Meditate on the Word - For a Decent and Investigative Christianity (EN)

  Life often presents us with challenges that leave us questioning the path ahead. Unexpected pain, unanswered prayers, and unfulfilled dreams can shake our confidence and leave us wondering about the plans of God. Yet, Romans 8:28 reminds us of a profound truth: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse serves as an anchor for believers navigating the uncertainties of life. The Mystery of God’s Plans God’s purposes often defy human understanding. Isaiah 55:8-9 declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Trusting in God’s purposes requires humility, acknowledging that His wisdom far surpasses our own. While we may not always see the full picture, we can rest assured that God is sovereign and faithful. Pain as a Pathwa...

 The presence of God is a constant reality in the lives of Christians, but we can often become distracted by daily demands and forget to live in full awareness that He is with us. This detachment from the perception of divine presence can weaken our faith and lead us to act as if we are alone. However, God has given us the Holy Spirit, who not only seals us as His property but also guides, comforts, and reminds us that we belong to Him. The Seal of the Holy Spirit: Guarantee and Presence In Romans 8:23 , we read about the “firstfruits of the Spirit,” which guarantee our adoption as children of God and our final redemption. This seal of the Spirit is a mark of divine ownership that assures us of protection, destiny, and authenticity as God’s people. Yet, the seal is more than a future guarantee; it is also a daily reminder that God is present in our lives. In Jeremiah 32 , the prophet is instructed to buy land in Anathoth, seal the deed, and place it in a clay jar. This act symboliz...

In the Christian journey, we all face moments of pain, exhaustion, and deep wounds—whether emotional, spiritual, or even physical. As soldiers of the Kingdom, we are in a continuous battle, and at times, the weight of these struggles can cause us to stumble. Just as in the armed forces, when a recruit becomes a soldier, there is a symbolic exchange of headgear, representing their readiness, competence, and belonging to the corps. In God's Kingdom, this spiritual transition also requires healing, restoration, and a renewal of purpose. What should we do when our wounds leave us unable to move forward? The answer lies in God’s restoring love and the mission of the Body of Christ to never leave behind a "wounded soldier." Acknowledging the Wounds The first step to healing is recognizing the wounds and bringing them into the light of God's presence. Often, we force ourselves to appear strong, ignoring our pain and vulnerabilities. However, God does not expect us to carry t...

  When God Calls: Confronting Excuses, Fear, and Doubt in Fulfilling Our Divine Purpose In our journey with God, we often desire to experience His blessings and purposes for our lives. Yet, when the call to fulfill His plans confronts us, it’s common to respond with excuses, fear, and doubt. Just as Moses hesitated to embrace God’s purpose for him, we too can become bogged down by insecurities and pessimism that prevent us from living out our potential in God. The story of Moses’ call in Exodus 4 provides a striking reminder of both the human tendency to resist God’s call and the need to trust in His ability to work through us. 1. The Power of Excuses: Are We Sabotaging God’s Plans? God’s purposes for us are often greater than we imagine, calling us to growth and transformation. However, many of us respond to these purposes with excuses, viewing our limitations as obstacles to God’s work. We see this struggle in Moses' initial response to God’s call. When the Lord spoke to Moses th...

  In the Christian journey, the call to live in God’s power and to do great deeds is a profound invitation to move beyond human limitations and embrace a life of supernatural faith. Psalms 60:12 states, “With God we will gain victory,” reminding us that our achievements are not a result of our own strength but rather of God’s enabling presence. In John 14:12, Jesus expands this idea by saying, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.” This statement is bold and reveals God’s desire for His people to live in active, vibrant faith, engaging in “greater things” that reflect His nature and power. For many, however, this invitation may seem daunting, and often, we find ourselves questioning whether these “greater works” are indeed possible. The truth is that in God, we are called and empowered to do what seems impossible. The key lies in a personal revelation of who Jesus truly is and, through that, a deep understandin...

  The greatest failure of humanity, illustrated by the life of Judas Iscariot, serves as a warning to all about the consequences of wasting opportunities and making wrong choices. The story of Judas is one of the most well-known in the Bible, not only because of his betrayal of Jesus but also because of what that betrayal symbolizes: the rejection of the greatest opportunity for transformation and salvation. Judas had everything within his reach to be an example of redemption. He was chosen by Jesus, after a night of prayer, to be one of the twelve apostles. This gave him the privilege of walking alongside Christ, hearing His teachings, witnessing miracles, and seeing the very Son of God in action. He participated in the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, saw the blind receive their sight, and witnessed the dead being raised. Despite all this access to the truth, Judas did not take the opportunity to fully surrender to Jesus. His mistake was not just an isolated act of betray...

 The book of Song of Songs, also known as Song of Solomon, is one of the most beautiful poetic books of the Bible, written by Solomon. It portrays the love between the groom and the bride, symbolizing the deep relationship between Christ and His Church. Besides being a sublime expression of human love, Song of Songs also carries prophetic and spiritual significance that invites us to reflect more deeply on our relationship with God. "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine." (Song of Songs 1:2, NIV) The love described in Song of Songs is compared to wine, a symbol of celebration and joy. However, Solomon takes us beyond this earthly comparison, pointing to a love that is essentially superior and more fulfilling. This love reflects the essence of the first and greatest commandment that Jesus mentions in Matthew 22:37-38: "Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your min...

In the heart of every home, there is often a figure who serves as the moral and emotional compass: the wife. In many families, she not only manages daily tasks and cares for the children, but also plays a crucial role in sustaining the family’s spirituality. The devotional "I Am a Wife of Faith" is a powerful tool designed to strengthen the faith and resilience of wives, helping them navigate the challenges of marriage with grace and wisdom. 1. Hope and Encouragement Married life can bring countless challenges, from financial issues to differences in raising children and, in more severe cases, crises like infidelity. However, the hope and encouragement found in the Christian faith offer wives an inexhaustible source of strength. Verses like Psalm 55:22, which advises casting all cares upon the Lord, serve as a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. 2. The Power of Prayer Prayer is a cornerstone for many believing wives. It is through prayer that they find peace...

  The Role of the Wife in a Christian Marriage The role of the wife in a Christian marriage is a constant challenge that requires wisdom, patience, and, above all, faith. The Bible offers guidance and encouragement so that wives can live their relationships according to God’s principles. This devotional was created to help wives apply God’s Word in their marriages, offering a biblical perspective and daily reflections to strengthen the mind, renew communication, and cultivate gratitude. "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13 Context and Reflection: In this verse, Paul expresses the ability to face all circumstances through the strength of Christ. He wrote these words while in prison, emphasizing that his strength did not come from his own abilities but from his total dependence on Jesus. For wives, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that, regardless of the challenges they face in marriage, they can find strength in Christ to overcome di...

The story of Abraham is one of the most remarkable narratives in the Bible about faith, obedience, and trust in God's promises. Abraham, called the "father of faith," offers us a powerful example of how to trust in God even when the path seems uncertain and human logic leads us to doubt. As we reflect on Abraham's life, we are challenged to evaluate our own faith journeys and trust in God's promises for our lives. The Call to Leave the Land of Comfort Abraham's journey of faith began when God called him to leave his homeland, Ur of the Chaldeans, and go to a land that He would show him (Genesis 12:1). This call required Abraham to leave behind everything familiar to him: his family, his culture, and his way of life. God promised to make Abraham a great nation, bless him, and make him a blessing to all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:2-3). This first step of Abraham's faith teaches us that, often, God calls us to step out of our comfort zones and trus...

Since the time of the Garden of Eden, humanity has struggled with fear and self-preservation. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and hid themselves, fear took root in the human heart, distorting their relationship with the Creator. This initial act of self-preservation set a behavioral pattern that many of us still follow today: we try to protect ourselves from the consequences of our actions, preferring to hide rather than expose ourselves to God's light. Exposing the Nakedness addresses this central issue of the Christian faith: the struggle between fear and trust in God. Fear leads us to build barriers between ourselves and God, to listen to voices that pull us away from Him, and to try to preserve our lives by our own means. These barriers keep us trapped, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of life that God offers. Jesus calls us to trust Him completely, to place our lives in His hands, and to follow His voice amidst the many others that compete for our attention. The v...

  My focus is eternity Anxiety is a powerful force that ties us to the future, diverting our attention from the present and stealing our peace. Jesus calls us to live one day at a time, trusting that He will take care of us. When we focus on eternity, we find peace and purpose in the present. The Traps of Anxiety Anxiety makes us constantly think about the "what ifs." What if we lose our job? What if we get sick? What if something happens to our loved ones? These thoughts paralyze us, preventing us from enjoying the present moment and fully trusting in God's provision. Jesus instructed us not to worry about tomorrow, for each day has its own challenges (Matthew 6:34). He invites us to live in the present, to focus on His presence, and to trust that He will meet all our needs. Identifying the Source of Anxiety To deal with anxiety, it's essential to identify the areas where it is stealing our peace. It could be at work, in the family, with health, or finances. By rec...

  Pain is a universal experience that everyone, at some point in their lives, encounters. Although often avoided and feared, pain plays a crucial role in human maturity. It challenges us, shapes us, and eventually transforms us into more resilient and understanding versions of ourselves. In this article, we will explore how pain can be a catalyst for growth and personal maturity. The Inevitable Nature of Pain Pain, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is an inevitable part of human existence. From small frustrations to significant losses, everyone faces some form of suffering. This universal aspect of pain means it is a common denominator among all people, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. The inevitability of pain forces us to confront our vulnerabilities and find ways to cope with suffering. In John 16:33, Jesus assures us: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome t...