[The Glory Unveiled]
Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. ( Acts 28:3 NIV )
Fire is not entirely a bad master, even though it has earned that name through many people’s experiences with it. As a result, whenever we see fire, we are so eager to quench it that we have institutions set up to deal with it. However, fire in its nature is not all that bad. Fire has other wonderful purposes that only fire can fulfill. In the text above, the apostle Paul and other travelers reached a point in their journey where they had to make a fire to warm themselves. Nothing happened when Paul picked up his pile of wood, but as soon as he placed it on the fire, a snake came out because of the heat. The heat of the fire exposed what had been hiding all along. In the same way, God sometimes allows fires into our lives to purify us and reveal things we don’t even know exist. Some of us harbor habits and attitudes that are unwelcome, but we may never discover them until fire is introduced into our lives. The discomfort that fire brings will drive out everything that is not meant to remain in us. For some of us, the fires might be started by people closest to us. At other times, situations and circumstances beyond our control ignite these fires. Our willingness or unwillingness to accept the lessons that these experiences bring is what defines us. The fires and heat in your life are permitted by God for a reason. The fires in our lives are there on assignment. When the same Paul complained of a thorn in his flesh, God, who could have taken it away, didn’t. Instead, He said His grace was sufficient for Paul and that His strength is made perfect in weakness. God didn’t remove the thorn because it was serving a purpose in Paul’s life. So, when we walk through fire, we must understand that God is taking us on an assignment. You will come out with a glorious testimony.
Prayer_Bead: Father, thank you for your love for me. Thank you for the fire you allow into my life to refine me and prepare me for what you are about to do. In Jesus’ name.
Wisdom_Quote: Many life assignments are discovered after taking the walk through fire.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
Victory over Sin and Death
[The Glory Unveiled]
But we thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. [ 1 Corinthians 15:57 TPT ]
Different battles require different kinds of ammunition. However, victory is not achieved solely through skill or weaponry. Victory is, in essence, a certificate we receive—either because we won something ourselves or because someone else won it on our behalf. For us, victory comes because someone else did the work. Victory over sin and death was utterly impossible through human strength or strategies. When we sinned, we fell short of the glory of God—His nature and attributes, which empower a victorious life. By falling from that glory, we were reduced to a purely human existence. Yet, the love of God refused to abandon us. God conquered sin and death so that we might have freedom and enter His rest. Until sin and death are dealt with, humanity cannot truly experience freedom. Our current state is the direct result of sin, and restoration can only come when sin is permanently eradicated. Imagine not taking an exam yet having the top student’s results credited to you. Similarly, God assigned Jesus’ victory to us. Through Jesus, we are victorious over sin and death. Victory over sin is essential for walking with God. Without it, we cannot consistently walk in fellowship with Him. This is why God took the initiative to address the problem on our behalf. While we did not physically hang on the cross to conquer sin and death, Jesus did, granting us His victory through faith. This is why our hearts should overflow with gratitude to God.
Prayer_Bead: Heavenly Father , thank you for the victory you have given me as a conqueror through Christ Jesus.
Wisdom_Quote: We ride triumphantly on Jesus’ victory parade.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
The good we don’t see
[The Glory Unveiled ]
And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” [ John 1:46 NKJV ]
There is so much the ordinary eye cannot perceive. As humans, we do not see the end of things from the beginning—but God does. He sees the end from the beginning and from ancient times what is yet to come (Isaiah 46:10). This is why His counsel always stands. Humans, on the other hand, are limited and make decisions based on the incomplete information they have. As a result, we are often quick to judge people and situations because of our short-sightedness. But because God sees all things and knows all things, His judgments and decrees are perfect. When we feel overwhelmed by our struggles, we tend to give up. We shut every door of hope, thinking there is no help for us. Yet, if we leave the door of hope open, we would learn that the challenges we face often carry some good within them—even if we don’t immediately see it. There is a purpose for everything God permits in our lives. Some of those purposes may not align with our plans or feel good at the moment, but they undoubtedly have an intended purpose. Nathanael once thought that nothing good could come from Nazareth. Yet, in what seemed like insignificance and mess, God hid the Savior in Nazareth. In the crucibles of your struggles and hardships, God has hidden untapped resources—a blessing for many. Jesus endured the suffering of the cross because of the joy set before Him. There is glory ahead of your suffering. Your struggles may become the ladder someone else needs to cross over into joy and peace. Someone’s burdens may be lifted because you endured and overcame in that area. There is good you cannot yet see in what you are going through. Stick with Jesus through it all until your only hope is in Him.
Prayer_Bead: Precious Jesus, thank you for the good you have hidden in my nothingness. Help me to see the good, so that I may have hope. Amen.
Wisdom_Quote: There is good behind everything God permits.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
The cost of discipleship
[The Glory Unveiled]
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. [ Luke 9:23 NIV ]
There is a price tag on everything in life. Nothing comes to us without a price being paid, whether by ourselves or someone else. Whether we realize it or not, the price must be paid for something to manifest. Until it is paid, the desired outcome or pursuit will not be delivered. In the verse of scripture above, the Lord Jesus tells His followers about the price required to follow Him. We know that unless this price is paid, the reward cannot be obtained. This means no one can truly be a disciple of Jesus without meeting the cost attached to discipleship. There are no alternatives or negotiations—no room for bargains. Jesus does not stop anyone from becoming His disciple; it is the price tag that distinguishes those who choose to follow from those who do not. The individual who desires to be His disciple must resolve to pay the price in full. Only then can they partake in the benefits of being His disciple. The Lord reveals deeply intimate things about Himself to His disciples. Secrets that others are not privy to are shared with them. While the price is great, so is the reward. There is so much more to being a disciple than simply being born again. There is a deeper journey to pursue and greater treasures in Christ, but these are accessible only to those who pay the price in full. Have you made the decision to follow Jesus by paying?
Prayer_Bead: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the privilege to join your family. Now, help me to walk with you faithfully.
Wisdom_Quote: There is a price tag to everything worthwhile.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
A path for your mind
[The Glory Unveiled]
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. [ Philippians 4:8 NIV ]
The mind can wander into any place and engage with anything when left unchecked. It can be mastered by whatever gains access to it. For an individual to keep their mind in check, they must regulate what they allow it to dwell on. This is why Scripture says, “As a man thinks, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Our lives cannot stray from the path set by our thoughts. A person goes where their mind goes. Therefore, if you want to go to the right places, your mind must first lead you in that direction. For the mind to do this, a predetermined path must be set for it. The apostle Paul provides guidance by outlining the kinds of things we should think about and allow our minds to engage with. In our anchor text, we see the types of thoughts we should entertain if we want our lives to align with the direction God has defined for us. We have been given a list of things to focus on—a boundary within which we should think and operate. If we stay within these boundaries, our lives will naturally yield a predictably glorious result. The input we allow defines the output we receive. If we desire to live the kind of life Jesus lived on earth, we must think the thoughts Jesus thought. Paul reminds us to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). So that our lives will be a dominant manifestation of Jesus.
Prayer_Bead: Lord Jesus, thank you for the privilege to access your mind in God’s word. May I be transformed into Your image as I think on your word.
Wisdom_Quote: Every man goes in the direction of their thinking.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
Food for the matured
[The Glory Unveiled]
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. [ Hebrews 5:14 NIV ]
Babies do not start eating solid food from the moment they are born. Initially, they are fed milk and then gradually weaned off it. Solid food is introduced little by little until they can eat it without any difficulty. Similarly, the writer of Hebrews explains that the solid food of God’s Word—the deeper truths—is meant for the mature. These individuals have reached maturity through their consistent use of this solid food. The more they consume it, the more they are equipped to distinguish between good and evil. Through constant practice, their senses are trained to discern between what is right and wrong. No one becomes an expert at anything by doing it occasionally. A mature believer is someone who continually feeds on the solid food of God’s Word. Through consistent practice, they are able to discern things without necessarily experiencing them. In contrast, a baby believer encounters trouble and falls into it because they lack the ability to distinguish what is harmful to their spiritual health. Believers develop their spiritual senses through practice. No one automatically knows what they need to know without learning. This principle applies to believers as well. We must continually nourish our souls with the knowledge of Christ, meditating on God’s Word day and night until we become one with it.
Prayer_Bead: Heavenly Father, thank you for drawing me into the experience of the word.
Wisdom_Quote: Solid food is for the mature.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
Diligence with Christ.
[The Glory Unveiled]
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, [ Colossians 2:6 NIV ]
Consistency is the hallmark of champions. Nobody is celebrated for starting something but failing to finish it. Likewise, no one is called an expert unless they are known for practicing and achieving results in the area attributed to them. Many people think they are believers simply because they once believed. However, it is not enough to acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and Savior on paper. Is He also your Shepherd? Are you walking with Him daily? The reality is that we enter into union with Jesus when we diligently continue in our walk with Him. No one accepts Christ and instantly comes into complete union (oneness) with Him. It requires journeying with Him to understand His heart and align with His will. Moses, the prophet of God, was an Israelite like any other ordinary Israelite. He studied the basic doctrines as they all did. However, he was set apart when he began walking with God. As he deliberately journeyed with God into the deep secrets of His will, Moses came to know more than anyone else. This did not happen merely because he chose to accept God as his Savior and then became passive. He made a conscious effort to walk with God. This effort is reflected in our actions and words—the choices we make that draw others away from sin. As we are drawn deeper into union with Christ, we reach a point where it becomes difficult to distinguish between Christ and ourselves. This is when we and others can say we are in union with Christ.
Prayer_Bead: Father, thank you for the grace to continue walking with you diligently until I’m lost in You.
Wisdom_Quote: Consistency is the trademark of champions
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
Echoes of Love
[The Glory Unveiled]
Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins. [ 1 Peter 4:8 TPT ]
Echoes are created when sound waves reflect off a surface and travel back to our ears. So, an echo is not the sound you make; it is the one reflected off a surface. The scripture says we should echo God’s intense love. This means the love is not originally ours—we are the surfaces upon which the intense love of God reflects for others to see. God produces the “sound” of love, and we strategically reflect it for others to witness and experience. An echo serves as both a magnifier and an extension of sound. Similarly, an echo can act as a canopy over a place, trapping other sounds. This is why the apostle Peter teaches that love covers a multitude of sins. The echo of love we reflect to others conceals sins, rendering them powerless through love’s transformative power. Love takes on the image of the Father and reveals it through earthen vessels so that humans can relate to such an enormous reality. The love of God reveals His beauty, and everyone who encounters this love through us lets go of anything previously most precious to them that opposed Christ. The scripture preceding our anchor text advises us to adopt a certain attitude as we approach the end of all things. Above all else, we are urged to clothe ourselves with the love of God and reflect it for others to experience. Hence, we bear the responsibility to continually echo God’s intense love for all creation. Be an instrument that echoes the glory of God.
Prayer_Bead: Lord Jesus, we thank you for your loving kindness and great compassion. Help me to let the world see and experience your love.
Wisdom_Quote: Love covers multitude of sins.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
A receptive heart.
[The Glory Unveiled]
But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. [ 2 Kings 5:11 NIV ]
Naaman, the commander of the army of the King of Aram, was suffering from leprosy. Through his servant girl, he learned that he could be healed in Israel. However, Naaman had a preconceived idea of how the healing ceremony should unfold. When it did not align with his expectations, he became angry—so angry that he was willing to forfeit his chance at being freed from leprosy. He left in anger, disobeying the prophet’s instructions. Naaman didn’t leave because healing wasn’t available; he left because the method prescribed by the prophet didn’t match his personal preferences. In short, he almost missed his healing permanently due to his ego. The prophet didn’t withhold the power of healing; it was Naaman’s pride that nearly denied him access to it. Pride has the power to block and deny people what is freely given to them. Elisha, the prophet, wasn’t seeking anything from Naaman. The scriptures record that Naaman went away angry, but it was his pride and arrogance that led him down that path. If not for the counsel of his servant, he would have missed his healing entirely. For some of us, the key to breaking free from the things that hold us back is often close to us, but a lack of humility becomes the wall of offense that keeps us bound. God does not exalt the proud, He humbles them; pride becomes a trap that robs the proud of their blessings. The instructions for any form of deliverance often include a test. Passing that test is what guarantees the desired outcome.
Prayer_Bead: Heavenly Father, thank you for your generous provisions for me. Help me to humbly receive them.
Wisdom_Quote: Pride has the license to stop divine provisions.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
Guard your heart.
[The Glory Unveiled]
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. [ Proverbs 4:23 NIV ]
The heart is the center of all forms of influence. It is the entity that drives us to take any action or engage in any activity, whether those actions or activities align with the will of God or not. Naturally, we do not act solely based on what we want; we are directed to act. Our hearts urge us to do the things we do, and over time, these actions become habits. These habits are essentially actions and activities that live rent-free in our lives. The heart is the seat of governance for both believers and unbelievers. Every life activity and decision is regulated by the heart. The mind executes these instructions, putting them into motion. In other words, the mind enforces the laws set by the heart. This is why it is crucial to guard the heart. A president or leader of any nation or notable institution is given special protection because they possess the power to make or unmake decisions. If the heart holds similar power, then we must guard it as well. But how do we protect something we cannot see? We guard the heart by guarding the gates to it. One of these gates is the ear. Others include the eyes, nose, tongue, and touch. These access points open the door to what we like and dislike—the central station of our hearts. Therefore, we must guard the gates to our hearts by being selective about what we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. These are the things that influence our hearts, which in turn shape our decisions. Guard your heart so that everything that flows from it is sifted and approved by the Word of God.
Prayer_Bead: Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege to know your word. I subject my eyes, ears, nose and mouth to your will. Help me to honour you with these members. Amen.
Wisdom_Quote: Everything that influence your life comes from your heart.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.