Imagine the devil himself, sitting in the shadows, watching you with frustration in his eyes. He’s thrown everything at you, storms that should have drowned you, mountains you were never supposed to climb, burdens meant to break your back. He’s whispered doubts into your ear, dragged your worst fears into the light, and tried to turn your own mind against you.
Yet, here you are. Still standing. Still fighting. Still refusing to quit.
He clenches his fists. He’s seen people fall for less. He’s watched others crumble under the weight of pressure you’ve endured. He’s used the same tricks, the same temptations, and the same tactics, but they’re not working.
He growls under his breath. Why won’t this guy just give up?
Because you’re not fighting in your own strength. Because every time you get knocked down, Jesus picks you back up. Because even when you feel weak, His power is made perfect in you. Because you’re not walking this road alone, He’s the one carrying you forward.
The devil throws another obstacle in your path. Another setback. Another betrayal. Another heartbreak. He waits for you to falter. But instead, you lift your eyes to the One who sustains you. You breathe deep, let go of the weight you were never meant to carry alone, and take another step, this time, not in your own power, but in His.
And as you keep moving forward, you can almost hear the enemy sigh in defeat.
Let him be frustrated. Let him know he picked the wrong one to mess with. Because as long as you have breath in your lungs, Jesus will be the one carrying you through. And in Him, quitting will never be an option.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Too many times, we rely on sermons to carry us, but sermons will only take you so far. They inspire, they encourage, and they give us guidance, but they are not a substitute for the Word of God. A sermon is like a meal someone prepares for you, but the Word is the kitchen itself. If you rely only on what someone else feeds you, what happens when they’re not around? What happens when the storm hits and no pastor, no bishop, no evangelist is there to hold your hand?
Listen to me: I can’t save you. Your momma can’t save you. Your daddy can’t save you. No man or woman on this earth can secure your salvation. Only Jesus can. Only the Word of God has the power to transform, to renew, and to sustain you through every trial.
Yet so many of us make excuses. “I don’t have time to read the Bible.” But let’s be real, there is always time for what we truly value. We scroll through social media for hours. We binge-watch shows. We make time for everything except the one thing that actually gives life.
The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” That means you are responsible for getting into the Word yourself. You can’t depend on a secondhand relationship with God. You can’t rely on someone else’s revelation when God has fresh manna waiting for you every single day.
We have become a generation full of sermons but empty of scripture. And that’s why so many are weak, tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine. The enemy knows scripture, and if you don’t, he will twist it and deceive you just as he did with Eve in the garden.
Jesus Himself, when tempted in the wilderness, didn’t respond with emotions or opinions, He responded with scripture. “It is written.” That is the weapon you need. That is what gives you strength.
So, my challenge to you today is this: Stop making excuses. Open your Bible. Read it for yourself. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Let it fill you up so that when the trials of life come, you aren’t just quoting what the pastor said last Sunday, you are standing firm on the unshakable truth of God’s Word.
Sermons can inspire you, but only the Word can sustain you. Choose the Word. Choose life. Choose Jesus.
Imagine this: You’re in prison, not for doing something wrong, but for boldly standing up for your faith. You’re shackled, chained between two guards, and you know that in just a few hours, your fate is sealed, execution awaits. Most people would be terrified, pacing the floor, crying out in desperation, begging God for deliverance. But not Peter. Peter was sound asleep.
Not just lightly dozing off, but sleeping so well that when an angel came to rescue him, the angel had to strike him, give him a good old-fashioned shake, to wake him up! (Acts 12:7) Now, what kind of peace must Peter have had to sleep so deeply in such a dire situation? The kind of peace that only Jesus gives. The kind of peace that surpasses all understanding.
The Source of Peter’s Peace
Peter wasn’t sleeping because he was in denial. He wasn’t ignorant of the fact that James, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, had just been executed (Acts 12:2). He knew that Herod was on a mission to wipe out the leaders of the early church. Yet, even with the weight of this reality pressing on him, Peter had a peace that let him rest.
That peace didn’t come from the absence of trouble; it came from the presence of Jesus. Peter had walked with Jesus. He had seen Him calm storms, heal the sick, raise the dead, and most importantly, rise from the dead Himself. Peter knew that no matter what happened, he belonged to Christ, and nothing, not even death, could separate him from the love of God.
Jesus, the Giver of Unshakable Peace
Jesus told His disciples in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The world’s peace is fragile. It depends on circumstances. When things are going well, you feel peaceful. But the moment trouble comes, that peace shatters. Jesus offers something entirely different, an unshakable, immovable peace that remains firm even in the face of trials.
Peter had that peace because he had Jesus. And that same peace is available to you today.
Resting in Christ in the Midst of Your Chains
We may not be chained between two guards like Peter, but life often puts us in situations where we feel trapped. Anxiety, fear, financial burdens, illness, betrayal, uncertainty, these are the chains that try to keep us up at night. But if Peter could sleep in the face of death, then surely, in Christ, we can rest in the midst of our struggles too.
That doesn’t mean the problems will always go away instantly. But it does mean that we don’t have to carry the weight of them. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
If Peter, the same man who once panicked and denied Jesus three times, could find this level of peace in Christ, then so can you. His peace is not reserved for the “super spiritual.” It’s for anyone who trusts in Him.
How to Walk in the Peace of Jesus
Remember Who God Is – Just like Peter, we need to remind ourselves of who God is and what He has already done. If He has been faithful before, He will be faithful again.
Trust in His Sovereignty – Peter understood that whether he lived or died, he belonged to Christ. He rested in the truth that nothing could happen to him outside of God’s control.
Stay in Prayer and Surrender – Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to bring everything to God in prayer, and His peace will guard our hearts and minds. That’s the key—taking everything to Him and leaving it there.
Receive His Presence – Peace isn’t just a feeling; it’s a person. Jesus is our peace. The more we dwell in His presence through worship, prayer, and His Word, the more we’ll experience His unshakable peace.
Wake Up to Your Deliverance
The same angel that had to shake Peter awake was also the one who led him to freedom. Sometimes, we’re so deep in worry, fear, or just plain exhaustion from life’s battles that we don’t even realize our deliverance is already at the door. Just like Peter, we need to wake up to the fact that God is moving, even when we can’t see it yet.
Whatever you’re facing today, let the peace of Jesus carry you. Rest in Him. Trust in Him. And when the time comes, wake up and walk in the freedom He has already secured for you.
Because the same Jesus who gave Peter peace in chains is the same Jesus who gives you peace today.
Many believe they are on the road to heaven, but Jesus warned us that it is narrow, and few will find it (Matthew 7:13-14). There will be thousands who feel they are secure in their salvation, only to discover they are not.
One of the most overlooked truths in Scripture is that the way we treat others is a major indicator of whether we are truly walking with Christ. Many people call themselves Christians while harboring hate, stirring up division, and living in constant strife, all things that Jesus condemned.
But here’s the reality: if we live in these sins, we may not be on the road to heaven at all.
Many Ignore What Jesus Said About Hate and Strife
Jesus did not only warn against obvious sins like adultery or drunkenness, He also spoke strongly against hatred, division, and discord.
Hatred is equivalent to murder
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” (1 John 3:15)
Many claim to be Christians but harbor unforgiveness, resentment, and hatred. But Scripture makes it clear: if you have hatred in your heart, you are not walking in eternal life.
Sowing discord is an abomination
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: … a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Many who claim to love Jesus are constantly stirring up division, gossiping, or creating conflict. But God hates this behavior. If we live like this, are we really following Him?
Strife and envy reveal a worldly heart
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” (James 3:16)
Many so-called Christians are filled with jealousy, competitiveness, and division, acting no differently than the world. But James warns that these things lead to evil.
Unforgiveness will keep us from heaven
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15)
Many live in bitterness and unforgiveness, thinking they can still enter heaven. But Jesus Himself said that if we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven.
Many Will Be Shocked on Judgment Day
Many believe they are saved simply because they attend church, read the Bible, or say they believe in Jesus. But Jesus warned that on Judgment Day, many will be shocked to hear:
“I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:23)
Who are these people? They are those who claimed to follow Christ but did not obey Him. They may have looked religious, but their hearts were far from Him.
They caused division instead of making peace.
They harbored bitterness instead of showing mercy.
They gossiped and slandered instead of speaking life.
They refused to forgive while expecting God to forgive them.
They thought they were saved, but their lives proved otherwise.
True Salvation Brings Transformation
The Bible is clear: if we are truly in Christ, we will be changed. We will no longer walk in hatred, strife, gossip, and division. Instead, we will be marked by love, peace, and humility.
✔️ “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” (1 John 2:9) ✔️ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) ✔️ “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
True faith in Christ produces love, not bitterness, strife, or division.
Are We Truly on the Narrow Road?
The Bible warns that many think they are on the road to heaven but are actually walking toward destruction.
We must examine ourselves:
Do we harbor hatred or unforgiveness?
Do we stir up division through gossip or conflict?
Do we live in jealousy, envy, or strife?
Do we truly love others, or just tolerate them?
If we find ourselves failing any of these tests, we must repent. It is not enough to simply believe in Jesus, we must obey Him and walk in love.
Let us not be among those who assumed they were saved, only to hear “Depart from me” on Judgment Day. The road is narrow, but if we truly surrender to Christ, He will lead us safely home.
God’s Word is clear: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12
Too many grown adults today are disrespecting the very people who gave them life, forgetting that dishonoring your parents isn’t just disrespect, it’s disobedience to God. When you reject His command, you step out of His will and remove yourself from His divine protection and blessings.
A long and prosperous life is connected to honoring those who raised you. If you’ve been neglecting or mistreating your parents, it’s time to repent and realign yourself with God’s Word. You can’t expect His favor while breaking one of His fundamental commandments.
Honor your parents. Honor God. Walk in His promise.
The Power of Living in the Present: Freeing Yourself from Depression and Anxiety
Life is a delicate balance between the past, present, and future. The past holds our memories, lessons, and regrets. The future is filled with hopes, dreams, and uncertainties. But the present? The present is the only moment we truly have control over, the only place where real life happens.
Yet, so many of us get trapped in the past or the future, and in doing so, we invite suffering into our lives.
Living in the Past: The Road to Depression
When you dwell on the past, you anchor yourself to moments that no longer exist. You replay mistakes, relive traumas, or long for “the good old days” that are gone. You might find yourself saying:
“I should have done this differently.”
“If only things had turned out another way.”
“I miss how things used to be.”
This constant reflection can lead to deep sadness and regret. It becomes a weight on your shoulders, dragging you down into depression. The truth is, you cannot change what has already happened. No amount of overthinking will rewrite history. And yet, the more you live in the past, the more you disconnect from the possibilities of the present moment.
Living in the Future: The Source of Anxiety
On the other hand, living in the future means constantly worrying about what might happen. You overanalyze every decision, fear the unknown, and anticipate worst-case scenarios. Thoughts like:
“What if I fail?”
“What if things don’t work out?”
“What if something bad happens?”
This mindset breeds anxiety. The future is uncertain, no matter how much we plan for it. The more we try to predict or control it, the more we stress ourselves out. We rob ourselves of peace by fixating on things that haven’t even happened yet.
Living in the Present: The Path to True Happiness
The only place where life actually happens is now. When you live in the present, you free yourself from the regrets of the past and the worries of the future. You become fully engaged in what’s happening in front of you, whether it’s enjoying a good meal, having a conversation, or feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Living in the present doesn’t mean ignoring the past or neglecting the future. It means accepting what has happened, learning from it, and planning wisely without letting fear dictate your life. It means embracing this moment, because it’s the only moment that truly belongs to you.
How to Stay Present
Practice mindfulness – Focus on your breathing, your senses, and the world around you.
Let go of what you can’t control – Accept that the past is unchangeable and the future is unpredictable.
Express gratitude – Find joy in the small things, and appreciate what you have right now.
Engage fully in what you’re doing – Whether you’re eating, working, or spending time with loved ones, be fully there.
Happiness isn’t something you chase in the future or retrieve from the past, it’s something you create in the present. The past may shape you, and the future may guide you, but the present is where you truly live.
Choose to be here, now. That’s where happiness is waiting for you.
Listen, I’ve had my fair share of clumsy moments, tripping over air, knocking my own drink off the table, even managing to stub my toe on something soft. But nothing, I repeat nothing, could have prepared me for the icy betrayal that awaited me that fateful day.
It all started innocently enough. The air was crisp, the world covered in a deceitfully beautiful blanket of ice. The kind of morning where you think, “Wow, winter is magical.” Spoiler alert: It’s not. Winter is out for blood. And on this day, it got mine.
I approached the stairs with confidence, mistake #1. I even thought, “I’ll be fine, I’ve got good balance.” Mistake #2. The moment my foot touched that first step, physics decided to stop working in my favor and instead turned my existence into an Olympic-level slapstick routine.
One second, I was upright. The next? I was airborne. Not in a graceful, slow-motion movie kind of way, but in a cartoon character slipping on a banana peel kind of way. My feet went sky-high, my dignity plummeted, and my spine? Well, it experienced things.
The landing was… catastrophic. We’re talking one fractured disc, three herniated ones, and two that decided to take an unscheduled field trip to places they do not belong. My back sounded like a glowstick at a rave. If there had been a live audience, they would have gasped first and then immediately burst into laughter.
I just lay there for a second, contemplating my life choices. Do I move? Do I call for help? I managed to make noises that I’ve never made before as I tried to get the air back into my lungs. Do I just accept that this is my life now, living on this cursed patch of ice? Eventually, I managed to peel myself off the ground with the grace of a newborn deer, my spine now resembling a stack of Jenga blocks mid-collapse.
Of course, in true human fashion, the first thing I did was look around to see if anyone saw. Because let’s be honest, pride is more fragile than a spine. Fortunately, my neighbors did not see.
So now, here I am. Walking (sort of). Sitting (painfully). And forever haunted by the sheer audacity of those icy steps. If you ever see me in winter, moving like a suspiciously cautious penguin, just know, I’ve learned my lesson. Ice wins. Always.
P.S. If you were wondering, yes, I did go back and glare at the steps. No, they did not apologize.
It’s not always easy to be real in a world that constantly pushes people to fit a mold. But I refuse to be anything other than who I truly am. Difficult sometimes? Absolutely. A few screws loose? No doubt. But through it all, I remain unapologetically myself.
I carry no hate in my heart. I don’t have time for negativity, grudges, or tearing others down. I want to see people win. I want to see others reach their goals, find their purpose, and step into their greatness. If I can encourage, uplift, or inspire even one person, then I’m doing something right.
My biggest motivation is my family, I want to make them proud. I want them to look back and say, “He lived with purpose. He loved deeply. He never wavered in their faith.” More than anything, I want to leave a legacy that outlives me. A legacy of kindness, strength, and faith. A legacy that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Above all, I want it known that God was always first in my life. Through every struggle, every success, every decision, I walked in faith. I trusted in His plan. I may not be perfect, but I’m perfectly committed to staying true to who He made me to be.
At the end of the day, I can rest easy knowing that I was never fake, never anything but me. And that? That’s something to be proud of.
I’m not a tough guy, nor do I try to pretend that I am. I don’t walk around acting like I’m invincible, like nothing ever bothers me, or like I have to prove myself to anyone. That’s not who I am, and frankly, that’s not who I ever want to be. I don’t hide behind a hard exterior, pretending emotions don’t exist. I don’t mask my pain with aggression or silence my feelings just to fit some outdated idea of what it means to be “strong.”
Because the truth is, it takes more courage to be vulnerable than it does to act tough all the time.
We live in a world where people think that being “hard” is the only way to earn respect, that showing emotions is a weakness, and that being open about struggles somehow makes you less of a man, less of a person, less of whatever image society tries to mold you into. But let’s be real, pretending to be untouchable doesn’t make you strong. It just makes you guarded. And being guarded might protect you from getting hurt, but it also keeps you from truly connecting with people, from growing, from healing, and from being your most authentic self.
I refuse to live like that. I choose to be real. I choose to embrace the fact that I feel deeply. I have struggles, insecurities, and moments of doubt, just like anyone else. I have days where I don’t have it all together, where life feels heavy, and where I question things. And you know what? That’s okay. That’s human. That’s strength.
It takes strength to admit when you’re hurting. It takes courage to ask for help. It takes confidence to express how you truly feel instead of bottling everything up. It takes resilience to face your emotions head-on instead of numbing them with distractions or trying to prove to the world that you don’t care.
I don’t need to act tough to know my worth. My strength isn’t defined by how much I can suppress; it’s defined by how much I can overcome. It’s defined by my ability to be open, to be honest, to love deeply, to admit when I’m struggling, and to keep pushing forward despite the challenges life throws at me.
So no, I’m not a tough guy. But I am strong in ways that matter. And if that makes me different, then so be it. I’d rather be real than live a lie.
Jesus Isn’t Concerned About Your Confidence, Only Your Obedience.So many times, we hesitate to follow God’s calling because we feel inadequate, afraid, or unsure of ourselves. We think, “If only I had more confidence, if only I weren’t so scared, then I’d obey.” But here’s the truth: Jesus isn’t concerned about whether you feel bold or fearful, He’s only concerned about whether you obey.
The Bible is full of people who obeyed God despite their fear, and one of the best examples of this is Ananias in Acts 9. His story is brief, but it teaches a powerful lesson about obedience in the face of fear.
Ananias: The Fearful Yet Faithful Servant
Ananias was a disciple in Damascus when Jesus appeared to him in a vision. The Lord told him to go to a man named Saul, lay hands on him, and restore his sight. Now, if you know anything about Saul, you know why Ananias was afraid. Saul was the chief persecutor of Christians, known for arresting and even approving the deaths of believers. To Ananias, this mission seemed dangerous, even suicidal.
Ananias had every reason to protest. In fact, he did:
“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” (Acts 9:13-14)
Ananias was scared, and understandably so. But here’s what’s important: his fear didn’t stop him from obeying.
Despite his apprehension, when Jesus said, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument” (Acts 9:15), Ananias obeyed. He went, found Saul, and laid hands on him. And because of his obedience, Saul—later known as Paul—received his sight, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and became one of the greatest apostles in history.
Fear is Not an Excuse to Disobey:
Ananias’ story teaches us that fear is not an excuse to ignore God’s calling. Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus say, “Obey me, but only if you feel comfortable.” Instead, He says, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19), “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19), and “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
Jesus isn’t looking for people who feel fearless—He’s looking for people who will follow Him despite their fear.
Think about it: what if Ananias had let fear stop him? What if he had refused to go to Saul? The story would have been completely different. But because he obeyed, the entire course of Christianity was impacted through Paul’s ministry.
Obedience Over Emotion:
We often think we need to feel confident before stepping out in faith. We wait until we “feel ready.” But faith isn’t about how you feel, it’s about what you do. If God calls you to something, your job isn’t to wait until you feel brave, but to step forward in obedience, even if your hands are shaking.
Consider:Moses was afraid to speak, but he obeyed (Exodus 4:10-12).
Gideon was full of doubt, but he obeyed (Judges 6:15-16).
Mary didn’t understand how she could bear the Son of God, but she obeyed (Luke 1:38).
God doesn’t need you to be fearless. He needs you to be faithful.
Will You Obey?What is God calling you to do today?
Is He leading you to step into ministry, speak to someone about Jesus, make a difficult decision, or trust Him in an uncertain situation? Whatever it is, don’t wait until you feel brave. Move forward in obedience, knowing that the same God who called Ananias, Moses, Gideon, and Mary is calling you, too.
Jesus isn’t looking for confidence, He’s looking for surrender. Say yes to Him, even when you’re afraid. You never know how your obedience might change the world.
