Father in times of hardship remind us that your joy is our strength, help us to focus on who you are and all you've done... Thank you Lord, it's in Jesus name we pray. Amen!

Joy and Strength in God https://odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/joy-and-strength-in-god

People hardly engage with others' posts here. No conversations. I hope to make new friends and have real conversations here.

One prayer we have been offering to the Lord is for those who are dying without knowing him should come to know him. Pray for Nigeria. Pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters who are living without salvation. We want to reach to them, but the circumstances around our country is a limiting factor. Pray for Open Doors, pray for courage and safety. God bless

VERSE OF THE DAY (DAY 1): What Is the Lord Teaching You in This Verse? 1. The Call to Stillness God invites you to pause—to quiet your heart, mind, and circumstances. In a world of noise and hurry, He says, "Stop. Breathe. Be present with Me." Ask yourself: Where do I need to slow down or surrender control today? 2. The Command to Know Him "Know" (Hebrew "yada") implies intimate, experiential knowledge; not just head knowledge. God wants you to remember who He is: sovereign, faithful, and enough. Ask yourself: Do my actions and anxieties reflect trust in His character? 3. The Reminder of His Lordship "I am God" echoes Exodus 3:14 ("I AM WHO I AM"). He’s declaring: "I am in charge—of your life, your struggles, your future." Ask yourself: What am I trying to "play God" over that I need to release to Him? Faith Check: Write down one worry you’re carrying, then pray: "God, I surrender this to You. Help me trust You as God over it." Memorize the Verse: Let it anchor you when stress arises.

📖 Scripture - Matthew 6:33 (NIV) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 is such a powerful and comforting verse. It ministers to me as both an invitation and a promise. Here’s how it speaks to my heart: 1. Priority Check: In a world that constantly pressures us to chase success, security, and material needs, this verse realigns my focus. It reminds me that God’s Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of living, thinking, and ruling) must come first. Everything else, provision, peace, purpose, flows from that alignment. 2. Freedom from Anxiety: Jesus says this right after addressing worry over food, clothing, and life’s necessities (Matthew 6:25 32). When I seek Him first, I release the burden of striving and trust that He will provide "all these things" as I walk in obedience. 3. Active Pursuit, Not Passive Waiting: "Seek" implies action prayer, studying Scripture, serving others, pursuing holiness. It’s not about sitting back but passionately pursuing God’s presence and His will. 4. The Promise of Provision: The "all these things" reassures me that God cares about my practical needs. When His Kingdom is my priority, He handles the details. This doesn’t mean a life free of hardship, but it does mean I’ll never lack what He deems necessary for my journey. This verse also challenges me to evaluate: What does seeking His Kingdom look like daily? A. It means starting my day in worship, not worry. B. Making decisions based on eternal values, not temporary gains. C. Trusting that even when His provision doesn’t match my timing or expectations, He is faithful. Ultimately, Matthew 6:33 anchors me in the truth that life isn’t about scrambling for scraps but resting in the goodness of a Father who knows what I need before I ask (Matthew 6:8). When I seek Him, everything else falls into place, not always as I expect, but always as He ordains. How does this verse resonate with you? Is there an area where God is calling you to trust Him more deeply with "all these things"? 🙏✨ Picture by Mommy Grayom.

WHY ARE YOU HERE? (Part 1) By Mishael Nungkop. The question of why we are here on Earth is one of the deepest and most profound questions humanity has grappled with. Different perspectives; philosophical, scientific, religious, and spiritual perspectives offer varying answers. 1. Scientific Perspective based their arguments on Evolution & Biology. From a scientific standpoint, we are here due to billions of years of cosmic and biological evolution. Earth provided the right conditions for life to emerge, evolve, and eventually produce intelligent beings through natural selection. Our existence is the result of chance, natural laws, and the universe's inherent tendency toward complexity. Philosophical Perspective (Existentialism & Meaning-Making) Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus argue that life has no inherent meaning; we must create our own purpose. Some thinkers propose that consciousness allows us to explore, learn, and experience existence, making meaning through relationships, creativity, and knowledge. Humanistic Perspective (Progress & Flourishing) Some believe our purpose is to improve life for ourselves and others—through science, art, justice, and compassion. We may be here to explore, innovate, and ensure the survival of life (even beyond Earth). The "Big Question" (Mystery & Wonder) Some accept that we may never know for sure, and the search itself gives life depth and richness. The universe's vastness suggests that our existence, though fleeting, is a rare and remarkable phenomenon worth appreciating. Now here's the most interesting findings I've made while studying the book, "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. A book I'll recommend for everyone to read at least twice in this lifetime. Coming from a Christian perspective point of view, the question "Why are we here on earth?" is answered through the lens of God’s divine purpose as revealed in Scripture. Are you ready? 1. To Know and Glorify God - Primary Purpose: We were created to love, worship, and enjoy a relationship with God. - "Everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory" (Isaiah 43:7). - "Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone called by My name, whom I created for My glory" (Isaiah 43:6-7). - Jesus affirmed this in the Greatest Commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind"* (Matthew 22:37). 2. To Reflect God’s Image (Stewardship & Dominion) - Humans are uniquely made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-28), meaning we are to reflect His character—love, justice, creativity, and righteousness. - We are called to care for creation (Genesis 2:15) and govern the earth wisely. 3. To Love and Serve Others - Jesus summarized our duty toward others: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10). - Christians are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), sharing God’s truth and compassion. 4. To Grow in Christlikeness - God’s plan includes sanctification; becoming more like Jesus (Romans 8:29). - Trials and joys alike shape us for eternal purposes (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5). 5. To Fulfill the Great Commission - Jesus commanded believers: "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19-20). - Our lives are meant to point others to salvation in Christ (Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 2:9). 6. To Prepare for Eternity with God - Earth is temporary; our ultimate home is heaven (John 14:2-3, Philippians 3:20). - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things"(Colossians 3:2). Read part two in the comment section

One of my favorite verses—deeply inspiring and universally meaningful—comes from Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Why This Verse? 1. Hope in Uncertainty – It reassures that even in chaos, there is purpose. 2. Divine Intentionality – Suggests our lives aren’t random but part of a greater design. 3. Comfort & Courage – A reminder that hardship isn’t the end of the story.

Daniel 1:8 (NIV) “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.”