Sarah his wife joined in on it too.

3. Significance of the Name Change

Once his name became Abraham, meaning “Father of many nations,” everything changed. He began calling himself by the promise. Everyone who called him, were prophesying over him confirming he was the “Father of many nations”. By speaking and believing the promise, he brought it into existence. Within three months, Sarah conceived as God had declared. Within the year as God had declared, it came to pass, Isaac, the promise was born.

4. Faith Activated

Let’s trace the timeline. A promise was made over 20 years earlier, but it remained dormant until Abraham activated his faith. His daily declarations, embodying the promise, turned faith into reality.

5. Lessons for Today

What promise have you found in the Bible that speaks to your situation? Here’s your guide to activating faith:

• Find God’s Promise: Discover a scripture that speaks to your need.

• Appropriate and Believe: Anchor the promise in your heart.

• Walk and Speak It: Declare and live as though it's already manifest, despite contradictions.

The word will manifest in the process of time when deeply rooted in your heart and mind. 🌱

Call to Action

📖 What promise are you holding onto today? How do you want to appropriate it?

Hold Fast - Unwavering Believe

Welcome back to our exploration of faith! Today, we're diving into one of the most essential aspects of faith—holding fast to your confession until it becomes a reality. Let's revisit our anchor scripture to guide us:

Mark 11:23-24

"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

The Power of Holding Fast

Hebrews 10:23 encourages us:

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised."

To "hold fast" means to remain steadfast and secure, clinging tightly to your believes and principles. It's about staying true to your faith, regardless of the circumstances. This means staying the course no matter the opposition.

Lessons We've Covered So Far (See previous posts if missed):

1. Do You Have Faith?

   • Yes, you have a measure of faith as Jesus mentioned in Mark 11:23-24.

2. How to Grow Your Faith:

   • As your faith grows, your resolve strengthens, making it easier to be unshaken.

3. Principles of Faith (Parts 1 & 2):

   • Learn to ask scripturally and walk in faith.

4. How to Overcome Doubt:

   • Equip yourself with strategies to fend off doubt and secure your answers to prayers.

Today's Focus: Holding Fast to Your Confession of Faith

"...but believes that those things he says will be done..."

The challenge lies in maintaining your confession—something I've personally wrestled with. Let me illustrate this with a personal story.

My Experience with Healing

I recently faced a challenge when I wasn't feeling well due to a headache. While I would see a doctor for more serious ailments to properly understand the circumstance (see principles of faith 1), I knew this didn't require a diagnosis. Holding onto God's promise, I claimed His word: "By His stripes, I am healed."

Throughout the day, I continually affirmed my healing, despite growing symptoms. Every time the headache returned, I spoke against it, reminding myself of God’s promise. Even when tempted to take a pain reliever, I resisted, choosing to believe in my healing over the symptoms.

Eventually, I forgot about the headache entirely—it had disappeared. I resisted the devil (James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee) I like to add my twist to that which is that he must flee. I have heard some folks say that it might be God who put that headache on you to get you to pray. In a Christian journal, it was stated that God can also be the author of sickness. Jesus went about healing those that were oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38). God cannot contradict Himself. i.e. he cannot cause sickness then heal. That will be contractidoty to His goodness. Please never believe that lie because God is a good Father.

We simply resist the devil by holding fast to our profession/confession of faith. Which is our resolute believe in His promise stated in His word.

This principle applies beyond health, extending to every facet of life where God's promises are concerned.

The Call to Persist

Paul encourages us to hold fast to our confession of faith. By consistently affirming God's promises, and it will manifest physically in our lives. That will in the sentence is a surety, a guarantee.

So, whether you face minor challenges or major ones, remember the principle remains unchanged: Hold fast, don’t let go. The promise will come through, because "He is faithful that promised."

Stay tuned as we continue to explore ways to strengthen your faith and see God's promises fulfilled in your life. Let's journey together in steadfast believe!

How to overcome Doubt

Practical biblical ways to overcome doubt that I have followed……

Overcoming Doubt: The Stealer of Answers to Prayer

Welcome back to our ongoing series on faith! As mentioned in my previous post, one of the biggest obstacles to receiving answers to our prayers is doubt. If you're interested in previous posts on building your faith, don't forget to check out earlier posts on:

• What Faith Is

• How to Grow Your Faith

• Principles of Faith

Understanding Doubt

Let’s dive into our scripture reference from Mark 11:23:

"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."

To grasp how to combat doubt, we first need to understand what it really means. According to Oxford Languages, doubt is defined as a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction. In my own words, doubt is when you question the authenticity of a belief, claim, or statement.

The Relationship Between Doubt and Lies

In John 10:10a, Jesus warns us:

"The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy."

Doubt, when permitted to take root, can destroy the very essence of God’s word in our lives. It whispers in our ears that we cannot rely on what God has promised because of past disappointments. Doubt often partners with lies—wherever doubt is found, lies are sure to follow. As stated in John 8:44, the devil speaks only lies, which opposes God’s truth.

For example, the Bible tells us that "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." this is the truth because it is the word of God. Yet, we might hear voices telling us the opposite, saying, "You are ugly." If we fail to challenge that lie with the truth, doubt takes hold and clouds our perception of reality. This is a battle we face daily in our walk of faith. I hope you followed that example.

Mastering Your Thoughts

Doubt manifests as a thought or image that elevates itself above the knowledge of God. 2 Corinthians 10:5 instructs us to:

"Cast down every imagination, negative thought, argument, reasoning, or suggestion that lifts itself up against the knowledge of God, and take those thoughts captive."

Doubt will present several scenarios to you to simply cast shadows on the word of God. Like the story Jesus told in Matthew 13: 7, doubt acts like the thorns that choked the plants. Doubt chokes the word of God out of you and makes you lose your confession of faith.

To combat doubt, we must recognize the lies and respond to the lies with the truth—pushing back against the lies with God’s promises. When we do this, we make doubt obedient to Christ. Doubt will present several scenarios to you to simply cast shadows on the word of God.

One vital truth to remember is that God cannot lie—this is an absolute (Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:18, Titus 1:2). I struggled with this in my life, often feeling let down by God, which opened the door for doubt. If you've experienced a broken relationship with God, I encourage you to seek healing through programs like the Freedom Session. This journey can help mend your trust in Him. I attended this session to help me navigate my broken relationship and heal my heart. This helped me to be able to trust God again. It is an emergency stop all and heal if you find yourself hurting from an unhealed pain, where you 'feel' let down by God and find yourself doubting God's word. 

Practical Steps to Remove Doubt

1. Avoid Situations that Fuel Doubt: Steer clear of environments or people that lead you to question your faith or beliefs. This will cause doubt to arise.

2. Be Selective with Your Conversations: Don’t share your dreams or struggles with those who may unintentionally discourage you. Find supportive voices that uplift you!

3. Immerse Yourself in Worship: Surround yourself with worship music that resonates with your spirit. You don’t need to have a perfect singing voice—just let the songs fill your heart with confidence in God.

4. Hide His Word in Your Heart: Revisit and meditate on the scriptures that affirm God’s promises. Write them down and keep them accessible for moments of doubt.

Final Affirmation

Remember, if God said it, HE WILL DO IT. PERIOD! Stand firm in your faith, cast out doubt, and hold onto the promises of God, for His word will never fail.

Stay tuned for more insights as we continue to explore the principles of faith and how to strengthen your belief! Thank you for joining me on this journey.