Author: Akedah

May 8, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Striving for Purity of Motive

Opening Verse

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
— Philippians 2:3 (KJV)

Introduction

God does not just look at what we do. He examines why we do it. In a world that praises self-promotion and pride, the Lord calls us to humble service, free from selfish motives.

Devotional Story

A young woman worked hard in her church’s outreach ministry. She planned events, handed out meals, and spoke about Christ. But something began to change. She noticed her joy was tied more to compliments than to Christ. The smiles of others became her fuel instead of the Spirit of God. One evening, as she walked home alone after an event, the silence pierced her heart. She realized she had been serving to be seen.

She repented, fell to her knees in her living room, and cried out, “Lord, cleanse my heart. Let me serve for Your glory, not mine.” From that moment on, she no longer chased praise. She chased Christ. And the peace she found was far greater than any applause.

What This Means

Philippians 2:3 is not a suggestion. It is a command to abandon pride. When we do anything, whether in ministry, work, or family, we must ask ourselves, “Am I doing this to lift Jesus or to lift myself?” God wants lowly hearts, not lofty egos.

The moment pride enters, the Spirit is grieved. True humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of others more. It is recognizing that every good thing in you came from God, not from your own strength.

Think About This

  • Are your motives clean before God?

  • Do you serve to glorify Him, or to be recognized?

  • When no one thanks you, do you still rejoice?

Prayer

Father, search my heart. Clean out every trace of pride and selfish ambition. Help me to serve with a pure heart, esteeming others better than myself. Let my actions reflect the humility of Christ. May everything I do be for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
— Matthew 23:11 (KJV)

May 7, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Not the Only Way

Opening Verse

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
— Romans 12:3 (KJV)

Introduction

There is only one Savior — Jesus Christ. You are not Him. None of us are. And yet, many people act like their opinions, their methods, or their traditions are the only way to live out faith. That prideful mindset shuts out others, stifles learning, and grieves the Spirit of God.

Devotional Story

A man believed his understanding of scripture was flawless. He avoided anyone who didn’t agree with him. In his small circle, no one challenged his views. One day, a young believer humbly asked a question he couldn’t answer. Embarrassed, he brushed it off and avoided the young man from then on.

But later that week, the man overheard the young believer gently sharing the gospel with someone in tears. The words were simple, the love was genuine, and the Spirit was present. That moment crushed the man’s pride. He realized he had built a bubble of self-importance, shutting out not only people but God’s own work through them.

What This Means

God gives grace to the humble, not to the proud. You are not the standard — Jesus is. When you shut yourself off from others, you may be shutting yourself off from what God is doing through them. True faith isn’t about being right — it’s about being righteous. That means being teachable, respectful, and always ready to learn from others whom God has also gifted and called.

Think About This

Are you willing to learn from others, even those who see things differently? Have you mistaken your personal convictions for divine authority? Are you lifting up Jesus — or just yourself?

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the pride that makes me think I know it all. Help me to stay humble and teachable. Teach me to respect others and recognize the work You are doing in them. Let me never forget that only You are the way, the truth, and the life. I want to lift You up, not myself. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
— Philippians 2:3 (KJV)

May 6, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Fire of the Tongue

Opening Verse

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”
James 3:6 (KJV)

Introduction

Our words have power—more than we often realize. The Bible doesn’t exaggerate when it says the tongue is a fire. It only takes a spark to destroy a forest. In the same way, just a few careless words can destroy trust, relationships, and even souls.

Devotional Story

A young man worked in a small repair shop. He was known for his skill, but not for his patience. One day, a customer came in angry, complaining about a repair that hadn’t held. The young man, already tired and frustrated, lashed out. Harsh words flew—sharp, bitter, and loud enough that others in the shop turned their heads.

Later that day, the owner took him aside. “Do you know that woman was a widow?” he said. “Her car is all she has to get to her job. And your words made her cry.”

The young man sat in silence. He had won the argument, but lost something greater. That night, he couldn’t sleep. He kept hearing the echo of his own voice—fueled by pride, not grace.

The next morning, he found the woman and apologized. She forgave him. But the lesson stuck: words can leave scars, even when forgiven.

What This Means

James 3:6 warns us that our tongues can defile our whole lives. It’s not just about gossip or lying—it’s about careless anger, selfish speech, and words spoken without love. Hell fuels a tongue not surrendered to Christ. That’s why we must surrender our mouths to God every day. A fire can warm or destroy. The same is true of your words.

Think About This

  • Do you think before you speak?

  • Have your words built up or burned down?

  • Would you be ashamed if your last conversation was replayed in heaven?

Prayer

Lord, bridle my tongue. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of my mouth, but only what brings grace and truth. Cleanse me from any words I’ve spoken in anger or pride. Fill my heart so that my words reflect You. Set a watch over my lips, and let my speech glorify Your name. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

May 5, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Honor in the Fire

Opening Verse

“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
—Exodus 20:12 (KJV)

Introduction

God didn’t give this command with conditions. He didn’t say “honor them if they’re perfect” or “if they treat you fairly.” He said honor them — period. And when it’s hard, that’s when it becomes a true offering to God.

Devotional Story

A young man found himself constantly disrespected by his father. Harsh words, criticism, and favoritism marked their relationship. The father rarely encouraged him, and often belittled his efforts.

One day, after another argument, the young man considered cutting off all communication. But in his quiet time, the Word of God rang in his heart: “Honour thy father…” He wept. Not because his father had earned that honor, but because God was worthy of obedience.

So he chose a different path. He spoke respectfully even when it hurt. He prayed for his father. He forgave offenses, again and again. Years later, when the father fell ill and was bedridden, it was the same son who served him daily.

One evening, the father whispered with tears, “I didn’t treat you right… but you treated me like I was worth something. Why?” The son replied, “Because God said to honor you. And God never changes.”

What This Means

Honoring your parents doesn’t mean approving their sin or agreeing with everything they do. It means choosing God’s way over your feelings. It means treating them with dignity, not because they’ve earned it — but because God has commanded it. When you honor them despite the pain, you testify that your life is ruled by heaven, not by bitterness.

Think About This

Who have you been withholding honor from? Is your obedience to God waiting on someone else’s apology?

Prayer

Lord, Your Word tells me to honor my father and mother. Help me obey, even when it’s painful. Cleanse my heart from bitterness. Teach me to serve, speak, and respond in a way that pleases You. I trust that You see my obedience, and I leave the rest in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
—Romans 12:18 (KJV)

May 4, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The One Sin That Condemns

Opening Verse

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
John 3:18 (KJV)

Introduction

There are many sins in this world. But there is one sin that seals a soul’s eternal fate — rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not lying, stealing, or even murder that sends someone to hell. It is unbelief. Denying Jesus is not just a mistake — it is a rejection of God’s only provision for salvation.

Devotional Story

A man once heard the gospel preached many times. Friends shared it with him. He even walked by churches that displayed signs declaring Jesus is the only way. But he hardened his heart. “I don’t need saving,” he would scoff. One day, he was in a hospital bed, breath fading. A chaplain whispered, “Call on Jesus while you can.” But he turned away and said, “I’ll take my chances.” That was the last chance he had.

What This Means

No one goes to hell for being a bad person. Everyone has sinned. The real question is: what did you do with Jesus? The only reason a person ends up in eternal judgment is because they rejected the only One who could save them. Jesus is not an option — He is the only door, the only truth, the only life. Without Him, there is no hope.

Think About This

Have you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? Not just known about Him — but trusted Him? Without Him, you are already condemned. But with Him, you are forever free.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I confess that without You, I am lost. I turn from my sin and trust You alone to save me. Let me never be ashamed of Your name. Thank You for dying in my place and rising again. I receive You by faith. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12 (KJV)

May 3, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Trap of Rage

Opening Verse

“A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.”
— Proverbs 19:19 (KJV)

Introduction

Anger is like a fire. If you don’t put it out quickly, it will burn everything in its path. Proverbs 19:19 isn’t just a proverb—it’s a warning. Rage brings pain. And if someone keeps losing their temper, they will keep needing rescue again and again. But at what cost?

Devotional Story

There was a young man who had trouble controlling his anger. Every time something didn’t go his way, he exploded. He punched holes in walls. He shouted at friends and family. And every time, his mother stepped in to fix things—paying for the damages, apologizing to those he hurt, cleaning up the mess.

One day, he lost his job after yelling at his manager. When he came home, expecting his mother to comfort him again, she simply said, “This is the last time I can save you.”

He was shocked. She continued, “The Bible says if I keep rescuing you, I’ll have to do it again. That means your anger won’t stop just because I clean it up. It’ll stop only when you choose to repent.”

That night, alone and broken, the young man fell to his knees. He cried out to God—not for another rescue, but for a new heart. And the Lord heard him.

What This Means

God does not ignore anger. He warns us that uncontrolled rage leads to suffering. No matter how many times others help you out of trouble, if you don’t change, the cycle repeats. Only God can break that cycle. But you have to let Him.

Think About This

Have you been the angry person who always needs rescue? Or the one always doing the rescuing? In either case, there comes a time when you must let the consequences fall—so real change can happen.

Prayer

Lord, I confess the sin of anger. I’ve seen how it hurts others and myself. Please give me a new spirit, one filled with Your peace. Help me stop depending on others to clean up my mess. I want to change—for real. I want to walk in Your Spirit, not in rage. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”
— Proverbs 14:29 (KJV)

May 2, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Speak Life, Not Defeat

Opening Verse

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

Introduction

Words matter. What we speak shapes how we believe, and what we believe affects what we experience. Many of us casually speak doubt, fear, or failure without realizing we are planting seeds that grow into our reality.

Devotional Story

A father and his young son went fishing on a peaceful afternoon. The sun was shining, the lake was calm, and everything seemed perfect. But the boy, with each cast of his line, kept saying, “I’ll never catch anything. I’m not good at this.”

After a while, the father gently turned to his son and said, “Son, you’re cursing yourself. Every time you say you can’t, you speak defeat over yourself. The Bible says we must speak life.”

The father quietly bowed his head and prayed, “Lord, show my son Your power. Let him see that words have weight and that life flows when we trust You.”

Moments later, the boy’s line tugged. He pulled up a fish. Then, just a few minutes later, another. His eyes lit up with surprise and joy. “Dad, I caught two!”

His father smiled and said, “That’s God showing you. Speak life, son. Always.”

That day, the boy learned a lesson no sermon could teach: when we speak doubt, we hinder faith—but when we speak life, we give God room to work.

What This Means

Negative words limit what God wants to do in us and through us. Speaking faith isn’t about pretending everything is perfect—it’s about trusting God is able even when we aren’t. The tongue can either build or destroy, bless or curse. Speak life, because every word counts.

Think About This

What are you speaking over your situation today? Are you agreeing with doubt, or are you declaring God’s truth? Speak life over your family, your future, and your faith.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for every time I’ve spoken doubt instead of faith. Teach me to speak words that line up with Your promises. Help me speak life into every area of my heart, my home, and my walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

May 1, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Ignoring the Haters

Opening Verse

“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.”
Psalm 37:1 (KJV)

Introduction

Haters will come. People will lie. Others will mock. Some will try to tear you down just because you’re walking with Jesus. But the Bible tells us not to waste energy worrying about them. Why? Because their time is short, and your mission is eternal.

Devotional Story

A young man had recently turned his life over to Christ. He stopped partying, stopped stealing, and began reading his Bible every morning. But his old friends didn’t like it. They laughed at him. They told others, “He’s fake. It won’t last.” Even his own cousin said, “You’ll be back with us before the month is over.”

At first, those words hurt. But the man remembered what Jesus said in Matthew 5:11: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” That verse became his anchor.

Instead of fighting back or trying to defend himself, he kept quiet and stayed faithful. Months turned into years. And one by one, the same people who mocked him began asking him for prayer. The cousin who once mocked him is now attending church with him. God used the hate to sharpen his resolve.

What This Means

When people hate on you for following Christ, it’s not really about you. It’s about the light you carry. Darkness hates the light. But God says to ignore their noise and stay focused on Him. The wicked will fade, but those who trust in the Lord will endure forever.

Think About This

Who do you need to stop trying to impress? What hateful voice have you been listening to that God is telling you to block out?

Prayer

Lord, help me to ignore the voices that try to distract me from You. Strengthen my heart to endure rejection, and remind me that You are the one I live to please. Help me walk in truth and love, no matter what others say. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.” – Jeremiah 20:11 (KJV)

April 30, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Walk Straight

Opening Verse

“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.”
—Proverbs 10:9 (KJV)

Introduction

Upright walking isn’t limited to work or public life. It stretches into friendships, family, and even the thoughts we entertain. God calls us to walk straight in every area. There is no hiding with Him.

Devotional Story

A young woman grew tired of feeling left out. Her friends were always talking about the latest gossip, mocking others, even sharing private messages just to get a laugh. At first, she stayed silent. Then she joined in. She laughed, she shared, and she felt accepted.

But her peace vanished. At night, she replayed the conversations and felt guilt she couldn’t shake. One day, the girl they mocked most stood crying in the hallway. The young woman knew why. Her conscience burned.

That night she prayed, “Lord, I want to walk uprightly. I’m done being two-faced.” The next day, she apologized to the girl and made a hard decision: she left that friend group.

It cost her something. But her peace came back, and so did her strength. She made new friends who feared God and spoke life. Now she encourages others to walk the secure path—no matter how lonely it may seem at first.

What This Means

Walking uprightly means choosing what pleases God even when it’s unpopular. It’s not about perfection. It’s about honesty, purity, and repentance. The crooked path will always get found out. But the straight path? It leads to peace, protection, and the approval of Heaven.

Think About This

Are there conversations you’ve been part of that Jesus would never join? Is your integrity solid even in private?

Prayer

Lord, I want to walk securely in every part of my life. Help me turn away from anything that dishonors You—even if it costs me. Give me courage to walk uprightly, and joy that doesn’t come from the crowd. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.”
—Psalm 25:21 (KJV)

April 29, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Accelerating Toward Excellence

Opening Verse

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”
— 1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV)

Introduction

Everyone wants to excel, but few understand that to excel, you must first accel — move forward with purpose, discipline, and urgency. In the race of faith, standing still is not an option. God calls us not just to finish, but to run to win.

Devotional Story

There was a young man who had a clear goal — he wanted to become a pilot. But every day, he delayed his lessons. He talked about planes, studied aviation facts, and even wore a pilot jacket. But he never flew. One day, his instructor told him, “You can’t soar until you start moving. To fly, you’ve got to throttle up.” That stuck with him.

The next morning, he signed up for flight school and never looked back. He realized that dreams alone don’t lift you — action does.

In the same way, believers often talk about spiritual growth, deeper faith, and godly purpose — but never leave the runway. They admire others who are doing great things for God, but hesitate to launch themselves into obedience.

The Apostle Paul didn’t waste time. He “pressed toward the mark” and called us to do the same. If you want to excel in Christ, you’ve got to accel — pick up speed in prayer, holiness, service, and obedience.

What This Means

God isn’t looking for people who just wish they were closer to Him. He’s calling those who will move. Spiritual acceleration begins when you take the first real step — confessing sin, forgiving others, sharing Christ, studying His Word with hunger, or stepping out in faith even when it’s uncomfortable.

We’re in a spiritual race. There are no trophies for those who sit in the stands.

Think About This

Are you waiting for a sign when God has already given you a command?
What area of your life needs acceleration toward obedience?

Prayer

Lord, wake me up from comfort and hesitation. I don’t want to just talk about change — I want to move. Give me the courage to accelerate in obedience, to run this race with focus, and to do it for Your glory. Remove every excuse. Help me press forward today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 3:13–14 (KJV)