Godly Glow Up

Revelation 2:4-5 – “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” Returning to Your First Love Have you ever found yourself going through the motions of faith without the same passion you once had? Life’s distractions, routines, and trials can cause us to drift away from the intimacy we once shared with God. This day is a call to pause, reflect, and rekindle the love you had for Him when you first believed. It’s about renewing your heart, repenting for where you’ve strayed, and reigniting the flame of devotion. The Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) In His letter to the church in Ephesus, Jesus commended their hard work and perseverance but admonished them for abandoning their first love. Despite their good deeds, their hearts had grown cold. He called them to remember their earlier devotion, repent, and return to the works of love they had done before. L...

  1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Gratitude is a powerful spiritual practice that transforms how we view our lives and strengthens our relationship with God. In both joyful and challenging seasons, choosing to give thanks shifts our focus from what’s lacking to the abundance of God’s blessings. Gratitude draws us closer to God, reminding us of His goodness and faithfulness, even in difficult times. Jesus Heals Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19) In this story, ten men with leprosy were healed by Jesus, but only one—a Samaritan—returned to thank Him. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” The man’s gratitude not only set him apart but also brought him closer to Jesus, who said, “Your faith has made you well.” Lesson: Gratitude is more than just polite acknowledgment; it is an expression of faith that deepens our relationship with God and unlocks His peace in our hearts. I remember ...

Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Life often feels like a race against time. We want everything to happen according to our schedules—marriage, career growth, financial stability, or healing. But God, in His infinite wisdom, works on a different timetable. Embracing His timing requires faith, patience, and surrender. The Story of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 17-21) Abraham and Sarah waited decades for God’s promise of a son. Despite their advanced age and Sarah’s barrenness, God fulfilled His promise in His perfect timing, giving them Isaac. Along the way, they experienced doubt and even tried to take matters into their own hands (with Hagar and Ishmael), but ultimately, God proved that His plan and timing were better than theirs. Lesson: Just like Abraham and Sarah, we often feel tempted to “help” God when waiting becomes hard. However, their story reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even when the wait feels long. Insight: 1. God’s ...

Forgiveness is freedom. Let go of the hurt and walk in God’s peace. Forgiveness—it’s one of the most challenging yet liberating acts of faith. Whether you’re forgiving yourself or someone else, the journey to forgiveness reflects the heart of God and brings a profound sense of peace. The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This verse points us to the ultimate example of forgiveness: Christ’s sacrifice for us. If He can forgive our countless sins, how much more can we extend that grace to others? A Story of Forgiveness: Jesus and the Woman Caught in Sin In John 8:1-11, the story of the woman caught in adultery showcases the transformative power of Jesus’ grace. The religious leaders brought her before Jesus, expecting condemnation. But instead of condemning her, Jesus responded with wisdom and mercy, saying, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (Jo...

  Prayer is a powerful gift that connects us to God, and through it, we experience His faithfulness in ways big and small. Often, we focus on waiting for the grand answers to prayer—those life-changing moments that take our breath away. But what about the smaller, seemingly ordinary wins? These victories, too, are signs of God’s hand at work in our lives, shaping us and fulfilling His promises. The Beauty of Small Wins in Prayer The Bible encourages us to recognize and celebrate all of God’s blessings, no matter how small they may seem. Zechariah 4:10 reminds us:  "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin."   Each answered prayer, no matter its size, is a testament to God’s faithfulness. Consider how Jesus often celebrated seemingly small acts of faith. In John 9:1-12, when Jesus healed the man born blind, the miracle began with a simple act of obedience. Jesus instructed the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam. It was not a gra...

Prayer is a sacred and powerful gift that draws us closer to God. It’s not just about speaking to Him; it’s also about listening and trusting in His perfect plan for our lives. Whether whispered in times of joy or cried out in moments of despair, prayer connects us to the heart of our Creator. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: A Model of Prayer In Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus shows us the profound depth of prayer during His time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Facing the cross and the weight of humanity’s sin, He prayed: "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39). In His prayer, we see vulnerability, trust, and surrender. Jesus cried out to His Father, not holding back His fears, yet aligning His will with God’s. This prayer teaches us that God invites us to bring every burden before Him, no matter how heavy, and to rest in the assurance that His plans are always for our good. God's Faithfulness in My Own Li...

Finding Joy in Serving Others: A Journey, Not a Destination “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” —Matthew 20:26-28 When I reflect on the idea of serving others, I’m struck by how challenging it often feels. I’d love to say that I have mastered the art of joyful service, but the truth is, I’m still on the journey. I’m learning—step by step—to embrace the opportunities God places before me, to step out of my comfort zone, and to find joy in serving others. If you feel like you're not "there" yet, know that you’re not alone. This is not a story of arrival but one of trying, failing, and growing. Jesus’ Example of Humility One of the most profound examples of service is when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). Imagine the Son of God, the King of Kings, kneeling to perform a ...

"When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." – Matthew 9:36 Compassion is central to God’s character. It’s His deep love in action, a bridge that connects our hearts to the needs of others. As believers, we are called to embody this divine trait, showing the world what it means to live with a heart aligned to God’s purpose. In a world overwhelmed by challenges, compassion offers light and hope. It requires stepping outside our comfort zones, noticing the hurting, and responding with selfless love. Whether it’s through small gestures or grand sacrifices, your compassion can be the vessel that carries God’s love to someone in need. The Good Samaritan: A Biblical Example of Compassion In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan to demonstrate what it truly means to "love your neighbor as yourself." The Samaritan was not the most likely person to stop and help. Cultur...

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." – Romans 8:37  Spiritual resilience is not built in the absence of challenges but in the midst of them. It’s the ability to press on, to trust God, and to stand firm in faith, even when life feels overwhelming. For me, this journey was one I never expected to take. Despite knowing and loving God for over 18 years, there was a season in my life when my spiritual and emotional strength was depleted. I felt disconnected, questioning not God’s existence but His presence in my struggles. It felt as though my prayers went unheard, and my trust in His promises wavered.   Yet, it was in that very season of exhaustion and uncertainty that God revealed a deeper truth about resilience. I learned that it’s not about fixing myself or trying to regain control. Instead, it’s about surrendering—laying my doubts, fears, and weariness at His feet. In those moments of surrender, I discovered the strength to ke...

Ruth 1:16-17 – "But Ruth replied, 'Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'" Proverbs 27:17 – "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." 1 Corinthians 15:33 – "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character." The Power of Faithful Relationships In a world filled with distractions and fleeting connections, the power of a faithful relationship cannot be overstated. Faithful relationships are built on trust, loyalty, and love, and they have the ability to shape us in profound ways. In today’s blog, we will explore one of the most beautiful examples of a faithful relationship in the Bible: the relationship between Naomi and Ruth. When we look at the story of Ruth and Nao...