Tag: Repentance

April 13, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Beware the Leaven

Opening Verse

“Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”
Matthew 16:6 (KJV)

Introduction

Jesus spoke in ways that pierced the heart. When He warned about “leaven,” He wasn’t giving a baking lesson. He was exposing the quiet spread of false teaching, pride, and sin. That warning is louder than ever today. If we ignore it, we risk being slowly overtaken by corruption that looks religious but denies Christ’s power.

What Jesus Said About Leaven

Jesus said a little leaven leavens the whole lump (Galatians 5:9). That’s how sin works. That’s how pride spreads. That’s how false doctrine seeps in. The Pharisees were religious on the outside, but their hearts were hard. Their teachings looked clean but led people away from repentance and truth.

This leaven is still active. It’s in churches that downplay sin. It’s in pulpits that preach prosperity over purity. It’s in lives that look godly but don’t surrender to Christ. Jesus warns us, because a little lie can destroy a whole life.

What This Means

If we don’t deal with the “little” things—jealousy, pride, compromise—we’ll be filled with the leaven of self instead of the Spirit of God. We must examine what we’re listening to. We must ask, “Is this leading me to the cross, or is it just making me feel good?” If it doesn’t bring conviction, it’s likely leaven.

Jesus never spoke lightly. His warning to beware the leaven is a call to cut out anything that contaminates the Gospel. It’s a call to return to the truth, even if it offends. Better to be offended and saved than comfortable and lost.

Think About This

  • What teachings have I accepted that aren’t grounded in Scripture?

  • Have I allowed pride or spiritual laziness to rise in my heart?

  • Am I following the voice of Christ or the voice of culture?

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to any leaven I’ve allowed in my life. Show me where I’ve compromised, even a little. Burn away falsehood and cleanse me with Your truth. I want to follow You fully, not halfway. Make me holy. Make me bold. Keep me close to You, even when the world pulls away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”
1 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)

April 7, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Curse That Isn’t There

Opening Verse

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”
— Ezekiel 18:20 (KJV)

Introduction

There’s a growing teaching that believers must go through “deliverance ministry” to break free from generational curses. But the Bible teaches something different—truth that brings real freedom. You are not cursed because of your family line. You are accountable for your own walk with God. What Christ did on the Cross is enough.

Devotional Story

A young woman named Elise lived under the weight of fear. Her grandfather had been abusive, her mother wrestled with addiction, and people told her these were signs of a generational curse. One day, a well-meaning friend even said, “You need deliverance. You need to go through a session to break that curse off your life.”

That shook Elise. She was a believer, yet felt like she was being told Jesus wasn’t enough. That He had saved her, but somehow left her bound.

So she went to the Bible. And there it was—in Ezekiel 18:20. “The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father.” Clear. Final. Truth.

Then she read Galatians 3:13. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse.” Not partly. Not maybe. Fully.

That day, Elise rejected the lie. She didn’t need deliverance—she needed discernment. She didn’t need a man to cast something out of her—she needed to stand in the finished work of Jesus Christ. And when she did, she found peace.

What This Means

Deliverance ministries that claim you need to be freed from your ancestors’ sins are not teaching the gospel. The Bible never commands Christians to go through sessions to break curses. Jesus already did that at the Cross. The only deliverance we need is from sin through repentance and faith.

You don’t need to trace your family tree—you need to cling to the tree where Jesus died. If you are born again, you are not cursed. You are free.

Think About This

  • Are you trusting in Christ alone, or in religious rituals to make you clean?

  • Have you allowed false teaching to plant fear instead of faith?

  • Are you walking in freedom, or still waiting for someone else to deliver what Jesus already paid for?

Prayer

Father, I repent for believing lies that You never spoke. I reject the false teaching that I am cursed or in need of deliverance beyond what Christ already finished. Thank You, Lord, that I am redeemed, washed, and made new by the blood of Jesus. Help me walk in truth and call others out of deception. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”
— Galatians 3:13 (KJV)

April 6, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

A Kingdom Divided

Matthew 12:25

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:” (KJV)

Introduction

Jesus never wasted words. When He spoke, His words cut through noise and confusion. In this moment, He wasn’t just speaking about kingdoms or cities—He was sounding an alarm for every heart, every home, and every soul that dares to live divided.

Devotional Story

There was a man who claimed to follow Christ but still entertained the world. He would lift his hands in worship on Sunday, then curse under his breath on Monday. He’d speak of grace, yet hold grudges. He’d pray for guidance, yet chase selfish desires. Over time, things began to fall apart. His peace turned into stress. His family grew cold. His heart became restless.

One night, while lying awake, his eyes landed on a dusty Bible on the shelf. He hadn’t touched it in months. Guilt crept in. He remembered the verse: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” That was him. Trying to serve two masters. Trying to stand while being split in half. That night, he got on his knees and repented. Not just with words, but with surrender.

And God met him there—not with condemnation, but with cleansing.

What This Means

You can’t serve Jesus and cling to sin. You can’t love God with half your heart. A divided life leads to a broken life. Jesus is calling for full surrender. Unity within your heart starts by choosing Him—completely. Otherwise, the cracks will grow until everything falls apart.

Think About This

What areas of your life are pulling in the opposite direction of Christ? Is your heart united in its loyalty to Him? Or are you trying to keep a foot in two worlds?

Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to be divided anymore. I don’t want to pretend. Help me give You all of me. Remove what pulls me away from You. Heal the cracks in my soul and bring peace where there has been chaos. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24, KJV)

April 1, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Recognizing Patterns of Reactivity

Opening Verse

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
— Proverbs 25:28 (KJV)

Introduction

Sometimes we react before we think. We say things we don’t mean. We snap, get offended, or pull back in silence. These patterns don’t just happen once—they become habits if we’re not careful. But Scripture calls us to something better: self-awareness that leads to Spirit-control.

Devotional Story

A man was driving home after a long day at work. Traffic was heavy, and someone cut him off. Instantly, he laid on the horn and shouted in frustration. His children, quiet in the backseat, looked on. He didn’t realize how often this happened—until one evening, his young daughter mimicked his reaction during a game.

That was the wake-up call.

He didn’t need a sermon. He saw it—clear as day—how his pattern of reactivity was not just hurting his witness, but shaping his children. He went to his room, dropped to his knees, and repented. He asked the Lord, not just for forgiveness, but for a new spirit. A spirit that reflects Christ, not the flesh.

What This Means

If we don’t slow down and reflect, we’ll keep living in cycles of reaction. God wants us to respond in wisdom, not react in emotion. Self-awareness is not self-help—it’s a grace of God that helps us examine ourselves in the light of the Holy Spirit.

When we stay in God’s Word and prayer, He shows us the truth about ourselves—not to shame us, but to change us.

Think About This

  • Do you notice when you’re quick to anger, fear, or control?

  • Are your reactions bearing the fruit of the Spirit—or the works of the flesh?

  • Have you ever paused to ask God, “Why am I like this?” He will show you—if you ask Him with a humble heart.

Prayer

Lord, I need You to rule over my spirit. I confess that I’ve allowed old patterns to lead me instead of Your Spirit. Help me see myself clearly and surrender my reactions to You. Teach me how to pause, reflect, and walk in the peace of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
— Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

March 29, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Judgment and Mercy

Opening Verse

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her.”
Ezekiel 5:5, KJV

Introduction

God’s Word in Ezekiel 5 is not soft. It is sharp. It is a warning. God speaks through the prophet Ezekiel using a dramatic sign—cutting and dividing hair—to show what’s about to happen to His people. Judgment is coming. Not because God delights in punishment, but because His people have rebelled beyond the nations around them. This chapter is a wake-up call for anyone who thinks God is silent about sin.

Devotional Story

A young man was raised in church. He knew the truth. But as he grew older, he began to see God’s commands as optional. He still prayed occasionally, still said “God bless you,” but his heart was far from God. He compromised with the world—just a little at first. A little lie. A little lust. A little pride.

Over time, the compromise grew. He mocked warnings from believers. He stopped reading the Word. He started justifying sin. He was convinced that God wouldn’t judge him. After all, hadn’t he once believed?

But one night, after a long season of sin, he had a vivid dream. In it, a city burned. The people screamed. The sky turned black. In the center of the chaos was a mirror, and in that mirror was his own face. He woke up trembling, realizing the Lord had given him a glimpse of what happens when mercy is rejected.

The next morning, he opened his Bible, and it fell to Ezekiel 5.

What This Means

Ezekiel 5 reminds us that God holds His people accountable. Jerusalem had been given every blessing—God’s temple, His law, His prophets. But they rebelled worse than the nations around them. So God said, “I will execute judgments in the midst of thee… and will do in thee that which I have not done” (v. 9).

This wasn’t just about Jerusalem—it’s about anyone who receives the truth and then turns from it. To know God’s will and still rebel is dangerous. Jesus said it would be more tolerable for Sodom than for those who reject Him after knowing Him.

Yet even in judgment, God sends a warning. He speaks before He strikes. Ezekiel was the trumpet. The question is: will we listen?

Think About This

Have you been ignoring the voice of God? Are you living like you’ll never stand before Him?

Ezekiel 5 is not meant to make you afraid of God—it’s meant to bring you back to Him. The God who warns is the God who forgives, if we repent. The hair in the fire was a picture of destruction, but a small portion was kept—God always preserves a remnant.

Will you be part of it?

Prayer

Father, forgive me for treating Your Word lightly. I have seen how You judge rebellion, and I do not want to be found among the unfaithful. Cleanse me. Restore my fear of You. Help me turn from anything that dishonors Your Name. I want to be part of the remnant that remains faithful. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries.”
Ezekiel 6:8, KJV

March 7, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Pride That Leads to Destruction

Opening Verse:

“The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?”
— Obadiah 1:3 (KJV)

Introduction:

Pride is one of the most deceptive sins. It blinds us to our own weaknesses and makes us believe we are untouchable. The book of Obadiah warns against the dangers of pride, particularly in how it led to the downfall of Edom. When we rely on ourselves instead of God, we set ourselves on a path to destruction.

Devotional Story:

A businessman had built an empire from the ground up. He was known for his sharp mind, strategic thinking, and relentless ambition. As his success grew, so did his pride. He boasted that his achievements were the result of his own intelligence and hard work. “No one can take this from me,” he often said.

One day, a close friend warned him, “Be careful not to forget who truly gives success. Pride goes before destruction.” The businessman scoffed at the idea. He had made it this far on his own—why would he need God now?

But one day, an unexpected economic crisis hit. His investments collapsed, his business partners withdrew, and his once-thriving empire crumbled. The very foundation he thought was unshakable proved weak. In his despair, he remembered his friend’s warning and fell to his knees. “Lord, I see now—I was deceived by my own pride. Forgive me,” he prayed.

Slowly, God restored him, not to his former wealth, but to a place of humility and trust in Him.

What This Means:

Edom was a strong nation, secure in its high places and natural defenses. Yet, God humbled them because of their arrogance. No matter how high we rise, we are still dependent on God. Pride deceives us into thinking we are invincible, but destruction follows those who exalt themselves. True security is found in humility before God.

Think About This:

  • Are there areas in your life where pride has crept in?
  • Do you acknowledge God in your successes, or do you take the credit for yourself?
  • How can you practice humility daily?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, keep my heart from the deception of pride. Let me always remember that You alone are my source and strength. Teach me to walk in humility and to give You glory in all things. Help me to trust in You rather than in my own abilities. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse:

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
— 1 Peter 5:6 (KJV)

March 5, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Danger of Dishonoring Parents

Opening Verse

“Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.” – Proverbs 20:20 (KJV)

Introduction

Honoring our parents is not just a social expectation; it is a divine command. Yet, in today’s world, rebellion against authority, including parents, is often encouraged. Many believe they have the right to dishonor or disrespect their parents because of disagreements or past wounds. However, God’s Word warns that dishonoring parents leads to severe consequences, both spiritually and physically.

Devotional Story

There was a young man who grew up feeling bitter towards his parents. He often blamed them for his struggles and hardships. As he became older, his resentment turned into open defiance—he spoke harshly to them, ignored their counsel, and even ridiculed their faith.

One day, in a fit of rage, he yelled at his mother, calling her names and cursing her. That night, as he lay in bed, he felt an unshakable darkness settle over him. He lost his peace, and his once bright future began to crumble. Opportunities slipped away, friendships faded, and he found himself lost in deep loneliness.

Desperate, he sought help from a wise pastor, who pointed him to Proverbs 20:20. The young man was struck with conviction. He fell to his knees and repented before God. He reached out to his parents, asking for forgiveness, and slowly, the darkness in his life began to lift. Joy returned, doors opened, and the favor of God shined upon him once more.

What This Means

Cursing or dishonoring our parents leads to spiritual darkness. It affects not only our relationship with them but also our relationship with God. Parents, whether perfect or flawed, are placed in our lives by God’s design. When we honor them, we honor Him. Dishonor brings destruction, but repentance and restoration bring blessings.

Think About This

  • Have you spoken or acted in ways that dishonor your parents?
  • Do you hold resentment against them that needs to be released?
  • How can you show honor and gratitude to them today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for my parents, even in their imperfections. Forgive me for any words or actions that have dishonored them. Soften my heart to show them love and respect as You command. Help me to walk in the light of Your blessings by honoring those You have placed in authority over me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing 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)

February 27, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Dwell in the Land in Safety

Opening Verse

“Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.”
Jeremiah 7:7 (KJV)

Introduction

God’s promises are sure, but they come with conditions. In Jeremiah 7, the people of Israel thought they could continue in sin while still expecting the blessings of the Lord. They trusted in the temple of God but not in the God of the temple. The Lord reminded them that only by walking in obedience could they remain in the land He had given them.

Devotional Story

A man once owned a beautiful home, passed down through generations. It was his inheritance, a place of safety and blessing. However, he neglected it. He let thieves enter freely, left the doors open at night, and refused to repair the broken gates. Despite this, he told himself, “This is my home! It will always be mine.”

One day, he woke up to find that everything was gone. His home had been stripped bare, and he was left with nothing. He wept, realizing that he had taken his inheritance for granted, failing to guard it as he should have.

This is what happened to Israel. God gave them a land flowing with milk and honey, but they allowed sin to creep in. They abandoned His ways while assuming they could still enjoy His protection. Yet, God warned them—without repentance, they would lose everything.

What This Means

God desires to bless His people, but we must walk in His ways. Too often, people expect God’s favor while refusing to live in obedience. They rely on religious traditions but neglect holiness. They claim God’s promises but ignore His commandments.

If we want to dwell in the land of God’s favor, we must walk in righteousness. The true safety of a believer is not found in a church building, a name, or an association—it is found in obedience to Christ.

Think About This

  • Are you expecting God’s blessings while holding onto sin?
  • Have you confused religious acts with true repentance?
  • What areas of your life need to be surrendered to Christ?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for taking Your blessings for granted. Help me to walk in obedience, not just in words but in action. I surrender my ways to You. Lead me in righteousness so that I may dwell in Your presence forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
James 1:22 (KJV)

February 24, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Danger of Itching Ears

Opening Verse

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”
2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV)

Introduction

We live in a time where people don’t want to hear the truth of God’s Word. They seek messages that make them feel good, rather than those that call for repentance. Instead of enduring sound doctrine, they find teachers who say what they want to hear, not what they need to hear. The Bible warns us about this danger, and we must be on guard against it.

Devotional Story

A man named Kevin was raised in a strong Christian home. He grew up hearing the Word of God, but as he got older, he didn’t like sermons about sin, repentance, or holiness. He wanted a version of Christianity that let him live how he wanted while still feeling “blessed.”

One day, he found a preacher online who never talked about judgment, never called people to repentance, and always promised prosperity. Kevin loved listening to him. He felt good, motivated, and encouraged—but deep down, he knew something was missing. The messages never convicted him, never challenged him, and never pointed him toward the cross.

One night, Kevin had a dream. In it, he was in a grand, beautiful church filled with thousands of people. The preacher stood on stage, smiling and speaking words of comfort, but behind him was a door leading to darkness. The congregation clapped and cheered, unaware that they were being led away from the truth. Kevin tried to warn them, but no one listened. He woke up in a cold sweat, realizing God was showing him that he had been deceived. He repented and returned to the Word of God, seeking sound doctrine instead of empty words.

What This Means

The world is full of false teachers who only preach what people want to hear. But the true gospel is not about making us feel comfortable in sin—it is about leading us to repentance and eternal life. We must be careful not to fall into the trap of “itching ears,” seeking only messages that please our flesh while ignoring God’s truth.

Think About This

  • Do you seek teachers who preach what you want to hear or what you need to hear?
  • Are you willing to endure sound doctrine, even when it challenges you?
  • Have you asked God to give you discernment to recognize false teachings?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to love Your truth above all else. Give me discernment to recognize false teachings and the courage to stand on Your Word. Let me not seek what pleases my flesh but what leads me closer to You. Keep my heart from deception and fill me with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

February 23, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Drifting from God

Opening Verse

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
— James 4:8 (KJV)

Introduction

Drifting from God does not happen overnight. It begins with small compromises, little distractions, and a gradual coldness of heart. Before we know it, we find ourselves distant from His presence, wondering how we got so far.

Devotional Story

A man once lived by the ocean, enjoying the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun. Every morning, he would take his small boat out into the water, staying close to the shore. One day, as he lay back, enjoying the breeze, he closed his eyes for what felt like only a moment.

When he opened them, he was shocked to see how far he had drifted. The shore was no longer in sight. Panic set in as he realized he had let himself go too far without noticing.

This is what happens when we neglect our walk with God. At first, it seems harmless to skip a day of prayer or to neglect reading the Word. But soon, our hearts grow distant, and sin creeps in unnoticed.

What This Means

Drifting is dangerous because it is subtle. It happens when we stop being intentional about our relationship with Christ. The world is full of distractions that can pull us away from God’s presence if we are not careful.

The good news is that no matter how far we have drifted, God is always calling us back. He is merciful and will restore us when we turn to Him with a sincere heart.

Think About This

  • Have you noticed areas in your life where you have slowly drifted from God?
  • What distractions have been keeping you from prayer and reading the Bible?
  • How can you intentionally draw near to God today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have allowed myself to drift from You. I have been distracted, neglecting the most important relationship in my life—my relationship with You. Forgive me, Lord. Draw me back into Your presence. Help me to seek You daily with all my heart, to love You above all else, and to never grow distant again. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”
— Revelation 2:4 (KJV)