Author: Akedah

March 18, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Growing Up in Christ

Opening Verse

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV)

Introduction

Growing in faith means letting go of the things that once held us back. Just like children outgrow toys and games, we are called to outgrow spiritual immaturity. God wants us to move forward, trusting Him more, obeying Him more, and living out His purpose for our lives.

A Father’s Love

A father lifts his young son into the air, spinning him around with ease. The child laughs, completely at peace in his father’s arms. He isn’t worried about being dropped. He doesn’t question if his father is strong enough. He simply trusts.

When the father lays him down to rest, the child is still. He knows he is safe. His father is near, and that is enough.

This is the kind of trust God wants us to have. He carries us through life, never struggling under the weight of our burdens. He leads us with love, like a shepherd carrying a lamb. But as we grow, He also calls us to step up—to let go of fear, pride, and excuses, and walk in faith.

Time to Grow Up

Spiritual growth isn’t just about knowing more Bible verses or going to church every Sunday. It’s about trusting God more, making better choices, and not letting the same old struggles control us.

Some people stay stuck in old habits—worrying, complaining, holding onto grudges, or chasing things that don’t matter. But at some point, we have to decide: Do we want to stay where we are, or do we want to grow into who God made us to be?

Maturity in Christ means putting away excuses and stepping into obedience. It means trusting God like a child trusts his father, but also taking responsibility for our faith. It’s time to move forward.

Think About This

  • Are there areas in your life where you’re still holding onto things God wants you to outgrow?
  • Do you fully trust God to carry you, or do you try to control everything yourself?
  • What’s one step you can take today to grow in faith?

Prayer

Lord, help me to grow up in my faith. Show me where I need to let go of childish ways and trust You more. Give me the strength to follow You, even when it’s hard. Thank You for always carrying me and leading me with love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”
— Isaiah 40:11 (KJV)

March 17, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Investing Wisely in the Kingdom

Opening Verse

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
— Matthew 25:21 (KJV)

Introduction

The Parable of the Talents teaches us about responsibility, faithfulness, and wise investment. Jesus spoke about a master who entrusted his servants with different amounts of money, expecting them to multiply it. This parable is not just about financial stewardship—it is about spiritual investments, our time, our gifts, and even our giving. But should we invest in everyone? What happens when we pour into someone who refuses to change?

Devotional Story

A man named Elijah had a heart for giving. Anytime someone was in need, he opened his wallet or his home. He believed he was fulfilling God’s will. But over time, he began to notice something. Certain people always came back asking for more, yet they never changed. They never sought to grow, never tried to use what they were given wisely.

One day, an old friend, Thomas, reached out for help. Thomas had received Elijah’s support before but had squandered it. Elijah hesitated. Was he being judgmental? Wasn’t he supposed to give freely?

That night, Elijah prayed. God led him to Matthew 25—the Parable of the Talents. He saw how the master rewarded those who used what they had been given wisely but took away from the one who did nothing. He realized that giving isn’t just about handing things out—it’s about investing wisely.

The next day, Elijah sat with Thomas. Instead of giving him money, he offered wisdom. “I’ll help you, but you need to show me how you’ll use it this time.” Thomas scoffed and walked away, unwilling to change. Elijah felt a deep peace. He had done what was right.

What This Means

Not everyone is ready to receive what God has for them. The Bible tells us not to “cast your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6). This means we must be discerning with our spiritual and material investments. If someone is unwilling to change, we must ask: Are we helping them, or just enabling them?

Jesus invested deeply in His disciples, but He did not chase after those who hardened their hearts. God calls us to give, but He also calls us to be wise stewards.

Think About This

  • Are you investing in people who are receptive to change?
  • Have you prayed for discernment before giving?
  • Are you using your own talents wisely, or are you burying them?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me wisdom in how I give and invest in others. Help me to be generous but also discerning. Show me where to sow, and help me recognize when to step back. Let my giving bring true growth and not just temporary relief. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
— Matthew 7:6 (KJV)

March 16, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Unequally Yoked

Opening Verse

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”— 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Many people hear “unequally yoked” and immediately think of marriage. While that’s true, it also applies to friendships, business partnerships, and any close relationships. The people you surround yourself with can either pull you toward God or drag you away from Him.

 

Devotional Story

A young man named Marcus had been on fire for God. He prayed daily, read his Bible, and avoided places that could compromise his faith. But he had one friend, Chris, who lived differently. Chris wasn’t outright evil, but he had no desire for godliness. He convinced Marcus to come along to parties, telling him, “You don’t have to do anything bad, just chill with us.”

At first, Marcus resisted. But after weeks of pressure, he gave in, thinking, I’ll just go and leave early. But one compromise led to another. The atmosphere influenced him, and before he knew it, he was drinking, swearing, and blending in with the crowd. The next morning, he felt empty and guilty.

What happened? Marcus had allowed himself to be pulled into a place he never intended to be. He didn’t set out to backslide, but his friendship with Chris led him in a direction that opposed God’s plan for his life.

What This Means

Being unequally yoked isn’t always about outright rebellion—it’s often subtle. A friend can lead you into gossip, dishonesty, or situations where you compromise your faith. You may start with good intentions, but the more you walk with the wrong influences, the easier it is to drift away from God.

Think About This

  • Are there relationships in your life pulling you away from God?
  • Do you justify certain friendships even when they are influencing you negatively?
  • How can you strengthen your walk with believers who encourage your faith?

Prayer

Lord, help me to discern the relationships in my life. Give me the strength to walk away from influences that lead me away from You. Surround me with people who encourage my faith and challenge me to grow in righteousness. Keep my heart fixed on You, and may I be a light instead of being led into darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”— Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)

 

March 15, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Rise of the Lawless One

Opening Verse

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”
2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV)

Introduction

A shadow moves across the world—one that many ignore, but Scripture warns of his arrival. He is called the Lawless One, the Man of Sin, the one who will deceive many before Christ’s return. The Bible speaks plainly about this time, yet confusion fills the minds of many because they do not rightly divide the Word of Truth. Will you be ready, or will you be deceived?

The Devotional Story

The city burned in chaos. Riots erupted overnight, leaders vanished, and a voice emerged through every screen, every speaker, every device. The voice was smooth, calming, powerful. “Peace is coming,” it assured, “but first, we must rid ourselves of the ones who stand in the way.”

Daniel clenched his Bible. He had read about this moment, but he never expected it to come so soon. The world was bowing to the Lawless One.

He remembered the warnings: false peace, lying wonders, a leader who would unite the nations, demanding worship. It had begun. Families turned on each other, churches compromised, and those who stood on the truth were labeled as the enemy.

One by one, he saw friends disappear—taken away under the claim of “public safety.” A single world order had formed, a system that punished those who refused to comply. The deception was complete.

But Daniel knew the truth. The Word of God was the only unshakable foundation. He saw many who once followed Christ now following the new leader. They had not studied the Word, had not prepared their hearts. They were deceived.

Then, the voice returned: “You must choose. Join us, or be cast out.”

Daniel opened his Bible and whispered, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

What This Means

The Lawless One is coming, and deception will be widespread. If you do not know the Word, you will be deceived. Jesus warned that even the very elect could be led astray (Matthew 24:24).

We must rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). That means understanding:

  • Who the Lawless One is (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
  • The great falling away (1 Timothy 4:1)
  • The need for endurance (Matthew 24:13)
  • The danger of false doctrine (Galatians 1:8)

Think About This

  • Are you prepared to recognize deception when it comes?
  • Do you study the Word daily, or do you rely on others to tell you what it says?
  • If persecution comes, will you stand firm in Christ?

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to the truth. Let me not be deceived by the Lawless One or the lies of this world. Strengthen my heart to endure and give me the wisdom to rightly divide Your Word. Help me to stand firm until the end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

March 14, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Kicking a Hornet’s Nest

Opening Verse

“He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.”
— Proverbs 11:29 (KJV)

Introduction

Some actions stir up trouble far beyond what we expect. Much like kicking a hornet’s nest, meddling with things that should be left alone can bring unnecessary pain and chaos. Many times, we ignore warnings from God and push forward, thinking we are in control—only to find ourselves surrounded by the consequences of our own recklessness.

Devotional Story

A man walked through the woods on a quiet afternoon, enjoying the peace around him. He noticed a large hornet’s nest hanging from a tree. Curiosity got the best of him, and he picked up a rock. Without much thought, he threw it hard at the nest.

At first, nothing happened. Then, a faint buzzing grew louder. Within seconds, a swarm of angry hornets burst from the nest, heading straight for him. He ran, flailing his arms, but it was too late. The stings came one after another, leaving him in agony. What was once a peaceful walk turned into a painful lesson in foolishness.

Much like this man, many people ignore God’s warnings in life. They meddle in sin, thinking they can handle the consequences. They stir up strife in their homes, involve themselves in gossip, or entertain sinful habits—only to reap a whirlwind of destruction. The Bible warns that those who “trouble their own house” will inherit the wind. In other words, their actions will lead to emptiness, regret, and pain.

What This Means

God gives us wisdom to avoid unnecessary pain. He warns us through His Word, through godly counsel, and even through the quiet nudging of the Holy Spirit. Yet, some still choose to play with sin, believing they are immune to its consequences. But sin is like a nest of hornets—you might think you can get away with disturbing it, but eventually, you will get stung.

We must be wise and discerning, avoiding situations that invite trouble into our lives. Instead of stirring up strife, we should seek peace. Instead of entertaining sin, we should pursue righteousness.

Think About This

  • Are there areas in your life where you are ignoring God’s warnings?
  • Have you been stirring up trouble in your home, workplace, or relationships?
  • What steps can you take to walk in wisdom and avoid unnecessary pain?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me wisdom to avoid the traps of foolishness and sin. Help me to recognize when I am stirring up trouble in my life and give me the strength to walk away from temptation. Teach me to be a peacemaker and not a troublemaker. Let me seek righteousness and wisdom in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
— Galatians 6:7 (KJV)

March 13, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Hidden Enemy

Opening Verse

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
— Ephesians 6:11 (KJV)

Introduction

Spiritual warfare is real. Many focus on protecting themselves from external attacks, yet the most dangerous threats often come from within. This is the story of a man who spent his life running from an enemy he could see, only to realize the true danger lay within him all along.

Devotional Story: The Chase

Ethan ran.

His breath was heavy, his legs burned, and his heart pounded like a war drum. Behind him, the shadowy figure pursued him with relentless speed. No matter where he turned—alleyways, abandoned buildings, open streets—the pursuer was always just behind him.

In desperation, Ethan fortified his house, double-checking every lock, installing cameras, reinforcing the doors and windows. He carried weapons, trained in self-defense, and mapped out escape routes. He was prepared for an external attack.

Yet, the dreams continued.

Every night, he found himself running, always chased but never caught. The terror was suffocating. One night, exhausted, he collapsed in his dream, allowing his pursuer to catch him. As the figure loomed over him, Ethan braced himself for the strike.

Then, the shadow stepped into the light.

It was him.

His own face, contorted with darkness, stood before him. A mirror image, but corrupted—his fears, his sins, his hidden compromises, all taking form. Ethan had been running, not from an external enemy, but from the unguarded doors of his own heart, where sin had crept in unnoticed.

He awoke in a cold sweat, the realization gripping him: He had spent years preparing for an attack from the outside, while the real battle was happening inside.

What This Means

Ethan’s story is a powerful illustration of the Christian life. Many believers focus on protecting themselves from external threats—the world, the devil, the persecution of man. But the most dangerous enemy often operates inside, hidden in the heart.

Jesus warned in Matthew 15:19-20:

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man…”

No amount of external protection can guard against an enemy that has already infiltrated from within. Sin, unchecked thoughts, compromise, and unrepentant actions are the real threats. The devil doesn’t need to break into a fortified house if he’s already been invited inside.

Think About This

  • What are you guarding against? External threats or internal strongholds?
  • Are there sins in your life that you have excused or ignored?
  • Are you focusing more on defending yourself against the world rather than examining your own heart?

Paul exhorts us in 2 Corinthians 13:5:

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.”

It’s time to stop running from the truth. The real battle is within.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, reveal to me the hidden battles I have ignored. Help me not to focus only on external defenses but to guard my heart against the enemy within. Cleanse me of secret sins, renew my spirit, and strengthen me to stand firm in Your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
— Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

March 12, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

A Shift in Perspective for God’s Greater Plan

Opening Verse

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Colossians 3:2 (KJV)

Introduction

Sometimes, God is preparing you for a major shift, but before He moves, He calls you to change the way you see things. Your perspective determines how you receive His direction. If your mind is locked into worldly limitations, you may miss the doors He is opening.

Devotional Story

A woman named Angela had been praying for a breakthrough in her career. She felt stuck, her prayers seemingly unanswered. Every day, she watched as others advanced, while she remained in the same position. Frustrated, she cried out to God.

One evening, as she was reading the Bible, her eyes fell on Isaiah 43:19:

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

A thought pressed into her heart: What if the problem is not my situation, but the way I see it?

Angela decided to stop focusing on what seemed like a delay and started asking God what He was doing in the waiting season. She realized that through her current job, she was gaining valuable experience, learning skills she would need for a bigger assignment. Within months, a new opportunity opened—one she would not have been ready for had she left earlier. What seemed like a delay was actually God’s preparation.

What This Means

If you only focus on what you lack, you will not see the blessings God is placing before you. Your mindset must shift before your circumstances can. Stop looking at life through the eyes of frustration, and start seeing it through the lens of faith. God is preparing something greater, but He needs you to align with His vision.

Think About This

  • What areas in your life require a shift in perspective?
  • Have you been seeing your current situation as an obstacle instead of an opportunity?
  • How can you actively trust that God is working even when things seem stagnant?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Help me to see things through Your eyes. Change my heart and renew my mind so that I may recognize the doors You are opening for me. Remove any frustration, fear, or doubt that keeps me from walking in faith. I trust that You are making a way, even when I cannot yet see it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

 

March 11, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Radiating God’s Love

Opening Verse

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Introduction

Radiation is the process of emitting energy in waves or particles. In the physical world, radiation can bring warmth and light, like the sun, or it can be harmful, like nuclear radiation. Spiritually, we are called to radiate God’s love—to shine His light in a dark world. Just as the sun never stops giving light, we should never stop sharing the love of Christ with those around us.

Devotional Story

A woman named Grace worked in a large office where negativity spread like wildfire. Gossip, complaints, and selfish ambition ruled the environment. However, Grace was different. She greeted everyone with kindness, helped coworkers in need, and never spoke ill of anyone. Some mocked her, calling her “too nice,” but others began to notice something unusual—whenever she was around, the atmosphere changed.

One day, a coworker, Sarah, who had always been cold toward Grace, broke down in tears in the break room. She had been battling depression and family struggles. Grace sat with her, offering words of comfort and prayer. That moment changed Sarah’s life. She later told Grace, “Your kindness always stood out. I wanted to know why you are different.”

Grace smiled and said, “It’s not me. It’s Jesus in me.”

Like a light in the darkness, Grace radiated God’s love, and it led Sarah to seek Christ for herself.

What This Means

Just as light naturally radiates from the sun, the love of Christ should flow from our lives. We don’t have to force it—when we stay connected to Him, His love will shine through us. People are drawn to warmth, hope, and kindness. When we show patience, love, and grace, we are showing people a glimpse of Jesus.

Think About This

  • Are you shining the light of Christ in your daily life?
  • Do your actions reflect God’s love to those around you?
  • How can you be intentional about radiating love, even in difficult situations?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for filling my heart with Your love. Help me to shine Your light wherever I go. Let my words, actions, and attitude reflect the love of Christ. Use me to touch lives and draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8 (KJV)

March 10, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Are You Receiving God’s Signal?

Opening Verse

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
—John 10:27 (KJV)

Introduction

God is always speaking, but are we listening? Just as a radio needs to be tuned to the right frequency to receive a clear signal, our hearts must be in the right condition to hear God’s voice. Many things can interfere with our connection to Him—sin, distractions, doubt, and the noise of the world. Are you receiving His signal, or is something blocking it?

Devotional Story

A man once owned a high-tech radio that could pick up signals from all over the world. He enjoyed listening to distant stations, but one day, his radio started picking up nothing but static. No matter how much he adjusted the settings, the interference remained. Frustrated, he checked the manual and realized the problem—his house was surrounded by thick walls of metal and concrete that blocked the signal.

Determined to fix it, he moved the radio near an open window, away from anything that could cause interference. Immediately, the radio began to pick up the clearest sound he had ever heard.

This is exactly how our spiritual lives work. If we are surrounded by sin, distractions, or doubt, we won’t be able to hear God. But when we remove the barriers and position our hearts correctly, His voice comes through with clarity.

What This Means

Many things can block God’s signal in our lives:

  • Sin: Willful disobedience creates static in our hearts. Isaiah 59:2 says, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
  • Distractions: The noise of social media, entertainment, and worldly pursuits can drown out God’s voice.
  • Doubt and Fear: Lack of faith acts like a wall that keeps us from trusting in God’s direction.
  • Busyness: A life too full leaves no room for God’s whisper.

Think About This

  • Are you making time to be still and listen to God?
  • What distractions or sins might be blocking your ability to hear Him clearly?
  • Have you positioned yourself in a way that allows you to receive His voice?

Prayer

Dear Lord, I want to hear Your voice clearly. Remove anything in my life that is blocking Your signal. Break down the walls of sin, doubt, and distractions that keep me from Your presence. Help me tune my heart to Your Word and recognize when You are speaking. Let nothing stand in the way of my relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
—Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

March 9, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Embracing a New Season in Christ


Opening Verse

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
— Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)

Point to Consider

Imagine stepping into the heat of summer while still wearing a big, heavy winter coat. It would be uncomfortable, unnecessary, and hold you back from enjoying the warmth of the season. Spiritually, many of us do the same thing—we carry the weight of past failures, old habits, and unnecessary burdens into the new season God has prepared for us.

Spring forward in your faith by shedding what no longer serves you. If God has called you into a new place, a new mindset, or a new level of faith, don’t drag the baggage of the past with you. It’s time to step into the freedom and renewal that God is offering.

What This Means

  • Let go of unnecessary burdens – God is calling you forward, but you must release what’s weighing you down.
  • Stop dressing for the past season – Old struggles, sins, and regrets don’t belong where God is taking you.
  • Embrace the new thing God is doing – You can’t move forward while clinging to the past.

Think About This

  • What “heavy coat” (past sin, fear, regret) are you still carrying?
  • Is there something God has asked you to let go of, but you’ve been hesitant to release?
  • How can you step forward in faith today, leaving behind what no longer belongs?

Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to walk into the new season carrying the weight of the old. Help me lay aside every burden and every sin that holds me back. Give me the strength to step forward into Your plans with faith and freedom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?”
— Isaiah 43:19 (KJV)