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...

  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...

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...

Often, we confuse fear with reverence when it comes to our relationship with God, but these two feelings have very different meanings and impacts. While fear drives us away from God's presence, true reverence for the Lord brings us closer, guiding us to divine wisdom and revealing His love. This article explores how reverence for the Lord can transform our lives, freeing us from paralyzing fear and inviting us to walk in God's light. The Beginning of Wisdom Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of a life of wisdom and spiritual discernment. Unlike fear, which paralyzes and distances us, reverence for the Lord is an attitude of awe, respect, and deep love. It is not a feeling of terror before God but rather an acknowledgment of His majesty, holiness, and power. It means understanding that God is the Creator, and we are His creatures, dependent on His grace and mercy. Psalm 25:14 reinforces this truth by saying, "The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His coven...

  In this six-day article, we explore the crucial difference between fear and the fear of the Lord, and how these concepts shape our relationship with God. While fear drives us away from God, the fear of the Lord draws us closer, guiding us toward a life of wisdom, obedience, and trust. Let's examine each of these days more closely to understand how we can apply these principles in our daily lives. Day One: The Beginning of Wisdom The first step toward a life of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. As stated in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is not a common fear but a deep reverence and recognition of God's majesty, power, and holiness. By fearing the Lord, we are led to seek His wisdom, which is far more valuable than human knowledge. This fear is the foundation upon which we build our spiritual lives. Psalm 25:14 reinforces this idea, saying, "The Lord confides in those who ...

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...